Overcoming challenges with Fixed Wireless Access
We’re all aware of the major benefits Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) brings to businesses seeking reliable and reliable Internet, business continuity, and fast deployment. However, like any technology, Fixed Wireless Access faces certain challenges that can impact its performance and reliability.
Businesses can optimize their FWA deployments for maximum performance and reliability by understanding and addressing common issues, such as:
- Signal interference.
- Weather conditions.
- Network congestion.
- Fading.
Understanding Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a type of 5G, 4G or LTE wireless technology that uses radio signals to transmit data instead of cables. It’s gained significant popularity over the years as businesses look for fast ways to connect their operations. If you think about setting up a new site and getting the infrastructure and cables set up, you’re facing lost opportunity costs while you wait. As well as the costs of the cabling, installation, etc.
So having an option that bypasses the cables and provides fast connectivity is an attractive prospect for many enterprises.
Common challenges for Fixed Wireless Access
However, without a trusted and experienced connectivity partner guiding your FWA deployment, you could fact challenges that impact your connectivity at that site. These include:
Challenge #1. Signal interference
Interference can originate from various sources, including other wireless networks, electronic devices, and physical obstructions. This interference can degrade signal quality, leading to reduced performance and connectivity issues.
Sources of interference:
- Other wireless networks: Nearby wireless networks operating on the same or adjacent frequency bands can cause interference.
- Electronic devices: Devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices can emit signals that interfere with FWA.
Solutions to interference challenges:
Frequency planning:
- Spectrum analysis: Conduct a thorough spectrum analysis to identify available frequency bands with minimal interference. Use tools to monitor and analyze the wireless spectrum.
- Frequency selection: Choose frequency bands that are less congested and have lower interference potential. Consider using licensed bands for exclusive use and reduced interference.
Advanced antenna technologies:
- Directional antennas: Use directional antennas, such as Yagi or parabolic antennas, to focus the signal towards the base station, reducing interference from other sources.
- Beamforming: Implement beamforming technology to direct the signal towards the intended receiver, minimizing the impact of interference from other directions.
Interference mitigation techniques:
- Channel selection: Use dynamic channel selection to automatically switch to the least congested channel, reducing the impact of interference.
- Power control: Adjust the transmission power to minimize interference with nearby networks while maintaining a strong signal.
Challenge #2. Weather conditions
Rain, snow, fog, and extreme temperatures can cause signal attenuation, leading to reduced signal strength and degraded performance.
The impact of the weather:
- Rain and snow: Precipitation can cause signal scattering and absorption, leading to attenuation.
- Fog and humidity: High humidity and fog can affect signal propagation, reducing the effective range.
- Temperature extremes: Extreme temperatures can impact the performance and reliability of network equipment.
Solutions to adverse weather conditions
Weather-resistant equipment:
- Durable antennas: Use weather-resistant antennas designed to withstand harsh conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Sealed enclosures: Protect network equipment with sealed enclosures to prevent moisture ingress and temperature-related damage.
Challenge #3. Network congestion
Network congestion can occur when multiple users share the same network resources, leading to reduced performance and slower speeds. This is particularly common in densely populated areas or during peak usage times.
Solutions to network congestion challenges:
Capacity planning:
- Demand forecasting: Forecast network demand based on user density, peak usage times, and data consumption patterns. Plan capacity to accommodate peak loads.
- Scalable infrastructure: Design the network with scalability in mind, allowing for easy expansion as demand grows.
Quality of Service (QoS):
- Traffic prioritization: Implement QoS mechanisms to prioritize critical traffic, such as voice and video, over less time-sensitive data. This ensures optimal performance for essential applications.
- Bandwidth allocation: Allocate bandwidth based on user requirements and service level agreements (SLAs). Ensure fair distribution of network resources.
Advanced technologies:
- Load balancing: Use load balancing techniques to distribute traffic evenly across the network, preventing any single node from becoming a bottleneck.
- Implement SD-WAN: SD-WAN dynamically routes traffic across optimal paths, reducing congestion by leveraging FWA for improved performance during peak times or in underserved areas.
Challenge #4. Fading issues
Fading refers to the weakening of the wireless signal due to obstacles, interference, or distance from the base station, impacting connection quality and speed.
Solutions to mitigate fading in FWA networks:
Antenna placement and design:
- Strategic placement: Ensure optimal antenna positioning to minimize interference from buildings or natural obstacles and improve line-of-sight to the base station.
- High-gain antennas: Use high-gain directional antennas to boost signal strength and reduce the impact of distance and environmental factors that cause fading.
Best practices for overcoming Fixed Wireless Access challenges
1. Comprehensive planning:
- Conduct detailed site surveys and spectrum analysis to identify potential challenges and plan accordingly.
- Develop a comprehensive network design that accounts for capacity, scalability, and redundancy.
2. Advanced technologies:
- Leverage advanced technologies such as 5G, beamforming, and NLoS solutions to enhance network performance and reliability.
- Use automated systems and real-time monitoring to optimize network parameters based on environmental conditions.
3. Regular maintenance:
- Perform regular maintenance to manage vegetation, inspect equipment, and ensure optimal performance.
- Update software and firmware to protect against security vulnerabilities and enhance functionality.
4. Security measures:
- Implement robust security measures, including encryption, authentication, and network monitoring, to protect against threats.
- Educate users and staff on security best practices to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of human error.
5. Continuous improvement:
- Continuously monitor network performance and user feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry best practices to keep the network up-to-date and competitive.
6. Work with a knowledgeable Managed Service Provider
Working with an experienced MSP can ensure you gain the connectivity solution you need that’s strategically aligned and configured to your needs. Saving you a lot of time and manual management while ensuring you see the utmost benefits of this connectivity solution wherever you need it.
Go faster to the future with seamless Fixed Wireless Access deployment from Expereo
When you partner with Expereo, we quickly deploy reliable, flexible mobile (4G/LTE/5G) networks even in remote areas or locations that are normally difficult to connect.
Whatever your specific needs, our Fixed Wireless Access service includes vendor-agnostic SIM cards mean access to all Global Mobile Network Operators in the area to ensure the strongest connection at all times, all with visibility and control built in with expereoOne.
Get in touch today to discuss your connectivity needs.