The 3.5 GHz Spectrum

 

The 3.5 GHz band, also referred to as the 3550 to 3700 MHz spectrum, has been heavily discussed recently. The spectrum has been utilized by US Navy radar services and Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) for years. However more recently, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) began deploying services over this band themselves.

FCC Adopts 3.5 GHz Band Rulemaking

On April 17, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rulemaking for shared wireless broadband use by establishing a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in this 3.5 GHz band. The intent is for shared broadband services was to prevent interference with incumbent radar systems for increased national defense, improved broadband access and reach, as well as leading to many future improvements and innovations.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this is the protection of incumbent radar systems from interference by wireless internet service providers or any other sources. These radar systems are heavily needed to maintain national security as well as keep our complicated national network running smoothly. The incumbent systems are protected from harmful interference while still accommodating commercial use through the creation of three access tiers. The three levels of this tier system are: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and General Authorized Access.

The Three Tier System

The FCC explains these three tiers as follows:

“Incumbent Access users include authorized federal and grandfathered Fixed Satellite Service users currently operating in the 3.5 GHz Band. These users will be protected from harmful interference from Priority Access and General Authorized Access users.

The Priority Access tier consists of Priority Access Licenses (PALs) that will be assigned using competitive bidding within the 3550-3650 MHz portion of the band. Each PAL is defined as a non-renewable authorization to use a 10 megahertz channel in a single census tract for three-years. Up to seven total PALs may be assigned in any given census tract with up to four PALs going to any single applicant. Applicants may acquire up to two-consecutive PAL terms in any given license area during the first auction.

The General Authorized Access tier is licensed-by-rule to permit open, flexible access to the band for the widest possible group of potential users. General Authorized Access users are permitted to use any portion of the 3550-3700 MHz band not assigned to a higher tier user and may also operate opportunistically on unused Priority Access channels.” (FCC.gov, 2017)

The CBRS Alliance includes members such as: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile US, Google, Nokia, Samsung, Qualcomm, Intel, Ericsson, Brocade’s Ruckus Wireless Division and Federated Wireless, whom provides the spectrum access system (SAS).

Currently CBRS spectrum mostly involves in-building coverage for LTE networks or enterprise private LTE networks. However, trends point toward the eventual utilization of the spectrum for 5G services, which are more and more rapidly becoming a reality. Tests by Verizon in the US and Nokia and Ericsson in the UK have already been rolled out; making this technology that has the entire industry buzzing that much closer to becoming a country-wide reality. The possibilities and innovations this technology potentially could provide are mind blowing. Networking News will continue to keep you up to date as more information and improvements to the technology come to light. Stay tuned!

 

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

AIR802 has commenced development of an all-new 3.5 to 3.7 GHz omni-directional antenna which will be available for purchase within the next 60 days. The antenna is in its finishing stages of development and will allow improved use of the spectrum like never before.

 

Read More on the 3.5 GHz Spectrum Here

Internet Privacy Repealed

Late last year in the closing months of the Obama administration Internet privacy protections were approved by the Federal Communications Commission. However, these regulations designed to protect everyday citizens from having their privacy invaded had yet to go into effect. This month congress passed a bill to repeal these very same protections and President Trump signed the bill without hesitation.

The bill passed by Congress eliminated requirements that Internet service providers secure customers’ permission before sharing or outright selling their browsing information and other internet data to the highest bidder. Internet service providers argued that these rules were a much more onerous set of regulations placed on them versus the ones placed on companies like Facebook and Google.  While this may very well hold some validity, the use of those products is voluntary; use of Internet service providers is not. Rather, they are a consumer’s gateway to the Internet itself.

What does it mean for you?

Some seem to have the opinion the repeal of these Internet protections does not change much, as online companies already collect our information in droves. However, the implications are huge. Imagine a simple underwear purchase online. Internet providers can now sell the size of underwear purchased to users’ insurance companies for their personal evaluations or provide advertisers with more detailed information on individuals’ preferences and history than ever before. The entire history of your internet usage is now up for sale to the highest bidder. Whoever that may be…

Even if your Internet usage might seem like pretty boring information, it can be used to do serious harm. A user’s detailed financial, medical, and legal history/issues can all be provided to third parties; this is all information that could be used to damage, blackmail, or threaten innocent, unsuspecting people.  The most unsettling part is this could happen to anyone, including you.  The information is up for grabs to the highest bidder, regardless of whom they are or what they plan to do with it.

