Private Cellular vs DAS: Best Wireless Coverage for Older Multifamily Buildings

Reliable wireless coverage has become a must-have in older multifamily buildings, where thick walls and aging layouts often block cellular signals. Owners and residents expect better connectivity for work, streaming, and smart home features, driving the need for stronger in-building networks. Two main solutions promise to meet this demand: Private Cellular Networks and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).

This blog breaks down how each technology holds up in older properties, highlighting key results, real-world concerns, and the ability to support future needs. You’ll get a clear look at which approach offers stronger, more dependable coverage so you can make the right choice for your building. Private cellular and DAS each have strengths, but when it comes to covering tricky spaces in aging complexes, one solution usually stands out.

Understanding Signal Challenges in Older Multifamily Buildings

Photo by Chetan Mane

Modern wireless coverage often feels out of reach in many older multifamily buildings. While these properties offer character and strong construction, their age brings a set of hidden hurdles for any cellular or wireless upgrade. Knowing exactly what drags down signal strength inside older buildings is the first step to solving it.

Common Building Materials and Their Impact on Signal Strength

Older apartments and condos are built to last, but many of those original materials work against today’s wireless needs. You’ll often find:

Thick concrete and brick walls: Concrete, brick, and even plaster do a great job holding up a building, but they’re just as good at blocking radio frequencies. Each extra wall between a cell tower and an apartment unit means a weaker signal inside.
Metal rebar and structural steel: Metal acts like a shield, bouncing and absorbing cell signals before they ever reach a resident’s device.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass: Newly replaced windows may claim to save energy, but they also block outside cell signals. These glass panes are coated for insulation, making them an invisible wall for signals as well.

When you factor in all these barriers, it’s no surprise that tenants in older buildings deal with plenty of dropped calls and dead zones. Even placing a phone by the window won’t always fix the problem.

Structural Layout and Building Design Issues

The actual design and shape of legacy multifamily buildings also play a huge part. Many properties were built with:

Long corridors and sprawling layouts: Signals must travel farther and through more obstacles, which weakens coverage, especially toward the center or corners of a property.
Partial or fully underground spaces: Basement units, laundry rooms, and parking garages often sit below grade, putting even more concrete and earth between the user and any outside signal.
Irregular building heights and wings: Multiple levels, staggered floors, and odd-shaped footprints all add complexity. Signal strength drops off fast when antennas can’t see or “hear” into every nook and cranny.

These design quirks aren’t just quirks—they’re real live barriers to reliable coverage in everyday life. The more complicated the floor plan, the more likely you’ll find spotty or unreliable service inside.

Why Outdated Construction Calls for Modern Wireless Solutions

Older buildings weren’t made for today’s connected lifestyle. Residents expect strong cellular and wireless coverage for everything from streaming to smart thermostats. Unfortunately, simply relying on outdoor cell service won’t work in these dense, signal-blocking properties.

Many resources point to the importance of adapting wireless systems for historical and legacy apartments. For example, building materials like concrete, steel, and glass are well-known culprits for poor cell reception, and even basic WiFi struggles in these environments.

Effective solutions—like private cellular and DAS—don’t just amplify signals, they help to fill in the gaps that complex construction and stubborn layouts create. When you recognize these structural barriers early, you’ll be better prepared to choose a strategy that keeps everyone connected, no matter the age of the building.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS): Capabilities and Limitations in Legacy Properties

DAS has long been the gold standard for improving cell coverage in tough environments, especially where walls, stairwells, and odd layouts make outside signals disappear. But in older multifamily properties, laying down the backbone for reliable wireless gets a lot more complicated. Let’s cover what DAS brings to the table, how it works in legacy buildings, and where it may run into walls.

Deployment Complexity and Costs with DAS

Photo by Brett Sayles

Installing DAS in older multifamily buildings can feel a bit like renovating an old Victorian house with modern plumbing: tricky, messy, and never quite as easy as you’d like. DAS relies on a network of antennas, cabling, and amplifiers that must snake through existing walls and hallways.

