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Why Point-to-Point Microwave Can Be Better Than Fiber

Posted by MHO Networks on Aug 21, 2017 5:00:00 AM
PTP MicrowaveOn the surface, it might sound ludicrous. We all know what kind of capability fiber optic internet access has, so how can any other technology actually be better? As it turns out, fiber has an unexpected rival in the field, and that's fixed wireless, specifically point-to-point microwave technology.

Point-to-Point Microwave a Match for Fiber in Latency

One of fiber's great strengths is its low latency, but as it turns out, fixed wireless is a match for fiber in transmission latency thanks to a simple concept: the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. 

Since fiber is laid along the ground, it must go through the various twists and turns of connectivity. Point-to-point microwave on the other hand, is a straight shot between two points.

Fixed Wireless's Win in Efficiency

It might come as a bit of a shock, but there's a sufficient difference between the two that ZDNet wondered, not so long ago, if fiber's legacy would ultimately be as a woefully inefficient experiment in internet service provision gone wrong.

  • Easier to install. Consider for a moment why Google Fiber isn't running a lot of installations any more. Google Fiber got out of fiber essentially because fiber costs too much to put in. Fixed wireless, meanwhile, is significantly less expensive.
  • Faster to install. Here, easy equates to faster, as fixed wireless can be set up in days, depending on circumstances. A fiber project can take months start to finish due to the sheer amount of infrastructure involved.
  • More dependable. Fiber depends on wires, and wires can be cut, broken, or otherwise fail due to weather or other conditions. Fixed wireless has no such weaknesses, and thus is generally more dependable, improving its efficiency.

Fixed Wireless's Win in Speed

If the last part came as a shock, this part certainly will. In some cases, fiber's speed advantages can actually be matched or even beaten by fixed wireless. While gigabit fiber is starting to come increasingly into play, many businesses are looking for connections between 20 and 500 Mbps. 

Point-to-point microwave can readily match that, and in some cases, reach the gigabit range. Throw in the fact that electromagnetic waves transfer up to 50 percent faster in the air than in cables of any sort and fixed wireless actually gets an edge in speed.

How Do I Get Started With Fixed Wireless?

If all of these points have you considering fixed wireless, then a great place to start getting access to this technology is MHO Networks. MHO Networks offers fast installation, a guaranteed 10 business day delivery, and has the kind of experience you need to get the system installed correctly and rapidly. 

Topics: Point-to-Point Microwave, Fiber

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