FirstNet driving the networking big boom
Network coverage for public safety communications and first responders has become a growing and critical focus for integrators, building owners and enterprise customers. The evolution of modern day networking technologies and the realization that not all networks are created equal has, however, created some serious integration hurdles.
Enter the latest motivating factor and driver of challenges for In-Building Public Safety – the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
Signed into law on February 22, 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act created FirstNet. The law gives FirstNet the mission to build, operate and maintain the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. FirstNet will provide a single interoperable platform for emergency and daily public safety communications.
Congress subsequently allocated critical spectrum and up to $7 billion in funding for the construction of the FirstNet network. To create a nationwide network, all 56 U.S. states and territories must have a radio access network that is connected to the FirstNet core network. To contain costs, FirstNet is tasked with leveraging existing telecommunications infrastructure and assets. As noted above, this is not without difficulties as disparate networks and, more importantly, differing network technologies and equipment can and will create integration issues and, ultimately, signal problems.
One such problem
System components (aka passive devices) are utilized as part of a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to direct the energy flow for specific frequency bands. Passive Intermodulation (PIM) is the unwanted signal or signals generated by the non-linear mixing of 2 or more frequencies in a passive (or linear) device such as a connector or cable. This non-linearity can occur due to poor quality material, ferromagnetic materials, corrosion or improper connections. In integrated base stations, significant levels of PIM can be generated within any of the passive components between the high power amplifiers and the receiver filter as well as the antenna.
Why is low PIM important to system performance
PIM can affect DAS performance when unwanted intermodulation generated by multiple signals in the downlink appears in the uplink, reducing overall quality of service. Additionally, PIM can cause interference in nearby systems including public safety solutions, thus reducing their overall coverage or signal quality.
Low PIM is important for the following:
- Improved system performance. Components with PIM levels below the noise floor enable maximum system performance.
- Near-term system quality. High-quality, compatible materials guarantee system performance on initial power-up.
- Long-term reliability. Low risk of loose connections or corrosion guarantee system reliability for the long haul.
The beginning of the beginning
As FirstNet begins the task of vetting the hundreds of vendors vying for a piece of the money pie, integrating existing telecommunications infrastructure and assets is sure to present challenges. The FirstNet initiative is only just now beginning to drive meaningful systems integration discussion, but finding the right partner early in the discussion can make jumping those initial hurdles a bit easier.
Key to success is finding a vendor that offers an extensive line of standard components as well as low PIM compliant system components to meet a variety of DAS requirements. These passive components should be available in multiple port configurations, power options and connector types.
About Westell Technologies
Westell is a leading provider of high-performance wireless infrastructure solutions focused on innovation and differentiation at the edge of communication networks, where end users connect.  The Company’s comprehensive set of products and solutions enable service providers and network operators to improve performance and reduce operating expenses.  With millions of products successfully deployed worldwide, Westell is a trusted partner for transforming networks into high quality, reliable systems. For more information, please visit www.westell.com.
