For service providers, staying on top of regulatory changes is critical. When the FCC introduces last-minute updates, such as their November 25, 2024 BDC Data Specification, many WISPs are left scrambling to adapt. But at Cambium Networks, we use these changes as opportunities to make critical updates to our solutions, ensuring our customers remain fully compliant and operational.

The recent FCC update forces operators to report only a single Fixed Wireless Technology for a given service area, disallowing any overlap between unlicensed/licensed/licensed-by-rule. This decision impacts network coverage reports and can influence BEAD funding eligibility—a high-stakes scenario for many operators. To address this, we swiftly updated our cnHeat BDC Export Tool, empowering operators with flexibility through new prioritization options:

Reliability Priority: Aligns with FCC guidelines to ensure consistent compliance.
Speed Priority: Highlights the fastest service for competitive advantage.
Legacy Mode: Maintains traditional coverage generation for operators not ready to transition.

At Cambium Networks, our commitment to customers is unwavering. Whether it’s adapting our tools or providing direct support, we’re here to ensure your network performs seamlessly—no matter the regulatory landscape.

Discover how cnHeat can keep you compliant and ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Reach out to us at cnheat@cambiumnetworks.com with any questions.

Resources

Organizations and educational institutes face increasing challenges in sharing their networks while being safe from security threats. From the exponential growth of IoT (Internet of Things) devices to the evolving demands of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments, networks are expected to connect seamlessly, securely, and be scalable to support growing users and devices. Cambium Networks’ EasyPass has stepped up to this challenge with EasyPass Onboarding.

Let’s explore how it addresses key challenges faced by IT teams.

Growing Needs for Smarter Wi-Fi for Education & Enterprises

Sharing Wi-Fi in universities and organizations has become a significant challenge due to the rise of BYOD, IoT, and hackers. End users rely on network availability as much as they do electricity, expecting it to work seamlessly, like flipping a switch.

Managing personal and IoT devices makes it increasingly difficult to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and safeguard sensitive information. Shared passphrases, for example, compromises security, leaving the network vulnerable to unauthorized access. 802.1x authentication offers secure access, but it can be complex for personal devices and IoT devices. Many IoT devices often lack browsers, making traditional onboarding tools ineffective. As such, managing these devices presents unique challenges.

At the same time, the growing number of connected devices can overwhelm existing networks, leading to congestion and reduced performance. IT departments are often stretched thin by the sheer variety of devices connecting to the network, each with different operating systems and security standards all while implementing access control policies for different types of users, such as students and teachers, helping ensure that the network is used responsibly and for its intended purpose.

What Is EasyPass Onboarding?

EasyPass Onboarding is a simple, yet powerful solution that redefines secure network access. It seamlessly combines the ease of pre-shared keys with the strength of 802.1x authentication, delivering a user experience that’s both secure and intuitive.

For IoT devices, which often lack traditional browsers, EasyPass creates unique encrypted passphrases (ePSKs), ensuring secure, effortless connectivity. Employees, students, guests or new users can easily onboard, receiving their ePSK securely via email via a Self-Onboarding SSID powered with Microsoft or Google Single Sign-On (SSO) and email-based portals. Network administrators can also assign ePSKs directly through cnMaestro, sending them effortlessly to their inbox. EasyPass onboarding simplifies the user journey while maintaining the highest level of security.

Why EasyPass Onboarding?

Imagine an onboarding solution that combines simplicity with robust security, reducing friction for users while empowering IT teams. EasyPass achieves this balance effortlessly, enabling organizations to provide network access without compromising control. Whether for universities, enterprises, or IoT-heavy environments, Let’s look at what makes this happen:

Individualized ePSKs: Ease of pre-shared keys with the strength of 802.1x authentication.
Group-Based Access Control Policies: Separate policies for students and faculty.
Reduced Burden on IT: Empowering users with self-service options.
High Scalability: Higher scale with cloud-based ePSK.
Seamless IoT Onboarding: Enables quick and secure onboarding of headless IoT devices using cloud-based ePSKs.
Organization/University Access: Self-Onboarding powered by Microsoft or Google SSO and email onboarding.

