| Generation | Frequency | Key Concern | Indoor Design Goal | |------------|-----------|-------------|--------------------| | 2G (GSM) | 900/1800 MHz | Coverage & Handover | RxLev > -85 dBm | | 3G (UMTS/HSPA) | 2100 MHz | Ec/Io & Soft Handover | CPICH RSCP > -80 dBm, Ec/Io > -12 dB | | 4G (LTE) | 800/1800/2600 MHz | SINR & Throughput | RSRP > -95 dBm, SINR > 0 dB |
| Do | Don’t | | --- | --- | | Do use a power splitter budget spreadsheet | Don’t cascade more than 5 splitters (noise adds up) | | Do verify PIM before deployment with a passive IM test | Don’t mix aluminum and copper cables | | Do set 4G cell reselection priorities lower for indoor cells (to offload macro) | Don’t place antennas inside metal ceiling tiles | | Do reserve 10% of DAS ports for future (5G-ready in 2015 meant 3.5 GHz capable components) | Don’t forget uplink – balance link budget to match downlink | | Generation | Frequency | Key Concern |
Tools like iBwave, Atoll, or Ekahau (for Wi-Fi, but principles apply) use ray-tracing or dominant path models. Key inputs: or Ekahau (for Wi-Fi
Golden rule: Measure with doors open/closed, elevator shafts, and stairwells – these are usual weak spots. | Generation | Frequency | Key Concern |