#Episode 3
Building and managing an indoor coverage network
open to the general public
An indoor coverage solution is used to create a radio infrastructure that allows the broadcasting of mobile network signals (3G/4G and soon 5G) from multiple operators inside a building.
Installation plan for 4G/5G indoor coverage:
A customised network is generally conceived by modelling the areas to be covered and designing the network elements: antenna positioning, cable routing, rack positioning, etc.
Specific backhaul equipment is used to connect the outdoor operator networks to the indoor network. Depending on the building, the signal carried by the cables often needs to be regenerated: in this case, repeaters are installed.
Different technologies can be used depending
on the connectivity needs
Active technology
The signal is amplified by electrically powered antennas.
Passive technology
The signal is redistributed, but not amplified. This technology is suited to offices of less than 12,000 sqm, for example. Above this, both the signal and the connectivity suffer. Passive antennas are smaller and recommended for sites where integrating equipment is more complex (moulding, false ceiling, etc.)
Hybrid technology
This is a mixture of passive and active antennas. Hybrid solutions are very common. This robust system can be used to cover areas of over 12,000 sqm.
The technology is chosen based on an analysis of construction costs, and depends on the size and features of a site.
Customer references
Maintaining and supervising a network
Once the network has been installed and tested, it must be kept in good condition through preventive, corrective and upgrade maintenance, so that equipment that has become obsolete can be replaced.
Customer reference
The next episode looks at Axione’s expertise in modelling and building an indoor mobile network.