Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 18 | Page 80

TECH TALK Are you prepared for the future? The latest innovations in both small cell and DAS solutions have yielded more affordable ways to deploy, optimize, operate and adapt the network, up to 5G specifications and beyond. These innovations include fibre-optic cabling infrastructure, ITconvergent solutions that let the IBW solution run on everyday IT structured cabling alongside Wi-Fi or other services, and even Cloud-RAN based coverage that eliminates cross-sector interference that can otherwise reduce QoS for the end user. The single most important factor to ensuring the future-readiness of your IBW solution is the kind of transport—that is, the cabling—that carries the signals to the headend or radio. Ensuring a wide enough pipe means your space will be ready to adapt quickly to new technologies and standards. Doing so may only require a software change or swapping out a module rather than tearing out the old system and paying to install a new one. The 10 chapters in In-Building Wireless Best Practices are titled: • IBW – What it is, where it’s been and why that matters • IBW challenges – Why broad adoption will continue • The future of IBW solutions • Choosing the right IBW solution for your needs • The opportunities of using DAS and small cells • The role of unlicensed frequencies in IBW solutions • When Wi-Fi is—and isn’t—sufficient • How to deploy IBW • Funding your IBW solution • Your IBW future A solution for everyone While many factors must be figured into your selection of an IBW solution, there also exists a significant degree of flexibility and freedom in implementing those solutions. Depending on your enterprise space and the needs of its occupants, you may opt for a single- operator, multi-operator, low power, high-power or combined solution Architects on the challenges that exist when 49% 51% 47% The cost of provisioning for it is typically too onerous for clients 34% provision for dedicated cellular networks Lack of skills in our team to properly provision/understand the requirements 16% 3% 80 INTELLIGENTCIO 50% 36% 37% 35% Lack of client demand No major challenges - it’s just not 42% 4% 0% 29% Total US 9% Europe www.intelligentcio.com