On the Hunt for More Mobile Spectrum - Are We There Yet?

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by dyanne

How Hospitals are Improving Care With Private 5G Networks

Twenty-first century healthcare runs on digital technology. From electronic health records and telemedicine services to robot-assisted surgery, a groundswell of technology advancements have modernized the delivery of patient care. In order to take full advantage of these advances, a number of healthcare providers are implementing digital transformation, with 92 percent citing that achieving a better patient experience is their top goal.

Yet, as hospitals transform their facilities and IT systems to enable innovative new services and technologies, a fundamental consideration is how to provide reliable, secure access to digital resources for hospital staff, caregivers, and patients.

Access Everywhere

Traditionally, hospitals and healthcare facilities have relied on wired local area networks (LANs) to provide secure, dedicated connectivity. However, many cutting-edge digital technologies require mobile availability to enable real-time information exchange for faster diagnoses and shorter waiting times. Alternatively, Wi-Fi networks often experience traffic congestion and interference due to a sudden influx of people and devices competing for bandwidth, impacting staff communication, patient monitoring, and other critical applications.

As mobile network technology continues to evolve, advances in 5G infrastructure and spectrum availability are creating new alternatives for robust, dedicated, on-the-go connectivity. Private 5G/ LTE networks provide healthcare facilities with a more secure, pervasive connectivity experience, enabling sufficient bandwidth for smartphones, laptops, and connected medical devices to work all the time, everywhere, throughout buildings and across campus.

Private 5G networks offer the advantages of mobility along with reliable security, ultra-low latency, lightning-fast data speeds, dedicated bandwidth, and scalable capacity. The capability to quickly and securely transmit large amounts of data, such as medical images or patient records, enables more effective diagnosis and treatment. In this way, hospitals can harness the power of 5G connectivity with peace of mind, allowing them to maintain HIPAA compliance and easing security concerns related to data breaches and ransomware attacks. Plus, when using Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) frequency bands, healthcare facilities can ensure 24x7 availability of mission-critical medical devices and applications without massive budget concerns.

Transformational Healthcare

With the growing adoption of private 5G networks, the healthcare industry is poised for substantial improvements in care today, while setting the stage for revolutionary advancements in the future. For example, a more reliable, secure exchange of information enables improvements in the patient intake process, healthcare staff communications, and transmission of diagnostic data and digital health records – all of which contributes to faster response times, efficient use of resources, more accurate record-keeping, and the best possible patient care experience.

Due to the massive connectivity and ultra-low latency of private 5G, this technology is ideal for remote surgeries using robotics and virtual reality (VR)/ augmented reality (AR) simulations. Likewise, the large bandwidth capacity is well-suited to conducting mobile ultrasound exams, remote medical imaging, and video consultations with home-bound patients. Hospitals also could use 5G connectivity for an interactive display in patients’ rooms that functions as a digital whiteboard, entertainment, and environmental control.

Additionally, private 5G networks offer the robust connectivity needed for a myriad of applications made possible by the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). These use cases range from wearable smart sensors that continuously monitor patient vital signs and notify nursing staff and doctors in real-time, to diagnostic equipment maintenance, to monitoring temperature and other environmental conditions for medicine storage, thereby reducing waste and ensuring patient safety.

Revolutionizing Patient Care

With access to the secure, pervasive connectivity enabled by private 5G networks, caregivers have the opportunity to vastly improve the patient experience to ensure the best possible overall care outcomes. To realize this digital transformation vision, however, it’s important for hospitals and healthcare facilities to consider how their building lay-out and materials will impact 5G connectivity and coverage. For example, modern building materials, lead-lined walls in radiological departments, stainless steel surfaces in operating rooms, and large diagnostic equipment can all impede 5G signals.

By incorporating private 5G network infrastructure with an existing in-building distributed antenna system (DAS), such as the neutral host SOLiD ALLIANCE 5G DAS solution, hospital IT professionals can deliver seamless private 5G coverage regardless of building configuration. With a fiber-to-the-edge DAS solution like the ALLIANCE edgeROU, private 5G signals can be carried over the same common fiber infrastructure as public 5G, bringing connectivity to the edge of the network for peak performance and reliability.

Private 5G advancements are revolutionizing the way that healthcare professionals deliver patient care, improving the overall patient experience. To learn how SOLiD can help you get a healthy start on your digital transformation journey, visit: www.solid.com/us/industries/healthcare.

by dyanne

In-Building Wireless Solutions: The Complete Guide

If you are in the market looking for an in-building wireless solution, you know there are a host of choices out there. How do you choose? What attributes and benefits do you need to address your unique needs fully?

