Quick Start Guide

Designed for Operators, by Operators
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• Incumbent Access users include authorized federal and grandfathered fixed satellite service users
currently operating in the 3.5 GHz Band. Under the rules promulgated by the FCC, these users,
particularly including US Navy radar operators, will be protected from harmful interference from
Priority Access and General Authorized Access users. Existing 3650–3700 MHz band operations
"are grandfathered for up to 5 years", with the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and
Office of Engineering and Technology charged with soliciting public comment on "the appropriate
methodology for defining the grandfathered wireless protection zone contours".
• The Priority Access tier consists of Priority Access Licenses (PALs) that will be assigned using
competitive bidding within the 3550-3650 MHz portion of the band. Each PAL is defined as a non-
renewable authorization to use a 10-megahertz channel in a single census tract for three-years.
Up to seven total PALs may be assigned in any given census tract with up to four PALs going to
any single applicant. Applicants may acquire up to two-consecutive PAL terms in any given license
area during the first auction.
• The General Authorized Access tier is licensed-by-rule to permit open, flexible access to the band
for the widest possible group of potential users. General Authorized Access users are permitted
to use any portion of the 3550-3700 MHz band not assigned to a higher tier user and may also
operate opportunistically on unused Priority Access channels.
A Spectrum Access System (SAS) is used as an automated frequency coordinator that can manage
spectrum sharing on a dynamic, as-needed bases across the three tiers of access. The Quantum 6636 can
engage communications with and accept commands from a SAS utilizing the Mercury Networks Domain
Proxy. A Domain Proxy (DP) is an entity engaging in communications with the SAS on behalf of multiple
individual CBSDs or networks of CBSDs. The Domain Proxy can also provide a translational capability to
interface legacy radio equipment in the 3650-3700 MHz band with a SAS to ensure compliance with Part
96 rules.
More information regarding FCC and Winnforum standards can be found here:
https://cbrs.wirelessinnovation.org/. We highly encourage any operator who wishes to utilize the
Quantum 6636 for deployment in a CBRS environment carefully review the standards available on the
WinnForum site as they may change periodically.
4.1.3 Requirements for the Quantum 6636 to Operate in CBRS
Whether you plan to operate with an Incumbent Access license, a Priority Access license, or a General
Authorized Access license, the Quantum6636 can utilize the full 150 MHz available in CBRS (3550-3700
MHz), provided a few preparations have been made first:
1. The Quantum 6636 Base Station will need the latest CBRS compatible software build. You can
learn more about upgrading the Base Station software in section 3.6 of this guide.
a. The software will be issued by an authorized Mercury Networks support technician. To
learn more about this process contact [e-mail].
2. Basic Base Station parameters will need to be configured prior to connecting the Quantum 6636
with the Mercury Networks Domain Proxy. This is covered in detail in section 4.2.
3. The Quantum 6636 Base Station will require the Mercury Networks Domain Proxy for use with an
authorized SAS provider. To learn more about the Mercury Networks Domain Proxy, see section
4.3 of this guide.