Wireless office building employees using portable device.

Boosting In-Building Cellular Coverage

Why Smart Cellular Signal Boosters Should be a Part of Your Comprehensive Wireless Strategy

By Nextivity | March 20, 2024

Read Time: 5 Minutes

Nowadays, it’s expected that people and systems are always on, always connected. We expect our devices to connect from anywhere at any time with little hassle. Connectivity has gone from a luxury to a necessity. This is true for work, home, school, shopping, entertainment, and everywhere else. For this reason, we routinely see connectivity referred to as the fourth utility by companies like Corning, Cisco, and CommScope. And there are organizations, such as WiredScore that rate buildings for connectivity – similarly to the way they are rated for energy efficiency. Signal strength is frequently mentioned in reviews of hotels, apartments, retail outlets, and other public spaces.

With the need for reliable indoor connectivity clear and present, the question is – what are the products and technologies that can help enterprises most effectively meet these needs? Advancements in smart cellular signal boosters help bring the power of the macro network indoor in a way that is both affordable and sustainable – with little maintenance or reliance on internal IT resources.

Cellular is Part of Complete Wireless Strategy

Nextivity Cellular Expertise Connectivity Core

Connectivity Core image used with permission by Nextivity.

Achieving the goal of connectivity without gaps in time or space requires a multi-layer approach for enterprises. A comprehensive wireless strategy consists of four pillars:

Wi-Fi
Public cellular coverage
Private cellular coverage
Low-power sensor networks

Planning for each of these four elements, enterprises can build a robust connectivity core that is both manageable and scalable for the future.

Wi-Fi vs. Cellular

Wi-Fi and cellular coverage are often talked about as though they are interchangeable – or a substitute for one another. However, it’s more beneficial for enterprises to consider the advantages of each and make room for both. Every enterprise has Wi-Fi – it’s great for stationary use – computers, printers / copiers, employees calling from an office, etc. But there are some specific advantages of cellular coverage – which is why both have their place as part of a comprehensive strategy.

As compared to Wi-Fi, cellular coverage:

Is more secure
Is more reliable with fewer interruptions
Has less chance of traffic interference as it uses capacity from the macro network
Requires no log-in for visitors, vendors, etc., and no one will lose coverage or have to re-login as they move throughout a large facility
Offers access all major networks during an emergency
Puts lets pressure on internal IT resources

Affordability and Futureproofing

Today’s smart cellular signal boosters offer channelized, off-air signal boosting that delivers strong, clear signals from all operators to every part of a building. These modern systems also offer many other features that, together, add up to a highly affordable, long-term solution that is perfect for enterprises of all sizes. Some of the key features are:

5G-upgradable
CBRS port that can be activated at any time to support private networking (e.g. “private LTE” or “private 5G”)
Remote monitoring, optimization, and maintenance
OpEx models for both cellular coverage and private networking

Advantages of Channelized Cellular Signal Boosting

One of the features of smart or intelligent signal boosters are the proprietary chips inside that do several things:

Boost each / every channel to the highest level allowable
Equalize signals from sources of differing strengths to provide a consistent user experience
Clean up / cancel echo and noise to provide a clear, clean signal and prevent interference

Channelized smart signal boosters take in, and process separately, cellular signals from each operator to deliver the industry’s best in-building coverage solutions.

Key Markets and Drivers for In-Building Cellular Coverage

Key markets for in-building cellular signal boosting and some of the key drivers within those markets include:

Market	Drivers
Retail	PoS system backup, customer loyalty apps and coupons, store navigation and inventory checks, delivery apps
Manufacturing	Industry 4.0 applications, private networking, employee safety, material handling equipment, maintenance team communications
Distribution	Material handling, security, coverage for tracking and inventory equipment and applications, Industry 4.0 sensor applications
Data Center	Employee and vendor safety and communications, security
Education	Student, parent, and staff communications, e-learning, 9-1-1 / emergency access, futureproofing for private networking, sensor networks
Hospitality and Restaurant	Registration system support, PoS system back up, guest convenience, QR code access, safety and security for staff and guests – including delivery services
EV Chargers, Parking Structures	EV charging stations require connectivity for payment and charging apps, safety and security in remote areas, parking kiosks
Office and Residential	Occupants need connectivity for business, personal communications, access to emergency services and streaming for entertainment, etc.

Conclusion

It is now possible, with the implementation of smart cellular signal boosters, to meet the connectivity needs of enterprise customers today and while simultaneously preparing for the future. Channelized boosters that can be upgraded as 5G is deployed network-wide and support affordable CBRS private networking are readily available and should be considered as enterprises scramble to add connectivity as the fourth utility.

ABOUT THE SPONSOR

This article was brought to you in partnership with Nextivity
Nextivity solutions deliver industry-leading signal gain with 3x the coverage footprint for voice and data. They’re the only coverage solutions authorized for use in nearly 100 countries by almost 200 mobile operators. Through their partnership with Wesco, Nextivity provides solutions that boost cellular coverage and ensure connectivity wherever you go.

View our full portfolio of Nextivity solutions.

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