5G fixed wireless access use cases continue to grow

How FWA works

FWA works like a typical cellular network, with a radio link connecting a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter in a cell tower is referred to as the base station. The receiver, often referred to as customer premises equipment (CPE), is situated at the subscriber location and can be outside or inside the premises. The CPE is the main component of FWA responsible for performing all the necessary functions. An on-premises internet router connected to the CPE provides internet access through Ethernet or Wi-Fi to both stationary and mobile devices.

Despite misconceptions, FWA isn't Wi-Fi, though it is one type of wireless technology. Wi-Fi is designed to distribute internet connectivity inside homes or buildings, while FWA provides higher-speed network connectivity over longer ranges, with a different deployment model and use cases than Wi-Fi. FWA functions as the last-mile connection between the network operator and the subscriber. It complements Wi-Fi rather than replacing it.

In contrast to how wired broadband employs traditional network cabling, such as copper wires, coaxial cables or optical fibers, FWA uses CPE to provide connectivity to a single premise. Even though FWA is a wireless technology, it's referred to as fixed because the transmitter and receiver operate in fixed locations, as does the CPE.

CPE antennae can operate either in direct line of sight or without line of sight of the base station tower. Obstacles like buildings and trees can't weaken signals or prevent them from reaching the CPE. The strength of the FWA signal depends on a collection of factors, including antenna technology, CPE placement and hardware type, distance between the transmitter and receiver, coverage area, and cellular traffic.

When operators place CPE in several locations, such as rooftop mounts, walls and poles, the setup is called outdoor CPE. The signal strength is stronger due to the direct line of sight. The signal strength of indoor CPE is weaker because of attenuation caused by physical obstacles, which presents a challenge for 5G carriers. Nevertheless, indoor CPE is more common in enterprises.

The CPE uses built-in routers or connects to internal routers to provide broadband in different on-premises locations. Modern CPE has advanced features such as remote provisioning, security, management and IoT support.

FWA features

FWA provides several benefits compared with other forms of wireless connectivity.

Faster deployment

FWA offers low deployment costs to service providers, reducing time to market and enabling quick revenues. Providers minimize upfront investment because there is no need to buy cables, acquire permits and hire technicians to deploy the network. Installation takes a few days instead of weeks or months.

Affordable rates

Copper-based networks typically incur high costs from materials, installation, maintenance and repair. With FWA, users pay a one-time cost to install CPE or rent it for a minimal fee. FWA lifecycle costs are typically lower than alternatives.

High speeds

5G FWA provides high-bandwidth connections at mmWave frequencies using multiple input, multiple output technology, beamforming, network optimization and other advanced networking methods. FWA provides high-strength signals for fast network connectivity similar to wired broadband, but at cheaper rates. Additionally, mmWave 5G FWA enables cloud access, data storage and quick downloads.

IoT integration

FWA promotes rapid, cost-effective and secure IoT integration in several applications. It supports IoT sensors deployed in remote locations and enables faster IoT device communication, third-party integration, remote provisioning, control, monitoring and real-time updating.

Enterprise advantages

FWA benefits enterprises through rapid deployment, lower network infrastructure costs and faster speeds for both internet access and VoIP for internal and external communication. When enhanced with network slicing, it can provide high-bandwidth internet in multiple locations, cloud application support, low latency in voice packet transfer, improved audio and high-quality video conferencing.

Network security

Just as Wi-Fi enables users to set password protections, FWA gives users options to secure their networks and meet regulatory requirements to protect privacy. FWA CPE helps to ensure secure data packet transfer, authentication, control and protection against attacks.

Scalability

FWA is more scalable than wired network infrastructure. Adding base stations, deploying more CPE or using advanced CPEs with better hardware and software upgradeability are typical ways to extend coverage.

FWA use cases

One of the biggest reasons to use FWA is to access innovations like smart city technologies that don't work well on wired infrastructure. Other reasons for adopting FWA include wired network infrastructure limitations, the need to deliver connectivity to numerous locations in remote areas or difficult terrain, and having an eager subscriber base.

FWA use cases include the following.

Remote areas

A common use of FWA is delivering wireless broadband to enterprises, educational institutions and residences in remote locations with a relatively low population and "teledensity." Such places are typically rural, suburban or disadvantaged areas lacking in modern conveniences like high-speed connectivity, healthcare access and business opportunities.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) typically find it impractical to roll out broadband in these areas. Even when it's possible to deploy wired broadband, maintaining the infrastructure is challenging and expensive. MNOs implement FWA to provide last-mile, high-speed connectivity and enable enterprises to grow while lowering their cost of operations. Moreover, high-speed connectivity might enable people in small households to find remote work. One recent example of FWA deployment in such remote locations is Smith Island in Maryland, where FWA enabled the rural communities of the island to access 5G for the first time.

