Fixed wireless
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Fixed wirelessis the operation ofwirelesscommunication devices or systems used to connect two fixed locations (e.g., building to building or tower to building) with a radio or other wireless link, such aslaser bridge.[1]Usually, fixed wireless is part of awireless LANinfrastructure. The purpose of a fixed wireless link is to enable data communications between the two sites or buildings. Fixed wireless data (FWD) links are often a cost-effective alternative to leasing fiber or installing cables between the buildings.
Thepoint-to-pointsignaltransmissionsoccur through the air over aterrestrialmicrowaveplatform rather than throughcopperoroptical fiber;therefore, fixed wireless does not requiresatellitefeeds or localtelephoneservice. The advantages of fixed wireless include the ability to connect with users in remote areas without the need for laying new cables and the capacity for broadbandwidththat is not impeded by fiber or cable capacities. Fixed wireless devices usually derive their electrical power from thepublic utilitymains, unlike mobile wireless or portable wireless devices which tend to bebatterypowered.
Antennas
[edit]Fixed wireless services typically use a directional radio antenna on each end of the signal (e.g., on each building). These antennas are generally larger than those seen inWi-Fisetups and are designed for outdoor use. Several types of radio antennas are available that accommodate various weather conditions, signal distances and bandwidths. They are usually selected to make the beam as narrow as possible and thus focus transmit power to their destination, increasing reliability and reducing the chance of eavesdropping or data injection. The links are usually arranged as a point-to-point setup to permit the use of these antennas. This also permits the link to have better speed and or better reach for the same amount of power.
These antennas are typically designed to be used in the unlicensedISM bandradio frequency bands (900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), however, in most commercial installations, licensed frequencies may be used to ensure quality of service (QoS) or to provide higher connection speeds.
Fixed wireless broadband
[edit]Businesses and homes can use fixed-wireless antenna technology to access broadband Internet andLayer 2networks using fixed wireless broadband. Networks which have redundancy and saturation and antennas that can aggregate signal from multiple carriers are able to offer fail-over and redundancy for connectivity not generally afforded by wired connections. In rural areas where wired infrastructure is not yet available, fixed-wireless broadband can be a viable option for Internet access.[2]
See also
[edit]- Internet access
- Mobile wireless communication
- Mobile broadband
- Microwave Bypass
- Ethernet bridge
- Wireless ISP
References
[edit]- ^"Wireless Broadband and Other Fixed-Wireless Systems"(PDF).networkcomputing.Archived(PDF)from the original on 2017-12-01.Retrieved2008-02-20.
- ^"What Is Fixed Wireless Internet and What Are the Pros and Cons?".Lifewire.Archivedfrom the original on 2018-11-18.Retrieved2018-05-18.