Accelerate your Coverage: Increasing Indoor Connectivity with iDAS

Have you ever been to  a professional sports game, concert or other large-scale event and wondered how your still able to connect to your cellular network with so many others vying for the same service at the same time? Luckily, most big venues today have solved that problem with a   hidden system that keeps you connected to your network. Even with the high density of users, the reason your phone still has access to your cell provider is often a result of iDAS technology.

The Role of iDAS

In the telecommunications industry, iDAS refers to indoor Distributed Antenna Systems. The systems are networks of antennas and specialized equipment that extends cellular coverage inside many types of  structures. One of the most common uses of iDAS installations are places with large venue capacities, such as a stadium or sports arena.

Nicholas Berte, PE, Telecommunications Geographic Discipline Leader is Colliers Engineering & Design’s iDAS expert, helping clients across the nation elevate their cellular connections.

“We have served a variety of clients to help boost their coverage,” said Nick. “Whether we are boosting an area with compromised coverage or engineering a system for thousands of people to connect in one space, we develop unique solutions to fit our clients’ needs.”

iDAS Structure Solutions

Historically, cellular coverage is provided by larger “macro” sites such as outdoor cell towers which feeds fiber connection to the building. Building interiors can cause complications to your service, as cellular connection can actually be interrupted by the materials used to construct the building. Common materials such as glass, brick and stone can all interfere with cellular signals in different ways, causing “dead zones” or areas of weak coverage in large, complex or older structures.

Adding iDAS to a building brings a stronger connection from cell towers and beyond inside a building. The number of iDAS antennas depends on the size of the building and the coverage needs, with Colliers Engineering & Design’s telecommunications professionals working with clients every step of the way.

Optimizing Connectivity

The advantages of iDAS are not limited to mega  event venues. A wide variety of building structures can benefit from the increased, more concentrated, indoor coverage that iDAS provides including large shopping malls and other retail establishments, office buildings, and warehouses

iDAS systems often require a dedicated space to power up the hardware and antenna systems. By partnering with Colliers Engineering & Design, clients have access to a full suite of engineering and design services for the successful deployment of iDAS.

How You Can Utilize iDAS

The telecommunications experts at Colliers Engineering & Design are prepared to work with clients to accelerate cellular coverage in your building.

Want to learn more? Contact Nick Berte, PE.