Before we dive in, you should know this post is part of a four-part blog series on how we at Metro Wireless execute our DAS offering. Be sure to check out the other posts in this series for more info on:
(Post you’re reading now!) DAS summary post – concise summary of the end-to-end DAS project lifecycle, including design, install, and ongoing cloud management and support
How we design a DAS project – time and battle-tested, we walk through the four steps we take in designing a DAS project
How we install a DAS project – based on learned experience and industry expertise, we walk through our proven DAS installation process
How we monitor and manage a DAS project– leveraging industry-leading hardware alongside our NOC support team, we manage your DAS solution for the life of the system
The Metro Wireless DAS lifecycle: engineering flawless 4G/5G cellular coverage
In today’s connected world, dead zones aren’t just inconvenient— they’re business-critical risks.
At Metro Wireless, we’ve perfected a three-phase methodology for designing, installing, and managing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) that deliver carrier-agnostic 4G/5G coverage.
This guide distills our battle-tested approach into actionable insights and best practices for commercial clients.
Phase 1: Design – precision planning for predictable results
Our design process transforms complex RF challenges into turnkey solutions. We begin by dissecting your building’s unique anatomy— floor plans, construction materials, and pain points— to build a cost-effective blueprint.
Using iBwave’s predictive analytics, we simulate coverage and validate it with real-world rooftop signal scans (RSRP/RSRQ) and indoor grid tests.
The result? A compliance-ready roadmap with no surprises, featuring hardware specs, cable pathways, and transparent pricing.
Grid test showing pass/fail signal results from a recent Metro Wireless site survey
Featured insights
Budget clarity: ROM BOM (Rough Order Magnitude Bill of Materials) locks in costs early ($0.75–$1.50/sq ft).
Signal intelligence: We reject "garbage in, garbage out" signals— prioritizing RSRQ signal quality over raw RSRP signal strength.
Future-proofing: Multi-carrier support (AT&T/Verizon/T-Mobile) and 5G readiness baked into designs.
Risk mitigation: Construction team collaboration from Day 1 to avoid install pitfalls.
For initial DAS discovery, our technical team reviews architectural blueprints, elevation drawings, and any pre-existing network layouts.
Validation rigor: Before/after heatmaps from grid tests document every dB of improvement.
Nextivity CEL-FI QUATRA 4000 Network Unit alongside a Coverage Unit
Phase 3: Management – cloud-driven intelligence for life
Post-installation, the Nextivity Cloud Portal becomes your network’s command center. We monitor carrier-specific KPIs (RSRQ, bandwidth, NU/CU health) 24/7 via our NOC team.
Automated firmware updates, custom alarm policies (e.g., "CU Overheating"), and analytics dashboards enable proactive care— like restarting units or triggering frequency rescans.
iBwave designs → calibrated installs → cloud analytics in one workflow.
Example real-world DAS project results by deployment type
Warehouses: 30% fewer antennas via strategic low-height placement.
Hospitals: Nighttime installs with zero service disruption.
Offices: E911 compliance achieved in 100% of deployments.
Conclusion: Cellular coverage engineered for business impact
A Metro Wireless DAS isn’t just infrastructure— it’s a productivity catalyst.
From ROM BOM budgeting to real-time RSRQ dashboards, we eliminate coverage guesswork for enterprises.
With 150+ deployments across healthcare, logistics, and corporate campuses, our lifecycle approach ensures your investment delivers ROI from Day 1.
PS, be sure to check out the other posts in this DAS blog series for more info on:
(Post you’re reading now!) DAS summary post – concise summary of the end-to-end DAS project lifecycle, including design, install, and ongoing cloud management and support
How we design a DAS project – time and battle-tested, we walk through the four steps we take in designing a DAS project
How we install a DAS project – based on learned experience and industry expertise, we walk through our proven DAS installation process
How we monitor and manage a DAS project– leveraging industry-leading hardware alongside our NOC support team, we manage your DAS solution for the life of the system
Shameless plug:
Ready to silence dead zones? Contact Metro Wireless on sales@metrowireless.com for a Discovery Assessment. Let’s engineer connectivity that moves your business forward.
But don’t just take our word for it— see it in action! We’ve published a real-world DAS Case Study showcasing how we deliver seamless, cost-effective connectivity.
Tyler Hoffman
CEO
Tyler Hoffman serves as the owner and CEO of Metro Wireless, a Detroit-MI based company that delivers better commercial connectivity via wireless solutions to a national client base. He lives in Detroit and holds an MBA from Kellogg @ Northwestern University, and a BBA from Ross @ University of Michigan. His guilty pleasures include craft beer and horror films.