Three main DAS types impact retrofit efforts:

Passive DAS uses coaxial cables and passive components like splitters and attenuators. It’s more budget-friendly but loses signal strength over long runs and often requires bulky cables.
Active DAS leverages fiberoptic cabling and powered antennas. This type delivers a stronger, cleaner signal over large distances, but demands more infrastructure, space, and power.
Digital DAS breaks signals into digital data for superior clarity and easy management. It offers the best performance for dense, tricky buildings, but installation costs climb fast.

Older properties rarely have spare riser space, open chases, or easy access points, making routing cables a major headache. Installers often:

Fish cabling through finished ceilings and tight service spaces.
Coordinate scheduled outages with residents.
Remove or work around hazardous materials like asbestos.

The result? Labor is high, hidden costs show up, and install times stretch. Upfront price tags often run higher than private cellular. In many cases, ongoing maintenance piles on recurring expenses. According to recent insights, DAS projects in legacy properties demand careful planning to avoid budget overruns and building disruptions.

If you’re thinking about scalability or future-proofing, older passive DAS may not keep up. Modern digital systems are easier to upgrade, but swapping out an entire legacy DAS can get expensive fast, as detailed by sources discussing end-of-life DAS challenges and upgrades.

Coverage Performance and Multi-Carrier Support

When it comes to coverage, DAS has major strengths, but also a few drawbacks in older buildings. DAS shines at spreading signal deep into basements, parking garages, and service corridors. With enough antennas, signal shadows shrink and dead spots nearly disappear—if the system is designed right.

DAS can support multiple cellular carriers at once, making it a solid choice for mixed-tenant properties. Digital and active DAS models, such as those discussed in articles about digital multi-operator DAS, manage multi-carrier support the best, with adaptable modules and flexible network management.

Key points to keep in mind:

Signal strength and uniformity: DAS offers consistent bars from one end of a floor to the other, targeting problem areas with custom antenna layouts.
Reliability: Once up and running, DAS handles high call volumes and heavy mobile data use with few hiccups.
Multi-carrier support: Most modern DAS handle several carriers and frequency bands at once. However, adding new carrier support after installation may require expensive reconfiguration.

That said, older analog or passive systems often lag on flexibility. If your building’s needs or tenants change, upgrades are not always simple or cheap. Switching providers, or adding 5G, can mean hardware updates throughout the property.

As recent DAS-focused industry reports point out, great performance depends on careful engineering and regular maintenance, especially in sprawling buildings with irregular layouts.

DAS remains a strong, carrier-friendly choice for large, older multifamily buildings. But keep in mind the reality checks: high upfront costs, complex installs, and less agility if networks or carriers evolve quickly. If you need immediate, flexible coverage with predictable costs, consider these factors before moving forward.

Private Cellular Networks: How They Work and Their Applicability for Older Multifamily Buildings

Private cellular networks—like Private LTE and Private 5G—are gaining ground as a go-to fix for stubborn wireless dead zones in older apartment buildings. Unlike Distributed Antenna Systems, private cellular gives property owners their own secure, carrier-grade network that’s not tied directly to public mobile operators. With a private network, property teams set up lightweight base stations and smart management software within the building. This way, you get more control, stronger security, and the flexibility to serve every nook and cranny, even where traditional cell signals fall short.

Photo by Aleksandr Romanov

Security, Customization, and Tenant Experience: Highlight advantages around network security, IoT integration, ability to tailor for residents, and differentiated services.

