In-building wireless coverage is a major concern for new and old buildings alike. Concrete, metal, and low-E glass in a building’s structure can prevent an outside signal from traveling inside efficiently, presenting radio communication issues. This can be especially problematic for first responders should an emergency occur.
That’s where coverage testing from Day Wireless comes in. Coverage testing is the act of measuring signal strength and quality of radio frequencies, specifically wireless cellular and radio coverage. These measurements are then processed by software and turned into detailed reports used to determine whether a building meets coverage requirements.
For public safety radio coverage, coverage testing is a requirement by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), as a part of fire code. This is often referred to as Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) testing. It ensures that first responders have the ability to receive and transmit critical communication when they are in your facility.
If the building fails the coverage test, a distributed antenna system (DAS) will need to be installed to remediate the coverage issues.
How is coverage testing done?
Inspection of a property is performed on foot, with equipment worn in a backpack, in what’s referred to as the “walk test.” The equipment is capable of measuring many data sets, but most important to us is RSRP and SINR.
Reference Signals Received Power (RSRP) is the signal strength, while Signal to Interference Ratio (SINR) is an indicator of signal quality. Thousands of readings are taken at numerous locations within a building, after which the data is processed.
We then create reports that can give you easily digestible maps, charts, and graphs of your building’s current coverage. From there, we can help you determine the best course of action, whether it’s amplifiers to extend your current coverage, or a full DAS installation.
Day Wireless can help you find the right coverage solution
Coverage testing can determine exactly where problem areas lie and helps integrators like Day Wireless with hard data so that we can provide appropriately designed solutions. This can save you time and money while providing a better working system.
Want to learn more about our in-building coverage testing service? You can read more here or contact us today to set up a consultation.
