What is a Network on Wheels?

A Pierson Wireless Network on Wheels (NOW) is an easily-deployed and portable telecommunications tower that creates or enhances private network and wireless coverage for locations with suboptimal or no coverage. NOW units provide a flexible, cost-effective alternative to permanent tower installations. NOWs generally feature a telescoping mast, network antenna, radio, and power source, all of which are mounted on a portable structure (i.e., truck, trailer).

Network on Wheels provide a number of benefits, including:

Efficiency (cost and time)

Allows for network deployment in remote or difficult-to-access locations

Portability

Scalability

Common Use Cases

Outdoor Private Networks

Private data networks are one of the fastest-growing use cases for NOWs. Private networks are utilized across a number of industries that value end-to-end control of their network’s Quality of Service (QoS) to control traffic and ensure the performance of critical functions. Private network NOWs also provide an excellent tool to stand-up outdoor private networks in remote or underserved areas.

Outdoor Private Networks

Demonstration Networks

NOWs are the perfect vehicle to deploy a network that is being leveraged on a temporary basis as a pilot. NOWs also allow you to “jump start” your fixed network deployment by leveraging portable assets ahead of your permanent structures.

Demonstration Networks

Natural Disasters

First responders and government agencies require reliable connectivity to coordinate an effective response following the devastating effects of a natural disaster. NOWs are quickly deployed to stand up an operational network in times of need.

Natural Disasters

Large Events

Major sporting events, concerts, and festivals are frequented by thousands of attendees who are constantly interacting with their mobile devices to make calls, send texts, and post images and updates to their favorite social media outlets. This concentrated activity creates a strain on existing macro networks. NOWs are an excellent way to enhance and supplement existing networks to provide attendees the coverage they expect.

Large Events

Interested in Network on Wheels?

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Pierson Wireless - Network on Wheels PDF

Download the Pierson Wireless Network on Wheels Brochure!

Click the button below to download any or all of the Pierson Wireless digital brochures!

Click Here

Pierson Wireless’ build-to-specification portable networks (NOWs) are available in a range of trailer sizes, determined by mast heights.

Our NOWs are provided as a complete, turnkey package including all Radio Access Network (RAN) and microwave equipment.

All Pierson Wireless NOWs include hook-ups for shore power, plus your option of solar, gas, or diesel as an alternative power source.

1	X-Large NOW 106-foot to 125-foot mast

2	Large NOW 65-foot mast

3	Medium NOW 45-foot mast

4	Small NOW 35-foot mast

X-Large, Large, Medium & Small NOWs Can Include:

Telescoping mobile mast with cable guides
Backhaul hand-off options for fiber, ethernet, RF microwave, and satellite
Single-, double-, or custom-cabinet configurations available
AC power infrastructure for shore power
DC power plant and backup batteries
Alternate fuel/power source (solar, gas, or diesel)
RAN radios can be placed in the cabinet or on the mast (“in the air”)
Configurations of 1 to 4 sectors per NOW asset
Security cameras to monitor the NOW and the surrounding footprint
Support of any IoT, Mobile Edge Compute, and Artificial Intelligence applications
Any other customer use case applications requiring remote or mobile support

Private Network Spectrum Options

CBRS (Citizen’s Broadband Radio Service)

CBRS is the Citizen’s Broadband Radio Service, a 150 MHz-wide domestic broadcast band (3.55 GHz – 3.70 GHz). In January 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized full use of the band’s spectrum for wireless service provider commercialization, paving the way for the deployment of private networks. CBRS is governed by a three-tiered spectrum authorization framework:

Incumbent Access – Legacy band users, namely satellite ground stations and the US Navy
Priority Access License (PAL) – Auctioned, 10-year licenses for up to 70 MHz of CBRS spectrum, available on a county-by-county basis. Use may not interfere with Incumbent Access entities.
General Authorized Access (GAA) – The 80 MHz balance of the CBRS spectrum that’s not allocated to a PAL. Use of this portion of the spectrum does not require a license, but it does require interference coordination via a Spectrum Access System (SAS).

CBRS enables Private LTE and soon, Private 5G Network solutions. It’s often referred to as “The Innovation Band.”

OnGo is the brand name for Private 4G & 5G Network services using the CBRS band.

Band 41 EBS (Educational Broadband Service)

Band 41 EBS is a part of the Time Division Duplex (TDD) 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) spectrum that requires only a single uplink and downlink frequency band. Band 41 rests between traditional bands and millimeter wave (mmWave), a range commonly referenced as “mid-band.” It has a bandwidth of 194 MHz and ranges from 2496 – 2690 MHz.

Band 53 GlobalStar

Band 53 GlobalStar is also a part of the TDD 4G LTE spectrum, and like Band 41, requires a single band for uplink and downlink. It has a narrower bandwidth (11.5 MHz), ranging from 2483.5 – 2495 MHz.

MuLTEFire

MuLTEFire combines the high performance of a 4G LTE network with the simple deployment of Wi-Fi. A network utilizing MuLTEFire’s unlicensed and shared 5 GHz spectrum can support private LTE.

Other partnerships with spectrum holders for use of their spectrum

Other partnerships with spectrum holders for use of their spectrum refers to bands reserved by the FCC for organizations like radio stations, cellular companies, and television providers. Unlicensed spectrum is free and open for anyone to use, for example, this is where Wi-Fi lives.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi uses multiple parts of the IEEE 802 protocol family and is designed to work seamlessly with its wired sibling, Ethernet. Compatible devices can network through wireless access points with each other as well as with wired devices and the Internet. Different versions of Wi-Fi are specified by various IEEE 802.11 protocol standards, with different radio technologies determining radio bands, maximum ranges, and speeds that may be achieved.

Pierson Wireless Expertise

Pierson Wireless is an industry-leading telecommunication systems integrator specializing in cellular enhancement, private broadband networks, public safety communication systems, and wireless network monitoring and maintenance. Pierson Wireless is committed to excellence, innovation, and a service philosophy that delivers a customer-centric approach centered on communication and collaboration. Every customer receives:

Industry-leading Expertise Developed Over 20 Years of Operations

Unparalleled Professionalism

Tailored, Turnkey Solutions

Quality Execution

Clarity Through Customer Education

Clear and Consistent Communication

Cost-effective Outcomes

Actions that Reflect Our Core Values of Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, and Trust