Temporary setups

FWA is a good choice for enterprises that move offices frequently. Configuring wired infrastructure in temporary locations increases the operating cost of a business. With FWA, customers pay a one-time cost to buy and install CPE on premises and get broadband connectivity at affordable rates. Enterprises can quickly implement FWA in new offices and unsubscribe when they move them.

Moreover, locations with volatile weather often lose network access due to malfunctioning or damaged wired infrastructure. FWA can integrate seamlessly with wired networks and serve as an effective backup.

Construction sites

Construction sites typically have complex layouts and irregular placement of materials that are inhospitable to traditional wired networks. In addition, the most remote sites might lack LTE connectivity or provide poor-quality mobile communication.

Construction sites can use FWA as a temporary option for months -- or even years -- to enable connectivity for effective communication, collaboration, project planning and management. Workers can access project information, such as designs, layouts and plans, more easily. Owners and stakeholders can monitor ongoing work. APTIM, a Louisiana-based engineering, construction and environmental services company, regularly uses FWA for internet connectivity at its remote construction sites.

Canal cities

Cities that cross bodies of water can't count on wired infrastructure for all their networking needs. Internet access over Wi-Fi is often the most suitable option for heavily populated canal cities, such as Venice, Italy; San Rafael, Calif.; and Giethoorn, the Netherlands. Users can access the internet even when commuting in boats.

While cities in developed countries offer free Wi-Fi in many areas, certain businesses might need more reliable options. That's where FWA is gradually gaining momentum. With FWA, businesses in canal cities can access networks faster with better on-premises coverage than city Wi-Fi can provide.

Islands

The most remote islands are often surrounded by hundreds of miles of water and have rugged mountains and extensive forests. FWA is one of the best ways to provide internet and improve safety with IoT sensors without spending exorbitant sums on wired infrastructure. Nevertheless, the presence of numerous physical obstacles leads to signal attenuation that makes it challenging to provide wireless service.

Caribbean islands provide emerging examples of FWA's advantages as they start to deploy it, along with other mobile services, to boost connectivity between businesses and residents as well as support tourists.

Several industries can benefit from FWA

FWA can benefit numerous industries, including the following:

• Educational institutions. FWA can support e-learning and research as well as help maintain records of grades, attendance and schedules.
• Healthcare. FWA enables telemedicine applications that provide healthcare access, doctor consultations and diagnosis in underserved areas.
• Retail. Malls and restaurants can use FWA to offer on-site connectivity for customer engagement and faster payments.
• Manufacturing and logistics. FWA can support inventory management, barcode scanning, fleet management, auditing and more.
• IoT-enabled sectors. FWA supports IoT networks in many sectors, such as smart cities, agriculture, energy and utilities, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, retail, and healthcare.

The business opportunity of FWA

FWA is mostly a growth opportunity for mobile telecom service and infrastructure providers. The following categories stand out.

Internet service providers

One of the easiest ways to start with FWA is to become an ISP. Most service providers run FWA networks and bill them to users on a per-subscriber basis. Each subscriber is an independent user -- either an enterprise or a household -- paying monthly, quarterly or annual fees. Factors like fee structures, data allowances and speed vary by provider. ISPs can unlock new business opportunities by adding coverage. If they already offer 5G, they can easily add FWA to provide subscribers with a better internet experience. Verizon and T-Mobile are major players in the FWA market in the U.S.

OEMs

CPE is the main component of FWA. OEMs make 4G or 5G CPE devices and sell them to operators and ISPs. Nokia and ZTE are among the major players.

Chipset and module designers and manufacturers

CPEs contain chips, such as 5G chipsets, SIM cards, eSIMs and systems on a chip. The business opportunities lie in designing these chips and manufacturing them. Some companies specialize in design and hire contract manufacturers. TSMC, based in Taiwan, is a well-known contract manufacturer in the semiconductor industry. Qualcomm and MediaTek are two of the "fabless" vendors that design chipsets.

Software vendors

CPE FWA modules need software for many of their features, such as embedded system OSes, remote provisioning, network automation and secure connectivity. Cisco, Kigen and Fujitsu are among the well-known names in CPE software.

Full-stack services

Some of the above-mentioned companies, including Cisco and Qualcomm, not only sell CPE equipment but also license their platforms to others. Some ISPs become full-stack FWA service providers. They own the network, CPEs, software and all the licensing services. Local startups can stack these services to offer FWA at cheaper rates than competitors.

Venus Kohli is an engineer turned technical content writer, having completed a degree in electronics and telecommunication at Mumbai University in 2019. Kohli writes for various tech and media companies on topics related to semiconductors, electronics, networking, programming, quantum physics and more.