DAS DESIGN SPECIFICATION

INCLUDES INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Implementation: 03-04-2014

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CONTENTS

2 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................5

3 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 6

4 HS&W ISSUES ............................................................................................................... 6

5 DESIGN SPECIFICATION................................................................................................... 7

5.1 DAS Planning ....................................................................................................... 7

5.2 Design Principles................................................................................................... 7

5.3 General DAS Description ........................................................................................ 7

5.3.1 Passive DAS ................................................................................................... 8

5.3.2 Active DAS .................................................................................................... 8

5.3.3 Hybrid DAS .................................................................................................... 8

5.4 Operating Frequency Bands .................................................................................... 9

5.4.1 Other frequency ranges ..................................................................................10

5.5 Reference Technologies ........................................................................................10

5.6 DAS Capability .....................................................................................................10

5.6.1 Passive DAS ..................................................................................................10

5.6.2 Active DAS ...................................................................................................10

5.7 Target Coverage Area ...........................................................................................10

5.7.1 RF Levels Required .........................................................................................11

5.7.2 Handover Zone .............................................................................................12

5.8 DAS Configuration ................................................................................................12

5.8.1 Passive DAS Interconnect Ports ........................................................................13

5.8.2 Active DAS Interconnect Ports ..........................................................................14

5.9 EME Design Constraints ........................................................................................14

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 5.10 EMC Design Constraints ........................................................................................15

5.11 Base Station Power Levels .....................................................................................16

5.12 Maximum Signal Received by MS/UE .......................................................................17

5.13 Minimum Allowable Path Loss ................................................................................17

5.13.1 Passive DAS ..................................................................................................17

5.13.2 Active DAS ...................................................................................................18

5.14 Propagation Model ..............................................................................................19

5.15 Measured performance of installed DAS ...................................................................19

5.15.1 Return loss ...................................................................................................19

5.15.2 Passive intermodulation..................................................................................19

5.15.3 Frequency response .......................................................................................19

5.15.4 Propagation delay..........................................................................................19

5.15.5 Group delay .................................................................................................19

5.16 Cable and Component Labelling ..............................................................................20

5.17 Preferred Material List ..........................................................................................20

5.18 Other Equipment Specifications ..............................................................................20

5.18.1 Characteristic impedance ................................................................................20

5.18.2 VSWR..........................................................................................................21

5.18.3 Intermodulation ............................................................................................21

5.18.4 Coaxial connector types ..................................................................................21

5.18.5 Coaxial Cables ...............................................................................................21

6 DELIVERABLES .............................................................................................................22

6.1 Documentation Presentation .................................................................................22

6.2 Preliminary Design Documentation..........................................................................23

6.3 Detailed Design Documentation ..............................................................................24

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 6.4 Installation Documentation ....................................................................................25

6.5 Contractor/Builder initiated DAS .............................................................................27

7 DEFINITIONS ...............................................................................................................28

8 REFERENCES................................................................................................................30

9 APPENDIX-A: DAS INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ....................................................................31

9.1 Passive Backbone.................................................................................................31

9.2 Active Backbone ..................................................................................................32

9.3 Floor Cabling .......................................................................................................32

9.3.1 Feeder Cable Mounting (non radiating cable) ......................................................33

9.3.2 Radiating Cable Mounting ...............................................................................33

9.3.3 Mounting of Omni Antennas ............................................................................35

9.3.4 Mounting of Panel Antennas ............................................................................35

9.3.5 Other Arrangements ......................................................................................36

10 APPENDIX B: TEST RESULTS – PASSIVE DAS ........................................................................37

10.1 RF Sweeps ..........................................................................................................37

10.2 Insertion Loss ......................................................................................................37

10.3 Passive Intermodulation Testing .............................................................................38

10.3.1 Dynamic testing ............................................................................................38

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1 Bands designated for use by mobile network operators 9

Table 2 . Reference Technologies and 3GPP standards 10

Table 3. Minimum coverage levels for a DAS 12

Table 4 EMI limits 15

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Table 5 Distance from antenna for E field limits 16

Table 6 Maximum received levels at MS/UE 17

Table 7 Minimum allowable path loss 18

Table 8 Definitionns 29

Table 9 References 31

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 4-1 MNC configuration 14

Figure 8-1 Distribution from backbone cable 32

Figure 8-2 Floor Cable Mounting 33

Figure 8-3 Mounting Radiating Cable in ceiling space 34

Figure 8-4 4 Minimum clearance for omnidirectional antennas 35

Figure 8-5 Mounting omnidirectional antenna under metal ceiling tiles 36

Figure 9-1 Example of a return loss sweep 37

Figure 9-2 Example of an insertion loss report 38

1 PURPOSE

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are used to provide enhanced indoor mobile coverage and
capacity management using spatially separated antennas distributed around the proposed

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coverage area. The DAS is considered to consist of the in-building cabling, distribution and
radiating elements (antennas) required for such coverage solutions.

This specification outlines the design standards and acceptance criteria for such a system.

2 SCOPE

This document applies to the design of a DAS to which a mobile operator proposes to connect its
equipment. Where the DAS is comprised of more than one sector, the standards outlined in this
document shall apply to each sector. These standards will apply to passive, active and hybrid DAS’s

This document does not cover any aspects of the site acquisition and/or leasing arrangements, nor
does it cover other requirements such as power, air-conditioning, transmission or space allocation.

3 HS&W ISSUES

This document does not override any general or project specific HS&W requirements. Where there
seems to be a contradiction, more stringent requirement should apply until the issue is discussed
and agreed between the Sharing Carriers.

The design process must address EME levels in line with mandatory standards.

