The following types of in-building wireless service can be developed to provide enhanced coverage. The recommendations proceed from least to most complex

A. Wireless in-building voice service from client's primary wireless service provider.[1] The least complex network to provide this service would entail installing a donor antenna, either in a window or on the exterior of the building, that would receive and deliver RF signal to a local wireless base station; a bi-directional amplifier; and a series of indoor antennas. This network would also provide the lower data rate data service from the carrier. For example, AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile provide low data-rate data at approximately 40 Kbps using the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) service of the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) TDMA wireless standard. Carriers providing CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) wireless service have a similar technology called CDMA 1x RTT. The data rate from this service is similar to the older dial-up internet access service. Permission to interface with a carrier¹s local base station, in this fashion, must be obtained from the carrier.

B. Single carrier voice and low data-rate data from a single carrier can also be implemented by installing either a single macro base station, or a series of micro base stations. This work would be done in conjunction with the appropriate carrier.

C. Multiple carrier service. Systems using either bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) or base stations could be installed utilizing a network support system such as shown in Figure 1 In Building Design Template.

D. It should be noted that all of the carriers are in the process of upgrading their data service. The GSM operators have already installed a system called EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) that will increase the data rate to 384 Kbps. On the CDMA side a technology called 1xEV-DO is being developed that will provide up to 2.5 Mbps on the forward link and 307 Kbps on the reverse link. These systems will most likely begin service at selected locations in the United States later this year or early next year.

E. High-speed internet connectivity can be provided using the 802.11 WiFi service. This localized service, measured in a few hundred feet, can be provided to localized hot-spots throughout the venue. Twenty or more users can operate from a single hot-spot access point. Of course, as the number of users increases the data rate available to each user decreases. The 802.11(b) system operates at a nominal 11 Mbps data rate. The actual data rate to each user is on the order of 300 to 600 Kbps. The 802.11(a) system operates at a nominal 54 Mbps data rate. However, it must be understood that this is the data rate between the mobile user and the access point. Once again, the system data rate to each user will be much lower, but many more users can access a single access point without saturating the network.

F. A more complex system would be to connect several 802.11 (a or b) access points into a complete network for the entire campus.

G. Another complex high-speed internet connectivity system would be to have a hybrid 802.11 ³a² and ³b² network. This can be done for a single access point that would cover a few hundred feet, for example a library or conference room, or for an entire network.

The most complex system would be to provide a network for a combination of wireless voice/data carrier equipment, and for 802.11 equipment.


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[1] There are six major wireless service providers in the Metropolitan New York City area: AT&T, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.