One of the most significant leaps forward in information technology was the shift from dial-up to Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). This was a paradigm shift, vastly enhancing the possible speed and scale of internet connectivity. No longer having to share internet access with the phone line and being able to access high-speed and high-capacity internet via DSL was a game-changer for homes and businesses alike.

Even today, DSL is the standard approach for many. Because it leverages telephone lines, it’s widely available, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional or fiber optic cables aren’t. With so much uptake of DSL among service providers, it’s generally both a cost-efficient and flexible option. Asymmetric DSL is a common choice in households, while symmetric DSL is more often chosen for businesses, and advancements such as virtual DSL further improve speeds over short distances.

However, DSL is struggling to keep up. It tends to be slower than other existing connectivity options such as cable and fiber. Connectivity efficiency diminishes the further you are from the ISP, and the infrastructure it relies on is aging. As businesses adopt ever more bandwidth-intensive and business-critical online activities, it’s become increasingly clear an alternative is needed.

This is where 5G-powered fixed wireless access (FWA) internet comes in.

Extend greater speed and capacity further

Rather than relying on phone lines, FWA uses radio signals broadcast to and from cellular towers to establish connectivity. Given the ubiquity of modern cell towers, this provides several advantages.

For one thing, deployment is vastly easier and simpler. Rather than needing to find cable or, even worse, put it in yourself, FWA modems simply capture radio signals out of the air. Installation therefore tends to be comparatively straightforward and user-friendly, minimizing both the cost and time of deployment.

This also makes FWA both a flexible and far-reaching option. Businesses can extend connectivity beyond the boundaries of existing copper cable lines, whether to support permanent or temporary infrastructure.

These capabilities are being taken to the next level with 5G integration.

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5G takes FWA to new heights

Of course, for many businesses, the main factor is performance. DSL took over from dial-up because it delivered superior performance. But the need for high speed, large bandwidth, and low latency connectivity to support cloud computing, large file sharing, video conferencing, and more is pushing enterprises to seek even more powerful and flexible solutions.

FWA, powered by 5G connectivity, outperforms DSL, delivering superior speed, greater network capacity, and as low as sub-millisecond latency. This advanced wireless technology enables network speeds in the order of Gbps, can easily support many devices, and is equaling or even surpassing advanced wired technologies like cable and fiber optic internet. Growing 5G adoption is also driving innovation and improvement of FWA technology.

FWA connectivity can be sensitive to environmental conditions. Inclement weather and physical obstructions, such as trees and buildings, can affect signal strength. Many FWA devices are now equipped with weather protection and multiple or directional antennas, ensuring they continue operating despite bad weather and can always capture a signal, no matter how it’s being bounced around.

Similarly, an issue that used to face FWA was data caps. When the technology was newer and wired connections were the norm, many ISPs only offered low data plans, and overage charges were significant. The sheer volume of data that 5G can transmit has made unlimited plans the norm, eliminating what could be a costly and frustrating barrier to FWA adoption.

For enterprises considering adopting 5G-powered FWA, it’s important to understand that there are many components, both required and optional, that make up an effective and efficient 5G FWA solution. An experienced partner is crucial to choosing and implementing the right solution for your business needs.

Get more from 5G FWA with Inseego

Inseego is an industry leader in 5G connectivity, having delivered numerous industry firsts and offering solutions that span the spectrum of connectivity needs, from the device level through to the cloud.

Inseego’s FWA device portfolio, including the MiFi X Pro, FX3100 indoor cellular router, FW2000 outdoor CPE, and S2000 industrial gateway, demonstrate the flexibility and cutting-edge performance of fixed wireless solutions. These devices offer faster speeds, enhanced adaptability, future-proofing, and easy installation, challenging traditional DSL, cable, and even fiber services for available bandwidth, latency, and reliability.

The benefits go beyond the hardware. Achieve faster and more accurate device deployment using the Inseego Mobile app to find the optimal signal strength at your location. Securely connect devices across a distributed network using 5G SD EDGE software. Manage every device in your network from one platform with Inseego Connect. Do it all either in-house or let Inseego handle it with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) options.

Inseego’s cellular connectivity solutions are available through all major ISPs, ensuring your internet service is ready to meet the demands of the digital age efficiently and effectively from anywhere in the United States.

Talk to our experts to find the right 5G FWA solution for your business.