Line of sight internet is a connectivity solution that offers internet service as good as that of leased lines but without the need for a phone line or cabling. It uses a point-to-point link where the microwave signals are sent to the user’s location if there is a direct link to a dedicated mast.
Internet has now become a necessity in people’s lives and the need to be connected has also increased tremendously. It is common knowledge that the technologies that are used to link people to the internet are constantly being developed and improved to meet everyone’s demands.
Some of the types of broadband include copper broadband, fiber optic connection, leased line internet connection and the 5G technology used for mobile networks.
Nonetheless, certain regions cannot have a steady and efficient internet connection, particularly the areas in the countryside and the remoteness. This is where line-of-sight broadband comes into play. This has been the case since this technology is not very useful.
In this blog, we intend to explain what line of sight internet is, the difference between line of sight internet and other ways of gaining an internet connection, and the benefits and drawbacks of line of sight internet.
What is the term Line of Sight?
LOS (Line of Sight) is the straight or direct path between the observer and the object. In communication, Line of sight (LOS) is defined as the direct path between the transmitter and receiver and the obstacles that may lie in between. The primary requirement for high-speed communication is the line of sight.
Line of sight refers to a straight path between two points, which is free from any barriers. This is because if a person was standing at one point the LOS would be the path they would look at. If an object was in the way it would be said that the view is blocked or is an obstructed view or it is out of sight.
The concept of lines of sight has been relevant in society for a long time now. Think of a policeman standing on a tower that watches over those who live nearby. He would sit high up and with him sitting up high he would be able to have an unobstructed view or clear lines of sight in a large area. If he prepared a signal fire, every person in the vicinity would be able to see the fire and report the situation.
It implies that the curvature of the earth has been a constraint on the physical paths, otherwise the lines of sight. This is because as two objects move further away from each other, the earth will come in between the two to block the LOS. Finally, it will go out of the horizon and break the Line of Sight.
Advantages of choosing Line-of-Sight Internet connection
- Quick to install
A line-of-sight internet connection can be installed in a house in less than a day. However, other internet services can take quite some time to set up; sometimes, it may take weeks or even months. In rural areas, it is a relatively easy model to develop.
- Highly Reliable
It is possible to have a steady internet connection provided there is a direct path between your receiver and the tower. Some popular activities that LOS users can do include streaming high-definition movies and playing online games.
- Very Low Latency
It can transmit microwave signals wirelessly without wires. It can pass through 189,000 miles per second, which is suitable for a fast internet connection. In gaming, where the ability to play the game smoothly is all that matters, latency can be a big issue, and that is why they want very low latency.
- More Flexible
A LOS connection typically has no data limits, and the providers are often smaller companies and not big telecom giants. However, with other connection types, there are limits on how much data you can use, meaning you will be charged extra if you exceed this amount.
- Pricing
It can be easily said that line-of-sight Internet technology is more costly than conventional fiber optic connections. However, it is not uncommon for them to be cheaper and at par with fiber optic connections. Become. Line-of-sight Internet brings your internet connection cost by 20-40% less than Fiber connections.
Disadvantages of Line of Sight Internet connection
- You May Need No Interference
This means that a line-of-sight Internet connection can be a great option for those who reside in flat terrain, especially in rural areas. However, if you live in a hilly area or trees or buildings are obstructing your home, then the connection may be slow. For the best results, it is recommended that there is a direct line of sight, which may be the only way some signals can get to your home.
- It is recommended to be near the tower.
One disadvantage of the wireless internet connection LOS is that the reception weakens further away from the tower. In most cases, a connection is optimal if one resides in an area in direct contact with a tower within a 10-mile limit. However, if the given object is located further away, it may result in less dependable connections. Consider how radio waves function and how poor a reception can get from a radio station if one is quite a distance from the transmitter. It’s the same principle.
How does line-of-sight internet work?
As the name suggests Line of sight internet requires an unobstructed path between the mast that is transmitting the signal and the building in which the signal is being received. Wireless fibre technology is used to convert fibre optic broadband into a microwave signal for data transmission. This signal is then made secure and transmitted from the distribution site to homes and businesses.
