Fixed Wireless Broadband is a specific type of wireless Internet (broadband) access where a radio signal is used instead of cable or fiber for the transmission of voice and data. Fixed wireless can be used for mission-critical Internet access. Voice and Data are transmitted to fixed terminals mounted on buildings or other structures. Fixed wireless is an excellent rural Internet option in areas where a roll-out with fiber or other infrastructure is too expensive or impractical – for example in sparsely populated rural areas.

Different Kinds of Fixed Wireless Systems

Point to Multi-Point

Point to multi-point, in its simplest form, consist of a central base station and a number of small receivers located with the end-user. Those users (located within the area covered by the base station) can be offered broadband access after receiver equipment is installed at their facility.

Multi-Point to Multi-Point (Mesh Network)

In a multi-point to multi-point system equipment consists of a mini base station, which communicates with other user equipment. In this way, a network of user equipment is created. New customers can be connected in proximity to the existing network. When new customers are connected, the area covered by the network increases simultaneously. This kind of system is also called a mesh network.

What is the difference between fixed and mobile wireless?

In contrast to mobile telephony where the communication goes from a transmitter to mobile terminals fixed wireless is transmitted to a fixed number of receivers in each area allowing the ISP to fully control bandwidth allocation and preventing network capacity issues.

The Future of Fixed Wireless Internet

Broadband access via fiber requires a cable to each user thus entailing higher installation costs than fixed wireless. It is predicted that fixed wireless will be an important component in the rollout of reliable Internet connectivity, as the technology facilitates dedicated broadband access across large areas.