Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) and SOLiD Participatein DAS Feasibility Study in Nuclear Facility: EPRI Evaluates Connectivity Alternatives to Wi-Fi

High Performance Radiating Cable Improves LTE-based Wireless Coverage

DAS SOLUTIONS

CASE STUDYRADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMST h e C l e a r C h o i c e ®

Summary

The implementation of wireless networkswithin nuclear power plants could allowfor greater process efficiency and enhancesafety by enabling mobile workmanagement with online connectivity.Nuclear power plants, however, have hadlimited success installing conventionalwireless networks (Wi-Fi) inside the powerblock due to radio frequency (RF)coverage issues and the extensivebackhaul required, driving the need foralternate solutions.

The Electric Power Research Institute(EPRI) has been exploring one potentialsolution – a distributed antenna system(DAS) network – through a demonstrationat a currently decommissioning nuclearplant. The demonstration included testingin the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz LTE bands toevaluate RF propagation by a DAS usingradiating cables.

Introduction

Nuclear power plants are complexfacilities with thousands of components.Maintenance at these sites can bechallenging. Procedures are layered withmultiple checks and balances – andredundancies – to meet safety andsecurity requirements. Maintenanceworkers typically carry procedural guidesin three-ring binders into the field, andpaperwork must be completed and signedoff during the process. This analogprocess is inefficient and does notcapitalize on digital technology advances.

Mobile work management could providenumerous advantages, but it is difficult tooutfit a nuclear plant with the necessarycommunications infrastructure to supportreliable connectivity.

A successful wireless network wouldenable on-site consultation with

procedural guidance, data entry byworkers in the field using tablets, andcommunications with managers whosesignatures are needed to approve andclose out work packages. Online datawould also enable remote, real-timemonitoring of equipment operations andcalibrations. The resultant digitalworkflow guidance could improveproductivity and work quality whilereducing costs.

Nuclear plants have had limited successwith conventional Wi-Fi inside the powerblock. Installations are costly due to alarge number of hot spots and theinfrastructure needed to provide adequatecoverage. The higher temperature andradiation environment also proveschallenging for the wireless infrastructure,resulting in reliability concerns andfrequent component replacements.

Photo supplied by EPRI

2

RFSCASE STUDY

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) and SOLiD Participate in DAS FeasibilityStudy in Nuclear Facility: EPRI Evaluates Connectivity Alternatives to Wi-Fi

DAS SOLUTIONS

CASE STUDY

Wireless network installation and operation are extremely challenging in nuclear plantsdue to forbidding conditions such as high temperatures, radiation, metallic pressurevessels and piping, multiple elevations, and thick concrete walls reinforced with rebar.

Photo supplied by SOLiD

SOLiD provided a modular, hot-swappableDAS solution designed to withstand harshenvironments. The SOLiD platform allowsadditional services to be added on a simi-lar network, and modules can be readilyreplaced to ensure high network uptime.

Signal performance is also challengingdue to the presence of metallic pressurevessels and piping, multiple elevationswith various components and equipment,and thick concrete walls reinforced withrebar.

The Solution

To address these issues, EPRI investigatedhow other industries were transmittingdata wirelessly, including the miningindustry, underground transportation,military, and the shipping industry. Theseinvestigations identified a distributedantenna system built for the Bostonsubway system’s complex undergroundtunnel network that exhibited favorableperformance.

EPRI researchers believed such a DASsystem could be adapted into a nuclearenvironment to provide more reliablecoverage and capacity with less overallpower and maintenance. While therehas been some historical use of DASsystems for niche applications in thenuclear industry, a DAS network had notbeen systematically tested and evaluatedinside a nuclear plant for coverageperformance at the critical LTE RFfrequencies. To prove the concept, EPRI

obtained approval to conduct fieldtesting at a nuclear plant. The site iscurrently in the early stages ofdecomissioning, which enabledinstallation and testing, but imposed atight schedule. EPRI worked with RadioFrequency Systems and SOLiD to designand test the system.

In developing the system, RFS suppliedthe cabling technology and support, andSOLiD provided the platform with theDAS equipment. SOLiD helpeddetermine hardware requirements in asite walk of the station prior to fieldtesting; they generated software modelsto design the system and estimate signalcoverage. SOLiD ensured the testingconducted would not interfere withexisting technologies essential torunning the plant, such as the two-wayradios used for communicationsbetween workers. The modelingexercise helped SOLiD estimate thepower, length and type of cable needed.Those calculations were then testedagainst reality in the on-site pilot.

The SOLiD solution components aredesigned to withstand harshenvironments that include hightemperatures, water and dust. The

The advantage the RFSradiating cable provided was auniform distribution of RFenergy over the entire distanceof the cable.

Suzanne KasaiRadio Frequency Systems

About EPRIThe Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation,delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together itsscientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, includingreliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent approximately 90 percent ofthe electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to more than 30 countries.EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, NC; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.

About SOLiDSOLiD (http://www.solid.com) helps people stay connected and safe in a rapidly-changing world through a portfolio of RFAmplifier, RF Radio and Optical Transport solutions. SOLiD enables indoor and outdoor cellular and public-safetycommunications at some of the world’s best-known and most challenging venues including leading hospitals; professional, andcollege sports venues; government, university and Fortune 500 corporate buildings and campuses; international airports andmetropolitan subways. For further information on SOLiD DAS, Small Cell Backhaul and C-RAN Fronthaul solutions, go towww.solid.com or call 888-409-9997.

3

RFSCASE STUDY

platform is also modular and hot-swappable so that additional servicessuch as wireless carriers and public safetysystems, including plant security two-wayradios and outside agency Land MobileRadios (LMRs), can be quickly added on asingle network; similarly, modules areeasily replaceable to ensure high networkuptime. Lastly, the SOLiD solutionsupports a flexible “mix-and-match”architecture whereby a common head-end can feed any combination of 1W,5W and 20W amplifiers so the networkcan be optimally designed to enablecoverage in numerous buildings in the

most efficient manner, including thecontainment building, offices andcafeteria.

Even the best signaling power is only asgood as the cable that carries it. SOLiDworked with RFS to supply the optimalconduit for distributing a clear signalthroughout the facility. The twocompanies have a proven track recordworking together on projects for variousenvironments. This project needed aradiating cable solution without stopbands to accommodate a high-performance, future-proof design and

fewer shadow areas. RFS’ RADIAFLEX®

“leaky feeder” coaxial cable solutionmade it possible to enable LTE technologyfor data management. Its patentedhigher-order mode suppression techniqueallows some cable variations to have nostop band from 698-2700 MHz.RADIAFLEX radiating cables act asdistributed antennas, allowing operatorsto scale and tailor RF coverage in even themost challenging metro, rail and roadtunnels and indoor environments.

EPRI wanted the system to achieve thesame threshold standard as cellularcompanies, aiming for 95 decibel-millowatts (dBm) or higher signalstrength. Data transmissions weretested at 730 MHz and at 2130 MHzfrequencies to compare performancedifferences at high and low frequencies.At 730 MHz, an acceptable signal wasgenerated with ~80% coverage at thetarget level, through as many as threewalls in the plant. On the 2130 MHztest, signal strength only reached about~35% at the target level. This provedthat penetration of signal strength atlower frequencies is significantly betterthan the higher frequencies, at anacceptable coverage level. Additionally,results of the study indicate that 100%coverage is possible given rerouting ofcable and/or use of antennas to boostsignal strength in the low coverageareas. The advantage the radiatingcable provided was a uniformdistribution of RF energy over the entiredistance of the cable.

RFS and SOLiD were able to coordinate and deploy products for field testing on a verytight schedule before the plant was fully decommissioned.

Photo supplied by EPRI

4

RFSCASE STUDY

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) and SOLiD Participate in DAS FeasibilityStudy in Nuclear Facility: EPRI Evaluates Connectivity Alternatives to Wi-Fi

DAS SOLUTIONS

CASE STUDY

Successful DAS deployment in the power industry can be widely beneficial toutilities. The ability to have connectivity for mobile work management andcontinuous online monitoring of components could increase productivity at nuclear,coal, and natural gas facilities.

Nick CamilliElectric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Photo supplied by EPRI

A wireless network can support productivity gains and reduced costs for power and utilityplants by enabling on-site consultation, data entry, and communications as well as remoteequipment monitoring.

Conclusion

The tests demonstrated that a DASutilizing high-performance radiating cablecan substantially improve LTE-basedwireless coverage within dense concreteand steel facilities when utilizing the lowfrequency bands. EPRI is producing adetailed technical report to share theresults of this field test with its nuclearmembers so they can utilize the findingsto expand their mobile workforcecapabilities.

Future deployment of similar DAS systemscould allow nuclear power plants toidentify maintenance needs proactivelythrough support of both data and voiceapplications on a single network platform.This would further enhance the reliabilityof these facilities, enabling identificationof potential problems before they reach afailure point.

This information can also be used toassess this communications technology foruse in other power plant environments,including coal and natural gas-firedfacilities. This technology could open thedoors to other applications, such ascontinuous online monitoring and mobilework management.

5

RFSCASE STUDY

About RFSRadio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, as well as activeand passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure. RFSserves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers. Its customers currently include the four largest wirelesscarriers, the majority of tier 2 and 3 wireless carriers in North America and many of the top wireless and microwave OEMSworldwide.

For more than 70 years, RFS has provided its customers world-class service that today is backed by a global presence of ninemanufacturing facilities worldwide and sales and technical support centers in 23 countries. RFS offers advanced engineeringcapabilities, superior field support, and expert technical assistance and training to provide scalable, flexible, future-proof andlightweight end-to-end solutions optimized across the entire RF chain. As an ISO-compliant organization, RFS solutions offerproven longevity, premium performance and unrivalled quality.

For more information visit www.rfsworld.com, or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RFSworld.

