Archive for March, 2009

In-building-coverage technologies will be addressed during “In-building wireless best practices,” at IWCE on March 18. Among other topics, the session is expected to discuss systems emerging technologies used to improve in-building coverage.

The session is expected to address RF distribution practices, with special focus on fiber optic technology and applications. In addition, panelists will discuss the advanced Distributed Antenna System (DAS) technologies and practices, including how a shared DAS can provide ubiquitous wireless coverage for all wireless service providers—independent of the wireless protocols—using a single, fiber-based wireless network.

Our magazine continues to cover in-building wireless coverage topics, and I’m interested to learn about the newest DAS system. I believe enterprises and first-responders alike can benefit from the technology. At the session, Kang Yueh, DAS chief engineer for Crown Castle International, and George Lamb, operations and support vice president for Nextivity, will discuss cellular DAS systems primarily and new products for that market, said Jack Daniel, the session’s third panelist and president of The Jack Daniel Co. He said that, while some of their discussions may include reference to public safety, it will be minimal. Instead, the session will introduce most of the audience to system definitions and products they don’t normally deal with that is focused on private radio services, such as public safety and utilities.

Daniel said he intends to drive the discussion of the legality of installing cellular BDAs, how these products and system relate to public safety, how fiber use is the new technology and where it applies, and the potential of new business for the audience in cellular system design and installation. He also will discuss new national DAS codes for public safety.

“I suspect most will have never heard of the DAS manufacturers, as they use TX RX Systems type brand BDAs. This is logical, as they often need UHF, VHF, 700 bands in addition to 800 MHz, and the market is too small and unique for DAS manufacturers to give more than lip service to,” Daniel said. “I think it’s a great presentation and will be new material for the audience.”

It’s hard to believe that the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) will begin in three weeks for those of us who are attending the College of Technology sessions early in the week. Even more difficult to believe is that this will be my sixth IWCE to attend.

What amazes about IWCE is the variety of people who attend: public-safety personnel, information-technology professionals, utility-company representatives, radio-shop dealers and, of course, the myriad vendors that offer products and services to the various sectors. Everyone has a story, and they come from very different perspectives—some public-safety communicators and large vendors feel constrained by giant government bureaucracies, while many small dealers and vendors embrace their entrepreneurial existence but acknowledge that it can be lonely at times.

But regardless of the perspective, everyone at the show is trying to deliver the best possible communications to folks on the “front lines”—be it public safety, utilities, transportation or government—via a solution that provides the optimal fit for the end-user entity from a technical, operational and financial basis.

And, unlike many trade shows, an unusually high percentage of decision makers attend IWCE, which means the conversation and debate on communications topics will be especially relevant and informative, whether it’s in educational sessions or on the show floor. Sure, attendees like to fit in some fun when they can—and there’s no better place for that than Las Vegas—but most are looking for knowledge and relationships that can give them an edge as they try to deliver better communications solutions. During this tough economy, I bet attendees will be even more focused on this purpose.

In a time of tight budgets and even tighter staffing levels, it might be difficult for many to find the time and money to make the trip to IWCE, but doing so will prove to be money well spent. After all, these are times when everyone is trying to get more done with fewer resources, and being at IWCE can help arm decision-makers with the resources, knowledge and contacts necessary to achieve this challenging mission.