DAS Shield

Improving In-Building Wireless Performance

DAS Shield™ window film is an effective solution for RF interference in densely populated areas where in-building wireless is deployed for reliable cell phone service. Incorporating an RF shielding film, such as DAS Shield™ helps insulates a building from outside RF interference and allows in-building wireless systems to work more effectively. Moreover, it minimizes Macro Cell interference with 4G LTE DAS deployments, especially in urban environments and provides added security for wireless technologies including WLAN or 802.11. DAS Shield is a low cost RF Window film alternative to provide adequate RF attenuation for buildings with small-cell Distributed Antenna Systems. This shielding film works by creating an RF separation at the glass to ensure cellular connectivity is made on the in-building wireless system.

Signals Defense extends the applications of its standards-defining radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (IR) attenuating window films to improve In-Building Wireless (IBW) systems performance.

DAS Shield for Improving In-Building Wireless Coverage

In-building wireless (IBW) is an evolving technology that has grown to meet the demands of many commercial building owners, managers, and tenants. It is a strategically planned network of devices that distribute cellular signals inside a building. An IBW system can create a new signal or merely amplify its reach so that tenants, customers, or guests in a building can enjoy a full five-bar reception from their mobile carriers.

Let’s explore how IBW works:

Mobile carrier companies and Internet service providers send and receive radio signals through outdoor macrocells: infrastructure that stands between 50 and 200 feet tall and can provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area. Examples of macrocells are communications towers and large antennas. 

However,  concrete, steel, and composite materials used in building construction can block RF signals from macrocells. This explains why there are “dead areas” inside massive buildings – specifically in hidden corridors, basements, and rooms farthest from a nearby macrocell. These are areas where mobile phones cannot get a signal.

The best solution for eliminating dead zones is to design a DAS network that will transmit signals to every floor, room, and corner of a building. Other devices that can be used to ensure complete in-building wireless coverage are bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs), small cells, and signal boosters. 

The benefits of an effective IBW SYSTEM

• No more dead zones inside your building
• Stronger and more stable indoor reception for mobile calls
• Faster network speeds
• Continuous cellular and Internet connectivity
• Increased productivity for business tenants
• Increased productivity for building administrators
• Improved reputation and loyalty among tenants
• Increased property value

Why Is AN In-Building Wireless SYSTEM Important?

Most cell phone calls are initiated inside a building, so expecting reliable cell phone service inside commercial space is a growing demand. It’s clear that mobile network signals from outdoor towers often could not penetrate large buildings. As a result, engineers soon developed in-building wireless solutions to create consistent cell phone coverage.

With a stable IBW, a building can implement a public safety DAS system that feeds radio signals to first responders like firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement. The system instantly sends the signals when building personnel push emergency buttons or if alarm systems like fire detectors and security alarms go off. In addition, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) may require a public safety DAS for certain establishments like commercial and mixed-use buildings, depending on local jurisdictions and code.

RF Shielding Enhances DAS and Improves In-Building Wireless SYSTEMS

To solve the problem of external RF interference, engineers can install RF and IR attenuating window films to contain indoor signals and keep out interfering external radio frequencies.

This is what DAS Shield™ is for. Signals Defense developed DAS Shield™ to help create a more efficient in-building wireless network. By insulating a building from outdoor RF interference, in-building wireless systems don’t need to compete with an outdoor signal. Especially in densely populated urban areas, where significant wireless traffic exists, DAS Shield helps your in-building wireless system work efficiently.

Our RF and IR attenuating window films can also prevent different signals from encroaching on each other’s range of coverage. Indoor signal encroachment can become a problem when tenants, who are likely to subscribe to various mobile networks and Internet service providers, can detect each others’ WiFi networks. It’s inconvenient at best because employees will have to scroll through a long list of detected WiFi networks to find their office’s network.

Creating an “RF-Predictable Environment” with RF Shielding and Distributed Antenna Systems

Using DAS Shield™ in concert with an IBW system is the key to achieving complete indoor coverage with stable signal strength throughout a building. Engineers can focus on distributing signals indoors through strategically-positioned DAS devices. Meanwhile, the RF window films will reduce unwelcome interference from outside and within the building.

The goal of strategizing for IBW is to create an RF-predictable environment. Signals Defense refers to a building as RF predictable if its in-building wireless systems can be designed and deployed without having to go through a lengthy and costly process of adding more DAS equipment, and to test and adjust signal levels. Furthermore, these buildings can “overcome signal encroachments and interference from nearby macrocells” without extensive testing and configurations.

iBWave Solutions Affiliate

Signals Defense is proud to partner with iBWave Solutions, a planning software provider that develops in-building wireless hardware and software solutions. With over 19 years of service and 100,000 designed networks worldwide, iBWave is a trusted name for IBW systems technology.

Signals Defense provides DAS Shield™ RF attenuating window films to buildings, engineers, and contractors for IBW systems. Are you an iBwave certified professional looking for reliable RF shielding for an IBW installation?  DAS Shield can be the perfect shielding component for your client’s in-building wireless design.

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