Processes in Developing
an In-Building
Coverage Solution

1. Site Survey - A site survey is performed prior to the final design. The objective of the survey is to characterize signal propagation within the building, investigate donor signal options and to investigate equipment space and cable routing issues. Proper engineering and planning will minimize capital expenditures while ensuring that coverage goals for each of the mobile service providers are met. When designing a neutral hosts system, it is important to characterize signal propagation within the target area. Spectrum Analyzer tests are performed so that a thorough understanding of the building’s propagation characteristics can be obtained. Signal loss does not degrade in direct proportion to the distance from the transmitter but is largely dependent on the building structure. Using the proper tools and procedures to characterize signal loss helps to insure that the system is not over designed but meets customer requirements.
   
   
2. System Design - The building characterization along with available equipment space determined during the site survey is the basis for system design. The propagation model is optimized for accuracy using the transmitter tests performed in the site survey. Each wall type within a building affects signal propagation differently therefore each wall type must be identified in the propagation model and assigned attenuation values obtained from the spectrum analyzer testing. This allows for optimum transmitter location and minimizes required capital. The system design determines which OEM hardware solution is appropriate for the venue.
   
   
3. Approval - Approval should be requested, and is required in advance, to the wireless carrier/owner and/or the public safety entity before installing an in-building system.  Information required includes:
   
   • Location of the proposed system
   • Other frequencies to be boosted/transmitted in the building
   • Design of the DAS
   • Bill Of Materials to be used  (specific approved equipment is designated by each wireless owner and they may want to have a separate BDA for their own signal as they also require the ability to turn off the BDA if interference occurs).  Only Commercial Wireless Service Providers (WSP) have the right to install and operate a signal booster. 
   
   This is per the FCC guidelines:
   
   FCC – Sec. 22.383 In-building radiation systems.  Licensees may install and operate in-building radiation systems without applying for authorization or notifying the FCC, provided that the locations of the in-building radiation systems are within the protected service area of licensee’s authorized transmitter(s) on the same channel or channel block.
   
   
4. Construction - Once the proposed design is approved for installation by the building manager, a preconstruction site visit is completed. During this visit, equipment locations and cable routes are verified, as well as acceptable contractors to perform any electrical or roofing work that may be required. If any of the locations proposed in the design are not acceptable to the building manager, the design is modified to allow for these changes.  Once final approval is obtained, the actual installation of equipment begins. Construction begins with the installation of cabling, typically either fiber-optic or coaxial.  Cabling is routed from the main equipment room throughout the building to all the antenna locations. A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is used to minimize the amount of new cable required. Cable is run in existing cable trays or utility chases where available. The equipment deployment is fairly straight forward. The main equipment room typically needs dedicated electrical services to handle both the DAS equipment and the carrier equipment. The remote units and the antenna use minimal power and usually only involve a 10v outlet.
   
   
5. Completion – Upon completion of the installation, additional testing will be conducted, in conjunction with the public safety entity, and a written report submitted that verifies appropriate RF coverage required to meet code requirements.