How Do I Fix Buffering Problems with Hughesnet?

In the current world, slow internet or full-blown outages can be quite inconvenient, especially in homes that rely heavily on entertainment. As such, HughesNet, a leading provider of internet services, has created this guide to highlight some of the common causes of internet issues that result in buffering problems, which significantly compromise the video streaming experience.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Nov 23, 2020

HughesNet is a superior satellite internet service offered by Hughes Network Systems LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar. With more than 1.3 million active subscribers, the service is arguably the largest within the Americas. In terms of how it works, HughesNet follows the conventional satellite internet access process. It begins with the user requesting access to a particular website via their computer. Once the request has been made, it's sent to a satellite that could be well over 22,000 feet above the ground.

After that, the request reaches the Hughes Network Operations Center, where the specific website will be located. The website then reflects the information to your computer following the same route, with your satellite dish and modem's help. The process may seem time-consuming, but actually, the contrary is true. Throughout the relay of information, only a fraction of a second is lost for you to gain access to the website of your choice.

With that in mind, you may then wonder what buffering is. Buffering refers to when your computer preloads chunks of data, especially during video streaming, to guarantee a seamless video streaming experience. Video streaming platforms such as YouTube integrate their websites with strong buffering features, which allow you to readily watch a video at any given point without having to wait for it to load.

Buffering issues may occur from time to time, and streaming using even reputable internet service providers such as HughesNet doesn't guarantee that it won't happen. The majority of buffering problems originate from low connectivity speeds and poor internet performance. Luckily, you can use the information below to guide you when attempting to fix buffering problems, particularly with HughesNet.

How do I fix buffering problems with Hughesnet?

To have a clear sense of direction on how to fix buffering problems with HughesNet, you may need to understand some of the factors that affect your HughesNet internet service's speed and performance. They're detailed as follows with complementary solutions to any related connectivity problems.

  • Fair Access Policy: This is a policy created by most satellite internet service providers limiting your monthly or daily data usage to prevent bandwidth hogging or server overloads. Once you've surpassed that limit, your internet connection may slow down, thereby resulting in poor buffering. To avoid this situation, you can constantly check your FAP status by logging in to your modem at http://192.168.0.1/ and clicking on the green button.
  • Antenna pointing and peaking: Improper peaking and pointing of the antenna results in reduced transmission rates as the transmitter struggles to relay information to the satellite. This, in turn, may cause buffering problems. To resolve the matter, you can have the antenna repeaked to increase your internet service's speed and reliability.
  • Feedhorn or transmitter issues: Feedhorn issues can be identified by checking the clear lens that faces the dish for cracks or moisture intrusion. If any are present, they could cause buffering problems since the feedhorn is crucial in the network transmission process. Calling an internet service retail company for feedhorn replacement could be the only efficient solution.
  • Power source problems: HughesNet modems do not work optimally with modified sine wave generators or inverters, or inexpensive surge protectors. This is because their inadequate or unstable power may result in slow connectivity issues, giving rise to buffering problems. To avoid such conundrums, you can consider switching to pure sine wave inverters and generators or using quality power backup systems.
  • Cabling and connections: Your internet service's cabling network also negatively affects its speed and performance, whose effect eventually trickles down to the buffering speed. If your home has corroded connections, substandard connectors or cables, and damaged connectors between the modem and antenna, slow speeds may be inevitable. Luckily, this problem can be fixed by purchasing quality ground blocks, fittings, couplers, connectors, and cables from a trusted supplier.

Alternatively;

You can contact HughesNet's customer care representatives, who are always ready to help customers obtain effective solutions to connectivity problems. If the connectivity problems stem from a region-wide internet outage, they'll be sure to inform you.


Further questions?

Ask a followup or related question and we will try to provide an answer in seconds.
Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for HughesNet Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like HughesNet in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Fix Buffering Problems with Hughesnet? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.

HughesNet

Asked 4 years ago
Updated 4 years ago
Viewed 3,587,494 times
HughesNet
HughesNet buffering
Fixing buffering problems HughesNet
Was this page helpful?YesNeeds work
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!