The technical specifications of Fixed Wireless Access
As businesses increasingly seek robust, scalable, and efficient Internet options, 4G/LTE/5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) options are gaining popularity over wired solutions and purely fiber networks. To ensure you get the right network for your business’s requirements, you need to understand the technical aspects of Fixed Wireless Access, including the required infrastructure, hardware components, and network setup.
The foundation of Fixed Wireless Access
By delving into the technical specifications of Fixed Wireless Access, its infrastructure requirements, hardware components, and network setup, your business can ensure robust, scalable, and cost-effective Internet access.
Firstly, what is Fixed Wireless Access?
Fixed Wireless Access is a technology that delivers reliable Internet services using wireless communication between a cell tower and a fixed endpoint, such as a business or home. It’s called Fixed Wireless Access because the wireless mobile network connects to the fixed network at a specified site. So it is wireless for a couple of 100 meters before it turns into a normal fiber connection again. Allowing you to get the best of both world and ensuring consistent performance at every site – even the most remote ones!
Unlike mobile wireless services, FWA is intended for stationary use, providing a reliable alternative to traditional wired broadband connections.
Key Components of Fixed Wireless Access’s Infrastructure
The cell tower
The cell tower is a critical component of FWA infrastructure. It consists of antennas and radio transceivers that communicate with customer premises equipment (CPE) at the user's location. The cell tower connects to the Internet backbone, enabling data transmission to and from the end-user.
Technical specifications:
- Frequency bands: The cell tower operates on various frequency bands, including licensed and unlicensed spectra. Common bands include 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and millimeter-wave bands such as 24 GHz and 60 GHz.
- Transmission power: The transmission power of the cell tower determines its coverage area and signal strength. Higher transmission power can cover larger areas but may be subject to regulatory limits.
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
CPE is installed at the user's location. It communicates wirelessly with the cell tower, receiving and transmitting data to provide Internet connectivity.
Technical specifications:
- Antenna type: Directional antennas (e.g., Yagi, Poynting) are commonly used to focus the signal towards the cell tower, enhancing signal strength and quality.
- Router or modem capabilities: The CPE is a router or modem that manages local network traffic, providing connectivity to multiple devices within the premises.
Network backbone
The network backbone connects the cell tower to the broader Internet infrastructure. It comprises high-capacity links, often using fiber-optic cables, to ensure fast and reliable data transfer.
Technical specifications:
- Bandwidth capacity: The backbone must support high data rates to handle the aggregated traffic from multiple users connected to the cell tower.
- Redundancy: Implementing redundant links in the backbone ensures continuous service availability in case of a link failure.
SIM card
The SIM card is a crucial component in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) systems that use 4G or 5G networks, enabling the device to authenticate and connect to the cellular network.
Technical specifications:
- Authentication: The SIM supports secure authentication to the mobile network, ensuring authorized access to data services.
- Network compatibility: It should be compatible with the cellular network’s frequency bands and technology (4G or 5G) for optimal performance.
- Data plan provisioning: The SIM needs to be provisioned with an appropriate data plan, capable of supporting the bandwidth and usage requirements of the FWA connection.
Setting up a Fixed Wireless Access network
Site survey and planning
Site surveys involve assessing the geographical area, identifying potential obstacles (e.g., buildings, trees), and determining the optimal locations for cell towers and CPEs.
Key steps:
- Line-of-sight analysis: Ensuring a clear line of sight between the cell tower and CPE is crucial for maintaining a strong and stable connection.
- Signal propagation modeling: Using software tools to model signal propagation helps in predicting coverage areas and identifying potential interference sources.
- Installation and configuration: The installation process involves setting up the cell tower and CPE, configuring network settings, and conducting tests to ensure optimal performance.
Installation steps:
- CPE installation: Positioning the CPE antennas to align with the cell tower, ensuring a clear line of sight. Configuring the router settings to manage local network traffic effectively.
Installation is quick and efficient, and in some scenarios can be achieved in as little as 24 hours. Enquire with for more details or explore our customer success story here for details on how Expereo can install Fixed Wireless Access in rapid timeframes.
The benefits of Fixed Wireless Access’s technical specifications
As the saying goes, with knowledge comes power… or more accurately a high-performance network. The following is a list of the ways you can use the different technical specifications of Fixed Wireless Access to your advantage when deploying it within your connectivity strategy:
Optimizing network performance
By understanding the technical specifications and infrastructure requirements of Fixed Wireless Access, you can optimize your network’s performance with:
- Enhanced coverage and capacity: Proper planning and deployment ensure comprehensive coverage and sufficient capacity to handle high traffic volumes.
- Improved reliability: Implementing robust infrastructure and redundant links minimizes downtime and enhances the reliability of the network.
- Cost efficiency: Knowledge of technical specifications allows businesses to make informed decisions about equipment and deployment strategies, optimizing costs while ensuring high performance.
Scalability and flexibility
Fixed Wireless Access offers excellent scalability, allowing businesses to expand their network as their needs grow. You can add new users and increasing bandwidth with minimal infrastructure changes with:
- Seamless integration: FWA can be integrated with existing network infrastructure, providing flexibility and ease of expansion.
- Future-proofing: Staying informed about technological advancements in FWA ensures that businesses can adapt to new developments and maintain a competitive edge.
Future trends in Fixed Wireless Access technology
As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about advancements in FWA will enable businesses to leverage these innovations, ensuring their networks remain competitive and future-proof. We’ve provided a brief overview of the main advancement in Fixed Wireless connectivity in recent years.
5G Integration
The integration of 5G technology with FWA promises significant enhancements in speed, latency, and capacity. 5G FWA can deliver gigabit speeds and ultra-low latency, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications and next-generation services due to:
- Millimeter-wave technology: Utilizing higher frequency bands for increased bandwidth and faster data rates.
- Network slicing: Enabling customized network configurations for different use cases, ensuring optimal performance for diverse applications.
- Advanced antenna technologies: Advancements in antenna technologies, such as Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and beamforming, are improving the efficiency and performance of FWA networks.
Benefits:
- Higher Capacity: Supporting more simultaneous connections and higher data rates.
- Improved Coverage: Enhancing signal strength and quality, even in challenging environments.
Ready to incorporate Fixed Wireless Access into your connectivity strategy?
With its numerous advantages, Fixed Wireless Access is poised to be a cornerstone of global connectivity in the years to come. However, deploying Fixed Wireless Access requires the right provider. 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.
Fixed Wireless Access from Expereo is deliverable as a primary or failover. We work with you to boost your terrestrial connections as and where they are needed, giving you greater flexibility and improved access while ensuring business continuity with access to multiple possible networks. All with visibility and control built in with expereoOne.
Get in touch today to discuss your connectivity needs.