5G-Ready DAS in Healthtech Company's New HQ

23andMe, a personal genomics and biotech company, had just begun building out a 3-story Class A structure with a gym and other amenities in Sunnyvale, CA. They immediately noticed a weak signal throughout the facility, as they had trouble making calls at all on AT&T or Verizon.

The issue ultimately came down to the building and the glass that was used:

• The building was constructed with dense materials like concrete, steel, and metal. All of this can interfere with cellular signal.
• The new building was also constructed with metal-doped Low-E glass. Low-E glass is extremely popular in LEED-certified buildings because it lowers heat and glare inside the space itself. However, the metal added to Low-E glass to improve its thermal performance blocks cell signal and acts as a wall for radio frequencies.

RSRF began by consulting with the client, explaining the ways that we could solve their coverage issue, getting a set of floor plans, and discussing their priorities, budget, and goals. From there, we were able to schedule an initial site survey and provide a preliminary pricing estimate for their approval.

The client was looking specifically for improved service with AT&T and Verizon. They needed a solution that was robust enough to provide 5-bar service throughout the large facility. Based on this information and additional findings gathered from preliminary discussions and our assessment of the space, Waveform/RSRF determined that the best solution would be to deploy an ADRF active DAS headend unit powered by AT&T and Verizon small cells.

This kind of active DAS is a unique solution that provides key benefits to the building and the company. RSRF procured the small cell devices that powered the ADRF unit directly from AT&T and Verizon. These small cells provide robust wireless performance in the building by removing any reliance on macro coverage, while guaranteeing a swift rollout that avoids installation of a full BTS.

Powering an active DAS with small cell equipment is a unique solution that dramatically improves performance while minimizing costs. Small cells are easily upgradable to accommodate more users should the need ever arise, and the modular nature of the ADRF DAS allows the addition of 5G frequencies and technologies when the need arises.

RSRF also provided complete proprietary remote monitoring through our Network Operations Center (NOC), which is monitored 24/7 by our NOC team. The NOC integration allows us to immediately investigate and resolve any concerns that could arise.

The project was completed on-time and on-budget. On move-in day, 23andMe's staff arrived on-site to find perfect 5-bar coverage throughout the new headquarters.