Wireless broadband services are quite similar to wired broadband services in that they connect to an internet backbone generally a fiber-optic trunk. However, they do not use cables to connect to the locations – be it businesses or residences. Rather than, they use Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) connections or radio waves. A Personal Computer (PC) or mobile device comes with a wireless adapter that translates data into radio signals and transmits the signal with the help of an antenna. A wireless router gets the signals, decodes it, and sends it to the Internet via a wired Ethernet connection.
Take a look at types of broadband wireless network services:
Fixed wireless: It is high-speed internet access in which connections to service providers use radio signals instead of cables. It provides connections speeds between 1 and 10 Mbps and uses transmission towers similar to cell phone towers that interact to a resident’s transceiver device that is fixed at the premise. The transceiver device interacts with the providers’ ground stations.
Wireless Fidelity (WiFi): It is a fixed, short-range technology that can be used in combination with DSL, fixed wireless, fiber, or cable modem service that can be connected to devices within a home or businesses to the Internet with the help of a radio link between the location and the service provider’s facility. This service can be used in your home or at community locations, such as airports, railway stations, coffee shops, schools, businesses, and more. It is also known as a hotspot.
A wireless fidelity network uses radio waves that are similar to two-way radio communications. A computer or a laptop comes with a wireless adapter that can translate data into a radio signal as well as transmit it with the help of an antenna. In general, a router receives the signals, decodes it, and sends the details to the internet with the help of a physical connection via an Ethernet cable, a cable that carries the broadband signal between the modem, router, PC, and other wired internet capable devices.
Mobile wireless: It is a high-speed wireless broadband connection that can be accessible from random locations. The locations generally depend on the provider’s cellular towers as well as monthly service plans. Many technologies depend on wireless networks, but the technology or acronyms you read or hear, mobile wireless networks are radio systems.
Mobile wireless services are being upgraded to offer data transmission speeds. The faster mobile wireless networks are also known as 3G or 4G. Here, G denotes generation. It means 3rd and 4th generation or the evolution of broadband cellular networks. Each generation offers a faster, more secure wireless network. Mobile wireless services need a base station that can be connected to a high capacity landline data transmission network to reach the internet. In short, it’s never wired or wireless. It has to be both. Wireless broadband means that the last mile connection to the user is made with the help of radio signals from a tower to a cell phone or other wireless devices.
Long Term Evolution: It is also known as LTE. It is a 4G technology that provides increased peak data rates, reduced latency, scalable bandwidth capacity as compared to 4G predecessors. It can handle multi-cast and broadcast streams and manage quick-moving mobile phones.
Satellite: It is the only option available to users in very rural or sparsely popular areas. Like landline and TV services, a satellite orbiting the earth provides important links for broadband. With the help of this service, you can have a clear view of the southern sky. This service can be disrupted by weather conditions and changes in line of sight to the orbiting satellite.