Background
A newly designed coworking space in the heart of Neston, Cheshire, UK, has transformed a historic building into a modern shared workspace. The premises feature modern hot desks as well as state-of-the-art meeting rooms. With its Victorian-era windows, high ceilings, and airy atmosphere, the space offers an inspiring environment for professionals and entrepreneurs.
The Challenge
Despite the building’s charm and suitability for coworking, a significant challenge quickly emerged — mobile signal coverage was virtually non-existent inside. Being able to make and receive phone calls is crucially important when it comes to business communication.
The management of Connect was concerned that frequent dropped calls and unreliable mobile data could drive away potential customers.
The Objective
Although WiFi was available, it quickly became evident that WiFi calling was unreliable, as mobile phones constantly switched between WiFi and cellular networks.
To promptly resolve this issue, the management reached out to DLP Connex for a professional mobile signal solution. Their objective was to ensure seamless mobile coverage, allowing users to walk in from the street and stay connected — without relying on WiFi calling.
DLP Connex followed a 4-step process for professional repeater installation. First, installers conducted a site survey using the TestTool to assess RF environment outside the premises and measure the mobile signal coverage inside the building.
Based on survey results, DLP Connex identified the SOHO iR5 repeater as the most suitable solution for the following reasons:
- SOHO iR5 amplifies signal from all mobile operators for all services including 5G/4G/3G/2G (Voice and data)
- Unlimited number of users can enjoy strong mobile signal
- No passwords required
- Secure internet connection
- No dead zones, no dropped phone calls
- The SOHO iR5 repeater can be remotely monitored and controlled by an installer or a Stella engineer. Alerts for potential issues are automatically sent to an installer or Stella engineer who can then troubleshoot remotely.
The Solution
As a second step in the 4-step process, DLP Connex designed the installation in StellaPlanner, our online design tool. The installer uploaded building plans and positioned the SOHO iR5 repeater and antennas to ensure optimal mobile coverage throughout the coworking space.
To effectively capture and amplify the mobile signal, a directional Yagi antenna was installed on the roof to receive the strongest possible signal from nearby cell towers. Inside the building, three panel antennas were strategically placed to distribute the enhanced signal across all office areas, eliminating dead zones.
The SOHO iR5 was chosen so that the repeater could be remotely monitored and managed, ensuring maximum mobile coverage at all times.
The Result
The management at Connect was thrilled with the results of the installation. The indoor mobile signal was actually stronger than the signal outside the premises. All visitors could now enjoy crystal-clear phone calls and super fast data speeds throughout the building. Dead zones were completely eliminated, ensuring that phone calls could be made and received seamlessly in all areas of the workspace.
Moreover, mobile apps such as Slack, WhatsApp, and Zoom functioned without interruptions, enabling smooth communication and collaboration. Staff members could effortlessly check emails, receive work updates, and participate in virtual meetings without connectivity issues.
“We took ownership of our new head office in Neston in 2024 but immediately recognised there was no mobile connectivity available on any of the 3 floors. DLP Connex carried out site surveys and provided detailed plans to install cellular indoor boosters which was installed immediately. Site visits were carried out to adjust the antennae to ensure we have the best possible signal, and we have regular correspondence with the team checking that we are still receiving complete coverage within the building – including indoor 5G. The planning, implementation and ongoing support we have received from the team has been professional from start to finish, and the ability to be able to use high quality mobile connectivity has greatly enhanced business for ourselves, employees, clients and visitors.”
CJ Founds Associates Ltd.