Differences Between Cambium Networks and Ubiquiti Networks

Cambium Networks and Ubiquiti Networks are two prominent companies in the field of wireless communication technology, providing solutions for network connectivity. Both brands are known for their robust wireless infrastructure offerings but differ in their approach and target markets.

Cambium Networks is renowned for offering wireless broadband solutions that focus on scalability, performance, and reliability. Their solutions are commonly found in enterprise, industrial, and public service sectors. On the other hand, Ubiquiti Networks offers a range of networking products, including wireless access points, routers, and switches, aimed at providing cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions for a broad customer base, including home users, small businesses, and enterprises.

Cambium Networks Overview

1. Company Overview

Cambium Networks is a global provider of wireless broadband solutions that enable service providers, enterprises, and government agencies to build powerful and scalable wireless networks. Founded in 2011 as a spin-off from Motorola Solutions, Cambium has grown into a leading name in the industry with a focus on delivering reliable, high-capacity wireless solutions.

Cambium's product range includes point-to-point (PTP), point-to-multipoint (PMP), Wi-Fi, and management software solutions. They have become a trusted partner for businesses and governments that need robust communication networks for mission-critical applications.

2. Product Portfolio

Cambium offers a wide variety of products to serve different network needs. One of their most well-known solutions is the ePMP series, which is designed for wireless Internet service providers to deploy high-capacity networks in both urban and rural settings. Additionally, Cambium’s cnPilot and cnMatrix products offer scalable wireless access points and cloud-managed network switches, making them suitable for large enterprises and service providers.

Their PTP series enables long-distance, high-bandwidth connectivity, often used for backhauling applications in harsh environments, while the PMP series facilitates wireless broadband in locations where it’s hard to deploy wired infrastructure.

3. Market Focus

Cambium primarily targets industries like telecommunications, government, and utilities, where reliable, long-distance wireless communication is crucial. In rural areas, where deploying fiber or wired connections can be prohibitively expensive, Cambium’s solutions become a viable alternative. Their equipment is also widely used in public safety sectors for setting up emergency communication systems and in industrial environments like oil fields and mines for monitoring and connectivity.

4. Scalability and Reliability

One of Cambium’s key strengths is its focus on scalable solutions. Their networks can expand as the business or service provider grows, without the need for a complete infrastructure overhaul. Cambium’s proprietary cnMaestro software provides centralized management of all network devices, which simplifies network operations and reduces operational costs.

Cambium’s reputation for reliability makes them a go-to choice for mission-critical applications where downtime can result in significant losses. Their devices are built to perform in extreme weather conditions and are often chosen for installations in remote and harsh environments.

5. Technological Innovation

Cambium is committed to staying at the forefront of wireless technology innovation. Their introduction of cnWave technology, based on 60 GHz mmWave spectrum, represents their focus on high-capacity, short-distance wireless broadband. Cambium has also invested in developing software-defined radios (SDRs) and advanced spectrum management tools to improve network performance and efficiency.

Ubiquiti Networks Overview

1. Company Overview

Founded in 2005 by Robert Pera, Ubiquiti Networks is an American technology company that designs and sells wireless data communication and wired products for enterprises and homes under various product lines such as UniFi, AmpliFi, EdgeMax, and airMAX. Ubiquiti's vision has been to make high-performance networking technology accessible to more people by focusing on cost-efficiency and user-friendly designs.

Ubiquiti’s products are known for their low cost, high performance, and ease of use, which has made them popular in both home and business applications. Their open-source software development model allows third-party developers to create custom applications, making Ubiquiti products versatile.

2. Product Portfolio

Ubiquiti offers a broad range of networking products, with the UniFi series being its flagship line. UniFi products provide integrated network management for wireless, wired, and video surveillance devices, offering a unified solution for home and enterprise users.

Other notable product lines include airMAX for outdoor wireless networks, EdgeMax for advanced routing solutions, and AmpliFi for home Wi-Fi systems. Ubiquiti’s wireless access points are particularly popular because of their scalability and ease of installation, suitable for various environments such as small businesses, enterprises, and educational institutions.

