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Learn what in-building wireless is, where it came from and how it works.
Does anyone remember 1G?
Backhaul moves it all
3G and LTE?
In-building wireless isn’t Wi-Fi
80%, 2%
Probably not. The first-generation cellular network, 1G, was an analog technology that was first used in Japan in 1979. It was phased out worldwide by the late 1990s. Things have changed!
Because in-building wireless solutions connect to the macro cellular network, its voice and data traffic move on and off the main network via fiber-optic cable or directional microwave antenna—a process called backhaul.
3G remains the most widely-used technology in the world, and still carries the vast majority of voice traffic. LTE is primarily used for data—which is why in-building wireless solutions support multiple technologies.
Unlike Wi-Fi, in-building wireless solutions support voice and data traffic over cellular networks (LTE and legacy 3G and 2G networks). The two are complementary solutions, best used together.
It’s estimated that 80 percent of all cellular connections originate indoors, mostly in enterprise environments. Yet only 2% of enterprise spaces currently have an in-building wireless solution in place.
That’s changing. Enterprises now have the ability to add value to their spaces by deploying their own in-building wireless solutions. We’ll explore the case uses for distributed antenna systems and small cells, show how each is deployed, how each is evolving and even how to pay for enterprise in-building wireless deployments.
There are several technologies available to achieve this, but two of the most prominent are distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells. For many years, wireless operators were the only ones who offered these solutions—but complexity and cost factors meant they were only used in the largest enterprise spaces, like sports stadiums or airports.
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Most cellular connections, both voice and data, originate indoors. Yet the macro cellular network we all depend on has a hard time reaching users indoors. That’s because modern building materials such as low-E glass scatter and reflect signals. In-building wireless (IBW) solutions help bring the outdoor network indoors, where it’s most needed. An in-building wireless solution overcomes these limitations by bringing the macro network indoors. Unlike Wi-Fi, an in-building wireless solution supports voice communications in addition to data.
Most cell traffic occurs where the network is weakest—indoors
What is in-building wireless?
See the full survey results here
What else did the enterprise owners and managers have to say?
The biggest challenge? Taking ownership
Boost productivity
Bend the cost curve
It's bad business
Wi-Fi doesn't eliminate dead zones
Most surveyed—about 4 in 5 enterprise owners, managers and architects—believe that only wireless operators can or should deploy in-building wireless. That perception is changing as new technologies simplify enterprise management and improve return on investment.
Connected employees are more effective. The addition of an in-building wireless solution helps boost productivity—a sentiment shared by 84 percent of enterprise owners, managers and architects.
While the enterprise usually foots the bill for an in-building wireless solution, it’s not always the case. Sometimes, a wireless operator or third-party neutral host may cover some of the CapEx and OpEx—a subject explored in Chapter 9 of our In-Building Wireless Best Practices eBook.
44 percent of enterprise owners, managers and architects report that complaints over poor indoor coverage are rising—and 43 percent say that customers notice when coverage is bad indoors.
Wi-Fi can help move data along, but it can’t eliminate wireless dead zones in under-covered or over-crowded locations. In-building wireless solutions can intelligently adjust coverage levels to meet changing demand.
In fact, a recent survey by CommScope of 600 enterprises in the US and Europe showed that in-building wireless coverage is now among their top priorities, with 87 percent calling it “imperative.”
Since it’s not practical for wireless operators to put an in-building wireless solution in every enterprise, it often falls to building owners, managers and architects to find a way. It can be challenging—most don’t have the staff or expertise to deploy traditional in-building wireless solutions. But recent innovations are flattening the cost and complexity curve, putting in-building wireless within reach of more enterprises. Combined with the growing employee, tenant and customer expectations, adoption of an in-building wireless solution is becoming increasingly easier and necessary.
Employees, tenants and customers in an enterprise space expect the lights to come on when they flip the switch. They expect water when they turn a faucet. And increasingly, they expect to see five service bars on their mobile devices when they make a call. That’s why so many are calling in-building wireless(IBW) the next utility, a universal, 24/7 resource that handles voice calls that Wi-Fi alone just can’t.
