Smart City Wireless Engineering Services for Small Cell, HetNet and 5G Infrastructure

Connect with us to explore how we can put advanced strategies, disciplines, and technologies to work for you, your city, state, region, or building. 

DESIGN, FURNISH & INSTALL CAPABILITIES OVERVIEW

Outdoor: Macro/ Mini-Macro LTE, Small Cell, DAS, Microwave, Millimeter Wave, Wi-Fi, and IoT

Indoor:  iDAS, Small Cell, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems, Wi-Fi, and IOT

SERVICES OVERVIEW

  1. Discovery
  2. Site, Building, Network: Survey, Audit, and Simulations
  3. Benchmark RF and Site Survey (Tower, Building or Drive Test)
  4. RF and Network Design
  5. Carrier and or AHJ Coordination
  6. Pre-Construction Survey
  7. Final RF and Network Design
  8. Carrier / AHJ Approval
  9. Equipment Sourcing
  10. Installation
  11. Commissioning
  12. System Acceptance Testing / Optimizations
  13. Monitoring, Maintenance, and Support (*Annual “Code Compliance” Inspections /Certifications as required for ERRCS)

SERVICES DESCRIPTION:

DISCOVERY

This first step, as the name implies, deals with our team gathering a better understanding of the goals, needs, desires and problems of the stakeholders. We collect or create required documentation including info on any assets, the “As built” network info, GIS/ GPS and or Floor plans, so that we can begin to create a clear vision that defines success. We review all documentation for all the sites in scope, then present a general direction or in some cases can begin to share high-level solution strategies, factor any relevant local codes along with any of the known requirements. From here we then can present the stakeholders with what the next steps forward should be, in the form of an initial assessment. This may include budgetary estimates for the solution based approach design package, that includes a budgetary equipment example. Installation estimates, along with any foreseeable challenges. This helps the stakeholders clearly understand both the feasibility as well as the total cost of ownership before committing blindly. If initial review of our direction and estimates fall within the threshold of the stakeholder’s comfort level, we then kick off a tailored engagement so that we can get physical and begin filling in any of the unknowns and confirm or deny any assumptions made during initial discovery consultation.

SITE, BUILDING SURVEY, AUDIT & SIMULATIONS

Dependent on the documentation provided or created during Discovery, we are ready to take the required steps to prepare the project to adhere to industry best practices. This could be as simple as creating a project in our RF and Audit tools with the provided CAD files and mapping the building materials of the inner walls, outer walls, the door and window glass types and the respective attenuations of those materials in a 3D Simulation of the work area. Or in some cases, its taking the GIS data and Macro Cellular data and importing it into our design tools. These scope specific steps taken to prepare a simulation construct also serves the project well later in the benchmarking, design, optimization, and acceptance stages. Alternatively, this stage, often consists of taking 2D plans from an image file and redrawing the entire work area in detail or importing hi resolution terrain, clutter. Building data into the RF / Network design tool. Regardless of how we start the end game remains the same. Create a construct for later viewing the coverage and capacity models as well as the viewing of the collected benchmarking data efforts in its own layer inside the model. On the extreme end, when there are no tangible plans for a site or building and we have exhausted all other efforts to try to recover them from the AHJ, we can schedule a focused site/ building and drafting survey that consists of laser range finder and hypsometer measured dimensions / heights, materials samples and extensive notation of power systems and receptacles, cable pathways, control rooms etc. Most of the time, the above practices are adequately sufficient for most projects. However sometimes in rare cases we must get aggressive to get the data we need, in those cases LiDAR along with varying sensor arrays or Stereoscopic Machine Learning Vison equipped manned charter flight flyovers or drones for large or remote areas.

BENCHMARKING

As a progression of the first and second step, accurate and efficient onsite data collection and reports that clearly depict the current state of all signal levels in and around the work area is a key driver for long term success, many times using this data in the design phase can lead to in significant savings. Additionally, if your project is seeking any carrier contributions, the more data, in a usable, familiar report format and cross tool data exchange workflow, the better your chances.

Our advanced hybrid tool set and methodology makes it easy and enables us to quickly measure, record, replay and run detailed technical and visual reports on all signal levels and on all technologies, protocols present and map with precision in a single walk or drive test. Our logfile creation can also aide in finding existing interference sources or pinpointing rouge infrastructure. While onsite, if needed, we also document any structural changes that may exist between the plans that we were given and what the current state of the work area is in. This results in the truest reflection of the real-world current state of the work and combined they are a key driver for enhanced accuracy, efficacy, and compliance.

