Commissioning

Proper programming, alignment, and system verification are critical—improper settings can cause interference, degrade performance, and even disrupt the public safety macro network. At Motorola Solutions, commissioning is performed exclusively by qualified, certified engineers and technicians who understand both the technical complexity and the life-safety importance of public safety DAS.

Commissioning Objectives

The goal of commissioning is to ensure that your in-building radio system integrates seamlessly with the surrounding macro network—so effectively that the macro system doesn’t even know the DAS exists.

• No measurable noise rise should occur at the donor site when the system is active.
• Signal levels, link budgets, and gain settings are precisely aligned to maintain macro network integrity.
• Uplink and downlink paths are tested to confirm optimal power levels, coverage, and clarity.
• Interference suppression techniques are applied to eliminate any risk of feedback or oscillation.
• The final system must provide consistent, intelligible communications for all public safety and enterprise users.

Coverage Acceptance Test Plan (CATP)

As part of every commissioning, Motorola Solutions performs a Coverage Acceptance Test Plan (CATP)—a structured evaluation to confirm that the installed DAS meets or exceeds NFPA, IFC, and AHJ reliability requirements.

The CATP verifies:

• Coverage in all required areas (critical and general)
• Signal strength thresholds
• DAQ (Delivered Audio Quality) performance
• Alarm and monitoring functionality
• System survivability and failover capability

A successful CATP confirms readiness for final AHJ inspection and ensures your facility qualifies for the Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Documentation and Lifecycle Recordkeeping

All project documentation—including design drawings, test results, commissioning reports, and annual preventative maintenance logs—must be maintained for the life of the system. Motorola Solutions provides comprehensive, AHJ-ready documentation packages that include:

• As-built drawings and system schematics
• RF survey and link budget data
• Equipment calibration certificates
• Commissioning and acceptance reports
• Annual inspection and service logs

This documentation ensures compliance and simplifies future recertifications or system modifications.

Testing and Calibration Standards

All test equipment used during commissioning is calibrated to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable standards. Motorola Solutions enforces a strict policy that no measurement or test device is used unless its calibration is verified and current. This ensures absolute accuracy in every reading, signal measurement, and certification record.

Qualified Personnel and Standards Compliance

Commissioning is carried out only by Motorola-certified engineers and technicians, each trained in Motorola’s R56 Standards and Guidelines for Communication Sites. These standards ensure proper grounding, bonding, surge protection, and environmental controls.

All commissioning and validation activities conform to:

• NFPA 1225 (formerly NFPA 1221)
• IFC and local AHJ requirements
• Motorola R56 installation and safety standards
• FCC and NIST calibration protocols

This comprehensive approach guarantees that every Motorola Solutions DAS operates at peak performance while remaining transparent to the macro network.

Your System, Fully Certified

At the conclusion of commissioning, Motorola Solutions delivers a complete Commissioning Report—a detailed record of test results, configuration data, and system performance metrics. This report is shared with both the customer and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as part of the acceptance package.

Once approved, your DAS is ready for the final System Acceptance Walk-Through, where Motorola Solutions and the AHJ verify compliance, demonstrate performance, and finalize documentation for your Certificate of Occupancy.

Precision Validation. Proven Compliance.

Every Motorola Solutions DAS and BDA is commissioned to the same uncompromising standards that define our brand: technical excellence, public safety compliance, and long-term reliability. Through disciplined engineering and rigorous testing, we ensure your in-building communication system performs flawlessly protecting lives, property, and operational continuity in every moment that matters.