Building Networks

Deploying wireless networks can be complicated, but having the appropriate framework and tools can help. This page will be updated regularly with new & helpful resources.

5G promises higher speeds but shorter range

Popular 5G Use Cases

Use Case	Network Details
Municipal Broadband	Municipal broadband aims to provide access to unserved and underserved markets. They often use fiber backhauls for fixed wireless access using small cell base stations and repeaters. This provides a more cost-effective option to traditional fiber-to-the-home internet packages.
Home Broadband via Wireless ISP (WISP)	With 5G technology, WISPs are able to compete with traditional ISPs that often target high-profit subscribers. WISPs typically deploy fixed wireless using fiber backhauls with small cell base stations and repeaters to reach neighborhoods, without sacrificing speed and reliability.
Home Broadband via Cellular Network	With 5G’s higher data transmission speeds and lower latency, some mobile network operators are extending cellular services to deliver broadband internet to homes and businesses. These services are competing with cable and fiber companies to cover the last mile.
Mobile Broadband via Cellular Network	Mobile network operators continue their evolution from 4G to 5G, increasing data throughput rates while lowering latency. This is important due to the increasing user demand for more data usage and lower latency, spanning use cases such as videos, social media, and gaming.
Mobile Data Offloading	In addition to cellular networks, mobile network operators can also leverage complimentary wireless networks to deliver data to their customers. Offloading helps increase data rates for users, reduce network congestion, and even minimize roaming fees in certain areas.
Private Networks	Private networks are common for large corporations aiming to deliver fixed wireless access to their employees. Private networks often use a fiber backhaul with a mesh network of 5G small cell base stations and repeaters to reach areas that employees commonly work from.

Phases of Building Wireless Networks

Phase	Details
Planning	Establish goals, budget, team, and resources. Determine which phases of the project you are able to hire for and which ones are better to outsource. Research spectrums and technology that are most suitable for the network sites. Conduct financial modeling of various solutions and scenarios across five years.
Design	Start with RF planning tools to simulate coverage in each location. Test and optimize with different spectrums, obstructions, and usage scenarios. Design for core technical requirements such as reliability, latency, handoffs, and security. Extrapolate data congestion, bandwidth, and throughput scenarios.
Site Acquisition	Research permit requirements and expected turnaround times. Comply with federal, regional, and building codes. Determine the ideal equipment location and height at each site. Start with high-priority locations and sites with fewer host options. Consider using an automated site acquisition platform like Airwaive to streamline tedious processes.
Deployment	Research equipment cost, lead time, and country-specific licensing. Interview installation companies and ensure that they are certified, bonded, licensed, insured, and trained with your selected equipment and spectrums. Confirm that the installers will also handle provisioning, maintenance, and future expansion plans.
Maintenance	Conduct final testing and provisioning of the network. Define SLAs and responsible parties for monitoring and maintenance. Establish agreed-upon key performance indicators KPIs that track network performance. Define milestones that could trigger future expansion plans.

In-depth Resources

Use Case	Resources
Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)	Top 5 Considerations For 5G Networks Renting Out Rooftops Hosting Wireless Access Points How To Optimize Your 5G Site Acquisition Strategy (Part 1) How To Optimize Your 5G Site Acquisition Strategy (Part 2) Consider Starting Your Own Wireless ISP
Municipal Broadband	A Checklist For Municipal Broadband Approvals Top 5 Challenges for Municipal Broadband Municipal Broadband RFP Tips
Home Broadband	Closing the Digital Divide
Private Enterprise Networks	CBRS: Comon Pitfalls & Workarounds

Airwaive Platform Tips

Use Case	Resources
3D Mapping	Navigating The Map in 3D Mode Analyzing Line-of-Sight Obstructions Visualizing Signal Strength & Coverage Area
Evaluating Potential Sites	Building Information More coming soon…
Budgeting	Coming soon