Building owners have myriad ways to express themselves through their property – from basic amenities to decor – and have responsibilities that help them establish their brand. However, certain aspects of commercial property aren’t up for compromise, and public safety is one of them. Buildings may be built to withstand emergencies like fires or storms, but maintaining communication is crucial for first responders. 

Public Safety Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is a system that allows first responders to maintain communication with each other within buildings during emergencies. Public Safety DAS is mandatory for all commercial properties to ensure the safety of its occupants and first responders. If you don’t know how they differ from conventional communication practices or are unsure if you need them, read on to learn more about Public Safety DAS. 

What is a Public Safety DAS?

A Public Safety DAS is an efficient way to provide communication channels everywhere on the property – from the perimeter of the building to the basement and top floors. These systems utilize bidirectional amplifiers to establish wireless communication within buildings. With access to radio signals across the areas of the building, such as elevators, basements, parking, and stairwells, first responders are better equipped to handle rescue operations. 

Since most structures use e-glass and concrete, it is easier to maintain radio transmission with signal amplifiers or similar equipment. Therefore, every owner must have their buildings assessed to determine signal coverage and have a DAS installed in compliance with regulations. Furthermore, DAS allows building occupants (who mainly rely on cell phones for communication) to enjoy better wireless reception on the premises. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) have issued codes for Public Safety DAS, including National Fire Code, the National Electrical Code, the International Building code, and the International Fire Code. All public safety communication systems are based on these model codes. Your county adheres to one or more of these groups for its public safety communication systems.

Why is Public Safety DAS Important?

Incidents like the September 11 attacks provoked many counties in the United States to implement ordinances that require property owners to meet a minimum standard for all public safety communication systems. Several municipalities have mandated compliance with newly adopted standards to allow better communication between police, fire department, and other first responders. Building owners must ensure that their properties meet all the required standards and have them certified by a Public Safety DAS professional. 

Do I Need DAS for My Building?

Not every building requires DAS to improve wireless connectivity. If the signal strength is weak in certain areas of your building, a repeater DAS is not going to solve that problem. If you live in a remote area, an active DAS should help boost your signal enough to meet the minimum standards set by your local municipality. Similarly, if you are dealing with high traffic, a repeater DAS is unlikely to resolve the issue. An active DAS is typically the best option for large buildings with multiple dead zones. 

Installing Public Safety DAS Systems with the Help of an Expert Team

If you want to learn more about Public Safety DAS and how to prepare your building for emergencies, Highland Wireless can help. We can help you understand safety codes and regulations mandated by local authorities so you can rest easy knowing experts are helping you find the right solution. Depending on what you may benefit from, we will help you pick out either a distributed antenna system or small cells to boost your signal coverage. Contact us today to get started! 

Reliable communication is essential in the maritime industry to maintain safe operations and ensure smooth traversal of the world’s oceans and seas. Marine communications encompass ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications, with different channels and methods available depending on the type of vessel and where they are sailing. 

The maritime industry is a complex network of channels to help ships navigate across the world and stay in contact with other vessels or shore-based control centers, which is why different tools and networks exist for different sets of circumstances. 

How Maritime Communication Works 

Depending on the vessel and the waters in which it is navigating, there may be several communication systems on board – with requirements varying by geographic area. Here is the breakdown of the communication channels: 

A1: Ships operating between 20-30 nautical miles from the coast must have at least one Very High Frequency (VHF) radio system onboard, allowing for constant Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerting in addition to a Maritime Safety Information (MSI) receiver. 

A2: Ships traveling up to and over 400 nautical miles away from shore are covered under this section, however, in practice, it typically covers ships operating about 100 nautical miles off the shore without including ships in A1 areas. Boats operating in this range should have a radiotelephone in the MF radio range onboard and any equipment necessary in A1 areas. 

A3: Excluding areas covered under A1 and A2, A3 covers ships that fall within the zone covered by geostationary satellites, approximately 70 degrees north and 70 degrees south latitude. Vessels operating within this range must have satellite communications equipment in addition to the same equipment requirements from A1 and A2 areas. 

A4: This area includes waters in the Polar Region North and South of 70 degrees latitude, excluding areas covered under A1, A2, and A3. Ships operating in this range must have a High Frequency (HF) radio service in addition to all previous requirements from other areas. 

HF marine communications services are widely available and cover all of the oceans traversed by ships. These systems and tools exist to assist with search and rescue operations in the event of an emergency and to keep mariners safe when at sea. 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) dictates that each ocean region must have at least two coastal stations – with all vessels carrying satellite terminals for Ship Security Alerts System (SSAS) and long-range tracking. Using these systems, mariners can navigate the oceans safely while remaining in contact with control centers. 

