Cellular Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

Certain construction materials can make it more difficult to establish Wi-Fi and cellular services inside buildings. These materials include metal, concrete, and low-E windows, which are especially prevalent in LEED-certified buildings. To exacerbate the issue, the number of personal devices connected to cellular services continues to increase, and the more we connect, the higher the risk of interrupted cellular service.

With continued low signals, you may find that you frequently drop calls. That can be frustrating, to say the least!

Many consumers can benefit from installing a DAS, and the law may require it. The NFPA & IFC set regulations for requirements in local municipalities. Specifically, first responders need reliable communications to respond to emergencies using UHF/VHF and 700 Mhz/800 MHz frequencies. However, you won’t have to worry about interrupting emergency communications with DAS.

A distributed antenna system, also known as an in-building wireless system, can improve poor reception for your devices. Using these systems, a series of small antennas boosts the cellular signal, acting as repeaters to provide full-strength service inside buildings.

You may wonder how this works. The antennas connect to the head-end controller within a wireless carrier’s network.

There is also an important public safety element to establishing a DAS. Whereas DAS systems also provide privacy and security, public DAS systems meet local regulations to ensure clear communications for emergencies.

NCS installs distributed antenna systems and offers consulting and benchmark assessments to help you determine whether your building requires DAS technology.

A DAS consists of a series of antennas that receive and amplify cellular signals on licensed frequencies. They improve data and voice connectivity for consumers. There are two main components to these systems.

The signal source distributes the signal. However, it doesn’t produce a cellular signal on its own; instead, it needs a DAS to feed the signal inside the building. Typically, that means connecting to a 4G LTE or 5G signal source. We may use a variety of different approaches to achieve the best results for your implementation.

The distribution system takes the cellular signal and pushes it inside the building. There are various types of distribution systems, including active, hybrid, passive, and digital. With the rise of 5G, smart devices are likely to explode in popularity. In order to maintain strong signals inside buildings, owners and property managers will need to consider solutions such as DAS. This may include upgrading infrastructure inside the building or installing new networks more suited to 5G applications. 

If you want to learn more about how DAS works and how it will affect your building, download our infographic, which we have provided free of cost. NCS will work with you to ensure complete building coverage that optimizes 5G and other upgrades.