Oxford University Research Centre Mobile Signal Improvement Project (UK)
Challenge
At the Oxford University Research Centre, academic staff, researchers, and visiting scholars had long struggled with unreliable indoor mobile signal coverage. Due to the centre’s dense building materials, reinforced laboratory structures, and complex internal layout, mobile reception was inconsistent across:
•Offices
•Laboratories
•Teaching rooms
•Communal research areas
These coverage gaps disrupted day-to-day communication, slowed research workflows, and limited the performance of SIM-enabled equipment such as security devices, POS terminals, and IoT lab systems. Poor indoor mobile signal also posed risks for urgent communications during safety or time-critical research procedures.
After exhausting escalation options with the UK mobile network operators, the Oxford University Research Centre engaged WaveBoosters UK to deliver a permanent, Ofcom compliant, and technically robust solution tailored to an advanced research environment.
Solution
WaveBoosters UK conducted a full RF site assessment, analysing indoor and outdoor signal conditions on the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and compatible 5G frequency bands. Using industry-standard spectrum analysis tools, we confirmed external signal availability from all major UK carriers: EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three.
Based on the findings, WaveBoosters UK designed and implemented a comprehensive Distributed Antenna System (DAS) featuring:
Rooftop Donor Antenna
Directional high-gain antennas mounted on the roof to capture strong macro-cell signals from nearby Oxford mobile base stations.
Low-Loss LMR400 Coaxial Backbone
Secure cable runs through risers and dedicated cable trays to deliver clean, uncompromised signal to amplifier locations within the research centre’s comms/server room.
Wideband Signal Amplifiers
Multiple Ofcom-compliant amplifiers strategically installed to provide balanced, stable indoor coverage without overloading a single system.
Indoor Antenna Network (DAS)
A mix of ceiling-mounted omni antennas and compact panel antennas positioned across corridors, labs, offices, and teaching spaces.
Placement was determined using RF propagation modelling to provide consistent coverage across complex research environments.
This architecture ensured robust, uniform indoor coverage for all UK mobile networks while supporting both current and emerging 5G technologies.
Installation
The installation followed strict engineering, health, and laboratory safety procedures appropriate for a world-class research facility.
•Rooftop donor antennas were aligned to maximise line-of-sight to local masts.
•Coaxial feeds were routed neatly through established risers and cable trays to avoid disruption to research activities.
•Amplifiers were configured and tuned on-site to prevent oscillation, guarantee stable output, and remain fully Ofcom compliant.
•Indoor antennas were installed in discreet, low-visibility locations to maintain the aesthetic integrity of sensitive research areas.
The works were completed efficiently, without interrupting scheduled research operations.
Results
Post-installation testing and a detailed performance walk-through confirmed a dramatic improvement in indoor mobile connectivity. Signal readings improved from –110 dBm to –120 dBm (poor) to consistently strong –61 dBm to –85 dBm across EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three.
Operational Improvements:
•Near-elimination of dropped calls for staff and visiting researchers
•Significant increases in mobile data speeds, enabling cloud research tools to operate seamlessly
•Reliable performance of SIM-enabled lab devices, IoT sensors, and access systems
•Consistent indoor coverage across laboratories, research suites, office clusters, and training areas
The Oxford University Research Centre now benefits from a durable, stable, and future-ready mobile signal infrastructure, engineered to evolve alongside ongoing mobile network advancements.
Conclusion
WaveBoosters UK delivered a compliant, technically advanced, and long-lasting connectivity solution that resolved years of mobile coverage issues within the Oxford University Research Centre. The newly installed DAS system now provides strong, stable, campus-wide mobile service across all UK networks supporting both critical research operations and everyday communications.
The centre now has the resilient infrastructure required to support its mission: enabling world leading research, innovation, and academic excellence.
