In-Building Wireless 101: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Smartphones are absolutely ubiquitous. Nearly everyone has one, and everyone who has one expects to be able to use their device everywhere, whether they're at work, in their home, at a sporting event, etc. In-building wireless coverage can vary from location to location, and it's frustrating for users to experience inconsistent cell signal. People often blame their wireless carrier, assuming that a line is down or a tower just isn't located close enough to where they are.

Here's the catch: it's not always the carrier's fault. Poor cell signal is often due to the environment in which the phone is being used. There are ways to resolve this issue. Let's look at in-building wireless, why you may experience poor cell coverage and how to fix it. 

Basics of In-Building Wireless or Distributed Antenna Systems

You might not be familiar with in-building wireless or distributed antenna systems (more commonly known as “DAS”). Essentially, a DAS is a telecommunications solution that enhances and distributes wireless connections inside an office building or any large commercial space. A DAS is able to amplify the existing cell signal to provide connectivity to all cellular devices inside a structure.

Most in-building wireless systems, like a DAS, are professionally designed, engineered, modified and installed to the precise specifications of a building, employing a network of antennas, cables, and amplifiers to bring enhanced cellular connectivity to isolated spots or bad coverage areas.

When it comes to safety, security and productivity, in-building wireless matters to everyone. Tenants, customers, employees and visitors alike expect constant access to their smartphones, tablets, and other cellular-connected devices throughout a building—at all times of the day.

Without an in-building wireless system in place, dropped calls and disruptions are inevitable—regardless of the carrier or device you’re using.

Reasons for Weak In-Building Wireless Coverage

Many times the reason for poor cell signal is the distance between your building and the nearest cell tower. There’s also the variety of natural and man-made barriers surrounding a building that can block cell signalfrom nearby buildings. Even electrical towers, clusters of trees and nearby mountains can be contributing factors. In an urban environment, shadowed areas from skyscrapers can create an area of low signal.

Technology can also play a factor in your need for a signal booster.

Designed to reduce heat loss (or gain, depending on the climate) the energy efficient windows, foam-injected insulation, and metal construction found in many modern offices are also highly effective at blocking incoming cell signal. Common building materials, such as drywall, plaster, and concrete can wreak havoc on the in-building wireless coverage of a commercial space.

As cellular frequency goes even higher with 5G, cell signal decay will only get worse. To address these issues, an in-building cellular enhancement system may be the answer.

How to Know if Your Building Needs an In-Building Wireless Solution

There's a relatively simple way to conclude whether or not a cell phone signal amplifier is necessary to improve your in-building wireless coverage and provide a stronger, more reliable cell signal for everyone throughout your building.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. When I am inside, do I have problems with dropped calls or lost connections, poor call audio quality, or texts, emails, and voicemails that show up in my inbox hours after they were sent?
2. When I go outside, do the problems identified above seem to go away? Is it easier to keep connections or complete calls? Does the audio quality of my calls improve? Can I download files to my phone faster outside than when I'm indoors?

If you answer 'yes' to these questions, a WilsonPro solution could improve your situation. Our cellular amplifiers are used in office buildings, corporate high-rises, schools, hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other commercial locations across North America.

To see how WilsonPro improved in-building wireless coverage of a 168,588 sq. ft., eight-story office building to the delight of its residents in Southern California, check out case study here.

Depending on the complexity of the implementation, a WilsonPro amplifier system can be up and running in your building in a matter of days or weeks—not years, like other in-building wireless solutions. We offer a cost-effective, multi-carrier cell signal enhancement solution for commercial use.

If you’re experiencing dropped calls, slow data and low bars with your cell coverage, consider a WilsonPro solution. WilsonPro cell amplifiers use passive DAS technology to boost cellular signal throughout large commercial spaces. Contact us to learn more.  

Content provided by WilsonPro.