Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies have revolutionized the way we connect to the internet. Among the plethora of FWA solutions, licensed millimeter-wave (mmW) FWA solutions stand out as the gold standard for delivering reliable ultra broadband service. In this article, we will explore the reasons why licensed mmW FWA solutions shine and how they compare to unlicensed 5GHz and 6GHz FWA solutions.

Licensed mmW FWA Solutions: A Beacon of Excellence

• The Spectrum Advantage

  Licensed mmW FWA solutions operate in carefully allocated, exclusive frequency bands such as the 24GHz, 28GHz, 29/31GHz and 39GHz ranges. These bands are rigorously controlled, ensuring minimal interference and providing a robust foundation for high-capacity data transmission.

• High Data Rates: A Game Changer

  The standout feature of licensed mmW FWA solutions is their ability to deliver unparalleled data rates. Speeds often soar beyond 1 Gbps, making them the ideal choice for applications demanding massive data throughput. With such capabilities, they cater to the needs of 4K video streaming, gaming, and enterprise services with ease.

• Fortified Against Interference

  Interference can be a nightmare for wireless ISPs affecting the SLAs towards their end customers. Licensed mmW FWA solutions enjoy protection against interference. This exclusive access ensures a stable and consistent connection for users, free from the disruptions that often plague unlicensed spectrum bands.

• Quality of Service (QoS) Guarantees

  QoS guarantees are the backbone of critical applications like telemedicine, Internet of Things (IoT), and mission-critical communications. With licensed mmW FWA solutions, service providers can provide robust QoS guarantees, ensuring that vital services function flawlessly.

• Extensive Coverage

  Despite their high-frequency nature, licensed mmW bands are capable of covering vast areas with reduced infrastructure. This property minimizes deployment costs and, in turn, subscription fees, ensuring that more people can benefit from high-speed internet access.

Licensed mmW FWA Solutions vs. Unlicensed 5GHz and 6GHz FWA Solutions

Now, let's delve into a comparison between licensed mmW FWA solutions and unlicensed 5GHz and 6GHz FWA solutions to highlight the superiority of the licensed option.

Data Rates

• Licensed mmW: Reigns supreme with the capability to offer more than 2Gbps data rates per subscriber terminal, ensuring that data-intensive applications run smoothly and without lag even in situations that multi-gigabit speeds need to be distributed amongst many users like in Multi Dwelling Units (MDUs)
• Unlicensed 5 / 6 GHz: Offers moderate data rates, typically ranging from 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps for 5GHz. However, advanced 6GHz options can achieve up to 1 Gbps with MIMO 2x2 configurations. These enhanced capabilities make the 6GHz band a compelling choice for applications requiring higher throughput within unlicensed spectrum.

Cost

• Licensed mmW: Initial costs can be high due to licensing fees and specialized equipment. However, the value derived from the performance justifies the investment.
• Unlicensed 5GHz: Delivers cost-effective solutions that are accessible to smaller ISPs and communities. While cost-efficient, they may lack the bandwidth and QoS capabilities of licensed mmW solutions.

Interference

• Licensed mmW: Boasts low interference, thanks to the exclusive nature of licensed spectrum bands. This is a critical advantage for maintaining network stability and ensuring a reliable connection.
• Unlicensed 5GHz: Vulnerable to interference, particularly in densely populated areas where multiple devices and networks operate within the 5GHz band. This interference can disrupt network performance and reliability.

NLOS Performance

• Licensed mmW: Suffers from limited Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) capabilities due to their high-frequency nature. They excel in line-of-sight deployments.
• Unlicensed 5GHz: Shines with better NLOS performance, making it the preferred choice for urban environments with obstacles like buildings and foliage.

WiBAS™ G5: A Licensed FWA Powerhouse

Intracom Telecom’s WiBAS™ G5 smart-BS exemplifies the gold standard in licensed mmW FWA solutions. Operating in the 24.25-29.50 GHz mmWave band, this Point-to-Multipoint hub features Multi-User MIMO and an Advanced Antenna System for precise beamforming, enabling interference-free connectivity. With support for 200 MHz channels, it achieves sector capacities exceeding 5 Gbps and pairs with the WiBAS™ G5 GigaConnect+ terminal to deliver up to 2 Gbps per end-user over an 8 km range. The system supports up to 120 terminals per hub, making it ideal for dense suburban and rural deployments. Its advanced features include hitless adaptive modulation up to 1024-QAM, low latency, and VLAN translation, ensuring both performance and flexibility. Furthermore, its rapid deployment capabilities and seamless integration with 3GPP-based 5G systems highlight its role as a technology-neutral, high-performance broadband solution. The product has a roadmap of evolution to include frequency bands such as 29/31GHz and 39GHz.

Conclusion

Licensed millimeter-wave (mmW) FWA solutions undoubtedly represent the pinnacle of wireless connectivity. Their exclusive spectrum access, high data rates, protection against interference, and ability to guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) set them apart as the ideal choice for demanding urban environments and enterprises.

While unlicensed 5GHz and 6GHz FWA solutions have their merits, such as cost-effectiveness and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) performance, they struggle to match the data rates and reliability of licensed mmW FWA solutions. The key is to choose the solution that aligns with the unique needs of the deployment area and user base.

In conclusion, licensed mmW FWA solutions set the gold standard for high-speed, reliable wireless connectivity. Their capabilities make them the go-to choice for applications that demand the highest data rates, minimal interference, and uncompromised Quality of Service. As technology evolves, the gap between licensed and unlicensed solutions may continue to widen, solidifying the position of licensed mmW FWA solutions as the beacon of excellence in the FWA landscape.