Murphy Network was established in 2013, as a division of Murphy Tower Service, a telecommunications construction company providing end-to-end wireless and wireline construction services.
Originally, Murphy Network solely worked on the equipment at the base of towers. The division has since evolved to services including installation, troubleshooting, repair and inspection of communications systems outside of cell towers, such as DAS, ERCES, private networks, backhaul, ethernet and more.
Murphy Tower has approximately 135 employees, up to 30 of whom work on Network division projects. “Our Network division has a dedicated team, plus we pull manpower from other divisions as needed. To do this properly we cross-train teams on the technologies, as we grow. Our company’s life expectancy will mirror the latest technology that our associates are properly trained and capable of performing,” said Ken Gordon, Director of Murphy Network.
“Today, Murphy Network is one of the industry’s top wireless infrastructure specialists focusing on cellular enhancement, private networks, ERCES and DAS for customers in a variety of industries. The quality of our craft is unmatched, and we work diligently to ensure each project meets customer expectations,” Brandi Putz, Business Development & Marketing Manager said.
Primary Services
Murphy Network’s primary solutions encompass everything from DAS/ERCES installation, testing and maintenance, and 5G equipment upgrades to private IoT network deployment for factory automation and network drive tests to uncover interference and test RF coverage.
“The services we provide include design, engineering, and project management from start to finish,” said Gordon. Additional areas of expertise, according to Gordon, include low-voltage systems, fixed wireless access (FWA), cell site routers, DC power systems and small cell hubs.
Custom Communications Made to Order
Murphy Network can build to suit a new network or add/drop carriers to an existing network. In particular, it can customize a wide range of indoor and outdoor solutions, including Private LTE, FWA, cellular DAS, emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES), Enhanced-911, and WiFi.
This requires understanding customer coverage needs and customizing networks accordingly, explained Raynard Williams, Murphy Network Project Manager.
“On the cellular side, we determine if they are looking to add specific carriers, or seeking coverage from all parties,” said Williams. “We tailor our network solutions depending on the customers’ needs and budget.”
The DAS Process
Murphy Network assists both carriers and enterprise clients with DAS deployments. To start, the Murphy Network team performs a thorough site survey to map out the area and test the signal strength. They manage all necessary permit requirements once the design is approved.
“Within a week of completing the site survey, we’ll customize an initial estimate for each customer, catering our cellular DAS solutions to their exact needs and specifications,” Williams said. “Then, we’ll work with them to finalize our proposal and establish a clear course of action to strengthen the signal throughout their property.”
Once the customer approves the proposal, Murphy Network deploys its experts as soon as equipment arrives to integrate antennas and amplify the signal. From initial testing to installation, the process is designed to be minimally invasive to the property, with cables and wires discreetly tucked away in ceilings or floors.
“We work around our customers’ schedules and can work night shifts so nothing is disturbed during business hours. This leads to cellular coverage as we believe it should be: out of sight, out of mind and ultimately seamless,” Williams said. “With Safety, Quality and Integrity top of mind, we complete our process with another round of careful testing to ensure their upgraded signal strength covers all needed areas.”
First Responder Communications
Increasingly, new buildings are being designed to accommodate ERCES. Existing buildings used by municipalities, hospitals and schools are seeing deployments of ERCES, as well. The codes governing public safety wireless systems are different in every city and state. Researching the rules for a particular locality allows Murphy Network to ensure that each new network it designs is in compliance.
Murphy Network helps key stakeholders understand how connectivity can save lives during an emergency. By joining the Safer Buildings Coalition, it has established relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJ) to stay up-to-speed on evolving, local fire codes.
“Having connectivity inside a building during a crisis can be the difference between life and death,” Putz said. “It’s extremely serious. I know that different states have different requirements on building regulations and codes; however, even if you aren’t in a state or county where those regulations are enforced, you wouldn’t want to be in a crisis where first responders cannot communicate.”
Going Horizontal into New Verticals
The digital infrastructure industry is changing, and Murphy Network expects to see increased demand for private networks in vertical markets, such as factory automation, office buildings, stadiums, event/community centers, public and government buildings, regional airports, smart agriculture, and colleges/universities.
“We embrace these opportunities and are actively taking on that type of work,” said Gordon. “And the quality of our workmanship is the product of years and diversity of experience.” Murphy Network has three ISO certifications and is in progress on a fourth.
“We are seen as subject matter experts when it comes to Safety & Quality,” Putz said. “Our company is dedicated to continuous improvement. We have someone from the ISO who holds us accountable through an intense audit program for quality and safety each year. Quality and Safety will always be two of our core values.”
Diversification Spurs Diversification
Murphy Network was created to diversify the service offerings of Murphy Tower, but the division itself has diversified to serve the expanding communications needs of society.
Driven by the need for more data inside buildings, cell calls originating indoors and the need for first responder communications, the team at Murphy Network has responded by constructing seamless connectivity in multiple ways.
For more information about Murphy Network, email info@murphytower.com, or request your free quote to get started today.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor