Editing Wireless broadband

{{Short description|Telecommunications technology}}
{{about|wireless networking in general|local area network technologies|Wireless LAN}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}}

[[File:Dishes ft worth2.JPG|thumb |right |upright=1.3 |Three [[fixed wireless]] dishes with protective covers on top of 307 W. 7th Street, [[Fort Worth, Texas]], around 2001]]

'''Wireless broadband''' is a [[telecommunications]] technology that provides high-speed [[wireless]] [[Internet access]] or [[computer network]]ing access over a wide area. The term encompasses both [[Fixed wireless|fixed]] and [[mobile broadband]].<ref name="What is wireless broadband WiBB">{{Cite web|url=https://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/wireless-broadband|title = What is wireless broadband (WiBB)?}}</ref>

==The term broadband==
Originally the word "[[broadband]]" had a technical meaning, but became a marketing term for any kind of relatively high-speed computer network or Internet access technology.
According to the [[IEEE 802.16|802.16-2004]] standard, broadband means "having instantaneous [[Bandwidth (signal processing)|bandwidths]] greater than 1 [[MHz]] and supporting [[bit rate|data rates]] greater than about 1.5 [[Megabit|Mbit]]/s."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101128003557/http://standards.ieee.org/about/get/802/802.16.html Coexistence of Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Systems]</ref>
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently re-defined the word to mean download speeds of at least 25 [[Megabit|Mbit]]/s and upload speeds of at least 3 [[Megabit|Mbit]]/s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/29/7932653/fcc-changed-definition-broadband-25mbps|title = The FCC has changed the definition of broadband|date = January 29, 2015}}</ref>

==Technology and speeds==
[[File:WISP CPE installed on a residence.JPG|thumb|right |A typical WISP Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) installed on a residence]]<!-- not descriptive file name -->
A wireless broadband network is an outdoor fixed and/or mobile wireless network providing [[Point-to-multipoint communication|point-to-multipoint]] or [[Point-to-point (telecommunications)|point-to-point]] terrestrial wireless links for broadband services.

Wireless networks can feature data rates exceeding 1&nbsp;Gbit/s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cdn.cambiumnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SS_ePMP_3000_11182019.pdf |title=ePMP 3000 |publisher=Cambium Networks |access-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925134955/https://cdn.cambiumnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SS_ePMP_3000_11182019.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Many [[fixed wireless]] networks are exclusively [[half-duplex|half-duplex (HDX)]], however, some licensed and unlicensed systems can also operate at [[Full duplex|full-duplex (FDX)]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cambiumnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PTP-820C-and-PTP-820S-User-Guide_phn-3963_008v000-1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.cambiumnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PTP-820C-and-PTP-820S-User-Guide_phn-3963_008v000-1.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=User Guide PTP 820C/820S System Release 10.0 |publisher=Cambium Networks |access-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref> allowing communication in both directions simultaneously.

Outdoor fixed wireless broadband networks commonly use a priority [[Time-division multiple access|TDMA]] based protocol<ref>{{cite web |url=https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/bstrc49894/attachments/bstrc49894/kb_epmp_getting_started/1/1/ePMP_Understanding_Throughput_CapacityV1.0%20(1).pdf |title=ePMP: Understanding ePMP Throughput Capacity |publisher=Cambium Networks |access-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:Nv2#Nv2_protocol_implementation_status|title = Manual:Nv2 - MikroTik Wiki}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dl.ubnt.com/datasheets/airmax/UBNT_DS_airMAX_TDMA.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://dl.ubnt.com/datasheets/airmax/UBNT_DS_airMAX_TDMA.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Technology Datasheet: airMAX TDMA System |publisher=Ubiquiti Networks |access-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mimosa.co/white-papers/tdma|title = Mimosa Networks}}</ref> in order to divide communication into timeslots. This timeslot technique eliminates many of the issues common to 802.11 Wi-Fi protocol in outdoor networks such as the [[hidden node problem]].

