Q: What are my computer system requirements for the DW7000?
A: The DIRECWAY^® Modem (model number DW7000) lets you connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows^® or Macintosh^® based system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience,

DIRECWAY has developed these minimum requirements:

Q: What operating systems are compatible with the new DIRECWAY System?
A: The DIRECWAY Modem is operating system agnostic, meaning you can connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows^® or Macintosh^® based system.

Q: Is DIRECWAY compatible with my Mac?
A: Yes. Please review our Minimum Requirements list above for Macintosh systems.

Q: Why is Mac OS 10.0 not supported?
A: Because the Mac OS 10.0 release is not supported by Apple, we do not develop products around non-supported OS systems. We recommend you upgrade your Mac OS to 10.1 or higher, which is supported by DIRECWAY.

Q: What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
A: Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system. Make sure your NIC is configured for "auto-negotiate".

Also, if you have an available USB port on your computer, you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter. This may be easier to install than a PCI card in your computer. For a laptop, you can purchase a standard PCMCIA card that provides an Ethernet connection, or you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter, as well. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.

Q: Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
A: Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the DIRECWAY Modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. The DIRECWAY System includes an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the DIRECWAY modem.

Q: Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
A: No, there is no phone line requirement for normal operation, therefore, a modem is not required to use your DIRECWAY service with the DIRECWAY modem (model number: DW7000).

Q: What is the difference between the DW7000 modem and the DW4000 modem?
A: The DW7000 is the next generation DIRECWAY System modem with a sleek new design. It makes connecting to the Internet easier by incorporating DIRECWAY software inside the DW7000 unit. So, there's no DIRECWAY software to load on your computer, or upgrades to download. The DW7000 automatically updates itself via the satellite. Also, the DW7000 modem houses both the transmit and receive components in one compact unit, unlike the DW4000 that has a separate transmit and receive modem stacked together and linked by a 24-pin serial cord.

It also uses a simple Ethernet connection to connect your computer to your DIRECWAY Service. Once your satellite dish is installed and connected to the DW7000; all you need to do is connect your computer by using the provided Ethernet cable and you're high-speed surfing (see 'Can I run DIRECWAY on a small network?' for networking capability requirements).

Q: Is the DW7000 faster than the DW4000?
A: No. Both the DW7000 and the DW4000 modems deliver the same DIRECWAY high-speed service experience. The DW7000 modem allows you to connect to Windows and Macintosh based operating systems, has no software to load on your computer and makes networking your DIRECWAY high-speed connection to multiple home computers easier (See 'Can I run DIRECWAY on a small network?' for more information on home networking).

Q: Should I upgrade to the DW7000 from my current DW4000?
A: Upgrading from a DW4000 modem to the next generation DW7000 modem is a good idea if you would like to network more than one home computer or laptop to your DIRECWAY high-speed connection. By networking more than one computer, your family will be able to access your DIRECWAY high-speed Internet connection from any computer on the network and not have to wait in line in order to get online.

Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and are subject to the Fair Access Policy. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed.

Q: Will my DW4000 modem still work now that DIRECWAY has launched its next generation modem?
A: Yes. If you choose to not upgrade your DIRECWAY modem to the DW7000, your DW4000 transmit and receive modems will still function and are supported by DIRECWAY.

Q: Can I run DIRECWAY on a small network?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single DIRECWAY Internet connection at no additional cost. Home networking equipment may be required and is not included with your DIRECWAY System. For network setup, support and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (HUGHES is not responsible for home network configuration or management).

Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and are subject to the Fair Access Policy. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed.

Q: What is DIRECWAY broadband by satellite?
A: DIRECWAY is the new solution for everyone who is ready for high-speed Internet access. DIRECWAY satellite technology makes high-speed Internet available to most parts of Canada, as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky.

Q: Is DIRECWAY a one-way or two-way system?
A: Today's DIRECWAY consumer service uses the DW7000 System. The DW7000 System is a two-way satellite system that allows you to send and receive information via satellite. So, there's no need for the expense of a second phone line or hassles with logging in when you want to get onto the Internet.

Q: How fast is the DIRECWAY System?
A: The experience with DIRECWAY high-speed Internet is astonishing. When comparing typical activities with a dial-up service based on standard dial-up connection at 28.8Kbps, the difference in the amount of time you'll be waiting for what you want is night and day. DIRECWAY speeds are based on download speeds of up to 500Kbps, but not guaranteed.

You can download software upgrades in just minutes, versus up to an hour. There's no more waiting for Web pages to fully finish loading; they are typically done within a couple of seconds. Getting your favorite song can be done in less than the song's length rather than three times as long. As you can see this is a huge improvement.

Q: How fast is DIRECWAY compared to other high-speed services? Aren't they faster?
A: Everyone's Internet technology is based on shared bandwidth, so sometimes one option will allow you to do things in less time than others. But because everyone uses shared bandwidth there's truly no definitive answer.

Q: What is transmission latency?
A: Latency refers to the time it takes for signals to travel to and from the satellite. This typically creates a sub-second lag. For this reason, DIRECWAY may not be ideal for playing some "twitch-games" and time sensitive "online" trading.

Q: Why is there a requirement that the DIRECWAY system be professionally installed?
A: Hughes and Industry Canada require that trained professionals install any two-way satellite system.

Q: Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
A: No. The DIRECWAY system is for fixed installs only.

Q: Can I run DIRECWAY SOHO/Professional on a VPN?
A: Running a VPN client over a satellite network is not an ideal configuration. Although most VPN clients will work, your speeds will be affected significantly. While average download speeds are slightly better than dial-up, they will be reduced from typical DIRECWAY speeds by as much as 50 to 75 percent. Average upload speeds are comparable to dial-up performance. It is recommended that those accessing secure information over a VPN via DIRECWAY Professional do so on a limited basis. To optimize your performance, simply disable your VPN client while surfing the Internet, and enjoy the full speed of DIRECWAY. When you need to access information from your corporate LAN, you can enable your VPN client, keeping in mind that you will see a reduction in throughput. At this time, HUGHES does not endorse or support any VPN products. Customers that run VPN products do so at their own risk and will not receive any support from HUGHES regarding troubleshooting, configuring, optimizing, or maintaining a VPN connection.

Q: Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
A: Our communication satellite is located over 22,000 miles from Earth. Each data packet must be sent down separately and acknowledged by the remote site. This process takes time. In order to expedite the delivery of data packets to our end-users, HUGHES has developed a patented technology for aggregating those packets and sending all of them down simultaneously. VPNs encrypt each data packet, which prevents our technology from aggregating the data packets and reduces the throughput significantly.