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What Is Microwave Internet? How It Is Beneficial For Businesses

What is Microwave Internet

Microwave internet is one of these advanced technologies, also known as microwave leased line or satellite broadband. It provides a wireless connection with a high frequency in rural areas, industrial estates and other areas where copper or fibre broadband is unavailable. It is a rapidly evolving area and offers great potential as an innovative solution.

 

Microwave internet has become a feasible alternative to cable and fibre optic technologies regarding security, price and capacity.

 

Almost every home and business in this digital era rely on internet connectivity to complete day-to-day operations. With the increase in demand for internet connection, the types of connectivity solutions have also increased.

 

In this article, we will describe what a microwave internet is and how it benefits you.

What Is A Microwave Internet?

Microwave internet or Wireless Access (WLA) is an internet connection delivered over the ‘last mile’ through a high-capacity microwave radio link. It is also known as radio shot, wireless internet, or WiFi link.

 

One good thing about this internet connection is that it does not need any infrastructure such as cables or ducts instead of power and a clear line of sight. With the help of a point-to-point microwave antenna, this technology can compete with the fibre optics connection.

 

In other words, we can say that a point-to-point microwave link is a permanent internet connection between two sites, proving to be a cost-effective alternative communication system compared to a leased line connection.

 

It can transmit voice and traffic data over long distances and offer a reliable connection even in remote and rural locations.

How Does Microwave Internet Work?

A microwave internet connection always starts with a fibre connection at the point of presence (PoP) connected to the national fibre network or the internet.

 

It is then connected to the radio interface, which transmits high-frequency internet access over the air and is converted again into a cable at the user’s end through a router.

 

This type of connection works by using high-frequency radio waves not detected by WiFi devices to transmit an encrypted signal decrypted and converted back to a copper or fibre connection at any of the end of the radio link.

What is The Speed Of Microwave Internet?

Microwave internet is a reliable connection providing the required speed and bandwidth regardless of location. It helps you improve the productivity and profitability of your business.

 

Microwave connection provides an upload and download speed similar to the traditional fibre leased lines. Depending on your business needs, you can choose a connection speed between 10Mbps to 10 Gbps.

Advantages Of Microwave Internet Connection?

Disadvantages of microwave internet

Microwaves are generally used for point-to-point wireless connection because they have small wavelengths and allow antennas to direct them through a narrow beam, which is pointed directly at receiving data.

 

Here we are describing some benefits of microwave internet technology.

1. Remote Access

One major advantage of the microwave radio link is that in the areas where copper lines or fibre broadband is unavailable, it provides a suitable connectivity solution in these areas. It can be a perfect and reliable internet connection in remote locations.

 

With the help of this high-frequency connection, your business can receive a stable and impressive internet speed without waiting for new infrastructure to be laid down in your area.

2. Quick Installation

Cabled internet connections and fibre leases are sometimes unsuitable due to installation issues that cause delays for your business to access that internet connection. It may also need intrusive construction and structural work to complete a successful installation and connect a customer to the internet.

 

In addition, the more the distance of your business from the nearest exchange, the more structural issues may occur. The installation cost of these connections is also high. 

 

On the other hand, microwave internet is simple to install even at places where cable connection installation normally seems impractical. With such a connection, you do not need a satellite dish; you need just a discreet antenna which is unlikely to breach the planning restrictions of any building.

The installation is usually completed within a few days, compared to fibre leased line connections that can take a time of several weeks.

3. Low Latency

The high frequency of microwaves provides the microwave band with a significantly high capacity to carry information from one place to another. It helps microwave connection in beating the most commonly used fixed wireless fibre connections. It comes with low latency.

 

Now you may be wondering what latency is. It is the measure of how much time it takes for data to travel on an internet connection. It may not be very important when you are using an internet connection, but when it comes to business, latency is highly important for business productivity.

 

Low latency is essential for cloud-based applications such as VoIP, financial trading and businesses that must receive and transfer large amounts of data daily.

4. Secure Connection

Like a fibre leased line connection, microwave internet is also an uncontended connection which means it is not shared with any other users and comes with Service Level Agreement (SLA).

 

Uncontended internet connections are usually more expensive than domestic broadband connections or shared business FTTC broadband solutions. However, microwave internet connection comes with competitive pricing providing ease for the users.

 

It is an internet connection offering a secure and effective connection to businesses in remote areas and helps businesses get high-speed internet that can improve business productivity.

Disadvantages Of Microwave Internet Connection

Disadvantages of microwave internet

Although microwave radio link connections offer numerous benefits, it has some drawbacks that you must be aware of. It is important to remember that microwaves are limited to line of sight for propagation, which means installing microwave links needs a clear line of sight.

 

Any obstruction, like mountains or buildings, can lower the connection quality.

 

Moreover, this connection can be affected by rain attenuation, particularly for long distances and high frequency in areas with precipitative weather or heavy rainfalls.

When Should Microwave Internet Be the Right Choice?

Suppose your business premises are far from your nearest exchange or located in a remote area, and your business relies on the internet. In that case, you may find the available phone line connection unsuitable for providing the speed your business requires.

 

Businesses using microwave internet for secure, fast and uncontended internet connection have reported significantly increased productivity. They are also getting other benefits such as minimum installation and maintenance costs and increased efficiency to achieve their business goals.

 

Businesses can also use this technology as a backup plan to maintain business continuity and resilience instead of relying on just one type of technology.

 

The uncontended nature of technology, along with the service level agreement of microwave internet, is ideal for hosting applications that need high bandwidth, especially in areas where leased lines are absent. Microwave internet can provide a high-speed connection to businesses that may otherwise compromise internet speed.

 

It is an internet connection that is rapidly evolving and offers great potential for business growth. You can also customize this connection to overcome the challenges and fulfil the needs of your business.

Final Words

The writer introduces microwave internet or wireless access in this article, a high-frequency radio link that transmits encrypted signals and converts them back into a copper or fibre connection. The article also discusses the speed and advantages of microwave internet, such as remote access, quick installation, low latency, and a secure connection. The writer also mentions the disadvantages of microwave internet, including a line of sight propagation limitations and weather-related connectivity issues. The article concludes that microwave internet is suitable for remote areas, rural locations, and businesses requiring a reliable and secure connection.

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