How many megabits of speed do you get on your internet connection? Do you measure your internet speed and consider it a feature?
There are plenty of ways to access the internet. But if you’re not a large institution, you may have limited options. If you’ve been looking into internet options for your business, you may have heard of fixed wireless internet.
What is fixed wireless internet and is it a good fit for your business or home? Keep reading for our complete guide to this wireless internet connection.
What Is Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless internet is a type of connection that uses radio waves to connect a home or office to the internet. It is like a cellular data connection. But, it uses a fixed wireless transmitter instead of using cell towers.
This is available in many rural areas where other types of internet connections are not available. It is faster than dial-up internet and can be cheaper than traditional wired broadband.
This relies on line-of-sight technology. It means that the antenna at your location must have a clear, unobstructed view of the antenna at the provider’s location.
This requires the installation of antennas on rooftops. The antennas are then connected to equipment that converts the signal which makes it possible for your home or office to get an internet connection.
How Fast Is Fixed Wireless Internet?
In general, fixed wireless internet is not as fast as other types of broadband internet, such as fiber or cable. But, it can be a good option for people who live in rural areas or who have other types of internet access.
Fixed wireless internet offers speeds of 3-10 Mbps, which is good for basic internet use such as web browsing, email, and social media. Yet, it may not be fast enough for activities that need a lot of data, such as online gaming or streaming video.
In practice, the speed can vary depending on several factors. The main factor that affects fixed wireless internet speeds is the distance from the tower to the homes or buildings served by the network. The further the distance, the lower the speed of the connection.
How Much Does Fixed Wireless Internet Cost?
The average fixed wireless internet cost in the United States is around $60 per month. This can vary depending on the speed of the internet connection and the data allowance.
Some providers offer cheaper rates for lower speeds and data allowances. Others offer discounts for bundling with other services.
There are also several free and low-cost options available from some providers. You can get in touch with service providers like Comcast Cable to know more about the different plans and rates.
Pros of Fixed Wireless Internet
One of the many benefits of fixed wireless internet is its availability in rural areas. This is more available in rural areas than other types of internet access as there are more towers in these areas than in urban.
The structure of how fixed wireless internet works allows it to reach more people in rural areas as well.
Additionally, fixed wireless internet is less expensive than other types of internet access. This helps rural residents get more bandwidth for their money.
Fixed wireless internet also doesn’t require a phone line. This can save you money on your monthly bills, as you won’t have to pay for a separate landline. It can also be convenient because you won’t have two separate lines installed in your home.
Aside from providing high-speed internet, fixed wireless internet also has low latency. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. This is important for activities such as online gaming, video conferencing, and other real-time applications.
Another advantage of fixed wireless internet is its high data allowances. This means that you can use more data per month than you can with other types of internet.
This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of devices that you use online or if you download a lot of data. With high data allowances, you can stay connected and use the internet as much as you want without having to worry about exceeding your limit.
Cons of Fixed Wireless Internet
While fixed wireless internet does have its advantages, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. One of them is the line of sight fragility.
This means that if there are any obstacles between the antenna and the tower, the signal will get interrupted and there will be a loss of connection. This can be a big problem in rural areas where there are often trees or hills between the two points.
Another major downside to fixed wireless internet is weather interference. Heavy rains, snow, and winds can all wreak havoc on a fixed wireless connection.
Even something as innocuous as a heavy fog can reduce the signal strength and cause disruptions. This type of weather interference is generally more common in rural areas where the connection is already more tenuous.
Fixed wireless internet is also prone to signal disruption. This can be due to weather, buildings, trees, and other obstacles that can block the signal between the wireless tower and the receiver.
Signal disruption can also be due to interference from other wireless devices. Examples of these are microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones.
Getting fixed wireless internet installed can also be a bit costly. To receive the service, customers must buy a wireless router and an antenna. The router can be expensive and the antenna needs installation by a professional.
In addition, customers must pay the monthly service fee. The service fee is sometimes higher than the fees for other types of internet service, such as DSL and cable.
Get Internet Access Without the Need for Cables and Lines
So what is fixed wireless internet and what can it offer? Fixed wireless internet is a great way to get online without having to worry about cables or a landline.
It’s perfect for people who live in rural areas or who travel a lot. So if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable way to get online, fixed wireless internet is the way to go.
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