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The Advantages of Open Network Design 

The telecommunications landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by innovations such as open network design, which is changing how we think about and build connectivity solutions.  

Open (or non-proprietary) network design offers a flexible and inclusive approach to connectivity which is in stark contrast to the limitations of carrier-specific solutions. It offers unparalleled flexibility by enabling the seamless integration of any mobile carrier, creating an environment where end-users can enjoy optimal connectivity without being tethered to a single cellular service provider.  

This adaptability not only broadens the spectrum of available carriers, but also stimulates healthy competition within the industry by encouraging mobile operators to innovate and improve services to remain competitive within the open ecosystem. 

Carrier-Agnostic vs. Carrier-Specific 

Carrier-specific design, tailored exclusively for the infrastructure of a particular mobile provider, often results in a siloed approach that lacks the agility and interoperability of open network design. This solution is great for the end users of that network but ignores all other users who need access to cellular connectivity. Properly serving all users would require the implementation of redundant solutions, which is costly and ineffective. 

Conversely, carrier-agnostic DAS technology allows for seamless transitions between mobile providers without extensive network reconfigurations. Businesses can adapt to changing carrier preferences without the need for redundant infrastructure investments, leading to greater operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.  

Carrier-agnostic connectivity solutions are not only versatile but future-proof, which is a welcome departure from the constraints of carrier-specific frameworks. 

Flexibility in Carrier Selection 

Open network design and carrier-agnostic systems give businesses and end users the freedom to choose the mobile service provider that best meets their needs. They also ensure that users are not constrained by geographical or contractual limitations associated with exclusive carrier agreements.  

The ability to seamlessly switch cellular service providers without requiring extensive system changes or upgrades is another key advantage of carrier-agnostic solutions. Contrast that with the inflexibility of carrier-specific solutions, which often require intricate reconfigurations and investments in new infrastructure when transitioning to a different mobile provider. 
 
The ease of switching wireless carriers not only saves time and resources but also empowers businesses to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and capitalize on the most competitive and innovative cellular services. 

The Cost Advantages of Carrier-Agnostic Systems 

For businesses seeking sustainable and adaptable telecommunications solutions, the cost-effectiveness of a carrier-agnostic DAS system is a critical benefit. One notable source of long-term savings is the avoidance of carrier lock-in—a common challenge associated with carrier-specific solutions.  

By sidestepping exclusive agreements that often result in higher costs and limited negotiating power, businesses that employ carrier-agnostic systems can choose mobile providers based on competitive pricing and service quality. In addition, the flexibility to switch carriers without extensive infrastructure changes safeguards against the financial implications of being tied to a single carrier.  
 
The ability to adapt and choose carriers based on evolving business also leads to long-term savings. Companies can avoid the escalating costs and suboptimal service quality associated with prolonged carrier lock-in. 

Open network design is also good for the industry. It fosters healthy competition among carriers vying for integration into the system, driving them to offer more competitive pricing structures and service packages. And businesses can leverage this competition to negotiate more favorable terms.  

Enhanced Coverage and Performance 

Carrier-agnostic DAS systems deliver a robust and reliable mobile experience for every user—significantly improving signal strength across different carriers. They effectively amplify and distribute signals, ensuring a consistent and enhanced coverage footprint. This eliminates the frustrations of dropped calls or slow data speeds for everyone, without requiring layered systems for different carriers.  

Enhanced coverage and performance not only improve the user experience but also enable improved productivity and efficiency in various industry sectors, where uninterrupted and high-quality communication is paramount for business operations. 

The Right Solution for Shriners Hospital 

Shriners Hospital for Children is a network of 22 nonprofit medical facilities across North America, including 17 hospitals and five outpatient clinics. Shriners has treated over 1.4 million children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and is known for innovative pediatric care. 

The Challenge 

A new building at the hospital’s facility in Montreal, Quebec, was experiencing cellular connectivity issues due to impediments caused by the building’s state-of-the-art construction materials. The problem with weak cell signal was a particular concern in the on-call room, where medical professionals must be on-site 24 hours a day and depend on reliable and consistent mobile reception. 
 
After consulting with experts, the hospital determined that a WilsonPro Repeater System would be their most cost-effective, time-sensitive option to boost signal for all Canadian mobile carriers, including Rogers, Bell and Telus. 

