The following components are included with Ericsson Private 5G Compact.
NetCloud Manager — NetCloud Manager is Cradlepoint’s secure cloud-based network management service available 24x7 for all Cradlepoint clients. NetCloud Services allow users to transition to a Wireless WAN, delivering an all-in-one subscription. NetCloud Manager enables clients to deploy, manage, and monitor their PCN network. Available using the website or mobile app, authorized users can view statistical and operational analytics dashboards and configure their network to fit their needs.
Ericsson Private 5G Compact Mobility Gateway — The Private 5G Compact Mobility Gateway is deployed as a Virtual Machine (VM) on-premises or cloud-based and performs the core functions on Ericsson Private 5G Compact.
The Cellular Core provides control plane and data plane services to the cellular network and acts as a bridge between the cellular radio components (cellular APs and UEs) and the enterprise LAN and IP networks.
The Private 5G Compact Mobility Gateway forwards the data from Cradlepoint routers and other user equipment (UE), such as smartphones or scanners, after it is transmitted through the radio access network (RAN) by Cellular APs. This traffic could be forwarded internally to other devices that also sit on the private network, or it could be redirected to the Internet.
The Private 5G Compact Mobility Gateway provides cellular functionality and is comprised of four components:
Home Subscriber Server (HSS), which supports NetCloud Private SIM authentication
Mobility Management Entity (MME), which manages the control plane
Serving Gateway (SGW), which manages the user data plane
Packet Gateway (PGW), which connects to the external network
More than one Private 5G Compact Mobility Gateway can be included in a network, allowing the option of enabling High Availability (HA).
Cellular Access Points (Cellular APs) — Cradlepoint’s indoor and outdoor Cellular APs are 4G LTE capable with CBRS bands (B48) and depending on the Cellular AP model provide network access to up to 256 active users per Cellular AP. These Cellular APs form the private Radio Access Network (RAN) that cellular endpoints and clients connect to and are authenticated through the mobility gateway. The ruggedized designs fit for difficult environments include integrated antennas and offer up to 2x2 MIMO with carrier aggregation. Some outdoor models offer a Dual Cell option that requires two antennas (not included), allowing increased coverage areas and support for additional active users. Indoor units are easily mounted using a wall or ceiling bracket while outdoor units are mounted to a wall or a pole. All Cellular APs have a centralized management and operations system and coordinate using NetCloud Manager. Make sure you have a backhaul for the Cellular APs with the appropriate speed, reliability, and latency for your specific use case.
Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) — NetCloud Private SIMs seamlessly fit in with other private mobile network products and provide the secure credentials to connect to the Cradlepoint network. Private SIMs can be traditional physical SIMs (Private SIM) or digital SIMs (Private eSIM).
Spectrum Access System (SAS) Server: A subscription to both Federated Wireless and Google SAS Server is included with your license. SAS is a cloud-based frequency coordination system that manages the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). Spectrum Access Service prevents harmful interference to network users and follows established protocols for communication determined by the Wireless Innovation Forum (WinnForum).