I should technically qualify this by saying that the device below doesn’t actually amplify so much as replicate the outside quality signal of the antenna so location choice is important.
Dexter Caldwell Dir. Systems & Networks Information Technology Services Furman University 3300 Poinsett Hwy Greenville, SC 29613 email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> office: 864-294-3566 facsimile: 864-294.3001 From: Dexter Caldwell Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 12:29 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Cisco Small Cell Solution We’re just doing local building cellular boosters. Relatively inexpensive ( http://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Electronics-Indoor-Cellular-Booster/dp/B00IWW9AB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418307096&sr=8-1&keywords=wilson+cell+phone+booster ) and we do them on an as-needed basis usually by targeting high complaint buildings or areas. Some have a limit on the type of carrier, but you can hit the most popular carrier in use and the complaints go away. It’s been working well for us for the last year or two. Also, companies like Republic Wireless are changing the game in cellular phones. They only use cellular as a backup to wifi and the call can roam seamlessly back and forth. They’re a niche player, but I’ve used them personally and its’ been great as an IT person to have cell coverage in the dungeons of our campus networks where to cellular coverage ever reached and my staff would have to come upstairs or outside just to use their phones. T-Mobile has been doing some of this as well. I know we don’t select people’s carriers, but the point is that the technology is changing in ways that make a large DAS rollout or expensive mass deployment really unnecessary. From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Smith, Todd Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 4:21 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Cisco Small Cell Solution Here the relays do not work very well since it requires both the available signal to amplify and leak into the building and carrier participation. I really believe that small cell technology is the answer for the foreseeable future since to properly handle Wi-Fi calling requires a voice-grade Wi-Fi network and plenty of internet bandwidth. Obviously small cells do require internet bandwidth or leased lines back to carrier but still I don’t have to optimize my Wi-Fi for every single issue that a phone might bring. My Wi-Fi network was designed for data not voice and it will take a redesign and a large amount of additional access points to put off voice-grade specs. Todd From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Lawson Cassels Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 12:16 To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Cisco Small Cell Solution In talking with some of the cell carriers and a big cabling/infrastructure company in our area, it appears that DAS is dead. They are doing cellular relay systems now that work with repeaters to extend coverage from the roof into the core of a building, but the carriers don't seem really excited about that either. They are willing to go along with it, since it requires little on their part other than certifying your design. Minimum cost is probably around $15-20K and goes up as you want to cover larger areas within your building. Works with all carriers and all frequency bands since it's just re-broadcasting the spectrum. I think WiFi calling is probably where this is headed though, with some of the lower quality carriers already enabling this "feature" to offload traffic from their networks. I'd focus your time on having an excellent WiFi network with the type of coverage needed for flawless roaming between APs. Lawson Cassels Network Engineer Infrastructure, Operations, and Networking Illinois State University p: 309-438-4318 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential. If this e-mail contains protected health information, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited, except as permitted by law. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
