The FCC has just made available spectrum in the 3.5-3.7 GHz range. CBRS - Citizens Band Radio Service will allow enterprises to spin up their own private LTE networks.
No, you aren't going to need your trucker radio to use CBRS. It isn't part of the same frequency. CB - Citizens Band radio is in the 27MHz range.
In 2015, the Commission adopted rules for shared commercial use of the 3550-3700 MHz band (3.5 GHz band). The Commission established the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and created a three-tiered access and authorization framework to accommodate shared federal and non-federal use of the band. Rules governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service are found in Part 96 of the Commission’s rules.
One may ask, will my "private" CBRS network be able to connect users to their wireless carrier of choice? Not yet. That is the "public" part of the project. It is in the works and is technically feasible now, but the MNO's need to agree on the system that will route their customers to their infrastructure. Public CBRS is slated for
How it works:
CBRS uses a licensed spectrum sharing model. There will be three tiers - Incumbent User (IU) - Private Access License (PAL) - General Authorized Access (GAA).
Incumbent User (IU) - A federal entity authorized to operate on a primary basis in accordance with the table of frequency allocations, fixed-satellite service operator, or Grandfathered Wireless Broadband Licensee authorized to operate on a primary basis on frequencies designated in section 96.11. These include the US Navy along the East and West coasts and a number of fixed-satellite locations scattered throughout the interior.
Priority Access License (PAL): A license to operate on a Priority Access basis, consistent with section 96.23.
General Authorized Access (GAA) User: An authorized user of one or more CBSDs operating on a General Authorized Access basis, consistent with section 96.33
Certified Professional Installer (CPI): Any individual trained and currently validly certified from an accredited CPI Training Program based on the relevant Part 96 rules and associated technical best practices for the Citizens Broadband Radio Spectrum (CBRS).
Training
One of the great things about the WLPC conference is the deep-dive sessions. - This year I attended the Celona CBRS session. They put together a look into the entire CBRS program.
Commscope
Ruckus / Commscope partners are required to attend their CBRS training in order to be authorized to sell and install their portfolio. We attended a course just as the Covid-19 virus was taking hold in the US. Ruckus was able to convert the sessions from onsite to online without a hitch. The course was a good balance of CBRS detail, Ruckus / Coomsope hardware offerings, and sales positioning.
CPI
The WLPC deep dive provided attendees with a voucher for CPI training and certification through Federated wireless. The training was approximately 4 hours of online courses followed by the certification exam. Once the exam is passed you get a certificate (security certificate, not the thing you hang on the wall) to access the SAS.
CBSD – Citizen Broadband Service Device - A radio device similar to an Access Point in a Wi-Fi system. There are two types:
-Category A CBSD: A lower power CBSD that meets the general requirements applicable to all CBSDs and the specific requirements for Category A CBSDs set forth in sections 96.41 and 96.43. For use indoors, outdoor use is possible under certain circumstances.
-Category B CBSD: A higher power CBSD that meets the general requirements applicable to all CBSDs and the specific requirements for Category B CBSDs set forth in sections 96.41 and 96.45. For outdoor use only.
My takeaway:
I am really excited about the opportunities that CBRS is opening up. CBRS provides an opportunity for you to host in-house cellular service. Spectrum separate both Wi-Fi, and traditional cellular providers.
Kahuna-Fi is proud to announce we are Ruckus Commscope CBRS Certified Partners.
Contact us if you would like more information on CBRS, CPI, or Ruckus Commscope.
--WirelessKahuna