We provide the internet through the Wave-owned masts. The technology is as fast as the fiber optic and transmits data through waves without the need for a telephone line. Instead of cables, we use a small dish (about the size of a small pizza!) and we can offer fiber wireless technology to anyone who is located within a direct and clear line of sight from any of our distributing stations.
This means that the Wave Internet antenna that you have on your building is able to pick the signal directly as it is in line of sight. Connect your free router to this receiver, and you are all set to experience the Wave Internet service.
What is the difference between Line of Sight and Fixed Wireless Internet?
Line of sight (LOS) internet and fixed wireless internet are two types of internet connection that use radio waves to transmit data between the transmitter and the receiver. For both systems, the antennas must be able to ‘see’ each other, in the sense that they must be able to establish a direct line of sight to one another in order to be able to set up a stable link. This implies that there must be no interference, such as trees or buildings, in the path between the two antennas.
Fixed wireless internet and satellite internet (LOS) are usually employed in locations where it is technically challenging or commercially unviable to deploy traditional wired internet services like cable or DSL. They can also be used as a backup internet connection for companies or any other organizations that require a constant and reliable internet connection.
The other important distinction between LOS internet and fixed wireless internet is based on the range of the connection. Most of the time, LOS Internet is limited in terms of the coverage area and is usually applied for connections that span a few miles at most. Fixed wireless internet, on the other hand, can be used for connection over larger distances of up to tens of miles.
Yet another difference is the rate and dependableness of connection between the two types of internet connection. LOS Internet can face interferences from physical barriers like buildings and trees which may hinder the flow of the connection. Furthermore, fixed wireless internet service can be more stable and less prone to interruptions over longer distances.
Comparing and analyzing these two types of networks, LOS internet and fixed wireless internet, it is possible to state that these two types of connections use radio waves for transmitting data between the transmitting and receiving antennas. Nevertheless, the two types vary in terms of the range up to which the connection can be made as well as the speed and stability of the connection.
Final Words:
The Line of Sight Internet system provides a highly effective and fast internet connection well suited for areas without conventional network structures. It is more suitable for rural and distant areas because it offers high-speed networking without an organized cable layout. The technology’s efficiency in terms of connectivity speed and low latency is paramount. Nevertheless, Line of Sight Internet has its share of challenges though it is widely acclaimed for its benefits. The effect of weather is tricky because unfavourable weather, such as rain and fog, seriously interferes with service. In conclusion, despite the problems that Line-of-sight Internet users may encounter, there are more reasons why this option can be opted for. It remains one of the most critical aspects of global demand for technology, and it promises to deliver even more value as we progress technologically.
FAQS
This can significantly depend on the type of equipment used and the conditions in which it is used but normally it can range from a couple of kilometres to several tens of kilometres.
Yes, it can be but it is used so much in rural areas the same could implemented in urban areas especially if there are straight lines from one transmission point to the other.
Weather conditions like heavy rain and fog can affect reliability. Although using proper equipment and even installation can reduce some of these impacts, intermittent service outages remain a possibility.
Possible speeds may greatly differ, but average speeds range from 50 Mbps to several Gbps, according to the type of connection and the used equipment.
Yes, it can be secure based on the points discussed above. To avoid interception of data there is always the option of encrypting the data and other features that may apply.
The range can vary significantly based on the equipment used and environmental conditions, but it typically ranges from a few kilometres to several tens of kilometres. Higher levels of settings can take the coverage even further.
These are the required tools that consist of a transmitter, a receiver, and antennas. Additional components like signal amplifiers and alignment tools may also be required depending on the specific setup and distance between points.
Maintenance is the daily or weekly check to determine if new sources of interference have appeared in signal pathways, if some pieces of equipment that comprise the signal path are not working properly, or if firmware needs to be updated. Regular checks and appropriate repairs should be done routinely to ensure that the connection does not drop.