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4 DESIGN SPECIFICATION

4.1 DAS PLANNING

Before beginning the detailed design of a DAS, the designer must follow these steps.

1) The design must evaluate the coverage levels provided by the surrounding cells, and taking into
account any proposed network changes that are likely to cause an impact.
2) The design must take into account any technical, structural or architectural constraints.
3) The design must comply with any applicable regulatory conditions (building codes, electrical
safety etc.).

4.2 DESIGN PRINCIPLES

The DAS must be designed with these six key principles in mind.

1) Provide enhanced coverage, and a consistent user experience within the target coverage area.
2) Provide dominant coverage within the target area to avoid unnecessary hand-off’s and/or
interference to/from the rest of the network.
3) Provide sufficient capacity for the size of the building and expected occupancy.
4) DAS’s must be engineered to allow in interference-free operation between the Sharing
Carriers.
5) The DAS design must provide for inter-operability with each of the Sharing Carrier’s macro
networks.
6) The DAS must be operated in accordance with ACMA licence conditions.

4.3 GENERAL DAS DESCRIPT ION

The Distributed Antenna System (DAS) architecture may be described as either:

1) Passive, where the base station signal is distributed to the antennas via a passive network of
coaxial cables, splitters and couplers.

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2) Active – where the base station signal is connected to a central hub or interface unit, which
then feeds a network of either optical fibre cables, or Ethernet. Each of these cables in turn
connects to an active low power RF head and antenna.
3) Hybrid - These will have a combination of Passive and Active Elements.

4.3.1 PASSIVE DAS

A passive DAS is typically divided into two main components:

4) The backbone feed system which forms the distribution to each floor or area; and,
5) The floor/area cabling.

The backbone is generally composed of cables, splitters and couplers. The preferred network
topology is for groups of floors/areas (up to 4) to be fed from a multi-way splitter, which in turn is
fed from a trunk cable from the BTS (or from a higher level splitter where there are more than 4
floors/areas).

The floor cabling can be a combination of any of radiating cable, coaxial cable, antennae and
terminations.

4.3.2 ACTIVE DAS

An active DAS typically has an interface unit which converts an RF signal from the base station to
either analog (IF), digital or optical signals. This interface unit is typically co-located with the BTS
equipment. From this point, typically optical fibre distribution or CAT-5 cables are used to feed
remote active heads which convert the optical signals back to RF signals which are then connected
to individual antennas or to a small passive distribution system (Hybrid DAS).

Active systems may be multi-band, and/or support multiple technologies. For example, a tri-band /
multi-technology system could have 3G850, LTE1800 and 3G2100 amplifiers in a common remote
head.

4.3.3 HYBRID DAS

This configuration generally takes the form of an Active DAS, which then feeds into smaller passive
DAS tributaries.

Another configuration might be a multi-sector solution where a common base station feeds an
Active DAS in one section of the building, but has another indoor coverage area served by a Passive
DAS.

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4.4 OPERATING FREQUENCY BANDS

In Australia, the following bands are designated for use by mobile network operators under both
Spectrum and Apparatus Licences (PTS) which are administered by the ACMA.

Band 3GPP Frequency (MHz) Reference Alternate

band Technology Technology

700 MHz 28 DL: 758 to 803 LTE none

UL: 703 to 748

800 MHz 5 DL: 870 – 890 WCDMA none

UL: 825 - 845

900 MHz 8 DL: 935 – 960 GSM WCDMA, LTE

UL: 890 - 915

1.8 GHz 3 DL: 1805 – 1880 LTE GSM

UL: 1710 – 1785

2.1 GHz 1 DL: 2110 – 2170 WCDMA LTE

UL: 1920 - 1980

2.3 GHz 40 2300 – 2400 MHz TD-LTE none

2.5 GHz 7 DL: 2620 – 2690 LTE none

UL: 2500 - 2570

Table 1 Bands designated for use by mobile network operators

For maximum flexibility, the DAS should be designed to allow operation on all available bands.
Exceptions to this requirement must be agreed by the Sharing Carriers

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4.4.1 OTHER FREQUENCY RANGES

Where provision is required for non-cellular services, components that cover the required
frequency range should be specified.

4.5 REFERENCE TECHNOLOGIES

The DAS shall be designed to operate with base station and repeater equipment that is compliant
with the relevant 3GPP standards, as well as the corresponding ACMA licence conditions.

Reference 3GPP series

Technology

GSM TS 45 series

WCDMA TS25 series

LTE TS 36 series

Table 2 . Reference Technologies and 3GPP standards

4.6 DAS CAPABILITY

4.6.1 PASSIVE DAS

Generally a passive DAS must be designed to simultaneously distribute the range of frequencies
and technologies identified in Table 1.

The number of Sharing Carriers and the expected number of RF signals (channels) in each
frequency band shall be established prior to the commencement of the design

4.6.2 ACTIVE DAS

The number of Sharing Carriers and the number of channels per Carrier in each frequency
band shall be established prior to the commencement of the design.

The design shall assume that all channels in every frequency band are in operation simultaneously
and at maximum forward power (allowable at MNC port or for active max power of remote head).

4.7 TARGET COVERAGE AREA

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The Target Coverage Area shall be agreed prior to commencement of the design and shall be
marked on copies of the site plan and floor plans.

4.7.1 RF LEVELS REQUIRED

As a general principle for good DAS design, it is important to provide dominant coverage within the
target area to avoid unnecessary hand-off’s and/or interference to/from the rest of the network,
as well as delivering a high quality signal within the coverage area.

This is one reason why the target RF levels for the DAS design will vary according to the location
within the building. For example, the influence of the external macro network is likely to be
greatest in proximity to the perimeter walls and windows – so the DAS design should ensure that
the coverage from the DAS is dominant in these locations.

