Page 11 - RC19 RealcommEDGE 2019 Fall Issue

Cel-Fi QUATRA in-building cellular coverage solution can be configured off-air or
with a small cell, called the Supercell.

over unlicensed/unmanaged spectrum, with an exponen- one small cell may not be enough and may require profes-
tially increasing number of devices and users jostling for sional RF (Radio Frequency) planning, and plumbing.
connectivity. Without sophisticated network equipment,
the quality and reliability of service is highly variable. Active DAS (Distributed Antenna System) – Active DAS
Service degradation is common, bringing businesses to is most commonly used in large spaces (500,000 square
a grinding halt. In fact, many facilities are now installing feet and above) with a large number (and a high-density)
cellular failover, even when the WLAN is the main connec- of users. DAS requires considerable preparation through
tivity solution. RF surveys and designs, planning and approvals, as
well as significant installation time and cost, including
Small Cells – Small cells have a variety of vendor- trenching. As a result, it is rarely considered for
specific names, come in many sizes, and support a middleprise environments. In a typical active DAS project,
variety of features. Fundamentally, they function as mini multiple carriers are involved, which can create delays
cell towers to help deliver a greater capacity of wireless for contract execution. Budget eight to twelve months
signal indoors. Residential small cells (often referred to from start to finish for a DAS installation, and $2 to $3 per
as femtocells) are more or less plug and play, but provide square foot of coverage. In extreme cases, the cost could
a relatively small amount of coverage, typically limited to be as high as $10 per square foot.
less than 10 users (by ‘white list’).
Smart Signal Booster – A Smart Signal Booster is a great
For spaces under 30,000 square feet, some carriers offer solution for an office space up to 15,000 square feet.
small cells that can be installed by an IT-type person This should not be confused with older analog repeater
with some level of understanding of networking, Ethernet technology or antenna technology that merely amplifies
cabling, and Internet access. In buildings that are not an an existing cellular signal, with a variety of technology
open plan, or have internal obstacles that block signals limitations that affect usefulness. Rather, a Smart Signal
(enclosures, walls, impenetrable materials, multiple levels), Booster is approved to boost the signal of an individual

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