What Can In-Building DAS Do For You?

We live in a hyper-connected society, users want to be connected at all times, and they expect to enjoy a quality data connection every time they walk into a building, be it, a restaurant, a coffee house, a hotel, a stadium, a hospital, they expect to find a reliable service for their voice and data needs. Social networks and rating services like Yelp or ReviewTrust have empowered users, and they are very vocal about bad experiences. Businesses should pay attention to the experience of their clients while they are on their premises, as bad experiences can hurt the reputation of the company.

A technology that can help businesses provide good quality data and voice services for their clients is a Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), or as it is commonly referred: In-Building DAS. In simple terms an In-Building DAS amplify cellular coverage within building and properties, it is a network of antennas that sends and receives cellular signals on a carrier’s licensed frequencies, thereby improving voice and data connectivity for end users

Some locations experience significantly more cellular data usage than others. Some of the most common places where a DAS installation can be of use are shopping malls, airports, convention centers, stadiums. In these scenarios we are usually dealing with capacity issues: there are just too many users concentrated in a small area to provide quality voice and data services with the standard infrastructure. Another scenario in which a cellular DAS installation is usually required are areas with low or unstable signal coverage. Building materials like Low-Emissivity (low-E) Glass used in the construction of energy-efficient buildings can significantly reduce the signal strength inside buildings.

In recent years, several states and municipalities nationwide, have been enforcing building codes from the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association requiring large commercial buildings to provide cellular and radio coverage for public safety purposes. A correctly installed cellular DAS ensures that first responders can communicate with each other and assist people who are in need of lifesaving help.

System Design

After the initial requirements have been discussed, the system design will be put together. If the DAS installation is going to be performed in an existing building, a site survey should be conducted to evaluate the current conditions of the building. Our experts will need access to building floor plans, and we will use specialized equipment to test the quality of the signal and RF interference. The site survey will include the review of aspects like telecom room and closets, risers, interior walls, roof, etc.

If you’re considering the DAS installation for a new building, our experts recommend that a preliminary RF design is included with the initial building plans. A provisional RF design can provide the best estimation of RF penetration based on the structure, materials and floor plan of the building. Even if there is no immediate plan to install in-building cellular infrastructure, it’s still ideal to include the cable and fiber runs in the initial building plans in case a mobile wireless infrastructure is needed in the future. This will ensure that the costs of having to retrofit later on are avoided. Once a venue is up and running, the cost of pulling cables increases even more due to its impact on business operations.

Cellular Carrier Coordination

If the objective of the In-Building DAS system is to improve the wireless user experience, access to licensed frequencies from mobile operators will be required. Our experts will help you do the coordination with mobile operators.

The coordination with mobile operators is usually a long process, which often goes overlooked by unexperienced DAS installation companies. We recommend that this process is started early in the implementation process, this will help avoid any conflicts with the standards and processes of the operator’s networks and reduce potential delays in the project.

DAS Solution Maintenance

Once the building’s new DAS system is operational, it is critical to have a system monitoring and maintenance plan in place. This will ensure that your service is operating optimally and is uninterrupted.

As we have shown, In-Building DAS may be an imperative for some businesses. Compliance with regulatory requirements may also be a driver for installing DAS solution.

Decypher Technologies experts can help you design and install the right Commercial DAS solution for your business.