What is the difference between PtP and PtMP?

A PtP or Point-to-Point link is as the name suggests, a link between two wireless radios to transmit and receive data from one point to another.  Applications for PtP links can range from connecting a single IP camera at the gate of a farm to the farmhouse, wirelessly, to interlinking wireless high sites for WISP – this is known as wireless backhaul links.  These are typically high capacity links that should be able to carry the load of all internet traffic on the network.

A PtMP or Point-to-Multipoint network is also as the name suggests, a network with one access point to service multiple clients.  In the WISP network, this is the last mile connection between the WISP high site and the residential or business customer receiving internet connectivity over the wireless network.  This requires a wireless device to be installed to the end user's roof, pointing to the WISP high site for connectivity. 

Both PtP and PtMP form part of the larger-scale networks that service providers use to serve or connect customers.  Bear in mind that broadband wireless is not predominantly only used by wireless internet service providers.  Access control and security that has evolved to IP or internet protocol technology can now also be transmitted over wireless links.  From security estates to game reserves are deploying wireless networks to transmit surveillance and security data back to one central location. 

How does Fixed Wireless Broadband work?

Fixed wireless broadband, depending on the product and application, works on either a licensed or unlicensed operating frequency.  The most common frequencies are the unlicensed, 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies.  In typical applications and products, it works on a TDMA protocol which stands for Time Division Multiple Access, where the access point assigns a dedicated time slot for each station or stations on when they can transmit data and when they will received data.  

The 2.4GHz frequency can provide great coverage due to its longer wavelength, however, it does offer less data capacity than 5GHz.  Wireless networks operating in this frequency is generally used in highly congested areas (where there is a lot of use on the 5GHz spectrum) or where distance is required with a lower bandwidth requirement. 

The 5GHz frequency is used in relatively shorter range applications due to the wavelength of the frequency being shorter when compared to the 2.4GHz frequency, however, 5GHz does offer higher data rates when compared to 2.4GHz.  Typically, the 5GHz frequency is used in the last mile point-to-multipoint applications to service multiple connected customers to a single access point. 

Is wireless broadband the same as WiFi?

No, Wireless broadband technology is used to transport data from one point to the next, typically over long distances. Wireless internet service providers utilize the technology to provide internet to their clients. From here Wi-Fi is used to provide connectivity to devices such as laptops, phones and other devices in a home or office.

What are the advantages of wireless broadband? 

Wireless broadband is a cost-effective and faster way to connect the unconnected and can be deployed almost anywhere, reaching anyone from rural communities to crowded urban areas and without the risk of cable theft. 

MiRO’s product range on Broadband Wireless

MiRO offers only the best-of-breed broadband wireless products and as we have been partnered with our vendors for years, we have the technical skills and knowledge on the products, their functionality and the applications. 

Our top brands include:

• Cambium’s range of ePMP devices for fixed broadband wireless
• Ubiquiti’s airMAX and LTU series of products
• RADWIN's range of NEO fixed broadband solutions
• MikroTik’s LHG range of outdoor wireless products
• Acconet’s range of NetLink series devices
• Mimosa’s A5 and C5 range of Access point and station devices
• Siklu’s range of EtherHaul E-band solutions for high capacity PtP applications

What additional services does MiRO offer on broadband wireless?

Our aim is to empower our WISP, ISP, installer and reseller customers to connect communities, and we do this in the following ways:

1. Easy online shopping
2. Large stock holding on top wireless networking brands
3. Pre-sales solutions planning so that you always purchase the correct product/s for the application
4. Wireless pre-configuration services to save you time in the configuration process
5. In-class or online training on applications, configuration and troubleshooting on our range of wireless products including Zero-to-Hero Wireless and RF Installer courses
6. Technical support – our technical support team can assist you with any queries or questions you may have about your PtP or PtMP links
7. A dedicated RMA team to ensure we get your faulty products fixed or swapped out in no time