In Building Solutions

In-building systems are used to improve coverage of wireless systems within concentrated areas, usually within buildings. When customers use wireless networks that do not reach into common areas of their business, this type of system can be used to resolve the issue. In-building systems utilize a distributed antenna system (DAS; transmits and receives signals to and from the end user equipment) which is fed from either a bi-directional amplifier (BDA; actively amplifies signals between the radio system and the end user) connected to a donor antenna (transmits and receives signals to and from radio system) or a radio system base station (see the illustration below). These systems can also incorporate wireless LAN infrastructure (e.g. 802.11g or 802.11n).

In-building systems are customized solutions – rarely are these “out of the box” – based on a number of factors including system signal strength at the “donor” antenna, building construction, size, layout, coverage requirements, end user equipment, covered networks, and similar issues. CE’s Engineering team has extensive design experience and uses state of the art software and equipment to account for each of these factors and ensure every system will meet the design objectives. Because we can provide true turnkey solutions for these systems including: pre- and post-installation testing, single- and multi-carrier design, coordination with the radio system operators, installation, and maintenance we can reduce both the cost and the time required to implement an in-building system.

Applications

In-building systems are very adaptable and are therefore ideal for hospitals, malls, office buildings, school campuses, high-security facilities, governmental buildings, and virtually any space that requires reliable end-user coverage. A recent trend has also been for localities to pass ordinances to require in-building coverage for police and/or fire for all new construction and renovation projects. Common BDA applications include:

• Government – Local, County and State agency offices capitalizing on the Homeland Security push; 911 Centers.
• Hospitals – Often spurred by Homeland Security and considered in conjunction with wireless data networks.
• Schools and Universities – Reliable communications throughout campuses has taken on a new urgency recently.
• Large Enterprises – Campus environments with security and maintenance staff; high mobile phone usage.

Illustration

At right is a typical installation diagram showing the antenna system (rooftop antenna and coaxial cable – shown in green – inside the building) as well as the BDA (upper right corner of building in violet). Coverage provided from the red antennas is shown with radiating red lines.

Let us assist you with defining the coverage requirements, designing, providing the equipment required for, and installing your system. If required, CE will also coordinate with any third-party network providers (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint/Nextel, or the local public safety radio operator) to ensure you receive the necessary approval to include their network on your system.

Call us today at 410-252-1222 to get your system started.