Hardware Platforms

Access Point / CPE Manufacturers

Here are some of the companies that make access point and CPE equipment. (Reminder: the Access Point goes at your relay site and multiple CPE devices can connect to it - one CPE device will go on each customer’s rooftop.)

In some cases it’s possible to mix and match hardware manufacturers for Access Points and CPEs but you’ll get the best performance if you use the same for both.

Unlicensed Spectrum Solutions

These products operate primarily in the unlicensed 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz bands. This means that no special authority from a governing authority (such as the FCC in the US) is required to operate this equipment.

Ubiquiti

If you’re unsure about what to choose, Ubiquiti is a great place to start. Ubiquiti hardware is not the best on all metrics but it is definitely the cheapest and is very user-friendly. As of this writing the latest Ubiquiti equipment is the LTU platform and includes Access Points, CPE equipment and Backhauls.

Ubiquiti also makes most other equipment you will need to run a WISP like higher capacity backhauls, switches (outdoor and indoor) and routers.

Radwin

RADWIN’s JET base stations place quality broadband within the reach of wireless ISPs. Offering revolutionary Bi-Beam™ beamforming technology, WISPs can scale network capacity to provide home consumers with a broadband experience that is free from interference in unlicensed bands. Serving both residential and enterprise customers, RADWIN JET supports various capacity levels from 500Mbps to 1.5Gbps.

MikroTik

MikroTik makes unlicensed wireless equipment as well as many other hardware products needed to run a WISP such as routers and switches.

Mimosa

Mimosa is a newer company gaining traction with low-cost products that compete with Ubiquiti.

Cambium

Another competitor to Ubiquiti and Mimosa.

LTE Based solutions

These products use 4G LTE technology on licensed or registered bands. In the US, the most common band for WISPs to use with LTE is the CBRS band. Only a certified CPI can install equipment in the CBRS band, and channel selection in the CBRS band is governed by a SAS.

LTE in the CBRS band has distinct advantages over unlicensed frequency, including considerably better non-line-of-sight operation.

AirSpan

BaiCells

BLiNQ

Telrad

Backhaul Manufacturers

See this page for a list of point to point wireless backhaul options.

Other Equipment

Altelix

Small, inexpensive outdoor enclosures.

DDB Unlimited

Large rack-mount style outdoor enclosures. AC and heating options.

• IOIO Box Purpose built, weatherproof, cost-effective, network gear enclosures.

Shireen

Shireen makes a great, inexpensive, outdoor rated, shielded CAT5e cable.

MultiLink

Enclosures and various other items for carriers.

Distributors

Here are some of the U.S. based distributors that sell hardware from these manufacturers as well as the other items you’ll need to run a WISP. I’m not ranking these in any way - check with each of them to see who has a warehouse close to you and who can get the best prices on the items you need in the volume you’re looking for.

• Baltic Networks
• CTI Connect
• DoubleRadius
• ISP Supplies
• Last Mile Gear
• Streakwave
• Tessco
• WAV

You can also order nearly anything you need to get started from Amazon but the pricing won’t be as good as you can get in bulk from the above suppliers.