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Wireless That Just Works

A fun game I like to play is what I call the cocktail party game.

You’re at a party and you meet someone new and they invariably ask, “oh hi what do you do?”

I could say something fancy like, “I help close the digital divide.” But since I am not in politics, and I don’t work for the FCC, I usually say, “I am in sales, and I help folks in rural areas get internet.”

“Oh, how do you do that.” “Oh, we provide fiber technology, and we also put radios on towers, and they connect to a little dish thing on the side of your house, so you don’t need cable.” “Oh, that’s really cool.”

Yes, it is pretty cool. As we all know, our small world of WISPs is under a lot of pressure. Vendors like Cambium are also under pressure. It’s during the harder times that we must reflect as to why we got into this in the first place.

I have been in telecom sales in one way or another for the last 33 years. If you know what V.35 or SNA is, you might be as old as I am! But in some ways the last 6+ years have been the most fun. It’s because I get to work with entrepreneurs, CEO’s and CTOs of small (relative to big guys like AT&T) providers. Our industry is not far removed from its hobbyist roots. Guys and gals who just wanted to get internet for themselves and their neighbors.

The internet today is a utility like electricity and water. You can’t really live without it. It if wasn’t for the WISP community, a lot of folks might have to move just so their kids could do their homework, or they could work from home, and of course play games, watch TV, or scroll Instagram.

So hopefully this blog helps you reminisce on why we are all doing this, while we fill out the BDC report to the FCC or the myriad of things that are the less glamorous parts of the job.

Learn about more ways to extend your reach:

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., April 2, 2024 — Cambium Networks Corporation (“Cambium Networks”) (NASDAQ: CMBM), a leading provider of wireless networking infrastructure solutions, today announced the appointment of Jacob Sayer as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 8, 2024.  He will be responsible for Cambium’s financial strategies and will lead the global finance organization, including planning, treasury, tax, reporting, and investor relations. Jacob will succeed John Becerril, who is currently acting CFO following the January 2024 departure of Andrew Bronstein. John will remain as Cambium’s Global Controller and principal accounting officer. 

Mr. Sayer brings a wealth of finance, operational, and strategic planning experience to Cambium Networks, most recently with a variety of challenging finance and business unit CFO roles at $9 billion enterprise value NYSE-listed industrial technology company Sensata Technologies Holding plc. Jacob has experience in business and financial strategy and financial operations, as well as acquisition integration and transformation. He brings a proven track record of driving strong financial results and instilling financial and operational discipline.

Mr. Sayer’s roles at Sensata Technologies included Vice President, Finance – Investor Relations from April 2020 to March 2024; Vice President, CFO, Industrial, Aerospace and Heavy Vehicle Business Units from January 2019 to April 2020; Vice President, CFO, Automotive Sensors Business Unit from January 2016 to January 2019; Treasurer and Vice President Investor Relations from November 2014 to January 2016; and Vice President of Investor Relations and Global Communications from May 2012 to November 2014.  From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Sayer was Vice President, Corporate Development, Treasurer and Investor Relations at Avago Technologies Ltd. (now part of Broadcom Inc.). Prior to that, Mr. Sayer held various investment banking roles at multiple firms, including UBS Investment Bank; Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette International; Cowen & Company; and Merrill Lynch & Co. Mr. Sayer holds a B.S. in Mathematics and Economics from Tulane University, and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.

“We are excited to welcome Jacob to Cambium Networks,” said Morgan Kurk, Cambium Networks Chief Executive Officer. “His experience in financial operations, coupled with a strategic mindset will help provide the leadership needed to deliver profitable growth, create operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders. I am thrilled to welcome Jacob to the Cambium Networks team.” 

“I also want to express my thanks and gratitude to John Becerril for his leadership during his time as interim CFO,” said Mr. Kurk. “John has been a steadying influence while leading the finance organization over the past quarter, contributing to our evolving financial strategy and maintaining rigor for the company. I truly appreciate his willingness to step up, his council, his contributions, and his commitment to Cambium Networks.” 

About Cambium Networks

Cambium Networks enables service providers, enterprises, industrial organizations, and governments to deliver exceptional digital experiences, and device connectivity, with compelling economics. Our ONE Network platform simplifies management of Cambium Networks wired and wireless broadband and network edge technologies. Our customers can focus more resources on managing their business rather than the network. We make connectivity that just works.

