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
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.


















