Hi Guys,
I recently decided to upgrade my office’s internet connectivity and opted for Airtel AirFiber (also known as Airtel Xstream Fiber). After a thorough evaluation of my needs, including consistent speed and reliability, I decided to make the switch from my previous local ISP’s wired OFC FTTH connection. There was only a few options available, one being Jio Air Fiber, and BSNL FTTH. While Airtel does provide wired OFC FTTH connections at a few select location in my city, it depends upton feasibility.
Here’s my experience so far.
Plan and Pricing:
I selected the 4-month plan, which cost Rs. 499 + GST per month for 40 mbps @ unlimited without any OTT /TV benefits, totaling approximately Rs. 588 for each month, or Rs. 2,355 for the entire four-month period. This plan provides good value for my office requirements. The installation and hardware were provided free of charge with this long-term pack.
Connection Type:
It’s worth noting that this connection is a postpaid connection. Surprisingly, the sales representative was unsure about the connection type, which led to a bit of confusion at first, where he said it was prepaid. Despite that, the installation process was smooth and completed within less than 24 hours of booking.
The activation, however, took about 12 hours instead of the usual 1 hour due to some delays in backend reporting by the installation team. Despite this minor delay, the overall experience was hassle-free.
Hardware Overview:
Outdoor Unit (ODU):
The Outdoor Unit (ODU) is a 5G-capable antenna, which is designed to be installed in an open location. It doesn't require placement on the roof or terrace, as it can pick up strong 5G signals from almost any outdoor space. The ODU is powered by a Qualcomm 5G chip, ensuring stable and fast connectivity. It also features two IMEI numbers and dual LAN ports capable of supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The overall booting time is approx 3 minutes, and internet access is available instantly.
Indoor Unit (IDU):
The Indoor Unit (IDU) is the Nokia Beacon 3.2, equipped with WiFi 6 technology. It’s a dual band router and also uses a Qualcomm WiFi chip, ensuring efficient coverage within the office. Notably, the router supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means the ODU can be powered directly via the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power connection for the ODU. There is one Ethernet Input port (for the cable that comes form the ODU) and two LAN Output ports, WPS button, reset button and power point.
The IDU is powered by a 12w adaptor, also included a wall mount stand.
Performance:
I conducted a speed test after installation, and the results were consistent with the plan I selected. I am consistently getting speeds between 38-40 Mbps, which is what I expected based on the chosen plan. I will be testing the ping speeds in the coming days and will provide an update here.
Backup Connection:
Despite the promising performance of Airtel AirFiber, I have kept my previous wired OFC FTTH connection as a backup. This is due to the occasional speed fluctuations and downtimes I experienced with the previous provider, which caused some inconvenience at the office. The Airtel connection seems stable so far, but I prefer having a fallback option for peace of mind.
Expectations and After-Sales Support:
As I continue to monitor the performance of Airtel AirFiber over the next few months, I remain hopeful for a seamless experience. I look forward to experiencing the full range of services, including customer support, and will share any updates on those aspects in the future.
Conclusion:
I still have to check 4K video streaming to check how it performs on Youtbe or any other video streaming apps.
So far, Airtel AirFiber has proven to be a solid choice for my office's internet needs. The quick installation, reliable hardware, and stable speeds have impressed me. I hope that the performance continues to meet my expectations and that the after-sales support is as good as Airtel’s reputation suggests.
I will keep this post updated over time as I test out the connection further. If anyone else is considering this service, feel free to reach out with questions, and I’ll be happy to share more insights.
