What is a Signal Booster?
Reliable Wireless Communications is an
absolute necessity today. Radios are lifelines to first-responders. The public
expects first responders to provide their services no matter where the citizen
may be; on public and private property alike.
Modern fire and police systems use portable
radios as their primary communications device. That means ubiquitous coverage
is expected wherever handheld radio may be carried; basements, high rise
buildings, parking structures, etc.
Public safety wireless communications has
evolved into wireless systems which are highly dependent upon handheld or
'handset' communications. The use of handsets provide user mobility into any
location an individual may go, such as in-buildings, basements tunnels and other
places older mobile radio usage was not practical or possible.
Operation of wireless equipment
requires a radio path between the handset and the rest of the communications
system. Radio signals are greatly reduced when passing through earthen barriers
and dense construction materials making in-building and underground wireless
communications unreliable or impossible without taking additional actions.
Radio signals may be re-distributed within
obstructed areas by the use of special coaxial cables, fiber optics and indoor
antennas (see diagram).
These signals, however, usually require amplification to overcome the losses of
the distribution system to be effective. The most common solution involves the
use of special amplifier devices called 'signal boosters' by the Federal
Communications Commission, who has federal jurisdiction of the use of such
devices. Other terms such as 'Bi-Directional Amplifier' or 'BDA' are
industry jargon for signal boosters, all meaning the same device.
Tempe's In-Building Coverage Ordinance:
Implementing in-building coverage codes is
like requiring fire sprinkler systems. And like sprinkler systems many years
ago, the adoption of in-building codes is rapidly evolving from a unique
requirement to a standard practice.
The Implementation of signal boosters
within larger properties, both public and privately owned, is becoming a
commonplace solution. The use of signal boosters is critical to the welfare of
public safety personnel in the performance of their duties.
There are costs associated with the
implementation of signal booster systems which most private building owners
naturally resist, so local codes and ordinances have become the vehicle to
provide a balance between public necessity and private interests.
The City of Tempe has put into place such
an ordinance. This ordinance (ord. 2007.54, 9-16-2007) provides for, and
ensures, Public Safety Radio standards are adhered to in the development
process.
If you are a Developer, Architect or
Contractor seeking to build in Tempe, the following link will provide a
detailed understanding of the City's requirements and compliance process as it
relates to Public Safety Radio standards.
Click HERE to download Developer
Requirements
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