Bandwidth
The deployment of 4G networks is moving at rapid pace to provide bandwidth for customers at all times. Carrier’s focus has shifted to billing for data rather than minutes. This shift has changed the way carriers structure their macro networks and is sky-rocketing the demand for Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) for multi-tenant high rise facilities because the exact same coverage users have outdoors is now mandatory indoors. Carriers need to adjust and prepare for this demand. Wireless Information Networks (WIN) will help facilitate the design and construction of a state-of-the-art, future proof DAS that is ready for the future and can handle the bandwidth demands of tenants.
Capacity vs. Coverage
With the demand for bandwidth, carriers now need to focus on creating and adjusting their macro networks to provide reliable coverage. The signal being received on a user’s device needs to be maximized in order to keep up with the content available on the web (access to the cloud, video conferences, webinars, email access, etc.). The rise of smartphone and tablet use has caused carrier macro networks to be taxed. Adjustments are required for outdoor use and this negatively impacts coverage indoors. A good example of this is when you see 4 bars on your smartphone, click on “send” to place a call, and a connection cannot be established or the bars immediately disappear.
Cellular networks and Distributed Antenna Systems need to be designed to handle capacity and a massive amount of users at any given time.
Spectrum
Since the 700MHz auction by the FCC took place, carriers now have additional means to provide bandwidth to users. Although this is a significant step in helping with the “spectrum crunch” the United States currently faces, additional equipment is required for existing Distributed Antenna Systems. This also adds to the complexity of designs and planning of new deployments. More changes will be taking place in 2012 and 2013 due to government mandates and Wireless Information Networks is dedicated to aligning our RF Engineers with the equipment manufacturers properly planning for the future. For the most up-to-date information on the spectrum issues the United States faces, please visit our Wireless Blog and sign up for our Newsletter for direct insight on the topic from our representatives.