EasyPass

With different onboarding portals for all kinds of users, EasyPass does away with the one answer fits all problems by offering tailored portals or methods which you can best choose to implement on your network without compromising on security or scale.

Key Benefits of EasyPass

Simplicity for IT and Users: Secure onboarding with self-service options for every user & device type.
Optimized for IoT: Minimizes use of captive portals.
Easy to Integrate: Microsoft Azure and Google Login SSO integration.
High Scale: Not limited by scale.
No Additional Cost: Included with cnMaestro X.

More details: Streamlining onboarding for users and devices with EasyPass

The Bigger Picture: Cambium Advanced Services

EasyPass Onboarding is one part of Cambium Networks’ One network. Integrated within cnMaestro—a unified platform for Wi-Fi, Switches, SD-WAN for Enterprise and Backhaul—EasyPass works alongside tools like Assurance (AI-driven analytics) and MarketApps to deliver a holistic ecosystem. By simplifying and securing access, EasyPass enhances the overall value of your network, helping organizations address today’s networking challenges efficiently.

Summary

Cambium Networks’ advanced EasyPass service offers a variety of onboarding options, including Self Registration, Sponsored Guest, Voucher, One Click, Paid, WiFi4EU, Microsoft Azure, and Google Login. It now introduces EasyPass Onboarding for IoT and BYOD use cases, making user and IoT onboarding effortless with the Cambium ONE Network. These features are available for various user categories, such as BYOD Employee or Student, Co-working Space User, Business Visitor, MDU Resident, Residence Hall Student, Hotel Guest, Retail Customer, Convention/Fair Attendee, Sports Event Fan, Public Wi-Fi User, and IoT Devices. EasyPass is included as part of your existing cnMaestro X subscription.

Note: Some EasyPass features like Azure, Google and Social login are only available in cnMaestro cloud, not in the on-premises versions.

Download our EasyPass infographic.

As we enter 2025, technological advancements and industry trends continue to reshape connectivity landscapes. At Cambium Networks, we’re at the forefront of these shifts, committed to delivering innovation that empowers businesses and communities. In this blog, I outline our key predictions for the upcoming year, focusing on connectivity, regulatory developments, and the technological evolution that will impact operators and end users alike.

Future of Fiber

Hybrid network models integrating Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), Cellular-to-the-Home, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will dominate. These approaches not only expand coverage but also drive down costs per connection, addressing limitations of exclusive FTTH strategies that can deplete grant funding and limit reach. For retrofits, Fiber-to-the-Apartment solutions will reduce installation costs, while campus-wide Wi-Fi ensures seamless tenant connectivity.

6 GHz Utilization

Global adoption of 6 GHz spectrum for FWA will gain momentum. Regulatory bodies, driven by enterprise and fixed wireless needs, are expected to open up this critical spectrum for expanded applications, enabling broader and faster connectivity solutions.

AI and Cloud Management

Cloud management platforms will continue to outpace traditional on-premises systems in delivering user-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. AI automation will further enhance these platforms, enabling smarter workflows and relieving IT teams from labor-intensive tasks like data collection and network diagnostics, resulting in more reliable networks.

Security Compliance

The introduction of the NIS2 directive will impose stricter cybersecurity requirements on even small-scale network installations. This will prompt operators to upgrade their security implementations, fostering stronger protection against potential threats and ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

Federal Investments

A renewed emphasis on border security and military modernization by the new U.S. administration will redirect federal focus and spending. This shift will benefit NATO allies as defense budgets prioritize secure, robust communication networks.

Wi-Fi Trends

Wi-Fi 6/6E will remain the standard for large network deployments in 2025 due to their cost-effectiveness and robust performance. However, as manufacturers introduce more affordable Wi-Fi 7 devices in 2026, the market will gradually shift to this new standard.

These predictions are more than forecasts—they are roadmaps guiding our innovation and strategy at Cambium Networks. As we help customers navigate these trends, we remain committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that deliver performance, simplicity, and value.

To learn more about how Cambium Networks is preparing for these trends, visit our website or connect with our team today.

Let’s shape the future of connectivity together.

Cambium Networks has unveiled the PMP Release 24.1.1, a significant update that enhances the platform’s capabilities, enabling service providers to meet today’s connectivity challenges with confidence. With this release, the PMP 450v platform is fully certified to operate in the 6 GHz band in both the US and Canada, providing new opportunities for growth and improved service delivery.

Highlights of Release 24.1.1

Release 24.1.1 brings critical updates and enhancements that ensure service providers can deliver superior connectivity and manage their networks more efficiently. Key features include:

6 GHz AFC Support: Release 24.1.1 introduces Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) support for the 450v 2×2 Subscriber Module (SM) in Canada and the U.S., expanding the operational footprint of the platform.
5.1 GHz Support: The 450v 2×2 Subscriber Module is now licensed for operation in the 5.1 GHz (U-NII-1) band in the U.S. and 24.1.1 enables this. It also allows 5.1 GHz to be used in Canada, where it is a licensed band.
U-NII-6 band for Canada: This feature allows PMP 450v APs and SMs to operate in the U-NII-6 band (6425 – 6525 MHz), in addition to the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 bands, specifically in Canada.
LLDP Bridging: This new feature enhances network visibility and simplifies diagnostics by enabling Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) packets to pass through the RF interface, providing a clearer view of network topology.
Improved User Account Management: Administrators now have greater control with options to enforce password complexity, configure user privileges, and ensure compliance with robust security protocols.
Channel Change History Enhancements: Tracking for both component carriers in the 450v AP ensures better insights and operational accuracy.

Solving Real-World Challenges for Service Providers

The 24.1.1 release is a direct response to the evolving needs of broadband providers, addressing both technical and operational pain points:

Streamlined Network Operations: Features like LLDP bridging and improved diagnostics simplify network management, reducing operational overhead.
Optimized Performance: Enhanced spectrum utilization and component carrier control maximize the capacity and efficiency of deployed networks.
Increased Security and Reliability: Updates to account management and operational modes bolster the integrity of network operations.

Empowering Service Providers with Innovative Tools

Beyond technical updates, the PMP 450v platform integrates seamlessly into Cambium Networks’ broader ecosystem, the Cambium ONE Network platform. By providing a single pane of glass for management and optimization with cnMaestro™, Cambium helps service providers scale efficiently while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

Discover the full potential of PMP 450v Release 24.1.1 today. Learn More Here.

In the world of WISPs, staying still is not an option—especially when your customers expect faster speeds, better reliability, and robust connectivity while the competition from fiber and satellite continue to encroach. Many WISPs have built businesses around the ePMP 3000, which has been a proven winner for many years.

Now, there is a step-function throughput increase available simply by upgrading the ePMP 3000 AP to the ePMP 4500 AP. Starting with just upgrading the AP, WISPs are seeing 30% increases in uplink capacity using the ePMP 4500’s 8×8 beam-forming technology. With backwards compatibility, these performance boosts are not an all-or-nothing prospect, and certainly no forklift upgrade is required. Just upgrade those customers that are looking for a higher service plan or those top-talkers that consume the most air-time. WISPs who have migrated from all Force 300 SMs to Force 4525 SMs see incremental performance increases with each SM upgraded, ultimately yielding more than 100% sector capacity upgrades.

ePMP 4500 also delivers higher individual SM throughput where many WISPs are seeing long-range SMs increase multiple Modulation Coding Scheme (MCS) levels without changing anything at the customer premises. The ePMP 4500 accomplishes this with its 8×8 beam-forming gain, which bumps up the link budget. Higher modulation levels also get data packets on the air and off the air more quickly, expanding sector capacity.

Providers like Omni Wireless in Canada saw a 30% bump in capacity by simply upgrading their access points; after upgrading the SMs, they saw a doubling of sector capacity.

