The Future of In-Building 5G Connectivity
In today’s hyper-connected world, reliable in-building wireless connectivity is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. From massive office buildings and bustling hospitals to hotels and retail centers, robust cellular coverage is critical for staying productive, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring a seamless user experience. However, achieving consistent coverage indoors can be a challenge, especially in large buildings where traditional outdoor cell towers struggle to penetrate walls and reach every corner.
That’s where small cells come into play. Small cells are low-power wireless access points that enhance cellular coverage and capacity in specific areas, providing the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality 4G LTE and 5G connectivity indoors. They are ideal for addressing coverage gaps in buildings, ensuring that employees, customers, and guests enjoy uninterrupted service, regardless of their location. For organizations, small cells are a game changer, enabling them to meet growing demands for data usage and connectivity without overloading traditional networks.
CommScope’s ONECELL, now available through our partnership with ANDREW, an Amphenol company, takes small cell technology to the next level. This innovative solution is purpose-built for the evolving demands of modern enterprises, delivering carrier-grade wireless connectivity with an IT-friendly deployment model. Available through MCA’s In-Building Wireless Solutions (IWS) team, ONECELL empowers organizations to take control of their in-building cellular network. With its future-proof, easy-to-manage infrastructure, enterprises can ensure seamless, scalable wireless coverage that keeps pace with the demands of 5G and beyond.
What is ONECELL?
CommScope ONECELL is an innovative indoor small cell system designed to deliver seamless multi-operator, multi-band LTE and 5G coverage through a streamlined, Wi-Fi-like architecture. Unlike traditional distributed antenna systems (DAS), which often involve complex and expensive infrastructure, ONECELL leverages an Ethernet-based fronthaul, making it both cost-effective and easy to deploy or scale.
Created to address the rising demand for reliable private and public in-building wireless networks, ONECELL strikes the perfect balance between traditional DAS and enterprise small cells. It offers neutral host capabilities and ensures a smooth 4G to 5G network migration, making it a future-ready solution for modern connectivity needs.
How ONECELL Works
ONECELL is a revolutionary solution that delivers seamless LTE and 5G coverage by integrating cutting-edge technology into a highly efficient and scalable system. Its architecture is centered around simplicity, scalability, and reliability, making it ideal for a variety of deployments, including neutral host networks, private LTE, and 5G networks. With ONECELL, you can expect uninterrupted connectivity, consistent performance, and a future-proof system that adapts to evolving network demands. The system is built on three key components: the Baseband Controller, Radio Points (RPs), and the Device Management System (DMS). Together, these components ensure optimal network operation and user experience.
1. Baseband Controller
The ONECELL Baseband Controller serves as the core of the system, handling all essential baseband processing and scheduling functions. Compact yet powerful, it supports up to 1,024 simultaneous users within a half 1U chassis, making it highly scalable for larger deployments. Its design prioritizes flexibility, particularly for neutral host setups, where it can accommodate multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) or private networks. This central component ensures efficient resource allocation and reliable performance, even in high-demand environments.
2. Radio Points (RPs)
Radio Points (RPs) are compact access points that are responsible for transmitting and receiving RF signals within a building, thereby creating a robust and interference-free coverage environment. Unlike traditional small cells, ONECELL’s single-cell architecture eliminates challenges such as interference and handovers, ensuring seamless connectivity as users move throughout the coverage area. The RP5000 Series is designed for multi-operator deployments, supporting up to four frequency bands per unit and offering software-based upgrades from LTE to 5G. For more targeted needs, the RP2000 Series provides a cost-effective single-band LTE solution, making it ideal for smaller or specialized deployments.
3. Device Management System (DMS)
The Device Management System (DMS) streamlines the deployment and maintenance of ONECELL networks by automating provisioning, configuration, and ongoing support. It provides centralized visibility into the network, enabling RF optimization, remote monitoring, and troubleshooting from a single platform. The DMS is available in two flexible formats: as on-premise software for localized control or as a cloud-hosted SaaS solution, allowing operators to choose the option that best fits their infrastructure needs. This component ensures that network management remains efficient, scalable, and responsive to changing demands.
Why Choose ONECELL?
ONECELL is redefining in-building connectivity with its innovative single-cell architecture. Whether you’re an enterprise, healthcare facility, or government organization, ONECELL ensures seamless LTE and 5G coverage while simplifying deployment and reducing costs. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Seamless In-Building LTE and 5G Coverage
ONECELL eliminates coverage gaps and capacity issues commonly found in large facilities. With its single-cell architecture, it delivers:
- Seamless handovers with no dropped calls.
