PANAJI
Frustrated over internet cables constantly getting snapped due to construction activity, conflicts with authorities or competitors, or even climatic factors? It may be time to consider high-speed wireless internet services.
The recent disruption in internet services at many places in North Goa after broadband cables were cut off in Panaji has only expedited efforts by leading telecom companies to move towards high-speed wireless communication services across the State.
Both Reliance Jio and Airtel have been expanding AirFibre services in the State which provide high-speed wireless internet to homes and businesses without the need for physical cables.
AirFibre technology
AirFibre technology provides the convenience of 5G and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies, offering a flexible, high-speed internet solution to homes and businesses without the need for physical cables.
“By bypassing traditional infrastructure challenges, it accelerates digital inclusion across diverse geographies while maintaining performance benchmarks comparable to wired broadband,” said a source familiar with AirFibre technology.
“It leverages 5G network infrastructure to provide an alternative to traditional fibre-optic broadband, particularly in areas where laying cables is a challenge.”
AirFibre technology, the source, added, operates on the 5G spectrum, utilising mid-band frequencies. These bands strike a balance between coverage and speed, ensuring reliable indoor connectivity.
The source informed 'The Goan' that there are, at present, around 600 5G towers all over the State, which can easily be deployed to offer high-speed wireless internet to homes and businesses.
The source explained that AirFibre service uses an embedded SIM card in the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to connect to the 5G network, similar to how mobile devices work.
“An antenna/receiver placed outdoors, or near a window, establishes a line-of-sight connection with the nearest 5G tower. This Outdoor Unit (ODU) ensures optimal signal reception,” said the source.
“A Wi-Fi router or Indoor Unit (IDU) then converts the 5G signal into local Wi-Fi/Ethernet for end-user devices. Some setups may integrate the ODU and IDU into a single device for simplicity. It uses multiple antennas to enhance data throughput and reduce latency, offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on network congestion and signal quality.”
Advantages and limitations
AirFibre technology offers three main advantages to companies, as well as in homes and businesses.
It can be easily deployed, eliminating the need for trenching or cabling, and reducing installation time. It is also cost-effective as there are lower infrastructure costs as compared to laying optical fibre cables. Another advantage is that AirFibre can easily be expandable to under-served areas.
As with a mobile phone, the limitation of AirFibre is that it is dependent on the strength of signals and performance will vary, given the distance to 5G towers and physical obstructions. Besides, there are also congestion risks and speeds may drop during peak usage in dense urban areas.
However given a growing dependence on reliable internet facilities and amid the uncertainties of traditional fibre-optic broadband cables, the advantages of AirFibre technology could well outweigh its limitations.