Our team specializes in advanced deep dive KPI performance testing and optimization for all cellular carriers, Wi-Fi, IoT and “Grid Testing” for emergency responder radio coverage systems (ERRCS). We also offer annual signal compliance inspections, including battery discharge testing and log creation for ERRCS as required by NFPA / IFC. We will work with the local fire department to you maintain compliance by issuing them the required General Radiotelephone Operators License (G.R.O.L.) certification stamp validating your fire code compliance.

DESIGN & PLANNING

Our wireless engineering philosophy it is not just about what works for today – it is about what’s right for tomorrow. As our clients’ trusted infrastructure partner, we architect robust, efficient, cost-effective, future-ready solutions that prepare and equip AHJ’s, Utilities and Building owners for what is next – and help them to grow not only better infrastructure and amenities but also in some cases, help them realize new ROI models from their existing assets and future investment strategies. One of the most critical steps to achieve this, comes down to design, but not just the design, but more so the vision behind it.

Many do just the bare minimum to reduce costs of their services and deliver an immediate result and that wows the stake holders, at first. Often recommending systems what they are most familiar with, so instead of the stakeholder getting what is best for them, they get a system that has the best fit for the team running the project… Let that sink in, while we also bring to light often missed things like new and emerging technology options with far better economics. Regardless any competitor most certainly lacks our company culture and alternative thinking that benefits the stakeholders most, not the carriers or contractors themselves.

In general, any short sightedness at this stage can quickly lead to unforeseen, unwanted, un-needed future costs and change orders relating to overlooked upgrade paths, narrow or improperly rated conduits that will not support growth or new compliance requirements and could cause a dreaded overbuilds, re-do’s and even worse expensive “rip and replace” debacles.

Because we truly have the stakeholders best interest in mind, combined with our passion for doing the right things for the right reasons.

Our vision has lead us to turning the industry norms, acceptable standard practice, and self-serving short cuts of the ecosystem at large and used it as our playbook of what not to do.

Turnkey or a la cart System design services;  

  • Site, Building, System, and Network Design simulations.
  • Indoor / Outdoor Predictive Coverage Modeling with real world “As Measured” benchmark data
  • KPI planning to meet / exceed requirements
  • Optimizations
  • Design packages for RFP creation and bidding purposes
  •  Audit and Design packages
  • Custom Solutions and Thought Leadership

CARRIER AND OR AHJ COORDINATION

At this point, the deliverables that we have created tell the tale and either meet or exceed all goals, vision, and requirements.

We then start the official engagement with local or national managers and RF teams to present audited deficits along with our proposed solution and make our first requests. The Carries and or AHJ review and either accept or suggest changes or more data or data presented in a preferred format or method. Once we understand their direction and intent, if needed, we make any final course corrections, then plan to go put fresh eyes on the work area prepare to resubmit and wait for confirmation of acceptance, the approvals, and executable contracts

PRE-CONSTRUCTION SURVEY

By now our teams have combed over every inch of a proposed project area both digitally and physically. We also know exactly what the carriers and or AHJ want, so it is now time to conduct a final pre-construction walk, where the actual construction team that will be doing the work, take a fine-tooth comb, and go over the approved design plan and physical environment with the projects “construct-ability” as its sole focus. This final pass enables the consideration of all the Carrier or AHJ’s request as well as provides updated firm labor budget bids for what has been contracted. This input enables all involved to clearly review and address the entire scope, in what will soon be its final state and put a firm number on it.

FINAL DESIGN

This stage combines all factors of a projects discovery, bench-marking, and design phases along with all the carrier / AHJ input and pre-construction survey. With all the preparation behind us and the documentation in hand, we implement any design changes, scope changes, expressed requirements or gating factors that became known in the final pre-construction survey, into a single design model that includes the entire scope and now meticulously reflects the truth and satisfies the contract.

All Plots, Diagrams, KPI Reports, Link Budgets can now be resubmitted to the required parties for final approval.

CARRIER, FCC AND OR AHJ APPROVALS

This pivot point is another crucial one, depending on the carrier or AHJ, approvals can sometimes come back quickly or seem to go in to a black hole. The key is to remain steadfast, persistent yet patient, but most importantly being able to quickly address and adapt to any unforeseen course changes or last-minute final hurdles. With approvals in hand, the rest of the project now resides in the physical domain.

