DW6000 - ANSWERS PAGE 1

What is DW6000?

The DW6000 is the next generation DIRECWAY modem with a sleek new design. This platform incorporates many improvements to ensure DW6000 customers get the best possible performance while providing flexibility and hassle-free software maintenance. It makes connecting to the Internet easier by incorporating DIRECWAY software inside the DW6000 unit. So, there's no DIRECWAY software to load on your computer, or upgrades to download. The DW6000 automatically updates itself via the satellite.

In addition, the DW6000 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 serial cord. The DW6000 upgrades to an Ethernet connection (DW4000 uses USB), making it easy to connect your DIRECWAY system to a single computer or a network.

This new platform incorporates many improvements over older models (DW4000, DW4020). It requires no software maintenance, it's easy to network, and has a smaller footprint than other DIRECWAY modems. The DW6000 automatically updates itself via the satellite, so there is no operating software to download or update. This also allows the DW6000 to operate with a broad range of computer operation systems, like Mac and Linux.

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How does it work?

Requests for websites travel from your computer to your satellite dish and up to the satellite. Your signal is received at the DIRECWAY Network Operations Center (NOC). Which passes your request to the desired Internet site. The requested content is then forwarded to the NOC. Up to the satellite. And zoomed down to your satellite dish and on to your PC.

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What are self-hosted systems?

These systems do not require a "host" computer running special software to communicate over satellite. The devices themselves run all the required software and communicate with your computer(s) via a standard Ethernet connection.

The DW6000 contains all components in a single unit, much like a cable or DSL modem. It has one auto-sensing, auto-cascading Ethernet port. You can connect the single port to a computer, or if you have a network it can be connected to an expansion device to allow connections to however many computers are on your network. Your choice of expansion device (hub, switch, router, or WAP) will depend upon which level of service you sign up for. There are currently two levels of service.

Consumer service comes with a non-unique IP that is the product of Network Address Translation (NAT). (See »What's a NAT? for more information) This service will not be a good choice for anyone who intends to use Virtual Private Networking (VPN) or needs to access their computer or network externally from the Internet. It is a fine choice for the average Internet user who intends to use their connection for browsing, email, downloading or streaming media.
Professional service includes a single unique and Static IP. This service is best suited for those who have a need for an externally reachable IP address

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