1060

Date Revised: 07/21/2008

Slow Download Quick Tips

Introduction:

Slow download speeds can be caused by any number of reasons. You can optimize your pc to improve speeds.

Quick Links:
Slow Download Quick Tips for the DW3000/DW4000
Slow Download Quick Tips for the DW6000/DW7000/HN7000S

Procedure/Solution:

Slow Download Quick Tips for the DW3000/DW4000

If you think you are receiving slow speeds, then perform a Satellite Speed Test.  If your download speeds are below 200 Kbps, then refer to the steps below for suggestions on how to optimize your speeds.  Check that you meet the Minimum System Requirements.  If you do not meet the Minimum System Requirements, then you could experience a degradation in your HughesNet speeds.

1. Install the latest HughesNet software version and service pack.  To download the latest HughesNet software version and service pack, go to http://customercare.myhughesnet.com and click Downloads.  To get the best performance from your HughesNet system, make sure you have the latest version of HughesNet software installed on your computer.

2. Check your Browser Proxy settings to make sure they are optimized for HughesNet.  Click here for how to configure you browser's proxy settings.

3. Clear your browser's cache.  Even though the browser's cache is designed to enhance browsing performance, large cache sizes may cause slow browsing.  Click here to learn how to clear your browser's cache.  As a preventative measure, you should adjust the browser's cache size to 70 MB.  Setting your cache size to 70 MB will help to limit the reoccurring performance issues.  Click here to learn how to set your browser's cache size.

4. Power-cycle your HughesNet Adapter.  To power cycle your HughesNet Adapter, unplug the power cord from the wall socket, wait 15 seconds, and plug the power cord back into the wall socket.

5. Scan your computer for Viruses.  For how to scan your computer for a virus, click here.  If your computer has a virus, then it could cause you to experience a degradation in your HughesNet speeds.

6. Scan your computer for any Adware and Spyware.  Some Adware/Spyware can cause you to experience a degradation in your HughesNet speeds.  The following is a list of suggested providers of Adware/Spyware removal software:

   • Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoftusa.com

   • Spy Bot - http://www.spy-bot.net/

   • Bullet Proof - http://www.bulletproofsoft.com/

   • Spy Killer 2003 - http://www.spy-killer.com/

7. Verify that your HughesNet system is not configured for Satellite Bypass Mode.  Click here to verify that your HughesNet system is not configure for Satellite Bypass Mode.

8. Verify you have all System Updates and patches for your Operating System.  Click here for help updating your operating system.

9. Check for low disk space and Defragment your Hard-Drive.  If your Hard-Drive has low disk space or needs to be Defragmented, then this may cause system wide sluggishness which can be detrimental to Internet applications.  Please refer to your Operating System Manufacturer for instructions on how to free up disk space (i.e. Disk Cleanup) and Defragment your computer.
   Note:  The time that it takes to Defragment a Hard-Drive varies by the size and speed of your Hard-Drive.  This process can take many hours and should be performed when the computer is not in use (i.e. overnight or when you are not home).

10. You could have a Third Party Software affecting your browsing speeds (i.e. Firewall, Proxy, or Anti-Virus Software).  Temporarily disable all Firewall, Proxy, and Anti-Virus Software and perform a Satellite Speed Test.  If your Satellite Speed Test results increase after disabling all Third Party Software, then re-enable each program one by one and perform a Satellite Speed Test to isolate which program was causing the slow browsing.
    Note:  If you isolate the issue to one of the Third Party Software programs, then re-enable the program and contact the Software Manufacturer for more information on the issue.

11. Verify you are not currently subject to FAP (Fair Access Policy).  Click here for how to check if you are subject to FAP.

IMPORTANT NOTE IF YOU HAVE A HOME NETWORK

If you are sharing your internet connection with multiple computers on a network, the activity of other machines on the network may degrade your performance.  For help configuring your client machines, download and run the LCCU (LAN Client Configuration Utility).  To download the LCCU, go to http://customercare.myhughesnet.com and click Downloads.  Click here for how to run the LCCU.

