Case Study- Deloitte University EMEA, Paris
SOLiD & Deloitte University
SOLiD, in partnership with EQUANS are delivering coverage that ensures seamless and high-performance access to communication services, which are essential in an environment focused on learning and collaboration at Deloitte Unversity EMEA, Paris.
The Deloitte University EMEA: A state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Val d' Europe. dedicated to learning, development, and networking.
The Deloitte University EMEA campus is located in the heart of the dynamic Val d’Europe area, to the east of Paris. It is dedicated to the training and development of Deloitte employees from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Deloitte University EMEA campus covers an impressive 22,000 square metres within a 15-hectare estate. This newly constructed building is a truly ambitious vision of architecture and design in the pursuit of professional excellence.
The site offers a range of integrated, high-end services for its users. In addition to high-performance workspaces, it features a modern accommodation complex spread over five floors with 260 fully equipped rooms. The facility can welcome up to 500 daily delegates and is designed and tailored for training and networking activities.
To optimise the learning experience, the campus provides 51 flexible and modular training rooms designed with interaction and efficiency in mind. The common areas include a ballroom with a capacity of 1,500 people, ideal for conferences, internal events, or celebrations. A social area and a large-capacity restaurant complete the facilities, allowing participants to relax and socialise.
This campus reflects Deloitte’s strategy of investing in its talents by providing an environment that is dedicated to and designed for learning and networking in an architecture that reflects a village with sustainability and biodiversity in focus.
Indoor GSM Coverage: A Tailored Solution for a Hybrid and Multifunctional Environment
The GSM indoor solution implemented on the campus aimed to ensure optimal coverage for the two main areas of the site: the hospitality section and the public access areas. Both Orange and SFR provide coverage across 3G, 4G, and 5G bands. This coverage ensures users have seamless and high-performance access to communication services, which are essential in an environment focused on learning and collaboration.
This project stands out due to its unique nature and technical challenges. The building features a hybrid configuration, combining areas with multiple functions, such as hospitality spaces (rooms and associated services) and workspaces (training rooms, offices, event spaces, etc.). This configuration required a specific approach to ensure consistent coverage tailored to very different uses, ranging from internet browsing and professional calls to needs related to large-scale events.
To address these challenges, careful planning was required, considering the specific characteristics of each area, such as user density, building materials, and signal propagation conditions. The deployment of the necessary infrastructure, including antennas and indoor network equipment, created a robust and scalable solution capable of meeting the current and future technological demands of the site.
This project is a great example of a successful combination of technical innovation and architectural adaptation, aiming to provide users with cutting-edge connectivity in a multi-use environment.
SOLiD was the technical solution of choice, already approved by the main telecom operators. This strategic decision was based on several key factors. First, the solution offers easy integration, allowing for smooth and efficient installation in a
building with multiple uses. Furthermore, SOLiD was able to meet the specific requirements of the architectural project, respecting both the aesthetics and structural constraints of the campus without compromising technical performance.
To ensure optimal GSM coverage inside the building, Equans carried out a comprehensive technical deployment. A total of 67 antennas were installed across all areas, covering hospitality, workspaces and event infrastructure. These antennas are interconnected by an advanced distribution system, DAS (Distributed Antenna System) GENESIS, which ensures consistent and uniform signal distribution throughout the premises.
Deloitte also made a key decision to directly purchase the DAS system. This purchase guarantees the campus complete independence from operators when it comes to indoor GSM coverage. With this autonomy, Deloitte can ensure the network continues to perform at its best and incorporate future technical innovations while maintaining direct control over its telecom infrastructure.
Hybrid Cabling: A Technological Innovation for Performance and Sustainability
This project made innovative use of hybrid cabling, combining fibre optic (FO) and copper, a solution designed and deployed by EQUANS.
The decision to combine fibre optic and copper in a single cabling infrastructure gives several advantages. From a technical perspective, fibre optic ensures fast and reliable data transmission over long distances, while copper provides direct power supply to the antennas.
In practice, this hybrid cabling solution significantly improved the efficiency of the cable pulling operations, which can be complex in a large building such as this.
In addition, this cabling solution greatly improves aspects of maintenance, sustainability, and scalability. Consolidating fibre and copper into a single network reduces the number of potential failure points and simplifies maintenance tasks. Maintenance teams can diagnose and resolve issues more quickly, improving network availability. The hybrid cabling solution meets both the specific needs of the project while anticipating long-term performance and maintenance requirements. This approach is another example of the commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with operational efficiency in the design of the Deloitte University EMEA.
EQUANS: A Turnkey Solution for Excellence in GSM Infrastructure
EQUANS provided a comprehensive, all-in-one solution, managing the design, implementation and deployment of the indoor GSM infrastructure at the Deloitte University EMEA.
This integrated approach addressed the client’s complex needs while simplifying project management with a single point of contact.
The process began with a detailed design phase, during which EQUANS analysed the building, the functional requirements and technical and architectural constraints. Leveraging its expertise, EQUANS was able to propose a tailored solution, including innovative hybrid cabling and a DAS infrastructure perfectly suited to the site’s needs.
Once the design was approved, EQUANS moved on to the technical execution of the project, including the installation of 67 antennas and the integration of the DAS GENESIS. This work was carried out to the highest standards and within agreed timelines, ensuring a smooth implementation.
A key phase of the project was the negotiation with telecom operators Orange and SFR. EQUANS played a strategic role, ensuring that the proposed solutions were in line with the operators’ requirements and that all sides were in agreement. This collaborativen management ensured effective 3G, 4G, and 5G network coverage, aligned with Deloitte’s expectations.
Following the solution installation, EQUANS moved onto the go-live phase of the project, ensuring the system operated flawlessly and was in line with expected performance standards. This phase included rigorous testing and adjustments to guarantee consistent and uniform coverage and an optimal user experience.
Finally, EQUANS is responsible for providing long-term maintenance and operational services. This commitment ensures proactive infrastructure management for the client, including regular inspections, technical updates, and a rapid response in the event of incidents.
A Strategic and Innovative Partnership Between SOLID and EQUANS
SOLiD played a key role as a strategic partner, working closely with EQUANS to ensure the success of the project. The partnership resulted in complete alignment and coordination of efforts throughout the various project phases, from design to
final implementation.
As a recognised expert in telecommunication solutions, SOLiD has positioned itself as a true innovator in this space, providing creative ideas and solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Deloitte University EMEA.
From the early stages of the project, the SOLiD team offered valuable technical advice, helping narrow down technical solutions and identify the most effective configuration, ensuring optimised indoor GSM coverage with enhanced voice performance in 3G and 4G, as well as high-quality data speeds for 5G.
SOLiD’s role went beyond simply providing equipment. The organisation also provided on-going support, delivering technical and operational help at every stage of the project.
During the design phase, SOLID worked with EQUANS to optimise the network architecture. Then, in the deployment phase, SOLID brought its expertise to ensure the smooth installation of the 67 antennas and the DAS GENESIS system to deliver the performance required.
This collaboration was achieved through open communication and a shared commitment to overcoming the technical challenges posed by such a large-scale project. Thanks to this partnership, EQUANS was able to deliver an even greater level of technical and strategic support, contributing to the successful delivery of a high-quality indoor GSM infrastructure.
In summary, SOLiD and EQUANS formed a high-performing and complementary team, with SOLiD standing out for its expertise, proactivity, and commitment to delivering tailored and innovative solutions. This partnership reflects a successful collaboration between two major players, united by a shared vision of excellence and innovation.
