DAS (IBWtech)

Mobilitie deploys wireless network at Lubbock Preston Smith airport

U.S. wireless infrastructure provider Mobilitie said it has installed an updated wireless network at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport.

The airport is located in the Lubbock County, in Texas.

The multi-carrier, 5G-ready network features next-generation technologies, including a distributed antenna (DAS) system within the building and outdoor nodes on the rooftop with dedicated radios at each location, ensuring reliable high-speed connectivity throughout the airport, Mobilitie said.

?We are looking forward to the possibilities that the network will provide to our passengers, staff, and partners,? said Kelly Campbell, executive director of aviation.

?The network we?ve developed for Lubbock Airport will provide a streamlined and seamless wireless experience,? said Michael Curry, VP of wireless solutions at Mobilitie. ?We understand dynamic environments like airports very well, and we have designed our solution to support the client?s operations and growth, while creating peace of mind for all travelers. Whether you need to make travel changes on the go, watch a movie while waiting to board, or rushing to a gate to make your connection, you?ll be connected.?

In a recent interview with In-Building Tech, Jason Caliento, EVP of network strategy at Mobilitie, said that the firm foresees growth opportunities for the firm in 2021. ?As we look at 2021, we?re seeing nothing but increased interest and opportunities in connecting businesses and their customers, schools and their students, local governments and its citizenry.? More specifically, with the recent CBRS and C-band auctions, 5G deployments, massive small cell investments, and the entrance of Dish into the marketplace, we are very bullish on the overall outlook for 2021, and is expected to be one of our largest growth years,? Caliento said.

Caliento said that the firm is seeing significant year-over-year growth in in-building networks for venue owners.? ?As tenants return to commercial real estate, as guests return to hotels, and as smaller venues look to attract visitors, building, hotel, and venue owners are seeing that they need to have outstanding in-building coverage and capacity to attract and retain their tenants, guests, and fans,? the executive added.

ADRF, Edwards to provide in-building wireless solutions for first responders

Advanced RF Technologies (ADRF), which specializes in in-building Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and repeaters for public safety and commercial radio frequencies, announced a strategic agreement with fire detection and alarm company Edwards to provide the latter’s customers with mission-critical, emergency radio communication enhancement systems (ERCES) for first responders.

ADRF said that the deal expands Edwards? fire and life safety products to include ADRF?s suite of in-building public safety communication solutions to help keep buildings and their occupants safe.

Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJs) in the U.S. require buildings to install ERCES systems that adhere to local public safety mandates and codes. This ensures firefighters, EMTs, and police officers can communicate during emergency situations using land mobile radios (LMR) in every building area, including critical coverage zones like fire command rooms, exit stairwells, elevator lobbies, basements and exit passageways. Without these systems, natural and manmade obstacles such as low-emission glass, foliage, building materials, and more, can disrupt RF signals from entering a building and thus inhibit ubiquitous wireless connectivity, the company said.

?ADRF is a well-known leader for in-building public safety communication and we are confident there is no better equipment to help our customers properly protect their buildings and inhabitants,? said Angie Gomez, general manager of Edwards.

ADRF?s suite of public safety DAS, repeaters, battery backups, and passive components meet the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Fire Code (IFC) codes, UL standards, and FCC rules. ADRF?s solutions also cover all public safety frequency bands including 700/800 MHz, UHF/VHF, FirstNet (Band 14) to provide ubiquitous connectivity in all areas of buildings.

Dennis Burns, director of public safety at ADRF, said: “Through our collaboration with Edwards, we are broadening our reach in the fire and life safety sector and are now able to more directly provide our solutions to building owners when they need it most.”

Mobilitie to deploy 5G network at Target Center

U.S. wireless infrastructure company Mobilitie said it is bringing 5G connectivity to Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, home to the NBA?s Timberwolves and WNBA?s Lynx.

The firm said that it is currently working with carrier partners and Target Center, with the aim of launching a 5G network inside the arena.

Mobilitie is in the process of deploying a system with over 160 antennas, 12 sectors and more than 45,000 feet of fiber throughout the arena.

