Plug and play installation
Installing a non-adaptive, or conventional repeater requires the use of highly skilled technical engineers with extensive knowledge of the carrier's network and specialized test equipment. The resulting engineered solution is more expensive and takes longer to install. Adaptive repeaters automatically determine and indicate the optimal system location to the installer, eliminating the need for special tools and extensive knowledge of the wireless service provider's network. The end result is that a solution can be rapidly deployed at a much lower cost.

Consistent coverage area
The coverage area provided by a conventional repeater will breathe (i.e., expand and contract) due to variations in the strength of the signal from a wireless service provider's base station. This means that users will experience fluctuations in coverage area. Sometimes, they have coverage in a spot while, at other times, they may not. Adaptive repeaters provide a consistent coverage area as the changes in the signal strength are automatically compensated for by the adaptive algorithm, resulting in a consistent coverage area and prevention of interference.

Network events
Because conventional repeaters are set up and engineered for a specific base station, network failures and regular maintenance cause service outages for users. Adaptive repeaters rapidly rescan the spectrum and lock in on the next best available signal and, when the original signal is returned to service, an adaptive repeater automatically switches back to it. If a competitor were to set up a new base station near a building equipped with a conventional repeater there is a high probability of interference and manual adjustments will be required. An adaptive repeater automatically compensates ensuring network integrity and maximizing the available coverage area. Optimization and maintenance is never required.

Adaptive vs. non-adaptive repeaters
Adaptive repeaters overcome several shortcomings of predecessor non-adaptive repeaters. The SpotCell adaptive repeater product is used as an example, outlined below:

• No set-up/easy installation. Carriers deploying adaptive repeaters reported average installation times of less than 4 hours (including travel time) and costs of $350-$500 per installation, on average. Significant field service savings are attained through the adaptive features of the unit.

• No instance of tuning throughout lifecycle. Adaptive algorithms completely avoid the necessity of deploying engineering staff to the field to adjust the repeater unit.

• Extremely low total cost of ownership (TCO). The TCO for an adaptive repeater over a 3-year deployment period, including the unit's capital cost, averaged under $5,000.

Adaptive repeaters are designed to provide carriers with a simple solution that doesn't require any network upgrades or build-outs, virtually eliminating the problem of in-building dead zones for their customers. Adaptive repeaters are making it feasible for all enterprises to have the reliable, always-on wireless coverage they require.

Over the past 25 years Dale Troppito has evaluated and managed virtually every business process within technology firms at every stage of growth and maturity. She founded Gantry Group in 1987 and believes that the technology leaders of the future will be those that understand the crucial role that a market-validated, value delivery strategy and compelling ROI play in shaping corporate competitiveness and customer satisfaction.