EQUIPMENT SOURCING / LOGISTICS

Our team knows just how important this stage is, as a result we put extra focus and effort on not just sitting back and “ordering the goods” but excelling at it, by meticulously making sure that only the right parts, get to the right job site at the right time.

Members of our team have been building Macro Coverage LTE and Microwave for Tier 1 cellular carriers all over America for decades. Lots of sites are far away and remote… Our other team members have been doing In Building Systems for just as long. Again, they go to where the work is, so we have learned what it means to be onsite somewhere and be 12 hours or days away from having what you need. You would likely be quite surprised to learn the amount of times, the mistakes of others eroded our day, week even months’ worth of productivity on a project as well as our also eroding our budget. From the distributors and even big-name macro network OEM’s and MFG’s like Nokia, Samsung, Alcatel, to Turf Partners like General Dynamics and Goodman Networks, time after time they have delivered the wrong parts to the job site and created unnecessary delays and stop work scenarios.

Because of this experience, we have become passionate about the procurement and logistic process and have enacted multiple processes and quality control checks to assure our crews have exactly what they need to complete work on schedule.

CONSTRUCTION / INSTALLATION

Trained. Skilled. Qualified. Experienced. And committed. These are the hallmarks of Airpacket’s Aerial and Civil construction and deployment teams – seasoned, knowledgeable professionals who get the job done right the first time. No matter if it is an ERRCS build, a Macro LTE or Millimeter Wave build or an “Neutral Host” In Building Solution or Hybrid Indoor / Outdoor Small Cell or Wi-Fi project. Our intimate knowledge of and commitment to best practices, is best articulated, with three words. “Zero Punch List”

COMMISSIONING

While we can deliver full single source, start to finish turnkey, we also know how to play nice. In some cases, the site or building owner may have a preferred low voltage contractor that must be used for the cabling, or perhaps there is a union requirement, but neither the preferred LV crew or the Union guys have the training and certifications to commission and optimize the active equipment. True to form, we get in where we fit in, and can provide the support services necessary to ensure the optimal commissioning, activation, and performance of the system.

SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE TESTING / OPTIMIZATION

So here we are, my how far we’ve all come together. The system is built, it’s been electrified and is now transmitting in an operational pre-production state. Time to break out the old benchmark data and reports, reload the test and measurement tools and take stroll through the work area to record some more logfiles, run scripted KPI tests, validate eNB MIMO, and go as far down that rabbit hole as required by the Spectrum owners, generate new reports that depict the current state of the pre-optimized as built status.

Then by comparing and analyzing the first collected benchmark data set, with the “as designed” predictions and data set with the current reports depicting the “as built” current state, we along with all parties involved can see with great resolution any of the possible variances between the as designed and the as built and how it measures up to the predicted and desired KPI’s. Make any optimization changes needed to line up with contracted expectations… Walk, record and report on the results of the changes made and provide evidence of effectiveness.

Call it in to the respective NOC or Command Centers. High fives all around. Officially launch the system into its full production status.

CLOSE OUT PACKAGE

Take a bunch of pictures of the build, take a bunch of screen shots of the UI of the gear, take the accepted state KPI reports along with any other required info and .zip it up, upload or transmit them to the rightful owners. All Contracted work is now complete.

MONITORING, MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT

Proactive remote system alarms monitoring identifies issues in timely fashion to significantly minimize cost and downtime. However, for Public Safety ERRC Systems its required to remain in compliance with the code and to maintain building occupancy, if that part of the code is being enforced at a local level by the AHJ, if so, it is to ensure adequate indoor radio coverage for firefighters and other emergency responder personnel during critical emergency service calls to your property.

When lives are on the line as well as possible fines or even the loss of occupancy permit are a real threat vectors, the system should be monitored by a 24/7 NOC and supported by our technicians with an acceptable response time service level agreement in place.

A subscription offers, but is not limited to:

  • Real Time Active Monitoring
  •  Quarterly reports on system performance based on system snapshots, graphs, and logs from Real Time Active Monitoring efforts.
  • Annual on-site system inspection, signal testing, optimization, and redundant power system battery discharge tests
  • Assurance that system remains in compliance with all regulatory bodies, spectrum owners and adheres to all FCC polices or SAS rules.
  • Trouble ticket system, phone email, web.
  • Remote Access Agreement
  • Timely onsite Technician response time

*ADDITIONAL CONSULTATIVE SERVICES

Owner, Stakeholder or AHJ Representation Services

*ADDITIONAL TESTING SERVICES (Public Safety)