Contacts: 
Investors:
Peter Schuman, IRC
VP Investor & Industry Analyst Relations
Cambium Networks
+1 (847) 264-2188
Peter.schuman@cambiumnetworks.com

Dynamic Spectrum Optimization (DSO) is a unique capability offered by Cambium Networks that optimizes link performance by automatically sampling and changing channels to avoid interference without affecting link service. DSO reacts to real-time channel conditions and will not change unless a more suitable channel is detected. Some tactical scenarios call for frequent proactive channel changes to avoid jamming, detection, interception, or geolocation of radio signals. To support these scenarios, Cambium Networks is introducing a Frequency Hopping capability to the PTP 700 product line.

Frequency Hopping (FH) is a tactic used to avoid jamming and interference, and a method of proactively changing channels to avoid detection. Traditional FH is not commonly used in large microwave networks where co-location and reliable communications are a requirement, but it does have its place on the tactical edge, where lowering the probability of interception and detection (LPI/LPD), and mitigating jammers have more value.

Modern wide-band spectrum analyzers used by capable adversaries can monitor and track any fixed or frequency hopping system. FH radios are often locked into smaller frequency ranges of a few hundred megahertz and are operationally confined to low data-rate modulations such as BPSK or QPSK. FH systems can struggle to meet higher standards of spectral efficiency, seeing only 1 or 2 bits/Hz/sec.

Cambium Frequency Hopping is supported on PTP 45700 and PTP 78700 microwave radios, adding FH to the existing Fixed Frequency (FF) and DSO features. All existing PTP 700 series radios except Beam Forming are upgradable to support FH through a license key and the appropriate software version.

Cambium Frequency Hopping intelligently leverages the full suite of DSO tools into traditional blind frequency hopping:

  • Full-time spectrum analysis along with configurable thresholds, channel barring, and wide-band operation, make this feature very compelling when trying to avoid detection and interception.
  • Higher data rates than traditional FH; DSO analyzes the spectrum in real time and holds up to 25 hours of history per channel.
  • The system randomly hops but also avoids high interference channels to keep data rates high.
  • The PTP 700 knows what the spectrum is like and what is changing, and constantly updates the pool of available channels, making it truly a dynamic hopping pattern vs a fixed one.
  • Provides channel changes with adjustable thresholds; The channel change algorithm will actively avoid channels with high levels of interference that exceed the thresholds and those channels barred by the operator, to not interfere with other co-located systems.

Intelligent Frequency Hopping raises the bar and performs better than blind FH systems, which are prone to use congested channels due to their lack of intelligence.

Understandably, implementing any type of frequency hopping will decrease a radio’s maximum performance. When forced to operate in a hostile RF environment, Cambium Networks PTP 700 with Intelligent Frequency Hopping is the clear choice for spectrum agility while maximizing performance.

More information:

This post was updated on April, 10, 2024.

Creative visionaries and innovators pave the way for transformative digital experiences. Cambium Networks recognizes these trailblazers through our Connectivity Hero Award. We celebrate those who go above and beyond to connect the unconnected, making significant strides in enhancing commerce, education, healthcare, and resilience in the face of disasters. More than 70 people have won this recognition since 2017. Our most recent honorees have distinguished themselves by delivering exceptional digital experiences, embodying our core values of innovation, dedication, and excellence in connectivity solutions.

Q4 2023 Connectivity Heroes

Our theme for the fourth quarter focuses on delivering exceptional digital experiences, a critical aspect in today’s technology-driven world. We’re thrilled to announce two individuals whose work has not only pushed the boundaries of technology but also significantly improved how businesses operate and serve their communities.

Chaz Hager, President, Northriver IT

Chaz has led Northriver IT to the forefront of innovation by pioneering the use of cnMaestro X Assurance capabilities. This advancement has dramatically improved enterprise digital experiences, offering unparalleled network management and operational efficiency. By leveraging intelligent automation and application optimization, Chaz’s work exemplifies how visionary leadership can harness technology to simplify operations and focus on strategic business outcomes. Read more in this press release.

