Cambium Networks has announced the availability of its PMP 450 Platform in the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum. The PMP 450 fixed wireless broadband solution enables service providers to extend connectivity using the innovative dynamic spectrum sharing system. The platform is currently the only purpose-built fixed point-to-multipoint broadband technology approved for use in the CBRS band and therefore the only alternative to deploying complex LTE technology.
CBRS capability expands Cambium Networks' Wireless Fabric portfolio of connectivity solutions for service providers; as well as industrial, utility and local government private network operators. According to the company, the imminent availability of CBRS spectrum will create new opportunities for fixed wireless service providers. Service providers of all sizes are looking to leverage CBRS to enhance existing services and introduce new fixed wireless broadband services to better support residential, enterprise, government and industrial networking applications.
Spectrum availability is one of the top constraints affecting wireless service providers. CBRS unlocks a large block of spectrum for broad commercial use. Key achievements include:
- FCC Part 96 Compliance of Installed Base: Network Operators currently using Cambium Network's 3 GHz PMP 450 represent one of the largest installed bases of FCC Part 90 compliant equipment but are presently limited to the use of the 50 MHz of the FCC's 3 GHz Part 90 spectrum. The entirety of the 3GHz PMP 450 equipment portfolio has been certified by the FCC to meet the FCC's Part 96 standards, as required by CBRS.
- Rapid Deployment & Revenue Recognition: Upon release of CBRS by the FCC, network operators can immediately use the full 150 MHz of CBRS spectrum with their existing PMP 450 installed network following an automated over-the-air software upgrade, administered by Cambium Networks' cnMaestro management platform.
- Proven Technology: Cambium Networks is particularly pleased with ability of its PMP 450m, exercising field proven cnMedusa Massive MU-MIMO technology with adaptive beamforming capabilities, which has now been extended to deliver high spectral efficiency and bandwidth using the CBRS shared access spectrum.
According to Cambium, in tests conducted along with Federated Wireless, the CBRS solution was able to provide high spectral efficiency so that network operators can provide the most throughputs in narrow channels. As the CBRS rules evolve, the Cambium system will evolve with them to optimize Cambium’s field proven technology in these bands. If wireless ISPs and other network operators were already using the PMP 450 platform in the 3.65 GHz Part 90 band, they can now immediately expand their usable 3 GHz spectrum in FCC administered regions from 50 MHz to 150 MHz using Part 96 accredited equipment and CBRS.
PMP 450 is available for ordering through Cambium Networks resellers and is fully certified to the FCC's CBRS Part 96 rules in addition to the existing Part 90 rules in place. A firmware upgrade to open up the full 150 MHz of CBRS will be published immediately upon the FCC's release.
