DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems): Your Questions Answered

DAS: Your Questions Answered

            We’ve all had that frustrating moment where we’re in an office, warehouse, department store, etc. and no matter what you do, you can’t get a signal on your cellphone. You're stuck holding up your phone Simba style on Pride Rock (Fg. 1) and nothing, you’ve barely got a bar. Some areas are just harder to get service in than others, especially when there is a large amount of network traffic at larger venues like sports stadiums, conferences, schools, and more.

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           But what can you do about it? Well, we’ve got the answer: DAS. DAS, or Distributed Antenna Systems boosts your service wherever it is needed. That means, no more dropped calls, no more Lion King recreations. You’ll be free to roam about your facility without the fear that you’ll lose a signal. Complete Freedom!

          But how does it really work? Let’s take a closer look. Distributed Antenna Systems is exactly what it says; it’s a series of small antennas installed throughout the building to serve as a repeater. The antennas themselves are connected to a controller that’s connected to the wireless carrier’s central station. This works with either passive or active DAS to boost your service.

           Active or Passive DAS? There are two types of approaches to installing DAS, active or passive. Passive DAS uses the antennas on the roof of a location to grab cellphone signals and bring them into the building. Active DAS also uses the rooftop antennas but then moves the signal through fiber cables to bring you your amplified service.

           Why should you consider DAS? That’s simple, cellphones won’t be going away any time soon. And the rate of mobile traffic will only increase as time goes on (It’s on a record increase already)! So if you’re in a building or area that is highly populated or you just can’t get the signal strength you require for your business, think about installing a DAS. Think about more than doubling your ability for data and voice connectivity.

           It’s a smart move to increase productivity and enhance your relationships with your clients by being consistently available anywhere you need to go. Isn’t technology exciting?

Choosing the Right Phone System for your Business. (Analog vs. Digital vs. VoIP)

         Here are RCH Communications we understand that communication with your customers is the key to your success. So whether you're first starting out or just moving to a new location, having a clear, consistent connection to your clients is more than a necessity. And now more than ever is the best time to purchase a phone system for your business. With the rapid advancement of technology, we're seeing amazing new options and features for today's business phone systems.

So will it be Analog, Digital, or VoIP? Let's take a closer look at each one.

       Analog phone systems are what businesses have been using for years. This simplistic system, built on a standard copper wire, carries not only voice but data as well. That means the phone company itself provides the power; so more often than not, your phone will keep working even if there's an electrical service outage. In short, analog phone systems are renowned for their reliability and great voice quality.

       But is Analog right for you? Well, that depends on what you want to get out of your phone system. Analog systems are simple and have little room for expansion down the road. That makes them ideal for smaller businesses'. They offer basic features such as: hold, mute, redial, and speed dial buttons. Beyond that, it's essentially your average home phone features. If you don't anticipate growth beyond those basic features, then an Analog phone system may be the right fit for you!

       Want more features from your phone system? Then Digital may be just what you're looking for. Digital, both wired and wireless, are a much more modern system for today's business tycoons. This makes them a perfect option for medium to large sized businesses'. Not based on a standard copper wire, Digital phone systems have the same if not better voice clarity than that of Analog. Featuring all the standards of the Analog system, Digital also provides additional features such as: hold music, VoIP integration (more on that later), extensions, transfers, and much more. These incredible systems can support alarm systems, voice-mail and call forwarding options. We are even just recently seeing sales software integration as well.

       So the age old question, is it right for you? It really comes down to a different question all together: "hardware or software?" Digital phone systems utilize software, which is arguably superior to that of its Analog hardware competitor. Why? Upgradability. Simple as that, instead of purchasing an entirely new system, the upgrade option will allow you to stay up to date on the most advanced features and options. So if you see the need for your business to integrate these features and continue to grow with communication, then Digital phone systems may be just what you need.

       Lastly, let's discuss the possibility of VoIP, or better known as, Voice over IP. VoIP is becoming a standard in today's business phone systems. Its primary feature is having your incoming and outgoing calls routed over the internet. What's the advantage of that you ask? Well, using VoIP allows you to cut out the use of a telephone network. So instead of going through your telephone service provider to make calls, it goes through your local network or LAN. This means reduced costs for your phone calls and no need to purchase a whole new phone system when your company grows.

       There are technical advantages to all of our phone systems, Analog, Digital, and VoIP. Whether your needs are simple or great, RCH Communications will make sure you get the most out of your phone system. Let us help you succeed.

Want to learn more? Visit us at: www.rch-com.com