Experiencing issues with cellular performance within your place of business? Look no further! Datastrait is proud to represent Wilson Pro, a US based Passive DAS manufacturer that specializes in amplifying cellular signal for businesses of all types.
With so much of America dependent upon cellular connections, individuals and businesses alike understand the frustration of weak cell signals, dropped calls, or being unable to get online. Just as the technology of smartphones has evolved, so too have the solutions for keeping the masses connected.
The problem
As of recently, businesses are turning to Eco friendly building materials to achieve carbon neutral footprints, and to lower operational costs - unfortunately, these new types of concrete, glass and other materials being used make it very difficult for cellular wavelengths to penetrate the building and reach personal devices. Also, as the demand for higher speeds increases, the problem becomes more prevalent. - This is because higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths have even more trouble penetrating building materials to begin with.
The solution
Wilson Pro is a great fit for a variety of market verticals and types of businesses, because it is a passive solution. A passive DAS (also known as a cell phone signal booster system) eliminates cellular connectivity problems by enhancing existing cell signal up to 32 times using antennas and amplifiers. It does not require new signal to be created as with active DAS.
The hardware and installation requirements of a passive DAS system are far less expensive and can be installed faster than what’s required for active DAS:
• Donor antennas installed on the roof or near a window bring in the outdoor signal.
• Broadcast or “inside” antennas on the interior wall (panel antennas) or ceiling (dome an- tennas) then transmit the amplified signal to phones and other cellular devices indoors.
• Both types of antennas connect to the amplifi- er unit via coaxial cable.
Passive DAS conform to FCC regulations and generally do not require outside regulatory approval. Since most systems are pre-approved, and because of the low infrastructure require- ments for installation, a passive DAS can be installed in a matter of days or weeks.
With less overhead, fewer regulations, and lighter equipment than other options, a passive DAS is a financially viable option for a wide range of users. Costs for hardware and installation of passive DAS range anywhere from 30 cents to 70 cents per square foot.
Going back to the example of that 50,000 square foot boutique hotel, it makes far more sense for the owner to consider a $15,000 investment in ensuring excellent cellular connectivity through- out the hotel vs. a $500,000 investment.
Plus, many passive DAS are carrier-agnostic and support multiple carriers simultaneously. So, whether your clients use major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint, or smaller regional carriers, a passive DAS ensures everyone gets the same amplified signal.
This table outlines some of the differences between coverage solutions.
ApplyingDAS to Different Venues
Passive DAS for Retail
Retailers prioritize customer engagement and the in-store shopping experience. Increasingly, this includes providing strong connectivity in the store to allow shoppers easy access
to the Internet and coupon apps. A passive DAS helps achieve this enhanced retail connectivity both outdoors and inside retail spaces, regardless of patrons’ cellular provider. With passive DAS, all carriers are supported.
What’s more, retail cell phone booster solutions like passive DAS enhance security and point-of-sale reliability. Just think about how a slow or unrespon- sive system, and the associated lines and waiting, can cost retailers a sale. Additionally, lack of a secure Internet connection can hinder credit card validation and increase fraud rates. A cellular backup can both alleviate these concerns and reduce costs over solely using a fixed line connection.
Passive DAS for commercial real estate
Despite sitting in range of multiple cellular towers, buildings located in crowded urban environments often suffer from poor cellular connection. It’s a problem that frustrates even the most experienced commercial real estate developers, and it can often be attributed to new energy-efficient building materials that sap even the strongest cellular signals. As an integrator, you can offer these developers a commercial real estate cellular solution, thanks to passive DAS.
As a multi-carrier solution, passive DAS offers developers a connectivity solution that meets the needs of all of their tenants, regardless of what cellular provider they use. Additionally, the affordability and reduced installation requirements of passive DAS help developers meet their obligations when it comes to their bottom line.
Passive DAS for hospitals
Hospitals and other medical facilities increasingly rely on cell phones and wireless devices for their in-house communication, leaving doctors and caregivers more reliant than ever on consistent cellular and data signal. Unfortunately, hospital cellular signals are easily overwhelmed by staff, patients and visitors, or negatively impacted by building materials like brick, concrete, steel and glass. When doctors, nurses, and other caregivers can’t connect with one another, patient care suffers. That’s where passive DAS comes in.
Many hospitals first consider active DAS as the solution for their connectivity problems. But with hospital budgets under scrutiny, administrators are increasingly looking for ways to lower costs while still prioritizing quality care. Passive DAS offers a cellular connectivity solution for hospitals with the added benefits of financial savings, reduced installation time, and multi-carrier capacity.
Passive DAS for live events
Modern event spaces need robust cellular signal whether they host local weddings and parties or the Grammys. Live tweeting, streaming, and instagramming are all critical parts of a modern event’s success, but without a strong, carrier-agnostic cellular and data connection, it’s all virtually impossible.
Passive DAS systems provide an event cellular connectivity solution and have been deployed with great success at New York Fashion Week and other events. As an integrator, you can help event coordinators check the cellular connectivity box on their planning checklist.
Passive DAS for hotels
The demands of hotel guests used to be relatively simple: clean sheets, a comfortable bed, and good customer service. Today, that’s not enough. Cellular connectivity is not another critical area where all hotels need to deliver superior service to guests. Business travelers need to check email and make work calls from their cellphones and leisure travelers need to check in at home, read up on local restaurants, and more. Plenty of hotels offer Wi-Fi, but without a strong hotel cellular signal to supplement it, guests might as well be living off the grid.
Passive DAS provides a time and cost-effective connectivity solution for hotel developers and IT managers. Whether the hotel is under construction or up and run- ning, you can offer a way to enhance cellular service for their guests.
Passive DAS for public safety
Coordinating responses to emergency situations relies on connectivity. A reliable cellular signal can reduce response times, help first responders prepare for situations, and increase the odds of positive outcomes.
When emergency medical teams and public safety officers can access a strong cellular network, they
are better able to utilize critical location services and maps, and communicate with one another to do their jobs. Passive DAS can help improve cellular network access in police stations, firehouses, courthouses, and emergency vehicles. With a passive DAS in place, the improved connection results in safer, more efficient operations and enhanced public safety.
Case Studies
Follow this link to see a catalog of case studies from Wilson Pro.
If you are interested in learning more, or would like a Datastrait representative to help you with an evaluation of your site, please reach out to us via the button below!