How do I choose the two-way service that will best suit me?

AVC Broadband offers two product types, the Satlynx 3020 and the Satlynx 9000. Both systems will allow multiple computers to be connected. The 9000 is ideally suited to the home or small business user. The 9000 is also capable of supporting VPN's (virtual private network) connectivity, although from our experience this is best suited when access over the VPN is limited to basic functions such as recovering email.

The 3020 is the ideal product for users who want require VPN access and to run large applications through the VPN. The system benefits from TCP over satellite protocol so operates in a near identical fashion to terrestrial broadband when connecting over a VPN. The system is intelligent enough to dedicate bandwidth specifically for VPN functions ensuring optimum performance.

Does the satellite service charge vary each month?

No. You pay a fixed service charge per month in accordance with the service package chosen.

Can I connect more than one user to the service?

Yes. The two–way satellite Indoor Unit (IDU) provides an Ethernet 10baseT connection port and AVC Broadband will allocate you up to 5 IP address as standard. You may directly connect a single computer to the satellite IDU (via a “cross over” UTP cable) or more than one computer via a router.

Can I use this equipment with my Apple Mac or Linux computer?

Yes, no problem

Can I send emails and keep my existing email addresses?

Yes. AVC Broadband provides you with the web access capability so you will be able to configure any existing email software (Outlook, Outlook Express etc) in the normal way. Additionally, you will of course be able to access web mail services such as Hotmail or Gmail without complications.

For a small additional monthly charge AVC Broadband can provide you with our own dedicated hosting service, this will enable you choose an email address of your own, ending with @avcbbmail.com

What connection speeds should I expect?

In line with all other providers the speeds quoted are “upto” speeds as the service is based on a shared user environment. This means that the speed is can be affected by the number of simultaneous users. Sophisticated technology ensures that all users gain fair access to the network and experience the expected speeds. Our shared user services are subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP).

AVC Broadband are able to offer dedicated services which do not operate as part of the shared user environment. Costs vary based on the speed of service required and are quoted on a bespoke basis.

It is worth noting that performance can be significantly effected by viruses, spyware and other rogue programs which “infect” machines and can result in unwanted data being transmitted/received over the connecting network (all of which can take place without the user knowing). Always install and keep up to date firewall and anti–virus software that is readily available from many reputable suppliers.

What are the contention ratios of the satellite service?

People are used to hearing and reading about “contention ratios” on ADSL broadband and, not unreasonably, wish to make the same comparisons when it comes to a broadband satellite service. The concept and management of network bandwidth on a two–way satellite service is, however, very different. If people wish to make such theoretical comparisons with ADSL broadband contention ratios then it is probably reasonable to assume ratios of 50:1 (for the 512/126kbps two–way service) and 20:1(for the 1M/256K two–way service).

Are there limits to how much data I can transfer?

Your chosen service package has an associated monthly data usage limit. If you exceed your data usage allocation for the month you will NOT be cut off. Speed restrictions will be applied so that fair network access can be maintained for all users. All customers can see their current data usage levels via the link on the AVC Broadband homepage. If you require additional data usage allowances this can be purchased.