Fixed wireless is one of the most reliable, cost-effective connectivity solutions in the marketplace. Despite a proven track record, many misconceptions persist about fixed wireless service. Some of this confusion stems from the early iterations of fixed wireless, some is the product of Internet rumors and some is based on simple misunderstanding of the different types of wireless connections. In reality, today’s fixed wireless solutions can be game changers for business in terms of cost, reliability, redundancy, speed of deployment and scalability.
To set the record straight, we’ve prepared this quick guide to 8 key facts about fixed wireless Internet services.
Fact 1: Fixed Wireless is Not the Same as Satellite
Radio-based fixed wireless broadband connectivity is not the same as satellite-based Internet. There is far less latency with radio-based fixed wireless services and, perhaps more importantly, there’s no throttling that’s common with satellite services. Both are vitally important at a time when bandwidth-sensitive video content already accounts for more than half of Internet traffic and will account for 80 percent in two years.
Fact 2: Fixed Wireless is Just as Reliable as Fiber
A persistent myth dating to the early days of wireless services is that fixed wireless is less reliable than fiber connections. Just as wired connections have moved passed the dialup days of listening to electronic “beeps” and “bongs,” followed by “You’ve got mail!”, wireless technology has undergone quantum leaps forward. A fixed wireless connection running on licensed spectrum is not only as solid as a fiber connection, it’s more reliable, because a jackhammer, backhoe, flood or other disaster (natural or manmade) won’t take it down.
Fact 3: Fixed Wireless is Not Only a Rural Solution
While it’s true that fixed wireless makes an excellent rural broadband solution, fixed wireless is a fast and reliable solution in city environments as well. And, it’s more affordable to boot.
Fact 4: Fixed Wireless Can Be Installed Rapidly
Due to the glacial installation speeds of bringing wireline broadband connections to new buildings and locations, there is sometimes a misperception that fixed wireless deployment is equally slow to install. In reality, fixed wireless connections can be turned up in days, not months. In fact, many businesses order fixed wireless connectivity as a stopgap while they wait for fiber installations and then find that they don’t need the fiber installation at all.
Fact 5: Fixed Wireless Radio Technology is Safe
Fixed wireless connectivity sometimes gets lumped in with Internet conspiracy theories about the supposed (but also mythical) dangers of wireless radiation from mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other wireless connections. In reality, as you are reading this blog, your body is absorbing up to five times the signal from FM radio and TV stations than you would if you were sitting right next to a wireless base station.
Fact 6: Fixed Wireless is Much More Than a Backup Solution
With the world moving to cloud applications, network redundancy and business continuity solutions have become vital to businesses of all sizes. It’s true that, as hurricanes, wildfires and other disruptors have taken down wireline connections, businesses have increasingly turned to fixed wireless solutions for redundancy. But many, once they experience the speed and performance of fixed wireless solutions, turn to fixed wireless for their primary connections as well.
Fact 7: Fixed Wireless Is Secure
May people think fixed wireless solutions aren’t secure. This myth could not be further from the truth. Using our own company as a reference point, GeoLinks delivers the same military-grade encryption to business customers that it delivers under government contracts. Your connections are safe, reliable and secure.
Fact 8: Fixed Wireless Works in Any Weather
With proper engineering, fixed wireless networks can withstand the elements. GeoLinks’ in-house engineering team begins a deployment by taking into account the terrain, historic weather patterns, rain fade and thermal ducting. Based on that data, the distance between radios and the required bandwidth, they choose the best frequency (or frequencies) and carrier-grade equipment for a weather-proof build. In addition, GeoLink’s adds multiple failover paths as well as a connection to a fiber optic backbone to ensure true network redundancy.
There you have it – just the facts about fixed wireless.
Now that you know the facts – Get fixed wireless Internet today!
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