?Offering an exceptional experience at Target Center is incredibly important to us and we are eager for all guests, including fans, artists, clients and promoters, to experience the wireless network from Mobilitie,? said Hugh Lombardi, general manager of Target Center.

?With 5G becoming more mainstream, our network within Target Center will elevate the fan experience to unprecedented levels,? said Katherine Krohn, Mobilitie?s VP of wireless solutions. ?Whether live-streaming the game winning buzzer beater or uploading group photos, we?re thrilled to bring Target Center fans the fastest mobile network possible.?

Earlier this month, Mobilitie and venue owner/partners AEG and MGM Resorts International partnered to provide 5G connectivity to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The T-Mobile Arena is home of the NHL?s Vegas Golden Knights, UFC, concerts, championship sporting events and numerous annual awards shows and special events.

Through this strategic partnership, Mobilitie will deploy a 5G network at the venue. The 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena will feature 5G service and speed that blankets the entire arena, including the full seating bowl. In addition, by incorporating high-band spectrum in the 39 GHz and 28 GHz bands, spectators and attendees will experience the fastest possible 5G connection throughput speeds with the lowest latency or data lags, Mobilitie said.

Mobilitie also recently announced that it is supporting wireless carriers as they outfit Tampa Bay?s Tropicana Field, home Tampa Bay Rays, with 5G capabilities. The network upgrade, comprised of a 15 sector MIMO DAS, will feature more than 15,000 feet of fiber, 138 remote units and 276 antennas.

Mobilitie wireless infrastructure includes communication towers, indoor and outdoor neutral host DAS networks, small cells, IoT, and Wi-Fi networks.

Avoiding DAS deployment change orders (Reader Forum)

After weeks or perhaps months of completing the tasks needed to start your in-building distributed antenna system project there may not be anything? more irritating than having your contractor? present you with an unanticipated change order.? This is especially true if you have a feeling that the change order could have been prevented with proactive due diligence in anticipating? pitfalls and identifying who owns key elements of the scope of work.????

There may be instances where? conditions change at the site and additional costs to the project are warranted.? For example, an unanticipated change in the RF environment may result in the need? to modify the system design. Or, an access requirement change that necessitates work at night rather than daytime hours. ? But the need for change orders can be mitigated in the planning stage of the project.??

Conducting a thorough site survey (aka site walk) and documenting the site walk findings, is an effective measure for avoiding cost overruns.???

Critical elements of the cost saving site survey

A current and accurate set of scaled architectural drawings. These drawings should be in hand at the time of the walk, and readily available to the system designer. ? The plans will identify the MDF and IDF?s, partitions and their composition, as well as identify cable tray and pathways for existing or planned networks.??????
Key stakeholders associated with the build.? Stakeholders should include the venue building engineer, project manager, cabling contractor and the designer of the antenna system.???
Availability of space for the equipment at the proposed time of the installation.? ? Confirm that space for all headend equipment (signal source, AC, racks, wall space, etc.) will be available at commencement of the install. ? Know that some time may pass from the time of the site survey to the installation start. Note to that if a system expansion may be needed, space will need to be allocated for that gear.?
Confirm the power requirements.? Where is power needed? Is power existing or will it need to be added.? Who is providing and funding the power needed to support the system?
MPOE and availability of required circuits.? If backhaul is required determine who is responsible for providing and provisioning those circuits.?
Confirmation of all cable pathways, penetrations and cable installation requirements.? Will cable need to be independently suspended or run in tray?? Is conduit required? Will appropriately sized vertical and horizontal penetrations be available at the time of installation?? Are there existing or planned areas requiring man-lifts. Determine who owns these details and who is responsible for any costs associated with them.?
Confirm the logistical aspects of the install. ? Are escorts required? Union or non-union? Hours of installation?? Availability of storage space? What about background checks? The venue building engineer should inform the contractor of any work at the site that would result in having to stop work and redeploy later.?
Verification of the radio frequencies that the network is expected to support. ? In conjunction with the survey or on a separate visit, conduct a thorough RF benchmarking study. ? Identify any existing wireless networks on premises and their operating frequencies. Clearly define which party is responsible for understanding the frequencies needed to meet system performance requirements and who is going to pay for any misses associated with meeting the performance KPI?s.??
Validation of where coverage is needed. ? Identify VIP areas and areas that may have a high concentration of wireless users. ? Confirm the # of occupants in the facility and the principal wireless applications being utilized.?
Construction status reporting plan. ? For example, a weekly call involving all stakeholders can cover installation challenges that can be managed before they turn into a cost overrun. ? Similarly, the site survey is a great time to confirm roles and responsibilities. Those discussions should result in a written roles and responsibility matrix that can become part of your construction contract.?
Confirm the post installation system acceptance deliverables. ? The site survey is an excellent opportunity to confirm with the installation team, project manager, and facility manager what processes and documentation are expected to validate that system was installed and is performing per the scope of work.? Those documents should include results of cable sweep tests, as-built drawings, and the results of an RF propagation study that validates signal strength and coverage.?

