Fixed Wireless Vs Fiber—Which Is Right For You?
As a Cambium Networks Partner, you’ll gain access to best-in-class technology and technical support to meet your fiber, fixed wireless, or hybrid deployment needs.
Users want fast, reliable, high-quality connectivity at an affordable price. How do you determine the best solution among fiber, fixed wireless, and hybrid deployment options? When comparing fixed wireless vs fiber connectivity, fixed wireless options can offer solutions that are more affordable, secure, and easier to deploy. However, in the long-run, fiber provides increased scalability and coverage. Additionally, some deployments may benefit from a hybrid approach. Rely on leading-edge technology and expert guidance from Cambium Networks and WAV to help you determine the most effective configuration for your unique deployment.
Fixed Wireless Vs Fiber: Connectivity
Availability presents a significant disadvantage with fiber. If it is available in your area, though, a fiber-optic connection can significantly increase download speed. However, laying enough fiber-optic cables to connect entire cities and regions, especially rural areas, presents a logistical challenge. Fixed wireless technology, on the other hand, is available anywhere and is often more resilient than fiber. It can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, and severe temperatures.
Fixed Wireless Vs Fiber: Deployment and Support
Fixed wireless solutions can be set up immediately to scale and future-proof your network. Installation is faster and easier than fiber because fixed wireless only requires an express line of sight (LoS) and an antenna to receive the signal. Conversely, fiber requires more involved construction and permitting that can require months for approval and implementation. With Cambium Networks and WAV, you can leverage leading-edge innovation and expertise to ensure seamless deployment, remote network management, and ongoing technical support.
Benefits Of Fixed Wireless Vs Fiber |
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| Criteria | Fiber | Fixed Wireless Solution |
| Speed | 10 Mbps to 500 Mbps | Same as fiber but can be easily adapted to advancing technologies |
| Reliability | Can be affected by weather; higher latency potential | Low latency |
| Connectivity / Scalability | Bandwidth can be increased or decreased nearly on-demand | Scalable bandwidth |
| Security | Security depends on fiber carrier | The highest level of encryption, algorithms, and protocols are implemented in the software to ensure cybersecurity and resistance to breaches |
| Hardware | Installation can be tedious and require specific, costly hardware | Does not require fixed-line infrastructure |
| Cost | Can require a large pool of commercial resources | Low capital costs |
WAV and Cambium Networks understand wireless solutions, and our experienced teams can help you determine whether fixed wireless or fiber is best for your deployments. In situations where traditional fiber solutions are not optimal, our point to point and point to multipoint solutions can connect communities within hours and days instead of weeks and months. As a WAV customer and Cambium Networks Partner, you have access to technology to deliver bandwidth to rural areas where traditional fiber-optic solutions cannot reach.
Whether your deployment requires fiber, fixed wireless, or a hybrid approach, as a Cambium Networks Partner, you’ll have access to innovative technology and comprehensive support services to help design the most effective network solution.
