The urban landscape of New York City is one of the most concentrated in the world. It includes soaring skyscrapers along with a vast maze of subway routes and road tunnels.

Everywhere in the city, visitors, residents and workers access wireless systems as never before. A June 2019 report from Pew Research notes that 81 percent of Americans have smartphones, up from 35 percent in 2011. Almost three-quarters own laptop or desktop computers, and about half own tablets. The proliferation of streaming HD video and expanding LTE and 5G services ensure a key role for distributed antenna systems (DAS) well into the future.

SOLiD DAS addresses wireless connectivity issues in demanding urban environments. Subways, tunnels and airports are some examples. Office buildings, condominium high-rises and other densely populated structures also need state-of-the-art equipment to meet both coverage and capacity requirements.

Evolution of Wireless Coverage in NYC

When Bandwidth Logic CEO Mark Parr spoke with SOLiD SVP of Operations Scott Deweese at Connect (X), they discussed the evolution of DAS deployments in NYC. Check out the full discussion here.

In the early 2000s, Bandwidth Logic deployed outdoor networks in Central Park. The company also set up networks for corporate clients like Pfizer and the News Corporation of America. Early contracts focused on pole top antennas and fiber installation.

Eventually, Transit Wireless was specifically created to deliver wireless services in the MTA subway. Ultimately, Transit Wireless chose SOLiD DAS to meet the unique demands of the subway environment. SOLiD’s equipment had already proven itself in the subway system in Seoul, South Korea.

Over the years, there’s been a change in who owns the equipment. The carrier consortiums of the early 2000s are giving way to third-party ownership of multi-carrier equipment. Bandwidth Logic is a third-party owner (3PO) dedicated to serving enterprises and carriers alike.

SOLiD DAS in NYC

In NYC, SOLiD DAS now enables 2 billion wireless connections annually.

Equipment versatility and durability are key factors in SOLiD’s success. For example, SOLiD’s Alliance DAS meets the demand for LTE services in any band. Alliance DAS can lock in radio frequency (RF) power levels to meet public safety communications requirements pertaining to 2-way (UHF/VHF) and public-safety (700/800) services.

SOLiD’s durable equipment performs well in demanding environments. For example, in the subway, heat exchangers on the subway cars emit heat throughout the system. Officials carefully examine proposed equipment to confirm that it will hold up in such a hostile environment. Everything must meet stringent standards, right down to the paint chip samples.

SOLiD: Subway DAS

The sprawling Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) subway system requires wireless coverage in 472 stations serving 1.7 billion riders/year. SOLiD leveraged its experience with other large subway systems to propose equipment for NYC’s subway.

SOLiD’s success with the MTA subway led to yet another deployment in Toronto. SOLiD’s Alliance Multi-Carrier DAS is now in the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system.

SOLiD: Airport DAS

NYC’s three international airports also need state-of-the-art DAS to meet demand. JFK’s six terminals serve 60 million passengers/year. LaGuardia’s four terminals serve 30 million passengers/year. At Newark International, there are three terminals serving another 30 million passengers/year.

SOLiD: Tunnel DAS

The three tubes that comprise the Lincoln Tunnel span 8,000 feet. They serve 35 million vehicles/yr. The two tubes of the Holland Tunnel cover another 8,100 feet. They serve 25 million vehicles/yr. DAS delivers vital wireless coverage in these unique environments.

SOLiD: Building DAS

Consider the magnitude of the DAS requirements in the city’s ubiquitous skyscrapers. For example, at the UN headquarters, SOLiD DAS helps to address the wireless needs of representatives from 193 countries. It also serves 1 million visitors/yr.

SOLiD’s state-of-the-art DAS is also critical in the 2.2 million sqft Empire State Building. This iconic attraction hosts 3.5 million visitors/yr. Residential structures have massive wireless requirements as well. Consider 432 Park Avenue, the tallest residential building in the world. The 412,637 sqft structure is 1,396-ft tall.

About SOLiD

Appearing across the depths of NYC’s dense urban canyons are wireless connection challenges aplenty. State-of-the-art, multi-carrier DAS is often the perfect antidote to what ails urban wireless communications.

Whether you’re a visitor, worker or resident in NYC, you already rely on SOLiD DAS to stay connected. In dense and demanding urban environments, wireless coverage and capacity requirements continue to evolve. As demands grow, SOLiD stands ready to deliver effective, durable DAS solutions.

SOLiD has been an innovator in wireless communications equipment for more than 20 years. For further assistance, please contact us today.