Cambium Networks unveiled its ePMP wireless access platform for connecting underserved and unconnected global communities.
ePMP is a point-to-multipoint (PMP) fixed wireless access solution that operates in the 5GHz frequency band and can deliver over 200 Mbps throughput using 2×2 MIMO-OFDM technologies and 20/40 MHz channel bandwidth. Using sectored antennas, ePMP can cover a range of up to 21km. Up to 120 units can be configured for point-to-multipoint.
Cambium employs intelligent bandwidth algorithms to direct the bandwidth where it’s needed and GPS synchronization for frequency use without interference. The GPS synchronization significantly improves UDP/TCP performance. The system uses a commercial 802.11n system on a chip (SoC) that has been modified to create a deterministic TDMA system. Cambium has also employed a modified, high performance and noise resistant MAC and PHY. The design also features surge protection against lightning strikes.
Compared to Google’s Project Loon or Facebook’s Internet.org initiative, Cambium said its 5 GHz point-to-multipoint radio is a practical solution for extending broadband to rural or municipal locations. It could also be deployed in point-to-point configurations for enterprise LAN extension links, or for video surveillance backhaul. Subscriber modules are estimated to cost under US$100.
ePMP incorporates several of Cambium Networks’ innovations:
- GPS Synchronization for Scalability and Quality of Service (QoS) – GPS sync provides the scalability and reliability service providers need to expand their networks, enabling them to take advantage of growth opportunities and create sustainable business models. ePMP is able to handle up to 120 subscribers per unit without service degradation due in part to the spectral efficiency achieved through GPS sync.
- Prioritization for Quality of Service (QoS) – ePMP provides superior QoS with three levels of support for VoIP, high-speed data and video applications. The auto VoIP feature on the GUI enables automatic voice prioritization, delivering clear and uninterrupted audio. Prioritization ensures maximum performance, consistently delivering high data quality and guarding against garbled speech and choppy video transmissions.
- Robust Security – ePMP assures integrity of critical information transmitted over the network with 128-bit AES encryption and L2 and L3 firewall settings.
- Durability, Ease of Deployment and Maintenance – With a decade of experience in outdoor installation, Cambium Networks’ hardware is designed to ensure consistently high performance and resiliency in the outdoor environment regardless of temperature, humidity or altitude, and requires few tools to install. Its GUI is intuitive with real-time dashboard support, and companies can also use call center support with toll-free or local telephone access in 22 countries.
The company is introducing two ePMP modules: the ePMP 1000 Integrated Radio and the ePMP 1000 GPS Sync Radio. Both can be configured in GPS synchronized networks as synchronization is a necessity in any environment, regardless of spectral competition.
“It is Cambium Networks’ vision to connect the unconnected and make a difference without sacrificing any modicum of quality – we have taken the first step in realizing our dream with ePMP,” said Atul Bhatnagar, president and CEO, Cambium Networks. “The “e” in ePMP stands for ‘equalize,’ and we consider it our call to action. This platform levels the global economic playing field by facilitating Internet connections in places where connectivity was once impossible.”
http://www.cambiumnetworks.com
http://www.connectingtheunconnected.org
- Cambium Networks was previously Motorola Solutions’ Point-to-Point (PTP or Orthogon) and Point-to-Multipoint (PMP or Canopy) Wireless Broadband Networks division. The company spun-out in 2011 as an independent company owned by Vector Capital. The company is based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
- In February 2013, Cambium Networks named Atul Bhatnagar as President & CEO. He previously served as President and CEO of Ixia, and, before that, as VP & GM of Nortel’s Enterprise Data Networks group.
