SOLiD

For over 15 years, SOLiD has been developing and deploying RF amplifiers, RF radios, and optical transport solutions designed to enable cost-effective densification of mobile networks, increasing capacity and coverage through DAS and small-cell deployments. They offer both outdoor and indoor DAS installations that target a wide range of locations, from large venues with high capacity-density requirements, to the Middleprise. In the past, Middleprise venues have been challenging for DAS deployments because of the complexity and cost of traditional DAS. SOLiD’s goal is to change this and make DAS attractive to smaller venues as well as to large ones. 

SBC: For those that don't know about SOLiD, tell us about what you do.

Scott: For over 15 years, SOLiD has been developing and deploying RF amplifiers, RF radios, and optical transport solutions designed to enable cost-effective densification of mobile networks, increasing capacity and coverage through DAS and small-cell deployments. We offer both outdoor and indoor DAS installations that target a wide range of locations, from large venues with high capacity-density requirements, to the Middleprise. In the past, Middleprise venues have been challenging for DAS deployments because of the complexity and cost of traditional DAS. SOLiD’s goal is to change this and make DAS attractive to smaller venues as well as to large ones. 

SOLiD DAS solutions are deployed across all verticals, including entertainment (e.g., stadiums, arenas), mass transit, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality and enterprise. 

The ALLIANCE Multi-Carrier DAS platform is SOLiD’s flagship DAS solution. It supports neutral-host deployment models, and works in frequencies ranging from 150 MHz to 3 GHz. Remote units are available at different power levels, each suited to a different venue and topology. Lower-power ROUs are well suited for smaller venues and public safety networks. Higher-power ROUs are most commonly deployed outdoors or in venues with high traffic loads. 

SOLiD also offers the EXPRESS Single-Carrier DAS, a multi-band solution developed for indoor and outdoor environments where only one operator has a presence. 

The EXPRESS Public-Safety DAS is a variation of the Single-Carrier one, designed for the public safety market. 

In the optical transport  area, SOLiD has been a leading proponent of DWDM, which splits a single fiber strand into multiple bidirectional channels to increase the capacity of the fiber, multiplying the capacity of the link. Linear add/drops enable the operator to use the same strand to serve multiple small cells, and to provide both fronthaul and backhaul. 

The DWDM solution, Infinity Access, supports multiple protocols (e.g., CPRI, OBSAI and Ethernet) and can simultaneously support multiple access technologies (e.g., LTE and Wi-Fi) in the same strand. Operators no longer need to add a new fiber link when they add a new RRH or a small cell. Moreover, because DWDM allows operators to gradually add new links to the same strand, they can reduce their deployment and operating costs as they expand their networks. 

SBC: Which problems do you focus on solving in the process of improving in-building public safety wireless communications?

Scott: Improving in-building public safety wireless communications is actually a two part challenge.  First you have to understand just how drastically public safety communications has and is changing.  No matter where you are when an emergency response is needed, there is an overwhelming probability that the initial call for help will be made via a cellular device.   This means that the frontline public safety response is increasingly dependent on a cellular connection and is driving the need for increase wireless density both in-building and outdoors.  Voice, text, streaming video, pictures, location data, all need to be in play and SOLiD is providing the active DAS component s to make this side of the Public Safety requirement work. But Public Cellular is only half the battle. The first responders that arrive on scene need to have the same “wireless” experience that the building occupants have.  SOLiD has been at the forefront providing public safety frequency DAS solutions that enable a robust a reliable connection for first responders.      

SBC: Do you have any products or services that can improve in-building public safety wireless communications?

Scott: The SOLiD ALLIANCE Platform provides a multi-carrier DAS solution for virtually any venue, facility, or building.  It’s a robust high performance solution that keeps people connected and communicating and when faced with an emergency, Safe.  We marry this with our EXPRESS Platform, a single carrier/ Public Safety frequency DAS, to provide the emergency teams and first responders with a network that ensure inside out communication with their two way radios. Both Solutions offer exceptional flexibility and performance and can be deployed as a hybrid or standalone parallel solutions depending on jurisdiction, venue or code requirements.

SBC: Why is it important for SOLiD and others in the industry to get involved in the public safety arena?

Scott: Donny Jackson of Urgent Communications summed it up nicely in the Foreword of SOLiD’s IMPERATIVE: A Definitive Guide for Private and Public Building Owners and Property Managers.  He simply put it “… It’s the Right Thing to Do” and adding that “ … The Timing is Right”. The entire SOLiD team believes this and we are working to not only make the technology a reality but educate and collaborate with the public safety communications community to ensure the need is viewed as an IMPERATIVE.  Yes, we think it is important but we also look at it as a sound business opportunity that delivers an incredible value to all. 

SBC: What inspired SOLiD to be a founding member of the Safer Buildings Coalition? 

Scott: It was an early and easy decision for SOLiD.  Face it, it’s never easy being the first to present an idea or champion a cause.  Also there was no doubt that in-building public safety wireless is going to be disruptive to building owners, public safety professionals and the wireless industry.  We understand that educating the marketplace and collaborating with all in the ecosystem is key to moving the industry forward and nobody wants to go at that alone.  The SBC is the perfect conduit to deliver an impartial yet compelling message to the market.  As a founding member we truly see this as a ground-floor opportunity.

SBC: What would you say to others in the industry considering joining the Safer Buildings Coalition?

Scott: The SBC is also a great resource to develop partnerships and mine industry feedback.  They continue to influence code adoption and set direction for the industry.  Their team is respected in the industry and is always willing to offer insight and feedback, feedback that comes directly from the field.

To learn more about SOLiD's products and services, visit their website at www.csquaredsystems.com or contact them directly at 

[email protected] or call  (888) 409-2907.