Trevor Green, Group Managing Director, Reedbut Group

Under Trevor’s leadership, the Reedbut Group has seen groundbreaking improvements in warehouse and manufacturing operations. By implementing indoor Wi-Fi and centralized cloud management, Trevor’s innovative approach has revolutionized how the Group manages its operations, ensuring seamless connectivity and operational excellence. This not only enhances productivity but also sets new standards in the industry for technological adaptation.  Read more in this case study.

2023 Hero of the Year

The pinnacle of this year’s recognition goes to an individual whose contributions have profoundly impacted the hospitality sector, offering guests unparalleled digital experiences during their stay.

Steve Cole, Managing Director, Central IT Solutions Limited

Steve has been instrumental in transforming the UK’s hospitality landscape by providing secure Wi-Fi connectivity to holiday park guests. This initiative not only elevated the guest experience but also demonstrated the power of connectivity in creating memorable and seamless digital experiences. Steve’s leadership and innovative approach have set a benchmark for others to follow, showcasing how strategic investments in technology can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and business performance. See how the Pentewan Sands holiday park improved security and guest experiences in this case study.

Moving Forward

These heroes, through their innovative solutions and leadership, have not only advanced their organizations but also contributed to the broader goal of enhancing connectivity across different sectors. Cambium Networks is proud to support and celebrate these individuals who, with their groundbreaking work, embody our mission of connecting the unconnected and delivering exceptional digital experiences everywhere.

Join us in congratulating our winners and stay tuned for more inspiring stories of connectivity, innovation, and leadership from around the globe. Together, we’re not just building networks; we’re shaping the future of connectivity.

The X7-35X access point delivers industry-leading price-performance, empowering customers of all types to benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s superior speed, latency, and connection reliability

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., March 21, 2024 – Cambium Networks (NASDAQ: CMBM), a leading global provider of networking solutions, today announced the next evolution in Wi-Fi with the launch of its new mass market Wi-Fi 7 access point. The X7-35X is a tri-radio, tri-band 2+2+2 solution, powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ leading Wi-Fi 7 networking platform, offering the latest in Wi-Fi technology for delivering exceptional user experiences at an exceptional value as part of Cambium’s ONE Network for the enterprise.

Chris DePuy, Technology Analyst and co-founder of 650 Group commented, “Wi-Fi 7 is redefining wireless communication standards. With unprecedented speeds, low latency, and enhanced efficiency, Wi-Fi 7 is poised to revolutionize industries, unlocking a new realm of possibilities for seamless connectivity and advanced applications.”

“Enterprises need to keep pace with the adoption of new Wi-Fi devices and use cases without breaking the bank,” said Morgan Kurk, President and CEO. “Cambium Networks offers a very attractive Wi-Fi 7 price-to-performance with this new solution. Enterprises now have access to the advanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 at an affordable price, and with backwards compatibly for current devices.”

Highlights of the X7-35X include:

  • High Throughput: a 9.2 Gbps aggregate data rate, ensuring lightning-fast downloads, seamless streaming, and lag-free experiences. Wi-Fi 7 technology advancements including Multi-Link Operation (MLO) 4096-QAM and 320 MHz wide channels enhance the X7-35X’s performance compared to the capabilities of previous Wi-Fi generations.
  • Low Latency: reduced latency makes the X7-35X ideal for high quality delivery of applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and video collaboration.
  • Enhanced Capacity: with improved spectrum utilization, Wi-Fi 7 can handle a greater number of devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for education, hospitality, healthcare, public spaces and dense IoT applications.
  • Improved Efficiency: Wi-Fi 7 incorporates advanced technologies to optimize power consumption, resulting in improved energy efficiency and prolonged battery life for connecting devices. Integrated controller functionality in the X7-35X reduces cost and complexity by eliminating separate controller appliances from the network.
  • Backward Compatibility: While pushing the boundaries of performance, Wi-Fi 7 remains backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards, ensuring seamless integration with existing devices.
  • Ease of Use: the X7-35X works seamlessly with the cnMaestro management system for secure, end-to-end network control. Cambium’s ONE Network architecture integrates Wi-Fi, switching, security, SD-WAN and fixed wireless backhaul into a single solution.
  • Exceptional Value: The X7-35X provides significant value to organizations looking to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi technology without paying a premium. The X7-35X is priced at less than half the MSRP of enterprise-grade Wi-Fi 7 introduced to the market to date, making it practical for a wide variety of organizations to adopt.

