Point to Point Wireless Backhaul Compared to Fiber

As a country, we heavily rely on fiber communications as our primary means of wide area network connectivity. Fiber, though extremely efficient, poses significant challenges in terms of provisioning due to the need for rights of way, access, permitting, construction, labor, and associated costs. Meanwhile, many other countries have leapfrogged these issues by deploying fixed wireless microwave communications. Numerous countries around the world are deploying wireless bridge microwave backhaul as their primary backbone telecommunications network. The cost of deploying a point-to-point wireless bridge can have a return on investment (ROI) of less than three months compared to the years of leasing fiber that is pre-existing.

Wireless backhaul can be deployed in a matter of weeks if not days. Wireless bridges such as unlicensed point-to-point wireless bridges and point-to-multipoint wireless bridges, in 5GHz, 24GHz, and 60GHz can be purchased off the shelf and installed in a few days. Licensed microwave communications in the form of point-to-point wireless bridges, also called fixed microwave, can be obtained and installed in a few weeks.

With advancements in technology and new regulations from the FCC, broadband wireless systems can deliver over 10Gbps+ throughput. Equivalent to that of fiber, a fixed wireless microwave link can go upwards of 50 miles. If proper wireless system design is done, a fixed wireless system can provide a predictable reliability of 99.999% uptime. That’s less than 5 minutes of predictable outage per year.

Many individuals do not think about the fiber once it leaves their building or know the path it takes. Fiber in urban areas is run inside sewer lines, underground conduits, and aerial on phone and light poles. In rural areas, fiber runs parallel along telephone and electric poles. Ever driven down a road and seen a bunch of wood cross-poles with fiber lines running side to side? Well, that might just be the fiber your network is running on.

Ever question how long it takes for a telecommunications company to dispatch a truck to repair a cut fiber? If it’s a major cut, usually the fiber must be spliced back together. In most cases where a fiber pipe goes under a bridge or is exposed by a backhoe, the fiber goes slack and must be replaced but is cut at both ends and then physically spliced back in. This can take hours if not days to accomplish. What would be the cost to your business if this happened?

Wireless communication can be in the form of point-to-point wireless backhaul or point-to-multipoint wireless connectivity. If a microwave radio fails, it can be swapped out in minutes (if provided as a strategic spare). After an earthquake or other natural disaster, a wireless Ethernet bridge can be deployed immediately, getting communications back up and running. The biggest concern with most companies is the potential for wireless interference. Using a licensed microwave link can solve any potential interference issue.

To remain competitive in the USA at any reasonable time frame and realistic costs, we must turn to wireless technology. Fixed wireless can provide wide area network reach with greater performance and reliability.