Today’s smartphones can utilize Wi-Fi to make voice calls. All one needs to do is activate Wi-Fi calling and ensure they have access to the network they intend to use. This is a pretty economical way to make calls, but it has its downsides. Firstly, Wi-Fi is built for data traffic, not voice communications. A business choosing to dedicate some channels for voice calls communication could cause interruption and slowdowns, which will reduce productivity and efficiency. In-building wireless systems are designed to facilitate voice communication without causing data connection issues. Here are a few reasons you might want to install one on your company premises:
1. It offers signal consistency
In-building wireless systems consist of a series of systematically designed antennas installed in various parts of a building to ensure signal consistency. Some systems have a donor antenna installed at the top of the building, whose work is to pick signals from a cell tower and send them to the antennas sprinkled across the building. Get an established wireless infrastructure installation company such as McKinstry Wireless to help you determine if you should go for a donor antenna or a base transceiver station (BTS). A BTS is a cellular signal source for the distributed antenna system (DAS).
2. In-building wireless systems are affordable
Most in-building wireless systems are designed to support multi-operators and multi-bands, so the system needs to be supported by only one cable line rather than a labyrinth of cables connecting antennas in various corners of the building. This makes DAS systems cheaper to obtain and install, at least compared to installing several small cells.
3. You are almost always guaranteed perfect installation
Unlike limited small cell and Wi-Fi installations, in-building wireless system installations cannot be performed by a non-professional. The FCC, which regulates DAS solutions, requires that in-building wireless systems are installed by licensed system integrators (SIs). The installer must also be certified and commissioned by the equipment manufacturer to install the systems and ensure users get the best services that don’t compromise the operator’s network. Your SI should be able to provide certification on request.
4. It prepares you for the future
5G is already here, and building owners looking to stay competitive know how much of a selling point early adoption can be. One way to prepare for this superior mobile network is by installing in-building wireless systems. DAS has been used since 3G days, and older systems might not support the fifth-generation mobile network. However, virtually all new IBW systems will support the 5G cellular technology.
Note that 3G and 4G signaling support will have to continue due to subscriber delay in adopting new technologies and the projection that 4G will be in use for the next two decades at least. Therefore 5G support should be a complementary addition rather than a replacement of 4G and 5G.
Endnote
Regular Wi-Fi and small cell technology have nothing on in-building wireless systems if you prioritize reliability and signal consistency. Get a professional to install a DAS in your building, and you can be sure to go one better than your direct rivals.