Wireless Infrastructure for Complex Buildings and Campuses

In-building wireless infrastructure helps provide reliable cellular, Wi-Fi, private wireless, and public safety communications inside buildings where construction materials, building size, user density, or location can limit signal performance. A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is commonly used to distribute commercial cellular signals throughout large or complex facilities when outdoor carrier coverage alone cannot provide the coverage or capacity users need indoors. CTS evaluates the building, RF environment, carrier requirements, and long-term operating needs to determine the appropriate approach.

Each technology serves a different role. DAS supports public cellular service from mobile carriers. Enterprise Wi-Fi provides local network access for users, devices, and applications. Private LTE and 5G provide dedicated cellular connectivity for operational systems, mobility, IoT, and other controlled enterprise use cases. Many facilities require more than one wireless layer. CTS evaluates coverage, capacity, users, devices, applications, mobility, security, and operational requirements to determine which technologies should work together.

Commercial cellular DAS distributes carrier signals from providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to improve indoor cellular service for building occupants. Public Safety DAS, also called an Emergency Responder Radio Communication System (ERRCS), is a separate life-safety system designed to provide reliable radio coverage for fire, police, EMS, and other first responders. Public Safety DAS requirements are governed by applicable codes and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.