There’s lots of buzz about 5G. As people are upgrading their devices, they are asking themselves if they should be investing in a 5G device. They may also be looking at their carrier to be sure they will be able to get 5G service. 5G isn’t necessary for everyone – yet. Within a year or two, however, 5G service will be much more widely available and phones with 5G capability will become standard.
What happens then?
Well, if you have poor cell service in your workplace now, you’ll still have trouble getting a signal. 5G makes your download speed faster, but if you can’t get a cell signal, that new 5G phone is an expensive paper weight!
The signal from your cellular carrier can be blocked from getting to where you are in your office, across your campus or in your lab. Building materials old and new can interfere with cell signals. Newer building materials like low-E windows, which are designed to make buildings more energy efficient, can block the cell signal. Older buildings also have features that can block cellular signals, like thick stone or concrete walls.
There are solutions to poor cellular service in your workspace – for any type of cellular service:
Cellular BDA (Bi-directional Amplifier)
Cellular BDAs enable a cellular signal to be captured, amplified and redirected to deliver reliable cellular coverage. Cellular BDAs enhance reception in buildings where dead zones exist or where cellular coverage is unreliable. They can be integrated into an existing building and can be installed in an existing wiring closet. Cellular BDAs are an affordable, reliable option to improve cell reception in your workplace.
Hybrid DAS (Distributed Antenna System)
A Hybrid DAS is a newer technology that offers advantages over a traditional DAS (which is carrier specific, hardwired and more costly) and solves the problem of poor cell reception in situations where a cellular BDA might not be the right solution. A hybrid DAS is a good option for large square footage because each antenna covers about 5,000 square feet.
The hybrid DAS is a multi-carrier solution like a cellular BDA, but the hybrid DAS uses single-mode fiber as its backbone. It does not rely on amplifying an existing cell signal like a cellular BDA does. The hybrid DAS system is also designed for optimal efficiency using minimal space. The hybrid DAS is a viable option to fix poor cell reception in a commercial environment.
Whether you’ve got 5G now or you are waiting until the networks are more established, if you have poor cellular service there are some proven and cost-effective ways to improve cell service to your workplace. You can fix the problem now, so when you are ready for 5G, the 5G signal will get to you.
If you have issues with poor cellular reception, contact KTS. We can help you assess the best solution to ensure that reliable cellular service is available everywhere in your workplace.
