BGAN Best Use Practices

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BGAN Best Use Practices

To make BGAN competitive with other satellite platforms, there are practices and a special utility that significantly reduce the amount of data transferred over the network. BGAN service can be used more because less data is being transferred.

1. Install BGAN MAX - Improve performance 200% to 700%
This tiny utility when running on any connected computer will both improve the performance of the BGAN connection AND reduce the amount of data transferred up by up to 80%. BGAN MAX works with our powerful servers so that data is transmitted ideally over the satellite link. Connection speeds and page load times are drastically improved. This is must-have utility which is free for all Ground Control subscribers. more on BGAN MAX

2. Turn Off Microsoft Updates (and all other application updates)
Because Microsoft updates happen automatically in the background, you will want to them off when on the BGAN network. To do this in Windows, go to the Windows control panel, and open up the Security Center. Inside you will find a selection to "Turn Off Automatic Updates".

3. Install Zone Alarm.
This simple program monitors Internet traffic to and from your computer. It will prompt you if any application is trying to connect without your knowledge (such as other programs that are trying to auto-update). You simply click yes or no to allow or block that connection (and check "remember" to block it forever). This one program alone almost eliminates all unknown data transfers. Make sure Zone Alarm's own Auto-Update is turned off. Note - Zone Alarm does not stop Microsoft Auto-Updates, which must be manually turned off in step 2.

Zone alarm is free for a bare bones version. It may be downloaded here.

4. Install SuperAdBlocker
This wonderful application cuts down a huge portion of any website with removing the majority of ads and Java scripts that take up more than half of commercial web pages. This application is great to have even if you are not on the BGAN network.

SuperAdBlocker is free to try, and can be purchased for $29.99 from superadblocker.com

5. Other Best Use Practices

Understand the pros and cons of a Client-Based Email over Webmail. Programs like Outlook or Thunderbird are client-based and do not transfer all of the visual overhead (images & text) of a browser using webmail. The downside is client-based programs transfer ALL email including ones with large file attachments to your computer. The advantage of Webmail is that you have the option to transfer to your computer ONLY what you wish to transfer. The advantage of client based is no-overhead (but you must transfer all email).

Do not leave your computer unattended. Disconnect it from the Ethernet to be 100% sure the computer is unable to transfer information over the BGAN link. Better yet, turn off the BGAN terminal if you do not expect a phone call over it.

Turn Off Browser Images (optional). BGAN MAX can reduce image size by 80%, but you have the option of completely turning off all images from downloading/appearing in your browser. The configuration is different for each browser, but for Internet Explorer, click on the "Tools" menu option and select "Internet Options". From the window that appears, select the "Advanced" tab. There are a host of things you may turn off, but the most important one is about 2/3rds the way down. Uncheck "Show pictures" and then click "Apply".

Videos and RSS feeds and Web pages that Automatically refresh area all data intensive. Be aware of what is transferring on a computer by using a monitoring program (described next).

Monitor Your Traffic Usage. A simple monitoring utility shows what your computer is transferring real time in both directions. Knowing how much you actually use will give peace of mind when using a BGAN terminal. NOTE - The BGAN LaunchPad software on the laptop communicates constantly with the BGAN terminal (non-satellite traffic), so it is a good idea to close the LaunchPad for a precise measurement of usage.

Here is a link to Bandwidth Monitor Pro 1.3

The Bottom Line
BGAN is akin to having a satellite dish in your laptop case. Its portability and global availability make it perfect for many kinds of professional and personal communication. With BGAN Max and the above optimization techniques, this platform can be as viable as any satellite service.

Questions? Live Chat Now Phone 805-783-4600 sales@groundcontrol.com

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