System Elements .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Cel-Fi Wideband Omni Antenna ............................................................................................................................. 10
Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender (QRE) .................................................................................................................. 10
Available Models ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Small Cell (Supercell) ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Determining the Proper Configuration ...................................................................................................................... 13
PLAN ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
PLAN NU: ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
PLAN CU .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
PLAN CABLING ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
NU Power................................................................................................................................................................. 18
NU LAN Management port ..................................................................................................................................... 18
NU to CU cables ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
POWER ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Cel-Fi QUATRA is an active DAS hybrid solution for delivering high quality in-building cellar coverage in venues
up to 200,000 sq. ft. As it combines the best of active DAS and Cel-Fi technology that has been widely adopted
by carriers around the world, Cel-Fi QUATRA is a scalable solution that provides configurations for single or
multi-carrier environments. Options are available for off-air mode or via integration with carrier small cell
equipment and operated in distributed small cell mode, creating a Supercell.
Cel-Fi QUATRA is self-configuring and self-optimizing, distributes RF over Ethernet (RFoE), and leverages Power
over Ethernet (PoE) for ease and accuracy of installation by Cel-Fi Certified professionals. The system is
monitored and managed using the Cel-Fi WAVE Platform.
QUATRA 1000
QUATRA 2000
Two QUATRA variants are available:
Smart Signal Booster
Unconditionally Network Safe
100dB System Gain
Distributed over Cat 5e cable
Power over Ethernet (POE)
12.5K ft2 per Coverage Unit
MIMO
Dual-Carrier
Configurations are available for use on global carrier networks.
• Improves cellular reception for venues from
15,000 to 50,000 sq. ft. per system; scalable
to four systems for up to 200,000 sq. ft.
• Built for streamlined installation and
maintenance by Cel-Fi Certified professional
• Carrier approved and unconditionally network
safe for voice and data
• Intelligently self-configures and continually
self-optimizes to adapt to environmental
changes
• AntennaBoost intelligent antenna aiming
optimizes signal quality
• Remote monitoring and management using
the Cel-Fi WAVE Platform
• Designed for off-air or small cell applications
• Best quality signal at 100 dB max gain in off-
air mode
• Systems include Internal Antennas (MIMO)
• IntelliBoost 6 Core Processor delivers high
• Advanced digital echo-cancellation and
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC) maximizes
• Adaptive signal equalization
• Seamless integration with the macro network;
• Only one power outlet needed for the entire
• External Multi-Band Panel MIMO Antenna and
and External Antenna connections (MIMO)
speeds with low power consumption
channel select filtering algorithms
system power
improves network efficiency without causing
interference
system (at the NU)
Small Cell Interface device available
(Optional)
5
Unconditionally Network Safe
Cel-Fi QUATRA provides a sophisticated network-safe design that has been engineered to deliver
multiple levels of network protection:
• Uplink power control to prevent desensitizing the network
• Echo cancellation and feedback control
• Uplink gating
• Signal qualification (channels are individually qualified, so noise or very poor signals won’t be
amplified and degrade the network)
The Cel-Fi WAVE Platform
The Cel-Fi WAVE Platform enables device management and maintenance of Cel-Fi QUATRA systems.
Alerts and alarms can be used as configured out of the box or they can be customized however the
owner or admin chooses.
6
VIDEOS
• Cel-Fi Intro Video
https://youtu.be/Jy6PFhip3SM
• Small Cell Planning
https://youtu.be/SURNn6vk-_E
• Off-Air Planning
https://youtu.be/QoMk4XNu47E
• Small Cell Install
https://youtu.be/ZP8LeQ8YQMc
• Off-Air Install
https://youtu.be/-Esb0DhkgG4
• Small Cell Commissioning
https://youtu.be/tpZe1c2KdMw
• Off-Air Commissioning
https://youtu.be/gFhWN_6wqwI
7
SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Hardware Components
Cel-Fi QUATRA Network Unit (NU)
Cel-Fi QUATRA Network Unit (NU) is the hub of the system. The scalable design
works with one to four Coverage Units to provide up to 50,000 sq. ft. of coverage.
• Provides donor signal to the Cel-Fi QUATRA system
• Provides power to Coverage Units and QREs
• Connects to the Cel-Fi WAVE Platform for remote monitoring and management
• QUATRA 1000 and QUATRA 2000 variants available
Cel-Fi QUATRA Coverage Unit (CU)
Cel-Fi QUATRA Coverage Unit (CU) is the remote unit of the system that rebroadcasts
the donor signal. The cost efficient and easy-to-deploy system leverages Power over
Ethernet (PoE) for up to four CUs.
• Provides coverage in the Cel-Fi QUATRA system (up to four per Network Unit)
• Power delivered by Power-Over-Ethernet from the Network Unit
• Self-configuring and self-optimizing
• QUATRA 1000 and QUATRA 2000 variants available
8
Software Components
QUATRA Planner Tool
This simple on-line tool estimates hardware needs based upon building size, floor
plan utilization, and donor mode.
• Define building and Name the project
• Select Donor mode
• Email results
https://wave.cel-fi.com/#/QuatraPlanner
QUATRA Management Tool Mobile Application (QMT)
Smartphone app to manage systems locally without a wired internet connection.
• Communicates to QUATRA using Bluetooth
• Syncs the system’s data/metrics to the WAVE Portal in the cloud over the
mobile network
• May be used to commission systems
Cel-Fi WAVE Portal
For channel partners and installers, the WAVE portal is a cloud based management
solution to keep track of systems in the field.
• Commissioning
• Alerts & Alarms
• Status & Email/Text Notifications
• Troubleshooting
9
Peripheral Options
Cel-Fi QUATRA Small Cell Interface
The Cel-Fi QUATRA Small Cell Interface (SCIF) simplifies RF connections between
a small cell and NUs. It includes a main unit and all cables for a single NU.
• Simplifies connections to a small cell
• Provides proper signal attenuation and isolation
• Required for small cell Installation
Works best with:
•QUATRA 1000
Cel-Fi MIMO Panel Antenna powered by AntennaBoost
The Cel-Fi MIMO Panel Antenna is the only authorized indoor/outdoor MIMO
antenna for Cel-Fi QUATRA.
Cel-Fi AntennaBoost integrates the Cel-Fi MIMO Panel Antenna with the Cel-Fi
WAVE Platform to provide the best donor signal in the industry. The antenna
connects to any MIMO-enabled NU or CU with QMA (quick connect) cables.
Nextivity’s proprietary 8-position dial base enables the antenna to be rotated in 45degree increments for best performance, managed with real-time data from the
Cel-Fi Platform Antenna Position Test.
• High gain directional MIMO panel antenna
• Donor managed with AntennaBoost’s 8-position aiming mount
• Includes options for ceiling, wall, and pole mounting
• Required for off-air installation of multiple CUs
Works best with:
•QUATRA 1000
10
Cel-Fi Wideband Directional Antenna
Cel-Fi Wideband Directional Antenna is an outdoor-rated cellular antenna, perfect
for use as a donor antenna for Cel-Fi QUATRA.
• 698 MHZ - 2700 MHz
• SISO
• SMA connector
Works best with:
• QUATRA 1000
• QUATRA 2000
Cel-Fi Wideband Omni Antenna
Cel-Fi Wideband Directional Antenna is an outdoor-rated cellular antenna, perfect
for use as a donor antenna for Cel-Fi QUATRA.
• 698 MHZ - 2700 MHz
• MIMO
• QMA connectors
Works best with:
• QUATRA 1000
• QUATRA 2000
Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender (QRE)
Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) device that extends
the maximum distance between the NU and the CU.
• Allows NU-to-CU cable lengths of up to 200 meters (650 ft.)
