How to Choose the Right Wireless Bridge for Africa Deployment?

By Mosslink Editorial Team · Updated 2025-11-10

I never imagined a dusty rooftop in Niger could stream HD CCTV footage over 5 km — until I saw it myself.

Imagine installing a wireless bridge on a church tower in a remote village, connecting it to a school miles away — no fiber, just air. That’s real connectivity.

That’s exactly what our Mosslink WB2500 and WB730 wireless bridges help you achieve — and more:

• Reliable long-distance PTP and PTMP wireless transmission
• Rugged, weatherproof enclosures for harsh climates
• Customizable firmware and country-specific frequency control
• Simple plug-and-play setup with OEM/ODM support

How do I determine the right transmission distance?

I once underestimated the terrain between two rural clinics — and lost 80% of signal strength.

Transmission distance depends not only on specs but also on line-of-sight, elevation, and surrounding obstructions. Never trust numbers alone — verify them on-site.

Accurate planning of line-of-sight improves link stability and range

Consider Distance + Terrain

Start by plotting the actual distance and elevation between your endpoints. For 1–5 km, our WB630 is sufficient. For 5–15 km, the WB730 with larger antennas is a better choice. Terrain impacts signal — avoid valleys and trees in the direct path.

Fresnel Zone Clearance

Even if line-of-sight is visually clear, you also need Fresnel zone clearance. This invisible oval-shaped zone allows radio waves to propagate fully. Obstructions like buildings or vegetation can disrupt this and cause signal loss.

Recommended Wireless Bridge Options by Distance

Distance	Model	Antenna	Bandwidth
1–3 km	WB630	16dBi Panel	867Mbps
3–7 km	WB730	18dBi Panel	867Mbps
7–15 km	WB5axH6-35	35dBi Dish	1200Mbps

What frequency band should I use for African rural and urban environments?

I nearly deployed 5.8GHz gear in a city where it’s banned. Lesson learned: ask before you act.

Different African countries regulate ISM bands differently. Verify local frequency laws — especially for 5 GHz and 60 GHz — before finalizing specs.

Choosing between 2.4GHz and 5GHz depends on foliage, regulation, and interference

Urban vs Rural Frequency Choices

Urban areas benefit from cleaner 5GHz bands, but these often require DFS and TPC support. Rural deployments may still rely on 2.4GHz bridges due to better foliage penetration. Our 2.4GHz models are used in forested areas and remote villages.

Custom Firmware for Frequency Compliance

At Mosslink, we pre-flash your devices to match regional rules. That includes disabling channels above 5.825GHz or adjusting Tx power under 30dBm, depending on country. This helps prevent customs delays and local interference issues.

Common Band Usage by Country

Country	Allowed Band	Regulatory Note
Nigeria	2.4GHz / 5.8GHz	DFS required
Burkina Faso	2.4GHz / 5GHz	Limited to 30dBm EIRP
Morocco	5.7GHz only	DFS/TPC mandatory

If you’re unsure about your project requirements or what bridge model to choose, reach out to us here. Tell us your country, link distance, and terrain. We’ll recommend the best model — tested and proven across African deployments.