 

Read More About how YOur internet security can be compromised here

What can you do?

Be Heard:

There is something you can do to prevent your information from being sold if you perceive this move by Congress to be as wrong as most do. With enough push back these protections can once again be put into place. Contact your local US Congressional Representative and let your voice be heard. Every individual should have the right to internet privacy. No corporation should be able to take that away from people.

Protect Yourself:

So what can be done to protect personal Internet information now that the protective regulations have been repealed? Certain browsers such as the Epic Privacy Browser are useful, but don’t eliminate the problem of needing to utilize the Internet service provider’s gateway.  One method would be to utilize the Tor browser. Unfortunately this is a little complex for the average user and can lead law enforcement to begin asking questions as they think an individual may have something to hide; strange how privacy is viewed as dangerous..

Evaluating all the options, perhaps the best choice is to utilize a VPN. However it’s important to avoid choosing a free VPN service. The free services are often of a quality level consistent with their price, causing more problems than they are worth.  For Apple devices one might consider a VPN called Cloak. For PC users we personally suggest NordVPN, which is $69 per year. These services add complexity to searches but prevent the sale of personal browsing and other internet information to third parties until government representatives begin listening to the outcry for privacy protection and take the time to reconsider this dangerous privacy repeal.

AIR802 will keep you up-to-date as more information arises!

 

Who is the FCC?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. Understanding these rules and regulations is vital to making both safe and legal choices regarding any networking project. Consequently failure to follow these rules can lead to some serious legal ramifications and pose safety and performance concerns. Luckily here at Networking News AIR802 has compiled a thorough list of these rules and regulations.

FCC 2.4 GHz BAND RULES (POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT)

Maximum = +36dBm (4watts)

Maximum Power from Intentional Radiator *1	Maximum Antenna Gain (dBi)	EIRP (dBm)	EIRP (watts)
30dBm or 1 watt	6	36	4
27dBm or 500mW	9	36	4
24dBm or 250mW	12	36	4
21dBm or 125mW	15	36	4
18dBm or 63mW	18	36	4
15dBm or 32mW	21	36	4
12dBm or 16mW	24	36	4

1. The FCC terminology of Intentional Radiator is the transmitter power of the wireless equipment, such as a wireless access point, router or bridge.

FCC 2.4 GHz BAND RULES (POINT-TO-POINT)

Maximum = See FCC Special Rule *2

Maximum Power from Intentional Radiator *1	Maximum Antenna Gain (dBi)	EIRP (dBm) *3	EIRP (watts) *3
30dBm or 1 watt	6	36	4
29dBm or 800mW	9	38	6.3
28dBm or 630mW	12	40	10
27dBm or 500mW	15	42	16
26dBm or 400mW	18	44	25
25dBm or 316mW	21	46	39.8
24dBm or 250mW	24	48	63
23dBm or 200mW	27	50	100
22dBm or 160mW	30	52	158

1. The FCC terminology of Intentional Radiator is the transmitter power of the wireless equipment, such as a wireless access point, router or bridge.
2. The FCC ruling states that for every 1dBi the Intentional Radiator is reduced below the initial 30dBm that the antenna gain may be increased from the initial 6dBi by 3dB.
3. Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) is terminology for the total RF power radiated by the antenna.

