When crisis situations occur and first responders are on the scene, a Public Safety DAS (distributed antenna system) ensures real-time, mission-critical communications between safety professionals during an emergency response.
First responders coordinate efforts via radio signals broadcast within government-mandated frequency ranges, normally in the VHF, UHF, 700, and 800 MHz bands. However, the preponderance of steel, concrete, and low emissivity (Low-E) glass in modern construction creates many challenges for a reliable signal in many buildings. The density of the materials, coupled with the square footage within the structure makes it difficult for first responder radio signals to penetrate and populate the entirety of the space.
Public Safety DAS combats the structural challenges that create RF interference by leveraging an outdoor donor antenna that receives RF transmissions from first responder radios, and those signals are in turn collected, amplified, and rebroadcast within the building structure via the solution’s distributed network of antennas.
There are generally two types of Public Safety DAS, identified as passive and active solutions. While both solutions utilize the same formula of leveraging a signal originating outside the building, then amplifying it and distributing it inside the building via a network of antennas, the decision to utilize an active or passive Public Safety DAS is largely driven by the size of the structure serviced.
A passive solution utilizes coaxial cable and is an excellent choice for buildings up to 150,000 square feet with light density. An active solution is used for very large buildings and requires a combination of coaxial cabling and fiber, which allows signals to efficiently travel a greater distance.
Passive Public Safety DAS
Active Public Safety DAS
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In the pivotal moments when lives and well-being hang in the balance, first responders don’t have the luxury of hoping a public safety solution performs, they should expect it. Pierson Wireless Public Safety DAS solutions provide assurance and protect those who protect us.
Pierson Wireless has engineered a revolutionary approach to Public Safety DAS for single buildings up to 150,000 square feet guaranteeing a code-compliant and cost-effective solution that can be installed and commissioned in 30 days or less.
Our public safety solution arrives as a preassembled kit, including:
- Wireless Supply TruePath bi-directional amplifier (BDA)
- Battery backup unit
- Annunciator panel
- Wiring
- Grounding
- Coaxial cable, connectors, and splitters
- Indoor-outdoor antennas
- Fire-retardant board
Prefabrication is commonplace in manufacturing, but less so in the telecommunications industry. The benefit of developing a turnkey, preassembled Public Safety DAS solution is found in the consistency of the deployment. Our approach ensures Pierson Wireless’ team of public safety experts has tested all components for design compliance before it ever arrives at the destination for system integration.
States, cities, and counties across the country have established ordinances within their building codes that require the presence of a Public Safety DAS. These ordinances typically cover new building construction and in many cases, renovated buildings. These buildings must meet standards for emergency responder communications reliability to receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) mandates which private frequencies are required to operate across a public safety system. They also determine the acceptable signal strength thresholds, the extent of property coverage that’s required, and the frequency of testing and certification for the system.
It is the responsibility of building owners and operators to adhere to all codes and ordinances related to their properties, as well as to meet the requirements of the AHJ. Pierson Wireless is highly skilled in applying building and fire codes and ordinances to Public Safety DAS solutions, and our team of experts will take the lead in understanding and navigating the requirements of your municipality.
If you’d like to be contacted by Pierson Wireless to discuss your Public Safety DAS needs, please complete the contact form below.
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