The challenge: Networks under pressure
Enterprise buildings—from corporate campuses and hospitals to warehouses and manufacturing facilities—generate massive volumes of data and support more connected devices than ever. However, many still rely on Wi-Fi networks or traditional DAS for indoor connectivity, but these systems were never designed for modern 5G workloads.
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) may seem like a cost-effective solution, but they come with hidden trade-offs:
- Complex system design requiring multiple vendors and certifications
- High power consumption and a large physical footprint
- Limited scalability that slows expansion and upgrades
- Deployment delays driven by multi-step integration workflows
- Performance degradation from Passive Intermodulation (PIM)
Wi-Fi, while ubiquitous, simply wasn’t designed for carrier-grade mobile connectivity. It struggles to support high-density environments and mission-critical applications, demonstrating:
- Performance gaps including dropped calls, low throughput, and inconsistent coverage
- High energy and space use due to multiple radios and dense access point deployments
- Operational complexity from frequent upgrades, interference mitigation, and vendor coordination
- Limited scalability in multi-operator or high-capacity scenarios
- Infrastructure constraints that require extensive redesign for coverage expansion
These challenges slow deployment, increase operational costs, and leave enterprises exposed to gaps in indoor coverage—impacting productivity, safety, and experience.
The modern approach: Neutral host small cells
Neutral host small cell architecture provides a fully digital, 5G-ready solution designed for high-performance indoor connectivity. Ericsson’s compact Radio Dot System delivers carrier-grade coverage across operators while reducing energy consumption and physical footprint.
Key advantages include:
- Power and space efficiency: Shared IRUs and compact radios save energy and free up floors and racks
- Faster deployment: Pre-certified components simplify installation timelines
- Reliable performance: 2x2 MIMO ensures high-capacity, low-latency 5G
- Integrated monitoring: Real-time insights for operational visibility
- Scalable design: Add Radio Dots without reconfiguring baseband layers
- Introducing a Smarter Alternative: Ericsson’s Neutral Host with 5G Radio Dots
Ericsson’s neutral host solution provides up to 70% reduction in space and power usage while supporting seamless multi-operator connectivity and a future-proof 5G architecture.
Quantifying value: Interactive analysis tool
Every enterprise is different. To help organizations understand the impact of a neutral host deployment, Ericsson offers an interactive value analysis tool.
The tool allows enterprises to explore:
- Projected 5G coverage and capacity in their facility
- Potential energy and space savings versus legacy Wi-Fi or DAS
By visualizing these metrics, businesses can identify where Radio Dot systems deliver the highest operational and cost impact.
Try the neutral host interactive value analysis:
Smarter indoor 5G connectivity starts here
Where neutral host small cell solutions deliver the most value
Neutral host small cells are particularly valuable in environments where indoor connectivity is critical to business operations:
- Class A office buildings and corporate campuses
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Entertainment venues and resorts
- Airports and transportation hubs
- Manufacturing plants and logistics centers
Rethink indoor connectivity for indoor wireless performance
Enterprises evaluating how to evolve beyond legacy DAS and Wi-Fi can gain measurable advantages from modern neutral host solutions and using the value analysis tool. Ericsson’s approach enables more efficient deployment, lower ongoing costs, and high-performance indoor connectivity designed for future growth.
Learn more about Ericsson’s Neutral Host small cell solutions and how they transform indoor coverage: https://www.ericsson.com/neutral-host
