In-Building Wireless Systems
Ensure reliable wireless coverage within your building. We can make it happen.
In-building wireless systems are essential for ensuring reliable wireless coverage within buildings, especially in high-traffic areas such as office buildings, hospitals, and stadiums. These systems use a network of antennas and equipment to provide robust and efficient wireless coverage throughout the building. In-building wireless systems improve connectivity and ensure that users can access voice and data services without interruption. Learn more about the benefits of in-building wireless systems and how Triple C Communications can enhance connectivity in your venue.
Our process
Since each building is unique in its location, construction, and interior design.
Radio System Coverage Evaluation / In-Building Radio Communication Systems which requires consideration of funding appropriations for specific radio system coverage of each newly constructed facility and/or consideration for existing facilities that may be impacted by the new construction.
In many cases, a recommended, typical budget is to be used for in-building amplification costs estimates; based on historical data, a recommendation of $35,000 should be used for capital projects exceeding 5000 square feet or multi-level structures (please ask us for a formal estimate during your cost evaluation).
Steps in designing a in-building wireless system
Signal Strength Measurements
At the planned construction site, measure (or have measured) the signal strength of the donor control channel:
- If the signal strength of the donor is -95 dBm or less on the outside of the building, the probability of additional in-building coverage is high.
- If the signal strength of the donor is greater than -95 dBm, determine the expected signal strength of the donor by subtracting the sum of the interior losses due to walls, doors and windows from the ambient signal outside the building.
- If a signal strength of -95 dBm or greater is calculated at the inner most point of the building, an in-building system may not be required.
- If the signal strength is calculated at -95 dBm or less, an in-building system is warranted.
To determine signal strengths for specific areas the impact of the facility on existing structures, consult the latest Triple C Outdoor RF Survey report.
If determined that In-building amplification is required for either the proposed site or existing structures impacted by the proposed construction, provide placeholder in budget for cost of communication system based on results of the above. Our Engineers will require building plans to plot out a system that fits the need and requirements.
Pre-Construction
Before the construction of the new building, basic information can be gathered to begin the process of determining the need, type and actual implementation of augmentation to the radio system. In most cases, the following information must be known to properly design and cost estimate an in-building radio system.
Construction
As the construction progresses, refinements to the placeholder budget should be made to ensure adequate funds are available to cover the cost of providing in-building amplification to the new facility and to re-evaluate the impact on existing structures. Re-visiting the specifications from the initial evaluation will fine-tune the proposed cost line item.
The Project Manager will accept the In-Building amplification measurements, ensuring they are within design specification. The budget line item may be closed out upon final acceptance.
Once implemented, the RF coverage system should be tested via the pre-determined Acceptance Test Plan (ATP). The ATP may include personnel from the Primary Contractor, Police, Fire, Safety and Triple C Communications. A walk-through test should be completed and any discrepancies noted and resolved by Triple C Communications.
Additional System Testing
Triple C Communications can periodically test in-building amplification systems. Results of the testing will be compared to designed specifications and corrective action taken if required maintaining the system within the desired design specification.
Annual Tests
When an in-building radio system are installed, Triple C Communications shall test all active components of the system, including but not limited to amplifiers, power supplies and backup batteries, a minimum of once every twelve (12) months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load for a period of one (1) hour to verify that, they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one (1) hour test period, in the opinion of the testing technician, the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one (1) hour periods until the /testing technician confirms the integrity of the battery. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturer’s specifications for the intended purpose.
Five-Year Tests
In addition to the annual test, Triple C Communications shall perform a radio coverage test a minimum of once every five (5) years to ensure that the radio system continues to meet the requirements of the original acceptance test. The procedure set forth above shall apply to such tests.
Field Testing
Police and fire personnel, after providing reasonable notice, shall have the right to enter property to conduct field-testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present. Discrepancies from field-testing and recorded tests shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Building owners. Triple C Communications can provide corrective action in response to reported discrepancies.
