In the fast-paced and constantly changing world of telecommunications, it's not uncommon for misconceptions to arise and spread. These myths often create confusion and can lead to misunderstandings about the true potential of fixed wireless internet services. From doubts about technology and capabilities to concerns about reliability and security, these misconceptions can prevent businesses and individuals from fully appreciating the benefits that fixed wireless can offer.
So let's set the record straight, by diving in and debunking some of the most common myths surrounding fixed wireless internet. Ensuring you can make informed decisions about your connectivity solutions for your network.
Myth : Satellite and fixed wireless are one in the same.
Fact : Fixed wireless and satellite are two distinct technologies with different advantages.
How does Satellite Internet Work?
Satellite internet relies on a dish mounted on your roof to communicate with a geostationary satellite orbiting 23,000 miles above Earth. This satellite acts as a relay, transmitting data between your location and a ground station connected to the internet. While this technology is effective for providing connectivity in remote areas where traditional wired connections like fiber or cable are unavailable, the significant distance that the signal must travel can introduce significant latency. This delay impacts the overall speed and reliability of the connection, making satellite internet less than ideal for activities requiring real-time communication, such as video conferencing or VoIP calls.
For those in remote areas with limited access to other options, satellite internet serves as a crucial bridge to the digital world. However, it comes with trade-offs, such as significant lag time due to latency and potentially slower speeds, which can hinder certain applications and the users overall browsing experience. Additionally, the performance of satellite internet is highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow, and heavy cloud cover can disrupt the signal, causing slower speeds, increased latency, or even temporary loss of connectivity—a phenomenon known as "rain fade." These factors make satellite internet less reliable during inclement weather, further complicating its use for critical tasks. Despite these limitations, satellite remains a valuable solution for ensuring connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, providing an essential service where other forms of internet access are not feasible.
How does Fixed Wireless Internet Work?
Fixed wireless internet involves installing an antenna on the roof of your site, which is then precisely aligned to establish a direct line of sight (LOS) with a nearby tower, typically within a 35-mile radius. This setup allows the antenna to send and receive data directly from the tower, ensuring a strong and stable connection. Unlike satellite internet, which requires communicating with satellites orbiting thousands of miles away, fixed wireless relies on these closer towers, significantly reducing latency and enhancing the reliability of your internet service.The direct, point-to-point (PtP) connection between your antenna and the tower not only supports high-speed data transmission but also ensures that the signal remains robust and consistent, even in demanding environments. Additionally, some providers offer point-to-multi-point (PtMP) solutions, providing connectivity to a large number of users within a specific geographical area. This makes fixed wireless a powerful solution for businesses that need reliable, high-performance internet connectivity without the delays and potential disruptions associated with other wireless technologies. Additionally, the relatively short distance between the customer and the tower means that fixed wireless can deliver internet speeds comparable to those of fiber, but with the added benefit of faster installation times and greater flexibility, especially in areas where wired connections may be difficult or expensive to deploy.
Finally, some fixed wireless technologies utilize adaptive modulation, a feature that adjusts the signal to maintain a stable connection even during inclement weather. This capability ensures that adverse weather conditions have minimal impact on the reliability of the internet connection. Fixed wireless can serve areas where fiber infrastructure is not yet available, providing connectivity to locations that might otherwise be underserved. This makes it a valuable option for extending high-speed internet access to regions beyond the reach of traditional wired solutions.
Follow Up:
In a competitive business environment, where connectivity is crucial to maintaining productivity and customer satisfaction, fixed wireless stands out as a superior choice. It not only keeps your business connected but also provides the flexibility and scalability necessary to stay ahead of the curve, giving you a competitive edge.
Contact MHO today to learn more about fixed wireless and how it might be the network solution you've been searching for.
