CommScope Eases Urban Wireless Deployment Challenges With Metro Cell Concealment Solutions

June 18, 2013 HICKORY, N.C.

Many wireless operators are considering strategies to keep ahead of surging mobile data consumption rates by offloading macro network traffic onto smaller, denser cell sites, particularly in congested urban areas. To help operators deploy such “small cells” more quickly, CommScope is supplying a family of equipment-integrated, factory-tested, modular solutions called Metro Cell Concealment Solutions.

Part of the Andrew® portfolio of wireless solutions, Metro Cell Concealment Solutions conceal the key RF path equipment in a visually unobtrusive structure that more easily meets zoning restrictions in urban and suburban areas. The stealthy appearance of this integrated RF solution can help operators meet concealment requirements and physical space limitations for such cell sites, improving site acquisition and deployment times. Because it is often impractical to put typical cell towers in congested areas, operators need options for adding wireless capacity.

“There are many logistical challenges when it comes to increasing sector density in metropolitan wireless networks in addition to the technological ones,” said Philip Sorrells, vice president of strategic marketing, Wireless, CommScope. “Metro Cell Concealment Solutions can help speed the site acquisition process and deployment times by meeting aesthetic requirements and space limitations.”

Metro Cell Concealment Solutions provide a modular, systems approach to typical urban deployment scenarios, coming in three varieties to meet customer needs:

  • The integrated top assembly includes the antenna and other optional RF conditioning components such as diplexers and tower mounted amplifiers. These components are integrated into one unit that can be mounted to billboards, street poles and other existing structures, offering adaptability to current conditions.
  • A rooftop version consists of the integrated RF Path unit and non-penetrative supports designed specifically to avoid drilling penetration points into the roof.
  • A monopole version includes the integrated RF Path unit plus a monopole for mounting as a standalone structure on city streets or in traditional cell site locations. This option blends into the existing street appearance while providing needed wireless capacity.

Metro Cell Concealment Solutions deliver performance assured implementations, facilitate zoning approval and install easily. All integrated wireless equipment—including antennas, low noise amplifiers, diplexers, fiber and coaxial cable and cable assemblies—are pre-assembled and tested by CommScope to deliver reliable performance. For critical areas with very high cell density, a key application includes integration of the Andrew ION®-M and ION-U distributed antenna systems. The DAS remote units are integrated into the lower section of the metro cell system and quasi-omni or three sector antenna systems are integrated in the top section.

Metro Cell Concealment Solutions are radio agnostic and forward compatible to support multiple operators and technologies now and in the future. They can help solve operators’ key issues involving power supply, backhaul and site acquisition. Metro Cell Concealment Solutions are available now globally.

Photo Sharing:

Think you know of a concealed cell site despite the cloaking effort of its owner? Share a photo via Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #RFconcealment to prove your keen eye. CommScope has already posted a few of its own images on its Instagram and Twitter accounts. Search #RFconcealment to see who has found some of the more uniquely concealed cell sites out there.

Related Blog Posts:

Everybody’s Talking DAS

Stuck In Line: Three Known Capacity Robbers of Wireless Networks

The Many Considerations For Small Cells

Andrew and ION are registered trademarks of CommScope, Inc.

About CommScope

CommScope (www.commscope.com) has played a role in virtually all the world’s best communication networks. We create the infrastructure that connects people and technologies through every evolution. Our portfolio of end-to-end solutions includes critical infrastructure our customers need to build high-performing wired and wireless networks. As much as technology changes, our goal remains the same: to help our customers create, innovate, design, and build faster and better. We’ll never stop connecting and evolving networks for the business of life at home, at work, and on the go.

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on information currently available to management, management’s beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those currently expected. In providing forward-looking statements, the company does not intend, and is not undertaking any obligation or duty, to update these statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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