QuarterlyConnection
Table of Contents
Orlando Health
Orlando Health, one of Florida’s largest healthcare networks, oversees a growing multi-campus system that requires seamless, secure, and future-proof wireless connectivity
Upgrading Legacy DAS
egacy DAS solutions were typically designed for coverage and getting signal into the building While coverage remains important, 5G adds a new layer of complexity focused on capacity, latency, and scalability
18 Intenna’s Quarterly Newsletter
Intenna Systems designs, builds and maintains some of the most complex in-building wireless solutions available in the enterprise and service provider segments of the industry The Intenna DAS that you deploy now will immediately enable 4G technology while laying the foundation for future 5G services
Wireless that Works
Christopher Lange President
William Shouldis VP Engineering
Sales
Jeff Reale Director, Enterprise Network Solutions
Eric McCarthy
Solutions Manager-Enterprise Sales
Central and South Regions
Eclipse Rattanavong
Solutions Manager - Enterprise Sales West Region
Marketing
Robin Lange
Marketing Manager
T 609 714 8268
ORLANDO HEALTH- OHJOI
Delivering Reliable Connectivity for Healthcare Innovation
Orlando Health, one of Florida’s largest healthcare networks, oversees a growing multicampus system that requires seamless, secure, and futureproof wireless connectivity.
To support patient care, first responder access, and operational efficiency, Orlando Health partnered with Intenna Systems to design and implement advanced inbuilding wireless solutions across its facilities—including the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute (OHJOI).
INTENNA SYSTEMS & ORLANDO HEALTH
In 2020, Intenna Systems was introduced to Orlando Health through a local CommScope/Andrew representative.
The initial engagement focused on the healthcare provider’s 11-building Orlando campus. Although this first project stalled during the pandemic (2020–2021), Orlando Health re-engaged Intenna in 2023, expanding the scope significantly.
FUNDING THE VISION
These projects have been financed through Orlando Health’s capital expenditure (CapEx) budget, strategically aligned with ongoing new construction and modernization efforts.
With healthcare campuses constantly growing, the investment ensures wireless infrastructure can evolve in step with 5G growth and next-generation applications.
Today, Intenna is supporting 37 active projects for Orlando Health, spanning early design requests to fully on-air systems.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
Redesigning OHJOI
The OHJOI project was particularly complex. Intenna was brought in to salvage a partially implemented system started by a prior vendor. Redesigning within budget, while guiding the installer through corrections and upgrades, required deep technical expertise and project management. The result was a reliable system aligned with Orlando Health’s standards.
Managing Large Scale Growth
Orlando Health’s main campus spans several city blocks, presenting challenges in budgeting and designing systems that can scale with 5G and emerging healthcare applications. Intenna’s team worked closely with Orlando Health staying within budget and construction timelines.
Construction Deadlines
Across sites, construction timelines for opening new facilities were a recurring challenge. Intenna adapted by coordinating with different installer partners to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
A key differentiator in Intenna’s approach has been the standardization of Andrew OneCell solutions across all Orlando Health sites. Because mobile network operators (MNOs) lacked funding to support deployments, OneCell provided a cost-effective, scalable alternative that met performance requirements.
Maintenance & Monitoring
Results & Impact
Currently, five Orlando Health sites are live and on-air. Intenna provides active monitoring and maintenance (M&M) for these facilities, ensuring consistent performance, quick troubleshooting, and long-term sustainability of the systems
37 active projects across the Orlando Health system, ranging from design to live systems.
Mission-critical coverage through FirstNet, enhancing first responder readiness.
Private network integration that improves reliability and prepares Orlando Health for next-generation healthcare applications.
Proven partnership that grew from a stalled project into a long-term engagement across multiple campuses.
Expanding a Long-Term Partnership
Orlando Health’s relationship with Intenna Systems has grown far beyond individual deployments. What began as a stalled project has expanded into a trusted partnership, with 37 active projects ranging from early design to fully operational systems
We now work side-by-side with Orlando Health not only as a deployment partner but also as strategic advisers for future connectivity planning. This includes guiding cellular infrastructure decisions for both new construction and existing hospital campuses, ensuring that each facility is built or upgraded with reliable, scalable connectivity in mind.
Collaboration with Mobile Network Operators
Another important aspect of our work has been close coordination with the major mobile network operators (MNOs). While healthcare networks often face funding challenges for large-scale DAS deployments, Intenna has collaborated with carriers to secure support where possible. For example, Verizon is directly funding signal sources at select Orlando Health locations, a model that eases capital burden and accelerates system readiness.
Combined with neutral-host designs and private network capabilities, these partnerships maximize both performance and cost efficiency
The collaboration between Orlando Health and Intenna Systems demonstrates how strategic design, technical expertise, and responsive project management can transform healthcare connectivity. From rescuing challenging projects like OHJOI to scaling across a major healthcare network, Intenna is helping Orlando Health deliver reliable, secure, and future-ready wireless infrastructure— supporting patients, staff, and first responders alike.
available in the enterprise and service provider segments of the industry. Over two decades of experience provide our staff with unparalleled knowledge in designing, building, optimizing and maintaining customized distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell solutions to fit your specific needs. We are distinguished by our commitment to quality and delivering the right solution to meet our customers’ diverse communications needs.”
network DAS solutions to an impressive resume of healthcare, corporate, hospitality, public venue and government clients nationwide. We are distinguished by our unparalleled experience, ability to navigate challenging environments, commitment to quality and customer focus. Reach out to Intenna today to learn how we can help you create the wireless environment that your employees, customers and patients now require.
