Embedded System Design for Telecommunication

What does Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) mean?

Fixed wireless access (FWA) is the process of accessing a communicating network or internet on
a fixed wireless networks.

It is a type of wireless broadband data communication, which is performed between two fixed
locations - connected through fixed wireless access devices and equipment.

Explains Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Fixed wireless access works primarily when two fixed locations are required to be connected
directly. Traditionally, enterprises used leased lines or cables to connect two different locations.
FWA is cheaper alternative, specifically in densely populated areas. Typically, FWA employs
radio links as the communication and connecting medium between both locations. Usually, the
fixed wireless broadcasting equipment is hoisted at building roofs on both the locations to ensure
an obstruction free data transmission. Each of the FWA devices is configured to be in line of
sight or is in a similar direction for better signal reception. Moreover, besides connecting one-to-
one locations, FWA can be implemented in point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to-multipoint
transmission modes.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a method of connecting a subscriber to an electronic
communications network (e.g. for broadband Internet access or telephone services) using a
wireless alternative to traditional copper cables. To offer wireless services, a service provider
will usually install an antenna on the outside of the customer's premises which is connected to a
special modem that the user connects to their computer or telephone. The connection between
the modem and the computer can be wired or wireless. Wireless solutions between the modem
and the customer's computer are generally based on Wi-Fi.

The antenna at the customer's premises is used to connect the customer to a base station. In this
case also called a network access point. The network acces point is located at a central point and
typically serves more than one user by fixed radio links.

Depending on the technology, FWA can deliver a complete range of services, including
telephony, high speed data (e.g. broadband internet access), video and other multimedia services.
Data rates typically range from several hundred kbit/s to several Mbit/s, depending on the
requirements of the user and the type of technology used.

In FWA the location of the end-user termination point is fixed. The are also technologies were
the customer's modem is connected to a small antenna which can be placed anywhere within the
premises of the customer (NWA) or were the customer can be mobile (MWA).

Originally, FWA was meant to connect users to the public switched telephone network.
Nowadays, FWA is mainly used to connect small and medium enterprises as well as consumers
to the internet.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a way of providing wireless connectivity through radio
links between two fixed points. In other words, fixed wireless is a way to provide
wireless internet access to homes or businesses without laying fiber and cables to
provide last mile connectivity. FWA enables network operators to provide ultra-high-
speed broadband to sub-urban and rural areas where the cost of laying fiber or
maintaining fiber lines is prohibitively expensive.

Fixed wireless technologies (LTE, WiMAX, etc) have been around for quite some time.
However, the cost and complexity of providing fixed broadband has continually
challenged the roll-out of high-speed data services. While technologies such as WiMAX
had attempted to bypass the local loop or prevent the fiber trench, these initiatives
largely failed - primarily because they demanded a completely new overlay
infrastructure and expensive proprietary equipment. FWA based on 4G/LTE technology
has also been deployed, however, the technology is spectrally inefficient, expensive to
deploy, and unable to provide the speeds needed to compete with wired broadband
connections.

All this is set to change with 5G technology. 5G Fixed Wireless Accesses employs
standardized 3GPP architectures and common mobile components to deliver ultra-high-
speed broadband services to residential subscribers and enterprise customers.
Featuring New Radio in the millimeter wavelength, 5G FWA can provide a competitive
alternative to fixed-line DSL, Cable, and fiber across all markets. By this, suburban and
rural consumers can receive the bandwidth required to support high definition streaming
services and high-speed Internet access.

The next generation of 5G-based fixed wireless technology is expected to hit data rates
in the order of several Gbps, well within the range of existing fiber technology. A big
portion of the improvement in data rates between 5G and older technologies will come
from increased spectral capacity. 5G fixed wireless networks are expected to utilize
mm-Wave bands (28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, etc.) where larger chunks of contiguous
spectrum are readily available for use. In addition to increased spectrum, 5G networks
are also being designed to increase spectral efficiency by orders of magnitude when
compared to its 4G predecessors. Advanced antenna technologies such as massive
MIMO, beam forming, and beam tracking will serve as key enablers.

Key Challenges Faced by Fixed Wireless Access:

 Radio transmission in the mm-Wave bands is inherently lossy. It is also highly

sensitive to environmental changes (foliage, snow, rain, etc.). Service providers
must plan for smaller cell sizes that will result in increased infrastructure cost per
household passed. Beamforming and massive MIMO technologies are meant to
alleviate some of those issues; however, those technologies are complex and
expensive.
 Higher propagation losses will also require the customer’s in-home gateway, also
known as customer premise equipment, to radiate higher levels of radio power to
maintain an acceptable link. New technologies should be developed to maintain
adequate safety from RF exposure.
 State and local regulatory bodies must ease zoning restrictions to accelerate
operator’s ability to install radio units in neighborhoods. Long zoning approval
cycles may further erode the business case.
 Governments, service providers, equipment manufacturers, and semiconductor
vendors will all have to coalesce around a single 5G standard within a set of
globally harmonized spectrums. Standardization will enable a robust ecosystem
of multiple vendors helping drive down costs.