The pre-design,? pre-construction site survey is a great way to avoid misunderstandings,? errors and simply misses associated with accurately pricing an in-building distributed antenna system. ? Don?t rush the site walk. Document in writing the results of the survey, and who is funding the tasks associated with the build and meeting system perform requirements. Take the time needed to fully understand the physical and RF environment.? Then, pull the team together to establish a communication plan. The pay-off is avoidance of annoying and costly change orders.?

About the author:

IBW Advisors founder Mike Altman has 18 years of experience facilitating the turn-key deployment of cellular and public safety distributed antenna systems (DAS).? Project experience includes enhancing coverage and capacity at venues ranging from NFL and MLB stadiums, hospitals, corporate offices and college campuses. Mike created IBW Advisors to help building owners navigate the challenges associated with designing, procuring and implementing these systems. ? www.ibwadvisors.com

Fact Check: Cel-Fi QUATRA Active DAS hybrid vs. Passive DAS BDAs–When your building has poor cellular reception, which solution is best?

Many buildings have poor cellular coverage or dead zones indoors, which is an issue for occupants considering that 80% of calls are made indoors.

There are many factors that inhibit cellular signals, such as the size and construction of the building, environmental obstacles, and the location of towers. The number of users on a network (also known as ?loading?) can also affect cellular coverage since networks are dynamic and grow or shrink based on inter-cell interference levels. This is why coverage may vary between time of day, or day of the week.

Cellular service is increasingly mission critical. Inside hotels, apartment complexes, school campuses, government facilities, or office buildings, poor coverage is not only inconvenient, it is a source of real frustration and concern for employees and/or guests. The key to addressing these issues lies with selecting the best technology.

Cel-Fi QUATRA, an active DAS hybrid, disrupted the in-building cellular coverage landscape for the middleprise when it was launched last year because it delivers intelligence and active antennas not found in a typical passive DAS. QUATRA features the power of an active DAS at a price point that supports the middleprise.

What is a hybrid?

Cel-Fi QUATRA is a hybrid solution that combines the strengths of both passive and active DAS architectures. It can be deployed as a typical active DAS-style solution, using either a small cell donor or an off-air donor signal. QUATRA?s remote units, called Coverage Units (CU), are active omni-directional antennas and use Power over Ethernet (PoE) to simplify installation.

When a building?s layout could be better serviced by an array of focused, targeted antennas, Cel-Fi QUATRA can be deployed like a passive DAS. CUs can be deployed like bi-directional amplifier (BDA)-style remotes used to drive passive DAS branches. This deployment option is particularly well suited for environments with irregular shapes where the RF coverage needs to be shaped to match the building geometry.

Cel-Fi QUATRA can be configured with an off-air donor signal, as in the diagram above, or it can be integrated with a carrier small cell for the donor signal, creating a Supercell. The solution above shows Coverage Units 1 to 6 being used as active antennas, with 7 to 8 driving a Passive DAS branch.

Quick Comparison

A passive DAS powered by a BDA is commonly regarded as the most cost-effective way to deploy in-building cellular coverage for the middleprise. However, traditional passive systems using existing technologies have a variety of complexities and complications that can restrict performance. Installers prefer the simplicity of the active DAS hybrid installation.

