ECONOMICS AND ROI OF DAS-BASED WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DATA CENTERS In contrast to legacy DAS, which can be cost-prohibitive for some data center operators, modern quick-deploy intelligent repeater-based digital DAS and private cellular deployments can deliver rapid payback when evaluated across multiple benefit categories. Capital Costs : Initial expenditures include DAS infrastructure (e.g., antennas, cabling, and head-end equipment), design and integration services, and optional private cellular core components. Intelligent repeater DAS with digital signal distribution, modular architectures, and neutral-host designs can significantly lower costs compared with traditional “big iron” DAS solutions. Operating Costs : Maintenance, monitoring, and carrier coordination (associated with “big iron” DAS) represent ongoing expenditures. However, intelligent repeater-based DAS with digital signal distribution, modular architecture, and remote diagnostics reduces both carrier coordination (e.g., time and cost) and technician hours. Additionally, private network management can often be integrated with existing IT operations. FINANCIAL BENEFITS 1. Operational Efficiency – Improved monitoring and predictive maintenance reduce energy waste and unplanned outages.
Together, adherence to OSHA, NFPA, and ERCES standards not only fulfills regulatory obligations, but also demonstrates due diligence—an important consideration for insurance and risk management in mission-critical environments. STRATEGIC RISE OF PRIVATE CELLULAR Private long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G networks are emerging as transformative tools in data center operations. These networks operate on dedicated or lightly licensed spectrum, providing enterprise control over coverage, capacity, and security. For data centers, private cellular offers several advantages:
• Local traffic control, ensuring sensitive data never leaves the premises.
deployments have reported payback periods as fast as one year, depending on the scale and integration scope. When framed as an enabling infrastructure rather than a single-purpose communication system, DAS investments often achieve positive ROI through a combination of avoided downtime, improved staff utilization, and enhanced facility value.
• Support for advanced applications like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for remote inspection or maintenance. By integrating private 5G within a shared DAS architecture, data center operators can unify both public and private radio layers under one physical infrastructure. This eliminates duplication, minimizes cabling, and reduces the total cost of ownership (Figure 4). A 2024 Ericsson report, Empowering Enterprises with 5G, found that 93 percent of organizations investing in private cellular networks saw measurable performance improvements, with nearly half achieving productivity gains exceeding 20 percent. 7 For data centers balancing uptime, security, and operational efficiency, those gains can translate directly into competitive advantage.
IMPLEMENTATION AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
For data center owners contemplating in-building cellular, careful planning is essential to balance technical, financial, and regulatory factors: 1. Needs Assessment – Identify operational zones where connectivity gaps exist—such as mechanical rooms, subfloors, and loading docks—and define use cases for public versus private connectivity. 2. Compliance Planning – Engage code authorities, carriers, and local fire marshal ERCES coordinators early to ensure designs align with OSHA safety requirements, FCC RF standards, and NFPA/IFC/ ERCES codes. 3. Extensible Design – Plan conduit, power, and head-end space for future upgrades. Modular DAS architectures support phased deployment, allowing enterprises to start small and expand as needs grow. 4. Cyber and Physical Security – Secure access to head-end equipment and network interfaces. Private cellular cores should follow zero-trust principles and integrate with existing security operations centers. 5. Testing and Documentation – Conduct RF coverage verification, ERCES signal-strength testing, and system acceptance testing to demonstrate compliance and performance before commissioning.
• Low latency for automation, robotics, and AI-driven infrastructure management.
• High reliability and security for monitoring critical systems.
2. Productivity – Continuous connectivity enhances coordination among staff and contractors.
3. Safety and Compliance – Meeting ERCES and OSHA requirements mitigates risk and avoids potential penalties. 4. Futureproofing – Infrastructure accommodates future wireless standards and IoT expansion without major retrofits.
FIGURE 4 : Public safety or cellular DAS deployment in a data center. Source: Nextivity
Quantitatively, studies of industrial and enterprise
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