In-Building Wireless Solutions: The Complete Guide

If you are in the market looking for an in-building wireless solution, you know there are a host of choices out there. How do you choose? What attributes and benefits do you need to address your unique needs fully?

To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled a helpful guide with need-to-know information. Strong indoor wireless coverage is more critical than ever, especially in today’s world of growing demand. Reliable coverage is imperative. Strong indoor connectivity is vital for smooth business operations and public safety communications among emergency responders.

The Challenge in Today’s Environment

The soaring demand for wireless connectivity has one big challenge. Modern building materials block signals from outdoor cell sites, typically referred to as “macrocells” by the mobile carriers that build them. Fortunately, in-building wireless solutions overcome this hurdle and bring the outdoor network indoors, where it is most needed.

Top Factors to Consider When Evaluating In-Building Wireless Solutions

Coverage and Capacity

Assess your coverage area. What is the square footage and number of floors you are working with? Consider the layout, including walls, floors, and other obstructions.  What areas of the building have weak or no signal coverage?

You will also want to consider capacity needs. For example, estimate the number of simultaneous users and consider data usage patterns and peak usage times. As much as possible, consider diverse types of connected devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things sensors and controllers. Assessing the current state of your coverage and capacity goes a long way toward providing reliable connectivity for tenants.

Compatibility

Cellular networks operate on a wide range of frequency bands, and knowing the current bands and frequencies you need to support is helpful. Make sure your new solution will easily integrate with existing networks such as 4G LTE and 5G NR and have the flexibility to support future upgrades.

Expansion

Scalability is important. Look for solutions that can easily scale up as your needs grow, and choose systems that allow for modular upgrades and expansions. Be sure to look for systems with high reliability, longevity, and a robust product roadmap to ensure continuous operation.

Installation, Maintenance, and Operating Expenses

Ascertain the complexity of the installation and the time required to do so. Look for solutions with minimal maintenance needs and easy troubleshooting. It’s a good idea to compare the upfront costs of different systems, plus the monthly investment in upgrades and operational expenses, including energy consumption, to ensure a cost-effective and sustainable system.

Compliance and Security

Last but not least, it is essential that an in-building wireless solution complies with federal, state, and local regulations and industry standards. Know what security measures are in place to protect the network and user data.

What In-Building Wireless Solution is Best for You?

There are four types of in-building wireless systems:

1. 1. 1. A Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, is a network of antennas that send and receive cellular signals on a carrier’s licensed frequency. They work best for facilities that are greater than 100,000 square feet.In a DAS system, a base station, small cell, or repeater serves as the source of the signal, which fiber then distributes to remote equipment in IT closets. Where microcell and repeater systems usually consist of several individual units, a DAS uses many interconnected devices spread over a wide area to increase connectivity and boost performance.A DAS has multiple advantages. In addition to greater reliability, increases in bandwidth demand can be easily addressed when systems are carefully planned and designed. More bands, remotes, and antennas can be added as needed. Additionally, a DAS can provide connectivity from multiple mobile network operators, reducing costs, improving aesthetics, and reducing workflow disruption.
      2. Repeater Systems amplify and repeat outside wireless signals inside your building. Outdoor signals provide limited, shared capacity between all the buildings, people, and devices over a large area. These solutions work best in small facilities located in suburban and rural areas.
      3. Microcell/Small Cell/DRAN systems function as mini cell phone towers within a small facility, radiating a signal inside the building for a single network operator. As a result, multiple parallel systems are required to provide connectivity to all the people and devices in your building.
      4. Wi-Fi is the most common way people connect to the internet at home. No wired connection is needed. Wi-Fi converts an Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection into a wireless signal for use by computers, phones, and other devices. Wi-Fi works well for devices that do not move but does not offer a seamless calling option that integrates with mobile networks. It isn’t designed to support future mobile technology like 6G.

Selecting an in-building wireless solution can be daunting. However, by using these guidelines as a foundation for a decision, you will be able to wisely select a solution that meets your needs and adapts to the future.

If you’re considering DAS for your In-Building Wireless Solution, talk to one of our experts today.