# \[New Feature - 5.12.0\] ePMP 4xxx Series SM to AP Upgrade (8 SMs)
**URL:** https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540
**Category:** ePMP
**Tags:** knowledge-base
**Created:** [June 22, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540 "2026-06-22T20:32:27Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Fedor](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Fedor)
#### Post date: [June 22, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/1 "2026-06-22T20:32:27Z")
**Applicable Versions: 5.12.0**
**Applicable Platforms: Force4616, Force4518, Force4600C, Force4625, Force400C, Force425, Force4525, Force4525L**
Starting with firmware **5.12.0** , the **ePMP 4xxx Series SM-to-AP Upgrade** feature is available, allowing selected Subscriber Modules (SMs) to operate as Access Points (APs).
The conversion is enabled through a software license key that can be purchased and applied to supported ePMP 4xxx Series Subscriber Modules.
**License Part Number:**
**C050900S608A – ePMP 4xxx Series SM to AP Upgrade (8 SMs) Key**
This feature provides service providers with a flexible and cost-effective way to deploy small coverage areas, temporary sectors, low-density subscriber clusters, and specialized point-to-multipoint applications without requiring dedicated AP hardware.
### Key Benefits
- Ultra low-cost AP deployment in both 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.
- Compact form factor , ideal for small sites and space-constrained installations.
- Repurpose existing SM inventory as APs , reducing capital expenditures and improving inventory utilization (license sold separately).
- Full support for cnMaestro™ management and monitoring.
- Compatible with LINKPlanner network design tools.
- Familiar and consistent ePMP AP user interface , minimizing operational and training overhead.
- Enables rapid network expansion using readily available hardware.
- Useful for temporary deployments, pilot networks, rural coverage extensions, and small business installations.
### Tradeoffs and Limitations
- Supports a maximum of 8 Subscriber Modules per AP .
- GPS synchronization is not supported , limiting deployment in heavily synchronized networks.
- Force 4616 and Force 4625 platforms are limited to a maximum channel width of 80 MHz when operating as an AP.
- Not intended for high-density sectors or large-scale access deployments.
- Subscriber Module antenna patterns are typically narrower than dedicated AP sector antennas , resulting in reduced coverage area and deployment flexibility.
- Lower subscriber capacity and scalability compared to dedicated ePMP Access Point platforms.
- Best suited for low-density, targeted coverage scenarios rather than primary network sectors.
### Recommended Use Cases
- Rural and low-density subscriber clusters
- Temporary network deployments
- Rapid service restoration during outages
- Small business and enterprise connectivity
- Network expansion using existing hardware inventory
- Proof-of-concept and pilot installations
---
### Author:  [@DigitalMan2020](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/DigitalMan2020)
#### Post date: [June 23, 2026, 12:34am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/2 "2026-06-23T00:34:51Z")
That is sweet! Are the 4525 and 4625 wider than 15 degrees?
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### Author:  [@Fedor](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Fedor)
#### Post date: [June 23, 2026, 1:58am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/3 "2026-06-23T01:58:14Z")
No, they are narrower because of the higher antenna gain. The F4616 actually has a wider beamwidth than 15 degrees — it is approximately 20 degrees.
Thanks.
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### Author:  [@Chris\_L](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Chris_L)
#### Post date: [June 23, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/4 "2026-06-23T16:48:58Z")
I am not sure if it would be possible, but it would be nice to see some antenna patterns for the ePMP F4518 and F4616.
We have a couple of micro-cell sites where all the distances to the 3-4 clients are sub 300 meters, so while we technically need, say 90 degrees coverage, there is probably enough bleed that the F4518 and F4616 would just work as an AP.
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### Author:  [@Fedor](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Fedor)
#### Post date: [June 23, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/5 "2026-06-23T17:01:01Z")
I’ll try to get the antenna patterns for you.
Meanwhile, you can use LinkPlanner for planning.
Thanks.
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### Author:  [@Chris\_L](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Chris_L)
#### Post date: [June 23, 2026, 5:06pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/6 "2026-06-23T17:06:05Z")
Hello Fedor
I found the adf files on linkplaner under Antennas, didn’t realize you could just download the files from there!
Thanks!
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### Author:  [@Patrice\_Dallaire](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Patrice_Dallaire)
#### Post date: [July 2, 2026, 2:19pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/7 "2026-07-02T14:19:32Z")
this is a really nice feature coming up but I am sad the world we are in today needs to sell everything as a subscription when it is just features added via software updates
just make good products and people will buy
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### Author:  [@Simon\_King](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Simon_King)
#### Post date: [July 2, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/8 "2026-07-02T14:31:33Z")
> [@Patrice\_Dallaire](#):
>
> sell everything as a subscription
To clarify, this is not a subscription, it’s a one-time purchase.
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### Author:  [@Mathew\_Howard](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Mathew_Howard)
#### Post date: [July 2, 2026, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/9 "2026-07-02T17:51:21Z")
What is the vertical beamwidth on the 4616?
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### Author:  [@aka](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/aka)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2026, 8:51am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/10 "2026-07-03T08:51:56Z")
Hi @Mathew_Howard,
can not find some proper source at the moment. But it should be around 3-5deg. Depending on frequency.
