6 Reasons ISPs Should Take a Closer Look at mmWave
The demand for ultra fast internet isn’t just for big cities anymore. Suburban and rural customers want those same coveted gigabit speeds, and local ISPs and WISPs are feeling the pressure to deliver. For smaller service providers, it’s always been a constant battle to stay competitive. In our industry too, it's either sink or swim.
So, how do you ramp up speeds without ramping up costs? How do you connect those far-flung locations efficiently and remain profitable? How do you do more with less?
The answer? Don’t sleep on mmWave!
We get it, though. Those of us who've been in the industry long enough can admit it - we
can all feel a little wary when it comes to millimeter wave. Historically, the higher frequency bands were only used in specific, ideal circumstances. And many ISPs and even large operators STILL dismiss them as just a short-range, fair-weather solution.
But, today’s millimeter wave radios truly are game-changers. They now offer ultra-high-capacity AND reliable connectivity over longer distances than ever before. Paired with the right expertise and smart designs, modern solutions like the IP-50EXP and Siklu by Ceragon’s EH-8020FX
(building on the proven EH-8010FX) are breaking through old apprehensions.
This isn’t niche technology anymore. Modern E-band and V-band have become powerful, practical tools for building future-proof networks quickly, affordably, and efficiently.
The opportunities are there...if you're ready to embrace them.
What you will get from this blog:
1. Get Max Capacity with mmW
2. Reach Longer Distances
3. Deliver Reliable Network Connectivity
4. Install Easily & Affordably
5. Protect Your Investments
6. Deliver Gigabit to Homes & Businesses with FWA
REASON 1: MASSIVE CAPACITY, WHERE YOU NEED IT
E-band technology delivers the multi-gigabit capacity you need to power modern services like 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), small business connectivity, and meeting government broadband standards. With its wide, uncongested spectrum, E-band supports huge channel widths, offering lightning-fast speeds of 10 Gbps, 20 Gbps, and beyond.
This kind of capacity is a game-changer for handling traffic from multiple access points or towers. It keeps things running smoothly and eliminates bottlenecks as your customer base expands. The EH-8020FX is built for the job, delivering up to 20 Gbps capacity - ideal for high-traffic aggregation points in your network. Say goodbye to network hiccups and hello to easy, seamless performance.
REASON 2: OVERCOMING LINK DISTANCE BARRIERS
"But E-band just can't go far enough."
The old belief that E-band is only for links under a mile is just that: old and dated. High transmit power radios now push reliable multi-gigabit connectivity to distances previously only achievable with microwave.
Nowadays, advancements in transmit power (Tx) and ingenious antenna technology directly counter the effects of oxygen absorption, allowing signals to travel several miles while maintaining high availability.
This allows ISPs to connect more distant towers, cross difficult terrain, and reach underserved communities without deploying multiple expensive hops.
The IP-50EXP is our newest high-power E-band radio specifically engineered for this purpose, reaching up to 7.5 mi / 12 km. But how?
We’ve packed it full of power, offering:
• Extended Tx power of up to 24 dBm
• Low received signal level (RSL) thresholds
• Innovative 2 or 3 ft. antenna E-stabilizer, if needed
REASON 3: MAINTAIN NETWORK RESILIENCY
"But, what happens when it rains?"
Modern E-band systems are designed with sophisticated mechanisms to maintain link stability even during adverse weather conditions.
• Adaptive Coding Modulation and Bandwidth: With ACMB, the radio automatically shifts to a more robust modulation scheme when needed, preserving the link at a lower capacity instead of dropping it entirely. The connection then returns to full capacity once the weather clears.
• Built-in Redundancy & Multi-Band Options: Some systems can incorporate a secondary microwave link that activates during heavy fade events, ensuring carrier-grade availability.
All Ceragon E-band radios, including the IP-50EXP and EH-8020FX, feature ACMB to guarantee high availability and link resilience. The IP-50EXA also features built in layer-1 aggregation, to get 20 Gbps in a 2+0 configuration.
REASON 4: FASTER DEPLOYMENT, LOWER TCO
Modern E-band solutions offer a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and faster time-to-market compared to deploying fiber, especially in rural or challenging environments.
• CAPEX Savings: As we all are very much aware, using wireless helps you avoid the high costs of trenching, permits, and labor associated with fiber builds.
• OPEX Savings: Fewer active sites are needed thanks to longer link distances, reducing site rental, power, and maintenance costs.
- Operating in unlicensed or lightly licensed frequency bands, E-band products deliver huge savings on recurring licensing costs.
- Compact, lightweight form factors reduce tower load, simplify installations, and cut shipping times.
- PoE-In (Power over Ethernet-In) ports streamline cabling and lower infrastructure costs.
- Speed to Market: E-band links can be deployed in days; they don’t take months or years. This allows ISPs to start generating revenue from new customers almost immediately.
And by the way…the super popular Siklu by Ceragon EH-8010FX, our legacy all-outdoor solution designed for rapid deployment, is IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP.
We are ready to help ISPs connect new customers now and start recognizing revenue as quickly as possible.
REASON 5: FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR NETWORK INVESTMENT
The demand for bandwidth is only going to keep growing, so investing in high-capacity E-band connectivity is a super smart way to future-proof your network. With its easily-scalable capacity, E-band is primed to support next-generation applications like 8K video streaming, immersive AR/VR experiences, and advanced enterprise services, to name just a few.
Building a network equipped with 10- or 20-Gbps-ready backhaul ensures you can meet tomorrow’s demands without the need for expensive "rip and replace" upgrades down the line. Solutions like Siklu by Ceragon's EH-8020FX offer ample capacity for growth, empowering your network to handle the increasing traffic loads of the next decade with ease.
Another new product, Ceragon’s cost-effective IP-50GP, is one of the most versatile multiband radios on the market. For example, you can use the IP-50GP to aggregate multiple E-band radios to achieve higher capacity.
IP-50GP can be paired with any other Ceragon radio, OR with other vendors. It can support up to 8+0 configurations) with single and dual radios in a direct connection such as RFU-D, RFU-D-HP, and RFU-SX. It can also perform as an IDU for all-outdoor solutions such as the IP-50CX, IP-100E, and IP-50EX families, ensuring maximal flexibility and adaptability.
REASON 6: ACHIEVING GIGABIT FWA WITH V-BAND
FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) is transforming connectivity, making it easier than ever to expand networks.
With the Siklu by Ceragon MultiHaul™ TG series, you can quickly scale a multigigabit mesh network to support up to 60 subscriber units with 360° coverage, whereas most competitors only provide 90°. It’s perfect for IoT, video surveillance, public Wi-fi, multi-dwelling units access, and more, featuring PoE-in for simple deployment.
Siklu by Ceragon MultiHaul™ TG series is the ultimate solution for next-gen wireless connectivity, and is already being deployed in ISP networks around the world.
CONCLUSION
The narrative that mmWave is a limited, short-range technology no longer holds water. For growth-oriented ISPs looking to deliver competitive, multi-gigabit services, modern E-band and V-band solutions offer an unbeatable combination of capacity, extended reach, and cost-efficiency.
By leveraging the power of advanced radios like the IP-50EXP, the capacity of the EH-8020FX, and the rapid deployment of the EH-8010, WISPs can overcome legacy limitations and build robust, profitable, and future-ready networks. This isn't just about keeping up; it's about creating new opportunities for growth in every market you serve.
Want to geek out a little more together? Let’s talk at WISPAPALOOZA.