Types of in-building wireless systems
With our in-depth knowledge of various wireless and public safety systems, along with understanding code requirements, Triple C Communications has you covered.
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
A distributed antenna system, or DAS, is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure.
Having troubles with coverage in high-traffic areas? Triple C offers a family of distributed antenna systems (DAS), mounting hardware and accessories that enhance wireless coverage. Designed for simple installation and minimal visual impact, our in-building and outdoor antennas feature a multi-band design that supports a wide range of frequencies.
Our DAS antennas are as effective in difficult-to-cover areas — like tall office buildings — as they are in parking garages, stadiums, airports and shopping malls.
Covers multi-band frequency range:
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Compact designs
- Low passive intermodulation (PIM)
- Delivers consistent patterns
Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA) Systems
A BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier) system is an in-building communication system that brings wireless signals into a structure from outside, amplifies those signals with a signal booster, and then evenly distributes the amplified signals throughout a structure via a Distributed Antenna System (DAS). Triple C understands the technology, the needs of those who use it, and the complexities of regulations governing these type of communications.
It is an important part of a DAS (Distributed Antenna System) used to pick up wireless signals in areas with weak or no coverage. These areas are known as “dead zones”. Many of these areas occur in basements, tunnels, atriums, outdoor areas or any place outside the range of the signal source.
The BDA picks up the signal from the antenna and intensifies or amplifies the strength of the signal extending the coverage of your wireless system. This allows employees and in the case of business who serve the public, customers to have assess to communication through their wireless devices.
Public Safety Amplification Systems
Modern construction techniques combined with energy efficient reflective glass work to block out radio signals used by public safety. The use of a specially designed amplifier system brings the Public Safety signals within the building and distributes these signals evenly throughout. Even into hard to reach areas such as basements and stairways.
With the use of special “Leaky Cable” originally designed for underground mine applications or engineered placement of small fiberglass antennas coverage can be increased In-Building to match outdoor signal levels.
Local and national Fire Codes require adequate radio coverage for police and fire first responders within large buildings. The newly released IEC 2009 national code being reviewed for adoption by many building departments will help bring uniform standards and testing standards once adopted.
With the experience gained from hundreds of successful designs and years of complex installations throughout the Colorado area we are ready to quickly access your project and provide a cost effective solution should testing indicate that signal coverage is below code requirements.
Contact our staff to discuss a site visit or explore your requirements. Our staff is familiar with local codes and can provide answers regarding design requirements including copies of most current codes. Testing of new structures can be quickly accomplished at low cost to avoid delays when buildings have been weathered in with windows and exterior finishes applied. Proposed projects with scaled drawings or CADs can be reviewed with our advanced iBwave engineering system to provide general costs per square foot for budgetary needs.
Cellular/Mobile Broadband In-Building Boosters
Customers are demanding good coverage for their wireless devices and phones wherever they visit. It is critical to stay in communication in order to conduct business in this fast paced electronic age. Hotels and even restaurants find customers will shy away from locations where they feel out of touch because of poor signal.
Cellular carriers require close coordination with their technical engineering staff to ensure proper installation of any signal booster amplifier system and antennas to protect the balance of their networks. FCC regulations require written permission from the Cellular carrier prior to installation.
We work hand-in-hand with your carrier to ensure the proper authorizations and design approvals are in place to eliminate delays and smooth installations on the carrier side. Our experienced engineers work with carrier personnel to provide the critical information they require to evaluate requests for integration of the system.
We have advanced test equipment that can rapidly determine if a building will need cellular coverage improvement even before the building interior is complete. Rest assured that coverage will be adequate for your customers before problems arise. This will help avoid disappointed guests and customers.
Building Survey Services, Radio Signal Checks, Signal Strength Compliance
We offer advanced testing services to test buildings for code compliance which can quickly determine if a system will be required to meet local codes. We maintain an extensive listing of codes to assist building owners and contractors determine system requirements. Learn more.
Let Triple C help you with your communications needs.