What is CBRS?

The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is a shared, wireless broadband service that operates in the 3.55 GHz band to the 3.7 GHz band in the United States. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated the CBRS band for shared use by federal and non-federal users and has established a three-tier authorization framework to facilitate this sharing.

The three tiers are:

Incumbent Users: Entities that were using the frequency band prior to the CBRS rules being adopted in 2015, including federated wireless & radar and satellite earth stations, the US Navy, and grandfathered commercial wireless operations.

Priority Access Licensees (PALs): Licensees that will be auctioned off in 10 MHz-wide channels and will have priority access to the spectrum over general authorised access (GAA) users.

General Authorised Access (GAA): Unlicensed users will have access to the spectrum on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to interference protections for incumbents and PALs.

This is a shared spectrum, so a priority system has to be set in place to ensure the tiers get proper access. The FCC mandated that in order to stop interference between the General Authorized Access (GAA) users, Priority Access License (PAL) users, and existing users of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, a Spectrum Access System (SAS) must be employed. The system ensures that GAA users do not disrupt PAL or incumbent users, and PAL users do not disrupt incumbent users.

How does the CBRS spectrum work?

CBRS networks work by using a technology called "carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance" (CSMA/CA). This technology allows devices on the network to sense when another device is transmitting data, and then wait a short period of time before transmitting their own data. This helps to avoid collisions between devices on a wireless network.

What are the benefits of using a CBRS network?

Allows for the creation of private LTE networks:

CBRS networks are beneficial for private wireless networks because they offer a high degree of flexibility and customization. Private networks can be designed to meet the specific needs of an organisation, and can be deployed quickly and easily. CBRS networks also offer a high degree of security, which is important for private networks.

Offers high capacity and low latency:

CBRS networks offer low latency and high capacity by using a variety of techniques to optimise data flow and reduce congestion. These include using smaller data packets, using multiplexing to increase the number of data streams that can be carried on a single connection, and using Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritise traffic.

It is more secure than traditional cellular networks

There are a few key ways in which CBRS is more secure than traditional LTE networks. First, CBRS uses a spectrum-sharing model, which means that there is no need for a dedicated spectrum licence. This makes it more difficult for unauthorised users to access the network. Second, CBRS uses a centralised database to track and manage spectrum usage. This helps to ensure that only authorised users have access to the network. Finally, CBRS uses advanced encryption techniques to protect user data.

It is scalable and can be easily expanded:

CBRS networks are more scalable than traditional networks because they can be easily expanded by adding more base stations. This allows for more efficient use of spectrum and a higher capacity network.

It is compatible with a wide range of devices:

CBRS is compatible with most devices that support the 802.11 standard. This includes mobile phones, tablets, radios, and base stations. It is also compatible with many wireless routers, Wi-Fi access points, and other devices.

What are some use cases of CBRS by industry?

Healthcare: CBRS can be used to improve in-building coverage for healthcare facilities. This can be especially important in hospitals, where poor coverage can lead to life-threatening consequences. CBRS can also be used to provide mobile coverage for first responders and other medical personnel in the field.

Retail: CBRS can be used to provide in-store coverage for retail establishments. This can be used to enable mobile payments, provide customer support, and improve in-store navigation.

Hospitality: CBRS can be used to provide coverage for hotels and other hospitality facilities. This can be used for things like in-room entertainment, mobile check-in, and providing guest support.

Manufacturing: CBRS can be used to provide coverage for manufacturing facilities. This can be used for things like factory automation, tracking inventory, and providing employee support.

Education: CBRS can be used to provide coverage for educational institutions. This can be used for things like providing internet access for students, enabling mobile learning, and improving communication between teachers and students.

Inseego Devices are CBRS Compatible

Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about CBRS, 4G LTE, or 5G networks, and how your business can implement these into its network. We'll have an expert who can point you in the direction of which devices are best for your current situation.