Most consumers eventually discover that “where” a Wi-Fi router is placed has a direct impact on signal reach.
Though that obviously will be an issue for underground small cell radios as well, there are times when an underground small cell has value, despite some limitations on signal propagation.
So Swisscom is testing, and plans to deploy, an in-ground antenna system to support urban pedestrian apps. In that scenario, the primary requirement is data connectivity for mobile users and their devices on the street and sidewalks, not inside buildings. So the more-limited signal reach is less an issue.
Following a trial period in Bern, Switzerland, the antenna will be deployed in selected Swiss cities in early 2016.
As always is the case, placement of new cells on street furniture such as street poles and building walls is problematic at times. Those poles or walls might not be precisely where a service provider needs them, or the cost to rent the site might be too high.
There are zoning ordinances to deal with as well.
To address these issues, Swisscom developed the concept of a micro cell in which the base station is incorporated into existing cable manholes of the landline infrastructure.
The antenna is embedded into the ground in the immediate vicinity by way of a core drilling and is not visible.
Ericsson supplies the base station and Kathrein the antenna solution.
No comments:
Post a Comment