What to Know About the AirSpan SpiderCloud Small Cell Solution
Is a Small Cell Right for Your Facility?
For enterprise organizations grappling with inadequate indoor cellular coverage, the solution may come in a surprisingly compact form: SpiderCloud-based small cells.
These low-powered, compact radio access nodes are transforming in-building connectivity by delivering scalable, high-capacity cellular coverage in environments where traditional solutions often fall short. Now available through MCA via our established partnership with Airspan, the SpiderCloud small cell system—formerly developed by Corning—empowers organizations such as hospitals, hotels, corporate campuses, and airports to take control of their wireless networks and prepare for a 5G-enabled future.
Let’s break down what this small cell solution is, what it does, why it’s needed, and how MCA can help you determine if it’s the right fit for your unique infrastructure and budget.
What Is the SpiderCloud® Small Cell Solution?
The SpiderCloud small cell solution, initially developed by Corning and now offered through AirSpan, combines enterprise-grade performance with simple deployment, enabling seamless in-building cellular coverage and capacity. At its core, this solution is a scalable 5G-ready Enterprise Radio Access Network (E-RAN) that delivers strong, reliable mobile connectivity in high-density indoor environments.
Unlike traditional Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) or picocells, small cell systems like this one deliver more capacity, require less physical infrastructure, and are faster to deploy. And while most DAS solutions require coordination with a specific mobile carrier, this small cell architecture supports multi-operator, multi-band networks—including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and private 5G—on a neutral host platform.
Why Small Cell Is Needed Now More Than Ever
Whether your building is made of concrete, steel, Low-E glass, or a combination of all three, cellular signals from nearby towers struggle to penetrate modern building materials. At the same time, an increasing number of users are relying on mobile devices for voice, data, and bandwidth-intensive applications, particularly in mission-critical settings such as hospitals and transit hubs.
This growing disconnect between demand and performance creates “dead zones,” coverage gaps, and poor user experience. Small cell helps enterprises solve this problem by deploying a local, carrier-grade radio access network indoors, functioning like your own private cellular tower that’s tuned to your building’s unique layout and needs.
With the evolution toward 5G and higher-frequency spectrums, such as C-band and CBRS, the need for tailored in-building cellular solutions is only growing. The SpiderCloud system makes it easy to future-proof your connectivity while solving today’s challenges.
Components of the SpiderCloud Small Cell System
This small cell solution includes several integrated components designed to deliver enterprise-class performance with plug-and-play simplicity:
1. Service Node (SCSN)
The Small Cell Service Node (SCSN) acts as the centralized “brain” of the E-RAN system. It manages up to 125 radio nodes and can cover an area of up to one million square feet. At just 1U in size, it’s compact yet powerful, handling tasks such as spectrum management, backhaul routing, network synchronization, and advanced security.
It also includes a Citizens Broadband Services Device (CBSD) proxy for CBRS spectrum management – connecting to cloud-based Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) and dynamically managing frequency use for optimal performance.
2. Radio Nodes
These compact, ceiling- or wall-mounted radio nodes deliver LTE, LTE-LAA, CBRS, and even 5G mmWave coverage. They’re fanless and powered via Ethernet (PoE+), making them easy to install and energy-efficient to run. Each node supports self-configuration and integrates seamlessly with the SCSN.
Thanks to Self-Organizing Network (SON) software, the system automatically adjusts settings such as power and handovers, simplifying installation and minimizing interference.
3. Software-Defined LAN (SD-LAN)
The system rides on your existing Ethernet LAN or Corning’s SD-LAN infrastructure. This eliminates the need for coaxial cables and complex backhaul requirements, cutting costs and simplifying maintenance.
4. SpiderNet Management System
Operators and enterprise IT teams can centrally manage and monitor the entire system through SpiderNet, a powerful Element Management System (EMS). It utilizes industry-standard protocols (such as SNMP and TR-069), supports batch operations, provides detailed KPIs and alerts, and integrates with existing OSS and provisioning systems.
SpiderNet ensures your team always has a clear view of system health, performance, and opportunities for optimization.
Key SpiderCloud Benefits for Enterprise Deployments
When comparing SpiderCloud to other in-building wireless solutions, the advantages are clear:
- Carrier-Neutral, Multi-Operator Design: Support for multiple carriers within a single system.
- 5G Future Readiness: LTE E-RAN can be upgraded with software to support 5G-NSA.
- CBRS and Private Networks: Support for shared and licensed spectrum, including CBRS.
- Cost Efficiency: Achieve lower total cost of ownership with an Ethernet backbone and compact infrastructure.
- Rapid Deployment: Plug-and-play provisioning that’s as easy as installing a Wi-Fi network.
- Flexible Integration: Open RAN and virtualized architecture for interoperability and scalability.
For enterprise facilities with high user density and complex architecture, these advantages translate into fewer complaints, better productivity, and a more future-proof infrastructure investment.
The AirSpan Partnership
Following Corning’s recent sale of its small cell solutions business to Airspan, MCA continues its longstanding partnership with Airspan to deliver the SpiderCloud solution to our customers. While product ownership has changed, the technology and support remain strong. MCA is proud to offer this proven, enterprise-ready solution as part of our comprehensive in-building wireless portfolio.
Our ongoing collaboration with Airspan ensures access to the latest hardware, firmware updates, and deployment best practices, while providing you with the trusted local service and engineering expertise for which MCA is known.
Is The SpiderCloud Small Cell Solution Right for You?
MCA Can Help You Decide
Every building, organization, and budget is different. Small cells aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and at MCA, we don’t try to make them one. Our skilled engineers and solution architects collaborate with you to understand your environment, identify pain points, and align with your goals.
From there, we help you evaluate your options. While small cell may be the perfect fit for many facilities, others may benefit more from Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), public safety radio enhancements, or a hybrid approach. Because we offer a broad in-building wireless portfolio – from cellular and two-way radio to IP networking and fiber backhaul – we can tailor the solution to your needs, rather than forcing your needs to fit the solution.
We also take care of:
- Site surveys and RF planning
- Equipment procurement and configuration
- Installation and commissioning
- Integration with MNOs and public safety networks
- Ongoing maintenance and support
Whether you’re building from the ground up or retrofitting an existing facility, MCA brings the technical expertise and real-world experience to help you stay connected today and in the future.
Let’s Build a Smarter Network Together
If your organization is facing poor indoor cell service, dropped calls, slow data speeds, or unreliable 5G performance, the solution may not be boosting the macro signal – it might be installing a smarter, more localized cellular network designed specifically for your building.
The SpiderCloud Small Cell solution from AirSpan, formerly offered by Corning, delivers the performance, flexibility, and scalability enterprises need, and MCA is here to help you make the right decision.
Get in touch today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discover if this small cell system is the ideal fit for your needs- or if another in-building wireless solution from our portfolio might better serve you.
About MCA
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted technology integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives.
More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.
Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.