To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled a helpful guide with need-to-know information. Strong indoor wireless coverage is more critical than ever, especially in today’s world of growing demand. Reliable coverage is imperative. Strong indoor connectivity is vital for smooth business operations and public safety communications among emergency responders.

The Challenge in Today’s Environment

The soaring demand for wireless connectivity has one big challenge. Modern building materials block signals from outdoor cell sites, typically referred to as “macrocells” by the mobile carriers that build them. Fortunately, in-building wireless solutions overcome this hurdle and bring the outdoor network indoors, where it is most needed.

Top Factors to Consider When Evaluating In-Building Wireless Solutions

Coverage and Capacity

Assess your coverage area. What is the square footage and number of floors you are working with? Consider the layout, including walls, floors, and other obstructions.  What areas of the building have weak or no signal coverage?

You will also want to consider capacity needs. For example, estimate the number of simultaneous users and consider data usage patterns and peak usage times. As much as possible, consider diverse types of connected devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things sensors and controllers. Assessing the current state of your coverage and capacity goes a long way toward providing reliable connectivity for tenants.

Compatibility

Cellular networks operate on a wide range of frequency bands, and knowing the current bands and frequencies you need to support is helpful. Make sure your new solution will easily integrate with existing networks such as 4G LTE and 5G NR and have the flexibility to support future upgrades.

Expansion

Scalability is important. Look for solutions that can easily scale up as your needs grow, and choose systems that allow for modular upgrades and expansions. Be sure to look for systems with high reliability, longevity, and a robust product roadmap to ensure continuous operation.

Installation, Maintenance, and Operating Expenses

Ascertain the complexity of the installation and the time required to do so. Look for solutions with minimal maintenance needs and easy troubleshooting. It’s a good idea to compare the upfront costs of different systems, plus the monthly investment in upgrades and operational expenses, including energy consumption, to ensure a cost-effective and sustainable system.

Compliance and Security

Last but not least, it is essential that an in-building wireless solution complies with federal, state, and local regulations and industry standards. Know what security measures are in place to protect the network and user data.

What In-Building Wireless Solution is Best for You?

There are four types of in-building wireless systems:

1. 1. 1. A Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, is a network of antennas that send and receive cellular signals on a carrier’s licensed frequency. They work best for facilities that are greater than 100,000 square feet.In a DAS system, a base station, small cell, or repeater serves as the source of the signal, which fiber then distributes to remote equipment in IT closets. Where microcell and repeater systems usually consist of several individual units, a DAS uses many interconnected devices spread over a wide area to increase connectivity and boost performance.A DAS has multiple advantages. In addition to greater reliability, increases in bandwidth demand can be easily addressed when systems are carefully planned and designed. More bands, remotes, and antennas can be added as needed. Additionally, a DAS can provide connectivity from multiple mobile network operators, reducing costs, improving aesthetics, and reducing workflow disruption.
      2. Repeater Systems amplify and repeat outside wireless signals inside your building. Outdoor signals provide limited, shared capacity between all the buildings, people, and devices over a large area. These solutions work best in small facilities located in suburban and rural areas.
      3. Microcell/Small Cell/DRAN systems function as mini cell phone towers within a small facility, radiating a signal inside the building for a single network operator. As a result, multiple parallel systems are required to provide connectivity to all the people and devices in your building.
      4. Wi-Fi is the most common way people connect to the internet at home. No wired connection is needed. Wi-Fi converts an Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection into a wireless signal for use by computers, phones, and other devices. Wi-Fi works well for devices that do not move but does not offer a seamless calling option that integrates with mobile networks. It isn’t designed to support future mobile technology like 6G.

Selecting an in-building wireless solution can be daunting. However, by using these guidelines as a foundation for a decision, you will be able to wisely select a solution that meets your needs and adapts to the future.

If you’re considering DAS for your In-Building Wireless Solution, talk to one of our experts today.

by dyanne

Does the U.S. Mobile Industry Need More 5G Spectrum?

Today’s hyper-connected world is driving explosive network growth as 5G adoption continues at a frenetic pace. Plans for the rollout of 5G-Advanced and 6G networks are already heating up, even as many network service providers are still deploying mid-band 5G spectrum. Anticipating this future growth, some industry pundits suggest that the U.S. mobile industry will exceed available network capacity soon without more spectrum allocations.