Private cellular brings fresh benefits for owners and residents in legacy properties. Here’s why more building teams are looking at these solutions:

Real security baked in: Private LTE and 5G use the same high-end encryption and privacy controls as nationwide wireless carriers, but property managers keep the keys. This means resident data, building IoT systems, and critical infrastructure stay protected from outside threats. For context, a deep dive on private cellular security covers how private networks offer more granular control than public WiFi or legacy cabling.
Full customization: Unlike DAS, which often tries to boost every carrier equally, private cellular lets owners build a network tuned for the exact needs of their residents. This could mean supporting more smart thermostats, high-definition cameras, or even mobile access for staff—while cutting out signal bleed to neighboring properties.
Native IoT support: Smart locks, lighting, HVAC sensors, and leak detectors run much smoother on a dedicated wireless layer. Since the network is on-site, low latency and guaranteed coverage means device data is quick and accurate. This opens the door to features like package room monitoring and real-time energy savings.
Better tenant services: Property managers can carve out “fast lanes” for connected community spaces or premium tenant services. For example, a penthouse unit or amenity lounge could get prioritized wireless service. Some multifamily operators use private networks to offer exclusive WiFi or device connection bundles as a revenue perk.

A good source for more on multifamily-specific private cellular deployments is this guide to in-building wireless for multifamily, which shows how custom solutions are keeping up with both resident expectations and IoT growth.

Future-Proofing and Upgrade Path to 5G: Analyze how private cellular networks can be more easily upgraded and support emerging applications compared to legacy DAS.

Staying current with new wireless standards is easier with private cellular. Here’s what this looks like for older multifamily buildings:

Built for change: Private cellular networks are often software-defined. When 5G features roll out, many systems can add new capabilities through simple software updates instead of ripping out walls or stringing new cables. That’s a massive savings in both time and disruption.
Supports emerging tech: With the roll out of 5G and edge computing, buildings can tap into tools like remote monitoring, frictionless access control, or AR-powered maintenance without waiting for public carriers or a full DAS overhaul. You’re ready for new services right away.
Easier to scale and maintain: Because private networks are modular, owners can start small and grow coverage as the building or resident base changes. Need to fix a dead zone after a renovation? Just add a new cell or update software—no need for another messy buildout.
Tailored spectrum: Private networks use dedicated frequencies (like CBRS in the US), which means you skip the risk of interference from carriers or neighbors. Plus, as detailed in this private networks deployment model article, this approach puts building management in the driver’s seat for performance and upgrades.

If you’re weighing the decision, private cellular isn’t just about today’s strong coverage. It makes your building ready for whatever tech comes next, whether it’s streaming, smart appliances, or the next wireless must-have. For more background on why enterprises—and now multifamily buildings—prefer this approach, check out this summary: What is a Private Cellular Network? | Ericsson – Cradlepoint.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Private Cellular vs DAS for Older Buildings

When weighing Private Cellular and DAS for older multifamily buildings, a head-to-head look reveals major differences in coverage, scalability, cost, deployment speed, maintenance, carrier requirements, and tenant impact. These systems both solve signal dead zones, but the best fit depends on your building’s history, layout, and budget.

Coverage Performance

DAS uses antennas spread across the building to repeat signals and fill in dead zones. This can give widespread, even coverage. It’s especially helpful in large buildings or those with tough interior spaces, like basements and stairwells. However, coverage can vary if the design or install misses critical shadow areas, and analog or passive DAS can struggle with newer frequencies or bands needed for today’s devices.

Private Cellular, by contrast, acts like a mini cell tower network right inside your walls. Small, discreet radios provide dedicated coverage, often surpassing DAS in tricky layouts or buildings with multiple wings and odd corners. Performance stays strong as these networks are custom-tuned for each property’s quirks. According to Celona’s network infrastructure guide, private LTE and 5G often outperform legacy DAS in dense, hard-to-penetrate buildings.

Scalability and Upgrade Flexibility

Legacy DAS is designed to last, but making big changes isn’t simple. Upgrades for more carriers, new frequencies, or the jump to 5G often require hardware swaps or major rewiring. This becomes expensive and disruptive, especially in historical buildings with hidden walls or tricky access points. DAS can scale to huge campuses, but any overhaul brings high labor and material costs.