Making connectivity as ubiquitous as electricity and water service
Wireless connectivity— expected everywhere
Let's find out.
Where do the various in-building wireless options work best?
Backhaul matters
What about 5G?
Put them on the grid
The right tool for the job
More than a good idea—it’s the law
Indoor coverage is only as effective as your ability to move it on and off the macro network. Looking ahead at 5G, fiber backhaul is the ideal, with directional microwave antennas a smart option for remote or space-limited locations.
The details are still being finalized, but modern distributed antenna systems and small cells solutions running on Category 6A and fiber infrastructure will certainly be able to take advantage of its 1 Gb speed specification without the need to upgrade or replace cabling or remotes.
Building tenants move in, move out, expand and contract. Planning for these changes is easier with the addition of a universal connectivity grid (UCG) that puts copper and fiber infrastructure within feet of any given location.
Different enterprises have different requirements—how many technologies to support, which operators to connect, and how to backhaul traffic out of the building. In Chapter 4 of our eBook, you’ll find an option for every situation.
Many jurisdictions now mandate by law that commercial spaces of a certain minimum size or occupancy provide support of public safety frequencies—something in-building wireless solutions can do, but Wi-Fi can’t.
VoWiFi, which uses the IP network to handle voice calls with acceptable quality—though a specific kind of mobile device is required to use it.
Small cells, which operate like miniature versions of macro cell sites, including having their own base station which is integrated into an operator’s core network.
Distributed antenna systems (DAS), which use licensed frequencies to carry cellular traffic between a macro network-connected headend and a series of remote antennas throughout the enterprise space.
Distributed antenna systems and small cell technology is evolving quickly to meet these practicality, scalability and cost challenges. They use less expensive infrastructure, leverage the capacity and speed of fiber optics and promise greater flexibility than ever. In the full version of our eBook, we analyze their relative strengths. But in addition to established distributed antenna systems and small cells, there are also emerging technologies:
Most in-building wireless (IBW) solutions used to be too complex and expensive for enterprises to deploy on their own. For wireless operators, most enterprise environments were too small to justify the expense of installing one. This has left 98 percent of enterprises without a dedicated in-building wireless solution, but new work models—desk sharing, remote offices and tenants moving in and out of commercial spaces—are prompting enterprises to take a fresh look.
The technology is growing to meet new priorities and unlock new potential
In-building wireless: Dynamic and evolving fast
See how different characteristics affect your choice of in-building wireless solution.
Solution overview
5G headroom
How many operators?
Sharing infrastructure
Cost/ benefit
Both distributed antenna systems and small cell technologies come with the headroom to support the anticipated 5G standard. Using IT cabling, they can support the 1 Gb speeds that are expected to be part of the final published standards.
If your enterprise in-building wireless solution needs to support multiple operator networks, then it can increase the complexity and cost. Distributed antenna systems integrates with multiple operators out of the box, but small cell natively supports a single operator.
Both distributed antenna systems and small cell technologies now include options that operate on standard IT cabling, like Category 6A and multimode fiber. These are already installed in many enterprise spaces, increasing your choice of technology.
While in-building wireless solutions are getting simpler, less expensive and more flexible, there is still a cost factor to consider for the enterprise. In-building wireless isn’t for everyone, but it’s for more enterprises than ever before. The cost and complexity curves are flattening more and more.
Do local regulations require that your enterprise space support public safety networks?
Is there a need to provide access to all wireless operator networks, or is one enough?
Are tenants likely to be technologically driven and therefore likely to increase per-user demand?
Will the space need to provide in-building wireless access to tenants, the public, or just building management?
Is high tenant turnover an issue, and are occupancy levels expected to change dramatically?
Is the coverage area outdoors, indoors, or a mix of both?
Is the space low, spread out and horizontal, or is it tall and vertical?
