Our Solution
We agreed with the head of core infrastructure for Birmingham University and the hotel SLT team that we would deploy our In-Building mobile solution to the ground floor events space, restaurant, bar and work area as an initial POC.
Simpli-Fi worked with Nextivty to provide a multi-carrier solution providing 3G/4G/5G voice and data for all four major mobile networks Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three. A combination of LPDA and panel antennas were installed on the hotel roof roughly 3m above the roof height, pointing to the cell towers that provided the best signal for each network.
The POC was divided into multiple phases starting with extensive site surveys and reviewing the building plans and layout. Collecting external mobile measurements for analysis to determine the strength of the existing signal in the area plays a massive part in the antenna design. As part of the survey and reporting stage, we provided a complete design with cabling schematics, predicted coverage and hardware locations.
The POC included the following phases –
Phase 1 – Extensive surveys & reporting
- Reviewing building plans to understand the layout and design.
- Check the building structure and layout.
- Identifying potential obstacles that may affect signal strength, such as walls, floors, and other obstructions.
- Collecting external mobile signal measurements for analysis and to determine the strength of the existing signal in the surrounding area, which can affect the design of the solution.
- Identifying potential safety hazards and determining if equipment like a mobile elevating work platform (MEWPs) is necessary for the installation.
- Assessing the building’s layout to determine suitable mounting options for the CEL-FI Coverage Units (CU), Network Units (NU)coverage units based on signal obstructions, user needs, and requirements for CU Range Extenders.
- Assessing power and cabling requirements for the installation of the coverage units.
- Developing a comprehensive plan for the in-building mobile signal coverage solution based on the results of the survey.
Phase 2 – Project Deliverables
- Full building survey report.
- Solution design – A comprehensive solution design based on the survey results, outlining the optimal placement of coverage units and any necessary equipment and materials.
- Project plan/scope of works – A detailed project plan, including timelines and milestones.
- Procurement of equipment and materials.
- Installation of the in-building mobile signal coverage solution.
- System commissioning and testing – Once the installation was completed, we commissioned and tested the system to ensure it met the requirements and specifications outlined in the project plan.
- Installation and quality report– We provided a report detailing the installation process and the quality of the work completed.
- Project management and quality assurance – Our PM team managed the project throughout its duration, ensuring it was completed to the highest quality standards.
- Handover walk-through and documentation – We conducted a handover walk-through to ensure that the stakeholders were fully satisfied with the work completed and provided all necessary documentation and training for the system.
Once the design and project deliverables were signed off, the next stage was to procure the equipment and installation of the system. Once the building was completed, we commissioned and tested the system to ensure it met the requirements and specifications outlined in the project plan. Finally, an Installation and quality report was provided post-installation detailing the installation process and the quality of the work completed.
Challenges
- High-Traffic Challenges: To minimise disruptions in a busy bar and fully booked conference room, the team adapted their working hours, prioritised event schedules, and implemented safety protocols to ensure customer and guest safety while coordinating with building management to minimise disruptions in high-traffic areas. Live hotel environment.
- High RF noise levels and limited azimuth range: Due to tall surrounding buildings, we needed to address high RF noise levels from nearby cell sites during peak times of the day. The team examined the building’s unique RF environment and deployed specialist antennas. The antennas effectively mitigated interference from RF noise sources and maximised the Cel-Fi system’s performance.