6

RADIAFLEX: The optimal confined-coverage solution

Wireless has made the move indoors– RADIAFLEX® is an important part ofthe solution

RADIAFLEX® is the world‘s leading‚leaking feeder' cable solution. Designed toprovide contoured RF indoor coverage, RFSRADIAFLEX® cable provides a scaleable andpractical means of tailoring RF coverage ineven the most challenging of confinedspaces.

Future-proof confined coverageRADIAFLEX® is a unique broadbandsolution, ensuring the most future-proofconfined coverage installation.

Broadband solution – RADIAFLEX®

supports all major services from 75 MHz to6 GHz and is therefore optimally suited formulti-operator and multi-bandapplications.

Flame and fire retardancy – RADIAFLEX®

cable is a low-smoke and halogen-freecabling solution that meets all majorinternational flame- and fire-retardancystandards.

Low loss – Featuring low longitudinal andcoupling losses, RADIAFLEX® is availablewith optional vario coupling lossconfigurations for longer installation runs.

Comprehensive range – With diametersspanning 1/2-inch to 1 5/8-inch, theRADIAFLEX® family is available in a broadselection of jacketing, coupling losses andbending radii.

RADIAFLEX® is available in eightdistinct series:ALF/RLF series – Heavy-duty widebandradiating cable for multi-use applications intunnels of all kinds

RLK series – Low coupling loss radiatingcable for tunnel and building applications

RLV (VARIO) series – Variable or stagedcoupling loss radiating cable that providesfor nearly constant system loss and lowamplitude variation

RAY series – Optimized for high-frequencyand digital in-building and tunnelapplications, where low coupling loss isrequired

RCF series – Small bending radii‚corrugated outer radiating cable for heavy-duty applications in buildings andunderground mines

RSF series – Flexible‚ corrugated outerradiating cable solution for in-vehicleapplications

RE60 series – Worldwide unique RE60radiating waveguide which is the leadingedge solution for in-tunnel wirelessapplications in the 5-6 GHz band

RHCA series – Plenum-rated air-dielectricradiating cable for use in buildings wherethe highest standard of flame- and fire-retardance

Tailor-made Cables – Cables engineeredto meet new or special customerrequirements

A unique broadband solution, ensuring the mostfuture-proof confined coverage installation

CELLFLEX Cable

RADIAFLEX Cable

Fiber Optic Cable

Optical Master Unit

Remote Unit

Combining Network

Power Splitter

Base Transceiver Station

CN

PS

BTS

OMU

RU

RFSCASE STUDY

7

RFSCASE STUDY

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS)is a global designer andmanufacturer of cable, antennaand tower systems, as well asactive and passive RFconditioning modules, providingtotal-package solutions foroutdoor and indoor wirelessinfrastructure. RFS serves OEMs,distributors, system integrators,operators and installers. Itscustomers currently include thefour largest wireless carriers,the majority of tier 2 and 3wireless carriers in NorthAmerica and many of the topwireless and microwave OEMSworldwide.

Serious about services

Customers know they can count on RFS for comprehensive logistical capabilities,flawless execution and outstanding technicalskills and support. The company’s dedicatedshipment coordinators, hotline staff and on-site engineers go well beyond meretechnology, striving to offer tailored solutions to meet even the most complex siteengineering and delivery challenges.

RFS’ value-added services match the exact needs of business partners large and small.

Ever-present qualityguarantee

From design to manufacture, ISO 9001 andISO 14001 certification standards encompassall aspects of RFS’ business worldwide. Everyproduct RFS ships has stood up to the moststringent technical, environmental andquality control tests, continuously meetingand surpassing the expectations of a long listof wireless carriers, transportation and utilityoperators, and broadcasters.

RFS backs every product bearing its namewith a quality guarantee that is unrivaled inthe market.

A tradition of innovation

For over a century, RFS has been at theforefront of the wireless communicationindustry through its unwavering commitmentto design and develop the world’s mostadvanced technology in the field. DedicatedR&D teams, along with a privilegedpartnership with Bell Labs, are at the source ofbreakthroughs that are ensuring the mobilityof an increasingly wireless world.

RFS is at the frontier of wireless technologyinnovation, sustaining the boldest ventures toenhance the way people communicate and live.

A truly global company

With on-the-ground personnel in more than 20 countries and on every continent,RFS always delivers on its commitments,providing a comprehensive range ofpremium products, systems and services. Its clients benefit from all the advantages ofa global supplier, while relying on dedicatedsupport from RFS’ local engineering,manufacturing and shipping teams.

RFS’ products, systems and personnel can befound in every corner of the planet.As a global group, RFS is committed toupholding the most stringent environmental,health and safety standards, and seeks tointegrate green initiatives in every aspect ofits business.

Why RFS?

T h e C l e a r C h o i c e ®

www.rfsworld.com

For more information about this project:Suzanne Kasai, Business Development Manager203.537.2741 | suzanne.kasai@rfsworld.com

For more information, please contact the nearest RFS sales office:

Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa & Indiawww.rfsworld.com/sales/semeai

Northern Europewww.rfsworld.com/sales/euno

Latin Americawww.rfsworld.com/sales/latam

North Americawww.rfsworld.com/sales/na

Asia Pacificwww.rfsworld.com/sales/apac

RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS