Living in a country house has many advantages: silence, nature and unhurriedness. However, one of the key challenges is ensuring access to high-quality internet. Choosing the right connection type is crucial, especially if you work remotely or actively use streaming services. Difficulties can arise when using mobile internet, especially in regions with unstable coverage. For example, if the operator reports that O2 has turned off 4G calls, this can affect the quality of the connection and access to the internet. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate the available options to choose the best solution for country life.
Satellite Internet
This connection method is optimal for country houses far from populated areas, where there is no mobile coverage, and installing fiber optics is difficult or even impossible.
Satellite communication helps to achieve a stable and powerful Internet connection. To work, you will need an antenna and additional devices. Optionally, you may also need a signal amplifier to improve the data transfer speed.
The antenna is installed so that it is directed to the sky, the device cannot be obscured by structures or tree branches. The converter is mounted opposite the dish on a special bracket, it is needed to convert the signal. And the receiver, or DVB card, will receive and process it. It is connected to the desired device, a computer, or a TV.
Depending on the provider’s conditions and equipment, satellite communication can be of two types. One-way receives only an external signal, this is enough for watching movies, television, or listening to music. A more complex option is two-way satellite communication. With such Internet, you can not only download, but also upload various materials to the network, exchange messages, or make calls with a video connection.
Together with the Internet via satellite, you can connect television, video surveillance cameras, or other digital equipment that requires network access.
Advantages:
- high speed, fast data exchange;
- autonomy from communication towers or other equipment;
- the ability to install in remote places, even where there is no mobile connection;
- quick installation (installation and configuration of equipment can be completed in one day, no need to lay a cable to the dacha).
Disadvantages:
- the quality of the connection depends on the weather (in rain, snowfall, or low cloud cover, the Internet speed is significantly lower);
- professional workers must be involved in the installation and configuration of equipment;
- the signal comes from the satellite, it is a large distance away (large delays are possible when receiving or transmitting data packets, which is especially critical for games);
- high cost.
Mobile Internet
The easiest way to access the Internet in a country house is to use mobile networks. It is suitable for places where the phone has a stable signal and there is a 3G/4G connection.
The quality of the connection is influenced by two factors:
- the cellular signal (the better, the faster the Internet will work);
- the data exchange protocol (a reliable connection is only possible with 3G or LTE).
To connect to the Internet, you can distribute traffic from your smartphone or buy a separate modem with a separate SIM card. The second option is recommended since you can choose a more favorable tariff and not load your phone. It is important to pay attention to the technology supported by the modem. The optimal solution is 3G or 4G modems, they allow users to watch movies even in 4K resolution.
Advantages:
- to connect, you only need a smartphone with an installed SIM card of any operator;
- no special knowledge or expensive equipment is required for setup;
- the speed of mobile Internet is sufficient for most purposes (watching video content, communicating, or searching for information on the network).
Disadvantages:
- dependence on the operator’s cell towers, stable mobile coverage is not available in all populated areas;
- if many subscribers connect to one tower at the same time, the Internet speed drops significantly;
- basic tariffs have traffic volume restrictions, unlimited Internet is more expensive.
You can usually check whether the territory of your country house is covered by mobile communications on the operator’s website. In addition, in populated areas located near strategically important objects, the connection may be blocked.
To improve the quality of your mobile Internet connection, you can always additionally buy a special signal booster. With the help of a booster you can strengthen the signal of any mobile operator, including O2, Virgin, and Vodafone, and make calls and use the Internet without problems. It will help increase the speed outside the city at times when there are more subscribers on the network, as well as if the area has poor cellular coverage.
Wired Internet
Wired Internet is only available for homes that are close to the city or its boundaries. This is the best of all possible connection methods: the speed depends only on the current tariff and the capabilities of the provider’s equipment.
Advantages:
- Internet speed from 100 Mbit/s and higher, which is not affected by the weather or the location of the dacha;
- the ability to connect a large number of devices;
- signal strength and data exchange speed do not depend on the number of users on the network;
- the connection is stable, there are no sharp jumps or ping in games.
Disadvantages:
- not every locality has access to wired Internet;
- if the channel is damaged or worn out, expensive equipment or the entire line must be replaced.
Wrapping It Up
When determining which Internet is best to choose for a country house, it is important to consider the speed, stability, and coverage features. Wired Internet often offers reliability, but requires installation and may not be available in remote locations. Mobile Internet provides flexibility, but its quality depends on the signals of base stations. Users for various reasons may receive messages from operators, in particular O2 or Vodafone, about disconnecting 4G calls and the Internet. A thorough analysis of available technologies and providers will help create optimal conditions for a comfortable and productive life away from the city. If you are looking for a reliable provider of services to improve your mobile connection with boosters, we recommend paying attention to UCtel.