Mind The Gap

Coverage gaps remain one of the biggest challenges when upgrading or supporting enterprise 5G infrastructure. While the aim is ubiquitous connectivity, reliable cellular coverage can remain elusive in certain large, complex venues or buildings, such as stadiums, hospitals or manufacturing plants, leading to underserved areas.​

In practice, this is a result of network design issues. Large multisector distributed antenna system (DAS) deployments typically begin at the headend, where signals are received and then distributed throughout the building or venue. From there, transport over fiber connects the headend to remote units (RUs) positioned strategically across sectors. Those RUs then disperse the signal through antennas placed in different areas to create defined coverage zones. Each component plays a specific role where precision is required. If antennas overlap, even just a bit, interference can degrade performance. Conversely, if coverage zones are too conservative, then dead spots emerge.

When deploying new networks, enterprises and designers should perform rigorous coverage modeling and testing to identify gaps early. Bridging these gaps requires balancing power levels across the system. High-power RUs provide wide-area coverage across large spaces, establishing the foundational layer of connectivity. Medium- and low-power RUs are ideal to address small to medium-sized areas where structural materials, layout complexity or sector boundaries create weak points. ​

Constraints And Consolidation

Physical infrastructure constraints offer another layer of complexity when adding 5G to an existing 4G in-building wireless network. Venues want the higher throughput and lower latency that come with 5G coverage, but they don’t often have additional space in telecom closets and equipment rooms to house the equipment. This reality requires some consolidation and the smart use of space and power. ​

Traditional DAS upgrades often require adding new racks, external combiners and separate systems for new frequency bands; however, some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) eliminate that complexity with a modular architecture design. If a system can support low-band, mid-band (CBRS) and C-band 5G in one platform, combine multiple bands in a single chassis and consolidate multiple signal paths into fewer units, it can allow more simple and cleaner design using less space. Reusing fiber backbone and cabling infrastructure while maintaining the existing system can avoid costly and disruptive full-system replacements. ​

Power consumption also increases quickly when adding new 5G layers unless a system is designed for efficiency. If a system can share power architecture across multiple bands and carriers, deliver more output with less energy using highly efficient RUs and reduce cooling requirements due to a compact, integrated design, it can lower operating costs and improve energy efficiency. The DAS headend is a critical component for space and power savings. If there are fewer RF interconnects, it can minimize signal loss and complexity. A high-density design can also reduce the number of required components, resulting in significant power and space savings.

In today’s world, it’s no longer just about maximizing throughput and minimizing latency. With enterprises relying more on AI each year, which brings significantly higher power demands, every other system must evolve to accommodate this shift. As enterprises level up with better connectivity to support innovation, the most successful deployments will be those that treat 5G as an extension of 4G LTE, as opposed to a replacement. Building lasting cellular architecture means designing with flexibility, efficiency and future demand in mind. The networks built today must go beyond meeting current expectations and be prepared to support whatever comes next.​​

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