The demand for in-building wireless or IBW network systems is on the rise majorly due to the surge in the efficient cell coverage for every nook and corner of a building. In the modern era of smartphones and smart devices, the poor signal is not an option to compromise anymore. With IBW, call disruptions dropped calls and weak connectivity are easily eliminated, easing the lives of the people.
The Working Principles Of In-Building Wireless Network System
The methodology followed by IBW is to accept the source signal and transmit or distribute it across every part of the building. Here the signal source is the mobile service provider via a tower. Buildings are constructed by glass and concrete walls which may often act as a block thus resulting in missed or dropped calls. But with the IBW in place, the signals are amplified to travel across the building.
The antennas carry the signal from the source to a central processing unit which regulates and amplifies the signal. It then transmits the signal seamlessly resulting in an effective communication framework.
The Steps To Deploy Or Install An In-Building Wireless Network System
Deploying or installing an in-building wireless network system in a building or a commercial space requires careful design and well-thought ideas.
Step 1 – Requirement Gathering And Assessment
The first step is to collect the current and future needs and objectives of the system. Certain key questions must be asked to assess the same.
- Full coverage or coverage in a specific area
- Required frequency bands – 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G
- Need specific mobile operators or all
- Support of wireless devices like Wi-Fi or security cameras
Step 2 – Surveying The Site
A thorough evaluation of the site is essential before initiating the design for radio frequency mapping and the placement of the antennas. Check the signal quality of the mobile service providers. Finalize the areas inside the building for installing the antennas. Visit each floor to check the layout and plan. Inspect the security systems and issues in the building.
Step 3: Radio Frequency Design
Radio Frequency (RF) design is one of the critical steps in setting up an in-building wireless network system. A heat map is generated based on the propagation capacity of the radio frequency. The building materials, building structure, and floor layout plan act as the crucial factors in the RF design. Once done, a Bill of Materials is prepared for procuring the resources or the components required. This will aid in calculating the expenses and the budget check.
Step 4 – Coordination With The Mobile Service Providers
Since you will be amplifying the signal generated from the mobile signal source and re-broadcast the licensed spectrum, you will need permission from the mobile service providers. The signal frequencies are licensed which need to be enhanced for better coverage and experience. Hence early coordination with the mobile service providers is vital. The in-building wireless network system must not clash with the protocols and standards of the mobile operators.
Step 5 – Gear Up Your Finance
Finalizing the financing options is the next big step in setting up an in-building wireless network system. You can either opt for capital expenditure (CAPEX) or seek leasing options (OPEX). The CAPEX expenditure is displayed in the balance sheet, depreciation as per the asset accounting rules and methods. Besides, they are included in the budget once a year. The OPEX expenditure, on the other hand, is recorded in the profit and loss account. It is a recurring expense which you are liable to pay in smaller instalments. Thus, your overall cash management will simplify and improve.
Step 6 – Documentation
Before initiating the installation, all documents must be completed. The Radio Frequency design and the Bill of Materials are the first ones to be penned and recorded. The next step is to come up with additional documents that include different plans like the network design, fiber, and rack layout, clock distribution, etc.
Step 7 – Installation
The final step is to install the components in sequence as mentioned below:
- Fiber and cable
- Passive components
- Distributed Antenna System
At each step, you need to verify the installation and ensure they are integrated and commissioned as per the design. Validate and check for any negative impact on the mobile operator’s network. Take a note of the measurements to ensure the goals are met.
Step 8 – Maintenance
Preventive and proactive maintenance and monitoring are essential to keep the system running. So go for regular vigilance and monitoring for any faults and glitches, replacing or repairing parts as needed, and troubleshooting through remote access mechanisms.
Conclusion
The in-building wireless network system is an exemplary discovery in the world of telecommunications, amplifying and transmitting wireless connections inside a building and even a commercial space. Any area within the premises experiencing weak signal coverage or isolated spots are empowered to receive a constant network through IBW through its array of amplifiers, antennas, cables.
Upgrading your in-building connectivity is no small task and as such it’s best to make an informed decision, which is where we come in. Kaytech Coverage has a proven track record of improving in-building connectivity and our team of expert engineers and planners will help you choose the perfect solution that meets all your spatial and budgetary requirements. In case you’d like to know more about these solutions, we’ve written detailed articles about them. To know more about DAS Solutions, read our piece on ‘Methodology for Designing Best-In-Class In-Building DAS’; for small cell knowledge, here’s an explainer guide to small cell technology. Write to us at sales@ktcoverage.com for a free consultation
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