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What is Microwave Internet? Advantages and Disadvantages

microwave internet

Considering switching from leased lines. Then microwave Internet is a Better Choice.

“This article will outline the concept of microwave internet and its advantages and disadvantages for you.”

Microwave Internet: A Superior Solution for Rural and Underserved Areas

Table of Contents

What is microwave internet technology?

Microwave systems utilize high-frequency radio waves to give a data transmission voice and video service, as well as data information, in a fast and wireless manner. This technology provides a point-to-point connection, which is an economical substitute of leased line connections. At this technology, you can connect the two points and keep them connected to the ip network without interruption at quite a low time cost.

Microwave Internet: Wireless Access (WLA)

Microwave internet connectivity is an advanced wireless solution that surpasses fiber connectivity in several ways. It utilizes robust radio waves to transmit data wirelessly, making it more reliable and efficient than traditional physical lines.

Wireless Access (WLA) or Microwave internet is a cutting-edge technology that delivers lightning-fast internet connectivity at home or office.

It is also known as radio shot, wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi link. It allows you to experience seamless connectivity without interruptions or lags. 

Microwave Internet: Connectivity and Speed

It provides a reliable and stable connection that delivers high speed and sufficient bandwidth regardless of your location. This contributes to an increase in the efficiency and profitability of your business. With a microwave connection, you can attain upload and download speeds similar to those of traditional fiber-leased lines.

Depending on the requirements of your business, you can choose connection speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 10Gbps.”

Why Microwave Internet is important?

As the world evolves rapidly with the rise of digital technology, the pace of change has accelerated significantly. What once required months for delivery now happens within seconds. Modern communication tools have effectively facilitated instant connections between individuals across the globe through Internet communication.

However, it’s essential to recognize that disasters can strike unexpectedly, whether in the form of floods, hail, rain storms, road construction, fires, or other uncontrollable events that can damage the wiring system of the internet connection.

As the name suggests, you don’t need wire Internet networks. This unique wireless networking enables data transmission even in harsh weather conditions like rain, hail, snow, dust, or smoke.

Recent advancements have transformed frequency allocation, providing significant benefits and reshaping the industry.

Advantages of Microwave Internet:

Advantages microwave internet
Advantage Description
More Reliable Than a Leased Line As the connection is wireless via microwaves, it isn't susceptible to damage from external factors like floods or road works, ensuring consistent connectivity.
Fast Installation It can be installed and fully functional in just 2 weeks, as it doesn't require extensive construction.
Uptimes Exceeding 99.99% It offers greater uptime compared to most leased lines, ensuring minimal disruptions to your connectivity.
100% Dedicated Connection You have a dedicated connection, meaning no other users can slow down your connection during peak hours.
Ultra-low Latency Ideal for real-time applications such as video conferencing, VoIP calls, and gaming due to its ultra-low latency.
Lightning-fast Speeds Offers symmetrical upload and download speeds ranging from 100Mbps to 10Gbps, tailored to meet business requirements.

Microwave technology offers several undeniable advantages, which we have outlined below.

1. Empowering Remote Access:

Microwave radio links are the future of internet connectivity and the most effective solution in areas where copper lines or fiber broadband are unavailable. 

This technology ensures a stable and impressive internet speed, making it the ultimate choice in remote locations. By harnessing this high-frequency connection, your business can enjoy a dependable internet connection without delay or uncertainty.

Don’t wait for new infrastructure to be deployed in your area; choose microwave radio links today and experience unmatched internet speeds and reliability.

2. Rapid installation:

It is crucial to note that cabled internet connections and fiber lease lines can be problematic during installation, leading to significant delays in accessing internet services for your business.

Furthermore, successful installation may require intrusive construction and structural work to connect customers to the Internet. Therefore, planning and preparing for any potential issues during installation is very important to ensure a seamless internet connection for your business.

It’s essential to be aware that the further your business is from the nearest exchange, the greater the likelihood of experiencing structural problems. Furthermore, the installation costs of cable connections in such locations can be high.

On the other hand, microwave internet installation is a straightforward process, even in locations where installing cable connections might seem impractical. You won’t need a satellite dish; only a discreet antenna is required, which is unlikely to violate any planning restrictions. 

The installation process is typically completed within a few days, in stark contrast to fiber-leased line connections which can take several weeks.

3. High Frequency and Low Latency:

The capacity of the microwave band to transmit information efficiently from one location to another is noteworthy, owing to its high frequency.

This capability enables microwave connections to surpass commonly used fixed wireless fiber connections and offers low latency. 

Latency measures the time that data takes to travel over an internet connection. While latency may not be a significant concern for regular internet usage, it is immensely significant in business operations. Low latency is crucial for cloud-based applications such as VoIP, financial trading, and businesses that rapidly transfer large volumes of data daily.

4. Uncontended and Secure Connectivity:

Microwave internet is the most appropriate solution for the enterprises that do not want to compromise with the internet connection.

