CASE STUDY

The Challenge 

The Battersea Power Station complex, with its massive size and industrial architecture, posed significant challenges to cellular coverage. The original building was steel framed and clad in London brick, making mobile signal propagation difficult.  The thick concrete walls and metal structures created signal obstructions, resulting in weak signals and poor call quality within the buildings. The high density of people expected within the complex would further strain the cellular network, leading to dropped calls and slow data speeds.

The inadequate cellular coverage hindered the ability of residents, workers, and visitors to stay connected and access digital services, impacting their daily activities and productivity. The developers recognised the need for a robust and reliable mobile network infrastructure to provide a seamless communication experience within the magnificent building.

The Solution

The best solution for such a complex space was an Active Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to address the cellular coverage challenges in the building. An Active DAS is a network of antennas strategically placed throughout a building or complex to distribute cellular signals efficiently.

The deployment began with a Live Coverage test to identify areas with weak signal coverage. Based on the findings, a customised DAS solution was designed and engineered by the Pan RF design team to meet the specific requirements of the Battersea Power Station.

The DAS comprised of strategically placed antennas connected to a central headend. The headend received cellular signals from base stations in the basement of Battersea Phase 1 and distributed them through the antennas, amplifying and extending the signals throughout the complex. The system was designed to support multiple cellular technologies, including 2G, 3G, and 4G, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all frequency bands.

Installing the DAS required careful planning and coordination with Mace and The Cabling Group project management team to minimise disruptions to the ongoing build program. Pan RF coordinated closely with the architects to ensure the system blended with the surrounding areas and was unobtrusive. The antennas were discreetly installed in various locations, including common areas, residential units, commercial spaces, and leisure facilities. The system was seamlessly integrated with the existing infrastructure, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing installation.

The Outcome

The deployment of the Active DAS in the Battersea Power Station resulted in a significant improvement in cellular coverage and capacity. The residents, workers, and visitors are now experiencing reliable voice and data services, eliminating dropped calls and slow data speeds. This enhanced connectivity allowed them to stay connected, access digital services, and communicate seamlessly.

The DAS also positively impacted the complex’s operations and customer satisfaction. Retailers and businesses within Battersea Power Station could provide improved digital services and enhanced customer experiences, leading to increased footfall and revenue. Residents benefited from seamless connectivity within their living spaces, enabling them to work from home, stream content, and communicate effectively.

Moreover, the deployment of the system showcased Battersea Power Station as a modern and technologically advanced development. The reliable cellular coverage and capacity added value to the complex’s offerings, attracting residents, businesses, and visitors seeking a connected and digitally enabled environment.

In conclusion, deploying the DAS in Battersea Power Station successfully addressed the challenge of poor cellular coverage and capacity. The enhanced mobile connectivity improved the overall experience for residents, workers, and visitors, fostering productivity, convenience, and satisfaction within the complex.

Are you managing a large build project? Do you want to ensure excellent mobile and radio coverage in your building? Give Pan RF a call; we are here to help.