Which factors contribute to high latency in WISP connections?

Contributing Factors

WISP connections typically experience high latency due to the long distance between the user’s location and the WISP tower. This physical distance can be several miles, resulting in signal degradation and increased latency. A study by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found that latency can increase by up to 100% for every additional mile of distance from the tower.

Equipment Limitations

The type and quality of equipment used in WISP connections can also contribute to high latency. Many WISP providers use outdated or low-capacity equipment, such as older WiMAX or point-to-point protocol (PPP) technology, which can result in slower speeds and higher latency. In contrast, newer technologies such as point-to-multipoint (P2MP) and 802.11ac can provide faster speeds and lower latency. A 2019 study by the Wireless Broadband Alliance found that P2MP technology can reduce latency by up to 30% compared to traditional PPP technology.

Terrain Obstacles

Terrain obstacles such as hills, valleys, and trees can also impact WISP connection latency. These obstacles can cause signal reflection, diffraction, and absorption, leading to signal degradation and increased latency. To mitigate these effects, WISP providers can use techniques such as beamforming, which can focus the signal to penetrate through terrain obstacles, or use multiple antennas to improve signal quality. A 2020 study by the IEEE found that beamforming can reduce latency by up to 20% in areas with high terrain obstacles.