HughesNet like many other broadband technologies uses shared bandwidth.  Actual speeds will vary based on the amount of traffic on the Internet, the content on a particular Website, or by the overall performance and configuration of your computer. Stated speeds are not guaranteed.

Back to Top

If you think you are experiencing slow download speeds, and wish to perform a Satellite Speed Test, click here.

If your download speeds are below:

• 200 Kbps for a DW6000
• 500 kbps for a DW7000/HN7000S Home edition, or
• 650 kbps for a DW7000/HN7000S Professional edition

Please refer to the steps below for suggestions on how to optimize your speeds:

1. Check that you meet the Minimum System Requirement. If you do not meet the Minimum System Requirements, you might experience a degradation in speed.
2. If you use the Windows Operating system on your computer, run the LCCU (LAN Client Configuration Utility) on every Windows based computer used to access the Internet via your HughesNet system. The LCCU will ensure that your computer settings are optimized, ensuring the best performance For information on how to optimize your computer with the LCCU,click here.
3. Check your Browser Proxy settings to ensure they are optimized for HughesNet. For information on how to configure your browsers proxy settings, click here.
4. Clear your browser's cache. Even though the browsers cache is designed to enhance browsing performance, large cache sizes may cause slow browsing. For information on how to clear your browser's cache, click here.
5. As a preventative measure, adjust the browser's cache size to 70 MB. Setting your cache size to 70 MB will help to limit the reoccurring performance issues. For information on how to set your browsers cache size, click here.
6. Scan your computer for Viruses. For information on how to scan your computer for a virus, click here. If your computer has a virus, it could degrade your HughesNet speeds.
7. Scan your computer for any Adware and Spyware. Some Adware/Spyware can cause a degradation in your HughesNet speeds. The following is a list of suggested providers of Adware/Spyware removal software:
   • Ad-Aware, click http://www.lavasoftusa.com
   • Spy Bot, click http://www.spy-bot.net/
   • Bullet Proof, click http://www.bulletproofsoft.com/
   • Spy Killer, click http://www.spy-killer.com/
8. If your computer is not directly connected to the DW6000/DW7000/HN7000S using an Ethernet cable (i.e. you have a Home Network), connect the computer directly to the DW6000/7000 and perform a Satellite Speed Test. If connecting your computer directly to the DW6000/DW7000/HN7000S corrects the slow browsing issue, you can contact Hughes technical support which can assist you in resolving your networking issues for a nominal fee or $59.99 or contact your Home Network manufacturer for more information on this issue.
9. To ensure that a Third Party (i.e. Firewall, Proxy, or Anti-Virus Software) does not affect your browsing speeds:
   1. Temporarily disable all Firewall, Proxy, and Anti-Virus Software
   2. Perform a Satellite Speed Test
   3. If, after disabling all Third Party Software, your Satellite Speed Test results increase:
      1. Re-enable each program one by one
      2. Perform a Satellite Speed Test to isolate which program was causing the slow browsing
      3. If you isolate the issue to one of the Third Party Software programs, re-enable the program
      4. Contact the Software Manufacturer for more information on the issue
10. Check for low disk space and de-fragment your hard drive.
    • If your Hard-Drive has low disk space or needs to be De-fragmented, it may cause system-wide sluggishness which may be detrimental to Internet applications. Please refer to your Operating System Manufacturer for instructions on how to free up disk space (i.e. Disk Cleanup) and de-fragment your computer.
    • The time required to de-fragment a hard drive varies by the size and speed of your Hard-Drive. The process may take many hours and should be performed when the computer is not in use (i.e. overnight or when you are not home).
11. Verify you are not currently subject to FAP. For information to determine whether or not you are subject to FAP, click here
12. Like many other broadband technologies, HughesNet shares bandwidth. Actual speeds will vary based on the amount of traffic on the Internet, the content on a particular Website, or by the overall performance and configuration of your computer. Stated speeds are not guaranteed.