The evolving landscape of in-building wireless communications demands an infrastructure that is not only high-performing but also adaptable to the growing complexity of network deployments. SOLiD, an original equipment manufacturer for telecom infrastructure, specializing in distributed antenna systems (DAS), has introduced the next-generation base station interface unit (nBIU), a fourth-generation head-end interface for its ALLIANCE DAS platform.
Designed for efficiency, flexibility, and high capacity, the nBIU enhances network performance while significantly reducing operational costs and deployment footprints, according to Ryan Oliveira, Sr. Product Line Manager at SOLiD. “One of the biggest differentiators is the reduction in space requirements,” Oliveira said. Regarding rack space, “We’ve taken what previously required 4RU and condensed it into a 3RU chassis while doubling the port capacity and supporting two RF paths instead of one. Typical deployments will save 50 to 70% head-end space without compromising capacity.”
The nBIU replaces SOLiD’s current generation iBIU, doubling its capacity while maintaining full backward compatibility with ALLIANCE REL6 remotes. This ensures that existing network operators can integrate the new head-end unit without overhauling their infrastructure. “With the nBIU, we’re providing a future-ready solution that allows customers to scale their DAS networks without major infrastructure changes,” Oliveira explained.
More Capacity, Less Footprint
Traditional DAS head-end systems often require significant real estate in equipment rooms, a challenge for venues such as stadiums, hospitals, and commercial buildings. The nBIU mitigates these constraints by offering a compact solution. With at least a 50% reduction in rack space compared to its predecessors, the system is designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining superior performance.
A key feature of the nBIU is its increased frequency band support, spanning from 600 MHz to 4000 MHz, ensuring integration with a broad range of frequencies. “This broad frequency support allows operators to future-proof their deployments,” Oliveira noted. “They can handle everything from low-band public safety frequencies to high-band 5G applications in a single system.”
Beyond size and capacity, SOLiD has prioritized ease of deployment. “Commissioning the nBIU is significantly faster than previous models,” Oliveira said. “Firmware downloads are now 100 times faster, reducing the time required for setup and upgrades. That’s a huge benefit for installers and operators looking to get their systems up and running quickly.”
Enhancing Network Flexibility with Modular Design
Don’t overlook modularity. The nBIU allows operators to adopt a “pay-as-you-grow” approach. The unit supports up to eight nMDBUs (main drive BTS unit), accommodating low, mid, and high-band frequencies. This architecture ensures that network operators can expand capacity incrementally while minimizing upfront investment.
“In the past, scaling DAS meant adding entire new units,” Oliveira explained. “With the nBIU, operators can start with a smaller configuration and add capacity as demand grows. This helps optimize capital expenditures and makes network upgrades far more manageable.”
Additionally, the nBIU eliminates the need for low-power interface (LPOI) modules by supporting direct input up to +30 dBm per RF port. “By increasing input power levels, we’ve simplified deployments and reduced additional hardware costs,” Oliveira said. “Additionally, the nBIU accommodates direct connection to edge remote optical units (edgeROUs) without an edgeHUB as an intermediate device, resulting in significant savings in high-capacity venues.”
Thinking Ahead: Next-Gen Wireless Deployments
With the increasing adoption of 5G and the growing demand for higher data speeds, DAS infrastructure needs to support multiple input and output configurations. The nBIU introduces flexible sectorization, allowing operators to configure either one sector in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode or two sectors in single-input single-output (SISO) mode. This flexibility is particularly valuable for multi-use environments where optimizing coverage and capacity is critical. For example, a stadium will require MIMO throughout the bowl seating areas and concourses but may only require SISO in back-of-the-house areas.
Another key aspect of the nBIU is its ultra-low latency performance, ensuring minimal delay in signal processing and fiber transport. “In environments like campus deployments, subways, and airports, where the carrier signal sources may be distant from the coverage area, low-latency connections are critical, and the nBIU delivers exceptional performance,” Oliveira noted.
The nBIU aligns with SOLiD’s existing ALLIANCE DAS ecosystem, making it an attractive upgrade path for current users seeking to recover head-end space to make room for emerging technologies. “Because it’s backward compatible, network operators don’t have to rip and replace existing hardware,” Oliveira explained. “That’s a game-changer when it comes to reducing upgrade costs.”
As wireless networks continue to evolve, the demand for scalable, efficient, and high-performance DAS solutions is only growing. SOLiD’s nBIU represents a forward-thinking approach to meeting these needs, offering higher capacity, reduced physical footprint, and enhanced deployment flexibility, according to Oliveira.
“Our goal with the nBIU was to create a head-end solution that adapts to the rapidly changing wireless landscape,” Oliveira concluded. “We believe we’ve done just that.”
nBIUs will begin shipping in Q4 2025 but can be specified in designs now. To learn more about SOLiD Alliance DAS, visit https://solid.com/us/products/alliance-das/.
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