Private Cellular networks, especially those using CBRS or similar bands, are software-based and modular. Building owners can add new features, support 5G, or extend coverage by plugging in new radios and updating software. As technology advances, you don’t need to rip-and-replace. Andorix details how private networks adapt faster and more affordably to changing tech needs than legacy DAS systems.

Cost and Speed of Deployment

Old-school DAS is notorious for both its sticker shock and slow rollout. Installers must run coax or fiber throughout the building, sometimes cutting into finished walls or dodging hazardous materials. This can take months or longer, pushing costs into the hundreds of thousands for large or complex properties. Expenses pile up if you need multi-carrier support or future upgrades.

Private Cellular is a lighter lift. Install crews bring in compact radios, connect them to existing IT backbones, and set up wireless coverage with less mess. Installation is often finished in weeks, not months. Research on total cost of ownership shows private systems frequently cost less up front and over their lifetimes, particularly for older or mid-size buildings.

Ongoing Maintenance and Management

Maintaining DAS is a specialized job. Older systems need technicians who understand the original design and hardware, which can be tough as equipment ages. Troubleshooting is hands-on, with repairs often requiring building access or even temporary outages. Carrier upgrades invite even more complexity.

Private Cellular, managed through user-friendly dashboards, puts more control in the hands of property managers. Remote updates, alerts, and diagnostics mean problems get solved faster and with less disruption. You’ll need IT support, but not a full-time DAS engineer. If you need hardware replaced, it’s usually just a swap of a small device.

Regulatory and Carrier Requirements

Setting up DAS often demands working with major cellular companies. You need carrier approval, frequency coordination, and time to align all the moving pieces. Each upgrade or addition (like 5G or a new provider) usually loops the carriers back in for technical adjustments.

Private Cellular runs on dedicated spectrum, such as CBRS in the US, which building owners can license and control. No need to wait for carrier changes or permissions. You run the network, you choose how and when to upgrade, and you control who gets connected.

Tenant Impact and Daily Experience

Both systems offer big jumps in everyday connectivity, so residents notice better streaming, voice calls, and app performance. With DAS, tenants get stronger signals from multiple major carriers, solving problems with personal cell phones or work devices. The key is that you only get improvements where the antennas reach—and those signal shadows can linger in especially thick or hidden spaces.

Private Cellular stands out for delivering robust, secure wireless for not just phones, but also IoT devices, building systems, and smart amenities. Custom coverage and bandwidth allocation mean critical services (such as building safety systems) always stay live. Tenants can tap into WiFi-like service that feels reliable everywhere, even in previously impossible spots.

For more on how DAS continues to evolve but still faces tough competition from private 5G, this Cedsys article covers how both systems stack up as wireless needs change in 2025 and beyond.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

At a Glance: Quick Comparison Table

For a quick side-by-side, here’s how these systems break down:

Category	DAS	Private Cellular
Coverage	Wide with right design, variable in complex layouts	Highly adaptable, strong in tricky spaces
Scalability	Hard to scale or upgrade; disruptions likely	Easy upgrades, modular growth
Upfront Cost	High	Lower, faster return on investment
Deployment Speed	Months, construction required	Weeks, less intrusive
Maintenance	Technical, hands-on, specialists needed	Remote, IT-friendly
Carrier Integration	Carrier approval needed	Carrier-agnostic, self-managed
Tenant Experience	Better cell phone coverage	Secure WiFi + IoT, highly customizable

Choosing between DAS and Private Cellular comes down to your building’s structure, your timeline, and your vision for future upgrades. Both serve unique needs, but private cellular often leads on cost, management, and flexibility for older buildings with their own unique quirks.

Key Trends Shaping Indoor Wireless for Multifamily Owners in 2024 and Beyond

2024 was a turning point for indoor wireless in multifamily buildings. Owners started moving past band-aid fixes and putting real investment into future-proof networks. With rapid changes in resident habits, device growth, and building technology, it’s impossible to ignore how wireless infrastructure now ties directly to property value and resident satisfaction. Let’s unpack the top trends driving these shifts, and how they’ll matter to every owner managing an older or legacy building.

