Many individuals view all Internet connections as the same, but the method used to support that connection can make all the difference when having to decide which to acquire. It is important to identify the differences and similarities. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and fixed wireless Internet are two Internet solutions often compared when choosing a broadband service. We analyse one of the first methods of connectivity, DSL, and compare it to fixed wireless Internet solution, an increasingly popular choice.

What is DSL?

DSL is a high-speed Internet service that has a physical (cable and fibre) connection from the ISP (Internet Service Provider) to a building. The broadband modem technology allows for both an Internet and a telephone service to be used at the same time. There are many variants of DSL including Symmetrical DSL which offers equal bandwidth for upload and download speeds. Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) is the most popular type of DSL connection since most people download more information than they are uploading. Because of this, an asymmetrical connection has more downstream bandwidth and less upstream bandwidth.

Issues with DSL

Although DSL has been around for quite some time, it is associated with several problems, speed being one of the major issues. Speed is limited by distance and DSL Internet decreases with increased distance from the local exchange. Consequently, if an office is not located close to the provider, users will experience delays. Dated copper telephone wiring compared to wireless infrastructure and fibre optic cables mean all variants of DSL lag behind. Slow download speeds impede typical online activities and slow upload speeds can restrict the ability to add files and manage cloud-based applications.

DSL users can experience a spotty connection if phone usage becomes heavy. This is because DSL makes use of spare phone lines to handle the extra call volume resulting in usage restriction. Thus, DSL is associated with slower speeds and reduced quality compared to more expensive alternatives.

What is Fixed Wireless?

Fixed wireless Internet uses radio waves transmitted by tower which is different from cable, DSL and fibre, all of which use cables or wires. It’s also different from satellite Internet which, as the name implies, communicates with satellites in space. Fixed wireless utilises a microwave signal to beam radio waves from a transmitter location, or Point of Presence (PoP), to a receiver location at another fixed location. The receiver is usually a fixed aerial, antenna or dish device which you mount on a roof similar to a satellite dish.

Issues with Fixed Wireless

Although there are no wires involved, the connection does require a clear line of sight between receiver and transmitter radios to work. This implies reliance on line of sight and obstructions between the two points will cause a lack of signal. Fixed wireless is more expensive than DSL due to the improvement in technology and infrastructure. This cost may decline as more subscribers make use of the service.

Benefits of Fixed Wireless

Fixed wireless transmits radio signals and this means that users who choose this method of connectivity, do not require any additional wiring. Fixed wireless supports download speeds of 1Gbps, making it faster than DSL.

Because fixed wireless is suitable for both urban and rural environments, it is more accessible and its installation is quicker. An added benefit is its scalability and is referred to as future-proof because bandwidth can be turned up or down based on the changing needs of a user. Operating on a local or regional basis, fixed wireless providers understand the local community and can focus on providing excellent customer service.

Conclusion

Depending on its availability, fixed wireless offers superior speeds, a more stable connection, and a cable-free alternative compared to DSL.

Fixed wireless broadband refers to any technology that allows broadband signals to be broadcast over a set, limited range without the use of wires. Typically, fixed wireless broadband services are delivered using radio waves and require a receiver. Digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband service is delivered over the telephone network, which mostly uses copper wires. DSL, or any of its variants, requires a telephone line and a special modem. Fixed wireless broadband service is good for those in remote areas.

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