For the enterprise applications:
In-building communications systems requirements vary depending upon the following criteria:
- Frequency or frequencies (VHF, UHF, Cellular, SMR, PCS, 2.4Ghz, etc)
- Outside signal strength (dBm level)
- Size of building-sq ft
- No of floors to be covered
- Open areas or divided areas
- Long narrow passages
- Building codes (plenum rated , riser rated or fire rated cable requirements)
- Existing RF systems within or near the building
- Full building coverage or specified areas only
- Bi-Directional amplifier gain requirements
- Cabling and other component losses
- Path losses
- Potential for multi-path signal interference
- External antenna gain and type (directional or omni-directional)
- Internal antenna gain and type (directional or omni-directional)
As a result of the many variables, most enterprise in-building systems require systems engineering (design) prior to providing a firm quotation to the customer. This engineering is billable to the customer. Ball park estimates can be given at no cost but that is exactly what they are, ballpark estimates. In many cases, a site survey may be required, before providing a quotation, to determine, in addition to the above variables, the routing of the cabling, the mounting places and type of mounts for the antennas, sources of power, and determination of possible interference by or interference to signals from other sources.
These sight surveys are likewise a billable item.
Enterprise systems may range from $15,000 to well over $100,000, depending upon the scope of the project.; i.e., from a simple small area installation with a distributed antenna system to a large one requiring a fiber transport system due to the long lengths of cable runs. Contrary to some advertising, there are no real plug and play systems which will provide the desired reliable coverage without performing systems analysis and design.
If the above cost ranges are within your company’s allotted budget, tell us about your requirements and we will work with you to provide an engineered system that will meet your needs at a very competitive price level.
Cellphones have been around for quite some time now; you would think that, by now, the technology would have evolved to the point where our homes would no longer be subject to cruel, phantom areas of poor reception. But alas, dense concrete, wire-mesh stucco and some kinds of metallic siding can still render your home an annoyingly cell-free zone.
Here, How 2.0 solder-meister Mike Haney shows you a quick and cheap method of using your phone's hidden antenna-out and the garbage from your coffee and cookie consumption into a workable solution for improving your cell reception at home: