King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is the kingdom’s busiest airport, serving millions of passengers annually across a sprawling terminal and support facilities. To ensure reliable communication for safety and operations, Zinwave’s UNItivity Distributed Antenna System (DAS) was deployed to deliver comprehensive TETRA radio coverage throughout the complex. Installed by our long term partner, this cutting-edge system supports a massive network of 29 Primary Hubs, 232 Secondary Hubs, 1,581 Optical Modules, 116 Service Modules, and 1,265 Remote Units, providing an all-fibre, wideband solution that keeps this critical hub connected.
Challenge:
KAIA demanded uninterrupted TETRA radio coverage across its vast terminals and associated buildings to support public safety and operational coordination. With thousands of staff, emergency responders, and passengers relying on clear communication daily, any gaps in signal could jeopardise response times or disrupt airport functions. The project’s scale—spanning multiple facilities posed logistical hurdles, while rigorous testing phases (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3) required precise execution to meet strict performance standards, all within an active airport environment.
Solution:
Zinwave’s UNItivity DAS, leveraging a double-star fibre-to-antenna topology, was tailored to KAIA’s needs, connecting Primary Hubs to Secondary Hubs and Remote Units via optical fibre for end-to-end TETRA service. The system supports frequencies from 150MHz to 2700MHz, ensuring flexibility for future upgrades. ICAD implemented a meticulous three-phase testing plan: SAT1 verified individual device functionality, SAT2 confirmed core system performance with tools like spectrum analysers and RF signal generators, and SAT3 (planned separately) will validate full integration with TETRA providers. On-site configuration, fibre loss calibration, and TETRA signal testing ensured optimal output, with Remote Units delivering coverage goals of -95dBm across 90% of general areas and 99% of critical zones.
Results:
The Zinwave DAS now powers reliable TETRA coverage throughout KAIA, enabling seamless communication for safety teams and airport operations. Initial testing confirmed that the system delivers consistent signal strength and quality, with walk-tests using spectrum analysers validating performance at Remote Units. The scalable, all-fibre design not only meets current demands but also positions KAIA for future service expansions without infrastructure overhauls. By maintaining operational continuity in a live airport setting, the installation underscores Zinwave’s ability to tackle complex, high-stakes deployments with precision and reliability.
