There are certain hazards involved with trying to integrate different wireless cabling infrastructures.
Our last post covered the best types of wireless cabling infrastructure for different types of wireless networks. Many of these different wireless networks share the same wireless cabling infrastructure. It may be tempting to integrate two different wireless solutions, such as your mobile wireless network and your data network, into a single network with a common wireless cabling infrastructure, like Category 6/6A or fiber. However, there are a few problems with this kind of integration:
Varied Antenna Placements
If you are attempting to integrate your WiFi, DAS, or small cell networks, then you may notice that each network has its own unique placement map for access points. This affects antenna placement. For example, a typical WiFi system may have access points incorporated into a grid with cells that are 18 meters wide, while the access points of a high-powered DAS might have antennas up to 200 meters wide. Thus, it is impossible to integrate these two different systems, due to the disparate antenna placements.
Disparate Protocols
Different types of wireless systems run with different protocols. For example, DAS utilizes digitized RF, legacy WiFi relies on CSMA/CA protocol, and small cells use IP/Ethernet packet data. It is possible to run different protocols at the same time, but it is difficult and likely not worth the extra effort.
Enterprise Cabling Requirements
Network managers consider several different factors when choosing the type of wireless cabling infrastructure to deploy for their facility. While it may seem like a good solution to integrate two different networks over the same cabling infrastructure, the network manager may see other problems with this type of integration, such as the cost and longevity of the cabling type or the network manager’s familiarity with the cabling type.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for over 25 years in the Mid Atlantic Market for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling
- Electronic Security Systems
- Distributed Antenna Systems
- Public Safety DAS
- Audio/Video Services
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page.
Do you enjoy clicking “Like” and “Follow?” Be sure to click on our official Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages today!