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What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Rural Internet Solution
YourLink's Rural High Speed Internet is a Fixed Wireless Solution. We deliver Internet service by installing specialized equipment called a Subscriber Module on the roof of buildings. The Subscriber Module uses radio waves to communicate with an Access Point. The Access Point is connected to the Internet. Access Points are usually installed on high points like towers and grain elevators. The radio frequency Fixed Wireless Equipment requires line of sight to work properly.
Satellite Internet is similar to Satellite TV. A Satellite Dish is the specialized equipment installed on buildings to get an Internet connection. The Satellite Dish uses radio waves to communicate with a Satellite in space. The Satellite uses radio waves to connect to an Internet gateway located on earth. The radio frequency that Satellites use also requires line of sight to work properly, however, the Satellite is very high off the ground so line of sight is easier to achieve.
What makes Fixed Wireless a better Internet solution then Satellite
Both technologies have pros and cons. However, Satellite Internet Solutions have increased costs and some limitations when compared to Fixed Wireless. The following need to be considered before you purchase a Satellite Internet Solution:
1. High Latency limits the Internet applications you can use and makes web surfing slow. Latency is the delay between requesting data and receiving a response. All Satellite communications experience high latency due to the signal having to travel to the Satellite in space and then back to the Earth. That is 80,000 km round trip the signal has to travel! This delay adds 1/2 second or more to a request for a web page and causes issues with real-time applications like person to person communications.
A half second does not sound like much, however, when your browser requests a webpage, it first receives the html page, then it requests and receives each individual image to complete the page. An average web page may have 20 images. Add a 1/2 second for each of those files. That's adding 10 seconds just to request one web page!
There can be some latency in a Fixed Wireless Solution; however, it is easier to manage due to the shorter distances that the radio signal has to travel.
2. Strict Fair Access Policy limits downloads and speeds. A Fair Access Policy (FAP) is another term for a bandwidth cap. This cap can be applied daily or monthly. Once this cap is reached it may result in reduction in Internet connection speeds, a complete cut-off of Internet or overage fees. All Internet Service Providers have some form of FAP, however, Satellite Internet companies tend to micro manage their bandwidth cap because satellites have a limited capacity and are expensive to deploy. This may mean Satellite Internet customers find themselves put back to 'dial-up' speeds because they have downloaded too much information like streaming video for example.
3. Monthly Reoccurring Cost higher for Satellite than Fixed Wireless. The equipment and installation cost are similar between Satellite and Fixed Wireless, however you get faster speeds for less money with Fixed Wireless Internet.
4. Satellite communication is disrupted by rain and snow. Rain and snow will affect your Satellite signal strength and you may find yourself without Internet on rainy days. Intense precipitation can affect your Fixed Wireless signal and disrupt service if you signal strength is marginal to begin with.
Satellite Internet is a great solution for customers in very remote locations that require a high speed connection. However, Fixed Wireless can provide you with a higher quality of service at a more affordable monthly cost, so make sure you know all your options before committing to any rural high speed Internet service.