“We are thrilled to continue our longstanding collaboration with Cambium Networks as the chosen provider of the Wi-Fi 7 platform for the X7-35X access point,” said Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Infrastructure and Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “With the Qualcomm® Wi-Fi 7 Networking platform, we are committed to redefining enterprise networking performance, enabling seamless connectivity and advanced applications that shape the future of wireless connectivity.”

For more information:

About Cambium Networks

Cambium Networks enables service providers, enterprises, industrial organizations, and governments to deliver exceptional digital experiences and device connectivity with compelling economics. Our ONE Network platform simplifies management of Cambium Networks’ wired and wireless broadband and network edge technologies. Our customers can focus more resources on managing their business rather than the network. We deliver connectivity that just works.

Media Contact
pr@cambiumnetworks.com
Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 Networking platform is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

This release was modified on March 22, 2024 to correct the statement in the “High Throughput” section.

A little over 6 years ago, in the heart of Sydney’s picturesque Northern Beaches, Northern Beaches Broadband (NBB), spearheaded, a revolution in high-speed internet connectivity using Cambium Networks PMP450m Fixed Wireless Access Points. With a commitment to delivering enterprise-grade internet solutions that cater to both homes and businesses, NBB stands out not just for its exceptional service but also for its robust infrastructure. A recent event challenged this commitment when a fire devastated a neighboring building in Newport Beach, NSW. Among the chaos, one phenomenal product stood out: the PMP 450 access point, part of Cambium Networks’ 5 GHz PMP 450m series.

This equipment was engulfed in smoke and drenched by firefighting efforts. “After the fire, we were certain the Cambium equipment would succumb,” said Simon Bond, co-owner of NBB. “To our astonishment, when we were able to recover the PMP450b Subscriber Module (SM) after the fire and plugged it into the network, it just worked. It’s a grand salute to the engineering and build quality of Cambium products.”

The PMP 450m is a cornerstone of NBB’s infrastructure, providing a robust foundation for their service. This access point is renowned for its throughput capabilities, delivering over 550 Mbps in a 20 MHz channel and more than 1.2 Gbps in a 40 MHz channel. It embodies the essence of high-performance connectivity with MU-MIMO technology, enabling spectral efficiency of more than 60 bps/Hz. This feature, combined with smart beamforming, significantly reduces interference, ensuring that NBB’s clients enjoy a seamless online experience.

Northern Beaches Broadband’s commitment to high-quality service is further exemplified by their deployment strategy. Utilizing Cambium Networks’ industry-leading technology, including the 5 GHz PMP 450m access point, they have crafted a network that supports the high demands of home-based workers and businesses in the Northern Beaches area. Community is the focal point of their service and enabling great connectivity for the community is what makes them the preferred service provider.

“We are more than just a service provider; we are a lifeline for our community’s connectivity needs,” Simon added. “Our technology not only promises high performance but also delivers reliability when it matters most.”

For residents and businesses on the Northern Beaches, NBB’s use of Cambium Networks’ technology ensures that their internet connection is not just fast but also trustworthy. With a network availability of over 99.99% since its inception in 2017, NBB has proven that they are pushing the boundaries of great connectivity.

Northern Beaches Broadband’s story is not just about surviving a fire; it’s about providing unwavering connectivity against all odds. It’s a demonstration of high performance and reliability that lie at the heart of their service, powered by the unparalleled technology of Cambium Networks.

Simon and Karyn Bond are the owners of Northern Beaches Broadband

Welcome to my new monthly WISP email. My goal is to inform, educate, grow our community, and hopefully have some fun along the way.

WISPs are fierce entrepreneurs, well versed in adversity, competition, and challenge. Cambium Networks is committed to the growth of WISPs. We want to help your business grow and succeed and leverage the latest innovations to easily deliver exceptional digital experiences with high-performance technology that is cost efficient.

Listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Chasing Excellence made me think of my WISP friends. Don’t be surprised or anxious about adversity. “Being an entrepreneur, is trying to create something on your own from scratch.” The norm is adversity. WISPs who have been around for decades know that you have to be willing to do the tough work. You must find the right talent, satisfy the right customers, and select the right technology.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

At Cambium, we are also committed to doing the work to research and develop the technology that delivers quality experiences while staying within a WISP’s budget. Together, we have connected millions of business and residential locations around the world with unlicensed fixed wireless broadband. Today, whether you are looking to deploy 6 GHz or fiber, or extending services to cover enterprise business or home routers. Leverage our experience into your planning.