Your answers will guide your way to the best in-building wireless choice. Here are examples of common enterprise spaces and the typical solution:
Distributed antenna systems and small cells are the two main options for in-building wireless (IBW) coverage, but they’re not interchangeable. Each has specific advantages that lend it to certain circumstances and requirements. Consider your needs and the better solution will present itself. Ask yourself:
Know your enterprise and you’ll know the best choice for you
Selecting the right tool for the job
Small cells are affordable and adaptive. As small versions of macro cell sites, they include their own base station, radio and antennas, typically combined into a single physical unit. Small cells are best where demand levels are relatively consistent. Small cells are relatively easy to install but are susceptible to cross-sector interference, just as macro sites are.
Distributed antenna systems are an inherently scalable solution. It can be expanded to cover larger spaces and awkwardly-shaped areas. Traditional distributed antenna systems generally rely on coaxial RF cable to link antenna remotes, but modern options operate on IT infrastructure that can be shared with Wi-Fi and other IP devices. This makes it easier to install and manage with IT staff instead of RF experts.
Distributed antenna systems and small cells each bring their own value and opportunities to the in-building wireless table. Here they are in a nutshell:
Two good options, each with their own advantages
Distributed antenna systems and small cells: the technologies, the opportunities and the potential
Distributed antenna systems go where other solutions can’t
Size matters
C-RAN—the best of both worlds?
How small cells connect to the operator network
How distributed antenna systems connect to the operator network
Review the factors informing your in-building wireless decision.
Distributed antenna systems are the original in-building wireless solution and its flexibility lets it cover the most unusual spaces, including train tunnels, mixed indoor/outdoor sports venues and remote mountain roads, among others.
While there are many factors that can suggest distributed antenna systems or small cell as the best solution, a general rule is that distributed antenna systems are better suited to larger enterprises or mixed indoor and outdoor space with variable demand. Small cell is better for smaller spaces and consistent traffic levels.
A new small cell innovation removes cross-sector interference using cloud-based radio access networks (C-RAN). C-RAN aggregates traffic from all remotes to create a virtualized “super cell” that removes cell borders entirely.
Small cell, being a self-contained solution, has its own base station that must be integrated with an operator’s network. To support multiple operators, a small cell may require multiple base stations to be installed.
Distributed antenna systems are an array of antennas connected to cover a specific area. To move traffic on and off the macro network, it must connect to one or more base stations owned by the operators.
It doesn’t have to be one or the other
MuLTEFire may simplify integration--eventually
Unlicensed means unprotected
Calls drop at the door
VoWiFi and Hotspot 2.0
Many enterprise environments can benefit from a combination of licensed and unlicensed in-building wireless solutions. Lower-cost unlicensed solutions can be integrated with higher-quality licensed solutions to integrate with the macro network outside.
Emerging MuLTEfire solutions may provide an alternative to traditional operator network integration, although no devices currently support the technology and its practical application is likely years away.
The downside of using unlicensed bands is that everyone has a right to use them—even if it means creating interference. There is no legal recourse in this case. Enterprises must reach their own agreements with the other party in the event of interference.
One significant limitation of VoWiFi is the fact that mobile devices cannot switch from VoWiFi to the licensed operator network outside without dropping the call. That means users have to conclude their business on the phone before leaving the lobby.
VoWiFi is gaining share, but requires Hotspot 2.0 to integrate the VoWiFi in-building wireless with the operator’s network. This is done under a roaming agreement, just as operators have with each other. These agreements can be difficult to obtain, however.
What are the pros and cons of an unlicensed in-building solution?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) uses lightly-regulated bands. It comprises 150 MHz within the 3.5 GHz band, with some licensed under Priority Access License (PAL) and others unlicensed General Authorized Access (GAA). These can essentially operate as small, self-contained operator networks.
LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) is another option that uses Wi-Fi spectrum in the 5 GHz band to “borrow” these frequencies to provide extra capacity when demand is particularly high. It can hamper Wi-Fi use, however, which is why License-assisted access (LAA) is now in the planning stages to standardize the way the two networks share their bands, preventing slowdowns.
Voice over Wi-Fi (aka VoWiFi or Wi-Fi calling) is one increasingly popular option. As its name suggests, it allows voice calling over Wi-Fi. However, the mobile device must be designed to work with VoWiFi and other limitations apply.