The following table specifies minimum coverage levels in various areas of a building. These values
should available over 95% of the target coverage area, and are the MINIMUM acceptable levels.

The DAS should be designed to maintain at least 9 dB of dominance over the external macro
network.

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Location GSM (RSSI) WCDMA (RSCP) LTE (RSRP)

Within 2 m of the > -65 dBm RSCP > -85 dBm > -95 dBmSINR
perimeter walls requirement >
Ec/I0 (unloaded) = -7 dB
and windows 15 dB
inside the premises Ec/I0 (loaded) = -11 dB

Building core > -70 dBm > -90 dBm > -100 dBm
SINR
requirement >
15 dB

Basement car > -75 dBm > -95 dBm > -105 dBm
parks
SINR
requirement >
15 dB

Outside building at < -90 dBm < -100 dBm < -110 dBm
ground level
SINR
requirement >
15 dB

Table 3. Minimum coverage levels for a DAS

4.7.2 HANDOVER ZONE

RF levels shall be sufficient to facilitate both-way handovers with the external network at locations
agreed on the target Coverage Area.

Handovers to/from external fast moving mobiles need to be avoided (except in tunnels). The
design should ensure that RF levels specified in section 4.7.1 at ground level outside the building
are met.

4.8 DAS CONFIGURATION

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The DAS shall be passive wherever possible utilising the RF power of the base stations to the fullest
possible extent. Active DAS sections shall be included only if there is installation constraints or
available RF power is not sufficient.

Access to the DAS ports shall be from a communications room with sufficient accommodation for
the base station and network transmission equipment.

The design shall satisfy the installation requirements specified in Appendix A.

The distribution for each floor in a multi-storey building shall commence in a common
communications riser shaft.

4.8.1 PASSIVE DAS INTERCONNECT PORTS

The accepted method for combining signals on to a common DAS is by way of a Multi-Network
Combiner (MNC). These combiners are generally available with four input ports, and four output
ports. Thus, each of the four outputs carries a composite signal which is a composite of all of the
signals that appear at the input ports.

The MNC combines the signals from each of the Sharing Carriers, and then distribute these to the
DAS segments.

In consideration of the potential for passive intermodulation products to cause interference in a

DAS, each input port shall be capable of accepting up to 80 W composite transmit power, with a
maximum power of 10 watts (40 dBm) per individual channel (e.g. 8 x 10 W into each of the 4
inputs, at Measurement point 1 in Figure 4-1).

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 Telstra IP 1 OP A DAS Segment 1

OP B
Vodafone IP 2 DAS Segment 2

MNC
Optus IP 3 OP C DAS Segment 3

Spare IP 4 OP D DAS Segment 4

Measurement Point #1 Measurement Point #2

Figure 4-1 MNC configuration

4.8.2 ACTIVE DAS INTERCONNECT PORTS

The design must provide a duplex port for each Sharing Carrier for each frequency band which the
Carrier has notified as a requirement.

4.9 EME DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

Under no circumstances should the combined power level from all transmitters cause the power
density within 100 mm of any antenna to exceed the ARPANSA General Public power flux density
(“Maximum exposure levels to radio frequency fields – 3 kHz to 300 GHz”, Radiation Protection
Series No. 3, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.).

With this constraint in mind, the composite input power to any antenna in a DAS shall not exceed
+17 dBm per Sharing Carrier without prior approval of the Lead Carrier.

The EME design should assume a worst case scenario where each of the Sharing Carriers is feeding
80 watts (49 dBm) at 700 MHz (or the lowest frequency that the DAS is designed for) into their port
of the multi-network combiner.

In the case of an Active DAS (or DAS segment), the EME design must assume that all active devices
connected to an antenna are operating at their maximum rated composite output power per
frequency band.

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4.10 EMC DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

Designers shall ensure that the field strength levels in Table 4 are not exceeded in the areas or at
the equipment locations specified.

Location Equipment Type Field strength limit

Hospitals Critical care medical 1 V/m rms

equipment

Institutions for the 1 V/m rms

Hearing Impaired

Domestic Equipment Location of domestic 3 V/m rms

electrical equipment, e.g.
radio & television receivers,
IT equipment.

Co-located Base station Other Base Station 3 V/m rms

equipment equipment

Explosives and Fuel Electro explosive devices – 9 V/m rms

quarries, blasting sites.
Military – consult TRL.
Petroleum or aviation gas
fuel sites.

Table 4 EMI limits

The design of the DAS should take into account the following EMC standards.

AS/NZS 61000.6.1:2006: - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Generic standards - Immunity for

residential, commercial and light-industrial environments. Replaces AS/NZS 4252.1:1994.

BS 6656:2002: - Guide to prevention of inadvertent ignition of flammable atmospheres by radio-

frequency radiation. Replaces British Standard BS6656:1991.

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PD CLC/TR 50427:2004: - Assessment of inadvertent ignition of flammable atmospheres by radio-
frequency radiation. Replaces British Standard BS6657:1991

As a guide, the table below indicates the distances from an antenna that the 1, 3 and 9 V/m
electric field strength limits are reached (to within 0.1 m). Note that, for a given EIRP, the electric
field strength at a given distance is independent of frequency and varies linearly with distance.

