BlogConnectivity
Connectivity for remote and rural sites
By Vicky Ogola, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Where fibre has not reached, combine wireless, cellular and satellite options — and design applications for imperfect links.
Farms, processing plants, project sites, research stations and roadside installations are often beyond fibre networks. They can still be connected reliably.
The options
- **Fixed wireless** from a provider's nearby tower.
- **Cellular data** with an external, high-gain antenna mounted high.
- **Point-to-point links** from a site that already has good connectivity.
- **Satellite** where nothing else is available.
Survey first
Measure signal strength, test speeds and check line of sight before committing. Results can vary greatly within a short distance.
Combine links for reliability
A second link of a different type — for example cellular as backup to fixed wireless — keeps critical systems connected.
Protect equipment
Use outdoor-rated equipment, surge protection and secure mounting.
Design applications for the link
Store data locally and synchronise when connected; compress images; avoid systems that fail completely when the link is slow.
Power
Remote sites often need backup or solar power for the connectivity equipment.
See our remote connectivity services.
About the author
Vicky Ogola
Senior ICT Consultant
Vicky Ogola writes about network design, connectivity, data centres and the infrastructure that business systems depend on.