Microwave Communication Equals Dedicated Bandwidth for Fast, Reliable Connectivity
When we talk about microwaves, we usually start pondering what we’ll be having for dinner. However, microwaves serve a much nobler purpose than 2-minute noodles and reheating cold coffee. Microwave communication is a brilliant way to achieve dedicated bandwidth with carrier-grade connectivity for your business.
How so?
How Does Microwave Communication Work?
A microwave link consists of radio waves which operate at high frequencies. These have the ability to transmit huge quantities of data from one point to another whether a few meters or a few kilometres apart. The high quality of these communication signals is maintained by dedicated relay systems or repeaters, which ensure the fast and efficient transmission of data, audio and video.
While this is interesting information to the technically-minded, what does it mean for us, everyday people?
The Advantages of Microwave Links for Business
Key Advantages – Dedicated Bandwidth
Microwave communication allows for dedicated bandwidth, which means that businesses can enjoy a slice of available bandwidth solely for themselves. Shared bandwidth is generally dished out on a first-come-first-served basis which is usually fine until you can’t get into your bank on payday or your database if the cloud is inaccessible.
Rapid deployment of microwave connectivity services ranks high on the list of advantages.
Cost Effective
Setting up advanced technical infrastructure will always be costly, but once it’s up and running, the costs diminish drastically. Microwave transmission towers are not cheap, but when compared to wire-line tech they offer a significant initial cost saving. In fact, the local topography is very often used to create a base for a transmission tower: hills, mountains, and even building rooftops can be utilised to create a clear line of sight to the next tower or relay station.
With this in mind, community networks are springing up throughout South Africa which pays for microwave communication equipment and then split the cost between paying, private users who enjoy super-fast, private Internet access.
A WAN built on a microwave connection is a robust, reliable and rapidly deployed connectivity solution for businesses who may need to connect to multiple points within a city or province.
Flexible
If you’ve decided on a microwave connection, then we are sure that you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the speed at which it can be set up and activated. You will enjoy a flexible solution which can be moved if you relocate and scaled up when you need to increase your capacity.
What if you live or work in a remote area with no terrestrial connection? If this is your situation, then it’s likely that you can enjoy the dedicated bandwidth, fast and secure connection, and huge load capability of microwave communication in a relatively short period of time.
There are, of course, some disadvantages to microwave connectivity which need to be factored into your decision.
The system requires a clear line of sight between towers in order to connect and transmit. Microwave signals can’t pass through walls or trees, therefore a new building in the way of the microwave signal would rob you of your connection. Atmospheric conditions can affect signal consistency, as can electromagnetic interference from electric power transmission lines or even wind turbines.
However, as a reliable connection, or a failover to a wired connection, microwave communication is gaining in popularity. No cables, multiple channels, enormous load capacity, scalable, flexible as well as the option of dedicated bandwidth – makes this a fantastic choice for businesses.
The Huge team are your one-stop-shop when it comes to getting – and staying – connected. From assisting a month-to-month SME client or a national corporate giant, we have what you need. Call us now – let’s connect.
