Cell Site Hardware

Updated: November 2024

Considerations when choosing hardware

Nv2 Compatibility: HamWAN sectors run Mikrotik Nv2 TDMA mode in 5 or 10 MHz wide channels. At the time of this writing, this requires a Mikrotik 802.11a/n modem as their 802.11ac modems don't support 5 or 10 MHz channels. That is not frequency locked to Part 15.
Frequency Coverage: Recent FCC enforcement actions have forced Mikrotik to create USA-specific versions of their products. These USA product versions are limited to the WiFi spectrum, and are not capable of operating in the amateur spectrum that's directly above WiFi and HamWAN relies on. When choosing a modem, make sure to get one with a -ROW (Rest of World) model number suffix and avoid -US suffixed hardware. If neither suffix is present, then that device is likely capable of full spectrum coverage (-ROW).
Signal Strength: Large antennas are recommended where possible to keep fade margin high, and give clients with long or compromised paths the best chance of a good connection
Icing: Make sure your mount structure is stong enough to support the load of any expected icing. Consider using dialetctric grease on POE connections particularly on locations subject to snow and ice (like mountain tops)
Wind: Large dishes place substantial torque on mounting pipes. Make sure your attachment can hold this torque during gusty conditions. Try to use 2 inch or larger diameter masts.
Radio Frequency Interference: Some modems come in metal enclosures, others are just plastic. These plastic models are more likely to leak RFI and be interfered with by other local transmitters. This is particularly an issue with the Basebox5 when used with sector antennas. Luckily, installing a bespoke sheet metal shield on the back of a sector antenna is reasonably straightforward and can provide both physical and RF shielding. If you find a good off-the-shelf solution for this, please let us know.
Shielding: It is recommended to install shield kits on all antennas at a cell site to keep signal directivity high and minimize RFI. Locating the antennas away from each other helps, as does putting physical barriers between them. Don't cross the beams!

Cell Site Hardware Recommendations

Key components

Sector Antenna and Modem
Point-to-Point Antenna and Modem
Site Router
Surge Protection
Cable Termination
Cable
Connectors
UPS or Backup Power (if site does not provide)

Description	Model	Antenna Gain	Transmit Power	Effective Radiated Power (ERP)	MIMO	Wind Load	Survivability	Price
Sector - This is our current preference for 120 degree sector antennas.	Ubfiquiti AM-5G19-120 5GHz airMAX 120 Sector 19dBi MikroTik RB912UAG-5HPnD-OUT MIMO modem (Basebox5) Anti-Noise Shield for AirMax Sector 5G19-120 or RF Armor USK12025X-3P 120 Sector Kit 2/5 GHz 3Pk	19 dBi	+30 dBm	+49 dBm	Yes	20 lbs @ 100 mph (somewhat more with the shield kit)	125 mph	$139 $89 $47 or $290 for 3pk Total: $275-325
Point-to-Point - This is our current preference for 2-ft dish antennas. This is all first-party Mikrotik hardware. FlexGuide jumpers are included with this dish and do not need to be ordered separately.	Mikrotik mANT30 (MTAD-5G-30D3-PA) 2ft 30dBi dish with precision alignment mount Mikrotik NetMetal 5SHP Waterproof AP/Backbone/CPE Dual Chain 5GHz (International Version) Optional Mikrotik Sleeve30 shielding and radome A radome only is also available.	30 dBi	+30 dBm	+60 dBm	Yes	400 lbs @ 125 mph	125 mph	$239 $142 $119 Total: $500 some free shipping
Site Router - This is our recommended choice due to the number of ports, full POE control, and capable processor	Mikrotik CRS328-24P-4S+RM 24 port POE router							$489
Site Router - This is our secondary recommendation. It only has 8 POE ports but does come with 4 SFP expansion slots and full POE control. The major downside is the limited processor, which could limit performance at sites with high routing or user traffic. We are evaluating the Mikrotik RB5009UPr+S+IN as a replacement.	Mikrotik CRS112-8P-4S-IN 8 port POE router							$209
Cable Termination - Optional but recommended - to limit water damage potential	TRENDnet 12-Port Cat6A Shielded Patch Panel							$46
Surge Protection - This is our recommended choice for internal use. Its specifically designed for systems using 24v passive POE, and has a lower trigger threshold than traditional ethernet surge protectors	Tycon Power Systems TP-ESP-1000-POE24							$30
Surge Protection - This is our recommended choice for external use.	McCown Technology Outdoor Gas Discharge Tube Ethernet SS							$36
Cable	Ubiquiti UISP-Cable-Pro UISP Cable Pro Outdoor Cat5e 1000ft							$135
Connectors - Shielded connectors are critical. We recommend feedthru connectors for easy of assembly.	Platinum Tools 202020J EZ-RJ45 Shielded Internal Ground, 50-Pack							$75

Avoid Mikrotik's 802.11ac modems for sectors. These are generally incapable of tuning the 5 and 10 MHz channels used by HamWAN sectors and are therefore incompatible.

Sourcing International Versions

Due to pressure from the FCC, Mikrotik has started region-locking their modems to Part 15 frequencies. This makes them unusable with HamWAN, since HamWAN takes advantage of the quiet ham-only spectrum at 5.9 GHz. Many Mikrotik models are now offered in two versions. The US version will be designated by the -US suffix while the international or "rest of world" version will have no suffix. Retailers often do not specify which version they have, so it can be tricky to purchase the international version. US version may be useable for point-to-point by choosing frequencies within the Part 15 frequencies.

Streakwave

Streakwave has proved to be a reliable source for international version modems, although they don't regularly ship them to the US so you have to take some extra steps to make sure they understand you want the international version.

First, make sure to select the model without the -US suffix when ordering.
During checkout, use the detailed description field to specify that you intentionally ordered the international version.
Call them to confirm you intentionally ordered the international version.
At this point they should ask for a copy of your license. Be prepared to send them a copy of your license.
They should ask you to sign and return a letter of understanding regarding the relevant FCC considerations. They will ask you to resend this letter with every order.

Once these requirements are met, they are happy to ship you hardware that will tune up into the 5.9 GHz ham band. If you create a login on their site first before placing your order, you will get a slight discount on the pricing.

Other Vendors

We have also used these vendors with success, ensuring that we are clear about needing international versions when purchasing radio modems.

Still not sure what you need?

Drop by the mailing list or IRC channel and give us some details about your project. We'll try to find a good match.