Can Sonar Run a Hybrid WISP and Fiber Network? Here's How

Yes. Sonar works with both WISP (Wireless Internet Service Providers) and fiber networks, making it a versatile OSS/BSS platform for ISPs deploying a mix of technologies. Here's how it handles WISP, fiber, and hybrid networks in a single system.

Sonar for WISP networks

Provisioning integrations: Sonar supports key WISP vendors like Cambium, Ubiquiti, Baicells, Telrad, and more, allowing seamless provisioning for fixed wireless access points and customer premises equipment (CPE).

Network monitoring tools: Sonar includes network monitoring capabilities, enabling ISPs to monitor devices like routers, access points, and CPEs remotely. This ensures operators can maintain a high quality of service by tracking signal strength (RSSI, SNR), equipment responsiveness, and throughput.

Automation and alerts: Sonar integrates with tools like Preseem for QoE (Quality of Experience) monitoring and offers automated alerts for performance issues. This helps reduce dependence on external network management tools.

Field operations: The platform supports field service management, helping WISP operators schedule installs and maintenance with geofencing and workflow management for outdoor equipment like wireless towers.

Sonar for fiber networks

Fiber provisioning and mapping: Sonar supports provisioning with fiber vendors like Calix, Adtran, and others, allowing you to manage and provision ONT devices at the service location. The system can map fiber infrastructure, overlay network elements like cabinets and pedestals, and manage the full lifecycle of a fiber connection.

Serviceability and address management: It enables the management of serviceable addresses for fiber, determining the construction milestones for each home and tying addresses to specific fiber network elements like OLTs and chassis.

Integration with fiber platforms: Sonar offers integration with platforms like Altiplano for orchestration and supports various fiber technologies, including GPON and Active Ethernet.

Combining WISP and fiber in one platform

Multi-tenancy and product segmentation: Sonar's multi-tenancy feature allows you to manage both WISP and fiber deployments within a single instance. You can define different product catalogs and provisioning workflows for wireless and fiber services, limiting availability based on region, infrastructure, or market.

Unified billing and customer management: Whether a customer is using fixed wireless or fiber, Sonar allows unified billing, customer support, and reporting. The platform tracks customer data, service levels, and equipment usage across both technologies, simplifying management for ISPs with hybrid networks.

Automation for both technologies: The system automates provisioning, billing, and network monitoring for both fiber and WISP deployments. This reduces manual work and ensures consistency across services, making it easy to scale operations.

Sonar is designed to accommodate both WISP and fiber by offering flexible provisioning, monitoring, and management tools that support the distinct needs of each technology, while also integrating them into a single unified platform for easy management.

Frequently asked questions

Can Sonar manage WISP and fiber customers in one instance?
Yes. Sonar's multi-tenancy feature lets you run both WISP and fiber deployments within a single instance, with separate product catalogs and provisioning workflows for each technology.

Does Sonar support unified billing for hybrid networks?
Yes. Whether a subscriber is on fixed wireless or fiber, Sonar handles billing, customer support, and reporting in one place, tracking customer data, service levels, and equipment across both technologies.

Which fiber technologies does Sonar support?
Sonar supports fiber technologies including GPON and Active Ethernet, provisions ONT devices at the service location, and integrates with orchestration platforms like Altiplano.

Request a demo to see it in action.