FCC 5 GHz BANDS AND RULES

BAND	Frequency (GHz)	Permitted Use Location	Maximum Output Power	Maximum EIRP *2
UNII (Low)	5.15-5.25	Outdoor Access Point	1 Watt 30 dBm *1	125mw 21dBm
UNII (Low)	5.15-5.25	Indoor Access Point	1 Watt     30dBm *1
UNII (Low)	5.15-5.25	Fixed Point to Point Access Points	1 Watt   30dBm *3
UNII (Low)	5.15-5.25	Client Devices	250mW   24dBM  *4
UNII-2 (Middle)	5.25-5.35	Indoor or Outdoor	200mW 23dBm or 11 dBm + 10 log B, where B is the 26 dB emission bandwidth in megahertz  *5
UNII-2 Extended	5.47-5.725	Indoor or Outdoor	200mW 23dBm or 11 dBm + 10 log B, where B is the 26 dB emission bandwidth in megahertz  *5
UNII-3 (Upper)	5.725-5.825	Typical Outdoor	1 watt 30dBm *6

1. Provided  the maximum antenna gain does not exceed 6 dBi. In addition, the maximum power spectral density shall not exceed 17 dBm in any 1 megahertz band. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi are used, both the maximum conducted output power and the maximum power spectral density shall be reduced by the amount of dB that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi.
2. Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) is terminology for the total RF power radiated by the antenna.
3. The maximum power spectral density shall not exceed 17 dBm in any 1 megahertz band. Fixed point-to-point U-NII devices may employ antennas with directional gain up to 23 dBi without any corresponding reduction in the maximum conducted output power or maximum power spectral density. For fixed point-to-point transmitters that employ a diretional antenna gain greater than 23 dBi, a 1 dB reduction in maximum conducted output power spectral density is required for each 1 dB of antenna gain in excess of 23 dBi. Fixed, point-to-point operations exclude the use of point-to-multipoint systems, omnidirectional applications, and multiple collocated transmitters transmitting the same information. The operator of the U-NII device, or if the equipment is professionally installed, the installer, is responsible for ensuring that systems employing high gain directional antennas are used exclusively for fixed, point-to-point operations.
4. Provided the maximum antenna gain does not exceed 6 dBi. In addition, the maximum power spectral density shall not exceed 11 dBm in any 1 megahertz band. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi are used, both the maximum conducted output power and the maximum power spectral density shall be reduced by the amount in dB that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi.
5. In addition, the maximum power spectral density shall not exceed 11 dBm in any 1 megahertz band. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi are used, both the maximum conducted output power and the maximum power spectral density shall be reduced by the amount in dB that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi.
6. In addition, the maximum power spectral density shall not exceed 30 dBm in any 500-kHz band. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi are used, both the maximum conducted output power and the maximum power spectral density shall be reduced by the amount in dB that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi. However, fixed point-to-point U-NII devices operating in this band may employ transmitting antennas with directional gain greater than 6 dBi without any use of corresponding reduction in transmitter conducted power. Fixed point-to-point operations exclude the use of point-to-multipoint sytems, omnidirectional applicaitons, and multiple collocated transmitters transmitting the same information. The operator of the U-NII device, or if the equipment is professionally installed, the installer, is responsible for ensuring that systems employing high gain directional antennas are used exclusively for fixed point-to-point operations.

Coaxial and Ethernet Cable

The information below is for the benefit of installers, engineers and end-users in understanding some of the key points behind low voltage telecommunications cables whether Ethernet or coaxial cable types. For any given point below it is possible to elaborate at a much deeper level although this should allow for a better basic understanding of the key points.

Industry Certification and Approval Agencies

Manufacturers or resellers of cable can make any claim about cable specifications or performance. How can a buyer or end-user be assured of these claims?

There are two primary factors that buyers or end-users should be aware of:

1. Safety –> This is for protection in the event of a fire and involves flame burn   tests.
2. Performance –> This is to insure electrical performance.

The two competing Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) are:

1. Intertek
2. Underwriter Laboratories (UL)

Safety marks from these agencies are:

1. UL Listed (UL)
2. ETL Listed (Intertek)

Performance testing (LAN Cable) marks are:

1. UL Verified
2. ETL Verified

Critical Recommendation: Unfortunately there are many reseller types whom buy cable from China and falsely claim safety listings and/or verified status. Often you will find mention on a website in the product description or specification of this, on a drawing, on the cable reel or box or on the cable jacket itself. If these folks get caught and investigated they will be in serious legal troubles, not only from the approval agencies, but from unsuspecting buyers whom have installed the cable. Thus we recommend that you always check the UL or Intertek databases to see if the company name appears with the certification.

