Since the early days of cellular phones, wireless operators have struggled with in-building wireless coverage. Steel-framed office towers and concrete warehouses interfere with and block wireless signals, creating a communications problem for enterprises whose employees rely on cellular devices in the office.

Wireless operators offer quick-fix solutions like cell repeaters, but these devices are single-carrier solutions. Most enterprises need more pervasive wireless coverage from multiple mobile operators. Enterprises have two options when cell repeaters are inadequate. They can convince one or more operators to install a distributed antenna system within an enterprise facility or they can take a do-it-yourself approach with an in-building wireless system that piggybacks on existing enterprise network infrastructure.

Distributed antenna systems: A cell tower inside your building

A distributed antenna system (DAS) solves the problem of poor coverage by linking an array of antenna modules to a central controller, which then connects to the wireless operator’s base station. Unlike a cellular