In-Building DAS for an Online Grocery Giant’s Warehouse
NET CS are trusted by Mobile Network Operator’s to extend their networks and deliver connectivity to their largest and most important clients. As their go to experts in In-Building DAS solutions, NET CS were engaged to assist with a large corporate international online grocer and technology company.
The client required a great service throughout their new facility, constructed with building materials that blocked cellular signals from reaching the warehouse space and offices.
Challenges and Considerations
This online grocer had just built a brand-new state of the art distribution centre located in England. A 36 acre site in which they quickly realised that they needed to address the poor cellular coverage to allow their staff to work safely and efficiently.
Like many other distribution centres, this building was constructed primarily with steel beams and metal cladding on the outside. Combined with a metal roof, a minimal number of windows located in the few existing offices and so getting a cellular signal inside was next to impossible.
The Solution - In-Building Mobile Coverage
This online grocer contacted its mobile provider and asked them for assistance. The operator contacted their partner NET CS to evaluate the situation.
NET was asked by the Mobile Network Operator to provide a design for an RF system to adequately cover the facility.
Knowing the challenges of these types of building and having delivered numerous solutions into similar environments, NET CS was able to quickly recommend an appropriate solution. We completed a survey and detailed design for a DAS solution to cover the requested areas.
DAS for the Warehouse Environment
DAS stands for Distributed Antenna System and is a point-to-multipoint solution, enabling high numbers of subscribers to be connected to services at the same time. A DAS creates a number of dedicated cells, that deliver service to a building, via a single shared infrastructure, capable of supporting cellular, Wi-Fi and mission critical services.
A DAS is the great choice here, as it is a robust and cost-effective solution, that can deliver dedicated MNO services to its coverage cell.
The system was designed with Nokia and Ericsson equipment that provided 3G and 4G signals through a DAS with strategically located antennas.
The solution was a hybrid/active passive coaxial antenna system consisting of 45 omni directional antennas and 1 directional panel antenna, which provided coverage and capacity to 95% of the target area of the client’s demise. The system has been designed in accordance with strict mobile network operator control documents.
The Results
This online retail giant now enjoys ubiquitous 3G and 4G connectivity throughout their facility provided through the solution NET CS designed and deployed. Cellular connectivity in a warehouse environment, allows staff to connect with their co-workers or agents in real time. More robust connectivity increases productivity and improves security and safety of the staff.