DAS (Distributed Antennae Systems)

Modern construction techniques and materials block or degrade internal and external wireless communications. Distributed antenna systems (DAS) were designed to extend wireless coverage within structures and enable radios and cell phones to work regardless of their position within the building.

Public Safety / First Responder

Blocked radio reception is a particular problem for first responders, who depend on unobstructed communication to ensure the safety of themselves and others in emergency situations. The events of 9/11 highlighted the need for reliable radio coverage in large buildings. To date, at least 30 states have adopted or will soon adopt codes that apply to first responder coverage.

With the enactment of IFC 510 in 2009, the fire code was updated with suggested jurisdictional guidelines regarding emergency responder radio coverage. The following are a few important IFC 510 suggested requirements.
• All new buildings should have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building.
• Radio signal strength requirements must be met in 95% of all areas on each floor of the building.
• All existing buildings should have radio coverage throughout the building and are required to retrofit the building with radio coverage if the existing wired system is not able to be repaired or is being replaced; or per a timeline as identified by the jurisdiction.
Aside from these guidelines, specific codes are set by State, County, and City requirements. It can be difficult to understand what is truly required by your jurisdiction. All DAS Simplified designs meet or exceed current jurisdictional standards and can be designed to meet anticipated future codes and regulations.

Cellular Technology

It has been estimated that 80% of cellular phone calls begin or end inside a building. DAS lets building owners add value for their tenants and their employees by enabling the use of mobile devices throughout the building. A DAS can support multiple carriers and even improve the battery life of phones.

The need for bandwidth to facilitate data transfer has skyrocketed. DAS ensures reliable data transfer rates and coverage by bringing carrier signals directly into buildings.

Cellular technology is constantly changing and DAS Simplified helps building owners and contractors grow and adapt with those changes.

Pre-Installation

Before any onsite work begins, BN Systems completes several essential tasks to ensure a seamless installation.

Site Survey

Before designing a DAS system for an existing building, a comprehensive site survey is conducted in order to provide our engineers with all the information needed to ensure a successful system design. During a site survey, our technicians will:
• Test existing signal levels
• Test for signal interference
• Identify areas that need to be reinforced with a DAS system (as well as any that do not)
• Review building pathways for constructability planning
• Review potential donor antenna locations
• Review possible equipment locations for headend equipment, fiber infrastructure and power

System Design

BN Systems designs will provide 100% carrier and public safety acceptance. This is due to our knowledge of jurisdictional code requirements combined with our extensive carrier relationships.

We guarantee our system design to function as specified and be compliant with regulatory guidelines. Should you need a system more robust than that required by code; we can design above and beyond code specifications.

AutoCAD 3D BIM design coordination is available. BN Systems system designers are iBwave Certified engineers who are also certified in products such as Andrews/Commscope, ADC, and more. BN Systems has BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs) on staff.

Carrier & Public Safety Coordination

BN Systems employs the same tools and testing techniques that the carriers do, ensuring that all system variables are in line with carrier requirements.
We have established relationships with multiple carriers. We talk to carriers every day, so we understand what they need to know and can communicate effectively with the carriers to ensure acceptance of the design.
As our customers’ primary interface to carriers, we handle essential functions including:
• Walking the design through the review process with carriers and public safety jurisdictions;
• Facilitating customer/carrier meetings to negotiate rebroadcast agreements and any additional investment required;
• Predicting signal levels and signal propagations for the building;
• Coordinating delivery and installation of carrier provided equipment.