The Ultimate Guide to Distributed Antenna Systems
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A new Hybrid DAS system ensures reliable communication, safety, and simplicity for Madison Public Schools’ newest campus.
The Challenge: A Beautiful Location with a Signal Problem
When Madison Public Schools broke ground on the new Neck River Elementary in coastal Connecticut, they were building more than a school; they were building a future-ready learning environment for 640 students.But there was one not-so-small obstacle baked into the site itself: poor cell coverage. The campus sits near a small river and wooded area that has long caused headaches for cell users at nearby schools. Even before construction started, district leaders and their project manager knew signal strength would be an issue.“Even just walking the site, you’d lose reception,” recalled Adam Levitus, Senior Project Manager at Colliers Engineering & Design. “It wasn’t something we could fix after the fact. We had to design for it from day one.”Reliable communication wasn’t just a convenience; it was a public safety issue. In an emergency, teachers, staff, and first responders need consistent cellular access. The district decided early on that a dedicated in-building system would be part of the plan.The Solution: Planning Early, Partnering Smart
From inception, the concept of connectivity had been factored into the DNA of the new school. Colliers worked with other professionals, including the architect and engineer, to design and incorporate the Hybrid Distributed Antenna System (DAS) concept into the project.This proved to be an important factor in the project's success. Multiple signal tests were conducted by the construction manager during the project, ranging from basic viability studies to comprehensive coverage analyses, to inform the design of the signal system.The Hybrid DAS from Wilson Connectivity was chosen through the competitive process organized by the construction manager. Wilson Connectivity collaborated with other interested parties to design the DAS to meet the building's specific configuration.Since the project was conceptualized simultaneously with other facilities such as HVAC, electric, information technology, and safety systems, the installation process occurred with minimal disruptions in schedules or conflicts with other trades.“It was the kind of integration you wouldn’t even notice,” said Mr. Levitus. “One day, the system just turned on. The next day, we had a strong signal everywhere. That’s how it should work.”The Results: Seamless Coverage, Zero Complaints
The Hybrid DAS did what the district had hoped: it offered seamless cellular coverage throughout the entire building.From the classroom to common areas, faculty and guests can rely on phone, text, and data service, something the older campuses nearby still struggle with. The campus-wide network also complements the school's emergency preparedness plan by ensuring cellular coverage during emergencies. This enhanced coverage gives teachers and first responders greater confidence that help can be reached immediately, improving overall campus safety.“Reliable cellular coverage isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety,” said Garth Doone, Regional Sales Manager at Wilson Connectivity. “When every corner of a school has a strong signal, staff and first responders can communicate instantly. That peace of mind is priceless.”There were no major problems encountered during or post-installation. The project's success, according to the project team, is due to careful planning and the selection of a flexible Hybrid DAS system that could adapt as construction progressed.Perhaps the best validation? Silence.“If there had been a problem, we’d have heard about it,” Levitus joked. “The fact that no one’s complained tells me everything’s working exactly as it should.”Lessons Learned: Start Early and Build It In
The Neck River Elementary project offers a clear takeaway for anyone managing new construction or modernization: plan connectivity as early as possible.Too often, cellular systems are treated as an afterthought, added late in the build or only after users start noticing dropped calls. By integrating the Hybrid DAS during design, Madison avoided costly retrofits, scheduling conflicts, and coverage gaps.“It’s a smoother process for everyone,” said Levitus. “When you make signal part of your construction plan instead of a separate project, it just works.”