To facilitate this check, we have a UL and ETL symbol at the bottom of every webpage on our site that can be clicked on and you will automatically be taken to the corresponding database. A few moments of your time can insure you won’t be on the line for a bad buying choice!

What is required for a manufacturer to get UL or ETL Listed / Verified?

Manufacturers must submit cable samples for testing and agree to follow-up plant inspections. Fees are paid to these agencies for this effort. The testing insures that the cable meets the minimum requirements.

Why is LAN verification important?

LAN Ethernet cables must meet minimum requirements depending on whether they are category 5, 5e, 6, etc. The requirements for these categories come from the detailed performance specification defined by the Electronic Industries Association / Telecommunications Industry Association, otherwise known as the TIA/EIA. The TIA/EIA 568-C standards define numerous criteria such as specific checks of resistance, capacitance, crosstalk, return loss and propagation delay.

What happens if a cable is utilized that doesn’t meet the TIA/EIA 568-C requirements?

Simply stated, the performance would be inferior. For example, the Category 5e cable specifications assure the transmission rate of 1 Gigabit (1000 Mbps). However if the various electrical values do not meet the requirements, the transmission rate could not be supported. Furthermore in data transmissions, there are error checks, which result in re-transmissions causing higher bandwidth usage resulting in inferior performance. While this might be a bit difficult to describe to a non-engineer, it can be more clearly visualized as in a video transmission over the data link. The following photos which were courtesy of Anixter at a 2011 Bicsi Conference show the use of an unverified cable on the left versus a verified performance cable on the right. The blurry photo on the left is a result of the inferior data transmission caused by patch cables which did not meet the TIA/EIA 568-C minimum requirements.

The same conference reported that 379 category 6 patch cables were purchased from lesser known manufacturers and tested. Of these, 322 or 85% failed to meet the near end cross talk (NEXT) requirements. Interestingly 78% of the failed samples failed by a margin of 3 dB or more and 45% failed by a margin of 6 dB or more!

Critical Recommendation: Always be sure to double check and verify with the verification agency that the horizontal, vertical or patch cables that you are purchasing have definitely been verified against the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standards. Also always buy from a manufacturer who has a reputation for strong ethics and honesty. Why put your job, your company and your customer at risk to save a $1.00? It doesn’t pay in the long run.

What are some of the other types of things should we look out for?

Many dishonest players are selling cable under false specifications. For example, there is a cable in the worldwide market know as copper cladded aluminum (CCA). It was advertised and sold for example as 24 AWG solid copper. However this is an aluminum wire coated with copper. This is non-approved under the EIA 568-C.2 standards and particularly dangerous when used in power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications.

However, if you are insuring that you are buying either UL or ETL verified cable against the EIA 568-C.2 standards, then you are safe against these types of suppliers.

Often cable is advertised with a number like 350 MHz. Is this important to consider?

The TIA 568-C.2 standard requires testing, whether by UL Verification or ETL Verification, at the following:

 

Required Testing Parameter	Cable Category	Supported Network Application
100 MHz	Cat5e	1 Gigabit (1000BASE-T)
250 MHz	Cat6	1 Gigabit (1000BASE-T)
500 MHz	Cat6A	10 Gigabit (10GBASE-T)

Many manufacturers or sellers of cable push MHz ratings to unwitting buyers in order to generate a premium price or to have you believe that their cable is somehow better. Many of these cables don’t support the higher ratings or haven’t actually been tested at these values. There is no independent testing by UL or Intertek verification programs for these values. Nor would the higher rating provide any value even if it were true. Other criterion of the cable specifications only allow for a certain network application for a given cable category anyway.

Critical Recommendation: Never buy cable based on MHz ratings. It is a marketing gimmick and not relevant. Always chose a cable based on the intended network application and for its quality, i.e. the safety listing and verification status.

What are the different NEC jacket types (primarily indoor cable)?

The National Electric Code (NEC) defines the jacket types. The UL or ETL Listing programs verify that a cable jacket meets the requirements.