The Solution 

After an extensive site survey, WilsonPro Repeater System was installed to quickly cover the on-call room and surrounding area from the fourth-floor server room. 200 feet of cable was installed, starting at the roof of the hospital. The installers paid close attention to safety issues when running cables and installing hardware in an active hospital environment, and the installation was completed within the quoted two working days—with minimal disruption.  

A powerful Wilson omnidirectional outside antenna was selected to capture cell signal from all carriers. To minimize structural impact, it was installed with a non-penetrating roof mount. Two additional WilsonPro repeaters were installed to handle the rest of the 100,000 sq. ft., six-story building. 

The Results  

The difference in mobile reception was apparent immediately. “Where we once had constant complaints (about the quality or nonexistence of cell coverage) we now have none,” the client explained. Doctors and medical staff no longer have to rely on the limited number of landlines to stay in contact with colleagues and patients. They can now use their cell phones to browse the internet and make calls and texts, without the frustration of dropped calls or poor reception. 

Most importantly, the cost effectiveness of a WilsonPro Repeater Solution allows more of the hospital’s resources to go toward advancing its mission of providing a supportive, loving environment where the Shriners continue to give children amazing patient care. 

Technical Benefits of WilsonPro Carrier-Agnostic DAS 

WilsonPro carrier-agnostic DAS systems include a variety of repeater, active DAS and hybrid solutions that integrate diverse carriers within a unified network. 

WilsonPro Repeater Systems 

The WilsonPro repeater solution amplifies and redistributes cellular signals within a specific environment to address in-building connectivity challenges. Consisting of an external antenna to capture existing outdoor signals and an internal antenna to broadcast enhanced signals within the building, the repeater acts as a bridge between the outdoor cellular network and the indoor space.  

The signals captured by the external antenna are fed into the repeater unit, where they are processed and amplified. The enhanced signals are then broadcast by the internal antenna, providing improved coverage and signal strength across multiple carriers and technologies. This process effectively mitigates issues like signal attenuation caused by building materials, distance, or obstacles to ensure a reliable and consistent cellular experience for users within the designated coverage area. 

Zinwave Active DAS 

Zinwave Active DAS is an advanced wireless connectivity solution known for its comprehensive support of 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G technologies. Employing a fiber-optic backbone, this system ensures efficient signal distribution over long distances with minimal degradation, contributing to system longevity and adaptability for future technology upgrades.  

The system’s ability to simultaneously support multiple carriers, coupled with remote monitoring and management features, enhances its flexibility and efficiency. It’s an excellent option for addressing coverage and capacity challenges within large structures, optimizing in-building wireless connectivity for a seamless user experience. 

WilsonPro Hybrid DAS 

The WilsonPro hybrid solution is a sophisticated Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that combines the strengths of both active DAS and repeater technologies to optimize in-building cellular connectivity. It utilizes both fiber-optic and coaxial cabling infrastructure to distribute cellular signals effectively.  

The active component of the hybrid system converts signals from RF to optical and then back to RF, offering flexibility in signal distribution over long distances. The repeater components, including antennas and splitters, then distribute the RF signals and distribute them within specific areas of a building. This hybrid approach ensures optimal coverage, capacity, and adaptability, making it a versatile, high-performance solution for various interior environments. 

A defining technical feature of all WilsonPro solutions is their compatibility with a broad range of technologies, ranging from CBRS to 5G and beyond. This adaptability is key to addressing the evolving telecommunications landscape, allowing the system to seamlessly accommodate the latest technological advancements. Businesses can stay at the forefront of connectivity trends without compromising on the efficiency and reliability of their communication networks.  

Why Choose Wilson Electronics for Carrier Agnostic DAS 

With a decades-long legacy, Wilson Electronics is recognized as a leader in DAS technology—and a company committed to quality and customer satisfaction. All our DAS technology undergoes rigorous testing and adheres to industry standards. And our seasoned professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to ensure that WilsonPro carrier-agnostic DAS solutions offer the latest, most innovative technology, customized to meet the needs of businesses in a broad range of industries. 
 
From initial installation to ongoing customer support and maintenance, WilsonPro’s dedicated team ensures that our carrier-agnostic DAS systems provide a reliable and adaptable communication infrastructure that fuels your growth. 

Discover the Benefits of WilsonPro Carrier-Agnostic DAS Technology 
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our seasoned experts, visit WilsonPro.com, submit a contact form, or call 1 800-871-1612.