What about versatility? The 4500 family is like the Swiss Army knife of access points. For most, the primary option is the ePMP 4500 8×8 MU-MIMO AP with an integrated 90-degree sector antenna. With the ePMP 4500C connectorized AP you can deploy creative split-sector solutions with RF Elements horn antennas or if you have a small, targeted sector you can use the 2×2 ePMP 4500L. Another path is to upgrade the 5 GHz network with ePMP 4500 and then overlay that network with the 6 GHz ePMP 4600 with all that new clean spectrum.

For those WISPs outside of North America, we have also introduced the ePMP Force 4525L Feedhorn. The Feedhorn is the radio-only portion of a Force 4525L and allows the operator to upgrade Force 200, Force 200L, Force 300-25 or Force 300-25L subscribers while preserving the dish that is already in place. This reduces upgrade time, lowers storage costs, reduces waste and of course is priced lower considering you re-using the existing dish and power injector.

And don’t sleep on Cambium’s ONE Network portfolio. With cnMaestro at the helm, managing your upgraded network becomes a breeze. A single pane of glass for monitoring, planning, and troubleshooting ensures you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead.

Upgrading your ePMP network is an investment that pays back quickly. Improved network performance means less churn, happier customers, more capacity to add users and higher service tiers for those existing customers. ePMP offers the best price/performance on the market, so these upgrades pay for themselves.

Start 2025 off by giving your network a step function boost in performance and yourself a competitive advantage as you retain your customers, add new ones and grow your revenue.

Join us on December 10 for a webinar on upgrading your network with the ePMP 4500. You’ll have a chance to interact with the ePMP engineering and product teams. Plus hear directly from a customer who is already done the upgrade and is gaining from the new performance already. Register now and take the first step toward 2025 growth plan.

Reliable Wi-Fi is crucial for seamless connectivity, but is designing an effective network giving you nightmares?

Experience Cambium Networks’ Wi-Fi Designer—the go-to tool for architects and IT professionals looking to streamline network planning. This user-friendly platform provides the precision needed to model wireless coverage, optimize AP placement, and reduce costly deployment errors, all while saving time and resources.

With the release of Wi-Fi Designer 4.2.0, Cambium Networks takes network design to a new level. The key enhancement?

A powerful new propagation engine that now supports heatmapping in 3D space. This update improves the accuracy by accounting for the full coverage of the AP in the vertical and horizontal axis. (Previously, coverage only assumed the horizontal axis.)

Why Choose Wi-Fi Designer?

Enhanced Accuracy: Import floor plans, map out walls, and position access points (APs) to create detailed models that reflect real-world conditions.
Efficient Planning: Generate comprehensive heatmaps and Bill of Materials (BOM) reports with a few clicks, allowing for rapid and informed decision-making.
Cost-Effective Deployment: By improving the initial design accuracy, Wi-Fi Designer minimizes rework and ensures a smoother rollout, saving on both time and resources.

New in Version 4.2.0: Key Enhancements: The latest release introduces a range of features aimed at giving network planners unprecedented control and flexibility:

Adjustable AP and Client Height: Fine-tune the vertical placement of APs and clients for a more precise analysis of coverage in environments with varied ceiling heights.
Downtilt Configuration: Accurately model APs by downtilting the antennas to better distribute signals in spaces where directed coverage is essential.
Customizable Mounting Options: Easily toggle between ceiling (horizontal) and wall (vertical) mount options to suit different installation scenarios.

These upgrades are designed with user needs in mind, ensuring that every variable in network planning can be managed with ease. By integrating such detailed features, Wi-Fi Designer 4.2.0 helps IT professionals overcome common challenges like uneven coverage and dead zones, delivering a more robust and reliable end-user experience.

Step Up Your Network Planning Game: With Wi-Fi Designer 4.2.0, network architects gain the tools they need to craft resilient, high-performance Wi-Fi deployments tailored to any environment—from office buildings to large venues and complex multi-floor structures.