• Power over Ethernet (no separate power supply or PoE injector needed)
Works best with:
• QUATRA 1000
• QUATRA 2000
11
Model
Bands
Approval
Q34-2/4/5/12
2,4,5,12
FCC
Q34-2/4/5/13
2,4,5,13
FCC
Q34-1/3/7/8
1,3,7,8
CE
Q34-1/3/8/20
1,3,8,20
CE
Q34-1/7/8/20
1,7,8,20
CE
3,5,7,28*
Q34-4/5/12/13/25
4,5,12,13,25
FCC. IC
Cel-Fi QUATRA BAND SUPPORT
Downlink (MHz)
Uplink (MHz)
Band
Name
Low
High
Low
High
1
2100
2110
2170
1920
1980
2
1900 PCS
1930
1990
1850
1910
3
1800+
1805
1880
1710
1785
4
AWS-1
2110
2155
1710
1755
5
850
869
894
824
849
7
2600
2620
2690
2500
2570
8
900 GSM
925
960
880
915
12
700a
729
746
699
716
13
700c
746
756
777
787
20
800 DD
791
821
832
862
25
1900+
1930
1995
1850
1915
28*
700 APT
758
788
703
733
Available Models
Q34-3/5/7/28
BAND / FREQUENCY DETAIL
*Telstra-only
CE, RCM
12
* This doesn’t cover the full band; the product covers the lower part of the band. This is because
components are not available to support the entire band within the product constraints.
CONFIGURATION OPTIONS (MODES)
Off-Air
Cel-Fi QUATRA can be installed off-air to provide high-quality in-building wireless connectivity by using
the existing cellular network. Off-air installations comprised of an NU and up to four (4) distributed CUs
dynamically networked into a single system to provide high-quality in-building wireless connectivity
covering up to 50,000 sq. ft.
External Antenna is required when using more than one CU in off-air mode.
Be sure to choose the System Mode “External Antenna” or “Internal Antenna” in the Cel-Fi WAVE Portal
when using the internal Cel-Fi QUATRA in Off-Air.
Small Cell (Supercell)
13
Coverage Need
Weak Cellular service (0-2 bars),
Signal exists but calls unreliable, or
A Supercell is comprised of a Cel-Fi QUATRA system connected to a small cell. Multiple Cel-Fi QUATRA
systems can be connected to a single small cell, or multiple small cells, to form a coordinated Supercell
that extends coverage for large venues. A Supercell with multiple Cel-Fi QUATRA coverage units (CUs) is
more efficient than multiple small cells, and the CUs of a Cel-Fi QUATRA system connected to a
Supercell do not interfere with one another.
Cel-Fi QUATRA partners with carrier-approved small cell(s) to deliver better RF distribution through CUs,
utilizing the full capacity of the small cell(s), minimizing interference significantly, and requiring much
less network management. This achieves the major goal of in-building network densification.
Be sure to choose the System Mode “Small Cell” in the Cel-Fi WAVE Portal when connecting a Cel-Fi
QUATRA Network Unit to a Small Cell.
Determining the Proper Configuration
Existing Service using your phone (bars of signal)
reliable calls where signal
exists.
≤ 13,000 sq. ft. open area NU Internal Antenna (single CU) NU External Antenna (single CU)
20,000 sq. ft. many walled
rooms
≤ 50,000 sq. ft. open area
≥ 50,000 to 200,000 sq. ft.
Use Table 1 to determine the recommended system configuration for the installation site.
NU External Antenna
(multiple CUs)
NU External Antenna
(multiple CUs)
Multiple NUs with External
Antennas (multiple CUs)
available small cell does not cover all
required areas.
NU Small Cell input (multiple CUs)
NU Small Cell input (multiple CUs)
Small Cell input to multiple
Cel-Fi QUATRAs
14
Carriers to be Boosted
Donor Signal Source
Equipment Ready
NU CU(s)
Antenna
SCIF
Coax Cable (if using external antenna)
Adapters for Coax Cable
Cat 5e cable for each CU
DEPLOYING CEL-FI QUATRA
PLAN
To facilitate the easiest installation process and the best performance at the site, it’s important to plan
the system design prior to any permanent installations.
