In-Building Wireless Solutions

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in-Building & Campus-Wide Wireless Coverage and Capacity Solutions

The In-Building Wireless Solutions (IWS) Group at MCA stands as an industry leader in the design, integration, and management of in-building and campus-wide wireless networks. We specialize in multi-operator and single-operator systems, ensuring seamless connectivity across various venues, from corporate campuses and hospitals to universities, airports, and shopping centers. Driven by a commitment to excellence, we engineer future-ready networks with a focus on neutrality, enabling multi-operator DAS solutions that prioritize performance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Our comprehensive services include expert design, project management, commissioning, and long-term maintenance, ensuring every system we deploy not only meets but exceeds expectations. Whether for emergency responder communications or enhanced cellular coverage, MCA guarantees that every solution will deliver the performance outlined in our detailed design. We are your trusted partner for robust wireless connectivity, meeting today’s needs while preparing your network for the technologies of tomorrow.

COVERAGE MAXIMIZED

Our team provides four core solutions: Public Safety ERCES, Cellular DAS, Private Wireless, and Non-Emergency Radio Coverage. Together these systems ensure critical connectivity, from enabling first responder communication with ERCES to delivering enhanced cellular coverage through DAS, deploying secure private networks, and optimizing non-emergency radio signals. Our solutions empower organizations with the reliable communication and seamless connectivity needed to ensure safety, efficiency, and uninterrupted operations.

Public Safety ERCES

Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement Systems (ERCES) enhance in-building radio coverage for first responders, ensuring they can communicate effectively during emergencies. Our solutions meet stringent building codes, guaranteeing compliance with international, federal, and local regulations. With expert design, we ensure your building meets all safety requirements, avoiding costly non-compliance. Partnering with MCA prepares your facility for emergencies, safeguarding lives while ensuring uninterrupted communication for responders.

What is a Public Safety DAS system?

Most commonly referred to as ERCES solutions, a Public Safety DAS boosts emergency responder radio coverage by amplifying and retransmitting signals, ensuring seamless communication for firefighters, police, and EMTs during emergencies. These systems eliminate coverage dead zones, providing reliable, facility-wide wireless connectivity across all floors, stairwells, and parking areas, enabling responders inside buildings to stay connected with teams outside.

WHY DO BUILDINGS NEED ERCES SOLUTIONS?

Boosting first responder signal coverage is essential to ensure the safety of building occupants by providing adequate radio coverage across public safety RF frequency bands. Fire marshals require buildings to meet emergency responder communication standards, and failure to comply can result in denied certificates of occupancy, leading to costly construction delays. MCA offers expert guidance to help navigate local code requirements and ensure full compliance with local authority having jurisdictions (AHJs).

What Codes Exist tHAT MANDATE ERCES installations?

ERCES compliance is essential for safety. The International Fire Code (IFC-510) mandates in-building radio coverage for emergency responders, while the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-72 and NFPA-1225) requires fire detection, signaling, mass notification, and emergency communications systems. Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) often adopt these codes with stricter rules. MCA ensures your facility meets all requirements, keeping it compliant and prepared.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER DEPLOYING AN ERCES?

You should consider deploying an ERCES during the early planning stages of new construction projects to ensure compliance with local fire codes and communication mandates. For building renovations or expansions, it’s essential to integrate new areas seamlessly into the existing ERCES infrastructure while safeguarding current components. Regular system testing and maintenance are also crucial to maintain compliance, avoid delays in occupancy certification, and ensure reliable communication during emergencies.

How Much do ERCES SOLUTIONS COST TO INSTALL?

The cost of a Public Safety DAS (ERCES) system, including it's deployment, varies based on factors like building size, construction materials, and local code requirements. On average, installations can range from $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot. Additional expenses may include site surveys, design, equipment, and testing to meet regulations. MCA offers tailored solutions to fit your budget while ensuring full compliance and safety.

What Are the Components of an ERCES Solution?

An ERCES system consists of antennas, bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs), repeaters, and coaxial or fiber cabling, working together to boost and relay emergency radio signals throughout a building. It also includes signal boosters, donor antennas (to receive signals from public safety networks), and in-building antennas to ensure seamless communication. Additional components like power supplies, backup batteries, and annunciators maintain system reliability during emergencies.

NEUTRAL-HOST DAS

Our Cellular Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) enhance in-building cellular coverage by overcoming challenges from materials like steel and concrete, urban congestion, rural signal gaps, and RF interference. Cellular DAS ensures seamless connectivity for building occupants, reliable 911 access in all areas, and empowers first responders with essential communication coverage. Our solutions improve operational efficiency, meet the high expectations of today’s connected users, and enhance safety by providing uninterrupted service throughout the facility.

What is a Cellular Distributed Antenna System?

