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There are three main types of distributed antenna systems (DAS). These systems are either passive, active, or semi-active. Buyers can read more about them in detail below.
When it comes to this type of DAS, it uses coaxial cables and other passive components like splitters and combiners to redistribute the cellular signal. These signals are sourced from an existing RF source, such as a rooftop antenna. These components include low attenuation coaxial cable, passive splitters, and RF signal combiners, which help boost the captured signal around the installation area. Moreover, they need very little power and are installed in areas with low or no cellular coverage.
Also, because they use existing signals, no additional equipment is needed to ensure they don’t lag like other systems. Even though the installed cables are thick coaxial cables, they can be difficult to manage. The heavier cables can also affect the aesthetics of the ceiling.
With this system, an internal or external source feeds the RF signal to the antenna network. They use a fiber optic cable to connect the remote antennas with the RF source. The main benefit of these systems is that they are suitable for large and high-traffic buildings. This is because they provide fast, reliable, and strong connectivity to users.
Some of the active DSAs include cellular repeaters, which are electrical devices that boost poor cellular signals in an area, and small cell technology. These RF sources are plugged into a power source and connected to the building’s existing wiring. However, active DAS requires more maintenance than passive DAS and incurs higher operational costs.
Finally, because active DAS uses fiber optic cabling, it is lightweight, much easier to install, and avoids ceiling/room aesthetics. However, it requires a constant power source to operate.
This system combines both coaxial and fiber optic cabling. Semi-active DAS also uses a passive coaxial cable to convey the RF signal within the antenna network. Alternatively, it uses fiber optic to combine the signal with an external or internal source.
This setup is ideal for large venues where passive DAS may not provide reliable connectivity. Although the system is semi-active, it still requires lower power levels than pure active DAS. This helps minimize the power demands of the system when used. However, semi-active systems can be hard to set up and manage, especially if the building is large.
DAS has many useful features that allow it to perform its main function of boosting network coverage in a variety of settings. To give buyers an idea, these important features are highlighted below.
A wide variety of equipment and devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, use different frequency bands. Fortunately, DAS systems support all this variety, whether they are cellular or Wi-Fi networks. So, these systems are designed to operate on different frequency bands. This ensures a reliable connection irrespective of which device is used and eliminates the need for many individual antennas.
These systems can be easily integrated into existing network infrastructure. They don’t require major network reconfigurations or replacements, making adding new coverage options a quick and easy process. They can also be integrated with other wireless solutions such as small cells, making them more versatile.
One of the main benefits of using these systems is that they offer businesses the option to increase their network capacity. They can do this by simply adding more antennae as their needs grow. This means that there is no need for large investments in DAS components from the get-go. Users can cost-effectively achieve optimal wireless coverage by scaling up network capacity only when necessary.
Many DAS systems have centralized management tools that provide real-time visibility and control over network performance. These allow users to monitor DAS in real time and adjust parameters to optimize performance. These systems also enable easy troubleshooting, which can help reduce the time taken to identify and fix network problems. It all leads to improved operational efficiency.
Another feature of a DAS is its capability to eliminate interference across multiple frequency bands. It accomplishes this by using high selectivity band-pass filters within the system. These filters help ensure that only the desired frequencies are amplified while blocking everything else. This reduces interference, resulting in faster and more reliable network connectivity.
DAS supports multiple users and devices simultaneously. It accomplishes this by distributing the network load across many antennas and coverage areas. DAS has also been designed to adapt dynamically to changing traffic patterns. This allows the system to handle peak usage demands without becoming congested.
These systems are valuable to businesses for many reasons, mainly due to their capability to provide reliable wireless coverage in a variety of environments. Some of the commercial value and uses are elaborated on below.
One of the main reasons hotels, hospitals, and schools install these systems is to boost cellular network performance. People in these places tend to use their phones to make calls, send texts, or access the internet. But due to thick walls and large spaces, they end up with poor reception. A hotel’s bad reception can lead to negative reviews. While hospitals, it can affect critical communication. These systems ensure network signals pass through walls and other obstacles so users effortlessly connect to the network.
Another value of having it in hospitality is that it boosts guest satisfaction. People staying in hotels want uninterrupted communication. DAS systems ensure they have seamless connectivity, leading to positive guest experiences. Many positive DAS lead to good online reviews, ensuring many potential customers choose to stay where wireless coverage is reliable.
By boosting network coverage and eliminating the need for multiple antennas, this system helps businesses save operational costs. It also helps improve employee and customer productivity by providing reliable connectivity throughout business premises. Continuous, uninterrupted connectivity, after all, can improve employee productivity as they can always access data or communicate.
Apart from communication, these systems support critical safety and security systems. These are systems like video surveillance and emergency paging. There, improved coverage also translates to improved safety and security in large commercial spaces. For example, if an emergency occurs in a school or hospital, first responders need to communicate quickly and effectively. With this system, they can do this seamlessly.
Finally, continuous network coverage means users will likely use more data services. Increased data usage leads to higher revenues for telecom service providers. Moreover, users can access 5G/4G LTE cellular distributed antenna systems on all mobile phones. It helps businesses meet customer demands for fast wireless services and optimize revenue.
Even though it can be daunting to select the right one for a building, buyers can start ensuring they make the right choice by considering the following factors.
The first aspect to consider is the source of the cellular signal. Does the building receive the signal from the outside? For wireless DAS, the external signal will be weak at first. For active DAS, the external source will need to be a strong signal so the fiber optic cable can redistribute it internally. If the building lacks a strong initial signal, there will be no need for a DAS, as they won’t provide added coverage.
For active DAS only, the cellular signal can be retrieved from the external RF source if it is a utility space like a mechanical room. So, if there is limited access to the space or it is far from the rooftop antenna, buyers should consider the distance it will need to cover.
Large venues may, unfortunately, require more than one antenna to meet their horizontal and vertical coverage needs. They would need several RF sources connected to fiber optic cables running all over the building. In contrast, small spaces can effectively use a single antenna due to the short distance.
These systems support 4G LTE and 5G cellular technology. Although the latter has just recently launched, it already provides seamless connectivity and coverage. Buyers should consider the technology deployed and whether the system will support them.
When choosing a DAS, buyers should ensure it complies with local building codes and fire safety regulations. They should also check whether the installation requires a permit, especially for wired systems. Fortunately, this information can easily be found online.
Active and semi-active systems tend to have high operational costs. The good news is that these costs can be funded through a subscription model. So, it would be wise for buyers to shop around for competitive quotes with several suppliers before settling on one. Passive systems, however, have low operational costs and are also easy to maintain.
Last but not least, buyers should also consider their building’s aesthetics before settling on a system. Fiber optic cables are relatively thin and can be easily concealed. In contrast, coaxial cables are thick and difficult to hide or integrate with the building's interior design.
A1. People have become too accustomed to seamless connectivity that they expect it from everywhere, even in closed spaces. Unfortunately, achieving wireless coverage in such spaces can be difficult as they are constructed from thick materials. Luckily, DAS makes seamless connectivity possible in several large venues.
A2. These systems use antennas strategically placed in various areas like Institutional spaces, large office complexes, hospitality, and healthcare to ensure seamless border coverage. The antennas then redistribute the wireless signal, improving coverage where needed. They can support various frequency bands, including cellular and Wi-Fi.
A3. Active distributed antenna systems use external or internal sources to feed signals throughout the antenna network. They use fiber optic cables to connect the source to the antennas.
A4. This system uses coaxial cables and other components like splitters and combiner to redistribute cellular signals sourced from an existing RF signal. They captured the signal using antennas and boosted it throughout the space.