Planning Checklist:
15
PLAN NU:
• Based on the system selected and donor signal method, where will the NU be placed?
o Using an Off-Air Donor
The input signal quality is a critical factor in the overall performance of the system. It
is important to optimize the input signal through antenna placement and aiming.
For small footprint applications where an excellent indoor donor signal is available,
the NU Mode may be set to Internal Antenna and a single CU system may be
deployed.
For all other Off-Air applications, Mode must be set to External Antenna and up to four
CUs may be used. To meet regulatory compliance and to assure optimum
performance, an approved Cel-Fi External Antenna is required.
Donor Antenna Aiming (through the WAVE app) is a simple guided process when
commissioning the system.
o Ensure power is available at the NU location.
o If planning for an external donor antenna, where will the coax cable run be and where
will the donor antenna be mounted?
•For best results, test donor signal locations during normal peak usage hours.
16
•Determine best existing Off-Air signal location at the site (using phone signal bars), usually near
windows.
o Test results for LTE are preferred over 3G results.
o OPTION: Run a few speed tests on a phone at each location. Higher data rates indicate
better signal quality.
o ADVANCED: Evaluate signal quality parameters (Smartphone apps such as Network
Cell Info Lite show this information).
PLAN CU
• Where will the CU(s) be placed?
• Site survey Suggestions (how do we survey the location?)
• Where is coverage needed?
• How will the CU(s) be mounted?
• Given CU placement, what sorts of cable runs will be required?
o Are the CU(s) sufficiently isolated from one another?
From the NU?
o Any distance over 200 m from the NU will require a QRE to be included in-line.
17
• Coverage Areas
PLAN CABLING
• Distance requirements
• QRE needs
18
Once NU and CU locations are determined, have your IT professional or cable installer recommend cable
routes and lengths (use a QRE for any CU cable length over 100m). Rather than running new cable,
sometimes existing LAN cables may be re-purposed.
NU Power
• The NU should be located within reach of an AC power output.
NU LAN Management port
• The NU LAN port connects QUATRA to the WAVE Portal through your LAN/ISP
• The LAN OUTPUT port is for daisy chaining additional NUs.
NU to CU cables
• Cat 5e (or better) must be used.
• Maximum NU to CU cable length is 100m for Cat5e.
19
Longer CU cables may be used for Cat6 if cable performance meets qualification testing for 1000Base-T.
• If longer cabling is needed (Cat5e or Cat6), a Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender (QRE) may be used for up
to 200m total cable length.
• These cables must be dedicated to each CU.
• Passive cable interconnects may be used when routing the cables (such as a punch-down block or
patch panel).
• Active Ethernet LAN hardware may not be used because Cel-Fi QUATRA uses proprietary signaling.
20
INSTALL
1. Record serial numbers by location
The QUATRA Management tools will reference the NUs and CUs by serial number during
commissioning, and allow the assignment of personalized names to each unit.
2. Mount the hardware
21
CABLE
22
POWER
23
LED
ISSUE
TRY
Reset the Network Unit by unplugging the power supply, wait 5 seconds, then plug it
Verify Network Unit software is up to date (using QMT or cloud portal).
If the problem persists, return Network Unit for service.
Make sure that the vents (the small openings in the plastic housing) on the units are not
Reset the Coverage Unit by unplugging it and then plugging it back in.
Verify Coverage Unit software is up to date (using QMT or cloud portal).
Make sure that the LAN cabling to each Coverage Unit is dedicated (not combined with
If a Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender is used to lengthen the 100 meter maximum
Uninstall Coverage Unit and plug it into back of Network Unit with a short Ethernet cable
If the problem persists, return Coverage Unit for service.
Make sure that the vents (the small openings in the plastic housing) on the units are not
Insufficient Donor Signal. If internal antennas used for Network Unit, relocate Network
Unit where signals exist or add and Enable external antennas in Settings.
If external antennas or a small cell donor signal are used, check Mode setting, donor
Product Registration is required for your system to operate (system is new or has been
If NU Mode is set to Internal Antenna, only one CU may be used. More connected CUs
No CU
connected.
