In-building wireless communication solutions
The term 'in-building wireless' refers to communication solutions that maintain connectivity inside a building where signals from the core infrastructure are not reachable. In-building wireless solutions are often used by network providers that seeking enhanced delivery of services to their core clients in demanding signal environments.
Conventional distributed antenna systems (DAS) based in-building wireless has shifted its focus from providing good signal coverage inside a building to increasing the capacity for bandwidth-consuming services such as data-centric services. To keep up with the pace of technology, customers want to communicate wirelessly without any drops in the connectivity.
It is expected that, over the coming years, in-building wireless connections will become readily available in airports, stations and other public places.
The growing demand for smartphones and increasing data usage by the consumers are the major factors contributing to the growth of the in-building wireless market. Companies in the market are expected to deploy Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks and develop small cells that run on 4G or LTE networks. However, the issues regarding interference, designing and installation are expected to pose challenges to the growth of the market. Additionally, the major problem with such systems is the isolation and authentic use of the services.
The in-building wireless market can be categorised baser on; system components, business models, type of building and its size, end-users and geography:
- Components include antennas, cables, distributed antennas such as active and passive DAS, repeaters, amplifiers and small cells such as micro cells, pico cells and femtocells.
- There are three types of business models available, namely, the carrier model, enterprise model and host model.
- Buildings are classified as large buildings, medium buildings and small buildings. Additionally, the installation process is different for new buildings and for existing buildings. The main application of the wireless in-building market is found in commercial sector, government sector, hospitals, hospitality, industrial sector, educational institutes and retail stores among others.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved document R.
- BSRIA expects fast growth in Power over Ethernet applications.
- CAT5.
- Distributed Antenna Systems DAS
- Ethernet.
- Extranet.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report.
- Internet of things.
- Internet of things in commercial buildings.
- Local area network.
- Smart buildings.
- Smart cities.
- Smart technology.
- The future of electricity in domestic buildings.
- UtterBerry intelligent wireless sensor system.
- Wifi.
- WiredScore.
- Wireless electric highways
- Wireless vs wired building energy management system.
- ZigBee.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.

