Before making any hasty decisions, perhaps we should take a step back and realistically evaluate the current and future state of affairs.

Spectrum Scuffles

Two U.S. Congress members recently introduced legislation requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction at least 600 megahertz of spectrum between 1.3 and 13.2 GHz within three years and at least 1,250 megahertz of spectrum within six years. The proposed bill, known as the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024, also would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to identify at least 2,500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum to reallocate from federal use to commercial wireless services within the next five years.

Likewise, the industry trade organization 5G Americas recently published a white paper that calls for a comprehensive roadmap to introduce new commercially available spectrum to support the rollout of 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks. However, the 5G Americas white paper focuses on the upper mid-band spectrum, ranging from 7.125-15.35 GHz, noting that “more spectrum helps ensure effective deployment of future networks and drive the emergence of groundbreaking technologies.”

These plans presuppose that more spectrum is indeed required for wide-area 5G networks and not for private networks using unlicensed frequency bands such as the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS).

5G Coverage Evolution

However, it would take some time for these new spectrum bands to be available for cellular networks, while the current 5G networks should evolve to meet the various needs for capacity and bandwidth. As 5G technology evolves to embrace cloud-native architecture and mid-band frequencies, mobile network operators (MNOs) are changing the way they plan and deploy their networks. At the same time, traditional macro cell sites are reaching saturation, pushing MNOs to densify 5G networks by building out small cells. This small cell approach provides additional 5G coverage, capacity, speed, and performance more quickly and efficiently — particularly in high-traffic urban and suburban areas.

With small cells covering shorter distances, these network architectures use the available spectrum more effectively to meet escalating demands for higher speeds, greater bandwidth, and lower latency. By serving smaller coverage areas located closer to subscribers, small cells can reuse the same frequencies more often, increasing network capacity without radical increases in spectrum allocation. This is not to say that no new spectrum will ever be required. New spectrum for 6G and beyond will be necessary, opening opportunities to drive new innovation.

As the steady drumbeat calling for more spectrum gets louder, it’s important to remember that the journey from 5G to 6G and beyond will be a marathon, not a sprint.

Capacity Where It Is Needed

Considering that 80 percent of all mobile traffic occurs indoors, perhaps the current focus should be on how much spectrum is needed for in-building communications and how it can be used most effectively. Just as small cells are used in the outdoor network to densify network capacity, in-building wireless networks using small cells, distributed radios, and distributed antenna systems (DAS) can deliver dedicated capacity and coverage indoors.

These in-building wireless solutions offload the capacity demanded of the outdoor network, mitigating or at least delaying the need for additional spectrum. Until radio and antenna technologies catch up to the physical limitations imposed by higher frequency spectrum, reaching above 6 GHz is impractical for wide area coverage and unnecessary for indoor coverage, with some exceptions such as very high capacity venues like stadiums and arenas.

Sustainable Frequencies

Spectrum above 6 GHz is incredibly expensive to deploy and operate due to poor propagation. It is not currently sustainable, requiring significantly higher transmit power than lower frequencies. Densifying the network by deploying in-building networks with sub-6 GHz spectrum is more cost-effective. The most attractive large chunk of new spectrum under consideration for mobile networks in the U.S. is 3100-3450 MHz. While this spectrum is also used by the Department of Defense, CBRS has proven the concept of shared spectrum with a priority access system and interference mitigation methods.

A modular platform like the SOLiD ALLIANCE 5G DAS supports a huge amount of bandwidth from all the major MNOs, providing access to plenty of in-building capacity with the currently available 5G spectrum. The key is proper network planning and design to allocate sufficient sector density with the available frequencies.

For help designing a robust DAS system that makes the most of the available spectrum for outstanding in-building performance, contact the experienced SOLiD Engineering and Design services team. To learn more, visit: www.solid.com/us/services/engineering-and-design.

by dyanne

How Healthy Connectivity Supports a Better Patient Experience

When your top priority is delivering first-rate care, every aspect of the patient experience is mission-critical. In today’s hospitals and healthcare facilities, an integral part of this experience is ensuring reliable access to mobile voice and data connectivity.

Poor in-building mobile coverage impairs patient care quality in many ways. As more hospitals adopt a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, seamless connectivity is essential to provide physicians and staff with secure, reliable access to electronic healthcare records, patient intake forms, and application data across the medical campus. Medical staff often use mobile devices to conduct video consultations, remote monitoring, virtual visits, and other telehealth services as well. In fact, telehealth and digital health tools are vital for providing access to care for more than 30 million Americans.