Connect at least one CU to the NU.
CU too close to
NU.
A CU is too close to the NU. Move the closest CU further away from the NU.
CU Disabled.
Use QMT or the Cel-Fi WAVE portal to Enable the CU if it is Disabled.
The Network Unit is receiving too strong a donor signal and may operate with reduced
If internal antennas used, move the Network Unit to another location. You might need to
If external antennas used, move or re-aim the external antennas away from the strong
TROUBLESHOOTING: CEL-FI QUATRA
SOLID RED
Network Unit
(NU) error.
Network Unit
overheating.
Coverage Unit
(CU) error.
Coverage Unit
overheating.
back in.
blocked. Move the unit to a cooler area. The system will start working normally when it
cools down.
other active LAN hardware such as routers and switches). Passive connectors may be
used (i.e. punch-down blocks) but the maximum cable distance may be reduced.
Network Unit to Coverage Unit Ethernet distance, make sure only a single Cel-Fi QUATRA
Range Extender (QRE) is used per Coverage Unit. QRE is proprietary and other extenders
will not work. See QRE Troubleshooting.
that is known to work. If the Coverage Unit works properly, troubleshoot the original
Ethernet cable (or QRE if used).
blocked. Move the unit to a cooler area. The system will start working normally when it
cools down.
BLINKING
RED
Problem with
donor signal or
Mode setting.
Registration
required.
Check Mode and
number of CUs.
Input signal
too strong.
source, and cable connections to the NU RF ports.
moved to a new address). Please follow the registration instructions using QMT or the
Cel-Fi WAVE portal.
will result in system Disable. Disconnect additional CUs, or set NU Mode to External
Antenna and connect an External Antenna.
gain (the signal source could be any Operator’s cell tower if close enough, or it could be
another indoor cellular solution in close proximity to the Network Unit donor antennas).
move your system to the other side of your building.
cellular signal source.
24
If a Small Cell donor is used, make sure the coaxial connections to the Small Cell have
Location Lock —
Your system has been moved from its previous Registration location. Please reregister
System
The system has been remotely disabled. Please check for a notification message and
A Coverage Unit LAN cable may be shorted. Unplug all Coverage Units, power cycle the
(fault could be in cabling, a Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender, or a Coverage Unit).
If Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extenders are used, verify that LAN cable length on either side
If none of the above works, try another power supply.
If none of the above works, try another Network Unit.
Verify that a live LAN Ethernet cable is connected to the Network Unit LAN port (not the
Check LAN firewall settings to the cloud (contact your IT Administrator). The NU uses
Verify system performance and Cel-Fi WAVE cloud portal connectivity using QMT (QMT
must have an active internet connection).
GREEN
Wait. System is in a setup state. If a red error indication occurs on the NU, CU LEDs may
If using a Small Cell donor, make sure the small cell is commissioned and transmitting.
Make test calls using just the Small Cell signal to verify its operation (temporarily
connect small cell antennas).
Verify handset settings and compatibility against boosted channel bands and 3G/4G
Phone not
signal
Due to network resource balancing, a handset may be directed by the network to use an
service interruption.
Software updates using QMT may take an hour or more due to Bluetooth limitations.
LED
ISSUE
TRY
Unplug the INPUT cable, wait 5 seconds, and plug it back in. If the condition
the supplied attenuators installed.
QMT/WAVE
BLINKING
Registration
Required
Disabled.
Port keeps
resetting
Management
Connection Error
Setup in
progress
your system at its new location using QMT or the Cel-Fi WAVE portal, or move the
system back to its original location.
contact your Operator or Vendor.
system, and plug Coverage Unit cables back in one at a time to check where fault occurs
of the Extenders does not exceed 100 meters.
LAN OUT port which is used to daisy-chain to another Network Unit LAN port).
port 443 for management traffic.
stay in the setup state until the NU error is cleared.
Phones have
signal but can’t
make calls
technologies.
seeing boosted
unrelayed channel if that channel is adequate. This is normal and should not cause a
SOLID
GREEN
Slow software
update.