Input power to antenna (dBm) Antenna gain (dBi) Distance (m) Electric field strength (V/m)

+23 3 3.5 0.99

+23 3 1.2 2.89

+23 3 0.4 8.68

+23 6 4.9 1.00

+23 6 1.7 2.89

+23 6 0.6 8.18

+23 9 7.0 0.99

+23 9 2.3 3.01

+23 9 0.8 8.66

+23 12 9.8 1.00

+23 12 3.3 2.97

+23 12 1.1 8.90

Table 5 Distance from antenna for E field limits

4.11 BASE STATION POWER LEVELS

The design of a passive DAS shall assume a maximum of 10 W (+40 dBm) per RF carrier is applied to
each input port on the MNC. The MNC is rated at a maximum power of 80 watts at each port, thus

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implying that each of the Sharing Carriers could , for example, combine up to eight (8) RF carriers
(at 10 watts each).

This is the level that should be used as the basis of the link power budget, maximum signal level
and EMC calculation.

4.12 MAXIMUM SIGNAL RECEIVED BY MS/UE

The maximum signal levels received by a MS or UE situated as close as possible to any antenna
while being 1.5 m above floor level shall be in accordance with the table below (GSM05.05 Clause
6.1 for GSM900 & DCS1800, 3GPP TS25.101 Clause 7.4 for WCDMA and 3GPP TS36.101 Clause 7.4
for LTE).

Technology Maximum received

power

GSM (900) -15 dBm/200 kHz

WCDMA -25 dBm/3.84 MHz

LTE -25 dBm/channel

bandwidth

Table 6 Maximum received levels at MS/UE

Note that for a passive DAS the minimum path loss is determined by the maximum allowable levels
at the BTS receiver inputs as in 4.13.

4.13 MINIMUM ALLOWABLE PATH LOSS

4.13.1 PASSIVE DAS

The DAS design must consider the circumstances where an uncontrolled MS/UE 9 (i.e. not being
served by any of the RF carriers present on the DAS) is operating on an adjacent channel, or a
controlled MS/UE is operating on the wanted channel at minimum transmit power may lead to the
base station receiver being overloaded.

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These levels are specified in the 3GPP specifications (GSM05.05 Clause 5.1 for GSM900 & DCS1800,
3GPP TS25.104 for UMTS and TS36.104 for LTE).

The table shows the minimum allowable path loss - which in th case of a passive DAS refers to the
coupling loss from a MS/UE being operated at a nominal 1.5 m above floor height, to the BTS
input. This value therefore includes the losses in the MNC and the antenna distribution network.

Technology MS/UE Tx Maximum BTS received Minimum path

Power power loss

GSM900 +33 dBm -26 dBm/200 kHz 59 dB Adj.- channel

+5 dBm -40 dBm/200 kHz Co-channel

DCS1800 +36 dBm -35 dBm/200 kHz 71 dB Adj.- channel

0 dBm -40 dBm/200 kHz Co-channel

3G850 +24 dBm -52 dBm/3.84 MHz 76 dB Adj.- channel

-50 dBm -73 dBm/3.84 MHz Co-channel

3G2100 +24 dBm -52 dBm/3.84 MHz 76 dB Adj.- channel

-50 dBm -73 dBm/3.84 MHz Co-channel

LTE +23 dBm -52 dBm/occ BW 75 dB Adj. -

channel

Table 7 Minimum allowable path loss

4.13.2 ACTIVE DAS

The design must ensure that the Maximum BTS received power values of Table 6 are complied
with.

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Ensure that the maximum uplink input signal levels at the remote units do not exceed the
manufacturer’s ratings.

4.14 PROPAGATION MODEL

This document does not specify a propagation model as it is up to the DAS design vendor to ensure
that sufficient margins are provided, so that the minimum signal levels specified in this document
are delivered by the designed system once it is in operation.

4.15 MEASURED PERFORMANCE OF INSTALLED DAS

In addition to the coverage, power and loss specifications above, a passive DAS shall meet the
following performance requirements.

4.15.1 RETURN LOSS

Return loss measured at any input port of the multi-network combiner (or any other device serving
a similar function) must be greater than 20 dB over the operating frequency bands.

The return loss of any feeder connected to the output ports of the Multi-Network Combiner shall
be greater than 16 dB over the operating frequency bands.

4.15.2 PASSIVE INTERMODULATION

The passive intermodulation performance of each passive DAS segment connecting to a multi-
network combiner (Measurement point 2 in Figure 1) shall be -140 dBc with 2 x 43 dBm carriers
minimum as measured at 850 to 900 MHz.

4.15.3 FREQUENCY RESPONSE

The frequency response of the DAS shall be within 1 dB across the licenced bandwidth in any one
band.

4.15.4 PROPAGATION DELAY

The maximum propagation delay of the DAS shall be less than 10 uS

4.15.5 GROUP DELAY

The group delay difference across any 20 MHz channel shall be < 30 nS

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4.16 CABLE AND COMPONENT LABELLING

The installed cable and components should be labelled as follows:

The horizontal runs of cable shall be labelled with a sticker at intervals of approximately 6 metres.
For vertical runs of cable, such as in risers, stickers shall be placed at approximately 1.8 m above
floor level on every floor.

These stickers shall also be attached on or close to each component. Stickers must not be placed
on the radiating element of the antenna or on the component identification plate. However
stickers should be placed on radiating cable.

All feeders should be identified at both feeder opening points with a label containing a concise
identification code uniquely identifying each cable and cross referenced to the system drawing.
Identification labels shall be provided by the contractor.

4.17 PREFERRED MATERIAL LIST

The DAS designer must verify the suitability of all materials and equipment associated with the DAS
with the Lead Carrier prior to incorporation in the DAS design and material purchase order.

This step is very important because it not only contributes the long term performance of the DAS,
but will ensure that the Lead Carrier is able to provide ongoing management, maintenance and
support

The use of high quality RF connectors with gold or silver plating, or made of sucoplate™, brass, or
beryllium copper is essential. RF connectors containing steel, nickel, or aluminium shall not be
used.

