Everything you need to know about fixed wireless broadband

Fixed wireless broadband uses radio signals to provide Internet access without cables. It's a reliable choice for businesses where ethernet or other wired services aren't practical.

Readers will learn:

• What fixed wireless Internet is and how it works
• Some of the major benefits you can expect from fixed wireless broadband
• Limitations of fixed wireless broadband
• How fixed wireless Internet has advanced
• How fixed broadband stacks up vs. fiber broadband
• How to get a better fixed wireless broadband experience using Meter Connect

What is fixed wireless Internet, and how does it work?

Fixed wireless broadband delivers Internet to a set location using radio signals—no miles of cables needed. That said, you’ll still need some wires, like Ethernet, to get the connection to your local devices.

Transmission towers send wireless Internet signals up to 10 miles, depending on obstacles like trees, buildings, or that one mountain inconveniently in the way. A receiver dish or antenna at your location picks up the signal, usually from the roof or another high spot. Remember that a clear line of sight is critical—no signal likes playing hide-and-seek.

The receiver feeds the signal to a modem inside, which turns it into usable Internet. From there, it’s shared through Ethernet or Wi-Fi to your devices. Unlike mobile broadband, fixed wireless stays put, offering steady performance without moving around.

If you’re in a spot where laying cables is pricey or difficult, fixed wireless keeps you connected without the drama of a wired setup. Reliable and stable, it’s a great pick for homes or businesses that need solid Internet access without the need for digging trenches.

Key benefits of fixed wireless broadband

Wireless broadband is a reliable option for businesses without access to wired connections. It offers quick setup, scalability, and strong performance.

Connects businesses in remote locations

Fixed wireless Internet delivers reliable Internet where traditional wired options are not available. It works well for businesses in rural or difficult-to-reach areas.

Deployment is fast and non-disruptive

Fixed wireless skips trenching, digging, and laying cables, which speeds up installation. Businesses can get connected in just days, avoiding long delays.

Costs less than building traditional infrastructure

Fixed wireless avoids the high costs of installing cables. It is a more affordable option in areas where fiber or cable is too expensive to install.

Offers flexibility for temporary or mobile setups

Temporary Internet needs, such as at construction sites or pop-up locations, are easily handled with wireless solutions. The absence of physical cables simplifies relocation and disconnection when required.

Competes with traditional broadband speeds

Modern wireless technology provides speeds like DSL and some cable broadband options. Bandwidth supports:

• Video calls
• Cloud apps
• Daily business tasks

Avoids reliance on legacy infrastructure

Outdated copper or cable systems are not needed with wireless solutions. Fewer interruptions and improved reliability make it a better choice than older networks.

Supports scalability for growing businesses

Scaling Internet needs is straightforward with fixed wireless. Adding new locations or increasing bandwidth doesn’t require extensive physical infrastructure upgrades.

Improves business continuity with diverse connectivity

Wireless options can act as backup Internet for businesses using wired broadband. Work continues even if the main connection goes down.

Reduces environmental impact

Cable installation and heavy construction are not required, lowering environmental disruption. Businesses can reduce their ecological footprint with this eco-friendly option.

Adapts to challenging terrains and conditions

Wireless solutions work well in areas with physical or environmental barriers. Hills, rivers, and urban congestion do not block reliable connectivity.

Limitations of fixed wireless broadband

Fixed wireless broadband has certain challenges businesses should consider before deployment. Understanding these limitations helps in determining if it suits specific needs.

Requires line-of-sight for optimal performance

The connection between the transmission tower and the receiver needs a clear, unobstructed path. The following can disrupt signals, leading to slower speeds or disconnections:

• Buildings
• Trees
• Terrain

Signal quality depends on environmental conditions

Rain, snow, and wind can degrade signal strength, especially for systems using higher-frequency bands. Severe storms may cause noticeable drops in performance or interruptions.

Range is limited by distance from the tower

Fixed wireless typically works best within 3 to 10 miles of the transmission tower. Beyond this range:

• Speeds decrease
• Latency increases
• Reliability may drop

Placement of the receiver affects connectivity

The receiver’s location plays a critical role in performance. Elevating it on a roof or mast is often needed to avoid obstructions and maintain a strong connection.

