Architecture options for in-building wireless deployments

In-building environments present unique challenges. Addressing these challenges efficiently has become critical for wireless service providers. That’s because subscriber demand for uninterrupted, ubiquitous connections for bandwidth-hungry applications has created a need to extend the reach of cellular networks indoors.

Obstacles such as cement walls, elevator shafts, metal, and more recently, low-emissivity (low-e) glass have combined to make radio network planning and deployment more costly and complex. To overcome these obstacles, clever derivatives of the basic components of a cellular base station have been developed to accelerate successful deployments on a large scale. These architectures are Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Distributed Radio Systems (DRS) and small cells.

While strategic deployment of these architectures increases in-door coverage and capacity, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Because each situation requires a unique approach, wireless service providers need guidance on how best to combine these architectures.

This strategic white paper presents: