From Dead Zones to Dependable Wireless Coverage in a Live Data Center
Read how Network Connex delivered an end-to-end wireless solution for reliable cellular coverage inside a major data center.
SITUATION
As data center operations become increasingly complex, dependable in‑building wireless connectivity is critical for day‑to‑day on‑site teams, safety, and service providers. Our customer, one of the largest global carrier-neutral data center companies, needed consistent cellular coverage inside one of its facilities to maintain a high‑performance data center environment.
REQUIREMENTS
To provide reliable coverage for cellular communications and improve operational efficiency for on-site data center personnel, the in-building wireless solution would need to:
01
Ensure cellular connectivity
Deliver reliable cellular coverage throughout approximately 100,000 square feet of interior corridors.
02
Be carrier neutral while meeting standards and approvals
Support multiple carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile on a shared system while meeting each carriers design standards and approval requirements.
03
Minimize disruption
Be deployed with minimal disruption to the ongoing data center operations.
04
Streamlined end-to-end solution
The new wireless system would need to be deployed seamlessly from initial assessment through activation and documentation.
KEY PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Network Connex delivered a comprehensive in-building Distributed Antenna System (DAS) solution tailored to the unique requirements of a data center environment.
- RF Coverage Assessment
The project began with a detailed site walk and RF analysis to evaluate existing signal strength and identify coverage gaps across the facility’s corridors. - Custom System Design
Using the collected RF data and building layouts, Network Connex engineered a DAS design optimized for corridor coverage, performance, and future scalability. - Carrier Coordination and Approvals
Network Connex managed the full carrier engagement and approval process with AT&T, T‑Mobile, and Verizon, streamlining what is often one of the most time‑consuming phases of DAS deployment. - Equipment Procurement and Installation
The project included installation of rooftop donor antennas & sleepers, a dedicated DAS head‑end, and strategically placed in‑building antennas in alignment with data center operational constraints. - System Activation and Optimization
Once the system was installed, Network Connex commissioned and activated it across all three carriers, with coverage verified against design specifications. - Project Closeout and Documentation
The team delivered a complete closeout package, including as‑built drawings, test results, and system documentation to support ongoing operations and compliance needs.
RESULTS
Our data center customer trusted Network Connex to design and deploy an end-to-end solution that is delivering several key results:
- Improved indoor cellular reliability in areas that were previously wireless “dead zones”
- Activated multi‑carrier cellular service for AT&T, Verizon, and T‑Mobile
- Reduced operational friction for on‑site personnel and service teams
WHAT’S NEXT?
This DAS project in a large colocation data center demonstrates how a proactive, end‑to‑end approach to in‑building wireless can simplify deployment while delivering reliable results in mission‑critical environments. While this project scope was limited to cellular, Network Connex partners with data center owners, developers, and operators to design and build full solutions for cellular, public safety, and 2-way radio connectivity including:
- Assess current and future in‑building connectivity needs
- Design carrier‑approved, scalable DAS systems
- Manage approvals, installation, activation, and documentation
- Deliver wireless connectivity that supports efficient data center operations and long‑term growth
Whether upgrading an existing facility or planning connectivity during new data center construction, Network Connex helps organizations deploy in‑building wireless solutions that are designed, approved, and activated with confidence.