Key Takeaways
📡 Line of sight is essential – Fixed wireless needs a clear path between your building and the tower to work properly.
🔍 Do a site survey – It helps identify the best spot for installation and avoids signal issues.
🧰 Basic gear required – You’ll need an antenna, router, mounting gear, and possibly a backup power source.
⚙️ Optimise your network – Prioritise business-critical traffic and keep things running smoothly.
🔒 Add backup and security – Use firewalls, VPNs, and a failover connection for peace of mind.
Fixed wireless internet is fast becoming a go-to solution for businesses that need high-speed connectivity in areas where fibre just isn’t an option. Whether you’re located on the outskirts of a city, in a business park with no cable access, or simply want a backup connection that doesn’t rely on underground infrastructure, fixed wireless offers a solid alternative.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to set up a fixed wireless network for your business – from understanding what equipment is required to getting the most out of your installation.
Quick Reference: Fixed Wireless Network Setup Checklist
| Step | Task | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand Fixed Wireless | Needs line of sight, radio-based, not mobile or fibre |
| 2 | Choose a Provider | Coverage, SLAs, speed, experience, site survey |
| 3 | Equipment Needed | CPE, mounting gear, router, PoE, optional UPS/switch |
| 4 | Site Survey | Check line of sight, mounting position, signal obstacles |
| 5 | Installation | Mount antenna, run cable, align signal |
| 6 | Network Configuration | QoS, static IPs, VLANs, traffic monitoring |
| 7 | Redundancy & Security | Failover, firewall, VPN, updates |
| 8 | Maintenance | Monitor signal, routine checks, provider updates |
Step 1: Understand What Fixed Wireless Is (and Isn’t)
Fixed wireless provides internet access through radio signals sent from a base station (often a tower) to a fixed receiver mounted on your premises. Unlike mobile data, it doesn’t rely on cellular networks, and unlike fibre, there are no cables involved.
It requires a clear line of sight between the base station and your business, which means rooftop mounting or high poles may be necessary. Fixed wireless is capable of delivering business-grade speeds with low latency, making it suitable for VoIP, cloud apps, video conferencing, and more.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fixed Wireless Provider
Not all fixed wireless providers are created equal. Here’s what to consider:
Coverage: Make sure your business falls within the service area of the provider.
Speeds & Bandwidth: Check what upload/download speeds are available.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Look for uptime guarantees and support responsiveness.
Business Experience: Providers that specialise in business connectivity usually offer better support and quality of service.
Ask if a site survey is required. A good provider will assess your line of sight and recommend mounting positions before installation.
Step 3: Get the Right Equipment
Setting up a fixed wireless network typically requires the following:
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE): A radio or antenna that receives the signal from the base station.
Mounting Hardware: Poles, brackets, or wall mounts for secure placement of the antenna.
Router or Firewall: Business-grade routers ensure better traffic management and security.
PoE Injector or Power Supply: Powers the CPE via Ethernet.
Advanced setups may include:
Managed switches for LAN control
Redundant routers for failover
UPS systems for power backup
Step 4: Site Survey and Line of Sight Check
Before any installation, a site survey is essential. This helps:
Confirm clear line of sight to the base station
Identify the best mounting location
Avoid interference from buildings, trees, or hills
Some providers use specialised tools to simulate the signal path before physically visiting the site.
If you lack direct line of sight, you may still be able to set up a relay point (e.g., on a neighbouring building or secondary mast).
Step 5: Install and Align the Equipment
Installation includes:
Mounting the antenna or radio at the designated high point
Running network cable from the antenna to your internal network
Powering the CPE and connecting it to your router
Aligning the antenna for optimal signal strength
Technicians typically use signal meters or software tools to fine-tune antenna alignment.
Step 6: Configure Your Network for Performance
After physical setup, network configuration is key:
Assign static IPs to essential business devices
Enable QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritise VoIP or mission-critical applications
Segment your network using VLANs if you have multiple departments or public Wi-Fi
Monitor traffic to identify any bandwidth hogs or unusual activity
A properly configured network ensures stability, especially during high-usage hours.
Step 7: Plan for Redundancy and Security
For businesses that rely heavily on internet uptime, consider:
Failover connections (e.g., LTE, fibre, or second wireless link)
Firewall protection to block unauthorised access
VPNs for secure remote access
Regular firmware updates on all networking equipment
Security and redundancy are not just technical add-ons – they protect your operations.
Step 8: Monitor and Maintain
Once your fixed wireless network is live, ongoing monitoring helps avoid issues:
Use monitoring software or your router’s dashboard to track signal strength and uptime
Schedule routine maintenance checks for cabling, antenna alignment, and firmware
Keep in touch with your provider for any network upgrades or planned outages
💡 Pro Tips for a Rock-Solid Fixed Wireless Setup
- Label and document everything – Keep a simple log of equipment types, firmware versions, login credentials, and installation notes. It’ll save hours during troubleshooting.
Schedule semi-annual signal tests – A quick check with signal analysis tools (or even built-in router diagnostics) helps spot degradation before it becomes a problem.
Use managed switches if you can – They let you monitor traffic, isolate problems, and segment your network more effectively.
Monitor uptime – Tools like Pingdom, UptimeRobot, or even a Raspberry Pi ping script can alert you if your connection drops—before users complain.
Train a second person – Don’t let your internet setup knowledge live with just one team member. A quick internal guide or walkthrough goes a long way.
Fixed wireless isn’t just a temporary solution. With the right setup, it can be a robust, high-performance alternative to traditional fibre or ADSL lines. Whether you’re using it as your primary internet or a backup, careful planning and expert installation make all the difference.
By choosing the right provider, investing in quality equipment, and configuring your fixed wireless network smartly, your business can benefit from enterprise-grade connectivity — even in locations where cables can’t reach. As the digital landscape becomes more reliant on real-time applications and cloud services, fixed wireless is a future-ready solution worth considering.