Cables shall meet the requirements of relevant building codes, fire authorities and building
owners/managers in respect of fire retardant and smoke emission properties. In general, there is
no specific requirement for general office areas, but some buildings may require particular cable
specifications.

If an existing DAS installation has fire retardant and low smoke emission cables, specify cables with
equivalent properties for any upgrade or extension of that DAS.

4.18 OTHER EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

4.18.1 CHARACTERISTIC IMPEDANCE

RF circuit impedance of the system shall be 50-ohm unbalanced.

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4.18.2 VSWR

VSWR measured at any base station input port (genrally this refers to the MNC) shall not exceed
1.22:1 (corresponding to 16 dB return loss) over the operating frequency bands.

4.18.3 INTERMODULATION

The passive intermodulation performance requirement for all components in the DAS beyond the
multi-network combiner shall be -140 dBc (with +43 dBm test signals) or better.

The minimum performance specification for any load (termination) connected to an unused output
port of a multi-network combiner shall be -140 dBc. The preferred configuration is for all output
ports to be connected to individual DAS segments. If this is not possible, specify low-IM cable
loads.

Specify that unused input ports of the multi-network combiner be terminated with 50 ohm/5 W
terminations. The maximum third-order intermodulation power produced by the termination shall
be -110 dBm when tested with 2 x +30 dBm CW test signals in the 900 and 2100 MHz bands.

4.18.4 COAXIAL CONNECTOR TYPES

7-16 DIN connectors must be used on all ports where the composite peak power exceeds 1 watt.

N type connectors can be used where the incident power is less than 1 watt.

All coaxial connectors must checked for compliance with the relevant standards. For 7-16
connectors this is DIN 47223 , and for N type MIL-PRF-39012D. The connectors must then be
tightened using a suitable torque wrench in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Inter-series coaxial adapters must not be used in any circumstances.

4.18.5 COAXIAL CABLES

Low loss coaxial cables with solid outer conductors should be used for the DAS backbone; for
connections between BTS and Multi-Network Combiner or cross-band coupler; and between multi-
network combiner and main feeders.

Patch cables with solid outer must be used for interconnections between the base station
equipment and any filters, splitters and combiners.

Examples of such cables are RFS LCF and SLCF cables.

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Factory assembled feeders patch cables shall be specified with the following minimum
performance parameters:

VSWR: 1:1.10 (26 dB RL) minimum over the frequency range 703 – 2690 MHz

Intermodulation performance: Any third order product must be better than -150 dBc, under both
static and dynamic condition between 703 and 2690 MHz.

Connectors: DIN 7-16 or type-N, as required (refer section 4.17)

Joiners and inter-series adapters are not to be used in any circumstances.

4.18.5.1 CABLES WITH BRAID, FOIL OR FOIL/BRAID SCREENING

Cables of this type (for example LMR400, RG214 etc.) have been found to have poor
intermodulation performance regardless of the quality of the connector terminations, and should
not be used.

4.18.5.2 CABLES THAT ARE PART OF AN ANTENNA ASSEMBLY

In some case, antennas are fitted with a short flexible coaxial tail. These are acceptable if they
meet the passive intermodulation and return loss specifications.

 VSWR: 1:5(14 dB RL) minimum over the operating frequency range of the antenna.

 Intermodulation performance: Any third order product must be better than -150 dBc, under
both static and dynamic condition between 703 and 2690 MHz

 Connectors: DIN 7-16 or type-N, as required (refer section 4.17)

 Joiners and inter series adapters are not to be used in any circumstances.

5 DELIVERABLES

5.1 DOCUMENTATION PRESENTATION

All documentation shall be securely bound in a durable cover and in a form that allows easy
replacement and addition of individual sheets. The design authority shall provide two sets of all
documentation supplied to the lead mobile carrier and any other Sharing Carriers.

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In addition, soft copy of all drawings and documents supplied above are to be provided on a CD or
DVD. The documents shall be provided in formats compatible with the suite of Microsoft Office
2007 applications.

All files must be supplied in a form that is editable for future modifications to the DAS. For
example, the power budget spread-sheets can be updated with the addition of extra technologies
or channels in the future. If available iBwave™ format files should be provided.

Drawings shall be in Acrobat .PDF format. (MS Visio or AutoCad drawing format if requested.)

All scanned drawings are to be stored in JPEG Bitmap format (*.JPG) or Acrobat .PDF format.

The design contractor shall provide two copies of the CD or DVD containing electronic copies of all
documentation supplied.

The design contractor shall provide Detailed Design Documentation and Turn-key Installation
Documentation.

5.2 PRELIMINARY DESIGN D OCUMENTATION

Provide preliminary design documentation containing design related information and drawings to
each of the Sharing Carriers for confirmation of design acceptability prior to progression to
detailed design.

This documentation must contain the following elements:

1) Design survey results showing

a) existing coverage levels, conducted on street level to evaluate handover requirement;
b) existing coverage levels , conducted on a medium floor and a high floor to evaluate
interference;
c) propagation study to characterise loss between consecutive floors in a high rise building;
d) propagation study to characterise loss between an antenna in lift lobby and a mobile inside
a lift car when lift door is closed, both at the same level;
2) A description of the proposed design concept;
3) A system schematic diagram;
4) Link power budget calculations for a single RF carrier in each of the frequency bands /
technologies identified in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of this document.