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### Author:  [@Alessio\_Garavano](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Alessio_Garavano)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2026, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/11 "2026-07-03T19:52:25Z")
How to buy and what is the price?
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### Author:  [@Eric\_Ozrelic](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Eric_Ozrelic)
#### Post date: [July 4, 2026, 1:38am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/12 "2026-07-04T01:38:59Z")
The MSRP is $99, and you can reach out to your Cambium RSM or favorite disti to buy a license.
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### Author:  [@Alessio\_Garavano](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Alessio_Garavano)
#### Post date: [July 6, 2026, 11:25am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/13 "2026-07-06T11:25:52Z")
Hi, why this old style and not online shop?
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### Author:  [@Christoph\_Mattison](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Christoph_Mattison)
#### Post date: [July 6, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/14 "2026-07-06T18:00:27Z")
Is there a hardware difference between the 4600C and 4600L? If so, where can I read up on that?
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### Author:  [@Eric\_Ozrelic](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Eric_Ozrelic)
#### Post date: [July 6, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/15 "2026-07-06T20:00:30Z")
There is no hardware difference between the 4600C and 4600L.
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### Author:  [@Eric\_Ozrelic](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Eric_Ozrelic)
#### Post date: [July 6, 2026, 8:04pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/16 "2026-07-06T20:04:39Z")
> [@Alessio\_Garavano](#):
>
> why this old style and not online shop?
Because Cambium uses a distribution model that doesn’t allow for direct sale of anything with a part number directly to the end customer. Cambium relies on distributors to buy and stock inventory, handle customer sales, shipping logistics, returns/RMA’s, etc. By leaning on distributors to do this, Cambium doesn’t have to deal with a lot of the overhead associated with dealing directly with the end customer. If they were to start selling some or all of their products and licenses directly to customers, it would compete directly with their distribution network and destroy those relationships. There are pros and cons to both methods of product distribution.
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### Author:  [@Christoph\_Mattison](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Christoph_Mattison)
#### Post date: [July 8, 2026, 11:58pm UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/17 "2026-07-08T23:58:31Z")
If this has been answered, could someone direct me please to the article?
What is the process for converting an SM to AP? Like, step by step?
Do I go to website, buy a serial, input the serial, or some such?
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### Author:  [@Eric\_Ozrelic](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Eric_Ozrelic)
#### Post date: [July 9, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/18 "2026-07-09T00:13:37Z")
Reach out to your Cambium RSM or your favorite distributor to purchase the key. The PN is C050900S608A and the MSRP is $99. You’ll need to make sure your F45xx or F46xx radio is running a minimum of firmware 5.12. Once you you’ve purchased the key from the distributor, they’ll give you instructions on how to activate the key and apply it to your radio.
## **Cambium Networks C050900S608A**
### **ePMP 4xxx Series SM to AP Upgrade (8 SMs) Key**
Cambium Networks’ ePMP™ Release 5.12 introduces a license key that converts any Force 4000 Series Subscriber Module (SM) into a fully functioning ePMP Access Point (AP).
This key can be applied to any Force 4000 Series 5 GHz or 6 GHz SM, but the most useful candidates are the Force 4518 (5 GHz) and Force 4616 (6 GHz).
Once the software key is applied to the SM, the AP functionality is available allowing the radio to connect to up to 8 SMs.
**NOTE:** These SMs do NOT support GPS synchronization, are limited to maximum 1024QAM, and are constrained by the antenna pattern of the SM, e.g., a 15° azimuth on Force 4518.
### **With this new capability, network operators can access new deployment scenarios. Examples:**
- Quickly and inexpensively open a new geographical coverage area and then upgrade later with a full AP.
- Deploy a microPOP for coverage or capacity fill-ins.
- Overlay a 6 GHz microcell in an existing 5 GHz sector.
- Deploy point-to-a-few-points campus connectivity.
- Prove market viability, including take-rate and ARPU, before deploying a full AP and expanding the density.
Since the device can still be used as an SM, the radio can later be redeployed, leaving no stranded inventory. This new capability is another way that ePMP makes network expansion economical and profitable for network operators.
\*License key can be applied to Force 4518, Force 4525, Force 4525L, Force 400C, Force 425, Force 4616, Force 4625, and Force 4600C.
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### Author:  [@Christoph\_Mattison](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Christoph_Mattison)
#### Post date: [July 9, 2026, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/19 "2026-07-09T01:28:02Z")
Does the 8 client limitation also apply to the 4600C, as the C is apparently the same hardware as the L?
I really need to get my hands on the 4600L but in my part of the world it is _very_ difficult to get that model while the 4600C is everywhere.
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### Author:  [@Eric\_Ozrelic](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/u/Eric_Ozrelic)
#### Post date: [July 9, 2026, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540/20 "2026-07-09T01:31:27Z")
Yes, the 8 client limitation (and other stated limitations) apply. If you need a full 4600L with all features, you will need to buy a full 4600L. If you review the price comparison chart I posted, you’ll notice that the cost of the full 4600L is slightly more then the cost of the 4600C + limited AP license.
[Next page](https://community.cambiumnetworks.com/t/new-feature-5-12-0-epmp-4xxx-series-sm-to-ap-upgrade-8-sms/108540.md?page=2)