Reliable, 24×7 wireless connectivity also is crucial for a growing number of healthcare facilities that use the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to monitor and maintain diagnostic equipment, pharmaceuticals, and hospital supplies. Moreover, patients and visitors now expect always-on connectivity for laptops and smartphones, whether they want to review laboratory test results, video chat with family members, or just make a phone call without constant dropped signals.

All of these applications require secure, ubiquitous in-building connectivity to ensure optimum health outcomes and a first-class patient experience. What can healthcare IT professionals do to deliver a better-connected experience for patients, staff, and visitors?

To 5G and Beyond

As 5G adoption continues to escalate, mobile network operators (MNOs) are adding more radio frequency (RF) spectrum to meet the need for increased network coverage and capacity. New mid-band frequencies, such as the C-Band and Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), are easily blocked by neighboring structures, modern building materials, and energy-efficient windows, which means that outdoor network signals cannot easily penetrate buildings, interior walls, furniture, and other obstacles. As a result, more patients, staff, and visitors experience dropped calls and poor service quality throughout hospitals and medical campuses. Furthermore, the unique interior layouts typical in many hospitals often make this situation worse.

Although many modern healthcare facilities have an in-building distributed antenna system (DAS) in place to provide cellular coverage, most legacy platforms need to be updated or replaced to work with new mid-band 5G frequencies. For those hospitals with a modular, multi-band system such as the ALLIANCE 5G DAS platform, adding support for new frequency bands is simple and straightforward. However, some modifications will be necessary due to the particular characteristics of the mid-band frequency bands.

Technology Transitions

Mid-band spectrum is well-suited for 5G network deployments because it provides access to larger frequency channels, which enables greater capacity. Yet, these wider channels also consume more radio output power, leading to weaker signals and smaller coverage area per antenna. In addition, the mid-band spectrum signal propagation range is shorter than legacy mobile communications spectrum, further impacting 5G capacity and coverage reach.

For example, when using C-Band spectrum, in-building coverage per antenna is roughly 15 percent of that provided by legacy mobile frequencies at the same power level. This means that an antenna providing a little more than 1,000 square feet of coverage with 4G would only cover around 150 square feet with the 5G C-Band in a typical building with furniture and sheetrock walls.

Ultimately, in addition to upgrading DAS equipment to support new 5G frequencies, configuration changes are needed as well to achieve the same coverage footprint as legacy DAS equipment. One option is to add amplifiers that provide 4 to 10 times more output power per antenna, eliminating “dead zones” and spotty coverage. On the other hand, when a legacy system already uses high-output power amplifiers, a better solution may be a fiber-to-the-edge overlay system to support new 5G frequencies.

A fiber-to-the-edge system like the SOLiD ALLIANCE edgeROU carries transmissions all the way to the edge of the network, bringing high-speed data and voice closer to users for improved quality. A common fiber infrastructure also provides the high performance, low latency, and inherent data security required to support IoMT connectivity, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies, and new medical devices that require higher bandwidth. Plus, this advanced infrastructure enables hospitals to leverage the latest smart building capabilities, such as intelligent heating and lighting, or secure personnel access systems.

The Ideal Patient Experience

Today’s patient experience is continually changing. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and mission-critical medical devices need to work all the time, everywhere, to keep healthcare facilities running smoothly.

Pervasive in-building connectivity throughout hospitals and medical campuses enables doctors, nurses, and therapists to rely on secure, BYOD mobility as they move from patient to patient. Healthcare clinicians can quickly document post-surgery notes, patient progress, or bedside vitals, uploading the data directly to the patient’s medical record. This not only increases accuracy and collaboration, it also improves efficiencies and access to care, overcoming barriers that often affect patient outcomes and increase costs.

Upgrading or installing the latest DAS systems allows healthcare facilities to deliver a secure, reliable connectivity experience that provides sufficient bandwidth for the best possible patient experience and overall well-being. That’s why a wide range of healthcare facilities throughout the U.S. rely on SOLiD’s expertise and ALLIANCE DAS equipment, connecting multiple cellular networks and distributing the signals to every corner of their campus. These include Boston Children’s Hospital, Colorado Children’s Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, Evans Army Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center, SLC Lutheran Medical Center, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, and multiple Kaiser Hospitals.

To learn more about how SOLiD can help you build a healthy mobile communications infrastructure to enable outstanding patient experiences and an excellent standard of care, visit: solid.com/us/industries/healthcare.

by dyanne