A Cellular DAS (Distributed Antenna System) is a comprehensive in-building solution that enhances cellular coverage by using a network of antennas, cabling, signal sources, and amplification equipment. These components work together to distribute cellular signals evenly throughout a building, overcoming barriers like concrete walls, steel structures, and network congestion. Cellular DAS ensures seamless connectivity for occupants, enabling uninterrupted communication, supporting business operations, and facilitating reliable access to emergency services.

What does it mean to be a Neutral-Host DAS?

A neutral-host DAS is a shared infrastructure solution that supports multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) within the same system. This approach allows carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to provide their services simultaneously through the same network, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality cellular coverage for all users regardless of their carrier. Neutral-host DAS reduces the need for separate systems for each carrier, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for large buildings, campuses, and public venues, where strong and reliable connectivity is essential.

WHY DO BUILDINGS NEED CELLULAR DAS?

As more people rely on mobile devices for communication, entertainment, and work, buildings need Cellular Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) to overcome challenges like signal interference from dense construction materials, network congestion, and dead zones that disrupt reliable mobile connectivity. Cellular DAS ensures seamless coverage throughout the entire facility, including hard-to-reach areas like basements, stairwells, and parking garages. This uninterrupted connectivity is essential for business operations, visitor satisfaction, and critical emergency calls to 911.

When Should I Consider Investing in a Cellular DAS?

Cellular DAS solutions should be considered for new construction, renovations, or system maintenance. DAS enhances safety by ensuring first responders can communicate and that 911 calls connect from even hard-to-reach areas like stairwells and parking garages. It drives satisfaction by providing seamless coverage for employees, guests, and visitors, preventing connectivity frustrations that can harm business outcomes. Additionally, DAS supports sales by ensuring continuous operations with LTE/5G backup, preventing disruptions in critical payment and communication systems.

How Much Does a Cellular DAS Cost?

The cost per square foot for an active Cellular DAS system can vary widely depending on the system type and complexity. Lower-end pricing generally applies to standard 4G systems, while higher-end costs reflect advanced capabilities like ultra-fast 5G mmWave connectivity or integration with HAIP systems, which demand a higher density of antenna placements. To receive a tailored quotation with scalable options for your organization, the process typically begins with a site survey. This ensures an accurate estimate and maximizes the value of your investment.

What Are The Components of a Cellular DAS?

A Cellular DAS consists of donor antennas to receive signals from nearby cellular towers, bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) to boost signal strength, and a network of in-building antennas to distribute signals throughout the facility. It also includes coaxial or fiber cabling to connect components, head-end equipment for signal management, and splitters or couplers to route signals effectively. Together, these components ensure consistent cellular coverage across all areas, including hard-to-reach spaces like basements and stairwells.

Private Wireless

Our Private Wireless solutions deliver dedicated, secure connectivity tailored to your organization’s needs, overcoming challenges where traditional Wi-Fi falls short. Leveraging advanced 4G, 5G, and CBRS technologies, our networks ensure seamless communication across campuses, industrial sites, and healthcare facilities. Private Wireless boosts operational efficiency, supports real-time monitoring and remote operations, and ensures reliable communications—empowering businesses, agencies, and schools with robust coverage and security.

What Are Private Wireless Networks?

Private wireless networks provide secure, dedicated infrastructure tailored to the needs of a single organization, operating independently from public networks. Utilizing advanced cellular technologies like 4G LTE and 5G through the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, these networks offer enhanced control, reliability, and customization. They are ideal for applications ranging from basic internet access to industrial automation and real-time data analytics. Private wireless ensures robust connectivity in challenging environments where Wi-Fi struggles, supporting mobile and fixed endpoints across complex operational landscapes.

What Is The Citizens Broadband Radio Service?

CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) is a 150 MHz spectrum band, generally referred to as Band 48 (3550-3700 MHz) regulated by the FCC for shared broadband use, enabling private 4G and 5G networks. It supports a range of applications, including industrial, enterprise, and public safety. This spectrum band is divided into three tiers of users: incumbent users, priority access licensees, and general authorized access users, each with different levels of priority and rights to the spectrum. This arrangement helps manage interference and ensure reliable service for all users.

How Are Organizations Utilizing Private Wireless?

Organizations leverage private wireless networks for continuous connectivity to people and mobile devices, field communications for data collection from meters and sensors, and real-time applications like push-to-talk and push-to-video group communications. These networks also provide plug-and-play wide-area connectivity for video surveillance, environmental monitoring, and reliable internet/intranet access across dispersed Wi-Fi zones. Furthermore, private wireless networks reduce the burden on congested Wi-Fi systems by offloading operational traffic, ensuring smoother performance across all connected devices.

What Organization Types Need Private Wireless?

