DAS Basics

Mobile phone networks are built primarily with outdoor coverage in mind. As a result, indoor spaces often have poor signal quality. To overcome the indoor signal problem, various vendors offer distributed antenna systems, or DAS for short. 

The concept is simple, multiple antennas spread throughout a facility to provide consistent coverage. However, the technology is not so straightforward. There are fiber to the antenna, hybrid fiber/coax, passive coax, digital, analog and other options to consider. No one approach or product has proven to be the best for every situation. The trick is understanding the benefits and limitations of each system and choosing the one which suits your facility best.

Beyond the technology of DAS are the business issues. How much will it cost? Which mobile carriers are willing to participate? How do you engage them? Does your system meet their technical requirements? Do they want over the air or wired backhaul? Will they make a cost contribution or will you have to pay them? Which systems integrators are affordable and reliable?

When organizations proceed without fully understanding what's involved, things can go terribly wrong. Companies have purchased six figure distributed antenna systems only to have the desired wireless carriers not participate. 

Don't go it alone. DAS Directions LLC will lead you through the DAS process in an organized manner to ensure a positive result.