When to Test for ERRCS / BDA / Emergency Responder Radio Communications
Read Storyby Alexander Goge
Commercial buildings are highly susceptible to poor cell coverage and interestingly, the more energy efficient a building is, the worse its cell coverage is likely to be inside. That’s because the building materials, especially the green ones like low-e glass, don’t allow cell signal to penetrate the walls or windows.
That’s where DAS — Distributed Antenna Systems — come in. These in-building systems are engineered to provide better cellular coverage for virtually any commercial building including commercial offices, multi-family, healthcare, K-12, hotels/hospitality, higher-ed or government.
DAS provides the cell coverage that is used for dozens of purposes but the two main uses are:
DAS for Public Safety and First Responders Cellular Networks
DAS for Voice/Data/Text Cellular Networks
A myriad of technologies and manufacturers support cell coverage systems but there are basically only two main distinctions to consider:
Active DAS means you have to go out and ‘actively’ capture the cell signal through a hardwired fiber connection from each carrier’s network (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile) to your antenna. The signal is then fed throughout the entire building via hardwired amplifiers and domes.
Active DAS Pros
Active DAS Cons
Passive DAS means a small antenna (about the size of a Pringles can) ‘passively’ (wirelessly) captures all of the available cell signal from all of the carriers. Just like an active DAS, it then feeds the signal throughout the entire building via hardwired amplifiers and domes.
Passive DAS Pros
Passive DAS Cons
Understanding Your Needs
How do you know whether you need active or passive DAS? Do you even need a system at all? That depends on your property and how much cell coverage you currently have, if any. Testing to determine this is crucial and should ALWAYS be included in the SOW for new construction or renovation. For both cellular and Public Safety DAS, testing hardware and software are used to define, plot, and diagnose where coverage is sufficient or lacking. A good testing company will provide mapping of the building, identifying weak areas and then use this map to design your solution. PLEASE NOTE: Testing should be done when some exterior glass is in, but ideally, before drywall begins.
Once your site has been surveyed and the data analyzed, your cellular enhancement integrator can recommend either an active or a passive DAS. In general, if you can maintain a solid phone call outside your building, you can probably choose a passive system.
However, if you see the dreaded “No Service” icon on your phone when standing outside your building, you’re probably going to need an active system to bring service inside your building. An active DAS system is primarily used when a site has little to no cell signal available outside.
Illuminati Labs will help you assess the property’s size and extent of coverage needed, determine a sensible budget, clarify all of the options for enhancing your property’s cell phone coverage and then install your system in an aesthetically pleasing way with minimal disturbance to guests/residents/tenants. We will analyze and measure your current reception from every angle, review your needs and help you get the most boost for your buck.