Types Of Maritime Communication Systems 

VHF radio systems continue to be an essential tool for communication between ships and ship-to-shore communications. While it remains widespread and effective, the system does have limitations due to its design. That is why other systems like DSC exist to allow for enhanced communication – including remote control commands for engaging signals. 

Other advanced communications systems include satellites, Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The GMDSS, in particular, uses integrated communications using satellite and terrestrial radio communication systems to transmit information and overcome the shortcomings of communication via VHF. 

Additionally, in European waterways, the Automatic Transmitter Identification System is used in conjunction with a VHF radio system to transmit the vessel’s identity using a ten-digit code after each voice transmission. All of these systems combined make up today’s maritime communication systems and instruments. 

Highland Wireless 

Highland Wireless offers exceptional radio communications solutions and services to clients in the maritime industry to ensure reliable and effective communications between ships and control centers. To learn more about our services, speak with a representative from our team today. 

While smartphones offer a seamless way to connect to everyone in addition to a host of features and capabilities, sometimes simpler is better. For hikers, trekkers, and outdoor lovers, having a reliable means of communication is essential for safety and communication. While smartphones offer a lot of perks and benefits, they do not always perform well or maintain their connection out in the wilderness and rugged terrain away from cities and towns. 

One means of communication is two-way radios, allowing hikers and trekkers to stay connected with others while exploring beautiful destinations and searching for stunning vistas. Although they are relatively simple devices with few extra features beyond communication, they are proven tools that outdoor adventurers can rely on. Here are several reasons why two-way radios are a must-have for every trekker. 

They Are A Safety Measure 

Ensuring personal safety and that of your group is essential when out trekking. Two-way radios provide a means to stay connected and convey information to each other, whether that be your current location, changes to your plans, or if you spot something ahead that you need to warn others about. 

Whatever the reason, using them provides a means to stay in touch with one another and alert others in the case of an emergency. Seamless communication is essential for maintaining safety in the wilderness, which is why every trekker should have a two-way radio with them. 

Excellent Range 

In addition to offering a reliable means of communication, many two-way radio systems have excellent range capabilities, offering the ability to communicate over vast distances. While some devices may be well suited to shorter ranges over long distances, many radios will allow you to communicate over large open spaces and many miles while you are out trekking. This is especially important if anyone gets separated and is not within sight! 

Reliable Signal 

In addition to their long-range capabilities, two-way radios have strong signals that are unlikely to fail. Whether you are climbing up many hills and mountains or trekking deep into forests and ranging in vast open fields, you will still be able to reliably communicate with your group. This adds another layer of security and safety while you are out in the wild and keeps you connected no matter where you might be. With smartphones, the same is not always true, which is why you should invest in a set of two-way radios instead. 

Durable Build 

While smartphones are at risk of cracking from a hard fall, two-way radios offer a much more rugged build that has the harsh terrains in mind that trekkers like to spend their time in. Many two-way radios offer water resistance to ensure they survive a dunk in a pond and withstand a bout of rainfall, in addition to a durable body that will remain unfazed by a harsh fall. Not only does this make them more functionally suited to rugged environments, but having a communication device unlikely to fail at your disposal is an invaluable tool. 

Emergency Functions 

Last but not least, two-way radios often have emergency functions that can prove vital in a pinch. Many offer voice activation, allowing to you communicate without having to physically handle the device—which is helpful in a wide range of emergency scenarios. Additionally, two-way radios typically have a panic button that will emit a loud alarm to help you gain attention from your group or others nearby. While smartphones can perform similar functions, two-way radios offer these features in a rugged body that is durable and built to last in the wild. 

Highland Wireless 

Highland Wireless is a premier communication company that offers exceptional care and quality to its customers. If you are looking to add reliable two-way radios to your trekking kit, consider contacting us today! 

Poor cellular connectivity is one of the main reasons that many businesses across the country struggle to grow sustainably. Cellular connectivity is often disrupted by construction material among other factors that result in poor signal and dropped calls. On top of that, the immense amount of data that flows through these channels can also slow down your connection from time to time. 

An In-building Cellular Enhancement System (CES) is the best way to achieve strong wireless connectivity throughout the establishment. Be it inside a residential apartment complex or an office building, they are an optimal solution for anyone looking to improve cellular connectivity. Today, we are taking a look at some of the benefits of installing an in-building CES and why you should consider installing one. 

Better Wi-fi Connectivity

Much like every other network, wi-fi has its bandwidth limitations. Although there is no limit to the number of people who can connect to a shared network, many often face challenges due to limited coverage. A cellular enhancement system adds coverage and bandwidth to your original network. This allows you to enjoy excellent connectivity in both indoor and outdoor situations. 

Uninterrupted Connection

An in-building cellular enhancement system in conjunction with a cellular distributed antenna system (DAS) allows the occupants of the building to enjoy reliable wireless coverage. A cellular DAS system relies on several small antennas to boost cellular reception. 

