How to increase the GSM and 3G network reach?
If your business is experiencing cellular signal failures, be aware that one of your first challenges is to come up with a diagnosis that will allow you to improve your network infrastructure physical environment and the capacity. As a wireless network, a solution to identify such problems is the Site Survey methodology application, which evaluates the data transmission capacity that the network must support and the signal quality necessary for the perfect operation functioning.
Citing a real example in a Nap IT recent case, the company in question had two buildings, one of five floors and another of three floors with underground. At the time, the cell phone signal towers operators around the buildings had insufficient signal transmission to service the buildings interior, resulting in poor signal delivery quality to make or receive calls.
As the company did not know what the problem was, specific GSM 3G signal tests were performed in order to identify possible failure points and solutions. The diagnosis pointed to the need for the signal repeaters use, which work by means of an external antenna directed to the Radio Base Station (ERB) of the cellular operator. These signal repeaters capture and amplify the external cellular signal, taking it through the internal antennas installed in the buildings.
The solution strengthened the signal in areas with poor coverage and expanded wireless network performance and access to the company’s voice and data services. The vast communication processes majority of these buildings depended on a telephone extension, and this integration impacted mobility by allowing employees to receive e-mails and calls on their cell phones in any units area.
For this integration, two signal repeaters were used in each building, one of 800Mhz and one of 2100Mhz, as well as 22 internal antennas, interconnected by coaxial cables.
Technical diagnosis and benefits
In the survey conducted by Nap IT during the Telephony Site Survey, signal levels ranging from -85 to -90dBm were identified, with the limit for good signal usage being up to -80dBm. It was also identified the signals frequency variation of several ERBs, that made that the cellular devices changed at any moment the reception to look for the best signal, consequently, causing the constant falls of signals.
With the indicated repeaters implementation and the the internal antennas distribution, the company had an approximate gain of 20dBm. The tests showed that after the installation, the buildings started to receive a signal around 60dBm, more stable due to the signal repeater that prevents the frequency alternation. The teams working mobile communication in these sectors has become guaranteed.
Do you think that the Site Survey methodology would be useful in your company? Still have questions about how your business can improve the telephony signal? Leave a comment for our experts!
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