Easy Rural Broadband Deployments

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) initiated by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aims to provide adequate high-speed broadband access to rural areas especially considering the demand for rural wireless internet. These areas fall behind the connectivity levels of metropolitan areas across the country and this initiative is designed to bridge that gap. With the incentive of government funding, broadband carriers are encouraged to construct and operate rural broadband networks that would meet the following targets:

• High quality broadband services to ~ 6 million rural sites:
• Primarily residential and small offices/home offices (SOHO)
• Speeds of at least 25Mbps downlink, 3 Mbps uplink
• Scalability to 1G downlink, 500Mbps uplink is desired

Future-ready technologies are preferred, providing a path to higher-tiered services with higher bandwidth and lower latency.

For carriers engaged in this opportunity, there are some challenges that are unique to the deployment of broadband to rural sites, such as:

• Difficult to reach remote sites
• Subscriber density and topography issues
• Operational efficiency: The need to enable service verification testing, performance monitoring and diagnostics, as well as handle installation and maintenance at remote sites.
• Trusted partner: Solution provider must have a relevant portfolio and experience, and the ability to meet specific, changing needs.

For your convenience, you can download the PDF.

RAD Successfully Addresses These Rural Broadband Challenges

RAD offers a comprehensive portfolio that successfully addresses these rural broadband challenges for rural wireless internet and other internet connectivity options. Employing a wide range of technologies including point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTMP) wireless, GPON/xGPON, packet optical and DWDM, as well as routing and Industrial IoT (IIoT) backhaul, RAD enables broadband providers to address any scenario under RDOF deployments.

Key deployment scenarios include:

Fixed Wireless Access Infrastructure
Ideal for low density rural areas and long-range connectivity

RAD’s solution includes a wide variety of options for licensed and unlicensed backhaul to effectively close the rural broadband gap:

• Supports all outdoor deployment
• Delivering >50M/5M per residential subscriber
• Economical pay as you grow model

GPON Access with DWDM Backhaul
Consolidated GPON/DWDM optimized for higher density rural areas

RAD enables versatile FTTH Triple Play for suburban and rural areas:

• Small form factor backhaul solutions to save on space
• Universal GPON ONT/OLT solution that eliminates vendor lock-in
• Deliver 1G/500Mb per residential subscriber

IP-VPN and LTE Wireless Access
Ideal for rural small business

RAD offers broadband carriers LTE and fiber access in a single device that enables them to quickly connect their SOHO customers:

• Cost effectively extend enterprise services into rural area
• Carrier Ethernet and routing options for business users: L2 Carrier Ethernet over a L3 VPN tunnel, or VPN access over LTE
• Shorter Time-to-Revenue by eliminating the need to wait for fiber

Secure Industrial IoT with Edge Computing
Ideal for upgrading rural infrastructure (smart grid, smart water, smart agriculture, smart roads, etc.)

RAD enables carriers to offer competitive IoT services for monitoring and automation devices, Smart City projects, and more. An all-in-one, secure IIoT backhaul gateway that features a router, firewall, LTE modem and a variety of other functionalities in a single device allows effective communication and control of many sensors with IoT Edge Computing

• Versatile ruggedized platform fits harsh environmental conditions
• Seamless communications over fiber optics, radio links and 2G/3G/LTE cellular links
• Edge computing capabilities allows hosting of multiple container-based functions
• Zero-touch provisioning, enhanced cyber security (IPsec, PKI, FW, IDS/IPS, SIEM)
• Integrated PLC functionality and LoRaWAN® gateway reduces the number of devices in the network
• Transparent delivery of SCADA, protocol conversion and terminal server

RAD’s RDOF Solution
With a proven record of helping our customers to successfully deploy rural broadband solutions for over 40 years, RAD offers a comprehensive portfolio specifically designed to address, and even exceed, RDOF targets.

Highlights:

• Broad range of solutions helps overcome infrastructure obstacles
• PTP/PTMP wireless simplifies access to remote, difficult to reach sites
• L2/L3 CPE with LTE/CBRS, Fiber, GPON, VDSL Interface options
• Low-cost, operationally efficient and right-sized products ideal for rural deployment
• Simple deployment, maintenance and upgrades: Zero-touch provisioning and automation, service verification testing, monitoring and diagnostics
• Consistently reliable products and high-quality service
• Trusted partner with relevant products and experience

To learn more about RAD’s solutions for rural broadband deployments, contact us at [email protected]