FAQ

Q: What operating systems are compatible with the new DIRECWAY System?
A: Windows 98SE, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 and Windows XP

Q: What are my PC system requirements?
A:The minimum PC requirements for DIRECWAY® are:

• Pentium II 333 MHz or faster

• 64MB RAM (Windows 98SE and Windows Me); 128MB RAM (Windows 2000)

• 20MB of free hard drive space

• Analog modem - used only once for commissioning the account.

• One available USB port

• CD-ROM drive (or DVD-ROM)

Q: Can I use DIRECWAY with the Windows XP operating system?
A: Yes.

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 everyone in the continental U.S., as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky.

Q: Is DIRECWAY a one-way or two-way system?
A: DIRECWAY Offered Through DIRECTV uses the DW4000 two-way system. The DIRECWAY DW4000 Two-Way System allows you to send and receive information via satellite (a.k.a. satellite return). 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: If I already have DIRECTV or Dish Network service, do I need to get a new dish for DIRECWAY?
A: The DIRECWAY system requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. 

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, the difference in the amount of time you'll be waiting for what you want is night and day. 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. Click here for a comparison to dial-up. As you can see this is a huge improvement...and broadband by satellite is the only high-speed Internet technology that's available everywhere in the continental U.S.!

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 if my computer did not come with a USB port?
A: Many PCs can be upgraded with a USB port. We only recommend adding one if all other minimum PC requirements, listed above, are met.

Q: Can I use a PCI card adapter?
A: No. The DIRECWAY System is only available with a USB connection.

Q: Do I still need a dial-up modem and a telephone line?
A: You need a PC modem and connection to a telephone line to activate your system for the first time. After that there is no phone line requirement for normal operation.

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."

Q: Why is there a requirement that the DIRECWAY system be professionally installed?
A: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires 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: Is DIRECWAY compatible with a VPN? (Virtual Private Network)
A: Virtual Private Networks are not supported at this time.

Q: Does DIRECWAY use a static IP address?
A: No. DIRECWAY uses dynamic IP addressing.

Q: Can I host a website with DIRECWAY?
A: Business website hosting is not supported. 

Q: Can I directly connect a Mac using DIRECWAY?
A: Not currently

Q: Where can I order DIRECWAY?
A: Click Here to order DirectWAY