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Wireless Broadband - is it any good?

Recently there has be a lot of talk about wireless broadband and how it will save the world, especially in rural areas. But can it? There are a few factors that dictate if you can get wireless broadband and it’s quality.

  • Line of sight - can you see the wireless station?
  • Distance from antennae
  • How much traffic is being used by other wireless users in the area - the bandwidth is shared between users
  • Wireless signal interference from other sources
  • Topography
  • Atmospheric conditions
  • The type of wireless being offered

Wireless will provide increased coverage over rural areas but, there are many factors that will determine if specific locations can get wireless. For instance, I live in hilly terrain without line of sight to any wireless antennae. The likelihood of getting wireless currently is zero. The only way to find out is to get a qualified engineer to check your location.

What are the alternatives

  • ADSL if you are within ~4km of an ADSL enabled exchange (although, I have been quoted by a Telstra technician 13km - which is completely wrong!)
  • Cable (limited availability in major cities only)
  • ISDN (requires an extra separate phone line and is slow)
  • Satellite

Advantages

  • Works anywherethat the satellite dish can see the satellite

Disadvantages

  • Expensive
  • Requires un-hindered views of the satellite (roughly north in Australia)
  • Satellite delay - means VOIP is unworkable i.e. Skype has ~4 second delay

Where does it leave us?

Wireless is not a silver bullet for rural communities but, then again neither is satellite. Currently, ADSL and cable are the preferred options but, if you don’t have the option: it is satellite or wireless. Between the two of them most rural properties will be covered and for those last difficult few - it’s good old narrow-band. Dial-up.

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18 July 2007 comment TrackBack-URI

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