Wireless

A wireless Internet service provider (WISP) is an Internet service provider (ISP) that allows subscribers to connect to a server at designated hot spots (access points) using a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi. This type of ISP offers broadband service and allows subscriber computers, called stations, to access the Internet and the Web from anywhere within the zone of coverage provided by the server antenna. This is usually a region with a radius of several kilometers.

Pros

• Quick Installation – Efficient wireless internet service providers (WISPs) can have a customer up and running within days. This is due to the fact that most WISPs already have a built out network in their respective region. Typically, all that needs to be installed is a radio at the customer’s location which can then be configured to communicate with the nearest PoP.
• Flexible Bandwidth – Bandwidth speeds can be turned up or down based on needs of organization. Users can be added, removed or reshuffled with minimal impact on the cost or existing infrastructure. For this reason, fixed wireless is an excellent internet access option for businesses seeking a future-proof solution.
• Local Service Providers – Local carriers equal local support.  Handling fewer customers means the local provider can promise more efficient and effective customer service, normally with a regional base.  
• Reliable – The lack of cables means fixed wireless is not susceptible to issues that affect cable, satellite, DSL and even fiber. There are no cables that could be cut or interfered with. As a result, there is little to no ongoing maintenance required.
• Secure – Wireless technology has been tagged with the misconception that because signals travel via microwaves, security cannot be guaranteed. However, as the industry has grown, providers have developed impressive security protocols that ensure encryption, data privacy and a requirement for authentication and access control.

Cons

• Line of Sight – For the receiver radio and transmitter radio located at the WISP’s PoP, a line of sight is required. Any trees or large buildings blocking the path between the two will make the connection very difficult. Although there are ways around it, for example if the WISP has alternative PoPs to fall back on, a line of sight with the nearest PoP is usually the most desirable option.
• Cost – Fixed wireless can be more expensive than other internet access solutions such as cable, DSL and satellite. The reason for this is that fixed wireless is a dedicated service whereas cable, DSL and satellite are shared or “best effort” options. To summarize, with fixed wireless customers get the bandwidth and quality of service that they sign up for, whereas with more traditional internet access solutions, this is not always the case. For more information on this, click here.
• Singular Access Point – Although this is the case for the majority of wireless and wired solutions, it is worth pointing out that fixed wireless has a fixed access point at the customer location. Mobile solutions such as 4G LTE Wireless have the capability to support roaming as they rely on the cellular network to provide a broadband connection.