Many building owners have been told/convinced that an installed WiFi network is sufficient to handle voice traffic when there is a problem with cellular service in the building. Given the cost of a cellular Distributed Antenna System (DAS), it’s natural for them to look to an installed system to solve the problem. Unfortunately, the reality is that an in-building WiFi network will never operate as well as a Cellular DAS to deliver quality phone conversations.

Given the importance of quality voice cellular service in commercial, hotels, multi-family residential and every possible building type (for typical phone conversations but also critical 911 service), it’s imperative that building owners provide a quality service. Without it, users/tenants/residents will go elsewhere. The age of the landline phone is long gone.

Here’s a breakdown of the advantages of cellular DAS over Wi-Fi for phone calls:

1. Dedicated Cellular Infrastructure

Cellular DAS provides a direct link to cellular networks, ensuring reliable service for voice and data without competing for bandwidth with other devices or users.

Wi-Fi, on the other hand, shares its bandwidth among all connected devices, which can cause congestion and lower call quality in busy environments.

2. Seamless Connectivity

Cellular DAS leverages existing carrier networks, so users experience seamless handoff when moving between indoors and outdoors or across different areas in a building.

Wi-Fi calls may drop or degrade when transitioning between access points or when switching from Wi-Fi to cellular.

3. Carrier-grade Quality

Cellular networks are designed for high-quality voice calls, including advanced features like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and HD Voice.

Wi-Fi calls depend on the quality of the internet connection and are more susceptible to latency, jitter, and packet loss.

4. Coverage in Complex Buildings

Cellular DAS systems are designed to provide strong, reliable coverage even in challenging indoor environments like large buildings, basements, or venues where Wi-Fi may struggle to penetrate. DAS is tailored for cellular signal amplification, ensuring fewer dead zones compared to Wi-Fi.

5. Security and Reliability

Cellular networks provide end-to-end encryption and dedicated infrastructure, making them more secure and resilient against interference.

Wi-Fi networks are more prone to security breaches, interference from other devices, and connection instability.

I’d rather trust a large cellular company than a mom-and-pop WiFi provider.

6. No Dependence on Internet Connection

Cellular DAS does not rely on an internet connection; it uses the cellular network directly.

Wi-Fi calls require a stable internet connection, and disruptions to the internet can lead to dropped calls.

7. Scalability for High-Density Environments

Cellular DAS can handle high volumes of users and traffic, making it ideal for stadiums, airports, and office complexes.

Wi-Fi often struggles in high-density environments, leading to poor call quality and dropped connections.

In summary, a cellular DAS is often the better choice for voice calls in environments where reliability, security, and high call quality are essential, particularly in large or complex buildings. While Wi-Fi calling is a convenient backup, it is less robust and reliable for consistent communication. Our thanks to ChatGPT for some of the details here.

 

If you need additional information about affordable Cellular DAS solutions, please reach out to IBWS.