SOLiD is a global leader in innovative RF Amplifier, RF Radio and Optical Transport solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding wireless environments. The company’s Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) power reliable cellular coverage and capacity in hospitals, sports and entertainment venues, airports, metro systems, government and corporate buildings, and other high-profile locations. From early 2G systems to 5G-ready and cloud-based solutions, SOLiD has a track record of delivering robust, scalable infrastructure that meets the growing demands of mobile users while reducing complexity, risk and energy consumption.
Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, home of Borussia Dortmund and the iconic Yellow Wall of supporters, has become the first stadium in the world to feature a fully operational Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) solution. In partnership with 1&1 and Rakuten, SOLiD has delivered a state-of-the-art Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that combines cutting-edge 4G and 5G capabilities with the benefits of open standards and advanced radio technology.
With a capacity of more than 81,000, the stadium is the largest in Germany and one of the most famous in European football. It is celebrated for its atmosphere, high attendance figures and the vast standing terrace on the south bank that can hold more than 24,000 fans. The venue has hosted matches during the 1974 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, the 2001 UEFA Cup Final, and was part of the 2024 European Championships. A stadium of such scale and reputation demands a mobile connectivity solution capable of delivering a seamless experience to tens of thousands of users simultaneously.
Large sports venues present unique challenges for mobile coverage. The system must deliver consistent connectivity across vast seating areas, indoor hospitality and operational zones, and high-traffic access points, all while managing peak usage during major events. The solution at Signal Iduna Park meets these demands through 30 network sectors in the stands, four more in indoor areas, and two covering the north and west entrances and parking zones.
The deployment includes 48 radio units and 128 antennas in the stands, complemented by 60 radio units and 21 antennas indoors. More than 10 kilometres of fibre optic cable and 30 kilometres of additional cabling underpin the network’s performance. This infrastructure ensures that not only 1&1 customers, but also those on other German mobile networks, benefit from the improved coverage and capacity.
At the heart of the project is SOLiD’s GENESIS DAS, a fully digital system that supports simultaneous transmission from all major mobile operators. More than 150 slimline, low power radio units are strategically placed throughout the stadium to deliver robust 4G and 5G coverage. By integrating O-RAN technology, the system enables hardware and software from different vendors to work seamlessly together while reducing power consumption and minimising physical space requirements.
This landmark project, completed ahead of the stadium’s 50th anniversary in 2024, is an example of how next-generation network solutions can transform the fan experience. For SOLiD, it is further proof of their role in advancing wireless densification in high-profile venues around the world. By bringing together O-RAN, mMIMO and advanced DAS capabilities, the Signal Iduna Park installation sets a benchmark for stadium connectivity and points towards the future of mobile infrastructure in large-scale sporting and entertainment environments.
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- Connectivity Technology Blog: Understanding Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) for Seamless Indoor Connectivity
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