Connect your NU LAN (Management) port to the Internet for faster updates.
Troubleshooting: Accessories
QRE – All LEDs
Flashing
persists the unit needs to be replaced.
25
Any RJ45
CU is not connected or cannot be seen. Check QRE to CU cable and/or CU. CU may
Green LED is off
between
NU/QRE/CU
Link is down
be checked by plugging directly to back of NU or QRE Output with LAN test cable.
Check NU – QRE – CU cables lengths (must not exceed 100 meters each, and use
of patch panels may reduce maximum length).
26
TERMINOLOGY
Active DAS. A powered DAS (Distributed Antenna System) Network.
Attenuator. An electronic device that reduces the amplitude of a signal.
Cel-Fi WAVE. A cloud portal system for managing Cel-Fi systems
Coverage Unit (CU). The Cel-Fi unit that broadcasts cellular service where coverage is needed (Service
signal).
Donor Antenna. Receives and transmits signals with the existing cellular network.
External Antenna. Antennas external to a device and connected with RF cables.
Gain, or System Gain. The amount of amplification that may be applied to the source signal.
iBwave. A solutions planner that allows you to perform complete RF distribution designs with hardware
such as Cel-Fi products.
Interference. Locations usually between multiple cell sites that may be interfering with each other and
reducing network capacity.
Isolation. Separating donor-service antennas to limit feedback potential.
MIMO. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output antenna scheme that improves capacity. Cel-Fi QUATRA is a 2x2
MIMO system, using two antennas per NU or CU.
Network Unit (NU). The Cel-Fi unit that connects to the existing cellular network (Donor signal).
Pilot Pollution. See Interference.
PoE (Power over Ethernet). To pass electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling.
QMA connector. A spring loaded quick connect small-size RF connector used to join coaxial cables.
QMT (Cel-Fi QUATRA Management Tool). A Smartphone App and cloud-based management system that
allows local and remote management of Cel-Fi QUATRA systems.
QRE (Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender). Allows Cel-Fi QUATRA NU to CU interconnect cable lengths to
200m.
RFoE. The transport of RF signals over Ethernet cable.
Service Antenna. Receives and transmits signals amongst local user devices (phones/tablets etc).
SMA Connector. A common small (Sub-Miniature A) 50 ohm RF cable connector.
Small Cell. Low-powered cellular radio access node.
Splitter (Divider/Combiner). Splits a single coaxial cable to/from multiple cables.
27
WCDMA Bandwidth per
Band
Channel Selection
Full Auto with self-learn Scan
Downlink TX Power max
(conducted)
Uplink TX Power max
(conducted)
Max boost bandwidth
(all channel)
System Gain dynamic
range
Internal MIMO antenna
gains
Ethernet ports
Shielded Fast Ethernet ports (RJ45)
Maximum NU-CU cable
length
Bluetooth (NU and CU)
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) v4.1.2
Bluetooth Power
10dBm
Input Power (NU only)
54 VDC @ 2.22 Amp via external supply (51.3 to 56.7 VDC tolerance)
100 meter (200 meter with Cel-Fi QUATRA Range Extender accessory)
NU and CU LAN cabling Cat 5e or better
Bluetooth (Frequency) 2402-2480 MHz
User Interface Red/Green LEDs, QMT Smartphone App, WAVE Cloud Portal
100 to 240 VAC, 47 – 63Hz
Cooling Natural convection
Network Unit dimensions 264mm (W) x 185mm (H) x 62mm (D)
Coverage Unit dimensions 225mm (W) x 185mm (H) x 36.5mm (D)
Network Unit weight 1.2kg (40.8 oz.)
Coverage Unit weight 0.83kg (29.2 oz.)
Operating temperature 0° to 40°C
Storage temperature -25° to 60°C
Relative humidity 0% to 95%, noncondensing
IP Rating IP20
Compliance RoHS II 2011/65/EU
Compliance 3GPP TS 25.143 Rel.10