Boost Gym Connectivity with Hybrid DAS | Bolton Install Pros

Bringing Seamless Connectivity to Large Buildings: WilsonPro and Zinwave Hybrid Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Solutions

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Connect your building

Bolton Technical’s sister company, Bolton Install Pros, in the USA, has achieved a groundbreaking transformation in connectivity at the City of Allen Recreation Center. This state-of-the-art fitness and recreational hub, spanning 149,000 sq ft, faced severe in-building cellular coverage challenges. By implementing the cutting-edge WilsonPro and Zinwave Hybrid DAS solution, they delivered reliable, wall-to-wall connectivity, revolutionizing the center’s operations and member experience.

The Problem

Poor Connectivity Impacted Operations and Member Satisfaction

Although cellular reception outside the facility was adequate, the building’s design - with its metal roof, stone exterior walls, and low-E windows - acted as a fortress, blocking cellular signals and creating widespread dead zones. This connectivity issue led to:

• Operational Challenges: Staff struggled with delayed check-ins, resorting to manual systems that caused long queues and frustrated members.
• Disrupted Member Experience: Fitness apps and music streaming services failed frequently, disrupting workouts and lowering satisfaction.
• Safety Concerns: The lack of dependable cellular service raised concerns about communication reliability during emergencies.

These persistent issues prompted the City of Allen to seek an innovative solution from Bolton Technical’s US team.

The Solution

A Hybrid Approach with WilsonPro and Zinwave DAS

The US-based team devised a comprehensive solution using WilsonPro signal boosters and Zinwave’s fiber-based DAS technology to provide seamless, multi-carrier cellular coverage for T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.

The Process

1. Site Survey: A detailed survey was conducted to measure outdoor and indoor signal strength and assess potential installation challenges.
2. Custom Design: A WilsonPro Zinwave Hybrid DAS solution was crafted to meet the center’s needs, combining the power of WilsonPro cellular signal boosters with the flexibility of Zinwave’s fiber-based DAS system.

How It Works

• Signal Capture: Outdoor signals were captured using three directional donor antennas tuned to each Mobile Network Operator's cell Tower.
• Signal Amplification: The WilsonPro bi-directional signal booster amplified these signals.
• Distribution: Zinwave’s Unitivity 5000 DAS equipment delivered the amplified signals across the building using 30 low-profile indoor antennas, ensuring seamless coverage.

 

The Result

Reliable Coverage, Smooth Operations, and Happy Members

The installation delivered remarkable improvements in connectivity:

• T-Mobile: Improved from -109 dBm to -78.7 dBm.
• Verizon: Improved from -118 dBm to -77.3 dBm.
• AT&T: Improved from -134.5 dBm to -87 dBm.

Service Desk Area

Open Fitness Area

Classrooms & Catering Kitchen

This translated to a leap from 0-2 bars to 4-5 bars across all key areas, including service desks, fitness zones, classrooms, and kitchens.

Key Benefits Delivered:

• Enhanced Member Experience: Reliable access to fitness apps, seamless music streaming, and faster check-ins.
• Streamlined Staff Operations: Improved communication and workflow efficiency during peak times.
• Improved Safety: Dependable connectivity for emergency communication.

In addition to the operational and user experience benefits, the WilsonPro and Zinwave Hybrid DAS solution proved to be a highly cost-effective investment for the City of Allen Recreation Center. While the initial installation may involve a larger upfront cost compared to traditional solutions, the long-term benefits more than justify the investment.

Long-Term Savings and ROI:

• Operational Efficiency: The hybrid DAS eliminated the need for manual check-ins and reduced member frustration, leading to smoother operations and greater staff productivity.
• Future-Proof Infrastructure: The Zinwave DAS system is easily scalable, ensuring that the system can grow with the building’s needs without incurring significant additional costs.
• Fewer Maintenance Costs: The fiber-based infrastructure reduces the need for costly maintenance and ensures a more reliable system over time, further enhancing the return on investment (ROI).

By improving connectivity, the system also improved customer retention and membership growth, leading to increased revenue and a stronger, more consistent member experience.

Global Expertise for Local Solutions

Bolton Technical offers the same cutting-edge WilsonPro and Zinwave Hybrid DAS solutions across Africa, leveraging insights and expertise from our global projects. Whether you’re managing a fitness center, office, or any large facility, our team is ready to design a custom connectivity solution that meets your needs.

Call our signal experts today:

• Johannesburg: 011 749 3085
• Cape Town: 021 879 3057

Let Bolton Technical bring seamless connectivity to your building!