What Does a Fixed Wireless Business Internet Installation Look Like?

October 27th, 2020 [UPDATED]
Originally Published on January 15th, 2019

Fixed Wireless Business Internet Installations – What to Expect

Fixed Wireless Internet providers deliver high-speed broadband access to a single location via radio waves. Capable of delivering gigabit speeds with identical jitter and latency to fiber, Fixed Wireless Internet circuits can be installed at your business in a fraction of the time, and for a fraction of the cost, of competing technologies. Want to learn more about Fixed Wireless Internet? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8GvGOKCpnk

How Does Fixed Wireless Internet Work?

Fixed wireless Internet uses a dish antenna that is affixed to the roof of your company’s building and connected to your server room or router through a cable, and beams an Internet signal into your location through radio waves from the nearest tower.

How Does Fixed Wireless Internet Installation Compare to Other Types of Internet?

The table below outlines how fixed wireless Internet compares to fiber, cable, DSL and satellite Internet connections:

So, what does a Fixed Wireless Business Internet installation look like?

Prior to Circuit Installation

In order to deliver high-speed Internet access, a Fixed Wireless Internet service provider must first confirm a client’s business location has an express line of sight (LOS) to a nearby Base Station (telecom tower). While different wireless business Internet providers may administer varying methods to confirm LOS, most Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) encounter situations where a site visit is sometimes needed to confirm serviceability. Typically, a roof access form (RAF) is required from the building owner or property management company prior to conducting a site visit. Assuming access is granted, on-site techs can then confirm LOS and test signal strength from the intended installation point.

Not sure how much bandwidth your business needs? Check out our simple guide by clicking here.

Installing Fixed Wireless Internet Circuits

Every WISP has its own unique installation process and preferred equipment. For the purpose of this post, we will specifically examine GeoLinks’ ClearFiber™ Fixed Wireless Internet installations. Fully insured with coverage that meets property management and owner requirements, all GeoLinks’ installations are managed by our team of experienced technicians that consider visual aesthetics and building and city code compliance.

GeoLinks Installation Equipment

Subscriber – When installing a ClearFiber™ circuit, a “Subscriber” unit, also referred to as Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), is placed on the roof of the client’s building. While Subscribers can vary based on the service ordered and location of the customer premises, the average GeoLinks’ Subscriber dimensions measure 24 – 36 inches in diameter and weigh between 5 – 20lbs. The Subscriber is responsible for transmitting the wireless signal from the Base Station to the customer premise, and vice versa.

Non-Penetrating Roof Mount – The Subscriber is mounted directly to a non-penetrating roof mount. This is a 36in self-supporting, square angle steel frame with a 60in x 2in diameter mast designed specifically for antenna installation. It does not damage or require any mounting to the roof.

Rubber Mat and Blocks – Included as part of GeoLinks’ installation is an outdoor anti-skid rubber mat, placed directly under the non-penetrating roof mount. This outdoor weatherized mat is used to protect the roof and measures 36in x 36in x 1/8in. Depending upon Subscriber height, 6in x 8in x 16in concrete blocks are placed evenly around the base to stabilize the roof mount. The average install requires 6 to 8 bricks, with each brick weighing about 30lbs.

Cable – Once the Subscriber is installed and secured, an exterior outdoor rated Cat5e cable is run through a pre-existing vent or access point of the roof directly to the customer’s network room. This cable is plugged into a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) power supply that powers the subscriber and delivers service to the customer.

How Long Does it Take to Get Installed?

Just like most business services, fixed wireless Internet installation periods vary from provider to provider. GeoLinks prides itself on having one of the industry’s shortest installation periods. Our expertly trained technicians can connect businesses in as little as 24 hours. For larger circuits, we average between 7 to 10 business days.

Why Should Your Business Install Fixed Wireless at Your Location?

When your company chooses GeoLinks’ ClearFiber™ Fixed Wireless Internet, you benefit from:

True Network Redundancy
Unlimited Bandwidth
Guaranteed Speeds up to 10Gbps
24/7 U.S-Based Customer Support & IT Expert Access
99.9999% Uptime Guarantee backed by an Industry-Leading SLA

It doesn’t matter your size, whether you’re a single-location small business or multi-location enterprise corporation looking for a reliable fixed wireless Internet connection, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, GeoLinks isn’t just an Internet connectivity provider. We offer over-the-top Hosted Voice communications solutions and IP phones to keep your business always communicating.

Questions About Fixed Wireless Installations?

GeoLinks in-house Client Consultants are available to assist with any questions you may have regarding your business installation or service. To speak to a GeoLinks’ Client Consultant call (888) 225-1571 option 2.