Fixed wireless access white paper
Why fixed wireless access can provide a fiber alternative with rapid rollout
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4G and 5G networks have transformed the potential of FWA
Fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions have been around for more than two decades – but have previously had relatively limited application, because performance has not been adequate to support many mainstream consumer applications such as home broadband. This is now changing rapidly, however – our latest white paper explores the arrival of a new era of FWA, enabled by the higher performance of 4G and 5G networks.
Market potential is huge for FWA: about 40% of the world’s two billion households lack a fixed broadband connection. Between the end of 2020 and 2026, the number of FWA connections worldwide is forecast to grow threefold to 180 million. Most of these connections will be either in developing countries, where fixed-line infrastructure is particularly scarce, or in rural areas not served by copper, cable or fibre networks. In some countries, such as the UK and the US, governments are subsidizing the provision of connectivity to rural areas, reflecting their desire to deliver more digital public services to reduce costs and save time.
The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) reports that LTE FWA offers a mean peak download speed of 98.4Mbps while 5G FWA offers a mean peak download speed of 587.6Mbps. These are not theoretical maximums but actual speeds gathered from operators. It’s clear that, while operators don’t often talk about FWA in terms of speed promises, 5G offers a vastly superior level of performance and can provide a real alternative to fiber connectivity for home internet.
FWA traffic is projected to grow seven times by 2026, when it will represent more than 20% of total mobile network data traffic worldwide. FWA will also become a competitive force against slower and more expensive wireline alternatives in developed countries where fixed broadband is not prevalent. There is no need for roads to be dug up so that new cables can be laid. In addition, the performance of routers, a key CPE component, has been enhanced and shipments are set to expand.
Quectel’s comprehensive portfolio of modules facilitates the design and production of FWA CPE products such as routers, gateways, and fixed 4G/5G wireless repeaters that can be installed indoor or outdoor by operators, companies or end users. They are used to amplify 4G and 5G signals and boost mmWave penetration and thereby avoid reflection and structural shadowing signal losses. Read our free white paper to learn more about the market context for FWA, technical considerations for deployment, and how we can help.