 

Rating Designation	Designated Use	NEC Article Reference	Test Requirement
CM	General Purpose	800.179(D)	ANSI/UL 1685
CMG	General purpose, with the exception of risers and plenums	800.179(C)
CMR	Suitable for use in a vertical cable run in a shaft or from floor to floor.	800.179(B)	ANSI/UL 1666
CMP	For use in ducts, plenum air returns.	800.179(A)	NFPA 262-2007
CMX	Limited use – intended for residential use where some cable is installed internally and some on outside walls. Note: This is not an accepted general use outdoor cable.	800.179(E)	ANSI/UL 1581 VW-1

 

Are there any NEC types for UL or Intertek Listing of outdoor cables?

The NEC does not require listing on outdoor low voltage cables, coaxial or Ethernet. Thus the UL or Intertek do not have a standard for listing purposes on outdoor cables. Therefore you have your options or choice on the outdoor cable selection.

Since outdoor cable would not normally have an UL or Intertek (ETL) Listings or Verifications, then is there any way to easily identify non-professional cable sellers, i.e., those folks just reselling some cheap Chinese cable?

Yes. With just basic knowledge pointed out in the document, one can easily spot these types of sellers. We examine two live examples below:

Example #1

“Cat5e, 350 MHz, UTP, UV Jacket, Outdoor, CMX, 1000ft, Black, Bulk Ethernet Cable, Wooden Spool” and “ETL type CMX for outdoor network installations”

• Of course there is no proof that this cable would perform at 350 MHz and there is no value of 350 MHz in a Cat5e cable and network. Just a marketing gimmick.
• It proposes that this is a CMX and outdoor cable. CMX again is a limited use cable for use on residential dwellings where the cable runs along the outside of a wall and then back inside. CMX does not imply use as a general outdoor cable. Also a CMX cable would normally be produced in beige or other neutral color for use on the outside wall of residential dwellings. This cable is black.
• It states ETL type CMX for outdoor. Again, non-factual information and misleading information is presented. In the United States the majority of cable tested for safety against NEC building codes is done by UL, not Intertek (ETL). The Intertek ETL is more often used for performance and this would be ETL verified against the 568-C.2 standards.

Example #2

“Black 1000-Foot CAT5E Outdoor Direct Burial CMX Cable, Poly-Gel Filled and Shielded, 24AWG, LSZH Jacket, 4 Pairs, Solid” This one also lists the specifications as “350MHz, 24 AWG, UV-Protected, Shield Twisted Pair, Poly-Gel Filled, Outdoor Aerial/Duct Cable, LSZH Jacket, CMX Cable”.

• Again CMX is a limited use outdoor cable to be installed on the side of residential dwellings and partly inside. It is definitely NOT an outdoor or direct burial cable!
• Furthermore it indicates poly-gel filled. The gel would have flammable characteristics and would never pass CMX flame tests in the UL or Intertek laboratories. So another reason this is just nonsense marketing material by non-engineers simply reselling cheap quality cable.
• This one also purports 350 MHz, which is of no value in a 350 MHz cable.
• Even crazier, it lists it as LSZH, which is low smoke zero halogen, which has been largely a European requirement. There is no NEC specification for this, thus there is no UL or Intertek Listing program for this type of jacket. A LSZH jacket is for indoor use where concern over low smoke and zero halogens are concern versus flame height as in NEC codes. Some of these sellers have no idea of what these basic terms mean. And to think that people buy cable from them!

What are the jacket material options for outdoors?

The common jacket types are: polyethylene (PE), polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The PE type is the most common with excellent electrical properties, moisture resistance, abrasion resistance and a wide temperature range support. Indoors it would be common to use PVC; however this does not have long term survival ability in outdoor environments.

What do the acronyms UTP, FTP and STP refer to?

UTP – This is unshielded twisted pair, 100 ohms and is the most common networking cable.

FTP – This is foil twisted pair. This has an overall aluminum foil which protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI) from entering or exiting the cable. This cable has a 100 ohm impedance.

STP – Shielded twisted pair. This cable has a shield around each pair in the cable and originates from the IBM cabling specification with 150 ohm impedance. In scouring the Internet, you can find resellers of low price Chinese cable stating is STP, when what they are selling is likely FTP, with 100 Ohm impedance.

S/FTP – This variation has a foil shield around each pair + an overall foil around all pairs and is a 100 ohm impedance cable.