Vertical: Education
Application: Innovation lab, enhanced coverage
Ecosystem: JMA Wireless, AWS, Crown Castle
Private Network: LTE
In a significant step forward for campus connectivity and edge computing research, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has successfully deployed a private LTE network using Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum. This innovative project, spearheaded by JMA Wireless, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Crown Castle, marks a new era in academic network infrastructure.
The journey began in mid-2020 when CMU sought to enhance cellular connectivity to support research at its Living Edge Lab. Limitations in coverage and a scarcity of compatible commercial devices prompted the need for an upgrade.
The recent opening of the 3.5 GHz CBRS band by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provided the perfect opportunity for CMU to initiate this upgrade. The ability to utilize CBRS spectrum through unlicensed General Authorized Access (GAA) was a key factor in moving forward with the project.
One of the most impressive aspects of this deployment was its speed. The CBRS network took less than three months to construct and commission, going live in June 2021. This rapid deployment showcases the efficiency of modern network technologies and the expertise of the partners involved.
The network leverages cutting-edge technologies:
- JMA’s XRAN virtualized RAN software
- Druid Software core running on AWS Snowball Edge
- JMA outdoor CBRS radios and directional antennas
- Federated Wireless providing the Spectrum Access System (SAS)
The Living Edge Lab team is not resting on its laurels, however. Plans are already in motion to further reduce latency, including potential upgrades to 5G for both the RAN and core network.
This private LTE network is set to power groundbreaking research in edge computing under the leadership of Professor Mahadev Satyanarayanan’s team. The network’s coverage extends beyond the CMU campus, including public areas like Schenley Plaza and a downtown shopping district, opening up possibilities for real-world application testing.
The success of this project highlights the power of collaboration between academia and industry leaders. As Robin Harwani from AWS noted, this deployment serves as a reference architecture for universities globally seeking to enhance their connectivity and support advanced technology research.