Current distibuted antenna systems and small cell solutions use licensed, FCC-regulated frequency bands to ensure consistent user experiences and seamless integration with operator networks. However, there are also in-building wireless (IBW) options on the horizon that may let you tap into unregulated bands for extra capacity, though the benefits and advantages are still in the evaluation phase.
Can you thrive in the wild west of communications?
Unlicensed bands expand the potential of in-building wireless networks
Reason #5: Downtime percentages
Reason #4: You still have to integrate
Reason #3: Voice inefficiency
Reason #2: Security and spoofers
Reason #1: You don’t own your channels
Any Wi-Fi user can tell you how often service goes out, sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes longer. True in-building wireless solutions offer far superior uptime percentages approaching those of major operators’ macro networks.
In-building wireless solutions like distributed antenna systems and small cells have their own means of integrating with operator networks. VoWiFi does not, so an additional integration solution must be included to connect calls to the outside world.
Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) can carry voice calls over the 5 GHz band, but voice is an inherently inefficient use of Wi-Fi spectrum and consumes a massive amount of bandwidth to operate.
Wi-Fi is not the most secure technology. Anyone can set up a spoofed hotspot on your property, fooling users into connecting to a pirate Wi-Fi connection designed to steal passwords and other critical information.
Wi-Fi is everywhere and its frequencies are crowded. Because it uses unlicensed spectrum, Wi-Fi means you are on your own when it comes to avoiding interference and maintaining quality of service for users.
See what Wi-Fi can—and can’t—do for your enterprise.
That’s why Wi-Fi is an important complement to—but never a replacement for—a dedicated in-building wireless solution. Chapter 7 of our In-building Wireless eBook explains this complementary role in detail.
Wi-Fi and in-building wireless (IBW) solutions share the same airwaves, but generally don’t share the same functions. In the previous section, we looked at some ways Wi-Fi spectrum can be repurposed to mimic in-building wireless functions like voice calling, but there are reasons why Wi-Fi can’t replace an in-building wireless solution all by itself. The inclusion of an 802.11ac Wi-Fi network is a given for most enterprises. Considering the kind of traffic Wi-Fi is best equipped to manage, and in what concentrations, it may be perfectly suited to an enterprise environment where Wi-Fi is provided to guests, customers, visitors or other non-business-critical users. However, if your space is a hospital that requires medical telemetry or some other rigorous service level agreements or other regulatory requirements, the prospect of inadequate coverage, capacity and availability becomes far more serious —even business critical.
Part of a broader strategy for most enterprises
Wi-Fi’s role in the indoor wireless ecosystem
Step #5: Monitoring and maintenance
Step #4: Optimization
Step #3: Commissioning
Step #2: Deployment
Step #1: Design
Chances are that your IT staff doesn’t include an in-building wireless expert, so it makes sense to contract with a reliable local turnkey partner. You often have a choice of different service levels, so weigh cost carefully against the need for such factors as same-day response.
Once power levels are set, it’s time to check interference levels. This is generally done at the headend, in the uplink and downlink paths that connect the in-building wireless solution to the operator’s core network. Antenna adjustments are made to remedy any problems found.
This stage is where power levels are checked, adjusted and re-checked to ensure all remotes and antennas are providing coverage as they should. Small cells offer easier commissioning than distributed antenna systems, but modern DAS solutions may offer intelligent auto-commissioning also.
This may involve running new cable to connect remotes and antennas, or it may be able to use existing IT cabling. Integrating with operator networks is next; distributed antenna systems simply connects to the operator’s own base station, while small cells must have its own radio source integrated separately.
A design partner will help you plan out an in-building wireless solution with 3D modeling of your space, including user densities and other relevant information. This will show where to place access points and antennas, how much power each requires, and how to ensure the outside network doesn’t interfere.
See the full, detailed deployment process.
When it comes down to the bringing in-building wireless to life, it can be boiled down to five general steps:
Adding in-building wireless (IBW) coverage to an enterprise space isn’t just for huge airports and massive sports arenas. Advanced distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell technologies make in-building wireless solutions easier and more affordable than ever. Chapters 4 and 5 of our in-building wireless eBook show you how to choose the right solution, based on building configuration, the amount of traffic and how much it varies, and the type of technologies and number of operators you need to support. The one key ingredient of any deployment is your choice of partners and solutions. You can avoid a lot of potential problems by partnering with a provider who offers end-to-end solutions and the latest innovations. CommScope is a good example of such a partner, and we also certify installation and integration experts through our PartnerPRO® Network to help enterprises connect with local talent who really know their stuff.