It provides an uncontended connection that is not shared with other users ensuring effective internet browsing. In addition, this type of internet also has a Service Level Agreement which ensures the quality of service you will have.

The same technology may cost more than other broadband solutions, however, it is really worth the money. It is reliable and safe for businesses in remote locations as it increases the level of efficiency through providing fast internet access.


For those who are searching for a broadband internet that is very fast when browsing then you need to try microwave internet.

Disadvantages of Microwave Internet

Disadvantages of microwave internet
Disadvantage Description
Weather Vulnerability The quality and reliability of microwave signals are affected by unfavorable weather conditions like precipitation, fog, or snow, which can cause signal loss or service interruptions.
Line of Sight Microwave transmission requires a clear line of sight between transmitting and receiving antennas, limiting its use in areas with many obstructions.
Limited Distance Microwave transmission has a shorter range compared to other technologies, like fiber optics, necessitating more infrastructure to cover long distances.
Impairment of the Communication System Microwave communication systems can be interfered with by other devices or systems using overlapping frequencies, leading to potential service disruptions.
Security Threats Since microwave signals travel through open air, they pose security concerns, as unauthorized parties could intercept sensitive information.
Dependability Issues Microwave internet depends on equipment working properly, and issues like equipment failure or power outages could result in downtime for users.

It is imperative to consider the limitations of microwave radio link connections, as they require unobstructed paths for installation due to their line of sight propagation.

Obstructions such as mountains and buildings can negatively affect the quality of the connection.

Additionally, rain attenuation can affect this connection in areas with heavy rainfall or precipitative weather, especially over long distances and at high frequencies.

What Situations Call for Microwave Internet?

If your business is far away from the nearest exchange or in a remote area, traditional phone line connections may not meet your company’s speed requirements. Adopting microwave internet is a game-changer for your business. It offers secure, fast, and dedicated internet access, significantly boosting productivity and operational efficiency. Additionally, it reduces installation and maintenance costs, enabling you to achieve your business objectives quickly.

This technology can also be used as a backup strategy to ensure business continuity and resilience, which is an intelligent approach to avoid relying solely on a single technology. The uncontended nature of this technology, coupled with its service level agreement, makes it ideal for hosting high-bandwidth applications, especially in areas where leased lines are unavailable. It provides high-speed connectivity to businesses that would otherwise have to compromise on internet speed.

Microwave is an evolving technology with immense business expansion potential. It can be tailored to address challenges and meet the specific needs of your business, making it a valuable investment for any company seeking to enhance its operations and stay ahead of the competition confidently. 

So, upgrade to microwave internet today and experience the difference it can make for your business.

Conclusion:

The article asserts that microwave internet, also known as wireless access, is a high-frequency radio link that encrypts signals and converts them into copper or fiber connections. It highlights the advantages of microwave internet, such as quick installation, low latency, remote access, and security. 

The article also acknowledges disadvantages, including weather-related connectivity issues and line-of-sight limitations. It concludes that businesses needing secure and reliable connections, as well as rural locations and remote areas, should be highly considered.

 It portrays it as a significant technology that bridges digital divides and empowers underserved areas. Moreover, continuous technological advancements promise increased efficiency, further reinforcing its vital role in the global digital landscape.

Frequently asked question: Microwave internet

Yes, It is more reliable to use a microwave connection because connectivity is established through microwaves, unlike leased-line connections that rely on miles of physical cable connections, which natural disasters like floods, rain, dust, and fire can disrupt.

A microwave link is a dependable communication system utilizing a radio wave beam within the microwave frequency range to transmit diverse data types, including video, audio, and more. Whether spanning short distances of just a few feet or meters or extending several miles or kilometers apart, this system excels in transmitting data with unparalleled precision and accuracy.

It is important to note that inclement weather will affect the speed and stability of your fixed wireless internet connection. Heavy rain and high humidity, in particular, can cause interference and reduce speed. 

Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of these potential disruptions and take necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted internet service.

Latency on Microwave Internet services can vary depending on various factors such as distance, atmospheric conditions, and network congestion. Generally, microwave links can provide low-latency connections similar to or even better than traditional wired connections like fiber optics, especially when deployed over shorter distances. However, in adverse weather conditions or over longer distances, latency may increase slightly due to signal propagation delays. Overall, these services can offer low-latency connectivity suitable for real-time applications such as online gaming, video conferencing, and VoIP calls.

While both microwave and fiber optics offer ultra-low latency, microwave technology often surpasses fiber optics in speed. Microwave connections can achieve end-to-end latency of less than 1 millisecond, whereas fiber optics typically have latency just under 1.6 milliseconds. This advantage is due to microwave's direct connection to the national fiber network, bypassing exchanges and potentially reducing latency. However, the actual speed and performance can vary based on factors like distance, atmospheric conditions, and network congestion. Despite these variations, both technologies offer high-speed connectivity suitable for various applications.

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