#Episode 2
Different indoor networks for different purposes.
Offices, shopping centres or stadiums have several types of users: employees, visitors, police and emergency services, and specialised technical or response services (heating, gas, electricity, various maintenance). Each uses a different network.
The general public open network
This network is installed in shopping centres, industrial areas, supermarkets and offices and provides 4/5G to the general public. A network of relay antennas built into the architecture of the site enables the public network to be picked up indoors.
Closed networks for business use
There are two types of networks, for two specific populations:
– The security network (INPT) for the fire brigade or public security services. This is separate from the public networks and enables effective coordination of security or fire responses. The INPT network (“Infrastructure Nationale Partagée des Transmissions” – national shared transmission infrastructure) will eventually be replaced by the RRF (“Réseau Radio du Futur” – future radio network).
–Management and signalling network. These private networks are needed for secure communications between professionals at a given location. For example, security guards in a shopping centre. These networks are also used to provide real-time signalling data. This might be signalling networks for buses to provide real-time information on waiting times at bus stops.
Other types of network
There are other types of private network:
-Indoor Wifi network. Visitors to a shopping centre or museum, for example, can access data connectivity without having to use their mobile plans.
–Private outdoor networks. Although it is outdoors, the network is configured on the basis of indoor architectures because the network is private and the coverage area is limited. Examples include networks in stadiums or on train platforms.
What are the advantages of these indoor networks?
Whether for the general public or professionals, an indoor coverage network has various advantages:
For the general public: a guaranteed 3G/4G/5G connection that is as reliable and powerful as outdoors.
For specific professional categories: secure communications.
For landlords: enhancement of their real estate assets thanks to connectivity services provided by a durable and scalable telecommunications infrastructure.
Indoor coverage therefore makes it possible to cover operators’ “new” white zones, by providing access to one or more of their mobile networks. White zones are densely populated areas, such as business districts, office buildings and shopping centres. They may only be poorly covered, if at all, by mobile networks.
Having a reliable, effective network has therefore become a major challenge that increases user satisfaction and performance while enhancing the long-term value of real estate assets.
In episode 3 you will discover the realization and management of an indoor coverage network.