Few [[wireless Internet service provider]]s (WISPs) provide download speeds of over 100&nbsp;Mbit/s; most broadband wireless access (BWA) services are estimated to have a range of {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}} from a tower.<ref>{{cite web|title=WiMAX: Broadband Wireless Access|url=http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3412391|publisher=wi-fiplanet.com|access-date=March 17, 2008}}</ref> Technologies used include [[Local Multipoint Distribution Service]] (LMDS) and [[Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service]] (MMDS), as well as heavy use of the [[ISM band|industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands]] and one particular access technology was standardized by [[IEEE 802.16]], with products known as [[WiMAX]].<ref name="hraunfoss.fcc.gov">{{cite web|title=REPORT AND ORDER – Released: March&nbsp;16, 2005|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-56A1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-56A1.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=March 17, 2008}}</ref>

WiMAX is highly popular in Europe but has not been fully accepted in the United States because cost of deployment. In 2005 the [[Federal Communications Commission]] adopted a [[Report and Order]] that revised the FCC's rules to open the 3650&nbsp;MHz band for terrestrial wireless broadband operations.<ref name="hraunfoss.fcc.gov"/>

Another system that is popular with cable [[internet service provider]]s uses [[point-to-multipoint communication|point-to-multipoint]] wireless links that extend the existing wired network using a transparent radio connection. This allows the same DOCSIS modems to be used for both wired and wireless customers.<ref name="Ogier Electronics">{{cite web |title= Broadband Wireless |url=http://ogierelectronics.com/broadband-wireless.php |website=Ogier Electronics |access-date=7 May 2020}}</ref>

==Development in the United States==
On November 14, 2007, the Commission released Public Notice DA 07–4605 in which the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the start date for licensing and registration process for the [[IEEE 802.11y-2008|3650–3700 MHz]] band.<ref>{{cite web|title=PUBLIC NOTICE – Released: November&nbsp;14, 2007|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-4605A1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-4605A1.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=March 17, 2008}}</ref>
In 2010 the FCC adopted the TV White Space Rules (TVWS) and allowed some of the better no line of sight frequency (700&nbsp;MHz) into the FCC Part-15 Rules.<ref>{{cite news |title= The FCC Decision and the Use of White Spaces |author= Alex Goldman |publisher= Wireless Internet Service Providers Association |url= http://www.wispa.org/?p=3146 |access-date= July 16, 2011 }}</ref> The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, a national association of WISPs, petitioned the FCC and won.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Federal Register, Volume 72 Issue 249 (Monday, December 31, 2007)|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2007-12-31/html/07-6229.htm|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.govinfo.gov}}</ref>

Initially, WISPs were found only in rural areas not covered by [[Cable Internet access|cable]] or [[DSL]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A WISP with Vision|url=http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3652986|publisher=wi-fiplanet.com|access-date=March 17, 2008}}</ref> These early WISPs would employ a high-capacity [[T-carrier]], such as a [[Digital Signal 1|T1]] or [[Digital Signal 3|DS3]] connection, and then broadcast the signal from a high elevation, such as at the top of a [[water tower]]. To receive this type of Internet connection, consumers mount a small [[Parabolic antenna|dish]] to the roof of their home or office and point it to the transmitter. [[Line-of-sight propagation|Line of sight]] is usually necessary for WISPs operating in the [[IEEE 802.11|2.4 and 5 GHz]] bands with 900&nbsp;MHz offering better [[NLOS]] (non-line-of-sight) performance.

===Residential Wireless Internet===
Providers of fixed wireless broadband services typically provide equipment to customers and install a small antenna or dish somewhere on the roof. This equipment is usually deployed as a service and maintained by the company providing that service. Fixed wireless services have become particularly popular in many rural areas where cable, DSL or other typical home internet services are not available.

===Business Wireless Internet===
Many companies in the US and worldwide have started using wireless alternatives to incumbent and local providers for internet and voice service. These providers tend to offer competitive services and options in areas where there is a difficulty getting affordable Ethernet connections from terrestrial providers such as ATT, Comcast, Verizon and others. Also, companies looking for full diversity between carriers for critical uptime requirements may seek wireless alternatives to local options.

===Demand for spectrum===
{{Main|Spectrum reallocation}}
To cope with increased demand for wireless broadband, increased [[Radio spectrum|spectrum]] would be needed. Studies began in 2009, and while some unused spectrum was available, it appeared broadcasters would have to give up at least some spectrum. This led to strong objections from the broadcasting community. In 2013, auctions were planned, and for now any action by broadcasters is voluntary.

