INFRASTRUCTURE ALTERATIONS To understand why 5G in-building deployments are so different from 4G/LTE deployments, it's essential to consider the substantial infrastructure changes that occur when installing a distributed antenna system (DAS)-based indoor cellular network. It isn’t another swift upgrade or “add-on” from an existing LTE network, but rather a replacement of various passive components, an increase in the number of remote units, sectors and antennas, as well as new network planning.
It isn’t just a matter of adapting to new technologies, but also to people's behaviors. is required to support the 5G network, creating a unique challenge in balancing the need for extensive coverage with capacity and aesthetic considerations to minimize the physical footprint of the installations. Innovative solutions, such as concealed antennas within everyday objects (e.g., embedding them in glass exit signs), are often employed to address these concerns. same instance to provide the necessary capacity to bring users a great experience, help mitigate signal degradation, and ensure reliable network performance. There is a big difference in cost and physical footprint between the two options, especially when multiplying that across entire large-scale deployments. Ultimately, integrators must be far more sensitive to 5G signal quality for a high volume of users in a way LTE did not require. Similarly, an increase in the number of antennas Sectors are Getting Smaller But Growing in Number The reason remotes are growing in number is because sectors are as well. Sectors refer to divisions within a coverage area that a DAS network serves and are designed to manage and distribute the wireless signal and capacity within that given area. Each sector has its own particular set of antennas, remotes, and other radio equipment. While the use of higher frequency bands in 5G allows for greater data capacity, it comes with a trade-off— reduced signal range and penetration. Consequently, more sectors are required to maintain coverage and handle the increased demand for data-intensive applications such as live streaming and high-definition video recording. This is why music festivals, such as Coachella, may double the number of sectors for 5G connectivity compared to their LTE system, which significantly increases the cost and complexity of deployment.
Higher Number (And Greater Diversity) of Remote Units (Ru)
Remote units play a crucial role in extending coverage and increasing capacity in 5G DAS networks. They re- ceive signals from the central headend unit of the DAS and then transmit it to localized antennas throughout the installation area. Unlike LTE-based indoor networks, where single-power remotes often sufficed, 5G install- ations require an increased number of RUs and different types of them. This is because radio frequency (RF) bands that carry 4G/LTE signals operate at a lower frequency (i.e. low 700/800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100 MHz), and therefore naturally propagate better across distances than most 5G bands. Installers could focus almost exclusively on coverage more than signal quality per user in this instance. Because higher frequency bands, such as C-band and 2.5GHz, are used for 5G networks, 5G necessitates a range of remotes with different power levels including high, mid, and low to provide both coverage and capacity. High and medium-power remotes (HPR and MPRs) are vital for establishing broad coverage areas, while low- power remotes (LPRs) are essential for penetrating hard- to-reach areas and improving network capacity. 5G networks also utilize higher bandwidth compared to 4G/LTE, further requiring updated RF planning to deliver the necessary capacity to users. For example, in sports stadiums, LTE installations often require only one additional antenna from an existing HPR or MPR to provide cellular coverage in hard-to-reach areas like tunnels, stairwells, or administrative offices. Its 5G counterpart in the same environment would need an LPR in this
Over the last 5 years, the wireless industry has seen a surge of data-intensive applications and services, as well as innovations such as IoT devices, smart buildings, and immersive digital experiences that depend on reliable access to robust and high-speed network con-nectivity. While 5G technology can deliver on the promises to meet the unprecedented speed and capacity needs, its rollout has been significantly slower than expected. THE GROWING PAINS OF 5G IN-BUILDING DEPLOYMENTS By Mohammed Ali
In the last half-decade, the wireless industry has reached a level of business and consumer awareness that would’ve seemed like a fever dream not too long ago. This is partially due to the surge of data-intensive applications and services, as well as innovations such as IoT devices, smarter buildings, and immersive digital experiences that require robust and high-speed networks. While 5G technology promises to deliver unprecedented speed and capacity to meet these needs across industries, its rollout has been slower than expected. In 2023, in an article published by Informa’s LightReading, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Dish Network spent 50% less than projected on their 5G networks. [1] There are a range of reasons for lower capital invest- ments including regulatory challenges, rising costs, and spectrum access, but the most significant is that
“…5G deployments are far more complex than simply upgrading from previous wireless generations.” 5G deployments are far more complex than simply upgrading from previous wireless generations. These challenges can create apprehension among commercial building/venue owners and enterprises when investing in 5G solutions. Here are some imp-ortant installation lessons ICT professionals should be aware of as they navigate the expectations of their customers.
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