Portal AirNode | Features, Cost & Earnings

Portal AirNodes are high-capacity wireless devices that provide strong, wide-area LTE coverage. They’re great for connecting everything from remote villages to busy city neighborhoods.

They work using CBRS (Band 48), a special wireless band approved for fast, reliable data. Each Portal AirNode is installed in an elevated spot (like a rooftop or tower) to get the best signal reach.

To run a Portal, you need:

  • A Host, who offers a powered and connected location.
  • An Operator, who manages the device remotely using the World Mobile dashboard.
  • Or a Host-Operator who combines both roles.

It’s a flexible and very scalable setup designed to bring connectivity to more people in more places.

When units are in stock, you can buy Portals directly through the Club Store.

2 Models

Portal 180

The Portal 180 AirNode is a powerful device that sends out LTE signal in a 180° wide area. It’s great for covering neighborhoods, business parks, or large properties. It connects directly to the World Mobile network using CBRS spectrum and supports common mobile internet setups.

  • Handles up to 288 connected devices at once
  • Download speeds up to 110 Mbps
  • Upload speeds up to 33 Mbps

Portal 360

The Portal 360 is built by combining two Portal 180 units to cover a full 360° area. It’s ideal for large, busy spaces like campuses, downtown areas, or industrial zones where lots of people or devices need to stay connected at the same time.

  • Handles up to 576 connected devices
  • Double the capacity of a Portal 180

Key Features Explained

  • All-in-One design: Built into one unit: antenna, radio, and control system.
  • CBRS Category B certified: Meets the official requirements to operate in the US on the special CBRS wireless band.
  • Supports LTE TDD configurations: Works with common mobile data setups used around the world.
  • Flexible bandwidth: 10 or 20 MHz: Can handle different data needs depending on how busy your area is.
  • Downlink carrier aggregation (up to 3CC): Combines up to 3 channels so users can get faster internet speeds.
  • 180° or 360° coverage options: You can choose between half-circle or full-circle coverage, depending on what area to connect.
  • Standard 2x2 MIMO per sector: Uses two antennas to send and receive data, which improves reliability and speed.
  • Supports IPv6 and Fixed Wireless Access: Ready for the latest internet systems and great for home or business use.

Setup

Portal AirNodes are professionally installed and require stable power and internet at the Host location. They’re mounted securely to walls, poles, or towers using commercial-grade fixtures. Once deployed, Operators can monitor and manage them remotely.

Earning Potential

Lifetime Earning Potential for the Portal 180

That depends on how many people connect to your Portal and how much data they use. Here are some simple estimates based on different subscriber levels over a 14+ year period:

  • $40,320 - with 20 subscribers earning about $240/month
  • $120,960 - with 60 subscribers earning about $720/month
  • $252,000 - with 125 subscribers earning about $1,500/month
  • $504,000 - with 200 subscribers earning about $3,000/month

When does it pay for itself?

This is how long it could take to earn back what you paid for the Portal 180:

  • Just over 3 years - with 20 subscribers
  • Around 13 months - with 60 subscribers
  • Just over 6 months - with 125 subscribers
  • As fast as 3.2 months - with 200 subscribers

What’s the return over its lifetime?

Here’s what your return on investment could look like over 14+ years, based on how many subscribers connect to your Portal 180:

  • 321% – with 20 subscribers (a decent long-term return)
  • 1,166% – with 60 subscribers (a strong payoff)
  • 2,537% – with 125 subscribers (excellent return)
  • 5,172% – with 200 subscribers (huge ROI)

Technical Specifications

Feature Description
Frequency Band 3.55-3.70 GHz (LTE Band 48 CBRS)
Channel Bandwidth 10 or 20 MHz
MIMO Configuration 2TX x 2RX per sector - Delivers reliable performance across all users.
UE Capacity Up to 288 devices per Portal 180
Downlink Throughput Up to 110 Mbps
Uplink Throughput Up to 33 Mbps per unit
Power Consumption Max 180 W
Connectivity 1 x Copper 1000BaseT
Weight 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg)
Ingress Protection IP56 - Protected against dust and strong water spray.
Dimensions 22.4" x 13.78" x 8.9" (570 x 350 x 227 mm)