Try the Cambium Wi-Fi Designer Today!

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 12, 2024 – Cambium Networks (NASDAQ: CMBM), a leading global provider of networking solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with ROVR, the foremost source of Wi-Fi connectivity experience data for multifamily and student housing communities. The collaboration aims to empower property owners and managed service providers with enhanced tools to optimize network performance and improve resident satisfaction.

Through this partnership, Cambium Networks and ROVR will integrate their respective technologies to deliver real-time visibility into network health and user experience. Cambium’s comprehensive ONE Network platform, anchored by cnMaestro, simplifies the management of wireless and wired infrastructure and will now leverage ROVR Score’s robust analytics to help operators proactively manage their networks.

“Owners and operators will now have access to actionable insights into their properties’ connectivity,” said Bruce Miller, Vice President of Enterprise Marketing at Cambium Networks. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering seamless connectivity solutions that meet the growing demands of today’s multifamily environments.”

The joint solution will enable service providers to enhance operational efficiency by streamlining network monitoring and reducing troubleshooting times. With ROVR Score’s data-driven insights combined with Cambium’s AI-based analytics solutions, property managers can improve tenant satisfaction, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi performance with minimal downtime.

“This partnership with Cambium Networks marks a significant step toward transforming the way property owners and operators manage connectivity,” said Scott Casey, CEO of ROVR. “By combining ROVR’s Wi-Fi Score’s real-time analytics with Cambium’s advanced networking platform, we’re equipping service providers with the insights they need to deliver exceptional Wi-Fi performance and enhance resident satisfaction—ultimately creating a seamless digital experience for communities.”

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

Improved Network Efficiency: Faster identification and resolution of connectivity issues.
Enhanced Resident Experience: Continuous monitoring ensures optimal network performance, leading to higher tenant satisfaction.
Streamlined Operations: Reduced operational complexity for property managers and service providers. A quick and easy way to conduct a health check of the network.

By combining Cambium Networks’ cutting-edge cnMaestro platform with ROVR Score’s monitoring services, owners and operators will gain unprecedented visibility into their networks while also benefiting from a scalable and easy-to-manage solution.

About ROVR Score

ROVR Score is the leading real time measure of resident, guest or building system WiFi/Network connectivity experience. ROVR uses a proprietary algorithm to generate a measurable score to fully automate the process of managing technology obsolescence, underperforming WiFi services or changing trends in resident connectivity experiences. If a property produces a score that indicates improvements are needed, our algorithm will quantifiably point you in the right direction for enhancing or resolving that problem.

ROVR Score Media Contact

Scott Casey

scott@rovrscore.com

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.

Cambium Networks Media Contact

pr@cambiumnetworks.com

In the ever-evolving world of cyber connectivity, enhancing the resident experience is key to driving satisfaction and retention in multifamily living spaces. I’m excited to share a powerful new development: Cambium Networks has partnered with ROVR Score, a leader in Wi-Fi analytics, to bring best-in-class network visibility and proactive management capabilities to multifamily communities. This partnership aligns with our commitment to provide solutions that are robust, reliable, and—most importantly—relevant to our customers’ evolving needs.

As property owners and managed service providers (MSPs) know, user experience with Wi-Fi is crucial for resident satisfaction. By integrating ROVR Score’s real-time data analytics with our ONE Network platform, we’re enabling operators to gain deeper insights and control over network performance. This means faster issue identification, reduced downtime, and a streamlined process for providing reliable connectivity across devices and platforms, all of which contribute to a seamless resident experience.

Our collaborative solution with ROVR Score equips property owners with actionable insights into network performance and tenant satisfaction, addressing the demands of today’s digital-savvy residents. This isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about creating a new standard for resident engagement and operational efficiency within multifamily environments.

Stay tuned for more as we continue to innovate and set new benchmarks in cyber connectivity solutions for residential communities. Interested in learning more about this partnership and its benefits? Read the Full Press Release here.