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Public Safety BDA-DAS Systems:
(In-Building Wireless Systems)

Ensuring reliable and consistent public safety wireless two-way radio communications within your school, hotel, hospital, office / residential building, stadium and even parking structure is vital to first responders and your community’s safety. But today, many structures still present In-Building Wireless communication challenges for first responders due to interference and common
impairments to radio signal strength like concrete, metal, and low-E glass windows. Basements, stairwells, fire command rooms, elevator lobbies, exit passageways and parking structures are just some of the areas that frequently fall short of meeting
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) local codes.

Today, most jurisdictions require all new construction, as well as older buildings to meet current coverage requirements.
Typically, BDA Systems are required for buildings with one floor below ground level or more than two floors above ground level.
For new construction, your certificate of occupancy will require that the building pass the local Fire Marshall’s approval for
compliance of the wireless first responder system before you and your tenants can take occupancy. Building owners and
management are responsible for the cost of installing BDA systems, not the local fire department.

According to a recent International Association of Fire Chiefs Survey, 98.5% of first responders reported building dead spots.
And 56% of respondents experienced emergency two-way radio communications failures.

A ComSource Bi-Directional Amplifier System (BDA) can help eliminate dead spots and communication issues and help you
meet the local codes as mandated by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and FCC. Working collaboratively with your
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or local Fire Marshall, ComSource has the technical experience to design, install, test
and maintain your Public Safety – BDA System to ensure compliance and adherence to code.

What is a Public Safety BDA – DAS System?

There are two types of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), one for Public Safety two-way radio and one for cellular technologies. At ComSource, we support the design, installation and technical support of both systems.

Public Safety Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA) and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are uniquely designed wireless two-way
radio systems that ensure first responders entering your facilities will be able to communicate during an emergency. As an
extension of a public safety radio communication, BDA – DAS Systems must be professionally designed by an experienced
and knowledgeable BDA vendor. As an industry leading two-way radio distributor and integrator, ComSource is uniquely qualified
in the design, deployment and maintenance of your RF BDA system.

Ultimately, the goal of a PS – BDA/DAS is to ensure First Responders will have reliable communications anywhere in the building.

How a BDA System Works?

A BDA System provides reliable RF (Radio Frequency) Coverage for two-way communication, by receiving and amplifying
transmissions from radios inside the building to the outdoor donor antenna and repeater. This boosts the radio signal by distributing Radio Frequency (RF) throughout a building including the hard to reach stairwells, basements and Fire Command rooms.

Typical Public Safety BDA Systems boost reception for first responders’ radio networks operating on 700MHz, 800MHz, and
900 MHz frequency bands.

ComSource BDA Solutions Are:

  • Customized
  • Expertly Installed
  • Code Compliant
  • Routinely Serviced
  • Annually Tested

Installing a BDA-DAS System is not only beneficial for First Responders in emergency situations, they improve productivity and safety for work teams such as maintenance, engineering, operations, and security

ComSource provides a variety of bi-directional amplifiers and distributed antenna systems from companies such as ADRF,
Comba, and Westell to extend your coverage and range, as well as fit your individual budget and needs. Nearly every BDA
solution is custom-designed for each unique environment, and expertly installed by our certified technicians. ComSource has
extensive experience deploying in-building wireless systems to meet nearly any operating condition.

To explore the right BDA/DAS systems to get your facility compliant and fully operational, please contact us today
for a FREE consultation.

What Building Codes To Follow?

There are primarily three main codes and governing bodies that building owners need to follow to for the installation, operation
and maintenance of emergency services communication systems. Although these codes are updated and enforced by respective Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) across the state and country, you can depend upon the engineering team at ComSource to work with you and your AHJ to keep your emergency communications systems compliant.

The three main governing bodies for the ERRC Code include:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2018, Section 510, which explains the local fire code requirements for in-building emergency
radio systems.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Section 101, outlines the requirements for two-way radio communication systems
and minimum signal strength needed for fire communications in new and existing buildings. NFPA 72 covers alarm and signaling codes, with chapter 24 specifically covering emergency communication systems. NFPA 1221 Section 9.6 (soon to be NFPA 1225) addresses the requirements for two-way radio communications enhancement systems, and NFPA 70 covers the national electric code requirements.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 90 rules and certification testing for radio products that are used in defined
bands for public safety services.