Common Fixed Wireless FAQs & Definitions You Need to Know

Getting hooked up to an internet service means that you sometimes need someone to explain the common Fixed Wireless FAQs & definitions. Don’t worry – Skymesh is here to help on that front.

Fixed Wireless technology offers a practical solution for internet access in regional Australia. It operates through radio signals transmitted from a local nbn® tower to an antenna installed at your location, eliminating the need for wired infrastructure.

Recent research shows that approximately 42% of nbn users haven’t modified their home internet setup in the past five years. This is significant because your in-home configuration fundamentally shapes your internet experience, often having a greater impact on performance than the specific plan you’ve chosen.

This technology is crucial for areas where traditional wired connections are inadequate or unavailable, providing high-speed internet through an alternative method. To that end, Skymesh enables regional users to stay connected efficiently with nbn Fixed Wireless technology, where our services are available.

Let’s learn more about this type of internet connection and define fixed wireless terms you’ll likely encounter as a user.

Common questions about Fixed Wireless technology

What is Fixed Wireless internet and how does it work?

Fixed Wireless technology provides internet access through radio signals, in this instance transmitted from a local nbn transmission tower to an antenna installed at a user’s location.

This setup allows for high-speed connectivity without the need for physical cables, making it particularly useful in areas lacking wired infrastructure. Instead of laying down fibre or copper wires, an antenna is installed on your property, which communicates directly with the nearest transmission tower.

Once the signal reaches your property, it’s processed by your nbn connection box (formerly called the Network Termination Device or NTD), which serves as the gateway between the NBN network and your home setup. From there, your router distributes the internet connection throughout your home.

This wireless connection ensures reliable internet access, often comparable to traditional broadband speeds – depending on various factors like signal strength, distance to the tower and network congestion – for those in regional or less densely populated areas. Skymesh offers Fixed Wireless internet plans through nbn technology to eligible addresses, ensuring these communities stay connected.

What is the difference between Fixed Wireless and satellite internet?

Fixed Wireless connects directly to a nearby tower, while satellite internet relies on signals sent to and from satellites orbiting the Earth.

Fixed Wireless is generally less susceptible to weather-related disruptions, though interruptions may still occur. The good news is that with nbn’s recent upgrades, up to 120,000 premises in nbn Satellite areas will be able to connect to nbn Fixed Wireless technology as the service rollout continues, bridging the digital divide across the country even further.

Can I use Fixed Wireless for streaming or gaming?

Yes, Fixed Wireless connections can be used for both streaming and gaming, but do note that peak hours and multiple connections within your household could have an impact on connection speed and stability.

For activities requiring consistent performance like gaming or high-definition streaming, consider using wired connections rather than Wi-Fi. While wireless offers convenience, a direct ethernet connection provides superior stability and often higher speeds for these demanding applications.

If you prefer uncapped connections and Skymesh Fixed Wireless is available for your address, we offer plans with large or unlimited data allowances with certain conditions, making it easier for you to indulge in high-bandwidth activities without fretting over data limits.

How reliable is Fixed Wireless in regional areas?

Fixed Wireless can be reliable in regional areas, especially when there is a clear line of sight between the receiver and the transmitting tower.

While severe weather can occasionally impact service, it generally remains stable if the antenna system and the selected frequency are properly set up. Ensuring an unobstructed path between the nbn Fixed Wireless towers & coverage is important, as physical barriers like trees and buildings can compromise signal quality.

The reliability of your Fixed Wireless connection also depends significantly on your in-home setup. Optimising your equipment and placement can dramatically improve your experience even when external factors like weather are less than ideal.

Overall, Fixed Wireless offers dependable internet connectivity in regional areas, especially with the appropriate setup.

Questions on Fixed Wireless installation and equipment

What equipment do I need for Fixed Wireless?

You have the option of providing your own router or purchasing one through your retail service provider.

When selecting a router, consider its age and capabilities. If your router is more than 5 years old, it likely uses outdated technology that cannot fully support modern internet speeds and security protocols. Upgrading to a newer model can dramatically improve your internet experience.

Skymesh has a good selection of plug-n-play WiFi routers which include free shipping.

If you choose to BYO your router, please note that Skymesh support is limited. Please make sure you are comfortable configuring your router for your new Skymesh service.

The other equipment needed for installation is already supplied by nbn.

For the installation process, your nbn-accredited installer or technician will install an antenna in the most suitable location based on site conditions to capture signals from the nearest transmitting tower. The technician will also set up an nbn connection box inside your home so that it can translate these signals into a usable internet connection for your devices.

What does Fixed Wireless mean regarding ‘line of sight’ and why is it important?

Line of sight refers to the unobstructed path between the Fixed Wireless transmitter and the receiver installed at the user’s location.

Maintaining a clear line of sight is crucial for optimum performance because physical obstructions like trees, buildings or hills can weaken or block the signal. This minimises interference and ensures a stable connection, allowing for the best possible internet speeds.

Similarly, inside your home, the concept of “line of sight” applies to your Wi-Fi signals as well. Just as external obstructions affect the Fixed Wireless signal, internal barriers like concrete walls, metal objects, and certain electronic devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi distribution. Strategic router placement—ideally in a central location away from potential interference sources—can dramatically improve your home network coverage.

