7 Considerations For Your In-Building Wireless Future

19 April 2018 | Reading Time: 2 minutes

In-building wireless solutions have changed dramatically over the past few decades. From the first commercially available wireless devices of the 1980s, to modern advanced wireless networks, wireless connectivity has evolved. As a result of this evolution, new solutions have risen to provide the reliable connectivity that is required today, regardless of location, situation and demand.

As society’s demand for ubiquitous coverage became a common, everyday lifestyle expectation, in-building wireless solutions have become a necessity for building owners, facilities managers, architects and others who are in the business of making an enterprise space attractive and functional.

7 Considerations For Your In-Building Wireless Future

Of course, there are multiple considerations when it comes to in-building wireless, from selection, to implementation, to budgeting and more.

As we’ve outlined in previous posts, there are multiple areas of consideration when it comes to in-building wireless.

For example, it’s important to understand:

• How in-building wireless solutions have evolved. Understanding how past solutions have changed, helps inform engineers, architects and building owners on how and why modern solutions can provide the coverage and support required today and in the future.
• How to solve common in-building wireless implementation challenges and build the business case. Challenges such as complexity, responsibility, providing effective backhaul, and more, must all be addressed for IBW implementation to be effective.
• How to select the right IBW solution for your enterprise. Whether DAS, small cells, VoWiFi or others, modern solutions can come in a variety of forms. It’s important to understand each, to know which solution is best suited to specific use cases.
• The difference between DAS, small cells and WiFi technologies, and the best cases for each. For example, DAS is often better suited to larger enterprise environments such as arenas, whereas small cells often suit small indoor locations.
• The pros and cons of including licensed and unlicensed technologies with IBW, and how they can be used to enhance a solution.
• WiFi networks vs. in-building wireless systems. While Wi-Fi has a key place when it comes to providing wireless connectivity, it isn’t always enough – and is not a substitute for an overlaid LTE or 5G network. For best connectivity it’s important to understand the pros and cons of both WiFi and IBW, and how the two can align.
• How to fund an IBW solution. There are many different funding models for IBW, such as funding by wireless operators, support from a neutral host company, internal funding from the enterprise, or a mixed-funding model. It’s important that enterprise organisations have a good understanding of the different funding models available, as well as understanding deployment considerations.

For small to mid-sized enterprise environments, the question is no longer if an IBW solution should be deployed, but typically, what kind and how. Ensuring connectivity and quality of service, IBW is fast becoming our next great utility.

To ensure success, it’s important for enterprise building owners and architects to consider and understand what’s required with IBW solution planning, implementation, budget and more. And for infrastructure experts in particular, it’s crucial to maintain up-to-date wireless training certification, in order to offer the best IBW solutions for the right use cases at the right time.