5G Fixed Wireless Internet and Satellite Internet

- Overview

Fixed wireless internet transmits signals from local towers to a receiver at your home, while satellite internet sends signals between your home dish and an orbiting satellite. 

Fixed wireless typically has lower latency and is less affected by weather, making it better for real-time applications like online gaming, but requires a clear line of sight to a tower. 

Satellite internet can be installed virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky but suffers from higher latency and can be more affected by bad weather. 

A. Fixed Wireless Internet: 

1. How it works: A local ground-based tower sends a signal to a receiver on your home. 

2. Pros: 

• Lower latency (lag) due to the shorter distance the signal travels, making it better for activities like online gaming and video calls.
• Less susceptible to bad weather like heavy rain or snow.
• Generally more stable performance.

2. Cons: 

• Requires a clear line of sight between your home receiver and the tower, often within about 10 miles.
• Availability is limited to areas with the necessary tower infrastructure.

B. Satellite Internet: 

1. How it works: Your home dish communicates with a satellite orbiting the Earth to access the internet. 

2. Pros: 

• Available almost anywhere, as long as you have an unobstructed view of the sky.
• Can reach very remote or underserved locations where fixed wireless or other wired options are not available.

3. Cons:

• High latency (lag) because the signal must travel a much greater distance to and from the satellite.
• More susceptible to weather interference, as heavy rain, snow, or even cloud cover can disrupt the signal.
• Can be a poor choice for real-time applications like online gaming or video conferencing due to the delay.