While most of us are familiar with home internet delivered by fiber, another option known as fixed wireless internet is gaining traction as an alternative when fiber isn’t available.
But what exactly is fixed wireless internet, and how does it work?
C Spire 5G Home Internet, our fixed wireless internet service, is a high-speed internet service that delivers connectivity through cellular signals rather than traditional cables or phone lines. Think of it as 5G coverage for your home.
This method of accessing the internet requires a connection between a fixed antenna on your home and a nearby cell tower, and it’s most often used in rural and underserved areas where installing fiber infrastructure is prohibited by factors such as cost and topography.
Let’s explore the functionality and benefits of fixed wireless home internet.
How does fixed wireless work?
A fixed wireless internet connection operates by using a few key components:
- Base station: Your internet service provider’s tower or antenna transmits the internet signal, typically from an elevated location to maximize coverage.
- Customer receiver: A small antenna or dish is installed on your home or business property to receive the signal from the base station.
- Line-of-sight connection: A clear, unobstructed line of sight between the customer antenna and the base station is crucial for optimal performance.
- Router: The signal received by the customer antenna is transmitted to a router, which distributes the internet connection throughout your home or office via WiFi or Ethernet cables.
Why would I want to use fixed wireless?
Here is a rundown of the top benefits:
- High-speed connectivity: Fixed wireless internet speeds typically reach 100 Mbps, making it suitable for typical household internet usage.
- Quick deployment: Unlike fiber or cable, fixed wireless internet doesn’t require extensive infrastructure. A quicker installation period gets you online faster.
- Cost-effective in rural areas: For areas where traditional broadband is unavailable or expensive to deploy, fixed wireless provides an affordable alternative.
- Low latency: Fixed wireless has lower latency than options like satellite internet, which is better for real-time applications like video calls and online gaming.
Want to learn more about fixed wireless in your area? Check out C Spire 5G Home Internet here.