It’s easier and more affordable than ever
Deploying in-building wireless solutions
Control has its advantages
Options, yes. A choice, not so much.
IT-convergent savings
Making it pay
While it requires the highest CapEx, enterprise ownership also ensures that you can embrace new technologies and upgrades as soon as they become available.
While these three models are the most common, there really isn’t a choice to be made, so much as a threshold to be reached (or not reached). For the vast majority of enterprises, the cost and responsibility for an in-building wireless solution will fall to them alone.
Much of the cost of an in-building wireless deployment is in its infrastructure. Modern distributed antenna systems and small cell options can operate on existing Category 6A and fiber IT infrastructure, which can greatly reduce CapEx. As more connected devices are added, the utility of this infrastructure will only grow.
Securing a contract with a third-party neutral host is dependent on providing enough traffic. Without that, the neutral host can’t earn enough revenue from the operators to justify the investment which is why such agreements are typically hard to obtain.
If a wireless operator offers to set up an in-building wireless solution in your large venue, remember that the operator-funded model may only carry traffic on their own network, or de-prioritize traffic on competitive networks.
Learn more about these funding alternatives.
Both DAS and SC technologies come with the headroom to support the anticipated 5G standard. Using IT cabling, they can support the 1 Gb speeds that are expected to be part of the final published standards.
If your enterprise IBW solution needs to support multiple operator networks, then it can increase the complexity and cost. DAS integrates with multiple operators out of the box, but SC natively supports a single operator.
Both DAS and SC technologies now include options that operate on standard IT cabling, like Category 6A and multimode fiber. These are already installed in many enterprise spaces, increasing your choice of technology.
While IBW solutions are getting simpler, less expensive and more flexible, there is still a cost factor to consider for the enterprise. IBW isn’t for everyone, but it’s for more enterprises than ever before. The cost and complexity curves are flattening more and more.
Operator funded, where the operator sees a revenue opportunity by installing an in-building wireless solution in your building for you. Typically, it only supports that one operator’s network out of the box.
Neutral host-driven, where the enterprise works with a third-party neutral host that pays for the in-building wireless deployment and earns its money back by charging operators for the traffic. These agreements are generally only available for larger venues with massive quantities of traffic.
Enterprise funded, where you buy, install and contract for maintenance. This option means you maintain control of the infrastructure and connect to as many different operator networks as your enterprise requires.
While costs continue to drop, today’s simpler, more flexible in-building wireless (IBW) solutions still present a cost barrier that must be weighed against the revenue and other advantages they offer. Responsibilities for funding and maintenance will likely fall to all but the largest of enterprises, but in some cases, the wireless operator or a third-party may pick up part or all of the expense. This chart offers an idea of which types of enterprises can expect operator or neutral-host assistance in funding and deployment. Here are the three most common ways an in-building wireless solution solution gets funded:
You may not have to take on the entire burden yourself
Funding an in-building wireless solution in your enterprise
In-building wireless (IBW) solutions are quickly becoming more common—in fact, they are becoming table stakes for enterprises who need to improve employee productivity, increase occupancy values or better serve customers. Whether they consciously realize it or not, every person in your building expects to see five bars of coverage, no matter where they are. It’s a part of the global cultural shift into a new and super-connected society. It’s here, it’s real and there’s no turning back. CommScope has seen the future of in-building wireless in your enterprise, and we’ve created a vast portfolio of distributed antenna systems and small cell solutions that can help you achieve it. We’ve also built a global network of trained, certified PartnerPRO® Network Partners who can help you design, deploy, commission and integrate an effective and economical in-building wireless solution. Take the first step and contact your CommScope representative today to see how you can connect your enterprise to an exciting future.
Connectivity is driven by culture
Fast-forward to your enterprise’s future
