Why is Celona transitioning from AP21-48 to AP25-48?

Celona is proactively transitioning from AP21-48 to AP25-48 to ensure long-term supply chain resilience and alignment. Celona has partnered with a TAA-compliant manufacturer with a strong track record in cellular and Wi-Fi technologies to deliver the AP25-48.
This strategic move:

Strengthens compliance posture
Reduces operational risk
Secures a scalable platform for future private wireless growth

When will the AP25-48 be FCS (First Customer Shipment)?

AP25-48 FCS is targeted for end of September 2025.

What changes should customers expect in this transition?

No changes to performance, coverage, or antenna patterns
AP25-48 uses the same antennas as AP21-48
Ports, interfaces, and mechanical installation remain identical
Minor differences in LED behavior, power supply, and connectors

Will mixed deployments with AP21-48 and AP25-48 be supported?

Yes. Mixed deployments are fully supported, with no impact to handoffs, coverage, or management.

Are RF planning and antenna characteristics affected?

No. AP25-48 maintains:

Same external antenna configuration with N-type connectors
Identical RF specs (2x2 MIMO, 256 QAM, 20/40 MHz)

Is re-qualification or retesting needed?

No.

Existing SFPs and antennas are supported
No re-qualification required; only mounting differs

Does this transition apply globally?

No.

Transition applies only to n48 band and U.S. market deployments
For international markets, AP21 continues for n77, n78, and n79 bands

Will Celona replace existing AP21-48 units?

No.

Existing AP21-48 units remain fully supported
RMA Policy: AP21-48 replacements provided while inventory lasts; AP25-48 provided thereafter

Do I need to change cables or mounting hardware?

Cables: No change; AP25-48 supports external N-type antenna cables
Mounts: New mounting hardware required

Can AP25-48 be used for greenfield and brownfield deployments?

Yes. Fully supported for:

Greenfield deployments (new sites)
Brownfield deployments (expanding existing networks)

Would there be any change to pricing?

No.

Subscription pricing remains unchanged.

What happens when I renew my subscription, or when it expires?

No hardware changes at renewal unless the installed AP hardware has reached End-of-Sale (EoS).

After the End-of-Support (EoST) date, do customers need to purchase a new 3-year subscription?

Yes.

Once EoST is reached, customers are encouraged to migrate to next-gen hardware and align subscriptions accordingly.

Will there be a change in SKU or pricing?

Subscription SKUs: New SKUs will be available in price list
Hardware SKU: Updated as part of the transition

Will AP21-48 be discontinued?

Yes.

AP21-48 will be phased out after AP25-48 FCS

Celona AP21-48 vs. AP25-48 Specifications

Summary: AP21-48 → AP25-48 Transition

The AP25-48 serves as a direct, like-for-like replacement for the AP21-48, ensuring a seamless transition with no disruption to existing deployments.

Key Highlights

Same RF characteristics → No change to performance, coverage, or antenna patterns
Identical interfaces → Uses the same N-type connectors, ports, and power configurations
Installation compatibility → Fully compatible with current mounts and cables
Certifications maintained → UL C1D2, FCC, CE, and RoHS compliant
Enhanced reliability → Improved MTBF and extended thermal range

The AP25-48 is a drop-in replacement for AP21-48, with no changes to features, performance, or operations, ensuring no impact on RF design, planning, installation, or deployment.

Hardware & RF Specifications

Component	AP21-48	AP25-48
RF Chipset	QC10056	QC10056
Processor	NXP2160	NXP2160
Memory	16GB	16GB
Flash (eMMC)	64GB	64GB
Frequency Bands	n48 (3550–3700 MHz)	n48 (3550–3700 MHz)
RF	2x2 MIMO UL/DL, up to 256 QAM	2x2 MIMO UL/DL, up to 256 QAM
Max Tx Power	37 dBm per port	37 dBm per port
Antennas	External, N-Type connectors	External, N-Type connectors
Bandwidth	20 / 40 MHz	20 / 40 MHz
SCS	30 kHz	30 kHz
GPS/GNSS	GPS only	GPS + GLONASS + GALILEO + BEIDOU + QZSS
PTP Clock Precision	1588v2 (Follower)	1588v2 (Follower)
Dimensions (mm)	333 × 240 × 109	321 × 231 × 135
Weight	8.5 kg	7.2 kg
Operating Temp	-30°C to 55°C	-40°C to 55°C
Storage Temp	-40°C to 65°C	-40°C to 70°C
Humidity	5% – 95% (non-condensing)	5% – 90% (non-condensing)
IP Rating	IP66	IP66
Lightning Protection	±10KA (Diff), ±20KA (Common)	N/A
Surge Protection	1KV (Net); 2KA/4KA (Power)	1KV (Net); 6KV (Power)
Installation	Pole or wall mount	Pole or wall mount
Max Power Consumption	150W	100W
MTBF	>150K hours	390K hours

Ports & Interfaces

Interface	AP21-48	AP25-48
Network	1x SFP+, 1x RJ-45 (1GE)	1x SFP+, 1x RJ-45 (1/2.5GE)
Antenna	2x N-Type	2x N-Type
Power Supply	±48V DC (Adapter + Surge Protector)	±48V DC (Adapter + Surge Protector)
Timing	GPS & PTP	GPS & PTP
LED Indicators	4 LEDs (Power / Active / Running / Alarm)	1 LED
TAA Compliance	Yes (Taiwan)	Yes (Taiwan)

What's in the Box

Item	AP21-48	AP25-48
Power Supply (AC to DC)	Included	Included
Surge Protector	Included	Included
GPS Antenna	Included	Included
2x Single-mode SFP	Included	Included
US Power Plug	Included	Included
Weatherproof Shrink Tubes	Included	Included