Cambium Networks (NASDAQ: CMBM), a global provider of wireless networking products, on June 24 introduced several new Wi-Fi 6 products, including two wireless access points, six multi-gigabit switches, and enhanced cloud-based software that simplifies wireless network design and deployment. The new products are based on a software-defined radio architecture that the manufacturer contends dramatically improves Wi-Fi speeds while reducing ownership costs by up to 30 percent versus competitive products.
Cambium's new Wi-Fi 6 portfolio includes the following products:
- Cambium XV3-8 Access Point: A tri-radio, eight-antenna access point designed for high-density environments, including enterprises, public venues, smart cities and campuses. Its application intelligence and policy controls support more than 2,000 applications to match business requirements to the wireless network to support more users and high-density applications. The XV3-8 also features seamless roaming, fast roaming, automatic RF optimization and interference avoidance to automatically optimize performance to specific local needs.
- Cambium XV 2-2 Access Point: A dual-radio, dual-antenna AP with software-defined Wi-Fi that delivers the high performance of Wi-Fi 6 technology without the extra cost. The XV 2-2 is ideal for small to medium-enterprise deployments and retail, bringing consistent, high-speed performance at a lower cost.
- cnMatrix Enterprise Switches: Six new wireless-optimized Multi-Gigabit Switches can meet the increased speed and capacity requirements of organizations today and beyond. These Wi-Fi 6 switches feature fully-automated network access policies and true cloud-based, zero-touch provisioning to eliminate errors from human intervention and reduce the need for onsite technical expertise while improving efficiency and quality of experience. These switches include the EX2016M-P that is optimized for Wi-Fi 6 deployments; the EX2052 that includes three 48-port models with high-port density and flexible power options.
The new Cambium products are billed as ideal for enterprises, office buildings, retailers, schools, smart cities and apartment complexes, "that can now deliver more simultaneous data streams and support more concurrent users than ever before," according to the company. Cambium notes that Wi-Fi 6 technology is designed to address the unprecedented strains placed on Wi-Fi networks, caused by the exploding demand for streaming video, the proliferation of outdoor hotspots, IoT sensors and controls. The new products are also designed to allow managed service providers and value-added resellers to offer more compelling and competitive services.
"Qualcomm Networking Pro Series Platforms are designed to deliver powerful, full featured Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for today's most challenging, high capacity enterprise environments," asserted Nick Kucharewski, vice president and general manager, wireless infrastructure, and networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., in a Cambium press release. "We are pleased to be working with Cambium in driving the next generation of Wi-Fi 6 platforms."
Cambium says its software-defined and multi-radio architecture enables organizations to improve coverage and support more concurrent users and devices than before, helping them transition to Wi-Fi 6 without the premium. In addition, the company's cloud-based provisioning and management capabilities allow users to significantly improve performance at a lower total cost.
A key component of Cambium's new software-defined Wi-Fi technology is the company's cloud-based management solutions that eliminate the need for onsite technical resources to provide support and maintenance, while providing a complete view of all sites across the enterprise and improved security features.
Specifically, customers can now use XMS, a massively scalable, easy-to-use multi-tenant platform that virtually eliminates on-site system maintenance, or the cnMaestro platform to simplify management with full network visibility and zero-touch provisioning. Coupled with the Wi-Fi Designer heatmapping tool that visualizes coverage and capacity, Cambium says Wi-Fi network architects can now better design and test their Wi-Fi network, including modeling alternative solutions and generating a complete bill of materials.
"Now more than ever, organizations must deliver exceptional Wi-Fi performance at a low total cost," said Atul Bhatnagar, President and CEO of Cambium Networks. "Unfortunately, too much capital is tied up in networks at a time when organizations are required to do more with less. Cambium continues to be in the forefront of Wi-Fi connectivity, by providing technology that delivers the high performance and value that enterprises need in order to provide the best Wi-Fi user experiences at a fraction of the cost."
Concurrently, Cambium has also now introduced new programs and tools to help partners, distributors and managed service providers (MSP) grow revenue and transition enterprise customers to Wi-Fi 6 technology. Cambium's new channel investments include: an upgraded partner portal; a TCO Profiler software tool for quickly comparing deployment options; a "not for resale" Wi-Fi 6 starter kit; dedicated channel marketing and inside sales resources; virtual partner bootcamps; expanded free online training; virtual online demonstration capabilities; and expanded digital marketing funds.
The new programs and tools enable partners to sell, deploy and manage Cambium's new Wi-Fi 6 products, including the two wireless access points, six multi-gigabit switches, and enhanced cloud-based software that simplifies wireless network design and deployment. The new products are based on a software-defined radio architecture that dramatically increases Wi-Fi speeds while reducing ownership costs by up to 30 percent per megabit, claims the company.
"Businesses that deliver outstanding connectivity while controlling total costs have a sustainable advantage," said Ron Ryan, Senior Vice President of Global Channels at Cambium Networks. "Our partner program provides customers with innovative wireless broadband and enterprise Wi-Fi solutions that deliver simplicity, scale, and significantly lower total cost of ownership."
The Cambium ConnectedPartner program is designed to help partners drive sales and succeed with Cambium Networks' wireless connectivity solutions. Partners benefit from having access to an intuitive partner portal, product-line discounts, sales and marketing tools and resources, as well as free virtual sales and technical trainings. In addition, Cambium partners have exclusive access to the unique TCO Performance Profiler tool that details the comparative total cost of ownership of a specific solution and models the total cost per megabit delivered.
As part of the program, Wi-Fi partners now also have access to a new "not for resale" starter kit that include a Wi-Fi 6 access point and 16-port multi-gigabit switch. Potential reseller and MSP organizations in selected countries can also apply for a free Wi-Fi AP and associated cloud subscription to try out the products before becoming a partner.
Learn more at https://www.cambiumnetworks.com.