CommScope Unveils "All-in-One" Intelligent Point of Interface

CommScope asserted that its newly released Intelligent Point of Interface (iPOI) is an ‘all-in-one’ smart, streamlined base station interface solution for distributed antenna systems. Carriers can now smartly connect base transceiver stations (BTS) and the distributed antenna systems (DAS) deployed for the purpose of wireless connectivity in buildings and large venues.

CommScope explained that typical BTS-DAS connectors or interface solutions consist of multiple discrete components that take up a lot in installation space and demand extensive cabling. Also the components are acquired from various vendors and are not always designed to work together. These issues result in complex trouble shooting processes and expensive repairs.

But i-POI brings down rack space requirements up to 75 percent, making it the ideal choice for venues that restrict wireless infrastructure space and its plug-and-play functionality lets it to be installed easily without the need for external components.

“Wireless operators, systems integrators and facility owners commonly face issues when planning a DAS deployment or upgrading an existing system. Their most pressing concerns surround the lack of visibility into the BTS conditioning process, drops in data throughput due to PIM and space constraints. i-POI meets these challenges head on—whether in current CommScope Intelligent Optical Network (ION) environments or a third-party DAS infrastructure,” commented Matt Melester, senior vice president and general manager of Distributed Coverage and Capacity Solutions at CommScope, in a press release.

The iPOI is said to be a single compact module that lets users have insight into BTS conditioning and gather passive intermodulation (PIM) control along with power control for multi-operator deployment.

Compatible with multiple wireless technologies including GSM, CDMA, UMTS and LTE (News - Alert), the i-POI was supposedly developed in conjunction with major wireless operators around the world, specifically to solve the challenges facing DAS engineers and operators. It has universal application with all DAS systems, and it works particularly well with CommScope ION-M and ION-B systems.