51% of the U.S. population uses fixed wireless internet. Although fixed wireless internet has some similarities to WiFi in its usage but uses different technology.

If you are wondering what the difference is between the best fixed wireless internet and WiFi, read this article. We cover every point you need to know to make the right decision.

What Is WiFi?

WiFi technology transmits data from your routers to your devices. They include mobile, laptop, tablet, and TV. WiFi signal is local so you will have complete control.

Typically, WiFi is set up around a business or a home. It uses your internet service from an internet service provider (ISP) to connect your devices to the internet. Be careful while selecting a WiFI connection and only connect to a WiFi that you are aware of and trust.

What is Fixed Wireless?

Fixed wireless delivers internet via radio to a specific area or place. Most of the home internet users prefer such internet service. It is also good to provide internet service to rural areas because there is no wiring involved, unlike cable internet service.

If your area doesn’t have access to fiber running to your community, you will have limited internet service options.

A fixed wireless internet connection needs a transmission tower nearby and a fixed line of sight to that tower. Specific areas get coverage with fixed wireless internet.

You need to implement technology to receive data throughout the near-line of signals wirelessly. You don’t need to run internet cables the process is seamless.

Many rural areas do not have internet infrastructure due to a lack of investment. Fixed wireless internet is a boon for rural areas there.

You can install fixed wireless internet virtually anywhere a tower is available. Rural internet users have two options – fixed wireless internet or satellite internet. However, fixed wireless internet is much more reliable than satellite internet.

How Does Fixed Wireless Work?

Fixed wireless internet focuses on one location. It is stronger than broadcasts such as AM or FM radio.

Directional connection rival cable and DSL are on the lower side of the radio spectrum. They are high-frequency brands or EHG bands and broadcast over a high-frequency microwave.

This increases the signal strength and helps meet gigabyte speeds that are comparable to fiber internet connections when properly implemented.

Access to EHG frequencies has led tech behemoths such as Google and Facebook to invest in developing their own fixed wireless internet networks and technologies.

WiFi vs Fixed Wireless – Which Is Safer?

WiFi often comes with several security issues. There are a few steps you can take to make your WiFi connections safer. But often fixed wireless supersedes WiFi.

You can use WiFi with fixed-point wireless but fixed wireless doesn’t require WiFi to connect to the internet.

How Is the Performance of Fixed Wireless Internet?

The plans and speed vary between fixed wireless providers. Typically, you can compare a residential fixed wireless plan to DSL cable internet in terms of speed. The average is between 5 to 25 Mbps.

You can use fixed wireless internet for web browsing, gaming, or streaming similar to cable internet. It is the best option for rural users.

The best fixed wireless internet providers offer speeds as fast as 50 Mbps. Fixed wireless internet is also similar in other aspects such as reliability, speed of installation, and security.

Such speeds may not be lightning fast but they are a great option compared to DSL, satellite internet, or even no internet at all.

You can easily obtain fixed wireless internet in areas that have a low concentration of cable internet because of its flexibility.

Advantages of Fixed Wireless Internet

There are two primary benefits of the best fixed wireless internet – low latency and large coverage area.

Low latency makes internet conferencing, gaming, streaming all feasible options.

Also, its ability to cover large areas makes it available just about anywhere. Service providers do not need to invest in infrastructure or new cables. This makes fixed wireless an affordable option for ISPs which means extra savings for customers.

Do you still have any questions about the difference between WiFi and the best fixed wireless internet? Please feel free to leave your comments below.