Guardian SeriesPublic Safety Band Signal Boosters
& Design Solutions

What is ERCES? BDA? EWC? DAS? What does it all mean?

Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) refer to a collection of technologies that enhance the communication capabilities of emergency responders, such as firefighters, police, and medical services. These systems are designed to ensure that emergency personnel can communicate effectively in all parts of a building, even in areas that traditionally have poor signal reception like basements, parking garages, stairwells, and more. This reliable communication is crucial during emergencies for coordinating efforts, providing real-time updates, and ultimately, saving lives.

Several different types of systems may fall under the umbrella term of ERCES, hence the different names. The most common are Bi-Directional Amplifier systems (BDA), Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), and Emergency Wireless Communication (EWC).

Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA):
BDAs are systems that boost or amplify signals in areas with poor reception. This is accomplished through the use of an external, high-gain antenna to receive a signal, an amplifier to boost the signal, and internal antennas to rebroadcast the improved signal within the building.
Emergency Wireless Communication (EWC):
EWC is a more general term that refers to any wireless communication technology used by emergency responders. This can include anything from handheld radios to BDAs and DAS systems.
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS):
DAS is a network of antennas that are strategically placed throughout a building and are connected to a common source via a transport medium (typically fiber-optic cables).

What's in it for Me?

Added Value

Reduce the number of subcontractors managed by the general contractor
Offer more efficient testing and maintenance packages to building owners by combining annual BDA and fire alarm testing, making it harder for customers to price shop these services
Distinguish yourself from the competition with unique advantages

Opportunities for Recurring Revenue

NFPA Required Testing
- Annual battery testing for the BBU
- Annual output power and donor incoming signal testing for the BDA panel
- 5-year full system recertification including alarm triggers, grid tests, and retransmission agreement renewal
Additional central station monitoring required for BDA critical conditions

Guardian Design Solutions

Comprehensive Service for BDA Projects

Guardian Design Solutions includes a free, comprehensive pre-sale service designed to empower you to successfully and profitably win Guardian BDA projects. The service offers an extensive project budget estimation, detailing both pre-construction and post-construction costs and services. We apply the expertise and take the guesswork out of the process by ensuring that all potential costs are identified upfront and will meet the approval of the local jurisdiction.

The process is simple – submit your request with project parameters and you will promptly receive everything you need to bid the project. All inquiries are carefully managed by our dedicated ERCES Design Team, ensuring each inquiry is handled to your satisfaction.

Since winning the job is obviously the end goal, Guardian Design Solutions also makes it easy to manage the post-sale services and support to ensure you complete the project on time and within budget. All of these services are included in the initial estimate and can be purchased separately based on the client, project or internal needs.

Guardian Design Solutions makes growing your business in the BDA market easy and successful. Please reach out to your Regional Sales Manager for any support needed throughout the process and let's win these projects together!

Get started with Guardian Design Solutions:

Guardian BDA Estimate Form

View our upcoming live training and webinars:

Training

Step-by-Step Process

In order to successfully install an Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System, there is a specific or nuanced process that you must go through. As long as you follow these processes, most of these potential hiccups and shortcomings that every job can have can be avoided.

NFPA/AHJ Compliance

The AHJ approves the install and guides any code deviations—but they may not always know these systems. Guardian Design Solutions helps you navigate approvals quickly and confidently with clear, informed direction.

Phase 1 Pre-Construction Costs & Services

For a nominal fee, we perform an onsite grid test with specialized equipment to pinpoint where coverage truly needs improvement—often reducing unnecessary system scope and cost. We also identify head-end options, 2-hour rated pathways, donor antenna routes, and potential AHJ/design pitfalls during DAS Discovery (Feasibility).

Phase 2 Post-Construction Costs & Services

After AHJ coordination and Phase 1 validation, we create an iBwave design that documents the compliant build—antenna locations, cable routes, splitters, and system layout for the field team. We then install and commission correctly to avoid harmful interference, and complete a post-construction grid test with documentation to prove performance for AHJ closeout.

Using Guardian Design Solutions takes many of the headaches out of the administrative and design side of integrating an ERCES into your project. We offer this service to increase your success rate in the ERCES market to 100% and to ensure the building gets their certificate of occupancy on time with as few speed bumps as possible. The most difficult project is always the first one, so let us help you navigate it. We'll successfully help bring your project Signal Where It Matters.

Typical Installation

Guardian Series

Guardian series bi-directional signal amplfiers amplify multiple Public Safety frequency bands and enhancing in-building two-way radio communication for first responders.

GUARDIAN-A

The GUARDIAN-A Public Safety Band signal booster enhances in-building coverage for crucial communications, delivering consistent signal for First Responders and other public safety officials who rely on two-way radio communication inside large buildings.

GUARDIAN-A is a Class A, 2-Watt, bi-directional amplifier with a maximum gain of 90 dB supporting both the 700 and 800 MHz Public Safety frequency bands.

GUARDIAN-B

The GUARDIAN-B Public Safety Band signal booster enhances in-building coverage for crucial communications, delivering consistent signal for First Responders and other public safety officials who rely on two-way radio communication inside large buildings.

GUARDIAN-B is a Class B, 2-Watt or 1/2 Watt, bi-directional amplifier with a maximum gain of 80 dB supporting both the 700 and 800 MHz Public Safety frequency bands.

GUARDIAN-UHF

The Guardian UHF Public Safety Band signal amplfier enhances in-building coverage for crucial communications, delivering a consistent, high-quality signal for First Responders and other public safety officials who rely on two-way radio communication inside large buildings.

The Guardian UHF Class A, channelized 2.5W and 5W bi-directional amplifier has a maximum gain of 90 dB and supports 450-512 MHz Public Safety frequency bands.

GUARDIAN-QR700

The Guardian QR700 Canada Public Safety Band signal booster enhances in-building coverage for crucial communications, delivering consistent signal for First Responders and other public safety officials who rely on two-way radio communication inside large buildings.

The QR700 is a Bi-Directional Amplifier that services the growing Public Safety 700 MHz bands for Canada. The Guardian QR700 meets Chapter 24 of NFPA 72 standards, improving weak First Responder signals for critical and non-critical areas within the building.

Accessories

With a broad range of components and accessories, we provide everything you need for a successful installation. We offer multiple types of cabling, connectors, and tools for any type of typical setup. Software solutions also allow you to directly configure your system.