MultiSim and Commercial Carrier Solutions

Making use of commercial cellular services as part of scientific workflows can be more difficult than simply getting a SIM.

• Coverage in a specific area may differ substantially from maps provided by the FCC or carriers. Coverage areas and availability of LTE versus 5G, etc service may also change as carriers change their cellular network layouts, access points, consolidate with each other, etc.
• Advertised speeds for typical download rates can vary wildly from what capabilities are actually available, and upload speeds are especially difficult to know in advance.
• Advertised speeds are typically available in "bursts" - sustained data rates are dependent on carrier speeds, priorities, and demands being placed on a cell-tower from other users.
• Although commercial plans may advertise unlimited bandwidth, there are typically traffic shaping limitations imposed once a user goes beyond some monthly "typical allocation.

ESnet commercial carrier indoor coverage mapping

ESnet has worked with a wide variety of cellular carriers, equipment, including range extenders, antenna, and cellular routers. Beyond being available to help with any inquiry, we offer the following services:

1) Carrier and equipment advice based on our own field deployments and use of equipment in a wide set of settings. This includes recommendations for how to site, harden, and remote manage cellular capabilities for either data- or control- plane remote functions.

2) Multi-Carrier SIMS - ESnet is in process of evaluating the use of data SIMS that work on all three US commercial carriers, and support data charges based only on what you actually use.  If you are interested in learning more, please contact us!

3) Neutral Host Multi-Core (MOCN)/Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) .  As part of exploring ways to improve coverage both within Lab sites and in remote locations, ESnet is currently testing a MOCN solution that allows a single set of Access Points serve multiple carriers, including ESnet's private cellular (CBRS) core. We also collaborate with Cal State San Luis Obispo, Internet2 and others who are looking at new technologies to span coverage gaps. If you are grappling with ways to improve cellular coverage either in your lab or in the field, we're here to help.

ESnet Neutral-Host test system access points serving multiple commercial carriers