Many people are under the assumption that all fixed wireless providers are slower and less reliable than their fiber counterparts. However, advancements in fixed wireless technology have significantly closed the gap in both speed and reliability, making it a competitive alternative to fiber for many businesses. In fact, fixed wireless can offer faster deployment times and greater flexibility. Let's dive into the myth and facts behind fixed wireless' speed and reliability.
Myth : All fixed wireless internet providers are less reliable and slower than fiber.
Fact : Modern fixed wireless internet differ significantly in terms or technology, service quality, coverage and customer support, as well as offering speeds comparable to fiber connections.
There is a persistent myth that fixed wireless internet is inherently slower and less reliable than fiber. While this might have been true in the early days or wireless technology, advancements in fixed wireless have changed the landscape significantly.
Todays fixed wireless internet can deliver exceptional speeds, rivaling, and in some cases, surpassing traditional fiber connections, particularly for enterprise level end users. Here's how modern fixed wireless is keeping the pace, and sometimes surpassing, fiber connections in both reliability and speed.
Modern fixed wireless internet can offer speeds comparable to fiber connections.
1. Optimized Networks: Designed for High Throughput
Modern fixed wireless networks are engineered to handle high volumes of data efficiently. Unlike earlier wireless systems that struggled with congestion and latency, today's network use sophisticated technologies to ensure maximum data throughput and minimal interference.
- Beamforming
Focusing the wireless signal between two radios, improving both speed and reliability. - Adaptive Modulation
Adjusts the signal to maintain optimal performance due to inclement weather and other conditions. - MIMO Technology
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) uses multiple antennas to send and receive more data simultaneously, boosting both speed and capacity in order to achieve the desired bandwidth.
2. Real-World Performance: Speed and Reliability that Compete with Fiber
Many businesses using fixed wireless internet report performance that either rivals or surpasses their previous experience with other connectivity solutions.
- Dedicated Point-to-Point Connections
Fixed wireless services can offer speeds of 10Gbps, providing connectivity for high demand applications. - Reliable and Fast Internet for Critical Operations
Fixed wireless offers a compelling alternative. Unlike fiber, which can be subject to physical damage (like cuts in the line due to construction work), fixed wireless is less vulnerable to environmental disruptions. Thanks to it above ground connectivity, this makes it a resilient choice for businesses that need uninterrupted connectivity.
Fixed wireless providers can differ significantly in terms of technology, service quality, coverage, and customer support.
1. Redundancy: Built for Resilience and Reliability
Redundancy is a key feature of fixed wireless networks; it is designed to ensure resilience and reliability in data transmissions. By incorporating multiple transmission paths, these networks can automatically reroute data if one path experiences a failure or disruption, such as interference, equipment malfunction, or environmental factors. This built in redundancy minimizes the risk of downtime and ensures continuous service under even the most challenging conditions. For businesses and customers who require constant connections, this means a level of reliability that fixed wireless networks can deliver to maintain uninterrupted connectivity. Providing a crucial advantage over traditional wired networks that may be more vulnerable to single points of failure.
2. Advanced Technology: MIMO and Beamforming for Enhanced Performance
Advanced technologies like MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and beamforming play a crucial role in improving the reliability and performance of fixed wireless signals.
- MIMO uses multiple antennas to transmit and receive more data simultaneously, which increases the network capacity and reduced latency in the connection. This is essential for bandwidth intensive applications.
- Beamforming focuses on the wireless signal in a specific path rather than others that broadcast in a wide path. This focused beam allows for a stronger, more targeted connection. Together MIMO and beamforming enhance the overall speed, stability, and coverage of fixed wireless networks, making them highly competitive to the traditional wired solutions like fiber.
3. Maintenance and Upgrades: Easier and More Efficient Than Fiber
Fixed wireless infrastructure offer significant advantages when it comes to maintenance and upgrades. Unlike fiber which requires extensive physical work such as digging trenches and laying new cables for upgrades or repairs that can last months. Fixed wireless systems can be upgraded remotely and with minimal hardware changes more easily than other connections, ensuring that the network stays up to date with the latest advancements.
4. Point-to-Point Connectivity: High-Speed, Long-Distance Internet
Point-to-point connectivity is engineered to provide high-speed and reliable internet over long distances via a direct and dedicated link between the customer's site and the provider's tower. This technology bypasses many of the physical limitations of traditional wired connections such as infrastructure requirements. By using a focused wireless signal, point-to-point networks can deliver a consistent and high performing connection to areas where wired connections may be too impractical or costly to deploy. This makes an ideal business solution for remote locations that require fast and dependable connectivity in a short amount of time.
5. Customer Support: The Human Element
Aside from technology, customer support in another key differentiator between fixed wireless providers. Some providers prioritize customer service, offering proactive communication, 24/7 support, and quick response times. A provider with strong customer support can quickly address issues, offer clear communication about service upgrades or maintenance, and ensure that your business remains connected without unnecessary delays.
When choosing a fixed wireless provider, it's crucial to understand that service levels can vary. Key factors like redundancy, advanced technology, and customer support directly impact the quality of your connection. Fixed wireless technology has advanced significantly, offering optimized networks and performance that can match or surpass fiber. With greater resilience and flexibility, fixed wireless is now a strong option for businesses seeking reliable, high-speed internet in today's fast-paced digital landscape.
Contact MHO today to learn more about fixed wireless and how it might be the network solution you've been searching for.
