Connecting the unconnected: New Cambium ePMP wireless access platform from Duxbury Networking

A new wireless access platform designed to connect under-served and unconnected communities is now available in South Africa from Cambium Networks through local distributor Duxbury Networking.

The Cambium ePMP platform is a point-to-multipoint (PMP) fixed wireless access solution that operates in the unlicensed 5GHz (Gigahertz) frequency band, delivering throughput at over 200 Mbps (megabits-per-second) using field-proven, intelligent bandwidth optimisation algorithms.

“This technology represents the ‘gold standard’ for powerful and secure yet affordable wireless broadband communications,” says Andy Robb, chief technology officer at Duxbury Networking.

Designed to direct bandwidth where it’s needed using GPS synchronisation functionality, ePMP is targeted at networks that require capacity and reliability for professional-grade quality of service. It offers three levels of support for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), high-speed data and video applications.

According to Robb, ePMP technology is ideally suited to applications in Africa where highly scalable frequency reuse is key to improving the continent’s low Internet penetration rates.

“The ‘e’ in ePMP stands for ‘equalise,’ symbolising the need to level the economic playing field in Africa by facilitating Internet connections in places where connectivity is often considered impossible,” he says.

A major step in meeting this goal is engineering the ideal wireless broadband hardware for use in developing communities’ networks.

“Duxbury Networking in partnership with Cambium Networks is now geared to meet this challenge. As a groundbreaking technology, ePMP fulfils a variety of needs for service providers and enterprise customers including rural, municipal, satellite office, primary and redundant connectivity. It also meets requirements in video surveillance backhaul, device and site monitoring, LAN extension and leased line replacement applications.”

Robb says the quality of service and security mechanisms that characterise ePMP technology will put Duxbury Networking in a leading position with Internet service providers looking to offer voice, video and data services in emerging markets where even basic connectivity presents operational challenges.

In a bid to ensure high-quality service and performance, ePMP incorporates several of Cambium Networks’ technologies including GPS synchronisation (GPS sync) to provide the scalability and levels of reliability demanded by service providers keen to expand their networks.

“This enables them to take advantage of growth opportunities and build sustainable business models,” says Robb who adds that ePMP is able to handle up to 120 subscribers per unit without service degradation due in part to the spectral efficiency and scalability achieved through GPS sync.

ePMP is available in two modules: the ePMP 1000 Integrated Radio and the ePMP 1000 GPS Sync Radio. Both can be configured in GPS synchronised networks as synchronisation is a necessity in any environment, regardless of spectral competition.