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.