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5) Calculation to show the composite power calculated at each antenna port to demonstrate
compliance with Section 4.8;
6) Authority from the lead carrier for any category 1 antenna where the power inserted will
exceed the +17dBm composite power per operator
7) Propagation calculations demonstrating that RF levels predicted are in accordance with Section
4.7;
8) Bill of materials (excluding installation materials);

5.3 DETAILED DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

Provide detailed design documentation containing design related information and drawings to a
licensed mobile carrier for confirmation of detailed design acceptability prior to progression
installation.

1) Design survey results:

a) existing coverage levels, conducted on street level to evaluate handover requirement;
b) existing coverage levels, conducted on a medium floor and a high floor to evaluate
interference; These surveys should be conducted and plotted as a snail trail overlayed on
top of the floor plans. (RSCP and Ec/Io plots should both be collected for WCDMA 850 and
2100 MHz, and xxxx for LTE).
c) propagation study to characterise loss between consecutive floors in a high rise building;
d) propagation study to characterise loss between an antenna in lift lobby and a mobile inside
a lift car when lift door is closed, both at the same level.
2) System description.
3) System schematic diagram.
4) Backbone distribution description.
5) Floor layout description (for each floor unless identical).
6) Equipment location and room details including access details, layout diagram/schematic
showing BTS positions.
7) Actual photos of the equipment room and the active remotes (if present).

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8) Calculations:
a) power budget calculations for a single RF carrier in each of the frequency bands;
b) composite power calculated at each antenna port to demonstrate compliance with clause
4.8;
c) propagation calculations demonstrating that RF levels predicted are in accordance with
clause 4.7.
9) Prediction printouts.
10) Manufacturer’s specification for all relevant equipment and material (power splitters,
directional couplers, antennas, standard feeder cables, radiating coaxial cables, etc.).
11) Bill of materials (excluding installation materials), referring to the Lead Carrier’s product
sourcing agreements where applicable.
12) Certificate of Compliance stating that there are no RF radiation hazards, suitable for uploading
to the National Site Archive.

5.4 INSTALLATION DOCUMENTATION

Provide installation related information and drawings, sufficient for installation.

1) Instructions for installation of the design:

a) antenna mounting instructions;
b) floor cable mounting instructions;
c) communications riser cabling instructions;
d) equipment room cabling instructions;
e) cable handling instructions;
f) cable labelling instructions.
2) Drawings:
a) DAS system schematic;
b) floor layout for every floor;
6) Floor layout drawings, showing the cable runs and antenna placement on each floor, shall be
supplied by the contractor. These drawings should have sufficient detail and landmarks shown,

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 so that a person unfamiliar with the site should be able to trace out the proposed cable run and
show the proposed positions of antennae and other components (couplers, splitters, etc.)
without needing to remove the tiles. Where applicable, the floor plan should also show
preferred cable entry/exit points.
7) The drawing will be prepared in accordance with Australia Standards and recommendations
(e.g.1:100 scale), with at least 5 layers as follows:
i) drawing title, boundary, etc.
ii) structural walls, lift cores, permanent brick or block partition walls, etc.
iii) semi-permanent office partition walls (of plasterboard, glass, etc.) of full height to
ceiling level. Other partitions, such as workstation partitions, may be omitted
iv) proposed cable, component, and equipment design details
v) proposed cable, component, and equipment label designation
c) Backbone distribution layout;
8) The drawing will be prepared in accordance with Australia Standards and recommendations
(e.g.1:50 scale), with at least 5 layers as follows:
i) drawing title, boundary, etc.
ii) structural details and existing riser details, such as existing cable ladders, large pipes,
etc., which are significant;
iii) proposed cable ladders for DAS backbone
iv) proposed cable, component, and equipment design details
v) proposed cable, component, and equipment label designation
d) Installation details for non-standard cable and component installation.
3) Bill of material (including installation materials).
4) All aspects of civil engineering design work (if required) including the following:
a) the structural design of the antenna support structures;
b) any other structural calculations or designs.
5) Specifications and instructions relevant to cabling, wiring and termination work of the RF
feeders, optical fibre cables, power wiring, and earth connections including:
a) assembling of parts;

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 b) fitting of connectors;
c) any other information that may fall within this category.
6) Specification of AC power outlets for all AC powered equipment specified in DAS.
7) Design and specification of the protective earth systems including lightning finials on the
antenna support structures for all externally installed antennas; the RF cable shall be
connected to earth just after entry into the BTS room if it is exposed to external environment.
8) Testing and commissioning specification and procedure of the Distributed Antenna System, and
data recording sheets (refer to Appendix C), including:
a) RF sweeps;
b) RF power measured at the designated test points;
c) calculated line loss wrt the reference point;
d) passive intermodulation testing;
e) all alarm indications of the supervisory system (if applicable) to demonstrate that they are
operational to the manufacturer’s specification.
9) A list of the required spares (the type and quantity of the spares) considered necessary for the
prompt and efficient repair of faults which might arise during the operational life of the system.
A 5% ratio is considered appropriate when there is no other applicable guideline.

5.5 CONTRACTOR/BUILDER INITIATED DAS

If the building owner or building developer has asked a contractor to design a DAS, and the
Contractor subsequently seeks a licensed mobile carrier to take over optimisation and
maintenance of the DAS, then the following information should be provided by the contractor
along with the detailed DAS design.

1) Location and physical size (sq m) of the building.

2) Number of levels in the building and the ones being covered by the DAS.
3) Breakdown of tenants if available.
4) Maximum number of people expected in the building at peak time.

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5) Type of DAS – Passive, Active or Hybrid.
6) Sectorisation plan for capacity management.
7) Identify high capacity service requirements if known eg: if some tenants want to have a
wireless office.
8) Technology being catered for (especially in an Active system) and the number of RF carriers the
link budget is designed for.
9) Uplink / Downlink loading used in the link budget.
10) Clearly identify if the DAS can achieve at least 9dB dominance over macro network on all levels
to ensure satisfactory data throughput, capacity and performance.
11) Proposed Soft HO areas once the DAS is ready with the outside macro network.
12) Commercial terms (who will fund the cost of the DAS?).
13) Any other relevant information available at the time.

