Businesses today rely heavily on consistent communications for sales, operations, product/service delivery, and post-sales support. Hospitality is no different for strong communications facilitating cost-effective and efficient operations, and business continuity.
With 85% of Americans utilizing smartphones, mobile devices have become a necessity for information-gathering, texting, emailing, socializing, and more.
Hotels are often focused on exceeding guest expectations, further highlighting these needs. Specific questions to consider include:
- Do all buildings offer seamless WiFi and cellular connections?
- Does the building comply with public safety standards and requirements?
- Are there dense construction materials present, which could pose a possible problem for in-building (IBW) wireless penetration?
- Will guests have consistent WiFi coverage within individual rooms and public spaces?
Learn why strong, reliable wireless connections, as well as Distributed Antenna Services (DAS) are must-haves for the hospitality industry.
The Role of Wireless Communication Within Hospitality
The hospitality industry has high customer expectations regarding communications. From seamless booking and reservation systems, to reliable WiFi service within rooms and common areas. Public safety needs are also necessary for quickly dispatching first responders in an emergency situation. Aside from guest expectations, a wireless system without any downtime raises the need for well-scoped, well-designed, dependable, strong, and reliable on-premises connectivity.
Many dense materials used within today's new construction buildings include steel, concrete, and LEED-certified glass. Offering added protection, they also pose wireless signal penetration obstacles. Areas such as basements, hallways and stairways, and storage areas can be particularly challenging. This can potentially cause delayed communication for emergency responders relying on IBW connectivity.
Hospitality industry workforces also rely heavily on WiFi connectivity to complete daily tasks. This includes housekeepers, food-service employees, front-desk personnel, maintenance staff, and others. Because these individuals are always on the move, it is imperative to have a robust system ensuring consistent communications.
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) Within Hospitality
It is evident we’ve become increasingly dependent on wireless communications. Smartphones and other mobile devices are our communication “go to” for making and taking calls, as well as entertainment, socializing, and professional demands. As we spend more time indoors, reliable IBW services are imperative for all building owners, especially hotels. DAS should also be on building managers' priority lists.
While there is more than one IBW connectivity solution, DAS distributes wireless signals throughout a much larger area than technologies such as Small Cells. Its equipment and components create a neutral, agnostic gateway between wireless subscribers and carriers.
With most DAS installations utilizing active equipment, these components require a working power source utilizing fiber optic cables connecting with remote nodes. Passive DAS systems operate without these cables and comprise simple Bi-Directional Amplifiers. Passive DAS doesn’t require power, though these installations types are rare. This would be a viable solution in small offices requiring enhanced cell coverage. However, to address wireless connectivity requirements for first responders, public safety DAS with UHF and VHF bands are necessary.
DAS Requirements & Key Points
There are many specific requirements and key points regarding Public Safety DAS. Most equipment has built-in alarms—which during a possible failure—are directly triggered to corresponding IT departments. While traditional DAS are compelled by capacity, public safety DAS are oriented. This is due to recurrent or serious emergencies at a remote location. However, when this does happen, respondents require ample coverage for response and communication.
Airtower Networks provides customized solutions such as cellular, managed WiFi, private LTE, and more for seamless in-building connectivity, enhanced productivity, and a competitive bottom line. Connect with us today to commence your wireless networking journey!
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