The evolution of building standards and the diversity of materials used in construction pose new challenges for radio coverage. Today, the issue of signal propagation from outside to inside (outdoor to indoor) is no longer just a matter of a rough estimate: it requires a detailed approach, taking into account the reality of the structures and their composition.
Custom radio modeling: precision serving performance
Whether they are standard buildings, buildings with insulating windows, or ecological constructions, each type of building has a different impact on radio signal attenuation. Orange’s model can adapt to this diversity by using specific attenuation values for each building type. Today, expertise needs sometimes go even further.
For example, version V600 of the model now allows for precise association of materials with buildings (wood, concrete, etc.) and the differentiation of load-bearing walls shared between two structures. This level of precision helps refine coverage modeling and anticipate areas at risk of poor reception, taking into account the physical reality of the structures.
Simulating reality: much more than just a matter of walls
Radio wave propagation does not depend solely on walls and materials. To address the increasing complexity of environments, advanced modeling tools incorporate numerous outdoor parameters: diffraction simulation to ensure optimal coverage despite obstacles, consideration of multiple reflections in 3D on rugged terrains, 3D modeling of guided waves between buildings, and local adaptation through the integration of water surfaces, vegetation, and weather conditions.
This comprehensive approach allows for fine-tuning solutions, whether it’s optimizing reception in dense urban environments or precisely identifying signal losses between indoor and outdoor areas of buildings, using pre-calibrated and adjustable attenuation data based on frequencies and building structures.
Three use cases where expertise makes a difference
1- Industry and tertiary sector: ensuring continuity in complex environments
Take the example of an industrial zone where private network coverage must be guaranteed to ensure equipment connectivity and personnel safety. Considering the material of walls, shared load-bearing walls, and complex propagation scenarios allows for precise identification of network weak points and optimization of antenna or repeater deployment. Thanks to advanced modeling, it becomes possible to locate shadow zones, simulate different deployment scenarios, and optimize coverage while controlling infrastructure costs.
2- IoT and smart buildings: reliability and adaptability on all fronts
Another use case involves a national private network dedicated to IoT (smart water meters). The diversity of buildings (old, new, eco-friendly, etc.) requires customized modeling to ensure communication reliability, even in the most challenging environments. It involves anticipating signal losses caused by specific materials (e.g., reinforced insulation glazing or thick stone walls) and recommending suitable solutions, such as repositioning antennas or adding repeaters.
3- Historic monuments: balancing discretion, heritage, and optimal coverage
A less well-known but particularly demanding use case concerns radio coverage in historic monuments and listed sites, especially those registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Architectural and heritage constraints require hiding antennas: they must not be visible and are often installed under roofs or in discreet technical spaces.
This setup presents new challenges: it’s no longer just about simulating outdoor-to-indoor or indoor-to-indoor propagation, but also about optimizing indoor-to-outdoor propagation. The goal is to ensure that signals emitted from a hidden antenna under a roof can effectively cover outdoor tourist areas without damaging the site’s appearance. This requires detailed modeling, taking into account the thickness and nature of historic materials, atypical volumes, and radiation constraints.
Anticipating tomorrow's challenges
Beyond current challenges, several emerging issues need to be anticipated. The rise of smart and connected buildings, the proliferation of IoT objects, connectivity through mobile transportation means (trains), and the widespread adoption of private networks (MPN) impose higher demands for indoor communication reliability and security. Additionally, evolving environmental standards lead to the use of innovative materials, sometimes highly attenuating radio waves, which further complicates modeling. Finally, urban densification and network overlay (public, private, temporary) pose new challenges in terms of interference and spectrum management.
In response to these issues, it becomes essential to rely on versatile modeling tools capable of simulating complex phenomena (diffraction, multipath, guided propagation) and integrating precise data on buildings, as well as expert interpretation to analyze results and propose tailored solutions.
Make expertise your best ally for customized radio coverage
Having a versatile tool is an advantage, but only solid expertise enables you to leverage all its features and tailor the modeling to each specific context. This not only provides more precise solutions to current challenges but also helps anticipate future needs related to building evolution and changing usage patterns.
Are you wondering how to improve indoor coverage in your buildings or optimize your private networks? Let’s discuss and find the best solutions together!
