Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is having “a moment”!
Although the technology is not new, this connectivity option has recently reemerged as a popular alternative for small and enterprise-level businesses. And for good reason. FWA allows businesses to connect, communicate, and back up their networks in ways they never thought possible. And while Fixed Wireless Access made its name (literally) by helping to connect hard-to-reach physical locations—businesses are discovering that it delivers so much more.
If you’re not fully aware of the flexible, affordable, and empowering benefits of FWA, here’s your chance to learn more!
What is FWA?
First, let’s clarify what it’s not. Fixed Wireless Access is not 4th generation or 5th generation (4G or 5G) wireless cellular technology. This is a common misconception.
Instead, Fixed Wireless Access is a 4 Gigahertz or 5 Gigahertz transmission option that uses radio frequencies to bridge high-speed broadband between two locations, rather than having to lay cable or fiber or connecting via satellite.
FWA solutions use wireless radio appliances on rooftops, utility poles, and other high perches, which operate like mini cell towers. However, unlike cellular-based connectivity, FWA uses dedicated fixed wireless technology to create direct point-to-point (or point-to-multipoint) connections between the user and the nearby base station. And to be clear, “dedicated” is the operative word. It means this wireless connection is not only direct, but exclusively yours—you share it with no one else.
Beyond Just an Access Fix
Originally, the appeal of FWA was its ability to connect businesses located in tough-to-reach spots, where satellite options may be viable, but are generally low-speed, asymmetrical, and high-latency, or when laying new fiber optic cable would be cost-prohibitive.
But in addition to providing solutions to these access challenges, FWA also makes possible many other use cases and advantages, such as:
- True Network Diversity: Say you are satisfied with your current broadband provider but want to ensure backup resiliency and redundancy. It’s not a bad idea. After all, can a redundant circuit ever be fully independent if it uses the exact same access point as the primary circuit? No, right? However, by mirroring your network with an FWA solution, you’re introducing a new and fully independent network access point not only as a failsafe, but also a completely dedicated one, used by your business alone. It’s the very definition of diversity.
- Faster Network Deployment: Since FWA leverages a carrier’s many points of presence (POPs) at the EDGE, the point closest to the physical end-user’s site, deployment is significantly easier, and lead-time is faster and more affordable. Organizations can be up and running in weeks, not months. Plus, FWA is extendable and scalable in ways that cable, fiber, or satellite simply cannot achieve. And such flexibility and affordability are particularly advantageous to businesses whose operations are in full digital transformation mode, being more dependent than ever on company-wide high-speed connectivity.
- Speed, Reliability, and Security: Again, don’t be thrown by the term “wireless” and assume that FWA, like wireless cellular service, can be slow, inconsistent, or vulnerable to cyberattack. Skywire manages the connection for you and leverages technologies that keep your connection stable and your data safe and secure. Furthermore, even though traveling wirelessly, your data isn’t being broadcast on some wide-open channel, exposed and vulnerable to malicious parties. On the contrary, FWA networks utilize multiple layers of sophisticated encryption that are designed and built into the system, not added on top of it. And when further combined with your own security measures, data privacy and security are doubly safeguarded on FWA circuits.
Ready to get your fix?
Are you looking to replace your primary network or deploy a secondary backup circuit? Talk to Skywire! We’ll show you what we mean when we say, Connectivity to the EDGE. Your Way.™ — and how added choice in broadband capability and access flexibility makes us the preferred alternative for affordable and truly diverse connectivity. Connect with us today for a free consultation.
