Line of Sight Internet: What is it, and What are the Benefits?

Following on from our recent article on choosing the best broadband deal for your business, it only seems sensible that we’d cover another well established – albeit slightly lesser-known – way of connecting to the internet. It’s called Line of Sight internet, and it’s got a long list of plus-points.

So What Is Line of Sight Internet?

If you don’t know what Line of Sight internet is, no doubt you could probably make an educated guess. Simply put, Line of Sight internet provides an over-the-air internet connection to buildings that have a clear line of sight to a dedicated mast. This means no underground cables, quicker installation times and lower latency. Here we take a look at some of these benefits.

Quicker Installation

Wireless internet can be installed much quicker than fibre optic because it does not require groundwork and all the potential permits and licences that are typically required. Wireless internet can be installed in as little as 24 hours, with standard installation times ranging from just 5-10 days.

Fibre optic, by comparison, typically takes 60-90 days on average to install in Central London.

High Reliability

Line of Sight internet provided over electro-magnetic radio waves tends to be far less affected by external forces and is easier to maintain, meaning greater connection reliability.

Low Latency

The further that your data must travel, the longer this process can take. Wireless microwave signals are transmitted in straight lines from one point to the next, offering exceptionally low latency, and receding the number of “hops” required. Microwave radio waves travel at up to 189,000 miles per second.

Fibre optic connections, on the other hand, need to follow established routes like roads. Each bend slows the signal, resulting in higher latency. Data may be routed through extensive and inefficient cabling to the exchange, with signals traveling up to 124,000 miles per second.

Price

You’d expect Line of Sight internet technology to be more expensive than traditional fibre optic connectivity, however in truth the costs are often comparable or in some cases even lower than fibre connections. Our Line of Sight internet solution can offer savings of 20-40% over fibre connections.

Is Line of Sight Internet the Answer?

With all of the above in mind, wireless and over-the-air internet connectivity isn’t the best or most efficient solution for every business. Coverage areas can sometimes be limited, and it might simply be more sensible to make use of existing and connected fibre optic lines. Our Line of Sight Internet solution covers a large area within central London, as shown here:

You’ll need to decide if having a Line of Sight internet solution works for you. If you find yourself having trouble answering this, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and situation.