Fiber or Wireless Bridge?
If a physical pathway is practical, fiber is generally the preferred long-term building-to-building backbone. Wireless point-to-point bridges are valuable when trenching, boring or aerial pathways are impractical or too expensive.
| Factor | Fiber | Wireless Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Throughput consistency | Excellent | Depends on RF conditions and alignment |
| Lightning/electrical isolation | Excellent | Radios still require proper surge/power planning |
| Weather sensitivity | Low once installed | Can be affected by path and environmental conditions |
| Installation | Needs a physical pathway | Needs clear path and proper mounting/alignment |
| Future capacity | Very strong | Model/path dependent |
Use Fiber When
- A conduit or trench is available.
- The link is mission-critical.
- You want maximum future capacity and electrical isolation.
- The buildings are likely to stay connected for many years.
Use a Wireless Bridge When
- Trenching is not practical.
- A clear path exists between buildings.
- You need a fast deployment or temporary/secondary link.
- The expected throughput fits the selected radio system.
For hotels and multi-building properties, see fiber between hotel buildings.