In-building wireless is important for ensuring reliable network service and streamlining productivity. Unfortunately, dead zones still exist in certain corners of the building. Coupled with RF interference from outside sources, wireless and network performance can suffer anywhere.
The good news is that there are various ways to improve internal wireless performance and security. Read on to learn more about why interference exists, why in-building wireless is important and solutions from Signals Defense that can help maximize network performance and security.
RF Interference Explained
Radio frequency, or RF, interference is when unwanted RF signals exist to the detriment of anyone or anything’s productivity. For instance, if there’s too great of a number of RF-emitting devices in a given area, it’s likely to cause issues with how certain systems and devices function. If such interference becomes too significant, it can lead to poor overall system performance and frustrating user experiences.
RF interference tends to be a common issue in the office environment, especially in urban areas that are heavily populated with activity. And in most cases, this interference isn’t coming from within, but from outside the building. The good news is that there are various solutions that office managers can administer to minimize RF interference and improve wireless performance. We’ll get to that a bit later in this post.
Why Improve Wireless Performance?
Why is it important to improve wireless performance and network security? With so much activity requiring the use of a cellular network, optimizing performance in the office setting is essential for several reasons:
- It allows employees faster access to data and other key information.
- It can further streamline collaboration and communication.
- It can help enhance productivity.
- It can eliminate cellular dead spots and frustration.
In some cases, improved wireless performance can also create competitive advantages for building managers when there are vacancies in office suites or residential units.
How Distributed Antenna Systems and RF Film Can Help Enhance Wireless Performance
So how do you block out all the outside RF noise to optimize the performance of in-building wireless? Two solutions that can improve in-building wireless and block out any outside noise are distributed antenna systems (DAS) and special RF window film.
DAS
A distributed antenna system is sort of like a mini-network tower. It typically involves installing a transceiver station on the roof of a building, which works to capture better signals from the nearest cell tower. This transceiver works to feed DAS devices, which are strategically placed throughout the building to maximize network coverage. Think of a DAS as a wireless internet router. If you just have one, there may be dead spots in the area it’s intended to serve. But if you have a mesh network and various Wi-Fi routers set up throughout a space, coverage will be much more thorough. While it won’t necessarily block outside RF interference, the installation of a DAS can go a long way toward improving overall performance.
RF Window Film
DAS Shield architectural RF window film from Signals Defense can serve as a perfect complement to a DAS. These films essentially insulate a building from any outside interference, thereby enhancing the building’s internal wireless network to work more effectively and efficiently for its users. It works to create RF separation right on the window’s glass pane, blocking out external signals while further streamlining internal ones. DAS Shield film is a clear film that’s easily applied and removed. These films also come with network security benefits for WLAN or 802.11.
Contact Signals Defense Today
For more information on DAS and DAS Shield, contact Signals Defense today.