Capacity

Introduction: Over the years wireless network traffic has exploded. To meet this demand operators have focused efforts toward building (Distributed Antenna System) DAS Systems at high capacity venues. For a single event like Super Bowl, a stadium may have over a terabyte of data passing through the serving cells.

RF fundamentals for wireless networks begin with proper cell footprint. A cells coverage needs to meet the desired coverage objective and only the objective. RF Shaping is critical to short term performance gains, maximum parameter optimization, and getting the most from costly and limited wireless spectrum. RF Shaping can best be summed into three reasons:

1. Maximizing Coverage
2. Minimizing Interference
3. Long Term Savings $$

With greater than 70% of wireless network traffic being indoors, the potential of WiFi calling addresses the two main issues facing today's wireless networks: Coverage & Capacity. WiFi is typically available in more difficult to cover indoor locations or is placed in public areas that already have high capacity requirements. It also allows for improved overall network capacity today through data offload.

Engineering discussions tend to focus on how to improve the KPIs in the sense of network quality, reduce drops, improve accessibility, etc. Fixing coverage holes is always noted, but this tends to be fixing coverage the "right" way, which is typically the long term capital improvement. Long term network fixes come through large scale site build, low-band spectrum acquisition, improved hardware deployment, or alternative network types which is typically large capital expenditures.