==Mobile wireless broadband==
In the United States, [[mobile broadband]] technologies include services from providers such as [[Verizon (mobile network)|Verizon]], [[AT&T Mobility]], and [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]] which allow a more mobile version of Internet access. Consumers can purchase a [[PC card]], laptop card, [[USB]] equipment, or [[mobile broadband modem]], to connect their [[Personal computer|PC]] or [[laptop]] to the Internet via [[cell phone tower]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verizon.com/support/broadband-services/|title=Important Information About Verizon Wireless Broadband Internet Access Services}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verizon.com/support/wireless-internet-services-data-only/|title=Data Only Plans (Wireless Internet) - Support Overview &#124; Verizon}}</ref><ref name="Mobile Broadband FAQs">{{Cite web|url=https://www.verizon.com/support/4g-mobile-broadband-faqs/|title=Mobile Broadband FAQs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/isp|title = Unlimited High-Speed 5G Home Internet Service Plans &#124; T-Mobile 5G Home Internet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/isp/plan|title=Unlimited High-Speed 5G Home Internet Service Plans &#124; T-Mobile 5G Home Internet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/internet-service|title = Internet Services &#124; T-Mobile's Broadband Internet Access Services}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1235215/|title = Set up and Use AT&T Wireless Internet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.att.com/internet/fixed-wireless/|title = AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet - Rural Internet Without a Satellite}}</ref> This type of connection would be stable in almost any area that could also receive a strong cell phone connection. These connections can cost more for portable convenience as well as having speed limitations in all but urban environments.<ref name="Mobile Broadband FAQs"/><ref name="What is wireless broadband WiBB"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upwardbroadband.com/fixed-wireless-internet-vs-mobile-wireless-internet/|title=Fixed Wireless Internet vs Mobile Wireless Internet|date=April 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.satelliteinternet.com/providers/verizon/#:~:text=Verizon%20LTE%20Home%20Internet%20is%20kind%20of%20like%20an%20unlimited,or%20work%20on%20the%20road.|title=Verizon LTE Home Internet Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verizon.com/home/wifi-wireless-internet-service/|title=Home WiFi Plans from Fios &#124; Verizon Wireless Internet Service Provider}}</ref>

On June 2, 2010, after months of discussion, AT&T became the first wireless Internet provider in the US to announce plans to charge according to usage. As the only [[iPhone]] service in the United States, AT&T experienced the problem of heavy Internet use more than other providers. About 3 percent of AT&T [[Smartphone|smart phone]] customers account for 40 percent of the technology's use. 98 percent of the company's customers use less than 2 [[gigabyte]]s (4000 page views, 10,000 emails or 200 minutes of [[Streaming media|streaming video]]), the limit under the $25 monthly plan, and 65 percent use less than 200 [[megabyte]]s, the limit for the $15 plan. For each gigabyte in excess of the limit, customers would be charged $10 a month starting June 7, 2010, though existing customers would not be required to change from the $30 a month unlimited service plan. The new plan would become a requirement for those upgrading to the new iPhone technology later in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/06/03/1509693/att-first-carrier-to-end-unlimited.html |title=AT&T first carrier to end unlimited data plans |last=Bartash |first=Jeffrey|work=[[MarketWatch]]|date=June 3, 2010|access-date=June 3, 2010}}</ref>

==Licensing==
A wireless connection can be either licensed or unlicensed. In the US, licensed connections use a private [[Electromagnetic spectrum|spectrum]] the user has secured rights to from the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC). The unlicensed mobile wireless broadband, in US operates on [[Citizens Broadband Radio Service|CBRS]]<ref name="fcc_gov">{{Cite web |title=3.5 GHz Band Overview |url=https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/35-ghz-band/35-ghz-band-overview |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=www.fcc.gov |language=en}}</ref> Which has three tiers. Tier 1 – Incumbent Access, reserved for US Federals Government, Tier 2 – Priority Access, a paid access with priority on the spectrum, Tier 3 – General Authorized Access (GAA), a shared spectrum.<ref name="fcc_gov" /> In other countries, spectrum is licensed from the country's national radio communications authority (such as the [[Australian Communications and Media Authority|ACMA]] in Australia or [[Nigerian Communications Commission]] in Nigeria (NCC)). Licensing is usually expensive and often reserved for large companies who wish to guarantee private access to spectrum for use in point to point communication. Because of this, most wireless ISP's use [[unlicensed spectrum]] which is publicly shared.

==See also==
* [[CorDECT]]
* [[HIPERMAN]]
* [[iBurst]]
* [[802.20]]
* [[Connect card]]
* [[Policies promoting wireless broadband]]

<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swginc.com |website=SWG Inc}}</ref>==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
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* [http://www.wispa.org/ Wireless Internet Service Provider Association]
* [https://www.wavedirect.net/ Wireless Internet Service Provider Ontario]

{{Internet access}}
{{Wireless video}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wireless Broadband}}
[[Category:Wireless networking]]
[[Category:Broadband]]