Prepare for a Wireless World With Distributed Antenna Systems in Higher Education

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Limited mobile capacity and coverage are a growing concern at higher education organizations. Distributed antenna systems (DAS) are becoming a widely accepted technology for increasing mobile wireless capabilities. However, the steps for implementing a DAS project are complex and unclear.
Implementing DAS is not a small project. Determining IT’s role and gaining stakeholder buy-in will require a strong argument for DAS.

Our Advice

Critical Insight

Mobile wireless capacity and coverage are insufficient. Changing end-user habits and evolving technology are causing wireless issues.
It is IT’s job to get the ball rolling. IT should take the lead in exploring the potential of DAS at your organization.
DAS is more about relationships than technology. Don’t expect systems integrators or carriers to do all the heavy lifting; IT needs to collaborate at every stage.

Impact and Result

Understand the key drivers and components behind a DAS solution.
Use Info-Tech’s DAS Business Proposal template to provide a convincing argument to stakeholders for implementing DAS at your organization.
Use Info-Tech’s DAS RFP Template and DAS RFP Sample to solicit and evaluate responses from vendors interested in working with your organization to implement DAS.
Understand IT’s role before, during, and after the implementation of a DAS solution.

Prepare for a Wireless World With Distributed Antenna Systems in Higher Education Research & Tools

Start here – read the Executive Brief

Read our concise Executive Brief to find out how to select and implement a DAS solution, review Info-Tech’s methodology, and understand the four ways we can support you in completing this project.

Prepare for a Wireless World With Distributed Antenna Systems in Higher Education – Executive Brief

1. Understand the role of distributed antenna systems in higher education

Determine if DAS is right for you.

2. Gain stakeholder approval through a DAS business proposal

Create the demand for a campus-wide DAS solution.

3. Develop and refine a DAS RFP

Begin soliciting responses from potential vendors.

4. Work with key parties involved to ensure the DAS project is successful

Better prepare for a DAS implementation.

About Info-Tech

Info-Tech Research Group is the world’s fastest-growing information technology research and advisory company, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals.

We produce unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. We partner closely with IT teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your IT problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

Table of Contents

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Guided Implementation 1: Understand the role of DAS

Call 1: Understand the drivers behind mobile wireless technology and usage habits.

Guided Implementation 2: Gain stakeholder approval

Call 1: Walk through the key components required for gaining stakeholder approval.

Guided Implementation 3: Develop and refine a DAS RFP

Call 1: Review the structure of a typical DAS RFP.
Call 2: Develop a DAS RFP tailored to your organization’s needs.

Guided Implementation 4: Build relationships

Call 1: Finalize the DAS RFP.

Authors

Michael Battista

Alan Neal

Contributors

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact Technologies Committee DAS Working Group worked closely with Info-Tech in the creation of this blueprint.
Matt Thompson, VP of Sales – Americas, Axell Wireless
Patrick Lau, Director of Business Development, Distributed Coverage & Capacity Solutions, Commscope
Kristine Boike, CIO and Dean of Academic and Technology Services, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Harold Barnes, Director IT Services, Illinois Valley Community College
Jerry Krawczyk, Director of Telecommunications, Penn State University
Dave Beyerle, Communications Engineer, Penn State University
John Helms, Director of Telecommunications, Auburn University
Jeff Carpenter, Manager of Planning and Engineering, Michigan State University
Michele Norin, Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, The University of Arizona
Matt George, Director, Video & Information Technology, The University of Arizona
Joseph Collins, Educational Technical Services Manager, North Hennepin Community College

Several organizations contributed information to assist with the development of this solution set. Due to the sensitivity of the information, these contributors requested confidentiality.