Both emergency responders and private LMR radio system users rely on infrastructure that supports high-quality communications, enabling them to receive, collect and disseminate information real-time. Public Safety radio systems require mission-critical in-building coverage so responders can communicate reliably while executing time-sensitive tasks protecting the public during emergencies. These DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) are often referred to as Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES). In today’s complex world with shocking headlines, this is more important than ever.

Private LMR radio system users require ubiquitous coverage 24/7 every week, not just during emergencies. Historically, inbuilding coverage has been achieved by using off-air BDAs (BiDirectional Amplifiers), which work adequately in small buildings and simple deployments. Unfortunately, in large complex applications like multi-building educational and industrial campuses, data centers, airports, hospitals, and government facilities, these systems can face significant limitations and challenges. Typically, more advanced DAS solutions are required with superior features, performance and reliability. There is also now a widely recognized DAS industry problem regarding noise and interference, referred to commonly as “too many BDAs.” In addition to on-campus problems, this can also diminish macro site radio coverage for licensees. Outdated “one size fits all” coaxial BDA systems don’t work adequately everywhere, and using the same technology approach and expecting different results is both unsustainable and unacceptable. As the PS DAS industry has been adapting and evolving, it has become much more of a toolbox analogy: “use the right tool for the job,” and for campuses this really means a fiber DAS distribution architecture. Advanced features such as multi-band content aggregation, scalability and redundancy are needed to ensure a smooth transition for reliably covering today’s and tomorrow’s public and radio communications networks.

Takeaway

Outdated “one size fits all” coaxial BDA systems don’t work adequately everywhere, and using the same technology approach and expecting different results is both unsustainable and unacceptable.

As the PS DAS industry has been adapting and evolving, it has become much more of a toolbox analogy: “use the right tool for the job,” and for campuses this really means a fiber DAS distribution architecture.

Advanced features such as multi-band content aggregation, scalability and redundancy are needed to ensure a smooth transition for reliably covering today’s and tomorrow’s public and radio communications networks.