Distributed Antenna Systems are installed when existing outdoor wireless networks do not provide adequate coverage inside. In areas with insufficient coverage, a DAS effectively provides wireless coverage for mobile telephones, two-way radios and wireless LAN devices in buildings, tunnels, underground parking garages, anywhere outdoor radio signals do not reach ...

The size of the systems range from a small cell phone repeater and wireless repeater with a couple of antennas to large scale deployments utilizing thousands of feet of fiber and hundreds of remote antennas covering millions of square feet.

There are many different types of DAS technology. Depending on the particular application, one type of wireless network infrastructure may be more effective than another. Below is a brief overview of DAS infrastructures:

Passive / Coaxial: With low installation and maintenance costs, a coax system is the most basic DAS. Consisting of a signal source, cable, connectors and antennas, the coaxial system has limited growth, but is an effective means to address wireless needs.

Radiating Cable: Commonly used in tunnels, radiating cable is the best solution for long areas where discrete antennas would be ineffective.

CAT5: With lower installation costs than coax and fiber, CAT5 systems are quick to install. However, due to limited bandwidth, these systems are better suited for single carrier applications and are not recommended to support multiple wireless technologies.

Fiber Optics: The most technically advanced option, fiber optics are generally used with coax cable as a hybrid approach. Fiber solutions are nimble enough to provide a viable solution for almost any size of required coverage area. Particularly in large buildings and skyscrapers, a Fiber DAS can support multiple technologies on the same infrastructure for optimal coverage.

Wireless LAN: WLAN coverage can be seamlessly provided with DAS technology or installed as a separate stand-alone system. Integrated on the same passive cabling, the DAS enables the wireless access points to be housed in a central, secure location. This greatly reduces maintenance costs and increases security.

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