How to Build a Wireless Broadband Network for Remote Village

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Internet access is a key aspect of modern living. But while connectivity thrives — and is often taken for granted — in cities and urban centres, many rural communities have remained lacking in terms of decent internet infrastructure.

This digital gap comes with serious consequences: from educational and employment barriers to limited access to essential services.

Now, without existing groundwork for wired connections, the best way to bring high speed internet connection to these areas is by building wireless broadband networks, an inclusive solution that is also flexible and cost-effective.

Let's explore all the ways to establish a wireless internet connection in remote areas.

How Can You Build a Wireless Broadband in Local Areas?

Some popular means of building a wireless broadband network in rural communities include mobile broadband, hotspot tethering, fibre optic cables, satellite internet, and fixed wireless internet.

Let's have an in-depth look at them.

1. Mobile Broadband

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Mobile broadband lets you use a portable and battery-powered MiFi device or USB dongle to connect to existing 3G, 4G, or 5G networks. The MiFi device, almost as small as a credit card, creates a mobile hotspot using your wireless carrier's network.

On the other hand, a dongle is a device that houses a modem and allows you to connect wirelessly to a phone network after plugging it into your computer's USB port.

Simply put, mobile broadband provides internet connectivity via a cellular network and is more efficient and reliable than traditional cellular service. The major problem is that this method only supports a limited number of devices at the same time.

Pros

• Mobile broadbands provide high-speed internet
• One of the cheapest methods of getting wireless broadband internet
• Easy to set up
• Portable and lets you connect to the internet on the go

Cons

• Limited coverage
• Lower internet speed

2. Hotspot Tethering

Hotspot tethering is similar to mobile broadband; the major difference is that while mobile broadband uses dedicated mobile hotspot devices, tethering is a feature available on most smartphones. With hotspot tethering, you can share your phone's internet service with tablets, computers, and other devices through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a USB cable.

Tethering is another way to access high-speed internet service, as long as there's a 3G, 4G, or even 5G service in your local area.

This system offers wireless speeds ranging from 1 MBps to 1,000 MBps, depending on your network technology. However, note that hotspot usually has limited data restrictions, so you may not get enough data for heavy activities like streaming.

Pros

• Easy broadband internet access
• More portable than most wireless services
• Allows you to connect multiple devices

Cons

• Limited data restrictions
• Slower internet access
• Drains smartphone battery fast

3. Fibre Optic Cables

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You can call fibre optic a "pipeline for light" technology because the main idea is for data to pass through plastic fibres or fine glass huddled together and fastened in a plastic/glass casing, otherwise known as fibre optic cables.

Fibre optic is available in two types: single mode and multimode. While the former is used for longer distances, the latter works best for shorter distances. Another difference between both fibre options is that single mode offers a stable but slower signal strength, while multimode features faster speeds but with lower signal quality.

This method is usually costly; cable companies rarely provide it for low-population areas. So, you must confirm that a fibre optic connection is available in your region before opting for it.

Pros

• Fibre optic cables are more durable and lighter than copper cables
• Cables require low maintenance
• Faster internet speed
• Can be passed underwater
• Highly resistant to electromagnetic interference

Cons

• Costly
• May not be available in your locality
• Installation is demanding and complex
• Cables are fragile, and any issue can lead to signal loss

4. Satellite Internet

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Satellite internet involves a ground-based antenna that sends signals to an internet service provider's satellite in outer space. This satellite, in turn, sends this signal back to the antenna and provides internet coverage for a particular location.

The best part about a satellite broadband network is that it's easier to set up than other options; it doesn't need any underground wiring to get it to work. As long as you have a modem, constant electricity, and, most importantly, a satellite dish with direct access to the sky, you can get an internet connection anywhere.

Unfortunately, this is another costly service, and you may not even get faster connection speed like you would with fibre optics and cable internet.

Pros

• Works anywhere, including remote areas
• Relatively easy to set up

Cons

• Susceptible to bad weather conditions
• Features high latency and slow internet speeds

5. Fixed Wireless Internet

With fixed wireless, you get internet access through radio waves that send high-speed data between two designated points. This option works almost like satellite internet, only that fixed wireless uses an antenna instead of a dish receiver. The antenna has to be installed in a high location near you, most preferably on your roof.

Your modem connects to the internet through this antenna, which receives the signal from a nearby tower.

This method works best in rural areas that can't accommodate conventional wired lines. You should expect speeds of about 25 MBps on fixed wireless and even more on newer technologies.

Pros

• No wired connections are required, which makes it easy to set up
• One of the most affordable options available
• Features high speed and low latency

Cons

• Susceptible to poor weather conditions
• There must be an uninterrupted line of sight between the network tower and the antenna

How Can You Boost Rural Internet Speed?

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If you're still struggling with a reliable internet connection in your rural area, you can boost the speed by doing the following:

4G Signal Booster

As the name implies, a 4G booster boosts a weak cell signal and sends it across a specific location to increase broadband speed.

This system comprises three parts: An outdoor receiver for collecting weak signals, an amplifier for strengthening weak signals, and an indoor antenna to broadcast boosted signals within range. A coaxial cable connects these three.

Internet Bonding

Internet bonding is also known as channel bonding, and this option combines several internet connections to make one strong connection to improve performance and speed.

There's no limit to the kind of bonding you can do. Fibre connections can be bonded with 4G, DSL, etc. You can even bond mobile broadband from various carriers.

This option can be quite complicated, so you may have issues with it if you aren't tech-savvy.

Change Your Internet Service Provider

A poor service provider may be the culprit of your poor internet connection. If that's the case, then it's high time you changed your internet service provider. Check out the best local providers in your area before moving.

Create a Separate Network

Another way to circumvent broadband issues is to create different internet networks for different online activities. You can set up a network for general activities like movie streaming and another for heavy-duty work like gaming.

Get a New Router

Your router can also be what's causing slow speeds; you should update or change it if that happens. Switching up or buying a new router can solve connectivity issues in no time.

Similarly, you should consider placing your router close to devices that use Wi-Fi the most. This will reduce the interference between your router and your devices and improve your connection.

Wrapping Up

Getting high-speed internet in remote areas can be quite a hassle. However, with the right wireless technologies, you can overcome that in no time.

While every option stated above is great, you should choose one based on how it meets your needs. Remember, you can also try some hacks to boost your connection speed.

Finally, keep in mind that a lot lies on your internet service provider, so conduct adequate research for the best rural providers before settling for one.