What to consider when choosing the right indoor mobile coverage solution

In-Building Mobile Phone Coverage: What are the options?

In today’s digitally driven world, seamless connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, yet many buildings struggle with poor indoor mobile coverage.

Several technologies available can improve indoor mobile coverage: small cells, distributed antenna systems (DAS), off-air repeaters, neutral hosts, and private networks. We explore these mobile coverage solutions, looking at the advantages and limitations of each option. 

Small Cell

Small cells work by boosting your mobile network capacity and providing coverage to a specific area. They are like smaller versions of base stations; they complement the larger mobile network and are designed to enhance network capacity and coverage in areas with high users and/or limited space. They can be deployed both indoors and outdoors. In this article, our focus is on indoor coverage.

Benefits

• Improved Coverage and Signal Strength: Particularly of benefit to buildings with limited local mobile infrastructure, such as those in rural areas. 
• Essential for Deploying New Technologies: New technologies such as 5G require significantly more capacity to handle increased data demands. Small cells with their localised coverage can handle higher traffic densities. 
• Solves Network Capacity Issues: Solves capacity issues that might arise during high-volume periods and can extend coverage into hard-to-reach areas.
• Improved Connectivity: Small cells can improve connectivity in a number of different buildings, including but not limited to offices, shopping centres, hospitals, hotels, stadiums and residential buildings.

Weaknesses

• Limited Coverage: Due to their lower power output compared to traditional mobile base stations, small cells have a smaller coverage area. This means a higher density of cells is required to achieve the same level of coverage.
• Interference: With a higher number of small cells within a building, the potential for interference increases. Careful planning and frequency management are crucial to mitigate this issue.
• Backhaul Capacity: The backhaul is the connection between the base station and the main network, which allows your phone to access the internet or make calls.  Each small cell requires a backhaul connection to the core network. Ensuring sufficient backhaul capacity can be complex and costly, especially in urban areas.
• Deployment Costs: The deployment of a large number of small cells can be expensive due to the cost of hardware and installation.

Neutral Host 

A neutral host is a third-party entity that builds, owns and operates a wireless infrastructure. They permit one or more communication providers to use this infrastructure, providing private and public connectivity. It works as a collaboration between the neutral host and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO), with the MNO allowing the neutral host to access their core network.

This enables the building owner to improve the signal of all MNOs within their space. It can also accelerate the adoption of new technologies, such as 5G.

Organisations like JOTS (Joint Operators Technical Specification) have developed specific guidelines to ensure interoperability and standardisation within this sector.

The JOTS NHIB (Neutral Host In-Building) specification is a valuable tool for the industry. It is an agreed technical standard for connecting shared in-building solutions; it outlines the technical and operational requirements for building and managing neutral host infrastructure. By adhering to this standard, a neutral host can provide mobile services to businesses on behalf of one or more of the operators.

Benefits:

• Cost-efficiency: Shared infrastructure reduces capital and operational expenditures for both building owners and MNOs.
• Single Agreements: Instead of dealing with multiple MNOs, building owners can negotiate a single agreement with a neutral host.
• More Options for Consumers: Multiple MNOs can operate on the same infrastructure, offering consumers more options for service plans and pricing.
• Advanced Technologies: Neutral hosts often deploy advanced technologies like small cells and DAS, which can deliver higher data speeds and handle increased traffic. 

Weaknesses:

• Less Control: The MNOs don’t have control over the infrastructure, which could impact the customer experience.
• Complex: Ensuring a seamless connectivity between different MNOs on a shared infrastructure can be complex. 
• Protecting Sensitive Data: Robust security measures on shared infrastructure are required.
• Lengthy Deployment: Given the cooperation required between the neutral host and the MNOs, time for deployment can be lengthy.
• Not Cost Effective: Where capacity isn’t an issue, this isn’t always a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses.

Traditional DAS

DAS is a network of antennas that sends and receives mobile signals.  

The mobile signals are generated from micro or macro base stations installed within a building space. The base station receives and processes the signal from the MNO and transmits it through the network of antennas, resulting in an improved mobile signal and broader coverage within a specific area or building. 

Often used in places with high capacity requirements where many people simultaneously use their phones, such as concert venues, sports arenas, train stations, and airports.