- Zero interference between radio points.
- Consistent, high-quality coverage in all areas, including courtyards and parking lots.
2. Multi-Operator and Private Network Ready
ONECELL supports both public LTE/5G networks and private cellular networks, making it ideal for:
- Neutral host environments with multi-carrier support.
- Enterprises are deploying private LTE/5G networks for IoT and business-critical operations.
- Government and healthcare facilities require secure, dedicated networks.
3. Cost-Effective and IT-Friendly Deployment
- Standard IT infrastructure like Category 6A Ethernet cabling and switches.
- Lower deployment costs compared to traditional DAS solutions.
- Scalable architecture for easy network expansion as demands grow.
4. Future-Proof Investment
- RP5000 Radio Points are software-upgradable from LTE to 5G, ensuring long-term usability.
- Emerging Open RAN (O-RAN) standards, providing interoperability with third-party solutions.
- Network slicing, edge computing, and low-latency 5G applications, keeping you ready for the future of connectivity.
Ideal Use Cases for ONECELL
ONECELL is the cutting-edge solution for delivering seamless in-building cellular coverage across a wide range of industries. By eliminating dead zones and ensuring reliable connectivity, ONECELL supports modern operations, enhances user experiences, and powers critical systems. Here are some of the industries where ONECELL truly shines:
1. Smart Buildings
Modern workplaces depend on mobile connectivity for everything from remote collaboration to IoT-based automation. ONECELL ensures that employees, visitors, and building systems stay connected at all times, enabling smoother operations and a more productive environment.
2. Healthcare and Hospitals
Seamless in-building cellular coverage is vital for hospitals to function efficiently. ONECELL supports secure communication for doctors and nurses using mobile devices, enables connected medical equipment and patient monitoring systems, and ensures emergency services can coordinate quickly for rapid response in critical moments.
3. Hotels and Hospitality
In the hospitality industry, connectivity is a key part of delivering a five-star guest experience. ONECELL eliminates dead zones and poor signals in guest rooms, lobbies, and event spaces. It also empowers hotels to offer modern amenities, such as mobile check-in, smart room controls, and concierge services, via cellular networks.
4. Large Venues and Stadiums
Sports venues, convention centers, and arenas require high-speed connectivity to meet the demands of attendees. ONECELL delivers fast and reliable cellular coverage, enabling smooth streaming, efficient ticketing, and convenient contactless payments. It also enhances the overall mobile experience for fans and attendees alike.
5. Retail and Shopping Centers
Retailers rely heavily on robust mobile connectivity to enhance both customer and operational experiences. ONECELL supports loyalty apps and mobile promotions to engage customers, facilitates inventory tracking and point-of-sale systems for smooth transactions, and powers security and surveillance applications to ensure a safe shopping environment.
6. Industrial and Manufacturing
Factories and warehouses require low-latency, reliable connectivity to drive efficiency and safety. ONECELL supports Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications, powers automated machinery and robotics, and enhances worker safety through advanced connectivity solutions, ensuring industrial operations run smoothly and securely.
MCA: Your Trusted Partner for In-Building Wireless Solutions
At MCA, we recognize that every organization’s wireless connectivity requirements are distinct. As a trusted provider of In-Building Wireless Solutions (IWS), we collaborate with leading manufacturers like CommScope and ANDREW to deliver customized, best-in-class solutions tailored to your environment.
Why Choose MCA?
- Extensive Industry Expertise: We’ve successfully designed and deployed in-building wireless solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, education, manufacturing, and enterprise.
- Diverse Technology Portfolio: Our solutions encompass DAS, small cells, private 5G, CBRS, and Open RAN-ready infrastructure, leveraging partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers.
- Comprehensive Support: From site surveys and system design to installation, monitoring, and maintenance, we deliver end-to-end service.
- Tailored Solutions for Your Budget: We work with you to align the right technology to your budget and operational needs, ensuring maximum ROI.
Whether you’re exploring public LTE/5G coverage, private networks for IoT, or custom in-building connectivity solutions, MCA starts with a detailed discovery process to evaluate your specific requirements. While CommScope ONECELL may be an excellent fit, our carefully curated portfolio ensures we can recommend the ideal solution, whether it’s another small cell option or a different wireless technology altogether.
Contact us today to find out how MCA’s expertise and solutions can future-proof your in-building connectivity!
About MCA
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted technology integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives.
More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.
Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.
