DirecWay installed yesterday

Mrwurm · Dec 18, 2003

Am I correct in my assumption that the DW6000 modem will allow me to connect to the internet from any of my networked computers without a certain "host' computer running?

Also, do you leave the DW6000 modem running all the time or do you shut it down when not in use? It runs software as a stand alone unit, so does it need to be rebooted now and then?

rockyridgefarm · Dec 18, 2003

( Am I correct in my assumption that the DW6000 modem will allow me to connect to the internet from any of my networked computers without a certain "host' computer running?

Also, do you leave the DW6000 modem running all the time or do you shut it down when not in use? It runs software as a stand alone unit, so does it need to be rebooted now and then? )

No. 1 - Yup!

No. 2 - I bet an occasional reboot would be a good thing. Clear the routes and resync. Jest Guessing....

BTW, the DW6000 Does what you've said, IT DOES NOT IMPROVE PERFORMANCE. (just in case someone thought it would...) It might be an improvement sisnce the software is self updating and there is no melt down (not that a Windows box would EVER do that....)

Mrwurm · Dec 18, 2003

Mike, yes I've read that it is not any faster, just more convenient. I've had trouble with my old DW4000 system where the software startup on the host machine interferes with other programs that load into the system tray. I'll be glad to get the DW software out of my bootup sequence.

PineRidge · Dec 18, 2003

Jerry I have never had any problems or conflicts with the Direct Way software. The system is temporarily lost during a heavy rain or snow but it only lasts about 5 to 10 minutes max. On the other hand a heavy accumulation of sticking snow on my dish changes the shape and so the performance drops off till the system finally loses the satellite altogether. You can see it happening by monoriting the system signal strength status bar. So you know when its time to climb the ladder to clean it off. So this coming spring I will be adding heat tape to the dish to eliminate the snow buildup problem once and for all.

Still no gripes with the performance as its the best thing I have going for quick 2-way satellite communication in this part of the woods.

Hank · Dec 19, 2003

Hmmm. Interesting. Since I don't know all the specifics of exactly how they measure the speeds 

One thing to watch out for with the online speed tests is the Java Virtual Machine you are using. These tests are Java applets and they have been written within the Microsoft development environment, and they use calls that are not strictly Java-compliant. If you use the Microsoft Virtual Machine, you will get more accurate results. Use Sun's Virtual Machine, and you will get inaccurate results, at times results that are not even physically possible with satellite.

The DSLReports satellite forum is an excellent source of information on optimizing your system for satellite (tweaks to the TCP/IP stack).

SethO · Dec 30, 2003

Yes, your assumption is right. Just connect the DW6000 directly to your current switch/hub.

You should leave the DW6000 on all the time, as it also allows the modem to download updates when necessary.

Moon · Jan 6, 2004

Good Thread!
At one time only MS Windows pc's would work with directway. I'm hoping that has changed. I have a Linux box and a couple AIX boxes that need to be able to connect before I could go directway.
Anyone running anything other than MS Windows and making it to the internet thru directway?
Another question, is anyone running a 24/7 website with your directway connection?
TIA!

rcaretti · Jan 6, 2004

The new 6000 series modem allows for connections to operating systems besides windows. Previous versions had windows drivers. I still have the 4000 modems.

IMO, with the high degree of latency, you'd be hard pressed to run a web site.