Indoor cellular coverage is a particular challenge for mid-sized enterprise venues. Some solutions designed for small office and residential customers are not up to the task of handling larger spaces. At the same time, enterprise-grade solutions such as DAS are simply too complex, costly, and well beyond the needs of spaces under 200,000 sq. ft.
Businesses will often opt for multiple small cells based on the argument that you can drop multiple indoor small cells (i.e. femtocells or picocells) into a building, connect them to the internet, and the problem is solved. But it’s not as simple as that. When installing multiple small cells, there is the risk of interference between the small cells that can lead to dead or low-performing spots. Small cells can also be costly ($3,000 to $5,000 per cell plus backhaul costs), and their capabilities can vary widely depending on the solution.
Another option that is gaining interest is the active DAS hybrid model. The Cel-Fi QUATRA for example combines the best of active DAS and Cel-Fi technology and is specifically architected to address the needs of the mid-sized enterprise market. These systems can be used in off-air mode for areas up to 50,000 sq. ft. or tethered to a single small cell (what we call a supercell configuration) for up to 200,000 sq. ft. of coverage. The end result is more uniform coverage at a lower price point, with no interference issues.
Want to find out more about active DAS hybrid for the mid-sized enterprise? Check out this article published on RCR Wireless. Or contact one of our distribution partners.
By the Cel-Fi Team