Private networks are used across diverse sectors to ensure secure, reliable communication. High-risk industries like mining, manufacturing, and automated logistics facilities rely on them for safety, real-time monitoring, and remote operations. Public agencies use private networks for emergency coordination and smart city initiatives. Schools leverage them for seamless campus connectivity and remote learning, while healthcare facilities depend on private wireless for telemedicine, secure data transmission, and patient care coordination. These networks enhance efficiency, safety, and communication across all these environments.

What EQuipment Does Private Wireless Require?

A private wireless network integrates several key components to ensure secure, reliable connectivity. The Radio Access Network (RAN) includes base stations, antennas, access points, and small cells to provide wireless coverage. The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) manages data traffic between devices and external networks, while the Spectrum Access System (SAS) handles frequency assignments. User Equipment (UE), such as smartphones, routers, and IoT sensors, connect to the network, authenticated by private SIMs that control access and policies. Cellular access points allow edge devices to connect seamlessly. Supporting infrastructure like routers, network servers, patch panels, cabling, firewalls, and repeaters ensures smooth network operation and enhanced security.

STANDARD RADIO COVERAGE

Generally offered by our Voice team, MCA’s radio infrastructure solutions provide reliable communication for both public safety and business needs. These solutions are referenced here due to their relevance as in-building wireless systems, but we encourage readers to explore them further by selecting the button below. Our ASTRO P25 systems support seamless communication for public safety agencies, while MotoTRBO infrastructure offers scalable solutions for commercial enterprises.

Why Choose REPEATER BASED SYSTEMS INSTEAD OF DAS?

A DAS can be used to boost non-emergency and non-cellular RF signals for standard radio coverage. However, the system would need to be independently installed and configured for those specific frequencies, which can be costly when also considering independent ERCES and cellular deployments. A more cost-effective solution is investing in a conventional or trunked radio system, which can still extend coverage throughout every corner of a facility or campus without the added complexity and expense of an additional DAS setup.

Commercial Radio Enhancement Systems

Our MotoTRBO infrastructure solutions deliver scalable voice communications for businesses of all sizes, from single-site conventional systems for small teams to large-scale Capacity Max networks supporting up to 250 sites and 3,000 users per site. With a range of flexible options, MCA ensures every business has reliable and efficient in-building radio communication tailored to its specific needs.

Public Safety Radio Enhancement Systems

Our ASTRO P25 systems are designed for mission-critical public safety applications, providing secure, reliable communication during emergencies. While these systems can scale to cover entire cities, counties, and even states, they play a crucial role in in-building wireless solutions by bolstering communications within police departments, fire stations, prisons, and other key facilities.

Digital Radio Repeaters

Motorola's SLR series repeaters provide flexible, high-performance options: the compact SLR 1000 extends coverage through dead zones with energy-efficient, fanless operation; the SLR 5000 offers easy installation, low ownership costs, and compatibility with advanced trunking systems; and the powerful SLR 8000 delivers seamless voice and data capabilities, ideal for organizations seeking to expand coverage with the latest digital technology.

Unparalleled Expertise in Motorola Solutions

Our team leverages its' long-standing partnership with Motorola Solutions, combining deep expertise in ERCES with unparalleled knowledge of Astro and APX products. As a platinum channel partner with comprehensive certifications, MCA ensures the seamless compatibility between ERCES systems and Motorola P25-based radio solutions, delivering customized, reliable communication solutions that meet the critical needs of public safety agencies nationwide.

DELIVERING IN-BUILDING WIRELESS EXCELLENCE

With over three decades of expertise, our IWS team has successfully completed more than 20,000 DAS projects across diverse industries. Our team comprises over 30 degreed engineers, all certified in RF design and proficient across all DAS OEMs. We emphasize stringent processes and controls to ensure excellence in every installation. Enhanced by our UL Certifications and our team’s Secret Clearance for accessing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and our industrial hygienist's specialization in confined space work, we are uniquely equipped to handle complex wireless challenges.

RF COVERAGE TESTING & BENCHMARKING

Radio frequency (RF) testing an integral first step in the DAS design and deployment process, ensures reliable in-building wireless connectivity by evaluating signal strength, coverage gaps, and interference. MCA’s In-Building Wireless Solutions (IWS) team conducts comprehensive site surveys and benchmark tests, using purpose-built tools from partners like iBwave (pictured above) and PCTel to design optimal Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Our expertise ensures seamless, compliant coverage tailored to your building’s unique needs, enhancing connectivity, safety, and operational efficiency.

Why choose mca

Choose MCA for in-building wireless solutions that keep your facilities connected, secure, and future-ready. A long time Safer Buildings Coalition member, backed by decades of expertise and strong partnerships with major network carriers and industry-leading component manufacturers, our solutions ensure seamless communication across every corner of your facilities. Trust MCA to deliver reliable, high-performance campus-wide coverage solutions that keep your people connected when it matters most.