Wireless internet services from point to point. This service eliminates the need for leasing lines or relying on fiber solutions. While these alternatives may provide faster internet speeds, they often come at a high cost or are not available at all in some rural areas.
So, what exactly is point-to-point internet, and how can you tell if it’s right for your company? Let’s take a look at this less expensive, fixed wireless, and scalable solution to see if it’s time for your business to cut the cord.
What Exactly Is Point-to-Point Wireless Internet?
Point-to-Point (PtP) wireless connections use directional antennas with LoS (Line of Sight) to connect two locations.
To establish the connection, they use a combination of small, powerful, highly-directional aerials, routers, and cables.
The connection can receive and rebroadcast any computer network from one location to another, including an internet connection, for up to 50 kilometers from the origin.
The link is also known as a wireless access point (WAP), Wi-Fi bridge, or wireless bridge.
Point-to-point internet connection wirelessly connects businesses across multiple sites or to the internet. Previously, this was commonly accomplished through the use of leased landlines or underground fiber connections. However, as wireless technology has improved, this option is becoming more popular with businesses due to its faster speeds and lower costs.
How Does Point to Point Internet Work?
Point-to-point wireless connections are not the same as your home wifi. It is typically installed in two or more locations, with a clear line of sight between them. There are three distinct types of setup between individual areas from here.
1) Point to Point Wireless:
A point-to-point network connects two points by a direct line of sight. It can deliver speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. Some of the most common applications for this type of connection include:
· Adding two or more buildings to a network
· Replacing leased lines with a lower-cost alternative
· Internet systems for businesses
· Setups for video surveillance
· Links for Disaster Recovery
· Data sharing between locations
· Internet of Things systems
2) Point to Multi-Point Wireless:
This option is preferable if you need connections for outdoor hotspots or multiple locations that are both in and out of the line of sight. It is still much less expensive than replacing leased line cables and can provide speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
It is the best choice for:
· Using a single access point device to connect multiple sites
· Corporate networks that are extremely fast
· Replacement of fiber and leased lines
3) Point-to-Point Wireless Mesh Network:
Wireless mesh networks have several advantages, including the fact that they are self-configurable, scalable, and capable of supporting a large number of concurrent connections without sacrificing speeds. This configuration is ideal for high-capacity environments or long-distance outdoor settings. Mesh networks are commonly used for the following purposes:
· Areas where public Wi-Fi is required
· Locations on campus
· Those areas that cannot be cabled
What Are the Advantages of Using a Point-to-Point Wireless Internet Connection?
Point-to-point (P2P) networks help you save time and make the most of your resources. Instead of tearing up streets and parking lots to install wires and conduits, or using a VPN to connect via the public internet for inner office networking, point-to-point wireless networks offer a secure way to create a network for your locations.
· Point-to-point wireless communication offers high levels of encryption and is inaccessible to third parties.
· The lack of physical connections reduces the possibility of accidents or vandalism.
· Increased dependability due to communication devices sharing the same line of sight.
· Can be deployed in remote locations, allowing for cost-effective office-to-office communication.
· Works with a wide area network and physical mediums to improve communication.
· Reliable connections between end users due to line-of-sight communication between communicating devices.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While point to point wireless internet is becoming increasingly popular and offers numerous benefits, it is not always the best option for every business. When working with wireless technology, you must ensure that nothing interferes with the signals. Large industrial and urban areas with numerous buildings can cause interference and slow down wireless network speeds. The distance and height of the access points are critical factors for a strong and reliable point-to-point internet connection.
Conclusion
If your company is reviewing its network services, it’s worth looking into whether the advantages of point to point wireless internet stack up for your company.
While there are numerous cost savings associated with the model, you will not be sacrificing speed or scalability by switching. You simply need to have a clear line of sight for the signals.