Reception Killer Quesque C’est?
It seems illogical that in 2021 getting good cell reception is still an issue, even in state-of-the-art supertalls in New York City. But the reality is, five bars are never a given. Several factors adversely affect the ability of a cellular network to reach subscribers inside a building. Today’s sustainable construction materials improve structural integrity and energy efficiency but wreak havoc on the ability to propagate wireless service. Low “e” glass, thick concrete walls, and steel construction can restrict wireless signals from penetrating a building. Signals often can’t reach the higher floors of extremely tall buildings, as the surrounding cell towers are lower than the upper floors. The good news is, there is a way to counteract these reception killers; cellular enhancement using a Distributed Antenna System (DAS).
A distributed antenna system, also known as an in-building wireless system, is cutting-edge technology that provides robust, dependable cellular service throughout a building. Each design is unique and custom-tailored to the building in which it lives. The DAS signal source receives cellular signals from the wireless service providers. Using wall and ceiling mounted antennas distributed throughout the building, the signal is amplified and disbursed throughout the structure.
As a wireless system integrator, we perform benchmark surveys of the physical site to determine existing signal strength and propose the best possible solutions. Once it’s determined that a DAS is required, we use the building’s CAD files to create a custom design using iBwave®, the industry standard for inbuilding wireless communications. Accommodations are made for the building’s other radio systems, like public safety, to account for the coexistence with additional frequency transmissions. We also coordinate activities during the DAS implementation between the carriers, property owner, and installation team. Our Project Managers are well versed in the NFPA, IFC, electrical, and building codes required for in-building systems for cellular enhancement and public safety. They join a project at its inception and play an integral role over the project’s lifespan. A building’s lifecycle is long and justifies careful and informed design when it comes to communications. There are many reasons you can have poor cell service in a building, but that shouldn’t be an excuse.