Ceragon Networks Ltd. designs wireless data transport solutions for telecommunications networks. Based in Israel, the company operates in a largely unseen layer of digital infrastructure: the connections that carry traffic between radio sites, aggregation points and network cores. Its microwave links provide an alternative or complement to optical fiber, depending on geographical, economic and operational constraints.
From Israeli origins to an international presence
Founded in 1996 under the name Giganet, the company adopted the name Ceragon Networks in 2000, the year it went public on Nasdaq. It is listed there under the ticker symbol CRNT. Its development has accompanied the growth in mobile traffic and the transformation of telecom infrastructure, gradually adapted to carry IP data. The company markets its solutions to operators and organizations in various regions around the world.
This trajectory includes several acquisitions. In 2011, Ceragon acquired Nera Networks, strengthening its microwave transmission business. In 2023, the acquisition of Siklu expanded its portfolio in millimeter-wave communications, particularly for fixed wireless access networks and urban connectivity. These transactions extend its specialization in radio transport rather than diversifying into the full range of telecom equipment.
Carrying data between network links
The core offering is based on point-to-point links using microwaves and millimeter waves. One of their main functions is mobile backhaul, meaning the connection of base stations to the transport network. Installing them can avoid substantial civil engineering work, particularly where laying fiber is difficult. Their suitability nevertheless depends on specific technical factors: distance, line of sight between antennas, spectrum availability and weather conditions.
Ceragon develops the radio equipment and processing functions needed to operate these links. Its portfolio also includes management software tools and engineering, deployment and maintenance services. Beyond mobile networks, applications include connecting business sites, private networks and certain public utility infrastructure. The challenge is to combine capacity, availability and control of operating costs, according to the requirements of each deployment.
What next?
Growing mobile usage and the connectivity requirements associated with 5G sustain demand for capacity in transport networks. For Ceragon, opportunities also lie in fixed wireless access and private networks, which its expanded portfolio can address. Radio transport remains relevant where fiber cannot be deployed quickly or at an acceptable cost.
These opportunities remain subject to operators’ investment cycles and competition among equipment suppliers. Energy consumption, ease of operation and integration with existing infrastructure are decisive criteria. Ceragon’s ability to develop its solutions along these lines will therefore be something to watch, beyond increases in advertised data rates alone.