With this technology, occupants of the building will receive a constant robust signal that is far superior than a standard cellular signal. In simple words, an in-building cellular enhancement system is the best way to guarantee full network strength for all users. 

Fast Network Speed

Slow network speed is the main culprit behind delays and service disruption. It is not only frustrating to work on a slow network but it can also negatively affect your business’s reputation. Since cellular enhancements systems are evenly distributed, they offer complete network strength to all users. A network running at maximum performance allows you to promptly take care of your tasks and run your business optimally. 

Indoor/Outdoor Coverage

The quality of a wireless connection can lower if there are more obstructions in its path. There are many objects in a building that can affect the strength or wireless signals such as metal, concrete, and low-E glass. These objects either reflect or don’t let the signal pass through efficiently. An in-building cellular enhancement system resolves this issue by using cellular repeaters across the building. Since there are multiple points in the network to connect to, you will receive strong wireless signals in both outdoor and indoor environments. 

Cost Effective

An in-building cellular enhancement system has many benefits in the long run. A reliable communication network is a must when it comes to running any business. If you compare the cost of installing a cellular enhancement system against the benefits you get from it in the long run, it is a winner in all regards. Since these systems use smaller antennas that draw less power, you will also be saving from lowered electricity bills. All-in-all, an in-building cellular enhancement system is a worthy investment for any business or residential establishment with multiple users. 

Call Highland Wireless For a Reliable Solution

If you are looking to improve cellular coverage in your workspace or building, Highland Wireless is here to help. Call our amazing team today to book a free pre-testing (to measure the current signal strength) that will help our experts come up with a reliable solution for your network. We work around the clock to ensure that our clients are getting the best service, so if you are ready to explore your business needs, give us a call today!

This is the age of innovative wireless technology. With cell phones, laptops, and other cutting-edge wireless devices taking over the market, it is imperative to incorporate these technologies in your workflow if you want to stay ahead of the competition. For team members that are located miles away, two-way radios prove to be an efficient solution for communication. 

While you can use 2-way radios as a standalone device, pairing them with a bluetooth headset can boost the efficiency of your communication and workflow. If you happen to own a 2-way radio that is bluetooth compatible, you can connect your wireless headphones to communicate with your peers without breaking the flow of your work and disturbing anyone around you. 

How 2-Way Radios Works

Most 2-way radios have a push-to-talk functionality that allows you to engage with your team members at the push of a button. If you are looking for a one-to-one conversation, you can switch to a direct-wire setup. In this situation, you can connect your radio to a standard headphone using the universal 3.5 mm port. 

If you need to establish communication with multiple team members simultaneously, you can use a global hub. This is typically used for vehicle-based radio systems. In this situation, you will be able to communicate with multiple members by pressing the PTT (push-to-talk) button. 

How Bluetooth Works

Compared to 2-way radios, bluetooth is newer technology that relies on radio waves to transmit data between two points. Since they are weaker and have less range than other forms of wireless communication such as wi-fi or cell phones, their use is fairly limited these days. On the other hand, a weaker signal means less battery consumption. This allows bluetooth to shine in battery-powered devices such as 2-way radios. 

A bluetooth connection will remain active as long as the paired devices remain within range (typically less than 30 feet). When paired, bluetooth devices will detect each other once they get within range. Bluetooth-powered devices work in a fairly small band of frequencies which is 2.4 Ghz. It also offers a significant level of security so any malicious use can be prohibited. 

Benefits of Using Bluetooth Headsets With 2-Way Radios

1. The most significant benefit of using bluetooth headsets is noiseless communication. If you are in an area with a lot of external noise, it may be hard to hear your team members on the radio. Bluetooth headsets can allow you to bypass some of that noise.
2. You can Communicate with your team members without disturbing anyone around you. 
3. If both your hands are busy while undertaking a certain task, a bluetooth headset will allow you to communicate while working. 

Pairing 2-Way Radio With a Bluetooth Headset

The first step is to ensure that both devices are charged and within optimal range. Once both devices have been switched on, the next step is to put them into pairing mode. For bluetooth headsets, this can be typically done by pressing and holding the pairing button. Similarly, put your 2-way radio into pairing mode. 

Once both the devices have been put into pairing mode and are within optimal range, they should connect automatically. You may hear a beep or light indication from your devices that the pairing has been successfully established. If your radio does not support bluetooth connectivity, you can use standard wired headsets for noiseless communication. 

At Highland Wireless, we specialize in Marine Communication, Wireless Networks, 2-Way Radio services, and In-building wireless systems. If you are interested in learning more about services and how we can help build an efficient communication channel for your business or residential property, contact our amazing team today.