Photo by Kaboompics.com

Demand for 5G-Ready Networks and Fiber Expansion

Residents now expect smooth, fast internet in every corner of their home—even hallways, laundry rooms, and garages. As private 5G and Wi-Fi 6/7 roll out, owners are retiring legacy cabling in favor of fiber-based backbones that support true gigabit speeds and future upgrades. This isn’t just a luxury; streaming, remote work, and smart devices put pressure on outdated systems, making fiber and wireless upgrades a must for staying competitive.

Building owners are also looking at multi-technology networks. Wi-Fi 7 is emerging, offering better speed and less lag for crowded buildings. There’s also a push to use Wi-Fi HaLow, Thread, and UWB—low-energy wireless options that can cover wider areas while supporting hundreds of IoT devices without slowdowns. For more on this technology mix, check out the MDU Wi-Fi Market in 2025 analysis.

Seamless Integration: IoT, Security, and Smart Amenities

Residents expect conveniences like mobile-based door entry, package delivery alerts, smart thermostats, and leak sensors. Retrofit projects now focus on turnkey integration of IoT devices and new security tech—think cameras, smart locks, and resident portals all managed from a single platform.

Managed Wi-Fi solutions are taking off. Owners can now monitor, troubleshoot, and upgrade wireless systems remotely. Residents appreciate the premium experience—and often pay more for suites with smart tech already installed. According to market research, renters are willing to pay up to 11% more per month for full-featured, connected homes. See how these trends are affecting property strategies in this summary of 2024 multifamily technology trends.

Revenue Opportunities and the Premium Resident Experience

Upgraded wireless isn’t just a utility—it’s a revenue driver. Residents now choose buildings with reliable internet over those with fancy common spaces. By bundling fast Wi-Fi, smart security, and app-driven amenities, owners can:

Offer “technology packages” or premium units at higher rates
Monetize smart amenity access
Enable remote management to reduce on-site support costs

The appetite for eco-friendly, smart, and easy living is reshaping the marketing of older properties. Features like green energy, low-utility smart devices, and always-on connectivity have become decision-makers for renters, especially those working from home. The top trends for multifamily in 2024 make a strong case for these upgrades, ranking smart and sustainable features at the top of resident wish lists.

Rising Resident Expectations for Always-Connected Living

Residents in 2025 want an experience that rivals the best hotels: fast Wi-Fi, reliable smart home features, and frictionless access. Properties falling short face lower reviews and slower lease-ups. Expectations now include:

Zero dead zones anywhere in the building
Mobile-first building access and package management
Robust security for both devices and personal data

Older properties are leading a renaissance in retrofitting, tapping industry best practices for integrating new tech into historic shells. The focus is on making these properties feel as modern as new builds—without losing their unique charm. Deeper insights into these evolving preferences are highlighted in the 5 innovative multifamily technology trends to watch in 2024.

Open Platforms and Smart Property Management

Building operators increasingly favor open networking platforms—like OpenWiFi—that cut out vendor lock-in and reduce operating expenses. These open standards enable mixing and matching best-in-class hardware and software so owners can swap gear, update software, and scale up without a massive overhaul. Integrated platforms can include:

Cloud-based management dashboards
AI-powered analytics for uptime and usage patterns
Automated alerts for outages or unusual activity

Flexible, software-defined networks let property teams roll out new amenities or fix pain points quickly—such as adding coverage to a newly finished basement, or running a promotional “gigabit upgrade” in upgraded units.

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Owners who stay ahead on these trends will win the trust and loyalty of tomorrow’s renters. Every property, no matter how old, can become a tech-forward, resident-friendly space with thoughtful upgrades and smart planning.