Knowledge is Power: The more you know, you can analyze and capitalize on the right opportunities faster.

The competitive mindset to achieve success is “I want the challenge.” Don’t expect rainbows and sunshine. Expect to be tested and plan to win.

Help us help you find the right wave.

PMP 450m platform adds interference mitigation, digital beamforming, null steering, and post-processing data refinement

Cambium Networks enables WISPs to deliver exceptional performance and value in fixed wireless connectivity. For years, I have collaborated with WISPs and influenced the development of the PMP 450 platform. I’m really excited to still be introducing new features on this Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform as it has matured and grown over the more than 10 years it’s existed. Now we can share the latest advancements with the PMP 450m platform in interference mitigation using digital beamforming, null steering, and the post-processing of data. This innovative feature not only elevates our product offering but also revolutionizes wireless connectivity in multi-user MIMO systems.

WISPs know that interference poses a significant challenge, hindering network performance and reliability. Traditional methods of combating interference often fall short, leading to suboptimal user experiences and reduced network efficiency. Recognizing this pressing issue, we’ve integrated cutting-edge technology into our PMP 450m platform to address interference head-on.

So, how does interference mitigation with digital beamforming and null steering work, and what benefits does it bring to our users?

Digital beamforming is a sophisticated technique that allows for the precise manipulation of signal transmission and reception patterns. By dynamically adjusting antenna beam patterns, digital beamforming optimizes signal strength and quality, effectively mitigating interference from neighboring networks and environmental factors. This advanced technology enables our PMP 450m platform to deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity in challenging RF environments.

To explain more deeply how this feature works, a beam is formed toward the desired user (i.e. the Subscriber requiring data transmission), receiving all the signals from that direction on all receive chains allocated. Then the signals are post-processed to separate the desired signal from the interfering signal, effectively eliminating the unwanted signals, and minimizing its impact on network performance. This proactive approach to interference mitigation ensures uninterrupted connectivity and maximizes spectral efficiency in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum, which is typically under heavy use and noisy in many areas.

The benefits of interference mitigation with digital beamforming and null steering are many:

  1. Enhanced Network Performance: By mitigating interference, our PMP 450m platform ensures consistent and reliable connectivity for end-users. Whether in densely populated urban areas or remote rural regions, our solution delivers unparalleled performance, even in challenging RF environments.
  2. Improved User Experience: With interference effectively managed, users experience faster data rates, lower latency, and increased network stability. Whether streaming HD video, conducting video conferencing, or accessing cloud-based applications, our platform empowers users with a seamless connectivity experience.
  3. Optimal Spectrum Utilization: By maximizing spectral efficiency, our platform optimizes the use of available spectrum resources, allowing wireless service providers to serve more users and applications without sacrificing performance. This ensures a higher return on investment for network operators and enables scalable network expansion.
  4. Future-Proof Connectivity: As the demand for wireless connectivity continues to grow, our PMP 450m platform provides a future-proof solution that can adapt to evolving network requirements. With interference mitigation built-in, our platform remains resilient in the face of changing RF conditions and emerging technologies.
  5. Application to numerous products across the platform: Starting with the 5 GHz 450m (available now), this technology will be released with the 3 GHz 450m and of course on the next generation of the MU-MIMO Access Point, the 450mv.

Cambium Networks is committed to empowering WISPs with high-performance, efficient solutions to grow their coverage and revenue. By incorporating interference mitigation into our PMP 450m platform, we’re delivering on that promise and revolutionizing the way wireless networks operate.

In field trials, the latest system improvements are showing significant connectivity improvement. We will be sharing the details soon. For now, I invite you to join the PMP 450 discussion on the Cambium Networks community.

Interference mitigation using digital beamforming, null steering and the post-processing of transmission signals in the PMP 450m platform represents a significant advancement in wireless technology. With its ability to enhance network performance, improve user experience, optimize spectrum utilization, and ensure future-proof connectivity, our platform continues to be a powerful solution to meet service provider needs and connect the unconnected, with better performance than ever before.

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