5G Fixed Wireless Access

Airgain’s outdoor 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) device has integrated best-in-class antennas with a 5G FR1 modem covering 617-4200 MHz. It is a robust Gigabit outdoor FWA device with IP67 rating that comes bundled with a patent-pending easy installation kit that removes the need for costly professional installation and a cloud-based management tool that allows enterprise users to visualize and track the behavior of each device.

The easy installation kit includes a mobile app that allows you to observe the real-time signal quality and adjust the direction of the device to maximize the signal strength.

Global Leader in 5G: Fixed Wireless Access

The market for fixed wireless access (FWA) is poised for exponential growth over the next five years and Airgain is leading the way. The global leader in 5G antenna development for FWA, Airgain supports numerous implementations of 5G FWA in both consumer and enterprise environments.

We simplify fixed wireless access with the industry’s best RF engineers, custom designs and copious testing services. And our full reference designs will help you get to market quicker than any other solution in the marketplace.

So, whether you need the best embedded antenna design for your product, need to enhance the signal of your current offering, or are seeking to build a new FWA device from the ground up, we can help.

Learn More About Deploying Fixed Wireless Access as a Part of the BEAD Program

In an effort to increase accessibility to the Internet around the United States, the government has tasked the National Telecommunicaitons and Information Administration (NTIA) to begin rolling out the Broadband for Economic Advancement and Development (BEAD) program in all 50 states, plus additional U.S. Territories.

Airgain’s FWA technology employs high-performance antennas and advanced radio frequency solutions to deliver robust and reliable connectivity to underserved and rural areas. Unlike traditional wired infrastructure, FWA offers a more flexible and cost-effective deployment model, making it an ideal candidate for the BEAD program’s objective of expanding broadband access to remote regions.

Fixed Wireless Access technology leverages existing cellular networks or dedicated point-to-point links, enabling rapid deployment and minimizing the need for extensive physical infrastructure. This not only accelerates the implementation of broadband services but also ensures a quicker and more cost-efficient solution to bridge the digital divide.

Our growing portfolio of Lantern FWA devices provide high-speed internet access with low latency, meeting the modern demands of everyday use-cases such as Remote Working, Telehealth, Online Education, as well as providing powerful access for businesses and households alike.

By harnessing Airgain’s expertise in wireless connectivity, the government can ensure that the BEAD program delivers on its promise to empower communities with the essential infrastructure needed for economic development and improved quality of life.

Request additional information from our team about deploying Lantern FWA as part of the BEAD program in your state:

Airgain's FWA Offerings are Divided into Three Areas:

EMBEDDED

Customized, high-performance embedded antennas optimized for unique industrial designs

Complete design reviews and comprehensive environmental design and over-the-air (OTA) testing services to ensure maximum performance

Both indoor and outdoor applications

 

HYBRID

External, high-gain directional antennas that enhance the coverage of existing indoor FWA devices

A separate multi-mount panel antenna that combines the highest gain with the lowest cost in the smallest form factor

Reduces customer churn by boosting the signal of existing devices and infrastructure

INTEGRATED

Reference design for a fully integrated high-gain, low cost FWA CPE in a small form factor that offers the best total coverage

Includes complete software stack for device and network management as well as specifications and bill of materials

Reduces the need for a professional installer with a patent- pending easy installation kit that includes power supply and dynamic signal quality display for your smart phone

 

What is 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?

5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a technology that utilizes the 5G wireless network infrastructure to provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and other fixed locations. Unlike traditional wired broadband connections that rely on cables, such as fiber-optic or DSL lines, 5G FWA delivers internet access through existing wireless signals.

Key features of 5G FWA include:

High Data Speeds

5G networks are designed to provide significantly faster data speeds compared to previous generations of wireless technology. This makes 5G FWA a compelling option for areas where laying physical cables might be challenging or cost-prohibitive, but gigabit+ speeds are required.

Low Latency

5G technology offers lower latency, which refers to the delay between sending and receiving data. This is particularly important for real-world applications like streaming to or from the cloud, video conferencing, and real-time communication.

Wider Area Coverage

5G networks are built to cover larger geographic areas compared to previous generations, making it possible to reach more remote or rural locations with high-speed internet. This means no more waiting for your internet service provider to upgrade your location to fiber optic.

Rapid Deployment & Scalability

Installing traditional wired infrastructure can be time-consuming and expensive. 5G FWA provides a more flexible and rapid deployment option, as it doesn’t require laying cables and can be set up relatively quickly. It can also be portable from one job site to another if needed.

Connecting the "Last Mile"

5G FWA can address the “last mile” connectivity challenge, which refers to the final leg of connectivity from the service provider’s infrastructure to individual homes or businesses. This is often the most expensive and logistically complex part of deploying broadband services.

Wireless Means No Cables (Less Infrastructure Needed)

One of the main advantages of 5G FWA is that it eliminates the need for physical cables routed to your location to connect you to the internet, reducing the visual clutter associated with utility poles and underground cables.

Using CBRS for FWA Versus 5G and LTE

Creating low-cost internet access for businesses and communities is still a huge opportunity, even as the internet reaches its 40th year of service. Despite home internet’s decades of existence there are still many communities underserved with poor quality or non-existent access to the world wide web. The expansion of the CBRS (Citizen’s Broadband Radio Service) spectrum has opened up considerably for use by the private sector to access wireless infrastructure, which in turn has been growing in popularity for establishing free-to-use or low-cost wireless internet access, thanks to Fixed Wireless Access antennas.

While CBRS is a viable option for establishing wireless internet access, especially in rural areas, it does come with some drawbacks. Where 5G FWA may be able to provide data speeds in excess of 1 GHz, the CBRS spectrum typically maxes out around 100 Mbps for most users [without a Priority Access License (PAL)], which is less than 1/10th the speed attainable on 5G or even LTE networks. For some basic internet needs, certain businesses and home internet users can survive on 100 Mbps, though functions such as video streaming and other higher bandwidth demanding services will be limited in capability.

Since Airgain’s Lantern FWA device covers the full sub-6 GHz spectrum, it can be deployed to utilize nearly any wireless technology to create a fixed wireless access solution. You can configure the device to prioritize 5G or LTE, and then fall-back onto CBRS or another frequency spectrum for continuity of service if so desired.

CBRS Features

  • Low or No-Cost to Access
  • Long Range Coverage
  • Higher Speeds Possible with Priority Access License (PAL)
  • Not as Usable in Densely Populated Areas
  • Lowest Infrastructure Requirements

LTE Features

  • Moderate Data Cost to Access
  • Medium Range Coverage
  • 100+ Mbps Network Speeds
  • Better Suited for Established Areas
  • Mostly Uses Existing Cellular Infrastructure

5G Network Features

  • Requires Data Plan with 5G Carrier
  • Shorter Range Coverage
  • 1,000+ Mbps Network Speeds Available
  • Limited Availability in Rural Areas
  • 5G Infrastructure Continues to Improve