What is Microwave Internet? Advantages and Disadvantages

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

What is microwave internet technology?

Microwave technology uses high-frequency radio waves to provide fast wireless connections for transmitting voice, video, and data information. This technology allows for a point-to-point connection between two locations, which offers a cost-effective alternative to leased line connections. With this technology, you can establish a continuous internet connection between two points quickly and reliably.

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:

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 best choice for businesses seeking an uncompromising internet connection. It provides an uncontended connection, which is not shared with other users, ensuring a seamless browsing experience.

Additionally, it comes with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that guarantees the quality of service you receive.

This technology may be more expensive than other broadband solutions, but it is cost-effective and provides excellent value. It is a reliable and secure option for businesses operating in remote areas, improving business productivity by delivering high-speed internet access.

If you are looking for a reliable internet connection that guarantees the fastest browsing speed, look no further than microwave internet.

Disadvantages of Microwave Internet

Disadvantage	Description
Susceptibility to Weather Conditions	Microwave signals can be affected by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, leading to signal degradation or interruptions in connectivity.
Line-of-Sight Requirement	Microwave links require an unobstructed line of sight between the transmitter and receiver antennas, limiting deployment options in areas with obstacles.
Limited Range	Microwave signals are typically limited to shorter distances compared to other transmission technologies like fiber optics, requiring additional infrastructure for extended coverage.
Interference Potential	Microwave frequencies can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices or neighboring microwave links operating on similar frequencies, impacting signal quality.
Security Concerns	As microwave signals are transmitted through the air, they can be intercepted by unauthorized parties, posing potential security risks to sensitive data.
Reliability Challenges	Microwave internet may experience disruptions due to equipment malfunctions, power outages, or maintenance issues, leading to 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

Is microwave internet reliable?

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.

How far microwave internet can travel?

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.

Is microwave internet affected by weather?

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.

How's the latency on Microwave Internet?

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.

Is microwave faster than fiber optics?

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.