Traditional cell towers struggle to meet data demands in dense, urban areas. Distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell networks address this by using many low-power nodes to increase capacity over small areas. They provide voice and data to more users in a given space compared to a single macro tower. While DAS uses centralized power and fiber backhaul, small cells have distributed power and connect directly via fiber. Both improve coverage for high-traffic locations like stadiums.

1. 10 Things You Need to Know About DAS/Small Cell Networks

2. What is the Key Challenge Facing the Wireless Market Today?

4. In the smart phone era, traditional large cell sites are challenged to deliver on customer demand in densely populated, urban locations.

5. Over 200 Million Americans now use cell phones* and more stress is being put on wireless networks to deliver data to their customers.
* Based on a study by the Pew Research Center

6. The explosive growth in wireless data usage has placed capacity burdens on the traditional large (macro) cell site capacity, where every cell phone is competing for bandwidth, leading to spectrum congestion and poor quality of service.

7. What is the Solution?

9. What is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) & Small Cell Network?

10. DAS & Small Cell Networks provide similar wireless capacity over much smaller areas, dramatically increasing the capacity of the overall system, especially in areas of highly concentrated users.

11. Increased capacity relies on the placement of large numbers of small radio stations with small coverage areas.
To meet consumers’ service expectations, these systems need to perform even during power outages, therefore, uninterrupted power supply is critical.

12. •
Provides reliable coverage in targeted locations
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Provides much needed increase in voice and data capacity
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Is similar to mini-cell towers – covering more people over a smaller area

13. Example: 1 Macro Tower has the capacity for only 72 cell phones covering 1 square mile

14. In Comparison: 6 strategically placed DAS sites have the capacity for 432 cell phones covering 1 square mile

15. How Does DAS Technology Work?

16. •
Central Power (what GE provides) is delivered to remote Communication Nodes, which sends signals out to areas with a high density of users
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The nodes then send a signal back to the central communications hub via fiber optic cable
RRU
RRU
RRU
RRU
Main Unit
RRU
Optical Cable
In the event of power failure, GE recommends uninterruptible power be provided to DAS units at -48Vdc, typically via a backup battery system with remote monitoring capabilities.

17. How Does Small Cell Technology Work?

18. •
Distributed Power (what GE provides) is placed in each Individual Node, which sends signals out to areas with a high density of users
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The Nodes connect back to the central communications hub via fiber optic cable
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Each cell is “all-encompassing”
In the event of power failure, GE recommends uninterruptible power be provided to Small Cell units at -48Vdc, typically via a backup battery system with remote monitoring capabilities.

19. What are the Key Differences Between DAS & Small Cell?

20. DAS
One central power supply, powering multiple nodes
Scalable
Multiple frequencies (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, VHF Bands)
Can support multiple service providers
Design intensive, network planning
High up-front costs

21. Small Cell
Individual power supplies in each node (typically)
Faster deployment
Less design-intensive
Supports one service provider
Lower up-front costs

22. DAS & Small Cell Networks
Who & What Benefits?

32. We are seeing a trend in LATAM, where telecom providers are skipping the development of Macro Sites in favor of deploying DAS/Small Cell.

37. DAS & Small Cell Networks
Consumer Pressure to Increase the Bandwidth

38. 722,296
Text messages were sent and received in the stadium during Superbowl 2012.
DID YOU KNOW?
Source: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog http://www.attinnovationspace.com/innovation/story/a7780988

39. 75,204
The number of mobile phone calls made in the stadium during Superbowl 2012.
Source: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog http://www.attinnovationspace.com/innovation/story/a7780988
DID YOU KNOW?

40. 215GB
The total data usage in gigabytes at Superbowl 2012—which at that time— was the highest data usage ever seen from a single sporting event.
Source: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog http://www.attinnovationspace.com/innovation/story/a7780988
DID YOU KNOW?

41. 61%
In 2012, 43 percent of Americans planning to watch the Super Bowl owned a smartphone. In 2014, that number has grown to 61 percent.
Source: Mobile Marketing News
DID YOU KNOW?

42. DAS & Small Cell Networks
Why Choose GE?

46. GE’s complete portfolio of turn-key solutions for your applications ensures that you have a solid power foundation, giving you reliable network service that is safe and easy to install.

48. GE’s Critical Power business specializes in DC Power Systems for the telecommunications industry. Bringing together GE’s power expertise and Bell Labs heritage, we know how important powering your solutions are to you and your customers.

52. GE’s DC Power Systems integrate into outdoor enclosures and other mechanical structures. Our EcoPriority portfolio leverages complementary technologies, such as solar, wind and energy storage, as well as service.
These solutions are ideal for off-grid and unreliable grids in places where there is no power.

54. DC Services
Turnkey platform of comprehensive services:
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DC Power knowledge & expertise
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Remote monitoring & diagnostics
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24x7 responsiveness
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Installation, commissioning, start-up, training
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Repairs & retrofit upgrades
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Technical support, preventative maintenance & site audits

55. DAS & Small Cell Networks
AT&T & Superbowl 2014: A Real World
Application

56. How much mobile data did Super Bowl 2014 attendees consume?

57. AT&T prepared in advance for the onslaught its network would experience from all those fans snapping photos, posting status updates and checking stats by augmenting coverage with a DAS system, and publicly shared some of the specifics behind just how much data football fans consumed at this year’s Superbowl.
SUPERBOWL 2014
Sources: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog & PocketNow.com

58. 3X
To ensure adequate coverage, AT&T installed or upgraded four DAS systems, including a brand new DAS at the stadium, which offered more than triple the capacity of the original.
SUPERBOWL 2014
Sources: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog & PocketNow.com
CAPACITY ENHANCEMENTS

59. 624GB
During the course of the game, AT&T’s network moved traffic adding up to 624GB – that’s a lot of tweets. While activity was high all night, the heaviest usage occurred prior to the game.
SUPERBOWL 2014
Sources: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog & PocketNow.com

60. 60%
Figures were up from the previous year (as more people move to smartphones, and those having them use more data), but the rate of growth might be a little shocking: in 2013, AT&T only measured 388GB during the game, meaning 2014’s event saw 60% higher usage.
SUPERBOWL 2014
Sources: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog & PocketNow.com

61. SUPERBOWL 2014
1.8 Million
This was the highest data usage AT&T’s ever seen from a measured one-day sporting event. 624GB is the equivalent to 1.8M social media posts with photos. See more at: http://www.attinnovationspace.com/innovation/story/a7793978
Sources: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog & PocketNow.com

62. SUPERBOWL 2014
1TB
Remember that these are just AT&T’s numbers. Factor in the other major carriers, and overall data traffic could easily exceed a terabyte— flying through the air alongside the pigskin.
Sources: AT&T’s Innovation Space Blog & PocketNow.com

63. Coverage After: Multiple DAS/SC Sites
Coverage Before: 1 Macro Tower
Each circle has the same data capacity, regardless of size

64. Solving Today’s Wireless Bandwidth Issues

65. Mobile device usage will continue to impact densely populated areas. Providers need to keep pace and ensure on-demand service for everyone. DAS & Small Cell Solutions deliver high capacity power to support tens of thousands of users— quickly, easily and cost-effectively.

67. Power to the Peoplewww.GECriticalPower.com

68. https://www.rebelmouse.com/GECriticalPower/

69. info.criticalpower@ge.com