DAS-powered businesses are easily ahead in terms of connectivity compared to those that use WiFi or depend on external towers. That’s because DAS offers several benefits like:
- No dead zones
- Consistent signal strength
- Connectivity for multiple carriers
- Signals in spaces like parking or basement
All these contribute to a fantastic customer experience.
With the holiday season approaching, you must ensure everything works properly so people can have the best shopping experience.
It’s necessary because many business spaces are easy to maintain. While DAS doesn’t require much maintenance, neglecting it completely is not wise.
This article mentions crucial DAS maintenance checks to ensure your infrastructure doesn’t go down on important days.
5 Reasons To Run DAS Maintenance Checks Before Holiday Season
The holiday season is critical for businesses, especially those in retail, hospitality, and large public venues. Increased foot traffic puts heightened demands on your communication infrastructure, including your Distributed Antenna System (DAS).
Ensuring your DAS performs at its best is essential to avoid disruptions and keep customers, staff, and emergency services connected.
Here are five reasons to run DAS checks before the holiday rush:
1. Handle the Surge in Foot Traffic and Device Usage
Malls, airports, and entertainment venues experience a dramatic increase in visitors during the holiday season. You risk dropped calls, slow data speeds, and poor user experiences without proper DAS preparation.
2. Enhance the Customer Experience
Shoppers today rely heavily on their smartphones for price comparisons, store apps, and digital payments. Slow or unreliable connectivity can frustrate customers and even drive them to competitors.
3. Support Retail and Operational Efficiency
Retail employees depend on reliable communication for inventory management, coordinating tasks, and assisting customers. A poorly functioning DAS can disrupt these operations, leading to inefficiencies and revenue loss.
4. Ensure Public Safety Compliance
DAS systems often include public safety bands used by first responders and emergency personnel. These systems must be in optimal condition to handle emergencies and comply with local safety regulations.
Also, DAS is more effective for emergency communications than WiFi.
5. Avoid Costly Last-Minute Repairs
The last thing you want during the holiday season is a connectivity issue that requires urgent repairs. Such disruptions can lead to downtime, unhappy customers, and unexpected costs. Proactively running DAS checks allows you to identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
Essential DAS Maintenance Checks to Run Before the Holiday Season
Here are the key checks to run on your DAS before the holiday rush begins:
Conduct an RF Coverage and Signal Strength Audit
Verify the signal strength and coverage across your entire facility, especially in high-traffic areas like entrances, checkout counters, and food courts. Identify any weak spots or dead zones.
Test System Capacity Under Peak Load
Simulate the increased device usage expected during the holiday season to evaluate how your DAS handles high traffic. This includes calls, data usage, and emergency communications.
Inspect Hardware Components
Check for wear and tear on physical components like antennas, cables, connectors, and splitters. Damaged or degraded equipment can impact system performance.
Identify and Mitigate Interference
Seasonal decorations, temporary structures, or additional electronics can cause RF interference, reducing signal quality. If needed, reposition antennas or adjust frequencies to minimize interference.
Update Software and Firmware
Outdated software can lead to performance issues or security vulnerabilities. Ensure all system components are running the latest versions.
Check for updates from your DAS equipment manufacturer → install updates and patches, and test system performance afterwards.
Monitor System Performance in Real-Time
Set up a monitoring system to track DAS performance throughout the holiday season. This allows you to address issues as they arise. Set alerts for performance dips and assign a team for immediate troubleshooting.
Test System Integration with Other Networks
If your DAS integrates with Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or public safety systems, ensure all integrations function seamlessly.
Conclusive Thoughts – Have A Prepared Holiday Season
Running these checks before the holiday season ensures your DAS can handle increased traffic demands and deliver a seamless connectivity experience. Proactive maintenance not only improves customer satisfaction but also prevents costly disruptions during the busiest time of the year.
Ready for DAS maintenance for the holiday season? Drop an email at hello@cedsys.com for expert audits, upgrades, and support!