Connectivity isn’t just about staying online; it’s about staying ahead in an increasingly interconnected world. In environments where split-second decisions and seamless operations are essential, network failures can become critical liabilities. Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (CURWB) provides ultra-low latency, high-throughput, and resilient connections that keep the information flowing.
What is Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (CURWB)?
Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul is a next-generation wireless networking solution designed for environments where traditional wired and wireless networks fall short. It addresses the challenges these areas present by offering ultra-low latency, high throughput, and robust performance. While CURWB is ideal for industries like manufacturing, transportation, and public safety, its capabilities extend far beyond these sectors.
CURWB can seamlessly connect cities, enabling smart infrastructure solutions such as optimized transportation networks and real-time communication between urban centers. Whether it’s connecting autonomous vehicles, linking logistics hubs, supporting emergency response systems, or powering industrial operations, CURWB provides a secure and scalable wireless backbone that enhances efficiency and prepares organizations for future growth.
Connecting Cities with CURWB
In 2020, the City of Fort Worth, Texas—home to over 950,000 residents— faced the urgent challenge of rapidly expanding wireless access to underserved communities. Kevin Gunn, Chief Technology Officer at the City of Fort Worth explained, “We wanted a cost-effective solution that we could install quickly without needing to set up equipment in people’s homes. We also needed something simple to access that wasn’t going to incur ongoing subscription costs.”
Within just 15 days, Cisco had a project design in place, leveraging CURWB radios, Cisco Industrial Ethernet 3300 Rugged Series switches, and Cisco Meraki MR86 access points. Mounted on light poles and public buildings, these devices provided cloud managed, “set-and-forget” connectivity with real-time monitoring and security through Cisco Umbrella.
By deploying CURWB, Fort Worth was able to provide citywide Wi-Fi at less than half the cost of fiber, ensuring equitable digital access during the city’ five-year fiber buildout. “The value of technology like Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul is that it can provide connectivity to communities quickly, ensuring no neighborhoods are left behind as we work toward our city’s fiber buildout,” said Gunn.
At last reporting, 10,000 households had free Wi-Fi, with 5,000 more set to be connected. Students of all ages were able to complete homework, and adults gained better access to job applications and other essential services online. For distribution partners, this project highlights how CURWB can help cities bridge the digital divide, optimize smart city initiatives, and future-proof urban connectivity through wireless access in underserved communities.
Driving Efficiency and Sustainability with CURWB in Renewable Energy
While cities use CURWB to bridge the digital divide, industries operating in the most challenging environments depend on it for mission-critical connectivity. ScottishPower Renewables, a leading offshore wind energy provider, needed a secure and reliable network to connect its wind farms—where no traditional telecommunications services exist.
By deploying CURWB, the company established high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity between its renewable energy sites and control centers, enabling real-time monitoring, automation, and remote operations. To ensure a standardized, secure, and scalable approach, ScottishPower collaborated with Cisco the Cisco Validated Design (CVD). This blueprint helped the company maintain operational efficiency while meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
Andrew Blair, Lead Telecoms Engineer at ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized, “The offshore environment is a very unique place with very unique challenges. We need a tried and tested network infrastructure that covers all elements of our operations and maintenance and provides a secure way for those elements to communicate. And that’s exactly what Cisco developed with us for the Cisco Validated Design.”
As industries modernize, the demand for ultra-reliable wireless connectivity continues to grow. CURWB enables Cisco partners to help organizations like ScottishPower optimize remote operations, enhance security, and future-proof infrastructure— in smart cities, offshore wind farms, and beyond.
Why CURWB is the Right Solution for Your Customers
Cisco CURWB is not just for specific industries; it’s a versatile solution that can serve a variety of sectors requiring superior wireless backhaul. From helping cities build smart infrastructures to supporting renewable energy providers in optimizing remote operations, CURWB is engineered to meet the connectivity challenges of the most demanding environments.
By incorporating CURWB into their portfolio, Cisco offer a unique opportunity to support businesses and municipalities in optimizing operations and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Wherever reliable connectivity is mission-critical, CURWB ensures that businesses and communities remain connected and ready for what’s next.
Learn more about Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul here.
