Indoor building coverage: the new challenge for mobile networks

^8th conference of the Télécom ParisTalks cycle co-organized by
Télécom ParisTech alumni - Réseaux & Services group
and Télécom Evolution

The spread of mobile networks is undeniable: the phenomenon of smartphones and other mobiles gradually replacing fixed-line telephones, the personal nature of mobiles, the Internet of Things, etc. However, one problem has been thwarting this progress for many years: indoor coverage.

It is indeed exciting to increase data rates and frequencies, but there are simple laws of physics which mean that a radio signal has difficulty penetrating a concrete wall, reaching basements or the inside of tunnels, thus preventing the implementation of services associated with mobile networks, notably geolocation. So there's a real problem, first downplayed, then taken into account by the players in the mobile market, both operators and manufacturers.

Over the years, these companies have developed active solutions (microcells, etc.) and passive solutions (Distributed Antenna Systems, etc.) to provide solutions for both residential customers (Femtocells associated with fiber/ADSL boxes, for example) and business customers (site coverage by cabling and antenna distribution, for example), or for public areas (airports, subways, parking lots, etc.).

The coexistence of totally different radio data technologies, in this case WiFi and 3G-4G cellular, is a related issue. How can their complementary nature be used? How can we seamlessly switch from one technology to the other in an underground or isolated environment?

Five presentations by market players, followed by a round-table discussion with the previous speakers and others, will provide concrete examples of :

Take stock of needs and associated market factors
Take stock of techniques/technologies used to meet these needs
Address WiFi/Cellular issues in closed/underground environments
Identify trends for the coming years, in particular with the widespread use of 4G and the arrival of 5G.

This conference will be divided into 2 parts:

*Presentations*
neutralOP	Rémy Buclin, Founder Introduction / state of the art
Société du Grand Paris (SGP)	Bernard Cathelain , Member of the Executive Board A customer's point of view. What are the expectations of the major projects currently underway?
Orange	Arnaud Vamparys, Vice-president, Radio Networks The offer of a generalist operator
HubOne	Jean-Hyacinthe d'Ussel, Director of Operator Relations Offer from a specialized operator
Huawei	Gauthier Dereux, Wireless Marketing Technical response from a manufacturer
Nokia	Stéphane Daeuble, Small Cells Product Manager Technical response from a manufacturer
Round table discussion	with previous speakers and
TDF	Olivier Plantureux, Marketing Director, Telecom Division
Axione	Antonio Caselles, Ile de France Agency Manager

Discussions can continue during the cocktail reception following the conference.

Admission is free and the conference is open to all. Please feel free to pass on the invitation.
Registration (online) is imperative to gain access to the conference room, and ID will be required at the entrance to comply with the vigipirate plan.

In anticipation of the conference, we invite you to read the Smartbuildings feature
from TELECOM magazine n°185, published in June 2017