How Does Berk-Tel’s DIGITAL ICE (DAS System) Enhance Cellular Signal With Low E Glass

BERK-TEL COMMUNICATIONS Digital I.C.E (Interior Cellular Enhancement) is a  Distributed Antenna System (DAS). A network of antennas that are strategically placed to provide enhanced cellular and wireless coverage within a particular area. Low emissivity (low-e) glass is a type of glass that is designed to reduce the amount of heat transferred through windows while allowing light to pass through.

When it comes to integrating a DAS with low-e glass, there are a few considerations:

  1. Signal Penetration: Low-e glass can sometimes affect the penetration of radio signals. The metal oxide coating on low-e glass can block or attenuate wireless signals, reducing the signal strength inside the building. This can pose challenges for the DAS, as it relies on strong signals to distribute wireless coverage effectively.
  2. Antenna Placement: To overcome the signal attenuation caused by low-e glass, antennas in BERK-TEL COMMUNICATIONS's Digital I.C.E (DAS) can be strategically placed to compensate for the reduced signal strength. The antennas may need to be positioned closer to the interior of the building or in locations where signal blockage is minimized.
  3. Signal Boosting: DAS systems often incorporate signal boosting components, such as bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) or repeaters. These devices receive the incoming wireless signals from the base station, amplify them, and redistribute them throughout the building. Signal boosting can help compensate for any signal loss or attenuation caused by low-e glass.
  4. Active DAS: In some cases, an active DAS can be employed instead of a passive DAS. An active DAS uses fiber optic or Ethernet cables to distribute the wireless signals, rather than relying on coaxial cables. This can help mitigate signal loss due to low-e glass and improve the overall signal quality and coverage.

It's worth noting that the exact implementation and configuration of a DAS in a building with low-e glass can vary depending on factors such as the specific type of low-e glass, the building's layout, and the desired level of coverage. Therefore, it's essential to consult with BERK-TEL COMMUNICATIONS that can  assess the specific requirements and design an appropriate solution.