How to Evaluate and Choose the Best Solution for Your Property

Choosing between Private Cellular and DAS isn’t just about specs—it’s about what works best for your building, budget, and residents’ needs. The right approach starts with a clear plan, good questions, and a vision of what you want to achieve both now and in years to come. Take these next steps to make your decision with confidence.

Photo by Pixabay

Start with a Thorough Site Assessment

Knowing your building inside and out is key before making any decisions. This isn’t just about measuring square footage—think about every hidden nook, crumbling stairwell, and thick concrete wall. A site survey helps you avoid surprises during installation and spot where your current coverage falls short.

To get started, you’ll want to:

Map out your entire property, noting tricky spots like basements, corner units, and service corridors.
Identify existing Wi-Fi, cellular equipment, and any interference sources.
Walk the building to check real signal levels and dead zones.
Find out if you need to work around hazardous materials or tight service spaces.

A good resource to guide you is this step-by-step wireless site survey checklist that covers how to plan floor coverage, test for interference, and map improvement areas. Don’t skip this process—it can save you major headaches and money later on.

Weigh ROI and Cost vs. Value

Wireless upgrades aren’t cheap, but the long-term value can far outweigh initial costs. Room for new revenue opens up when residents stick around longer and recommend your building thanks to rock-solid internet or smart amenities. Before picking a system, break down the costs and returns:

Upfront costs (hardware, installation, design fees)
Ongoing maintenance and support
Downtime or disruptions during construction
Expected boost in rental value, renewal rates, or smart service fees
Lifetime upgrade possibilities (can you adapt as tech improves?)

Look beyond the first price tag. Are you building for the next five years—or the next twenty? Smart tech in rental properties delivers measurable ROI by making your property stand out, reducing maintenance, and even cutting utility costs.

Ask Smart Questions When Talking to Vendors

The right questions turn a sales pitch into a learning session. Don’t let a vendor rush you—find out all you can, and think about how their answers fit your building’s quirks. Some smart starting points from this vendor checklist for in-building wireless include:

Is the solution truly future-ready (5G, IoT, smart building support)?
What are all the upfront, ongoing, and hidden costs?
Does the installation require major construction or tenant disruption?
How quickly can the system be deployed and upgraded later?
Can you control the network (or do you have to involve carriers for every small change)?
How does the vendor handle system maintenance, troubleshooting, and software updates?

Clear answers on these points help set real expectations around cost, timeline, and future flexibility.

Plan for Growth and Tomorrow’s Tech

The best solution will last longer than today’s most popular feature. After you’ve installed it, will it be a pain to add more smart devices or support new wireless standards? Can you easily extend coverage, or will you need new construction just for an upgrade?

Look for systems that:

Offer simple software or modular hardware upgrades.
Let you manage and monitor usage from an easy-to-use dashboard.
Can be adapted if you renovate, expand, or change how spaces are used.
Support new tech, like wireless access for smart appliances or cloud-managed building systems.

You want to keep options open—especially with technology moving fast and renters expecting more each year.

Practical Checklist for Owners

Use this quick checklist to guide your decision process:

Complete a full site survey and signal assessment.
Compare up-front costs, long-term value, and maintenance plans.
Gather references and ask tough questions to each vendor.
Factor in resident experience and potential rent bumps.
Choose a solution flexible enough for upgrades and new devices.

With the right info, a bit of homework, and clear goals, you’ll be able to pick a system that boosts property value and keeps residents happy—no matter how old your building is.

Choosing private cellular or DAS for older multifamily buildings comes down to what fits your property’s needs, budget, and the experience you want to deliver. Both offer strong ways to boost coverage, but private cellular often stands out in cost, flexibility, and how quickly you can get up and running, especially when buildings have tough layouts or historic features. DAS remains a great pick if you need broad, carrier-based signal and have a larger or high-rise property.

Take time to weigh your priorities: Do you need multi-carrier support right now, or do you want direct control and easy upgrades for future tech? The right choice gives your residents the always-on, high-quality wireless they expect—and it sets your property up for the next wave of smart building tech.

Thanks for reading.