What are some common signal strength issues and how do you fix them?

Common signal strength issues include interference from physical obstructions like trees or buildings, which can weaken the signal between the tower and the receiver.

If you are too far from the tower, it could impact your Fixed Wireless, meaning you might experience reduced signal quality and slower internet speeds. However, an initial assessment could be performed by the nbn technician beforehand to mitigate these issues.

Inside your home, Wi-Fi signal distribution faces similar challenges. If you’re experiencing poor coverage in certain areas, consider implementing a mesh network system rather than traditional Wi-Fi extenders. Unlike extenders that often create separate networks and can reduce overall speeds, mesh systems provide seamless coverage by creating a unified network throughout your home, automatically connecting your devices to the strongest signal without manual switching.

As part of the nbn Fixed Wireless upgrade program, the signal strength between the tower and the receiver is increasing, leading to more reliable connections.

If you do encounter problems, contacting technical support to help you reposition your receiver to achieve a clearer line of sight or remove nearby obstructions can often improve signal strength.

Feel free to contact Skymesh for potential solutions if issues persist.

Fixed Wireless availability and limitations

Is Fixed Wireless available everywhere?

For now, Fixed Wireless is not yet available everywhere, but the nbn rollout could mean it will be ready in your region soon.

The nbn Fixed Wireless network covers many locations across Australia, especially in regional areas where traditional wired internet infrastructure is sparse. Recent upgrades to the nbn network have improved coverage, so even if you are in a remote region, there’s a good chance Fixed Wireless could be an option for you.

To see if it’s available in your area, you can check your address at Skymesh.

What is the Fixed Wireless connection limit in urban vs regional areas?

In urban areas, Fixed Wireless may face challenges such as signal interference from tall buildings, power lines and other obstructions, which can limit coverage and performance. Signal interference can be a significant issue in cities with many structures that block or reflect signals. Because of this, Fixed Line fibre connections are more common in metro areas than Fixed Wireless.

On the other hand, regional areas usually have fewer physical obstacles, allowing for a clearer signal path from tower to receiver. Both urban and regional areas face a common limitation: the number of users connected to a single tower can also affect performance, especially during peak usage times.

Regardless of your location, understanding your Wi-Fi technology can help maximise performance. Newer Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5/6/6E) offer significantly better performance than older generations, but only when both your router and devices support them. When purchasing a new router or devices, check their Wi-Fi generation compatibility to ensure optimal connection speeds.

What are a Fixed Wireless provider’s other services if it’s not available in my area?

If Fixed Wireless is not available in your area, Skymesh offers several alternative internet solutions to keep you connected.

Skymesh provides Sky Muster® satellite plans and nbn Fixed Line plans as viable options. Additionally, non-nbn alternatives like 4G and 5G Home Wireless are available, ensuring that you have a range of choices tailored to your needs. You can see which internet plans are available by checking your address online.

An important note: If you need standard telephone service but have a life-threatening medical condition or live with someone who does, Skymesh’s Sky Muster®, Sky Muster® Plus or Fixed Wireless service does not currently provide Priority Assistance, as we do not offer standard telephone services with it.

Key Points to Remember

Fixed Wireless technology delivers high-speed internet via radio signals, making it an effective solution for areas without traditional wired infrastructure, especially in regional Australia. To that end, Skymesh offers a range of Fixed Wireless plans, installation services and alternative internet solutions for locations where this service is not available.

Here are the key points to remember:

• Your in-home setup matters: Recent research shows 42% of nbn users haven’t updated their setup in five years. Your in-premises configuration fundamentally shapes your internet experience, often having more impact than your chosen plan.
• Technology foundations: Fixed Wireless technology uses radio signals from a local nbn tower to an antenna, providing internet without the need for wired infrastructure. The signal reaches your nbn connection box (formerly called the NTD), which connects to your router.
• Performance factors: Fixed Wireless performance relies on maintaining a clear line of sight between the antenna and the tower. Similarly, inside your home, router placement and age significantly impact Wi-Fi distribution.
• Equipment considerations: If your router is more than 5 years old, consider upgrading as it likely uses outdated technology that cannot support modern internet speeds and security protocols. Understanding Wi-Fi generation compatibility (Wi-Fi 5/6/6E) between your router and devices ensures optimal performance.
• Connection options: For activities requiring stability and maximum speeds—like gaming, video conferencing, or streaming—consider using wired connections instead of Wi-Fi. While wireless offers convenience, a direct ethernet connection provides superior reliability.
• Coverage solutions: For larger homes, mesh systems provide superior coverage compared to traditional Wi-Fi extenders. Unlike extenders that often create separate networks and can reduce overall speeds, mesh systems create a unified network throughout your home.
• Availability: Fixed Wireless isn’t available everywhere, but ongoing nbn upgrades continue to expand coverage. If unavailable in your area, Skymesh offers alternatives like satellite, fibre, or 4G/5G wireless plans in eligible locations.

Remember that optimising your in-home setup can significantly improve your internet experience, regardless of which technology connects your home to the network. The foundation of your internet experience starts with you.