Sign in Subscribe

wisp internet

Last updated on 

WISP, or Wireless Internet Service Provider, refers to a telecommunications provider that offers wireless broadband internet access to customers. WISP technology utilizes wireless communication technologies to deliver internet services to homes, businesses, and other locations.

Let's delve into the technical aspects of WISP:

  1. Wireless Technologies:
    • Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum: WISPs use licensed or unlicensed radio frequency bands to transmit data wirelessly. Common frequency bands include 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for unlicensed use, while licensed bands may vary by region.
    • Point-to-Point (P2P) and Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) Links: WISPs establish links between their base stations and customer premises using P2P and P2MP wireless technologies. P2P links connect two points directly, while P2MP links enable one base station to communicate with multiple customer premises.
  2. Infrastructure Components:
    • Base Stations: WISPs deploy base stations, also known as access points or towers, to transmit signals to customer premises. These stations are equipped with high-gain antennas and networking equipment.
    • Customer Premises Equipment (CPE): Customers are equipped with CPE, which includes antennas and receivers to capture the wireless signals and convert them into usable data for their devices.
  3. Transmission Protocols:
    • IEEE 802.11 Standards: WISPs often use Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax, for wireless communication. These standards define the protocols for data transmission, ensuring compatibility between WISP infrastructure and customer devices.
    • TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) or FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access): WISPs may implement TDMA or FDMA to manage multiple users sharing the same frequency band efficiently.
  4. Network Topology:
    • Mesh or Hub-and-Spoke: WISPs can have different network topologies. In a mesh network, base stations are interconnected, allowing for redundant paths and increased reliability. In a hub-and-spoke topology, a central base station communicates directly with customer premises.
  5. Backhaul Connection:
    • Fiber or Microwave Backhaul: WISPs require a backhaul connection to connect their base stations to the broader internet. This backhaul can be achieved through fiber-optic cables or microwave links, depending on the geographical and economic considerations.
  6. Network Management:
    • Quality of Service (QoS): WISPs implement QoS mechanisms to prioritize traffic and ensure a certain level of service quality for different applications and users.
    • Traffic Shaping and Bandwidth Management: WISPs employ traffic shaping and bandwidth management techniques to optimize the usage of available network resources and prevent network congestion.
  7. Security Measures:
    • Encryption Protocols: To secure data transmission, WISPs often use encryption protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3 for Wi-Fi connections.
    • Virtual LANs (VLANs) and Network Segmentation: VLANs and network segmentation help isolate and secure traffic within the WISP network.