6 DEFINITIONS

The following words, acronyms and abbreviations are referred to in this document.

Term Definition

ACMA Australian Communication and Media Authority

Carrier Licensed mobile telecommunications operator

Channel Individual bearer, e.g. CDMA (1.23 MHz bandwidth), GSM & DCS (200 kHz bandwidth),
UMTS (3.84 MHz bandwidth) or LTE (5,10,15 or 20 MHz bandwidth

CW Continuous Wave (i.e. unmodulated carrier)

IBC In-Building Coverage

DAS Distributed Antenna System

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Lead This has meaning in terms of the inter-carrier MOU for connection to the DAS
Carrier

LTE Long-Term Evolution

OH&S Operational Health and safety

Operator Alternative to ‘Carrier’, but specifically used in the context of the Lead Carrier who is
the Operator of a DAS.

RAN Radio Access Network

RF Radio Frequency

RND Radio Network Development

SDB Site Design Brief

SEM System Engineering Manager

Sharing This has meaning in terms of the inter-carrier MOU for connection to the DAS
Carrier

Table 8 Definitions

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7 REFERENCES

DOCUMENT NUMBER TITLE

3GPP TS25.101 3GPP TSG RAN; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and
reception (Release 12)

3GPP TS25.104 3GPP TSG RAN; Base Station (BS) radio transmission and
reception (Release 12)

3GPP TS36.101 3GPP TSGRAN; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-
UTRA); User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception
(Release 12)

3GPP TS36.104 3GPP TSGRAN; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-
UTRA); Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception
(Release 12)

Australian Standard AS3516.2 ‘Digital television—Terrestrial broadcasting Part 1:

Characteristics of digital terrestrial television transmissions’

Australian Standard AS 4599.1 ‘Siting of radiocommunications facilities – Part 2: Guidelines for

fixed, mobile and broadcasting services operating at
frequencies above 30 MHz’

Australian Standard ‘Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Generic standards -

Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial
AS/NZS 61000.6.1:2006
environments’. Replaces AS/NZS 4252.1:1994.

BS 6656:2002 ‘Guide to prevention of inadvertent ignition of flammable

atmospheres by radio-frequency radiation’. Replaces British
Standard BS6656:1991.

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PD CLC/TR 50427:2004 ‘Assessment of inadvertent ignition of flammable atmospheres
by radio-frequency radiation.’ Replaces British Standard
BS6657:1991

Table 9 References

8 APPENDIX-A: DAS INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Note that under no circumstances do the following instructions override Building Codes of
Australia. Where there is any conflict with the building codes, installation contractor must follow
Building Code of Australia.

8.1 PASSIVE BACKBONE

All backbone feeder cables shall run to the equipment room and be terminated with a DIN7-16
female connector. Wherever possible these cables shall be installed on the existing communication
cable trays between the equipment room and the communications riser. It shall be the design
contractor’s responsibility to ensure space is available. In the case of space not being available,
additional cable trays shall be specified.

Wherever possible, backbone feeder cables shall be installed on the existing cable ladder in the
communications riser. It shall be design contractor’s responsibility to ensure space is available. In
the case of space not being available additional cable ladder shall be specified.

All couplers and splitters specified in the backbone shall be mounted in an accessible location
inside the communications riser. All ports of these devices shall be connected through flexible
jumper cables to 1/2” or larger diameter feeder cables.

Figure 8-1 shows the layout of the backbone cable in a typical installation. The coupler shall be
located in a position that is uncluttered and with a view to future maintenance. Both the coupler
and cable should be secured to the riser wall or tray. Most couplers have holes to allow them to be
screwed to the wall but cable ties are acceptable. Jumper cables may be omitted from one port if
there is sufficient space to provide strain relief by putting a bend in a backbone cable.

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Figure 8-1 Distribution from backbone cable

All cabling in the riser shall be fixed neatly along the tray or to the wall with appropriate ties.

Fire-proof sealing shall be applied at all penetrations where a cable crosses boundary from one fire
control region to another, such as from a riser into a floor area. Watertight gland shall be
employed where necessary.

8.2 ACTIVE BACKBONE

The instructions given are 8.1 is still applicable, except fibre optic cables rather than RF feeder
cables are used. Fibre optic connectors shall be FC/APC type.

8.3 FLOOR CABLING

Cables run in the roof space may be strapped to the ceiling grid hangers in accordance with Figure
8-2, however this is not permitted by the Building Code of Australia if the hangers are only
designed to support the weight of the suspended ceiling and any associated light fittings. Make
sure that an approval explicitly authorising connection to ceiling grid hangers was obtained prior to
connecting any cable to these hangers.

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8.3.1 FEEDER CABLE MOUNTING (NON RADIATING CABLE)

The cable should be neatly fixed, taking the shortest possible path, to the ceiling grid hangers by
cable ties, allowing the maximum possible clearance above the ceiling tiles so as not to inhibit the
lifting of ceiling tiles for maintenance purposes. Cable ties should be placed at intervals of not
more than 2 metres.

Where connection to ceiling grid hangers are not permitted, cables has to be attached under
concrete slab at intervals of not more than 2 metres.

