Point to multipoint wireless (PtMP) is the architecture behind most fixed wireless broadband networks. A single base station or access point on a tower serves many subscriber radios spread across its coverage area, which makes it far cheaper per connection than running fiber or building a separate link to each site. WISPs, rural ISPs, utilities and campus operators all rely on it. This guide explains how PtMP works, how it compares to point-to-point links and what to plan before buying equipment.
Short answer: what is point to multipoint wireless?
Point to multipoint wireless uses one sector radio, usually on a tower or rooftop, to connect many customer or site radios within its coverage area. The sector’s capacity is shared among the subscribers it serves. Point-to-point (PtP) links, by contrast, connect exactly two locations and are typically used for backhaul between towers or buildings.
PtP vs PtMP compared
| Factor | Point to point (PtP) | Point to multipoint (PtMP) |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Two sites | One sector to many subscribers |
| Typical role | Backhaul and building-to-building links | Last-mile access for customers or sites |
| Capacity | Dedicated to one link | Shared across all subscribers on the sector |
| Antennas | Narrow, high-gain dishes at both ends | Sector antennas at the tower, directional CPE at the subscriber |
| Cost per connection | Higher | Lower |
Most networks use both: PtP links to carry traffic between towers and PtMP sectors to reach subscribers.
How a PtMP network is built
Tower and sectors
A tower is divided into sectors, often three to six, each covered by an access point and a sector antenna. More sectors with narrower beams increase total capacity and reduce interference.
Subscriber radios (CPE)
Each customer site has a subscriber module or CPE, typically aimed at the serving sector. Mounting height, line of sight and alignment drive link quality.
Backhaul and power
Each tower needs backhaul capacity to the network core, through fiber or licensed and unlicensed PtP links, and reliable power with battery backup. Our guide on how to calculate UPS runtime covers tower power sizing.
Choosing spectrum
- Unlicensed 5 GHz is widely used and low cost, but subject to interference from other operators.
- CBRS (3.5 GHz) in the United States is shared spectrum coordinated through a Spectrum Access System, offering better propagation through foliage than higher bands.
- 6 GHz adds new unlicensed capacity, subject to the rules that apply to outdoor use.
- 60 GHz mmWave delivers very high capacity over short, clear line-of-sight distances, often in mesh designs.
- Sub-GHz bands such as 900 MHz penetrate foliage better but carry less capacity.
Line of sight and non-line-of-sight
Traditional PtMP needs clear or near line of sight between sector and subscriber. Newer platforms are engineered for non-line-of-sight performance, using advanced interference cancellation and signal processing to reach subscribers behind trees and terrain. That changes coverage maps and the number of customers each tower can serve. DWC-IT supplies Tarana wireless equipment, built for next-generation fixed wireless access, and the Cambium Networks portfolio across its PtMP and PtP families.
Capacity planning basics
- Estimate subscribers per sector and the service plans they will buy.
- Apply an oversubscription ratio that matches your service quality targets.
- Check that sector capacity, under real signal conditions, covers peak demand.
- Confirm backhaul capacity exceeds the combined peak of all sectors on the tower.
- Plan for growth: additional sectors, spectrum or towers as take-up rises.
Equipment checklist for a PtMP deployment
- Sector access points and antennas, plus subscriber radios
- PtP backhaul radios or fiber connectivity
- Tower switching and routing, often with MikroTik routers at the edge
- Optics, cabling, grounding and surge protection
- Enclosures, power systems and APC UPS battery backup
For a complete bill of materials, see our fixed wireless equipment page or the full WISP equipment range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between point to point and point to multipoint wireless?
Point to point connects exactly two locations, usually for backhaul. Point to multipoint connects one sector radio to many subscriber radios, sharing the sector’s capacity among them.
How many subscribers can one PtMP sector support?
It depends on the platform, spectrum, signal conditions and service plans. Capacity is shared, so the realistic number is set by peak demand and the service quality you want to maintain.
Does PtMP need line of sight?
Traditional systems perform best with clear or near line of sight. Some newer platforms are designed for non-line-of-sight operation, which extends coverage behind obstacles.
What spectrum is used for fixed wireless PtMP?
Common choices include unlicensed 5 GHz and 6 GHz, CBRS at 3.5 GHz in the United States, 60 GHz for high-capacity short links and sub-GHz bands for foliage penetration.
Next step
Planning a new tower or expanding coverage? Contact DWC-IT with your site and subscriber targets and we will help assemble the PtMP equipment, backhaul and power in one order.
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