Wireless Broadband (WiBB) service is a high-speed internet service where data is transmitted over a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or a WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network). Within a WWAN, high-speed internet is provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) directly to the consumer’s modem or device.
Within the context of a WWAN, it is generally referred to as a broadband network due to its high-speed internet capabilities. As the FCC defines broadband networks as having speeds of 25 Mbps or above, a WWAN exceeding this threshold is classified as wireless broadband.
Types of Wireless Broadband
Fixed Wireless Broadband: In a fixed wireless broadband network, the connected devices are primarily stationary, such as in an office or institution. Its services are similar to a DSL connection, but instead of copper cables, Fixed WiBB utilizes a wireless network.
Mobile Wireless Broadband: A Mobile WiBB provides high-speed internet to a network of mobile devices whose locations are not fixed through a wireless network. An example of mobile wireless broadband is a cellular broadband network.
Cellular Wireless Broadband
In a cellular wireless broadband connection, high-speed internet is provided to the consumer by a telecom or cellular network provider. Data is transferred and received by a base station, which then transmits it wirelessly directly to consumer devices like modems or mobile phones.
Cellular networks offer several advantages, such as affordable modems and reliable performance in many areas. However, they also have drawbacks; for instance, network strength can be limited in rural regions. Additionally, network speeds can decrease significantly with an increase in the number of users in a given area, which is a common characteristic of cellular wireless broadband.
WiMAX – Another Type of Wireless Broadband
WiMAX, while technologically distinct, functions similarly to a Wi-Fi network. Devices connected to a WiMAX network are known as subscribers. It was designed to cover larger areas than Wi-Fi and offered speeds faster than 3G but slower than 4G. Although largely superseded by 4G and 5G technologies for general consumer use, WiMAX may still be found in some specialized metropolitan area networks, such as for industrial applications or at airports.
Also Read: What is Fibre Broadband
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