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If you’re experiencing poor cell reception in certain areas of your office or building, fortunately there are technology solutions to address the problem.

Cellular repeaters and distributed antenna systems (DAS) work together to improve signal strength. The specific solution you choose will depend on several factors, including the size of the interior that needs to be covered and the specific needs of your organization.

Let’s look at both technologies and see how they work together. 

Cellular Repeaters

Cellular repeaters (also known as cell phone repeater, cell phone signal boosts, or cellular amplifiers) are devices that are used to boost signal in residential and small commercial settings (less than 75K square feet).

An exterior (usually roof-mounted) antenna captures the radio signal from towers, which is then amplified by a bi-directional antenna (BDA) and distributed via coax to indoor antennas spread out within a specific area.   

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

A distributed antenna system involves the integration of an extensive system of linked antennas. DAS allows for full-strength reception in certain areas where cell phone signal is traditionally quite weak, such as in underground subway platforms, a certain floor or room of a hotel, or in lower levels in a hospital.

This network of antennas is connected to a common source and is distributed throughout the entire interior to improve the cellular signal throughout it.

In a DAS, antennas are spaced carefully apart so that each antenna offers full coverage without overlapping with the one next to it. This helps reduce the number of antennas needed to cover an entire building because each antenna has its own designated area to provide increased signal strength.

Having a network of antennas instead of a larger, single antenna is generally more power efficient. In addition to amplifying cell phone signals, DAS can also be used for police, fire, and emergency services. 

DAS solutions are typically categorized into three main types: active DAS, passive DAS and hybrid DAS.

Active DAS

An active DAS solution works by creating a cellular signal and distributing it throughout the building. Because it creates a signal, active DAS requires heavy infrastructure and a huge capital investment.

Active DAS is best suited to spaces like international airports, stadiums, and arenas that span 250,000 sq. ft.

Passive DAS

A passive DAS system doesn’t create a signal, but rather brings in and signal from outside and then distributes it throughout the building or area.

Passive DAS systems are easier to deploy and less expensive to integrate.

Hybrid DAS

Designed for medium to large interiors, a hybrid DAS uses a combination of active and passive components to deliver robust cellular coverage.

Off-air cell signals are captured by antennas mounted on the building’s roof. These signals are then amplified, and transmitted seamlessly to multiple floors or zones within the building, ensuring efficient and reliable connectivity.

Which is the Right Choice?

If you’re looking for a cell signal boosting solution that’s relatively easy to install and operate—and you don’t have a large area to cover—a cellular repeater and passive DAS is probably the way to go.

It will allow you to provide a stronger cell phone signal for employees and customers and should adequately address the reception problems created by building materials, environmental interference and/or distance from a cell phone tower. 

For large office complexes, stadiums, and other massive coverage areas, a more advanced DAS will be a better choice, given that it allows you to address the complexities of building size and layout.

The expense and installation requirements will vary depending on which type of DAS solution you choose, but the investment will be well worth the benefits you get.

To learn more about the various DAS options—and what will be the best option for your particular requirements—contact an expert at WilsonPro.

We have a wide variety of solutions to choose from, one that’s right for just about any business or organization.