The access points were transported to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services for NASA (CRS-30) mission and installed on the station's Node 1 (Unity) and Node 2 (Harmony) modules. Cambium's solution provides the wireless backbone for nearly all connected activities within the station, replacing previous-generation 802.11n access points with improved performance and capacity, and is managed by cnMaestro X, Cambium's centralized network management system.
The network supports up to 12 crew members and dozens of operational, Internet of Things (IoT) and personal devices. Astronauts use this technology throughout the day, including tablets they use while floating in the modules, as well as phones, laptops, robots, and other devices.
Certified for the Harsh Environment of Space:
Before installation, the access points underwent a rigorous certification and evaluation process that began more than two years ago. Testing included exposure to radiation and heavy ions to confirm that the units met NASA's requirements for safe and reliable operation in the space environment.
"There is no more demanding environment for a network than space, and we are proud that Cambium Networks' Wi-Fi network has provided connectivity to the ISS crew," said Morgan Kurk, CEO of Cambium Networks. "The same enterprise-grade technology trusted by schools, hospitals, and businesses around the world has now proven its effectiveness more than 250 miles above Earth, providing strong validation of the reliability and quality our customers expect from Cambium."