As can be seen in the chart below, there are a number of important differences between a Cel-Fi QUATRA and a BDA-based passive DAS.?

System Comparison

For any given coverage problem, there is typically a variety of solution options, each with different capital, installation, and operational requirements. Below is a side-by-side comparison of a Cel-Fi QUATRA and a BDA-based passive DAS. A BDA-based passive DAS is greatly impacted by the quality of the donor signal at the site. In poor signal conditions, more equipment is needed. In contrast, QUATRA has enough gain to overcome poor signal conditions (as long as there is some signal), and therefore the capital requirements are easier to predict.?

Size the Solution to the Need

Different coverage needs, signal source availability, and building layouts will drive the requirement for a particular solution and deployment model. Cel-Fi QUATRA provides the flexibility to support a variety of configurations to meet the needs of every middleprise building.

In an open setting, with high ceilings and low (or non-existent) interior walls, a single high-power, centrally positioned Cel-Fi QUATRA CU can provide coverage to a very large area. This is the simplest and fastest way to install a coverage node, as the units can be quickly mounted, and Cat 5e cable plugged-in to provide power and signal.

But in an area with many obstacles or other blockers to interior coverage propagation, an installer may want to pinpoint coverage with easy-to-deploy and inexpensive passive antennas, rather than multiple CUs. In this case, the Cel-Fi QUATRA CU can be used as the remote source to power and drive a passive DAS. Coax cable can be run from the CU?s external antenna ports to antennas to distribute coverage. This configuration maintains QUATRA?s unique advantage of amplifying each carrier independently up to 100 db, instead of the traditional passive DAS application of one gain value to all operators. In addition to QUATRA?s higher-gain, each of the four internal amplifiers are automatically gain-controlled independently, allowing each band to get to maximum downlink power, regardless of input signal strength. In poor signal conditions, a BDA-based passive DAS struggles to provide a good coverage footprint and user experience.

The chart below illustrates how input signal strength effects coverage footprint with each technology.

While the hardware cost of deploying passive antennas rather than multiple CUs is considerably lower, the installation is more complicated and therefore requires more planning and RF engineering. Improper installation or set-up can lead to poor or inconsistent results, leading to a bad customer experience. This must be factored in when the system integrator evaluates the right solution for the environment, and works to meet budgetary needs.

Providing Unmatched Flexibility

Cel-Fi QUATRA leverages the Nextivity IntelliBoost? baseband processor, which is the first six-core processor designed specifically to optimize the indoor transmission and reception of 3G and 4G/LTE wireless signals. With advanced filtering, equalization, and echo-cancellation techniques, the Cel-Fi architecture far surpasses the in-building data rates of a passive DAS. It provides maximum coverage yet does not negatively impact the macro network.

When it comes to solving indoor cellular coverage problems, there isn?t a one-size-fits-all solution. However, with the flexibility of configurations, deployment models, and donor source options, Cel-Fi QUATRA offers the savvy system integrator a solution that out-performs a passive DAS every time. Even in venues where no signal penetrates into the building, QUATRA can still solve the problem by integrating with a carrier small cell for the donor signal to create a Supercell. Plus, it can be tailored to the coverage needs of most middleprise venues at a competitive price that fits within their budget requirements.

Cel-Fi QUATRA Disruptive Technology

Cel-Fi QUATRA delivers high quality in-building cellar coverage for the middleprise, defined as venues ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 sq. ft in size. QUATRA combines the best of active DAS and Cel-Fi technology that has been widely adopted by carriers around the world, delivering a scalable solution that provides configurations for single or multi-carrier environments. Options are available for off-air mode or via integration with carrier small cell equipment where it is operated in distributed small cell mode to create a Supercell. Supercells provide uniform access to the capacity introduced by the small cell and are preferred by carriers in densely populated and high traffic areas. Click here for insights on Supercell implementations.

