What Is Line Of Sight Internet And Is It Right For Your Business?
Line of sight internet is a connectivity solution providing the quality of internet similar to the leased lines but it does not need any phone line or cabling. It transmits microwave signals to its user’s premises with a clear line of sight to a dedicated mast.
The internet has become an integral part of our lives, and connectivity demand has grown exponentially. We all know that the technologies connecting people to the internet are continuously evolving, trying to match the needs of everyone.
There is copper broadband, fibre optics connection for broadband, leased line internet connection, and 5G technology for the mobile network.
However, not all areas have access to a stable and reliable internet connection, especially in rural and remote areas. That is where the Line of Sight broadband comes in. This technology has remained due to its limited relevancy.
Here we are going to describe what is a line of sight internet, how it differs from traditional methods of connecting to the internet, and its advantages and disadvantages
What Is Line Of Sight Internet?
Line of sight internet is a wireless technology that provides a direct, high speed and unobstructed Line of sight between users’ devices and transmitters. It is different from other types of internet connection, which use satellite dishes or cables to transmit data.
This internet connection uses radio waves to transmit data from the internet service provider’s (ISP) base station to a receiver installed on the user’s premises. The receiver sends signals to the router, distributing the connection throughout the property.
Since the data is sent directly from the transmitter to the receiver, you can get a high-speed connection. This connection is a suitable option for streaming videos or completing your business operations that require a fast and reliable connection.
In addition, the Line of Sight broadband connection is easy to set up. What you need to do is place the transmitter at a location that has a clear line of sight to your device and then connect this device to the transmitter using a wireless connection.
Overall, a line of sight can be a good option for those looking for a fast and reliable internet connection, especially in areas where other types of internet connections provide limited access.
Line of sight connection is commonly used in rural areas where other advanced internet connections such as DSL or fibre optic are not available. It can also be used in urban areas where buildings and other obstructions block signals from traditional ISPs.
How Does Line Of Sight Internet Work?
As the name suggests, the Line of sight broadband works on the need for an unobstructed line of sight between the source transmitting the signal and the building receiving signals.
It works by using wireless fibre technology to take high-speed fibre optic broadband and transfer it to microwave data. Then a secure wireless signal is transmitted from the internet service provider’s site to homes and workplaces.
This technology maintains the speed of fibre optics and provides data to your doorstep through airwaves.
Advantages Of Line Of Sight Internet
Here are some of the benefits of a line of sight internet connection for a business in the UK. These benefits will help you understand whether you should get this type of internet connection for your business or not.
1. Faster Installation
If we compare the time taken to install a line of sight connection with a leased line, we will see that Line of sight takes less time to install.
Wireless internet can be installed within 24 hours and requires an installation time of 5-10 days, as minimal construction work is needed to establish the connection.
2. Low installation Price
It may seem that the Line of sight technology is more expensive than the traditional fibre optic connection, but in reality, this cost is relatively lower than fibre optic connections.
You may be surprised to know that the price to install a Line of Sight connection is affordable compared to that of a leased line which is a connection most similar in performance to the Line of sight.
It is because the leased lines depend on physical cables to establish a connection. It needs construction work to get these cables to your business premises. This way, you have to pay excess construction charges that can cost between £5,000 – £100,000.
Additionally, leased lines require miles and miles of land to be dug up and construction of overhead poles that increase construction costs.
On the other hand, installing a Line of Sight internet costs a fraction of the price you need to install leased lines. This cost is usually between £1,000-£2,000.
3. Low Latency
The more distance data needs to travel, the more time this process will take. Wireless microwave signals travel straight from one point to another, resulting in fewer hops and low latency. It can travel up to 189,000 per second, while fibre connections have to travel through established routes such as roads.
Every turn slows down the signal and increases latency, and data needs to travel over large cables to the central office, which is why signals travel up to 124,000 per mile.
4. Reliability And Uptime
Line of sight is highly reliable except for a bonded internet connection that will bond multiple connections. The uptimes on this connectivity solution usually exceed 99.99%, which is higher than the fibre leased Line.
Above all, the benefit that you will get by using a line of sight over a leased line connection is that it is harder to break and easier to fix. Now you may be thinking, how? The physical cables are vulnerable to natural disasters and even small road works and may leave your business without internet for weeks. It is difficult to track where the problem occurs in a leased line connection.
In contrast, the Line of Sight internet is a cableless connection delivered over the air and is not vulnerable to flood or road works.
Last but not least, the Line of sight offers the flexibility to install it anywhere you want. You can install it in a fixed or temporary location, making it ideal for remote jobs and construction sites.
Is There Any Disadvantage Of Line Of Sight Broadband?
Although Line of Site broadband offers several benefits and is superior to leased lines, it has its downsides. The most significant downside which we find out is its availability.
The range of signals of Line of Sight internet is limited, making it difficult to provide coverage over long distances. Additionally, while it can provide a fast and reliable connection, it may not be suitable for high-bandwidth applications.
This internet connection is not available in all areas. However, with the rise in popularity, it is possible that now your business has access to this connection in many locations. Still, there are many areas of the UK where the Line of sight broadband is unavailable.
Another issue you may face while using this internet connection is poor internet quality due to obstructions.
Factors Affecting The Line Of Sight Internet
Several factors can affect the availability and quality of Line of sight internet, including:
- Weather conditions
- Topography and landscape
- Interference from obstruction
- Distance from the service provider
A line of service is a connection that requires a clear line of sight between its transmitter and the receiver. Buildings, trees and other obstructions can interfere with signals, resulting in low internet quality.
Difference Between Line Of Sight Internet and Other Internet Connections
As we described earlier, the Line of sight internet works by placing a node and a hub in a line of sight, and there should be no object between the two. It is both a bad and a good thing about it.
The good thing is that the node is directly in the Line of sight of the hub, and the data can travel without an obstruction. The bad thing is that if there is any obstruction between the transmitter and receiver, the quality of the internet is affected.
If we compare it to fibre optic connections, you will get low latency, more uptime and a better quality connection that is not vulnerable to weather conditions or road construction.
Applications Of Line of Sight Internet
Line Of Sight internet has a wide range of applications. It can be an ideal connectivity solution for residential use in rural areas without a broadband connection. It is also beneficial to use with businesses that need a reliable and fast internet connection.
Several internet service providers offer Line sight internet services, each with its pricing and features. You should review the ratings of different providers and shop around to choose one that meets all your needs.
Final Words
Line of Sight Internet is an excellent option for individuals and businesses in remote or rural areas who need reliable and fast internet connectivity. It is a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional broadband services, and it is rapidly gaining popularity. As technology advances and LOS internet infrastructure expands, it will continue to provide a reliable solution for internet connectivity for those who need it most. This internet connection is easy to set up and can be installed in a fixed or temporary location, making it ideal for remote jobs and construction sites. However, the most significant downside is its availability. It is not available everywhere and is typically used in rural areas where advanced internet connections such as DSL or fibre optic are unavailable or in urban areas where buildings and other obstructions block signals from traditional ISPs.
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