Welcome to the dedicated page for our private Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) network operated by EOB8. This network leverages the 3.5 GHz shared spectrum band to provide reliable, secure, and high-performance wireless connectivity tailored to our operational needs. Below, we’ll break down what CBRS is, how our network is configured, and key technical details to help you understand its setup and potential applications. This information is shared for educational purposes and to facilitate interoperability with partners or users.
What is CBRS?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is a U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiative that opens up the 3550-3700 MHz frequency band (often called the 3.5 GHz band) for shared use. Unlike traditional licensed spectrum, CBRS uses a three-tier access model managed by Spectrum Access Systems (SAS):
- Tier 1: Incumbents (e.g., U.S. Navy radar systems) have priority.
- Tier 2: Priority Access Licenses (PALs) are auctioned for commercial use with protected access.
- Tier 3: General Authorized Access (GAA) allows unlicensed-like operation for private networks, as long as it doesn’t interfere with higher tiers.
CBRS enables private LTE and 5G networks, ideal for enterprises like us at EOB8, where we can deploy custom wireless solutions for IoT devices, remote monitoring, secure communications, and more. It’s cost-effective, scalable, and supports high data throughput with low latency. Our network operates primarily in the GAA tier, ensuring flexibility without the need for expensive licenses.
Our Network Overview
At EOB8, we’ve deployed a private CBRS network to support our internal operations and potential collaborations. This setup includes base stations (eNodeBs or gNodeBs) that broadcast in the 3.5 GHz band, connected to a core network for authentication, routing, and management. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Coverage: Better indoor penetration and capacity compared to Wi-Fi in dense environments.
- Security: Built-in LTE/5G encryption and authentication, reducing risks from public networks.
- Customization: We control quality of service (QoS) for mission-critical applications.
- Spectrum Management: Our SAS provider dynamically allocates channels to avoid interference.
The network is designed for scalability, starting with a few cells and expandable as needed. Devices compatible with Band 48 (the CBRS band) can connect, provided they have the right SIM credentials or are provisioned.
Key Network Identifiers
To ensure unique identification and proper operation, our CBRS network uses standardized identifiers assigned by regulatory bodies like the IMSI Administrator (for IBN) and the OnGo Alliance (for additional elements). These are broadcast over the air in system information messages, allowing devices to discover and attach to the network. Here’s a breakdown:
- IMSI Block Number (IBN): Our assigned IBN is 0148, forming part of the full Home Network Identity (HNI) as 315-010-0148. The HNI is a shared Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID for CBRS deployments in the U.S. The IBN specifically allocates a block of International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) for our users and devices. This ensures our network is distinguishable from others in the shared spectrum.
- CBRS Network ID (CBRS-NID): This is a unique identifier for our private network within the CBRS ecosystem, used for routing and authentication in conjunction with the PLMN. Our CBRS-NID is currently in the process of being assigned by the appropriate authorities. Once finalized, we’ll update this page with the details. In the meantime, it doesn’t impact our current testing and deployment phases.
- Tracking Area Codes (TACs): TACs help divide the network into logical areas for efficient mobility management, such as handovers and paging. We plan to utilize the six TACs associated with our IBN 0148 for core coverage areas. Additionally, we’ve been assigned two extra TACs by the OnGo Alliance: 60052 and 60053. These allow for expanded zoning, such as separating operational zones or integrating with partner networks. TACs are 16-bit values (ranging from 0 to 65535) and are included in broadcast messages to guide device behavior.
These identifiers are not sensitive; they’re publicly discoverable by scanning tools in the network’s coverage area and are essential for compliance with FCC and OnGo guidelines.
How Devices Connect
Connecting to our private CBRS network requires:
- A CBRS-compatible device (e.g., smartphones, routers, or IoT modules supporting Band 48).
- A SIM card or eSIM provisioned with an IMSI from our IBN block.
- Network selection: Devices scan for the PLMN 315010 and attach if authorized.
- Authentication: Uses standard LTE/5G protocols like EAP-AKA for secure access.
For operational details, we prioritize low-interference channels via our SAS, ensuring reliable performance. If you’re a partner interested in testing or integration, contact us for provisioning guidance.
Future Plans and Compliance
We’re excited to expand our CBRS network as our CBRS-NID is assigned and more spectrum becomes available. All operations comply with FCC Part 96 rules, OnGo Alliance certifications, and SAS protocols to maintain spectrum harmony. Stay tuned for updates, including performance metrics and case studies.
If you have questions or want to learn more about deploying your own CBRS network, feel free to reach out. This technology is revolutionizing private wireless—join the wave!