Figure 8-2 Floor Cable Mounting

8.3.2 RADIATING CABLE MOUNTING

The cable should be neatly fixed to the ceiling grid hangers by cable ties, establishing a nominal
cable route of 6 m distance from the perimeter windows while taking the shortest possible path.
The cable should be run close to the ceiling tiles but above the lights and with enough clearance to
allow the tiles to be removed without hindrance. Cable ties should be placed at intervals of not
more than 2 metres.

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Where connection to ceiling grid hangers are not permitted, radiating cables has to be attached to
messenger wires or directly under concrete slab at intervals of not more than 2 metres, in
accordance with its manufacturer’s instructions.

As with any radiating component, radiating cable should not be run near metal objects. It is not a
problem to run the cable past metal objects or to cable tie it to metal objects as long as the cable
and object traverse each other and do not run together longitudinally. If the cable needs to be run
along a metal object such as an air-conditioning duct it should be kept at least 100 mm off the
object. Similarly the cable should be installed using self-locking hangers with standoff accessory if it
is required to be installed on a concrete or metal surface. Various other methods are also possible,
such as using messenger cables. The Contractor shall ensure that cable manufacturers’ installation
requirements are met in the Design Documentation to obtain the specified cable performance. In
particular, ensure that any instructions regarding the cable directivity are passed on to the
installation contractor (e.g. to align the cable in accordance with a mark on the cable sheath).

Figure 8-3 Mounting Radiating Cable in ceiling space

The radiating cable (at the riser end) will be terminated with a type-N female connector.

This arrangement is valid for all floors with non-metallic ceiling tiles. If the ceiling tiles are metallic,
then no radiating cable should be installed in the ceiling space, and antennas must be installed in
accordance with section 8.3.5

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8.3.3 MOUNTING OF OMNI ANTENNAS

The space around the antenna (including the ceiling space) should be as clear of metal objects as
possible to minimise the generation of intermodulation products and prevent distortion of the
radiation pattern. Ideally, there should be no metal objects within 600 mm of the antenna. In
practice, locate centrally in or on a ceiling tile to maximise the spacing from the supporting grid
and place as far as possible from ductwork, cable trays, etc.

Specify installation of omnidirectional antennas on the underside of the ceiling wherever possible.

Where it is not possible to install antennas on the underside of the ceiling (eg due to a restriction
imposed by building owner or architect), install the antenna within the ceiling space.

Specify minimum spacings in accordance with Figure 8-4.

Figure 8-4 4 Minimum clearance for omnidirectional antennas

The design contractor shall ensure that any propagation losses through the ceiling tiles are
measured and taken into account during the design process.

8.3.4 MOUNTING OF PANEL ANTENNAS

The panel antenna is a directional antenna. It shall be mounted away from metal surfaces to
minimise the generation of intermodulation products and prevent distortion of the radiation
pattern. There shall be no metal objects within 1.2 m of the front of the antenna.

Specify installation of panel antennas on a wall or on the underside of the ceiling wherever
possible.

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The antenna should be mounted at least 170 mm above the plasterboard if installed in the ceiling
space.

8.3.5 OTHER ARRANGEMENTS

The methods described above are suitable for ceilings with acoustic ceiling tiles. However where
metal tiles are used, the use of radiating coaxial cables is not possible. In this case antennas shall
be installed below the ceiling tiles.

See Figure 8-5 for details. Ensure that the metal ground plane of the antenna is insulated from the
metal ceiling tiles, by using an insulating disc or insulated standoffs or, in some cases, the radome
of the antenna may provide an effective stand-off if it wraps sufficiently over the edge of the
ground plane.

Antennas which have a non-metallic securing nut are preferred in this situation. When screws are
required to secure the antenna to the ceiling, use non-metallic screws, nuts and washers (nylon or
similar).

Figure 8-5 Mounting omnidirectional antenna under metal ceiling tiles

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9 APPENDIX B: TEST RESULTS – PASSIVE DAS

9.1 RF SWEEPS

All RF sweeps are to be documented as per the diagram below with the cable number and also
supplied in electronic format to the Lead Carrier for validation and acceptance.

All cables are to be swept across the 703 MHz to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2690 MHz bands.

Figure 9-1 Example of a return loss sweep

9.2 INSERTION LOSS

The backbone distribution system must be checked for its insertion loss. A signal must be fed in at
the base station end and the level out must be measured at the final splitting or coupling point to
each floor. Where a splitter feeds more than 1 floor or there is more than 1 output from the same

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splitter to a floor only one output needs to be tested. The difference between the input level and
the output level must be recorded as the insertion loss.

All measurements for insertion loss must be tabulated as per the example below and supplied in
electronic format to the lead carrier for validation and acceptance:

Test Point Frequency Input Input Output Insertion

Point Power Power Loss

Splitter 860 MHz BC/B2/1 +20 dBm -3 dBm 23 dB

S/3/1

Splitter 860 MHz BC/B2/1 +20 dBm -7 dBm 27 dB

S/11/1

Figure 9-2 Example of an insertion loss report

9.3 PASSIVE INTERMODULATION TESTING

Passive intermodulation testing shall be carried out to determine the PIM performance of the
installed DAS. The test configuration shall be in accordance with Set-up 1 of IEC 62037, using two
+43 dBm test signals.

Testing should be done in at least two frequency bands (e.g. 900 MHz and 2100 MHz).

Test results shall be provided for reflected measurements at the following points:

• Each input of the multi-network combiner

• Each segment connected to multi-network combiner outputs (measured at the point which
connects to the multi-network combiner, ie including cable tails).

9.3.1 DYNAMIC TESTING

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Where specifications call for dynamic testing (of cable assemblies), the cable under test shall be
bent through 90 degrees at its minimum bending radius, straightened, bent through 90 degrees
and straightened. The worst PIM performance observed during this sequence shall be recorded.

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