The Benefits of In-Building DAS Connectivity in Educational Institutions
Modern education is incomplete without the Internet.
Understand the importance of the internet in education with this stat – around 75% of college students prefer to research material online than visit the library. This is a number out of the Pew Internet & American Life Project report.
The same report mentions that 60% of the students believe that reliable internet connectivity helps them get good grades.
Practically, there’s no education without connectivity. So why do institutions need in-building DAS, and why is it better than WiFi? Let’s find out in this blog.
Why Should Educational Institutions Install In-Building DAS?
Many education institutes have installed WiFi technology to meet their students’ connectivity needs. However, that’s not the optimal connectivity solution.
For starters – various surveys show that 25 to 33% of students complain that their institutions have unreliable WiFi connectivity. We believe the number is way higher.
Because WiFi systems aren’t built to handle a lot of traffic at once.
Imagine this – there’s a seminar in the auditorium, and everyone connects to the router there.
The system will definitely collapse.
Plus, there are always areas of weak strength where connectivity is practically dead. Here are 5 reasons why every educational institute needs an in-building DAS installed.
No Dead Zones
Students receive equal signal strengths in each space in the building. This means they can literally stay connected in closed spaces such as underground parking, lifts, packed auditoriums, etc.
This also allows them to work and learn where they feel the most comfortable rather than searching for spaces with maximum WiFi signals.
Alternate Options for Students
Statistics show that 31% of people fear connecting to library WiFi. 12% of people are scared of connecting to WiFi networks at schools.
Because people are afraid of losing their precious data to snoopers and cybercriminals who can access people’s devices via a common WiFi.
With signals from in-building DAS, students will always be able to use the network internet. They’ll feel safer and not be forced to connect to the only option available.
Cost-Effectiveness
In-building DAS is a one-time investment that is often the most cost-effective connectivity solution in the long-run.
Improved connectivity also reduces the need for costly IT support and infrastructure upgrades.
Additionally, enhanced productivity and a better student experience can translate into higher satisfaction and retention rates, which can have positive financial implications for the institution.
Safer Campuses
Almost 100 school shootings have taken place so far since 2023 in the K-12 campuses.
Losses could be minimised easily when the teachers have zero network troubles.
Better Guest Experience
Educational institutes receive VIP guests all the time. Especially universities and high schools that regularly invite guest lecturers, public speakers, and other high-profile guests.
Those guests would not want to go through the extensive connecting process to WiFi for just a few hours. But they’ll need the internet.
Not receiving signals on their phones will leave a negative image of your institution on them.
Conclusion
You now understand that WiFi has several limitations, such as dead zones, lack of stability, security risks, etc.
In-building DAS can easily fill up these limitations and provide a better internet experience to the users. This will not only improve the experience but also help the institutes with student retention, which means higher profits.
If you want to future-proof your institution’s connectivity needs, definitely consider installing in-building DAS.
To know more or discuss the options of this technology for your institution, book a free 30-minute call with our expert.