Fixed Wireless Data

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Fixed Wireless Data is a class of technologies used to connect two fixed locations (e.g., buildings) with a radio or other wireless link, such as laser bridge. Usually Fixed Wireless Data is part of a Wireless LAN infrastructure. The purpose of a Fixed Wireless Data link is to enable data communications between the two sites or buildings. Fixed Wireless Data links are often a cost-effective alternative to leasing fiber or installing cables between the buildings.

Fixed Wireless Data should not be confused with Wi-Fi, WiMAX or other mobile wireless networking technologies, which are designed for relatively low bandwidth data communications with a PC or other end-user workstation.

[edit] Antennas

Fixed Wireless Data services typically use a directional radio antenna on each end of the signal (e.g., on each building). These antennas are generally larger than those seen in Wi-Fi setups, and are designed for outside use. Several types of radio antennas are available that accommodate various weather conditions, signal distances and bandwidths.

These antennas are typically designed to be used in the unlicensed ISM band radio frequency bands (900 MHz, 1.8GHz, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

[edit] Data Rates

Data throughputs of up to T-1 (Digital Signal 1) speed (1.544 Mbit/s) are available over fixed wireless data networks.