Robert J. Achatz , , , , Roger A. Dalke, and John J. Lemmon

Abstract: Reliable public safety communications between system repeaters outside a building and portable radios inside a building is often not possible due to building attenuation. To circumvent this problem, increasing numbers of municipalities are requiring building owners to provide in-building radio enhancement systems (IBRESs) for public safety communications. This report is intended to be used by public safety communications professionals who are tasked with assisting building owners to fulfill this requirement. The main body describes IBRES technology, problems endemic to it, and solutions to these problems. Appendices provide detailed data tables, theory, calculations, and measurements that support assertions made in the main body.

Keywords: radio wave propagation; building attenuation; land mobile radio (LMR); bi-directional amplifiers; distributed antenna system; in-building radio enhancement system; link budget; public safety radio

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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