"Air fibre" is a term often used to describe fixed wireless access (FWA) technology. FWA refers to a type of wireless communication system that provides high-speed internet connectivity to homes and businesses using radio signals transmitted through the air, without the need for traditional wired connections like fiber optic cables or copper lines.
In an air fibre setup, data is transmitted between a central base station and customer premises using radio waves. This technology allows for broadband internet access in areas where laying physical cables might be challenging or costly. It's often used in rural or underserved areas where deploying traditional wired infrastructure is not feasible.
Air fibre technology typically involves the use of specialized antennas or dishes installed on rooftops or other suitable locations at both the base station and the customer's site. These antennas facilitate the wireless transmission of data, providing users with high-speed internet access.
It's important to note that "air fibre" is a colloquial term and not a standardized industry term. The technology itself is more commonly referred to as fixed wireless access or FWA.
How Air Fibre works?
Air fibre, also known as fixed wireless access (FWA), works by using radio signals to transmit and receive data between a central point (often a base station or access point) and a customer's location. Here's how it generally works:
1. **Base Station Setup:** A telecommunication company sets up a base station or access point in an area with good coverage. This station is equipped with high-frequency antennas and network equipment.
2. **Signal Transmission:** The base station sends out radio signals over a specific frequency or range of frequencies. These signals carry data similar to how radio waves carry music or news.
3. **Customer Equipment:** Customers in the coverage area need to install a receiver/transceiver at their location. This can be an antenna or a small dish that is mounted on the roof or a suitable location.
4. **Signal Reception:** The customer's receiver receives the radio signals sent by the base station. The signals contain data packets that make up the internet traffic.
5. **Data Processing:** The receiver processes the data packets and sends them to a modem or router inside the customer's premises. This modem/router then converts the data packets into usable internet data.
6. **Two-Way Communication:** Communication is two-way. When the customer sends a request (like loading a webpage or streaming a video), the process is reversed. The data travels from the customer's modem/router to the base station, and then onwards to the broader internet.
Air fibre technology relies on line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight conditions between the base station and the customer's equipment. This means obstacles like buildings, trees, and hills can affect the quality and strength of the signal.
Overall, air fibre provides a wireless alternative to traditional wired broadband, offering high-speed internet access to areas that might be difficult to connect using traditional methods.
Advantage of air Fibre.
Air fibre, or fixed wireless access (FWA), offers several advantages:
1. **Rapid Deployment:** FWA can be quickly deployed in areas where laying physical cables is time-consuming or expensive. This makes it an ideal solution for bringing internet access to rural or remote locations.
2. **Cost-Effectiveness:** Compared to laying traditional cables, FWA infrastructure can be more cost-effective, making it a viable option for extending connectivity to underserved areas.
3. **Flexibility:** FWA allows for flexible network expansion and adaptation. Base stations and customer premises equipment can be set up relatively easily, and adjustments can be made to accommodate changes in demand.
4. **High-Speed Internet:** With advancements in wireless technology, FWA can provide high-speed internet similar to or even exceeding traditional wired connections in many cases.
5. **Reduced Infrastructure Impact:** FWA eliminates the need to dig up roads or install physical cables, reducing the environmental and aesthetic impact that traditional infrastructure deployment might have.
6. **Scalability:** FWA networks can be scaled up to accommodate more users and higher data demands without significant disruption.
7. **Last-Mile Connectivity:** FWA can serve as a solution for the "last mile" connectivity problem, bringing internet access directly to homes and businesses that might otherwise be difficult to reach.
8. **Quick Service Provision:** FWA can provide a fast and temporary solution in disaster-stricken areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged.
9. **Competition:** FWA can introduce competition in areas dominated by a single internet service provider, potentially leading to improved service quality and lower prices.
10. **Digital Inclusion:** FWA can play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing internet access to areas with limited connectivity options.
However, it's important to consider that FWA performance can be affected by factors like line-of-sight obstruction, weather conditions, and network congestion. The quality of service can vary based on the technology used, the frequency spectrum, and the network architecture.
Disadvantage of Air Fibre.
While air fibre, or fixed wireless access (FWA), has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
1. **Signal Interference:** The performance of FWA can be affected by interference from other wireless devices, weather conditions, and physical obstacles like buildings, trees, and hills. Line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight conditions are often required for optimal signal quality.
2. **Limited Bandwidth:** The available bandwidth for FWA can be limited compared to wired technologies like fiber optics. This limitation can impact the maximum speeds and the number of users that can be supported simultaneously.
3. **Spectrum Congestion:** In densely populated areas, the available radio frequency spectrum can become congested, leading to reduced speeds and reliability.
4. **Latency:** FWA can have higher latency (delay) compared to wired connections. This can affect applications that require real-time communication, like online gaming or video conferencing.
5. **Security Concerns:** Wireless signals can potentially be intercepted by unauthorized parties if proper encryption and security measures are not in place.
6. **Weather Dependence:** Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds can impact the quality and reliability of the wireless signal.
7. **Initial Setup Costs:** While FWA can be cost-effective in the long run, there are still upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing the necessary equipment, such as antennas and receivers.
8. **Limited Coverage Area:** FWA coverage areas are determined by the location of base stations or access points. This can lead to limited availability in some regions, leaving certain areas without access.
9. **Network Congestion:** Just like wired networks, wireless networks can experience congestion during peak usage times, leading to reduced speeds and performance for users.
10. **Technology Advancements:** As technology continues to evolve, FWA may face challenges in keeping up with the increasing demand for higher speeds and capacity.
11. **Regulatory Considerations:** FWA deployment can be subject to regulatory restrictions and licensing requirements for the use of specific frequency bands.
12. **Reliability Concerns:** While FWA has made significant improvements in reliability, it may not be as stable as wired connections in some cases.
It's important to carefully assess these disadvantages against the specific needs and circumstances of the area where FWA is being considered as a connectivity solution.