Benefits

• Handles More Users: DAS systems can handle significantly more users simultaneously compared to small cells. Making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Allows for Ease of Expansion: The infrastructure of a DAS system allows it to be easily expandable to accommodate growing user demands and coverage requirements.
• Cost Effective: For larger buildings, DAS can be a cost-effective solution.
• Works with multiple MNO’s: The system is designed to work with multiple MNO’s

Weaknesses

• Agreements Required: Collaboration with all MNOs is necessary to secure permission, often involving agreements before installation.
• Hardware Required: Significant on-site hardware is required.
• Substantial Power Consumption: Requires a substantial amount of power.
• Space Required: Space within a building is required to install all four MNO base stations.
• Continuous Support and Maintenance: DAS systems involve multiple components like amplifiers and antennas, necessitating continuous support and maintenance to monitor their performance. This can be resource-intensive.
• Cost: Expensive high-end equipment.

Off-Air Repeaters

An off-air repeater brings the power of the outside mobile network indoors. It picks up a signal from outside and rebroadcasts the signal inside the building via a network of cables (sometimes called DAS).

Mobile repeaters are classified as radio apparatus, and OFCOM regulates their use. Consequently, the installation of repeaters must comply with OFCOM regulations. 

Smart repeaters are available and provide a more sophisticated and effective approach to providing mobile coverage. These utilise technology to enhance signal quality and optimise signal performance dynamically and automatically, all while complying with legal requirements. 

Benefits:

• Increased Signal Strength: By amplifying existing signals, repeaters strengthen the mobile network in the target area.
• Faster Deployment: Off-air repeaters can be deployed much quicker than a DAS system, providing immediate coverage solutions.
• Minimises Disruption: The installation process can be done without significant construction.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to other signal enhancement options such as DAS, off-air repeaters are generally more affordable.   
• Better suited for smaller areas: They are generally better suited for smaller areas and lower user densities compared to DAS systems.

Weaknesses

• Reliant on Outdoor Signal: If the quality of the outdoor signal is poor it becomes more challenging to provide a strong indoor boost. 
• Limited Range: The effective range of an off-air repeater is typically shorter than a DAS system, especially in dense urban environments with multiple signal sources.
• Signal Quality: The quality of the amplified signal can be affected by factors like outdoor signal strength, interference, and building materials, potentially leading to degraded performance in certain areas.
• Capacity Limitations: May struggle to handle high user densities, especially during peak times, resulting in slower data speeds and dropped calls.

Private Network Solutions/5G 

A private network uses a dedicated spectrum and is specifically designed and operated for a single organisation. The network is owned and controlled by the organisation itself. A private network can use a licence, unlicensed or dedicated spectrum allocated for exclusive use. 

This solution can offer dedicated and secure wireless coverage tailored to specific needs. It offers data speeds, technical flexibility, signal priorities, and enhanced security. Only authorised users of the organisation can have access, and the organisation decides where there will be coverage and how the network will perform.

Benefits

• Control: Offers businesses unparalleled control over their communication infrastructure. Including enhanced security, as sensitive data remains within the organisation’s boundaries.
• Superior Performance: Delivers superior performance with higher speeds and improved reliability compared to other solutions.
• Scalable: Can be easily scaled to accommodate growing demands, ensuring uninterrupted operations. 
• Flexibility: There is flexibility in terms of network design and coverage, allowing businesses to optimise their infrastructure for specific cases.
• IoT (Internet of Things): Ideal for mass IoT deployment due to the high level of security offered.

Weaknesses

• High Initial Investment: Building and deploying a private network requires substantial upfront costs for infrastructure, equipment, and licensing.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Maintaining and operating a private network involves ongoing expenses for hardware, software, network management, and security. It is not cost-effective for small to medium-sized enterprises.

While these solutions dominate the indoor mobile coverage market, emerging technologies like Open RAN (Radio Access Network) are worth watching. 

Open RAN is a new approach to building mobile networks.  This technology allows all hardware and software components to be built to industry-wide specifications, therefore, allowing interoperation between different MNOs. Whilst the technology is still in its early stages, adoption and popularity are growing rapidly.

Selecting the optimal indoor mobile coverage solution is crucial for businesses and building owners seeking to enhance connectivity and user experience. Ultimately, the ideal solution depends on factors such as building size, user density, budget, and desired level of control.

Consulting with an in-door mobile network specialist can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of indoor mobile coverage.

To find out how Simpli-Fi can help your business improve connectivity, contact our team of experts today to arrange a consultation.

Don’t let poor indoor mobile coverage hold your business or building back. 

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