3. Market Focus

Ubiquiti’s primary market is the SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) and SMB (Small and Medium-sized Business) sector. Their products are designed to be affordable yet powerful, offering features that rival high-end enterprise solutions without the complexity or high costs. Ubiquiti's UniFi product line is widely used by small businesses, cafes, schools, and even home enthusiasts who want high-quality wireless coverage.

In addition to serving smaller enterprises, Ubiquiti has a significant presence in community wireless networks, internet service providers (ISPs), and managed service providers (MSPs). Their open-source ecosystem allows for more flexibility in deployments, and they’ve become a favorite for IT professionals who need affordable, scalable solutions.

4. Scalability and Affordability

Scalability is a hallmark of Ubiquiti's offerings. Their UniFi platform allows users to start small and scale up without having to replace hardware. The user interface of UniFi Controller software is simple and intuitive, making it easier for even non-technical users to manage large-scale network deployments.

While Ubiquiti focuses on affordability, they do not compromise much on performance. This balance between cost and functionality has allowed them to disrupt markets typically dominated by more expensive brands like Cisco and Aruba.

5. Technological Innovation

Ubiquiti is a leader in integrating mesh networking technology into their products, which allows for better coverage in difficult-to-network areas. They have also been at the forefront of Wi-Fi 6 adoption, offering products that support the latest wireless standards for higher data throughput and better network efficiency.

Ubiquiti's airFiber series provides point-to-point links with gigabit speeds over long distances, making it an affordable option for WISPs and businesses that need robust backhaul connectivity. Their commitment to open-source platforms also allows for innovation in software, giving users flexibility in how they configure and deploy their networks.

Differences Between Cambium Networks and Ubiquiti Networks

Target Market: Cambium primarily focuses on large enterprises, ISPs, and government sectors, while Ubiquiti targets small to medium businesses and home users.
Product Complexity: Cambium products generally require more technical expertise to set up and manage, while Ubiquiti products are more user-friendly and accessible to less technical users.
Price Range: Ubiquiti products are generally more affordable compared to Cambium's higher-end solutions aimed at mission-critical environments.
Software Management: Cambium’s cnMaestro platform offers comprehensive, centralized control over large networks, while Ubiquiti’s UniFi Controller focuses on simplicity and ease of use for smaller deployments.
Product Focus: Cambium specializes in long-distance wireless broadband and outdoor point-to-point connections, whereas Ubiquiti provides a broader range of networking solutions, including home Wi-Fi systems.
Innovation Focus: Cambium is heavily invested in PTP and PMP technologies for backhauling and wireless ISP networks, whereas Ubiquiti is a leader in mesh networking and consumer-level Wi-Fi technology.
Reliability: Cambium products are often preferred for critical infrastructure projects in harsh environments, while Ubiquiti products are better suited for less extreme environments like homes or small offices.
Customizability: Ubiquiti’s open-source ecosystem allows for greater flexibility in software modifications, whereas Cambium’s solutions are more closed and specialized.
Hardware Range: Cambium offers specialized hardware designed for high-reliability deployments, whereas Ubiquiti's hardware is designed to offer balance between performance and price.
Global Reach: Cambium has a strong presence in rural and underdeveloped regions, focusing on infrastructure building, while Ubiquiti is more popular in urban and consumer markets.

Conclusion

Both Cambium and Ubiquiti offer powerful networking solutions, but they cater to different markets and needs. Cambium is best for mission-critical, long-range, and large-scale deployments, while Ubiquiti shines in affordability, ease of use, and scalability for small to medium-sized networks. Depending on your specific networking needs, either of these companies can offer reliable solutions that deliver high performance.

FAQs

Cambium focuses on providing high-reliability solutions for industrial and government applications, while Ubiquiti is aimed at offering cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions for small businesses and homes.

Yes, Ubiquiti’s UniFi series is scalable and can be used in larger deployments, but it’s particularly popular in small to medium-sized networks.

Cambium is the better option for deployments in extreme conditions, offering ruggedized solutions for industrial use.

Yes, Ubiquiti’s airMAX and airFiber products are widely used by ISPs, especially in community networks.

Yes, Cambium’s cnMaestro offers both on-premises and cloud-based management for its products.