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 Comparison of
5.7GHz Wireless
to Dialup, Satellite,
Cellular and 2.4GHz
Wireless Internet Access
In General
If you live or work in an area that cannot get broadband Internet
like DSL or cable
Internet, your options are generally dialup, satellite, cellular or wireless
Internet access. While dialup, satellite and cellular Internet access are
usually nationwide services, wireless Internet is a locally-operated service
as the best technology today can only broadcast a wireless signal
10-28 miles.
 Satellite Internet
Satellite Internet connects between a satellite receiver on your
roof and a orbiting satellites. In order to use satellite Internet,
you generally only need a clear exposure to the Southern sky. The
two primary service providers are HughesNet
and WildBlue.
In most cases, you will be required to
purchase and maintain the equipment (e.g. software updates).
Satellite Internet is much faster than dialup Internet, however
download and upload speeds may vary greatly, and
there typically is a latency period which makes VPN or
voice-over-IP (VoIP) connections impractical.
Furthermore, additional costs are
typically incurred for antenna re-alignments or adjustments.
Pros: Much
faster than dialup (20-40X faster). Only requires a clear sight of
the southern sky. Available at any location, no matter how remote.
Cons: Latency period which makes VPN or voice-over-IP (VoIP)
connections impractical. Static IP address may be unavailable or
available for an additional charge. Speeds may vary greatly.
Threshold limits imposed (e.g. daily or monthly maximum usage). May
be affected by weather conditions.
Cost: Typical
costs are $50-150/month. Equipment and
installation costs $329-$600.
 Fixed-Point Wireless
Internet
5.7GHz vs 2.4GHz
vs 900MHz Wireless Internet
Wireless Internet connects between a wireless receiver on your roof and a line-of-site
transmitting tower (usually atop a mountain or tall tower). If you
cannot "see" the transmitting tower(s) from your roof,
then wireless may not an option for you.
Wireless Internet can operate on various frequencies, commonly
900MHz, 2.4GHz and
5.7GHz. There are many "other devices" that
also operate on the 900MHz and/or 2.4GHz frequencies including cordless phones,
wireless routers, TV remotes, microwave ovens, garage door openers,
wireless game controllers, wireless phone headsets, etc. In
addition, HAM radios and satellite FM radio has also been reported
to affect the 2.4GHz frequency. All of these devices may cause
interference issues with wireless Internet broadcasted on the 2.4GHz
frequency.
2.4GHz Wireless
Internet Antennas
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YDI Etherant Panel |
TELEX Panel |
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Tranzeo Panel |
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Pros: Much
faster than dialup (20-50X faster). Connect multiple computers to
the Internet via a router. Not affected by weather conditions.
Cons: Requires
line-of-sight from property to transmitting tower. Many interfering
devices may disrupt service. Typically requires equipment purchase and
maintenance (e.g. software updates).
Cost: Typical
costs are $49-99/month. Equipment and installation
costs ~$399.
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 Dialup Internet
Dialup requires a telephone line for
Internet access. If you only have one line, it will tie-up your
telephone (busy signals) as long as you are online. If your
telephone lines are old, your connection speed may be much slower
than your modem has the capacity of providing.
Pros: Available
at most locations as long as telephone service is available.
Cons: Slowest
connection to the Internet. Service affected by telephone line
quality/age. Dialup numbers may not be local and incur an additional
per minute charge. If you only have one line, it will tie-up your
telephone (busy signals) as long as you are online. Frequent
disconnections.
Cost: Typical
costs are $10-$25/month. Usually no setup costs.
 Cellular Phone Wireless
(aka Mobile Broadband)
Several cell phone companies now offer high-speed wireless Internet
via a cellular wireless card connected to your laptop. This cellular
wireless card is not the same as a laptop wireless card used
to connect to a home router or wifi network at a hotspot location
(e.g. Starbucks).
A cellular wireless card works like
dialup Internet access, but uses your cell phone to connect to the
Internet. Cell phone wireless gives you the flexibility of
connecting to the Internet from anywhere where you have cell phone
signal. Speeds are much faster than dialup but you cannot "share"
your connection with other users, and you may incur per-minute
charges (depending on the plan you select).
Pros: Much
faster than dialup (20-50X faster). Available at any location where
you have cell phone coverage. Great for mobile professionals (e.g.
realtors, field operators, etc.).
Cons: Internet
connections drop (just like regular cell phone calls do). Cannot
share the Internet connection with other computers. May incur
per-minute charges (depending on the plan you select).
Cost: Typical
costs are $50-150/month. Setup fees may be
required.
5.7GHz Wireless
Internet Antenna
Wireless Internet connects between a wireless receiver on your roof and a line-of-site
transmitting tower (usually atop a mountain or tall tower). If you
cannot "see" the transmitting tower(s) from your roof,
then wireless may not an option for you.
Pros: Much
faster than dialup (50-100X faster), satellite (3-5X faster), mobile
broadband (3-5X faster) and 2.4GHz wireless (2-3X faster). Connect
multiple computers to the Internet via a router. Not affected by
weather conditions.
Cons: Requires
line-of-sight from property to transmitting tower/relay, so not
available at all addresses.
Cost: Typical
costs are $59+/month. Equipment and installation
costs $274 to 349 (depending on distance to transmitter). |
