Low-Power Active Distributed Antenna Network
About Client
The customer provides disruptive smart city solutions for high-rise and large scale buildings. By applying new technologies and methods to long-established markets, the company not only enables property owners to meet new occupancy regulations but also provides ongoing support and expertise to ensure continued compliance.
Company’s Request
Create the design of Low Power Active Distributed Antenna Network.
Technology Set
FPGA Firmware on Cyclone V MCU | Involves programming the FPGA to perform specific tasks. This MCU is used to handle complex processing tasks efficiently, such as immediate voice transmission across the network for real-time communication applications. |
RF on Software Defined Radio Device | The use of Radio Frequency (RF) technology on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) device allows for flexibility in communication across various frequencies, ranging from 150-900 MHz. This technology is capable of detecting antenna damage and other statuses for maintaining reliable communication within the building. |
Linux OS on ARM | Operating system running on ARM architecture. Provides a stable and flexible platform for managing the hardware and running the network software. ARM's efficient processing capabilities make it suitable for supporting the complex tasks required by the distributed antenna network. |
Network via PLC | Networking via Power Line Communication (PLC) technology utilizes electrical wiring to transmit data, allowing for connectivity across extensive cable lengths without degradation, unlike typical ethernet cables. This setup is particularly valuable in environments where traditional cabling may not suffice due to fire safety requirements or installation constraints. |
Additional IoT by LoRa for Consumer Purposes | LoRa technology is implemented to extend a low-power, wide-area network throughout the building, providing IoT connectivity. This network supports various consumer applications, enhancing the building's smart capabilities and enabling efficient, building-wide communication and device management. |
C++ | Is used to develop the middleware that interfaces between the hardware and the applications running on the network. |
AWS | Amazon Web Services, a comprehensive cloud services platform offering computing power, database storage, content delivery, and other functionalities to help businesses scale and grow. |
Solution
The system is a solution that is “Active-to-the-Antenna” enabling two-hour survivability, supervision, and ease of engineering and installation at a lower cost than other solutions. Additionally, it provides an IoT wireless network by LoRa to cover an entire building for consumer purposes.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
DSP algorithms written in Verilog/VHDL on FPGA Cyclon V-chip provides immediate voice transmission from node to node by RF without delays.
The RF-module designed based on LMS6002 Software Defined Radio covers the 150-900 Mhz spectrum and is able to detect any antenna damage that, along with other required health information, is reported to the Master unit and the AWS Cloud from which a supervisor can receive mail/SMS in order to quickly fix a breakdown.
A network stack developed based on PLC technology allows for a two-hour rated, fire-proofed cable without any length restrictions, like a typical ethernet cable.
LORA is used for coverage, in order to provide a low-power consumption network throughout the building.
Value Delivered
Real-Time Communication Efficiency
The implementation of FPGA Cyclone V-chip with Verilog/VHDL programming enabled instant voice transmission, reducing communication delays in emergency or critical situations. This feature supports faster decision-making and improved coordination among teams.
Effective Incident Management
Utilizing AWS Cloud for system alerts allows supervisors to receive notifications about network issues or malfunctions promptly via email or SMS. This rapid alert system helps in quick problem resolution, minimizes operational disruptions, and maintains high service reliability.
Cost-Effective Infrastructure
The network's use of PLC technology with two-hour fire-rated cables without length restrictions allows for safer and more flexible installations compared to traditional cabling solutions. This approach reduces installation costs, enhances safety compliance, and allows for scalable network expansions.
Sustainable Smart Building Solution
Employing LoRa for a low-power, building-wide network supports smart building applications, such as IoT device connectivity and management. This not only lowered energy consumption but also provided a scalable solution for enhancing building management, contributing to a greener, more efficient infrastructure.
Our team is committed to continuous improvement and is currently working on further enhancements to the solution. Moreover, we are currently working on developing new tools that can serve as a proper replacement for Zeek. These tools aim to further enhance the network security capabilities of the system, with a focus on anomaly detection rather than rule-based detection. This approach is expected to improve the system's ability to identify potential threats and respond to them more effectively.