How to Improve Cellular Coverage in Large Distribution Centres

Reliable cellular coverage in large commercial buildings like distribution centres can be a significant challenge. In these expansive spaces, poor or nonexistent cellular connectivity is often accepted as unavoidable by facility owners, operators, and employees.

However, inadequate coverage is not inevitable. Thanks to innovative solutions, cellular connectivity can be dramatically improved within large buildings. Various products can address weak cellular signals, regardless of the facility size or the severity of dead zones. Below, we explore the factors that hinder strong cellular signals in large distribution centers and the effective solutions available.

Why Distribution Centers Often Lack Cellular Coverage

Building Materials Impede Signal

Weak cellular signals are often caused not by a lack of coverage in the area, but by building materials that block signals from penetrating the building. This is especially common in the warehouse-like environments that many distribution centers occupy.

Materials such as brick, thick concrete, steel, glass, and radiant barriers can disrupt and weaken cellular signals. As a result, even if there is robust cellular coverage outside your distribution center, that signal may be diminished before reaching the mobile devices used indoors.

What’s the Solution: Cellular Repeater Systems

When seeking solutions for cellular signal issues within large warehouses and distribution centers, it’s essential to consider effective options. While some solutions, like active Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) often found in large venues, can create strong signals, they represent a significant investment and require considerable installation time. This makes them less suitable for commercial buildings under 9,300 square meters.

Passive DAS: An Efficient, Cost-Effective Alternative

For distribution centers, cellular repeater systems (also known as passive DAS) offer an ideal solution. Unlike active DAS, which requires carrier-specific equipment and functions as a dedicated cell tower within a building, passive DAS works by detecting available signals outside the distribution center, amplifying them, and redistributing the stronger signal throughout the interior.

Passive DAS systems are:

• Cost-Effective and Scalable: Ideal for multi-story buildings of 9,300 square meters or larger, with the flexibility to cover unlimited space as long as a cellular signal is accessible outside.
• Carrier-Agnostic: Our repeater systems work with all carriers, ensuring that every device benefits from enhanced signal, regardless of network provider.
• Quick to Deploy: Bolton Technical’s passive DAS systems can be operational within days, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Cellular repeater systems can cover multi-story buildings of 9,300 square meters or larger. With multiple repeaters, unlimited coverage is achievable as long as a cellular signal is accessible outside, providing a flexible solution for any facility.

Work with the Leader

At Bolton Technical, we proudly serve as the sole distributor for WilsonPro in South Africa, a pioneer in cellular repeater technology. Our signal repeater systems are utilized in warehouses and distribution centers across the globe. These systems are carrier-agnostic, ensuring that all cellular devices within a facility benefit from the enhanced in-building signal, regardless of their carrier. What’s more, they can be operational within days.

With our solutions, your facility can experience:

• Seamless Cellular Connectivity: A strong, consistent signal that enables effective communication across teams, improves operational efficiency, and supports real-time data exchange.
• Rapid Installation: Our certified technicians can install the system in a short time frame, allowing you to improve connectivity quickly without disrupting daily operations.
• Reliable Partner Support: From initial consultation to post-installation support, Bolton Technical provides end-to-end service to fully meet your connectivity needs.

If you’re interested in learning how WilsonPro technology can improve cellular signal in your facility, reach out to us for more information.

Real-World Results: The Checkers Distribution Center

One of our recent projects involved implementing cellular repeater technology for a Checkers Distribution Centre, where we overcame signal barriers caused by thick concrete and steel. With WilsonPro repeaters, Checkers achieved uninterrupted cellular coverage throughout their facility, enhancing team coordination and operational efficiency.

Ready to Enhance Connectivity in Your Facility?

If your distribution center struggles with poor cellular connectivity, Bolton Technical has the solution. Contact us today to schedule a free site survey and discover how WilsonPro technology can provide reliable, robust cellular coverage in your facility.