Performance varies by frequency band used

Higher-frequency bands like mmWave provide faster speeds but are more susceptible to interference and shorter ranges. Lower-frequency bands are more resilient but may not match the speeds of higher bands.

Scalability depends on local tower capacity

As more users connect to the same tower, bandwidth availability decreases. Businesses in densely populated areas may face slower speeds during peak usage.

Challenging in extreme weather locations

Regions prone to frequent storms or heavy rainfall may experience more disruptions. Businesses in such areas should consider these risks when evaluating fixed wireless.

More vulnerable to interference than wired options

Wireless signals face more interference from devices and environmental factors than wired connections. This may reduce reliability in crowded areas.

Technological advancements in fixed wireless broadband

Fixed wireless broadband has come a long way, closing the gap with wired options like fiber and cable. Thanks to ongoing improvements, it’s become a solid choice for high-speed, reliable Internet without the hassle of physical infrastructure.

5G integration boosts performance

With 5G technology, fixed wireless broadband has stepped up its game:

• Speeds are faster.
• Latency is lower.
• The capacity to handle more devices at once has improved dramatically.

Think of it as upgrading a single-lane road to a multi-lane freeway—data flows better, even during peak times. 5G makes high-bandwidth tasks like video calls, cloud services, and IoT setups more practical. However, heavy usage in crowded areas can still cause slowdowns when too many users share a tower.

Beamforming and MIMO make connections smarter

Beamforming directs the signal straight to the receiver, avoiding unnecessary scattering. It’s like focusing a flashlight on a target instead of lighting up the entire room.

MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) adds another layer by allowing multiple data streams to transmit simultaneously. These technologies work together to improve connection stability and minimize disruptions when consistent performance matters most.

Range and speed improvements reach new areas

New technology is helping fixed wireless reach farther and deliver faster speeds. With 5G and other upgrades, it works better over long distances, even in places where fiber or cable isn’t available. More areas now have access to reliable Internet that wasn’t possible before.

A viable competitor to wired options

Fixed wireless is no longer just an alternative. With better speed, reliability, and flexibility, it’s a great option where wired Internet isn’t available or practical.

Fixed wireless broadband vs. fiber broadband

When deciding between fixed wireless and traditional wired broadband, businesses often weigh three key factors:

• Speed
• Reliability
• Cost

Here’s how they compare.

Speed depends on your needs

Fixed wireless often matches cable broadband speeds, especially with 5G technology. Fiber delivers the fastest speeds available and handles large data loads and symmetrical uploads more effectively, making it ideal for demanding workloads.

Reliability comes down to consistency

Fiber broadband tends to be more reliable because it isn’t affected by weather or physical obstacles. Fixed wireless has improved a lot, thanks to technologies like beamforming and MIMO, but environmental factors like heavy rain or obstructed line-of-sight can still impact performance. If uptime is critical, fiber may be the better option.

Cost favors fixed wireless in remote areas

Fiber installation in rural areas is expensive due to digging and laying cables. Fixed wireless avoids these costs, offering a more affordable and faster setup, making it a practical choice in remote locations or when quick deployment is needed.

Meter Connect provides a better fixed wireless broadband service

Meter Connect can help you find the best fixed wireless broadband provider. With our service, you can avoid the hassle of sorting through confusing plans yourself. We can work with over 75 ISPs to make it easier to choose the right option for your location and needs. Add competitive pricing to the list, and you no longer need to waste time comparing services or negotiating contracts again.

While Meter Connect focuses on helping you choose the right provider, Meter NaaS (Network as a Service) handles network growth. It works well with fixed wireless broadband, making it simple to expand locations. Not to mention adding more bandwidth without complicated upgrades. Both services work together to keep your Internet reliable and your network ready to grow.

With Meter, choosing and managing fixed wireless broadband becomes much easier. Contact us to find the right provider and explore how NaaS can support your setup.