In the ever-changing landscape of telecommunications, 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is proving to be a revolutionary force. As Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) strive to close the digital divide, FWA offers a promising solution to deliver high-speed internet to both bustling urban centers and remote rural locations.
With the rise of 5G, FWA is experiencing a significant resurgence. This blog delves into the critical aspects of Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) design and highlights how Thales is stepping up to meet these evolving demands, paving the way for a more connected future.
FWA Routers in Use
FWA routers are now integral to the rapidly expanding ecosystem of wireless internet connectivity. This ecosystem brings together various stakeholders, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), and MNOs, all contributing to provide the necessary connectivity.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of FWA routers: those designed for home use and those tailored for industrial applications.
Home routers are specifically crafted for residential use and bridge the gap between consumer electronics and industrial IoT. These devices offer high-speed internet connectivity, often presenting a viable alternative to traditional fiber connections. With the advent of 5G technology, the home FWA router market is poised for substantial growth. Reports indicate that the global 5G FWA market was valued at around USD 23.78 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 39.9% from 2023 to 2030. The benefits for residential users are clear: faster deployment, lower costs, and the ability to provide high-speed internet in areas where fiber installation is not practical.
On the other hand, industrial routers are designed to withstand more challenging environments, making them ideal for various industrial applications. These routers ensure reliable connectivity for industrial IoT devices, supporting seamless operations across different sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
The Growing Demand and Benefits
The 5G FWA market is on the cusp of remarkable expansion. Utilising 5G technology, FWA routers can deliver internet speeds that rival traditional fiber connections, making them an attractive option for both consumers and businesses. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for high-speed internet and the widespread rollout of 5G networks. For MNOs, this presents an exciting opportunity to provide competitive alternatives to conventional wired broadband services.
Embracing eSIM Technology
Currently, many FWA devices rely on removable SIM cards, but there’s a noticeable shift towards eSIM technology. eSIMs offer multiple benefits that are shaping the future of FWA.
Firstly, eSIMs provide unparalleled ease of use. They can be activated remotely, doing away with the need for physical SIM cards, and can be tested during refurbishment, which in turn eases logistics, particularly when deploying devices in multiple countries. eSIM also simplifies subscriber change, whilst preventing unauthorised use of the connectivity. And, from a cost perspective, eSIMs reduce the logistical challenges associated with distributing physical SIM cards and can be managed more efficiently through software updates.
How Thales is Meeting These Demands
When it comes to FWA CPE design, Thales meets key requirements with our vision of providing ‘secure solutions for a connected world’. We place a strong emphasis on security features, reliability with bandwidth and device lifetime, and simplicity of installation.
First off, security is crucial. Our robust eSIM technology includes sophisticated measures that offer end-to-end protection. This helps keep your devices safe from evolving threats, with secure firmware updates ensuring everything remains intact and reliable.
Reliability is another cornerstone. Our eSIM solutions are optimised for 5G, ensuring high-speed performance whether you’re in the city or a remote area. We also focus on device durability; our ruggedised eSIMs and comprehensive connectivity management solutions make sure your devices are built to last and stay efficient over time.
And let’s not forget about making things easy. With our innovative eSIM and Thales Instant Connect (TIC) solutions, setting up is a breeze. It’s a seamless plug-and-play experience that takes the hassle out of installation, so you can get connected quickly without the hassle.
By leveraging our “Build, Run, Protect” framework, Thales enables OEMs to create high-performing, secure, and durable FWA CPE devices. This not only meets the evolving demands of the 5G market but also brings our vision of a securely connected world to life.
At Thales, we leverage our extensive expertise to provide comprehensive solutions that build, manage, and protect your connectivity infrastructure, ensuring that your FWA CPE devices perform at their best and are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s digital landscape.
