MultiTech Announces Availability of First USB Modem for OnGo CBRS Networks

Mounds View, MN – February 25, 2020– Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading global supplier of Industrial IoT communication devices and services, today announced the availability of a new, FCC part 15 and 96 authorized USB modem, supporting OnGo CBRS networks. The device is the latest addition to the MultiTech portfolio of private LTE devices supporting CBRS and other dedicated LTE bands around the globe in a choice of form factors that respond to the exploding demand for robust asset connectivity within industrial and enterprise applications.

The MultiConnect® microCell is easy to install and configure through AT commands. Ideal for failover, out-of-band management or primary internet connection over private and neutral host public access CBRS networks, it enables plug-and-play connectivity to a wide range of new and legacy assets and is powered via its USB interface.

“As enterprise cellular becomes a reality in the U.S., the need for simplicity in deploying OnGo based private LTE solutions is critical to this burgeoning market’s success,” said Mehmet Yavuz, CTO and co-founder at Celona, an innovative developer of wireless networking infrastructure leveraging the CBRS spectrum. “Thanks to its standard USB interface and plug-and-play functionality, the MultiConnect microCell makes it possible to provide connectivity to many business-critical devices via our infrastructure, allowing a business to have an end-to-end enterprise cellular network up and running in a matter of hours.”

“CBRS-enabled Private Networks are appealing thanks to benefits of performance, reliability and security, and the increasing availability of CBRS-ready devices,” said Jeff Clark, Chief Innovation Officer at RF Connect, a turnkey provider of wireless communication network solutions. “What will significantly accelerate the widescale adoption of these networks are trusted partners that can provide turnkey delivery and management, as well as the ability to connect legacy devices to monetize previous IT investments. The MultiConnect microCell simplifies deploying service to myriad devices through its easy USB interface and plug-and-play functionality.”

“Now that the FCC has authorized the Full Commercial Deployment in the CBRS band, we’re excited to see the device ecosystem supporting OnGo technology broadening,” said Alan Ewing, Executive Director of the CBRS Alliance. “MultiTech’s microCell offering will enable companies to make their existing assets and devices OnGo-ready so they can take advantage of the improved security, performance and resiliency that the CBRS band offers.”

As a CBRS Alliance member, MultiTech is among the first to develop products that conform with the OnGo specifications, addressing dedicated and Private LTE networks that provide secure connectivity to the now commercially available CBRS mid-band spectrum across the USA.

“USB modems are used the world over to connect the millions of assets out there that don’t have native wireless connectivity,” said Daniel Quant, VP Strategic Development of MultiTech. “With CBRS now off to the races, the simple plug & play microCell has already been quickly adopted by Industrial and Commercial Enterprises operating OnGo networks for improved coverage, privacy and cost.”

The MultiConnect microCell is a compact and simple communications platform that provides cellular capabilities for fixed and mobile applications. It is intended for use in settings such as vending, smart parking, smart inventory tracking equipment and commercial applications. It comes with support for Windows and Linux drivers and is CDC ACM compliant to ensure a plug-and-play experience. The device’s modem driver provides a virtual CDC Ethernet interface for ease of installation, configuration and management of cellular connectivity.

Visitors to Embedded World in Nuremburg this week can get a first glimpse at this and the rest of the MultiTech private LTE portfolio by visiting MultiTech at the Embedded Computing Design exhibit in Hall 1, Stand 500.