You Should Know About Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) -

Knowing What Distributed Antenna Systems Are

Effective business operations now depend on dependable in-building cellular service. WiFi is insufficient now. Poor cellular reception, which impairs communication, productivity, and the bottom line, is regrettably a persistent problem for many businesses. A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) can assist if this describes you.

We would like to explain what DAS systems are, how they operate, and how we can assist as top suppliers of DAS solutions.

What is a DAS System?

A network of antennas linked to a single source is called a distributed antenna system (DAS), and its purpose is to increase cellular connectivity across a building. It is employed in companies of all sizes to address issues with cell phone signals.

A Distributed Antenna System: What Is It?

A DAS offers consistent connection where you need it by drastically increasing indoor cellular coverage once it is implemented. It might be in certain spots or in every nook and cranny.

By increasing capacity, certain DAS systems can reduce dropped calls and sluggish data caused by congestion. More users will be able to consistently stay connected at all times within the coverage area.

How Do DAS Systems Work?

To transform cellular connectivity in buildings, a DAS system is made up of two main parts: the signal source and the distribution system.

1) The Signal Source

The “heart” of a DAS is the signal source. All of the wireless signals that the DAS distributes must come from it. Signal sources may be divided into three main categories.

Off-Air

Cell tower-broadcast cellular transmissions are represented by this. Existing off-air cellular signals are picked up by an antenna, which is often mounted on the roof, and then sent within for distribution.

DAS systems that employ off-air as the signal source are the quickest and most economical to implement because of the utilization of existing infrastructure. The cell tower determines the capacity and coverage that are offered. Cellular carriers don’t need to be involved in this configuration.

Small Cell

Because they don’t rely on the existing cellular signals from cell towers, small cells—also referred to as picocells, microcells, or femtocells—are a great option for businesses in areas with spotty or no coverage.

These devices are carrier-specific and have limited capacity; for multi-carrier coverage, each carrier will need to provide tiny cells.

Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

A BTS is a high-powered signal source that links directly to a wireless carrier’s network equipment. It provides optimum coverage and capacity. You might imagine it as a cell tower within your building.
To obtain and deploy a BTS, carrier clearance is needed. Because BTSs are carrier-specific, you will want one from each carrier whose signal you wish to boost in your building.
Because of their expense and requirements, they are often used in big, high-traffic venues such as airports, high-rise buildings, stadiums, and so on.

2) Signal Distribution System

A DAS’s distribution system is referred to as its “vascular system.” It uses cables and indoor antennas to distribute the signals from the signal source throughout the region. Three primary categories of distribution systems exist:

Passive DAS
Passive DAS, sometimes referred to as a mobile phone signal booster system, is one of the DAS systems that companies use the most, and for good reason—it’s affordable, easy to install, and maintain.

Passive DAS usually uses an off-air signal source. Cellular signals are sent to an amplifier for amplification. Since these amplifiers are often carrier agnostic, you may use a single device to enhance cell service for several carriers. Coaxial cables, splitters, and taps are examples of passive components that are utilized to distribute signals to broadcasting antennas that are placed throughout.

Due to signal loss, this DAS system, which mostly uses passive components, might not be the greatest option for large buildings that need lengthy cable runs. Small and medium-sized enterprises benefit the most from it.

Active DAS
A BTS or a small cell may serve as the signal source for an Active DAS. For transmission across fiber optic or Ethernet connections, received cellular signals—whether from a single carrier or several—are transformed from radio frequency (RF) analog to digital. These cables can provide a stronger signal over greater distances with less signal loss than coax.

Throughout the facility, Remote Units (RUs) transform digital signals back to analog. Strong LTE, 4G, and 5G cellular signals are delivered by antennas that are attached to the RUs, usually by coax cable. Coax cables are completely unnecessary for some Active DAS.

Active DAS’s architecture makes it expandable and offers unparalleled coverage. However, their deployment and maintenance costs are high.Thus, they are best for large buildings and campuses with high connectivity depends.

Hybrid DAS
A combination of passive and active DAS is called hybrid DAS. BTS, tiny cells, or off-air might all be the source of the signal.

To get the signal from the source to the antennas, a combination of coaxial and Ethernet or fiber optic connections is utilized. Combining these two cable types reduces costs and enables longer distances with less signal loss. For appropriate distribution, the signal is divided by integrated couplers, splitters, and taps.

You may have better coverage than with Passive DAS and pay less than with Active DAS using Hybrid DAS. Scalable, it works well for buildings of various sizes.

What Kinds of DAS Systems Are There?

The ideal DAS for your company may be created by combining the distribution system and signal source. The many kinds of DAS systems that are available are as follows: