Higher tier clients may have requirements beyond the scope of even the best microwave wireless solutions on the market. This is where the extreme high capacity of mmWave spectrum E-band wireless can deliver a real alternative to fiber. But what makes the E-Band such a unique and powerful option, and how are links being deployed in the field to win premium clients?
Characteristics of E-Band
E-band link capacity 1+0 radio configurations can deliver up to 10 Gbps, and links run in pairs can reach up to 20 Gbps. Although blazing fast, and with only microseconds of latency, E-band links cover a relatively short distance (one-two miles realistically).
Rain and humidity can also be factors limiting distance and performance.
E-Band falls under a nationwide (NN) “light” FCC license. Spanning the 70 - 90 GHz mmWave range, it includes approximately 13 GHz of spectrum.
E-Band as a Real Fiber Alternative
In addition to matching or surpassing fiber speeds, E-Band mmWave links have certain practical advantages over fiber deployments, including:
- Fixed cost, despite length of link
- Versatility in crossing impasses - highways, railroads, or bodies of water
- Simplified deployment - in urban and “Brownfield” areas, or situations involving right of ways and permits (no trenching!)
- Instant ability to generate income after quick installation
Examples of E-Band in Action
Michael, President & Owner of a Virginia WISP, shares their success with E-Band:
“We use E-Band spectrum radios with a fiber backbone to backhaul 10 Gbps wirelessly into a town where we are delivering high capacity service. We’re connecting clients at anywhere from 100 Mbps - 1 Gbps across town.”
Matt, Co-Owner and Network Engineer from Missouri WISP, explains the importance of E-Band in one of their successful network models:
“The micro-pop model that works so well for us needs E-Band links to thrive. They’re low power, narrow beam, and high capacity. We have an 80 GHz link with 2 ft. dishes running a gigabit full duplex. Radios in this E-Band spectrum are lightly licensed, plus they are coming down in price. We backhaul from one mico-pop to another. We can over-subscribe 30-50 business customers at 200 Mbps off one mico-pop, and it still works.”
Bigger Pay-Off with E-Band
Delivering premium E-Band solutions justifies charging premium prices. When you can easily meet the requirements of higher end clients with "fiber-like" expectations, more doors are opened for expanding and growing your business in exciting ways!
Check out Chapter 8 of our WISP Guide 2019 for more on E-Band gigabit links. You'll also find that the guide is full of chapters on related topics for growing your network and your business.
