Line of sight internet is a type of internet connection that is transmitted using radio waves or microwaves. Unlike traditional broadband options, line-of-sight internet doesn’t require any cables to function, making it a popular alternative solution.
The name ‘line of sight’ refers to the technology needing an unobstructed line from the transmission point to the receiving point.
You don’t need to literally be able to see from one point to the other – line of sight internet can travel multiple kilometres – but it’s important there are no physical obstructions in the way that could prevent the signal from reaching its destination.
Regarding broadband technologies, line of sight hasn’t been around that long. However, it’s already proving useful for connecting areas where wired solutions aren’t possible.
How does line-of-sight internet work?
The way line of sight internet works is relatively straightforward. Internet data is carried underground to a transmission point using either fibre optic or copper wire cables.
The transmission point then sends out a signal, which is picked up by a receiver. It only requires three things:
- A transmitter to send out radio waves
- A receiver to catch them
- A router to convert and distribute the signal
Commercial line-of-sight connections typically operate on high-frequency microwave bands, such as 5GHz for medium-range links, or 60GHz and 80GHz for high-capacity, short-range connections. The transmission point is usually a telephone mast or tower, while the receiver point is usually in the form of an antenna mounted to a building.
The receiver could technically be mounted to an office block, but it’s more common to see them on homes or temporary sites in rural areas. This is because offices are more often found in urban areas, where buildings are likely to get in the way of line of sight internet.
Other obstructions that can disrupt line of sight internet include:
- buildings and other man-made structures
- mountains and hills
- trees and raised terrain
Line of sight internet generally requires around an 80% clear path between the transmitter and receiver in order to work effectively. Less than this and it can still function, but might not be as reliable.
How is line of sight distance calculated?
When engineers set up a line-of-sight connection, they don’t just look for a clear visual path. They must account for the Fresnel Zone – a 3D elliptical area surrounding the direct visual line between the transmitter and receiver. If trees or buildings encroach into this zone, even if they don’t block the direct visual line, they can scatter the radio waves and degrade the signal.
To predict how strong the signal will be when it arrives, engineers calculate the Free Space Path Loss (FSPL). This formula measures how much a radio signal naturally weakens as it spreads out over a specific distance through empty space. By calculating the FSPL and ensuring the Fresnel Zone is clear, providers can guarantee a fast, stable connection before the equipment is even installed.
LOS vs NLOS vs BLOS: What is the difference?
When discussing wireless communication, you will often hear three distinct terms used to describe how signals travel:
| Connection Type | What it means | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| LOS (Line of Sight) | A direct, unobstructed path between the transmitter and receiver. | Point-to-point microwave internet, satellite dishes, laser communications. |
| NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) | Signals that can bounce off or penetrate through physical obstacles like walls or trees. | Standard 4G/5G mobile networks, indoor office WiFi. |
| BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) | Communication over massive distances that bypasses the curvature of the Earth or major terrain. | Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband, military communications. |
The pros and cons of line of sight internet
Line of sight internet is a great alternative to more traditional technologies. To help you get a better understanding of what it has to offer, here’s a rundown of its pros and cons.
Pros
- Quick installation times – because line of sight internet doesn’t require digging to lay underground cables and doesn’t rely on extensive infrastructure, it can be installed in rapid time. Depending on the provider and the location, installation can be completed as soon as 1-10 days.
- Accessibility – hard-to-reach areas where there’s no existing infrastructure or wires are difficult to lay can benefit from line of sight internet. This makes the internet more accessible to those living and working in remote or rural locations.
- High reliability – line of sight internet is transmitted through the air, making it less vulnerable to issues on the ground such as floods or fires. Because it’s not as widely used, there’s also less risk of downtime as a result of network congestion.
Cons
- Requires an uninterrupted line of sight – the nature of line of sight internet means that it’s not usable in all situations, especially in urban locations or areas with raised terrain. It requires strict Fresnel Zone clearance to operate at peak performance.
- Range limitations – although line of sight internet can travel long distances (in some instances over 10 miles), its functional range is sometimes limited. This is because the further the signals have to travel, the more likely they are to run into obstructions.
- Might struggle in some weather conditions – the equipment used for line of sight connections is generally pretty durable. However, extreme weather conditions like storms can sometimes damage equipment. Thick rain and fog can also scatter the signal, resulting in a weaker connection.
Line of Sight vs Fibre vs 5G
How does line-of-sight compare to other common business internet options?
| Feature | Line of Sight (Microwave) | Fibre Broadband | 5G Mobile Broadband |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 1 to 10 days | Weeks to months | Same day (plug and play) |
| Infrastructure Needed | Receiver antenna | Underground cabling | 5G router |
| Rural Suitability | Excellent (if mast is visible) | Poor (often unavailable) | Variable (depends on mast proximity) |
| Latency | Very low | Very low | Low to medium |
| Obstruction Tolerance | None (requires clear path) | N/A (wired) | High (penetrates walls) |
When is line of sight internet the right choice?
Line of sight internet can be a highly effective solution for getting internet in rural or hard-to-reach areas. It can be used to provide WiFi for outdoor events and festivals, internet for construction sites in remote locations and robust caravan park WiFi solutions.
Because line of sight internet can usually be installed quickly, it’s also a good choice for emergency WiFi – for example, if your event WiFi provider has dropped out last-minute. As long as the location has a clear line of sight from the transmission mast, line of sight internet can deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity in situations where wired connections aren’t possible.
Click specialises in providing hybrid internet and telecom solutions. With our bespoke approach, we can incorporate line of sight, 5G, fibre and satellite internet to find the best setup for your unique situation. Call us on 01254 476996 or enquire now to find out how we can help.
Line of sight internet FAQs
What are some other names for line of sight internet?
Line of sight internet is also known as wireless leased line internet, microwave internet, fixed wireless access, line of sight connection, line of sight wireless bridge and fixed wireless access.
Are line of sight and microwave internet the same thing?
Microwave internet is just another word for line of sight internet. Line of sight uses microwave signals to transmit data wirelessly, which is why the two names are often used interchangeably.
Does 5G require line of sight?
While a clear line of sight can improve 5G signal, it’s not strictly required for the technology to function. 5G and line of sight internet are not the same thing – 5G uses a combination of frequencies to penetrate obstacles that line of sight internet cannot.
How fast is line of sight internet?
Line of sight internet speeds vary depending on the environment and distance from the transmission point. The technology is capable of delivering the same superfast speeds of fibre broadband, but can generally be expected to deliver speeds of at least 25-30 Mbps, scaling up to 1 Gbps or more on dedicated commercial links.
Is line of sight internet reliable?
Line of sight is considered a very reliable type of internet connection. The main threats to connection reliability come from extreme weather conditions and unexpected obstacles blocking the signal’s path.
Why do I get a “Line of Sight Blocked” error in the game Rust?
While we specialise in commercial internet, the “Line of Sight Blocked” error in the survival game Rust is a common search topic. It occurs when the game engine detects a physical obstruction (like a wall or deployable item) preventing you from placing a building block. In both gaming and real-world telecoms, a clear path is required!
