The word “wireless” is an interesting one. How can a seemingly simple word, like “Wi-Fi,” deliver such different services and data rates? Wireless, in its most basic definition, means without wires.

Yet with rapid developments in technology, its use has been broadened to cover a wide variety of products and services. While all of these are truly wireless, the technologies behind them are quite different.

Let’s Start With Wi-Fi

What is Wi-Fi? A Wi-Fi internet connection comes from a wireless router, which transmits data that has been received from a modem connected to an internet service provider (ISP). Wi-Fi extends broadband connectivity wirelessly, for a very short range, inside a room or small area using best-effort service.

Wi-Fi is commonly used in homes, as well as in businesses and organizations. Many businesses set-up Wi-Fi connectivity for employees and guests.

Mobile Devices Are Commonly Referred to as Wireless Devices

Wireless for mobile devices, such as smart phones, is delivered by cell phone towers that transmit data via radio waves. These shared airwaves can become congested as a cellular provider’s network experiences increased data traffic. More streaming, more apps and more customers can tax wireless mobile networks, leading to slower speeds, packet loss and sometimes lost connections.

What is Fixed Wireless and What Advantages Does Fixed Wireless Provide?

Fixed wireless is exponentially faster, more reliable and more secure than Wi-Fi and mobile service. Fixed wireless providers can deliver symmetrical bandwidth at speeds as high as 1Gbps. The primary reason fixed wireless can deliver such high capacity Internet is because it is a fixed broadband connection.

Data is transmitted and received through a dedicated broadband internet connection, via microwave or 5G millimeter wave, between a tower and a small antenna that is located on the rooftop of the customer’s building.

Unlike wireless for mobile devices and Wi-Fi internet connections, fixed wireless delivers dedicated bandwidth. Because it is a dedicated connection between two fixed points, there are no congestion impediments from sharing bandwidth with the public or with outsiders.

Another key differentiating factor is that many fixed wireless providers deliver commercial grade internet services that is engineered for robust business applications including cloud services, streaming 4K video, and VoIP.

The high capacity voice and data transport services deliver guaranteed bandwidth, superior uptime, high packet delivery and very low latency. With a top tier SLA (Service Level Agreement) businesses can be confident that the high-performance fixed wireless broadband access will keep business operations performing smoothly.

Summary

As you can see, since all three of these wireless technologies are quite different in nature, we really can’t lump all wireless broadband together without creating some confusion. Each wireless technology should be considered unique and individually. Learn more about fixed wireless broadband services for business.

One Ring Networks provides fixed wireless internet solutions, as well as a host of other connectivity services, to businesses of all sizes across California, Georgia, Texas, Maryland and Arizona. If your business is seeking a high-speed internet solution, please contact our team today at 855-663-7464 or email sales@oneringnetworks.com.