Off-Air/Small Cell Hybrid DAS Architecture in Biotech Building

Celularity is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing off-the-shelf placental-derived allogeneic cell therapies including genetically modified and unmodified NK cells, engineered T cells including CAR-T cells, and mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells (ASCs), targeting indications across cancer, immunologic, infectious, and degenerative diseases.

During the build out of their 145,350 square foot facilities in Florham Park, NJ, they noticed weak signal strength throughout the interior of the FDA compliant manufacturing facility.

• The building was constructed with concrete, steel, and metal all of which are known to interfere with cellular signal.
• The second and third floors of the build-out included clean rooms and laboratories which lack easy access and are constructed with materials that block cell signals and acts as a barrier for radio frequencies.
• This combination meant employees would have to go outside for cell phone coverage.

After a phone consultation, RSRF conducted a site walk and took signal strength readings indoors and out. Floor plans were reviewed and key personnel interviewed to gather pertinent information about current goals, priorities, and future plans.

Celularity was looking specifically for improved voice and data coverage indoors. Signal-impairing mediums needed for clean rooms, temperature controlled rooms, and laboratories were causing the problem. Outdoor coverage was strong for two of the three carriers but 5-bar service was non-existent throughout the expansive facility.

The RF signal data collected was used to create a detailed coverage report that highlighted areas of strength and concern. From there a site survey report and estimate were developed for their approval.

The solution involved the deployment of a QUATRA 4000i Off-Air / Small-Cell Hybrid DAS. An outdoor antenna on the roof takes in existing signal from AT&T and T-Mobile and feeds it directly to the QUATRA 4000i. Performance on Verizon was later upgraded to have signal provided via a Small Cell. Ethernet cables, coaxial cable, and additional antennas are used as necessary to distribute the signal throughout the building. This hybrid DAS solution provides coverage benefits to the users in the building.