How To Future-Proof 5G for In-Building Wireless Systems

This is an excerpt from our eBook written by Dean Bubley of Disruptive Analysis, “5G and In-Building Wireless Convergence.” To read the full version, click here.

As a general rule in wireless design, project stakeholders need to plan ahead, and design “future-proof” infrastructure where possible. Or at least have a good way to model different 5G radio and business-model options as they become clearer. That said, there remain many unknowns, so flexibility will be hugely important.

Deep Fiber Indoors

Today, more demanding active DAS and Wi-Fi needs have meant fiber has been deployed “deeper” through newer buildings, in risers and wiring-closets and equipment rooms, although it is usually still not 100% end-to-end.

This drive will continue – despite all the variables around 5G spectrum and business models, one of the inevitable outcomes is a desire for more, deeper fiber. There are multiple future use-cases for in-building optical, which together are likely to require much deeper, more extensive and holistic deployments:

Active DAS systems and cellular small-cells (including support for MIMO and much-higher frequency bands)
Gigabit fixed broadband for MDUs
Backhaul for Wi-Fi APs
Reduced space, energy and maintenance associated with copper wiring
Smart-building systems and IoT connectivity
Optical LAN
Connecting remote radio-heads for Cloud RAN
Redundant cabling where future uses may be business/safety-critical

Planning, Insight and Tools

The 5G era – and its rapid evolution of new use-cases and business models – will mean that in-building systems need better upfront planning and design, and continued market-scanning and updates.

Rather than a one-off, static design, it will be necessary to continually update, extend and enhance the infrastructure, especially given the likely future evolutions to 5G radio and use-cases over time.

Ideally, there will be tight integration and shared blueprints covering the radio domain, fiber/ electrical connections – and perhaps also reflect the changing outdoor macro environment as well. In other words, 5G for in-building wireless systems (and its supporting fiber backbone) will become more of an opex rather than capex cost. Facilities managers and building owners may choose to either recruit specific expertise, or outsource to a new class of service providers.

New spectrum bands, device and application types, regulations and user-expectations will be present in all industries and building types. It is still unclear how future in-building systems will support 5G elements such as mmWave radio, or “end-to-end” network slicing.

Because 5G will be a continual evolutionary process, it is important to start improving capabilities without waiting for a defined end-point in standardisation or adoption. To adopt a software-industry phrase, the in-building network will need to become “agile” and improve its capabilities during operation in an ongoing fashion .

Want to learn more about 5G for in-building wireless systems? Check out our webinar on taking 5G indoors.

Don’t have time to watch the whole webinar? Download your free 5G technology primer white paper and read at your convenience.

Find out how iBwave ushers in the era of in-building 5G in our blog post all about Release 12.

What’s New in iBwave Design Release 12

Doesn’t it seem like forever since we first heard about 4G? It feels like the technology has been around for centuries. And even though it’s only been a decade since 4G was first rolled out, that’s a lifetime in the wireless industry. People have been anticipating the next step of evolution in wireless connectivity for a long time.

Well, it’s finally here.

iBwave Design Release 12 brings 5G NR design capabilities to the in-building wireless table – and a standardized method to tackling this new wireless technology.

Here’s a look at what iBwave Design R12 includes:

5G Design Capabilities

mmWave Bands

New in iBwave Design R12 is support to design your wireless systems for new mmWave bands: 26GHz, 28GHz, 31GHz, 39GHz, as well sub 6GHz bands. Check out this 5G antenna pattern.

5G NR Output Maps

Validate the quality of coverage for dense broadband connectivity with new SS-RSRP and SS-SNIR 5G output maps, as well as MADR and SNIR-PDSCH maps for 5G.

5G Prediction

Enable 5G RF prediction and validation with mmWave and Sub 6ghz spectrums (Propagation Module)

Advanced Analysis for 5G Antenna Placement

Optimize 5G antenna placement with consideration for potential surrounding interferences (Optimization Module).

5G Database Components

You’ll also have access to new 5G components in our database to help kick start your next generation of 5G designs.

Not only does iBwave Design 12 offer 5G capability, it also comes with DAS component modeling improvements that make modeling 10 times faster with service grouping templates.

3D Modeling Enhancements

Diagonal Drawing

Easily design square sections of a building at an angle with the new diagonal drawing tool. You can now more efficiently model odd-shaped buildings as well as add a reference angle to be able to measure and relate antenna azimuth.

“My favourite new feature in iBwave R12 is diagonal drawing because it allows me to quickly and accurately draw walls not at 90 degree angles – no more guess work. Projects are now completed and ready for the engineer at a quicker rate than previous versions.”
— RF Engineer, iBwave User

Curved Walls

Benefit from significant time savings with the ability to design curved walls (especially useful for stadium modeling) making your 3D model that much more accurate to real-life and as a result, your predictions also more accurate.

Stop Walls at Incline

R12 brings simplified wall drawing under inclined surfaces – you now have the ability to easily draw walls and adjust their height against inclined surfaces, making your model and predictions more accurate.

DAS Component Modeling Improvements

Service grouping templates is a new feature that allows you to create automated groups for your DAS components. Rather than manually enter each of your connections by service, create a service grouping template to automate the process and save loads of time.

To see the full list of new features, check out our What’s New page.

Dense Network Architecture – Why is it Important Now and Why Should You Care?

Dense Network Architecture – Why is it Important Now and Why Should You Care?

For the last 15 years iBwave has supported the majority of the carriers in the world through millions of in-building network deployments as they focused on a smooth and secure transition to the next generation of technology e.g. 3G to 4G. For the next 15 years we plan to accompany our carrier and enterprise customers on the same successful path where DNA (Dense Network Architecture) will play a central role.

DNA is the Path to 5G

With the completion of the first 5G new radio 3GPP standard, the wireless industry is in the final dash towards commercialization of 5G technology potentially by 2019. Major wireless carriers are actively conducting trials to prepare for the fast approaching commercialization phase of 5G. As an integral part of the wireless eco-system, iBwave is working closely with its partners to ensure that they are well-prepared for this final step. We have a clear vision today that networks are becoming denser, this is true from a couple of different perspectives. First, we see the fixed architecture is evolving towards richer fiber-based networks for both backhaul and fronthaul. Second, we see that there is a densification of Radio APS from 3G to 4G and also in Wi-Fi with the number of global Wi-Fi hotspots growing exponentially, and forecasted to grow by 454 million by 2020 (Statista). Also, a total of 2.3 million Small Cells were being shipped last year (Source: RCR).

Don’t Forget the 3 80s

Industry trends and numbers shows that data traffic is increasing at a rate of 80% per year, we also know that 80% data traffic originates in-building and that 80% enterprises are ready to switch providers if they get better indoor coverage in an effort to improve customer experience. We can call this the 3-80’s rule and if you look at it you should start thinking of your Dense Network Architecture (DNA), from an in-building standpoint. It is important to take this approach because this is where most of your traffic is happening and this is where most of the enterprises will focus their energies to improve quality of customer experience. Today however we are not seeing this mindset as a majority of the early 5G trials are happening outdoors.

Ensure Your In-Building Networks Are 5G Ready

To address the above, at iBwave we think that 5G trials need to be conducted indoors alongside the existing outdoor trials, to highlight potential deployment issues for your Dense Network Architecture (DNA). Potential issues such as the current structured cabling and whether it supports DNA, or not? We have to move into a fiber-rich architecture inside the building, we need to figure out whether passive optical LAN is going to replace the typical CAT 5 or CAT 6 structure cabling? The 3 80’s rule should make us focus much more on in-building because that’s where the traffic is. This will help us pin point potential issues which might be very critical, for example whether the current cabling CAT 5 and CAT 6 is able to handle 5G or whether this next gen technology requires fiber rich networks inside the building.

Ask the Insiders

iBwave is happy to help our Carrier and Enterprises customers navigate the world of DNA and 5G networks by helping them prepare in advance and choose the best options. If you are an enterprise and you are curious about hearing what DNA and 5G will mean for you then come talk to us.

Send us your comments below or ask us a question here