November 1, 2019
In-building wireless (IBW) systems started when property owners realized that a macro cellular network couldn’t offer the reliability needed to keep tenants, visitors, and guests connected, safe, and satisfied. Calls or connection could be lost anywhere from the parking garage to the lobby. Learn more about how IBW can create an environment that visitors, tenants, and future buyers will actually value.
In-Building Wireless and Your Property
In-building wireless solutions like DAS and small cells share a few similarities with Wi-Fi in that they provide a wireless connection to users but are not the same technology. Wi-Fi is primarily designed for data and internet access rather than voice communications. It can be easily derailed by anything from energy-saving glass to fortified construction. Wi-Fi in metal buildings or concrete buildings, in particular, can be disastrous. As signals pass through the dense material, they quickly degrade. Wi-Fi can complement in-building wireless, but it shouldn’t be used in place of it.
IBW solutions are designed to cover the entire property, giving everyone on the premises a reliable way to stay connected. While IBW implies that it addresses the interior of a structure, it can be applied to all areas of the property and grounds – indoor and outdoor. An in-building wireless system can systematically target trouble areas on the property, and network providers can devise solutions to ensure no hiccups in their network.
Critical Benefits of In-Building Wireless
1. Satisfying Customer Expectations
Most property owners who adopt IBW solutions are driven by a new set of customer expectations from those who live, shop, or work in their buildings. If cellular coverage isn’t reliable, visitors and tenants can quickly become frustrated with the establishment. While most people believe their cellular provider bears the responsibility of keeping them connected, it won’t necessarily stop them from making negative associations with your property.
But beyond annoyance, there’s a safety component to connectivity. Modern expectations are spurring a rapid acceleration of IBW systems. We’re seeing increasingly higher numbers of property owners looking to ensure reliable communications in case of an emergency via public safety systems.
2. Faster Speeds Via In-Building Wireless Solutions
The advancements in technology make it possible to quickly move cellular traffic on and off the network, and the results are pretty impressive. Let’s say you own a stadium that can hold 15,000 people. Cellphone calls are constantly dropped when the stadium is full and websites won’t load. You can use in-building wireless solutions to run multiple applications across a single layer of infrastructure, increasing the capacity to handle the increase in volume and improving the uplink and downlink speeds for all.
3. Smart Implementation of Wireless Solutions
The more a provider considers the architecture and design of the network, the more building owners can maximize their resources without breaking the bank. For example, some owners will opt for a distributed antenna system (DAS) to ensure connections in the most troublesome spots. DAS in-building wireless solutions leverage antennas in and around different parts of the property to propagate wireless carrier signals throughout the network and facility. These networks are capable of processing a large volume of data. Today’s implementation methods enable handling even the most challenging of property configurations.
4. Increased Property Values
Investing in property means planning for both the present and the future, and in-building, DAS solutions can help you do just that. When you outfit your building with an IBW system that is powerful enough to handle current demand but flexible enough to adapt to future expectations, it creates tremendous value for the customers of today and the buyers of tomorrow. Even small and medium-sized companies can drastically benefit from IBW as it becomes more of the rule than the exception.
5. Preparing for the Future
5G networks represent the future of wireless, and it’s on the horizon. Tackling in-building wireless solutions now is a way to prepare for tomorrow. No matter what comes down the pipeline, you can implement a network architecture that can scale at the right pace for your tenants and customers. In-building wireless solutions are becoming simpler and more effective, while cabling is becoming wider to allow for more effective transmission. Providers are creating their networks to allow for future change based on everything from historical trends to legitimate predictions. Installing an IBW solution today translates to peace of mind for building owners and employees tomorrow.
6. In-Building Wireless is Affordable
New technological innovations have enabled deploying, operating, and managing today’s networks efficiently. The clunky equipment and spotty connections of the past are gone, replaced by fiber-optic cabling and convergent solutions. IBW systems today require less maintenance and support, and they can be set up faster than you think, allowing you to spend less money on upkeep and less time on outages. If you need to make a change to your system, it can be as simple as adjusting your software or updating a module. In other words, you won’t have to abandon your original investment just because of technology shifts again in the future.
7. Multiple Options
There are several potential solutions available for your connectivity needs. IBW is a broad term that encompasses countless strategies and solutions. For example, you may want to use DAS to cover a large or complex indoor or outdoor area, such as a high-rise or a stadium. For smaller areas, you can consider a small cell network. Private LTE / CBRS networks are also available and expected to become popular. These networks combine several technologies into one unit and can be deployed in various property settings.
Taking the Next Steps
Connectivity Wireless works with you to create in-building wireless solutions to large-scale properties all over the country. Our staff has the experience to handle unique property configurations, allowing owners to improve the connectivity experience and safety of everyone who steps foot on the premises.
We offer packages and a la carte services that work with your budget and project deadlines. If you have questions about what an IBW solution would look like for your property, get in touch with us today for a free consultation to learn how we can customize your infrastructure. Contact us today to learn about our full suite of connectivity services and solutions.