The CSM64 series is Versa Networks’ family of Cloud Services Modem appliances that add sub-6 GHz 5G cellular WAN connectivity to a Versa SD-WAN site. Available as the indoor CSM64 and outdoor CSM64b, each modem draws power over Ethernet from a paired Cloud Services Gateway and hands its wireless link to the site’s VOS-managed SD-WAN overlay.
Key takeaways
- CSM64 (indoor) and CSM64b (outdoor) cover sub-6 GHz 5G WAN links.
- Powered over Ethernet from a PoE-enabled CSG appliance or PoE injector.
- Dual nano-SIM slots support dynamic, policy-based SIM switching.
- Firmware-based modem supports over-the-air updates and secure boot.
- Pairs with a Versa SD-WAN appliance to extend a site’s WAN connectivity.
On this page: Why it mattersHow it worksCSM64 appliance modelsCSM64 series & the VersaONE platformFAQ
Why is the CSM64 series important?
Not every branch has reliable wired WAN access on day one – a site may be waiting on fiber or DSL turn-up, or cellular may simply be the best available path. The CSM64 series makes 5G a first-class WAN link rather than a bolted-on afterthought: instead of a separate cellular router with its own management plane, the modem plugs into a PoE-enabled Versa appliance and hands its connection straight to VOS for path selection alongside wired circuits.
That single-cable model matters operationally. A CSM64 needs no external power supply when paired with a compatible CSG or a PoE injector, so a technician mounts the appliance, connects one Ethernet cable, and inserts a SIM – no separate power run, no standalone gateway to configure. For sites where 5G is primary transport, or where it backstops a wired circuit during an outage, that simplicity is the difference between a truck roll and a self-install.
What is the CSM64 series?
A CSM64 series appliance is a purpose-built 5G modem, not a general-purpose router: sub-6 GHz FR1 radio hardware supporting standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G, backward-compatible with LTE-A Pro, LTE-A, LTE, and 4G. Two externally accessible nano-SIM slots hold a primary and backup SIM, and the active SIM switches dynamically based on administrator-defined criteria. A single RJ-45 port carries both power (802.3at PoE+) and the Ethernet connection to the paired Versa appliance, with a 12V DC adapter available where PoE isn’t an option.
The modem is firmware-based rather than fixed-function: updates apply over the air or through the CLI/GUI to add carrier support without hardware replacement, and the embedded 5G module supports secure boot for anti-tamper protection. Status LEDs report link, DHCP/VOS connectivity, and cloud state at a glance, and a Kensington lock slot lets the appliance be physically secured on-site.
CSM64 appliance models
The series ships in two chassis variants. CSM64 is the indoor model: wall, ceiling, or desktop mounting, a -5°C to 40°C range, and FCC Class B certification for office and residential settings. CSM64b is its outdoor counterpart: wall, pole, or desktop mounting, a wider -25°C to 70°C range, a bolt-on antenna in place of the indoor model’s antenna ports, and FCC Class A certification. Both share the same radio, dual-SIM design, and PoE/DC power options – the difference is enclosure and environmental rating, not connectivity.
Each model is also available in two SKUs that differ by accessories, not radio hardware: a USB SKU with a 1-meter USB cable plus a 12V supply or PoE injector, and an Ethernet SKU without the USB cable for sites already wiring PoE. Both include four 5G/LTE antennas and a ceiling mount bracket.
CSM64 series & the VersaONE platform
A CSM64 series appliance doesn’t operate independently – it is a WAN interface for a VOS-run site. Connected to a PoE-enabled Cloud Services Gateway (or a CSG NIC module), the modem’s cellular link becomes just another WAN circuit that VOS steers traffic across, using the same SD-WAN path selection, security policy, and monitoring applied to wired transports. The Cloud LED reports whether the VOS connection is up, and remote reset lets administrators recover a modem without a site visit.
This matches how Versa positions cellular generally: a resilience and agility layer under Secure SD-WAN, not a standalone product. A CSM64 backstops a wired circuit, serves as primary WAN at a site awaiting fixed-line turn-up, or extends coverage where new cable isn’t practical – with every policy and telemetry capability the platform offers over wired WAN applying to it unchanged.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the CSM64 and CSM64b models?
CSM64 is the indoor variant: -5°C to 40°C range, wall/ceiling/desktop mounting, FCC Class B. CSM64b is the outdoor variant: -25°C to 70°C range, wall/pole/desktop mounting, a bolt-on antenna, and FCC Class A. Both share the same 5G radio and SIM design.
How is a CSM64 series appliance powered?
Primarily over Ethernet: the appliance draws 802.3at PoE+ power through its RJ-45 port from a PoE-enabled CSG appliance, a PoE switch, or a PoE injector. Where PoE isn’t available, a 12V DC adapter supplies power instead over the same cable run.
How many SIM cards does a CSM64 appliance support?
Two nano-SIM slots are externally accessible, but only one SIM is active at a time. Administrators can insert SIMs in both slots, and the appliance can switch the active SIM dynamically based on predefined criteria.
Where can a CSM64 series appliance be mounted?
CSM64 supports wall, ceiling, or desktop placement; CSM64b adds pole mounting for outdoor sites. Both ship with a mount accessory and screws; installation guidance favors a spot near a window facing the expected signal path.
What cellular networks can a CSM64 appliance connect to?
The CSM64 series supports sub-6 GHz (FR1) 5G in standalone and non-standalone modes, plus backward compatibility with LTE-A Pro, LTE-A, LTE, and 4G/3G. Because the modem is firmware-based, carrier support updates in the field through the CLI, GUI, or an over-the-air upgrade.
More on Versa hardware
If you want to learn more, these are sources we trust.
| Versa Networks: products | Versa Networks: secure SD-WAN | Versa Academy |
|---|---|---|
| The vendor’s product pages, including cellular and hardware appliance families. | The Secure SD-WAN service that CSM64 cellular WAN links extend and back up. | Training and labs covering Versa hardware deployment, including cellular appliances. |
Related terms
If you’re reading about the CSM64 series, these are worth looking at next.
| SD-WAN | Cloud Services Gateway | Network Interface Card |
|---|---|---|
| The overlay technology whose WAN paths a CSM64 cellular link joins alongside wired circuits. | The PoE-enabled Versa appliance a CSM64 series modem typically pairs with for power and connectivity. | A field-installable module that, like the CSM64, extends a CSG’s built-in WAN and LAN options. |