Why the IoT Needs Distributed Antenna Systems

The Internet of Things (IoT) has only continued growing at a rapid rate in recent years. With the connectivity of cellular devices, computers, vehicles, buildings, sensors, and more electronics, it’s more important than ever that these devices are able to connect and meet the needs that users covet.

Distributed antenna systems (DAS) help building owners provide strong and reliable connectivity throughout their entire facility. Adoption of DAS by all building owners is something that the IoT will rely on as technological advances continue to move forward.

Reliance on LTE Signal

While there are other communication methods for technological devices (e.g. Bluetooth), LTE and cellular data signal remains the main driver that supports the IoT. And that reliance on LTE should only continue to grow, according to a student by 2015 Beecham Research, global cellular IoT connection are expected to grow by almost 400% (from 261 million connections in 2015 to a forecasted 1.22 billion in 2021).

As more devices attempt to connect, the demand for increased and reliable signal should only increase as well. DAS implementation in buildings across the country can attempt to provide seamless coverage for all devices (which users expect, but currently do not encounter).

What Building Owners Should Consider for DAS

There are a number of DAS solutions available on the market, but when considering customized solutions, building owners should consider:

• Multi-frequency support – selecting a DAS solution that has specific frequency requirements can be complicated (especially when ordering all parts and components). Look for a DAS that natively supports all frequencies available in the same system
• TDD and FDD capabilities – while not all DAS solutions do, ensure that yours supports both FDD (frequency division duplexing) and TDD (time division duplexing) technologies.
• Ease of installation and scaling – look for a system that has a short installation period to minimize downtime in your building or any other interruption to the work day. Systems that use fiber cabling can be less disruptive, as the cabling is thin and light and easier to deploy in your building than other cabling materials.
• Future upgrade costs and requirements – look for a solution that has a low total cost of ownership (TCO). Some DAS products require upgrading (and additional hardware) every time a new frequency is added (which cellular carriers do every few years). Make sure that any upgrade can be taken care of in a cost-effective way to support the system in the long-term.

Implementing a distributed antenna system in your building is a smart, and effective, way to continue meeting the needs and wireless demands of its tenants (whether that includes a building of employees, a stadium of fans, or a hoard of daily commuters).

You May Be Interested In…

• How Building Owners Can Profit From an In-Building Wireless Strategy
• DAS for Public Safety Connectivity
• Why Property Owners Should Consider Enhanced DAS Before Construction Begins
• LTE for Indoor Needs
• Funding Distributed Antenna Systems – What Is the Best Model?

Contact us to get started on improving the wireless signal strength throughout your building today!