Cel-Fi QUATRA is self-configuring and self-optimizing, distributes RF over Ethernet (RFoE), and leverages PoE for ease and accuracy of installation by Cel-Fi Certified professionals. Nextivity offers a remote management platform called Cel-Fi WAVE to all partners and customers, so installs can be monitored and managed. The WAVE platform is enabling new business models in the channel, facilitating Service Level Agreements (SLA) not previously possible.

Click here to watch a video and download the case study that showcases a hybrid installation in a New York food hall that needed help with cellular coverage.

About Dr. Michiel L?tter

Dr. L?tter is the CTO and VP Engineering at Nextivity, responsible for the Product Development and Product Management of the award winning Cel-Fi product line. He has overseen the development of four generations of chipsets, launched nearly a dozen Cel-Fi hardware and software product platforms for of in-building / mobile, and led the creation of the remote Cel-Fi WAVE management system. These included products ranging from plug and play devices for Residential and SMB to Automotive and Marine to enterprise grade solutions for nearly 200 operators and 100 countries.

Prior to Nextivity, Dr. L?tter developed products for Broadcom, Zyray Wireless (co-founder), and Alcatel Altech Telecoms. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pretoria. He has authored and co-authored a number of journal and conference papers, two books on wireless communications, and is the named inventor or co-inventor on 26 issued US patents.

JMA Wireless deploys DAS platform for new culture facility in Austria

JMA Wireless said its TEKO DAS solution will provide in-building support for three mobile carriers

JMA Wireless is enabling advanced in-building cellular connectivity at Haus der Musik (House of Music), which will be opening its doors in Innsbruck, Austria, next month.

JMA Wireless has provided its multi-carrier, multi-band TEKO DAS platform for the venue; the system has already been deployed by system integrator Iconec GmbH, in conjunction with Austrian MVNO, Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe (IKB).

According to JMA Wireless, Haus der Musik presented many challenges due to its complex structure spanning seven levels, including two located underground. This new cultural facility will include a total of nine cultural institutions and musical training centers, all housed in one central location. JMA Wireless said its TEKO DAS platform will enable cellular coverage throughout the environment while still maintaining the aesthetics of the facility.

The TEKO DAS will enable in-building wireless communications with one sector supported by four low power remote units (RUs). Each RU is connected back to the master unit (MU) via a single optical fiber, which will transport five bands (800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600) and will provide support for three mobile operators.

?The equipment from JMA Wireless offers the technical ability to set up campus networks in a scalable manner,? said Thomas Stotter, head of telecommunications at Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe. ?Plus, a project of this magnitude is now possible without high investment costs.?

For the first phase of this wireless system, JMA Wireless used the iBwave simulation tool for design.

?Wireless connectivity must be part of the architectural plans, similar to how plumbing and electricity are included when constructing a new building,? said Andrea Casini, SVP of international business at JMA Wireless. ?With the iBwave simulation tool, we produced a smart design that the TEKO DAS will deliver on, while still maintaining the attractive environment of the Haus der Musik.?

The TEKO DAS provides cellular coverage and capacity for indoor and outdoor environments. One of its main components, the rack-mounted master unit ?(MU), combines different high-speed wireless technologies, such as LTE and UMTS, with multiple bands to serve the various needs of the environment. The TEKO DAS can introduce new services or enhance existing technology without any major system upgrades, JMA Wireless said.

DAS case study: Torre Diamante building

In this case study, Cobham Wireless explains how it provided in-building connectivity for Torre Diamante, which is Italy?s tallest steel building is located in Milan?s new business district, Porta Nuova

U.K.-based infrastructure company Cobham Wireless said it has installed its intelligent digital Distributed Antenna System (idDAS) to provide in-building connectivity for Torre Diamante building.

Cellular coverage from local operators Vodafone and TIM was initially required throughout the entire building, the company said.

While some areas of the Torre Diamante did receive partial coverage from macrocells outside, the glass and metal construction meant that signals could not pass through to adequately cover all 30 storeys, plus the building?s four underground floors.

Delivering coverage within Torre Diamante?s stairways was also a challenge, as this area is constructed from concrete and steel on the inside, with a glass exterior, the company explained. These stairwells serve as the building?s main fire and emergency escape, so providing coverage here was essential to allow people to communicate rapidly and reliably in the case of an emergency, Cobham Wireless said.

