Fixed wireless internet is a great solution for businesses where other internet connections aren't available. But despite its flexibility and ease of implementation, fixed wireless still suffers from a variety of misconceptions about its use and benefits.
In this blog, we're clearing up the most common fixed wireless misconceptions so you can learn more about this reliable, cost-effective internet solution.
One of the biggest misconceptions about fixed wireless is that it is unreliable. The reality is that fixed wireless can be more reliable than satellite and fiber internet connections.
Satellite internet relies on signals traveling from space to your business and back, slowing data transmission significantly. In contrast, fixed wireless allows for much faster transmission times since the antenna that sends and receives data is located on a transmission site near the business.
Wired internet connections offer the same or greater reliability than fixed wireless. However, they may not be viable options for businesses in remote areas where running cables is too difficult or expensive.
The myth that weather affects fixed wireless performance may come from some businesses' experiences with improperly installed equipment rather than environmental conditions.
While certain frequencies of fixed wireless equipment can be susceptible to weather interference, expert engineers work to prevent this issue when installing fixed wireless. Engineers know how to read the climate, terrain, and other factors to determine what equipment will work best for a particular site. They design a connection that encompasses your business's needs and the environmental factors - effectively preventing weather interference.
Another misconception is that fixed wireless equipment can damage buildings.
Installing fixed wireless equipment is simple and can be done in a few ways. Your provider may mount a dish antenna on the roof and run a cable to connect the dish to your server room or router, which is non-invasive to your business' infrastructure. Other methods include using pole mounts or installing non-penetrating roof designs that prevent damage to the building.
Because of fixed wireless' simple concept and its ability to offer fast internet speeds, it's a highly-scalable solution for both long-term and temporary needs.
Compared to wired solutions like fiber, fixed wireless takes much less time to set up. Digging and trenching fiber can result in permitting obstacles and delays - especially where the provider has to go through publicly protected lands such as national parks. These obstacles don't affect fixed wireless, making for a faster, more scalable connectivity option.
Businesses can also upgrade fixed wireless incrementally to control costs. Fiber, cable, or satellite, on the other hand, are CapEx-intensive and require significant funds and time to improve through each generation.
Some believe fixed wireless internet lacks security due to the over-the-air transmission of fixed wireless signals. In fact, research shows that fixed wireless offers the same or better security as other internet service provider options, including cable, DSL, and satellite.
The fixed wireless industry has long doubled down on security to ensure safety because of concerns over wireless internet transmissions. Fixed wireless components are not open access and include military-grade security features. In many cases, these solutions are more secure than other connectivity options that lack the same treatment and upgrades.
Misconceptions about fixed wireless often mislead business decision-makers looking for the right connectivity solution. In reality, fixed wireless offers a secure, scalable, and easy-to-deploy internet solution that isn't susceptible to the weather interruptions that plague other internet options.
Interested in learning more about fixed wireless? Check out our free on-demand webinar today to hear the 101 on fixed wireless solutions and learn how BeyondReach can help you transform your customers' business connectivity.