Is Fixed Wireless Internet Good?
In this advanced age of technology, internet connectivity has become a necessity for individuals and businesses. Traditional wired internet services such as cable or DSL have been used as a standard connection, but emerging technologies are challenging these technologies.
Fixed wireless internet is one advanced technology that is getting popular, and hundreds of businesses in the UK have recently shifted to this technology. It may make you consider whether it can be a suitable solution for your business. We will help you out in making the right decision.
Here in this article, we will describe fixed wireless internet and its advantages and disadvantages that can help you make an informed decision.
What Is Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless internet is an emerging technology that has become an alternative to traditional internet connectivity solutions. It is a broadband connection that does not depend on cable like fiber optic or DSL; instead, it uses radio waves to deliver an internet connection to a home or business.
Unlike mobile wireless services that use cellular networks, fixed wireless internet operates on a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint network. A fixed antenna mounted on a building or tower typically communicates with a nearby base station to establish a dedicated wireless connection.
This internet connection has access to remote or underserved rural areas and offers a fiber-backed broadband connection in previously unavailable areas. Most often, fixed wireless internet providers are locally owned companies offering great customer service.
Pros Of Fixed Wireless Internet
Let’s explore the benefits of fixed wireless internet connection so that you can understand how it can be helpful for your business:
1. High-Speed Internet In Remote Areas
One significant benefit of this new internet technology is that it offers high-speed, high-speed broadband connection in areas that are without this option.
It can reach the areas where traditional infrastructure is costly and impractical. Fiber and cable need substantial infrastructure installed on the premises, which usually does not expand into remote areas.
In contrast, the setup of fixed wireless internet is less expensive and can be extended to underserved areas.
2. Quick Installation
The fixed wireless connection does not rely on cables, so it does not take long to install. This quick and easy installation makes it an attractive option for those who need a fast internet connection without long waiting periods.
In most cases, it only needs installing a receiving device that connects to the access tower and a wired connection to your router. Usually, it takes 14 days to complete the setup.
3. Cost Effectiveness
The installation of leased lines requires the costly construction of underground infrastructure.
Unless your location is within a major UK city, you must pay installation costs in the tens or hundreds of thousands.
In contrast, fixed wireless internet typically requires a significantly lower expense, often ranging between £1,000 to £2,000.
4. Fast Speed
A fixed wireless connection is the only internet connection that can provide performance equivalent to leased lines and is available even in rural areas.
It can provide you with an upload and download speed of up to 10Gbps, which is the same that you can get from a leased line connection.
5. Reliability
Fixed wireless connections are less susceptible to disruptions caused by weather conditions, which can affect traditional wired services like DSL or cable.
As a result, it often provides a more reliable connection, especially in areas prone to extreme weather.
6. Low Latency
Fixed wireless internet typically offers lower latency than satellite internet, making it suitable for real-time applications such as online gaming and video conferencing. Fixed wireless connections have less than 1 millisecond (ms) end-to-end latency.
On the other hand, fiber optic has a latency of 1.6ms, which means a fixed wired connection offers lower latency than a leased line connection.
Lower latency makes it a perfect connection for VoIP, CCTV video calling, and games.
7. Scalability
Fixed wireless networks are easy to scale, making it possible to increase bandwidth as your needs grow.
This scalability is beneficial for businesses and households with evolving internet demands.
8. No Data Caps
Many fixed wireless internet providers offer unlimited data plans, eliminating worries about data overage charges, which are common with other internet services.
Cons Of Fixed Wireless Internet
Like all other technologies, fixed wireless internet has disadvantages along with advantages.
Here are some of the disadvantages that you must keep in mind:
1. Line of Sight Limitation
Fixed wireless internet transmits a fiber-optic-backed network through radio signals, connecting a Point of Presence (PoP) to an antenna at your home or business.
However, if there is no unobstructed line of sight between your location and the PoP, you may encounter difficulties establishing a reliable internet connection. Various obstacles, such as trees, buildings, or hills, can disrupt this line of sight.
While there are potential solutions to overcome these obstacles, it’s important to note that a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) might be unable to provide internet access to your location, even if you are relatively close to the transmission tower.
Before proceeding, the fixed wireless internet provider you intend to partner with typically dispatches a technician to assess your setup, ensuring you have a robust connection and a clear line of sight.
2. It Is Not The Cheapest Option
Opting for fixed wireless internet may not always be the most cost-effective choice, especially if alternative connection types are available in your area.
However, it serves the crucial purpose of extending broadband internet to previously underserved regions.
Moreover, it provides greater control over your internet expenses than dealing with complicated bundle pricing structures.
3. Limited Speeds
Fixed wireless internet speeds can vary depending on your distance from the base station and the available spectrum. While it can offer high-speed connections, it may not match the gigabit speeds available with some wired services like fiber-optic internet.
4. Data Throttling
Some fixed wireless providers may implement data throttling during peak usage, impacting your connection speed.
Is Fixed Wireless Internet Right For Your Business?
Whether fixed wireless internet is suitable for your business depends on several factors. It can be an excellent choice if you are located in a rural or remote area with limited traditional wired options, providing a relatively quick and reliable connection.
Additionally, fixed wireless offers scalability, making it ideal for businesses with fluctuating bandwidth needs. However, suppose your business is in a well-connected urban area with high-speed fiber or cable internet access. In that case, fixed wireless may not match the speed and reliability of these alternatives.
Assessing your location, connectivity needs, and available providers is essential in determining whether fixed wireless internet aligns with your business requirements.
Final Words - Fixed Wireless Internet
In conclusion, fixed wireless internet is a viable solution for businesses, particularly in rural or remote areas where traditional wired options are limited. Its scalability and relatively quick and reliable connection make it an attractive choice for companies with fluctuating bandwidth needs. However, businesses in well-connected urban areas with access to high-speed fiber or cable internet might find fixed wireless less competitive in speed and reliability. Careful assessment of your specific circumstances and available providers is crucial in choosing your business's internet connectivity needs.
Fixed wireless internet is a broadband connection that uses radio signals to deliver high-speed internet to homes or businesses. It involves data transmission between an antenna at the user’s location and a base station, typically on a nearby tower.
Fixed wireless internet establishes a line-of-sight connection between the user’s antenna and the provider’s base station. Data is transmitted via radio waves, providing internet access without traditional wired infrastructure.
Some advantages include accessibility in rural areas, quick installation, reliability in adverse weather conditions, scalability, lower latency compared to satellite internet, and, often, unlimited data plans.
Limitations may include the need for a clear line of sight between the antenna and the base station, potential signal interference, varying speeds depending on the distance from the tower, and higher installation costs in some cases.
Fixed wireless internet is available in rural and urban areas. However, its popularity in urban settings may be lower due to the availability of other high-speed options like fiber-optic and cable internet.
Fixed wireless can be a viable alternative to traditional wired connections, especially in areas where wired infrastructure is expensive. However, its suitability depends on individual location and connectivity needs.
Fixed wireless internet is as secure as any other broadband connection. It can be made secure through encryption and proper network configurations. Providers often implement security measures to protect user data.
To find out if fixed wireless internet is available in your area, you can check with local internet service providers or use online tools and coverage maps provided by these companies.
Fixed wireless internet can suit businesses, especially in remote or underserved areas. It offers scalability and reliability, making it a viable option for various business types.
Choosing the right provider involves considering factors like coverage in your area, pricing, contract terms, customer reviews, and the specific needs of your home or business.
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