Without a base transceiver station (BTS) nearby, deploying a solution to provide cellular coverage would entail installing an antenna on the top of the Torre Diamante. However, Italy?s stringent building regulations stated that this should not exceed 1.5 m.

Italian firm INWIT selected Cobham Wireless to deploy an intelligent digital Distributed Antenna System (idDAS) to provide cellular coverage from Vodafone and TIM to users throughout the entire 34-storey Torre Diamante building.

In the initial stages of the deployment there was no BTS available, so an off-air repeater and small antenna were installed on the top of the building instead, feeding the signal to the remote unit on the 27th floor, the company said.

?With fewer people in the building to start with, the office tenants could make do with the off-air solution until the base station was installed. Despite being temporary it still worked very well. However, with 2,000 to 3,000 office workers gradually moving into the building, it quickly became essential to install a base station, in order to deliver the data capacity required by the tenants,? said Mike Voight, sales director at Cobham Wireless.

At the beginning of 2017, the the off-air repeater and antenna were removed from the top of the building, and the BTS now provides the signal for the coverage solution. To cater to the different capacity needs required in different areas of the Torre Diamante, the building was subdivided into three sectors, each with dedicated capacity.

Cobham?s solution encompasses three A-POI (active point of interface) and three MTDI (multitechnology digital interface) ? one for each coverage sector ? connecting to the BTS. The MTDI then connects to an MSDH (multi-sector digital hub) to supply the signal to one RU (remote unit) every three floors, linked to 12 MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antennas per floor. A total of 11 high power idRUs (intelligent digital remote unit) were installed to support LTE frequency bands 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2600MHz, as well as 900MHz which is not currently in use, but available if required in the future.

The idDAS system enables will allow a third operator to join Vodafone and TIM and begin to deliver coverage far faster than if an analog DAS was used, the company said. INWIT, as well as operators Vodafone and TIM, are able to monitor the performance of the system via the AEM (Active Element Manager).

In addition to in-building coverage in Torre Diamante?s office spaces, the idDAS also delivers coverage in the building?s stairwells; its main emergency escapes. The idRU feeds the signal to small antennas fitted just outside the fire doors; close enough to the stairwells to allow signal to penetrate, while compact enough in size to not affect the aesthetic look of the building?s interior.

Editorial Webinar: Transforming the workplace: Automation technology and use cases for smart buildings

Intelligent building technology is poised to transform nearly every aspect of the physical workplace in the coming years. From the ability to centralize the management of myriad of industrial control systems to the ability to create optimized micro-climates through out a building or factory floor, the ability to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will hinge upon being able to conduct business in a smart building.

In this webinar, you will learn what systems are candidates to make up a fully automated, intelligent building; what key technology enablers must be in place to get the most our of intelligent building automation; what industries are on the forefront of being able to take advantage of next-generation intelligent building solutions.

Presenters:
Jason Marcheck, Principal Analyst, Layne Bridge and Associates
Jeff Mucci, CEO & Head of Industry Insights, RCR Wireless News

Editorial Webinar: LP-WAN vs. Cellular Connectivity for Intelligent Buildings

As buildings become smarter, the need to propagate signals will be challenged by a myriad of factors including the age of the building, the materials used in construction, the needs of a potentially diverse tenant base, and physical location just to name a few. This will mean equipping a building with fiber-fed DAS, small cells, WiFi, LPWAN, and more in both licensed and unlicensed spectrum.

In some cases, many, if not all, of these technologies will have to co-exist. This editorial report will examine the technology options that building owners have at their disposal to transform their assets into 21st century workplaces.

The webinar will dive into the key decision criteria that building owners must consider when deciding which connectivity technologies are right for their buildings and their tenants.

Presenters:
Jason Marcheck, Principal Analyst, Layne Bridge and Associates
Sean Kinney, Editor-in-Chief, RCR Wireless News
Jeff Mucci, CEO & Industry Insights, RCR Wireless News