UPGRADING LEGACY DAS
Navigating the Transition
Why Modernizing Legacy DAS Is Essential
Legacy DAS solutions were typically designed for coverage and getting signal into the building. While coverage remains important, 5G adds a new layer of complexity focused on capacity, latency, and scalability.
Without proper upgrades, your building risks falling behind in delivering the connectivity experience today’s users expect.
The demand for seamless, high-capacity in-building coverage is rising rapidly.
However, many commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, campuses, and transportation hubs are still operating with legacy Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) that were designed for 3G environments.
These outdated systems often lack the capacity, flexibility, and efficiency to support the speed and density requirements of 5G.
Key reasons to upgrade:
Support for 5G NR (New Radio) frequency bands, including mid-band (C-band) ensuring compatibility with carrier-owned spectrum
Increased user density and bandwidth demands from IoT, mobile devices, and enterprise apps
Carrier neutrality and network sharing, which many legacy DAS systems cannot efficiently manage
Smart building integration, requiring more reliable and intelligent infrastructure
Upgrading DAS is not just a hardware swap. It requires a holistic approach
Technical Considerations When Upgrading
✔ InfrastructureCompatibility
Canyourexisting cabling,fiber backbone,andpowerdistribution supportthenewequipment? Areyourrisersandconduitspace adequatefornewremoteunitsor antennas?
✔ SpectrumandBandSupport
Many upgradesincludedsupportfor CBRS band.However,AT&Thas submittedaproposal toreallocate CBRS spectrum.If approved,this couldrenderinvestmentsinprivate networksoverCBRS effectively worthless.
Instead,therecommendedpath forwardistowork withAT&TorTMobileforprivatenetwork deploymentsovertheirowned spectrum,whichensureslong-term stability andsupport.
✔ Signal Source Integration
Will you be using off-air repeaters, baseband units, or carrier signal feeds? Is coordination with mobile network operators required?
✔ Scalability and Modularity
Can the upgraded system scale with future technologies such as private 5G or Wi-Fi 7?
Does the architecture allow for software-defined tuning and remote monitoring?
Modernizing DAS infrastructure can present several obstacles
Carrier coordination delays: Getting MNOs to approve and connect to upgraded DAS systems can be timeconsuming.
Budget limitations: 5G upgrades can be capital-intensive; phased implementation or shared-neutral-host models can help.
An emerging option is DAS-as-a-Service (DaaS), which shifts large capital outlays into predictable operating costs with the enterprise paying a monthly fee.
Downtime during transitions: Careful planning and working with experienced integrators minimizes business disruption. Navigating building codes and permitting: Especially in hospitals, airports, and government facilities, regulatory compliance is a must.
The Benefits of a 5G-Ready DAS
Enhanced user experience with ultra-fast speeds and low latency
New use cases like AR/VR, AI-driven applications, and smart devices
Attracting and retaining tenants in commercial real estate by offering highperformance connectivity
Increased building value and long-term ROI through improved operational efficiency and technological relevance
The road to 5G-readiness begins with acknowledging that yesterday’s DAS won’t meet tomorrow’s demands. Whether you’re in commercial real estate, healthcare, education, or enterprise IT, modernizing your in-building wireless system is a strategic move. Not just for better performance, but for business resilience and future growth.
If you're considering a DAS upgrade, partner with experts who understand the nuances of spectrum, signal distribution, and carrier engagement. A well-executed upgrade ensures that your infrastructure isn't just catching up, it's leading the way.
“Intenna Systems designs, builds and maintains some of the most complex indoor wireless networks available in the enterprise and service provider segments of the industry. Over two decades of experience provide our staff with unparalleled knowledge in designing, building, optimizing and maintaining customized distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell solutions to fit your specific needs. We are distinguished by our commitment to quality and delivering the right solution to meet our customers’ diverse communications needs.”
Founded in 1998, Intenna Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of customized, cost-effective, in-building wireless networks. With over two decades of design and deployment experience, Intenna continues to provide comprehensive cellular and public safety network DAS solutions to an impressive resume of healthcare, corporate, hospitality, public venue and government clients nationwide. We are distinguished by our unparalleled experience, ability to navigate challenging environments, commitment to quality and customer focus. Reach out to Intenna today to learn how we can help you create the wireless environment that your employees, customers and patients now require.
September 2025 Spotlight On
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Design Engineer
Is an Orchardist growing pears, apples and cherries
The cure for the 2pm crash is house music and Califia blonde roast cold brew topped with Silk oat cold foam creamer.
It might sound corny, but it’s truly a joy to work with good people.
Food for life: Chicago style Italian beef and sausage combo with hot giardiniera peppers
Superpower: surviving the sandwich described above
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