Portal Maintenance

Consistent maintenance ensures your device delivers reliable service and maximizes uptime. Here’s what’s involved:

  • Monitoring Performance (Operator): Use the World Mobile dashboard to keep tabs on uptime, user activity, and overall performance.
  • Ensuring Stable Power Supply (Host): Make sure the AirNode has uninterrupted power.
  • Maintaining Secure Installation (Host): Confirm that the device is properly installed and protected from weather or tampering.
  • Providing Maintenance Access (Host): Be ready to allow access for updates or physical servicing when needed.
  • Updating Software and Firmware (Host): Keep the device up to date with any updates from World Mobile.

Where to Buy

Buy Portal 180 AirNodeClick to view the Portal 180 product page

Buy Portal 360 AirNodeClick to view the Apex 360 product page

Accepted Payment Methods

  • PayPal
  • Credit or Debit Card
  • USDC, ETH & more via Coinbase Pay
  • SOL, USDC, ETH & more via Solana Pay
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Hi, is this from a portal 180?

Yes it is a portal 180

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Awesome thank you, that seems like a pretty good return honestly! I might have to look into getting one the next launch period :saluting_face:

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I am very pleased.i have also invested in some link&spark nodes.i have nothing bit good things to say about world mobile and their team.

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Hi, I live in Australia and was wondering for those who own a Portal 180/360 how did you go about finding a host and subscribers? Or are you the host ie on your property/business. Or do you live in one country and own airnode in another?

which country are you in please?

G’day @TMRJ

The initial Portal Airnodes were only deployed in the USA, mainly around Nevada. Hosts for these nodes were indeed arranged directly by World Mobile’s on-the-ground team. Operators who purchased these nodes could have been anywhere globally, not necessarily local to the deployment site.

Looking ahead, the network will shift to a more community-driven approach. We will see more people buying an AirNode and host it on their own property or business, earning rewards based on subscribers who connect to their node. The alternative will remain possible of course, you can also become a remote AirNode operator, and World Mobile will find someone who is willing to host the equipment at their site.

Additionally, “Hex Guardians” will be actively involved in finding hosts, supporting network growth, and onboarding subscribers, making it easier to expand in new regions, including Australia.

It’s definitely an exciting time as the community aspect of hosting and operating AirNodes becomes central to the network’s growth!

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Thank you, I noticed in the Club Store you have now listed both Portals and Apex airnodes. Will they be for sale in this coming drop #2? If so which countries? If I was to buy a Portal, World Mobile will find someone who is willing to host the equipment at their site and on board subscribers? The price is better with the Portal180 than the Apex 90 for entry into market.

We hope to secure some exclusive stock in the future, but for this upcoming drop, only Sparks are planned. No Portal or Apex units will be available through distributors this round, as far as we know.
Portals and Apex have distinct roles within the network, but their yield profiles both become attractive once you hit around 20+ subscribers per month, and really compelling at 50 or even 100+. We definitely want to get our hands on some!

how disappointing but as you say definitely keen to get my hands on some :grinning_face: i will be sure to keep an eye out in future drops.
Ps will LINK airnodes be available for this upcoming drop?

No Links too with this drop sorry, we only heard about Sparks :face_with_peeking_eye:! Once HD1 is rolled out, we believe we will start seeing a lot more variety in the nodes offered!

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looking at all airnodes return, the average return for each airnode is around 3years +, so, it looks like each portal will definitely have 20+ subscribers and if you are lucky enough , you will have 40-50 subscribers. as the network grows, i’m sure portal will be the best invesment… i will just have to save up too afford 1 portal now hahaha

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One advantage that World Mobile has, is that they control the deployment of these nodes at the moment - they are putting them where paying customers are, so they generate revenue from day 1. This improves the chance that your Portal/Apex will have more than 1 subscriber from when you receive it!

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