The world we live in today is a fast-paced, ever-growing technological world where it seems like there’s always something new to learn. It can be difficult to keep up with all of the changes, but it’s important to try so that you can stay ahead of the curve. After all, knowledge is power.
One technology that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately is distributed antenna systems (DAS). DAS is becoming increasingly commonplace in large buildings and venues in Western Canada as they offer many benefits over traditional antenna systems. But how do they work?
First, What Is a Distributed Antenna System
A Distributed Antenna System is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure.
DAS systems are designed to improve wireless coverage and capacity in specific locations where traditional cellular infrastructure has difficulty reaching, such as in-building or campus environments. By deploying multiple antenna nodes throughout a coverage area, DAS systems can provide enhanced signal strength, increased capacity, and better indoor coverage compared to traditional cellular networks.
In recent years, DAS systems have become an increasingly popular solution for improving wireless coverage and capacity in buildings and other structures. DAS systems are often used in high-density areas where traditional cellular infrastructure has difficulty reaching, such as in office buildings, hotels, stadiums, and underground locations.
How Distributed Antennas Work
Traditional antennas emit radiofrequency (RF) signals in a single direction, which can cause problems if there are obstructions in the way or if the signal has to travel a long distance. This is where Distributed Antenna Systems come in. DAS consists of multiple antennas that are spread out over a large area. The antennas are connected to a central hub via coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other means.
The central hub then distributes the RF signal evenly to all of the antennas in the system. This ensures that there is no loss of signal strength and that everyone in the building or venue can receive a strong signal.
There are two main types of DAS systems: active DAS and passive DAS. Active DAS systems use a network of base station repeaters to amplify and distribute the signal from the cellular base station. Passive DAS systems use a network of fiber optic cables and coaxial cables to distribute the signal from the cellular base station.
DAS systems can be deployed in a variety of ways, depending on the coverage area and capacity requirements. A single-carrier DAS system uses one carrier frequency, while a multi-carrier DAS system uses multiple carrier frequencies. A wideband DAS system uses a wideband of frequencies, while a narrowband DAS system uses a narrower band of frequencies.
DAS systems can be deployed as stand-alone systems or integrated with other wireless technologies, such as WiFi and LTE. DAS systems are often used in conjunction with small cells to improve coverage and capacity in specific locations.
The Benefits of a Distributed Antenna System
Distributed Antenna Systems offer many benefits over traditional antenna systems, including improved coverage, capacity, and reliability. They are also much less likely to experience service interruptions due to weather conditions or other factors. Here are a few advantages of a DAS system:
- Improved coverage: By distributing the signal over multiple antennas, a DAS can provide better coverage than a single antenna, especially in large or difficult-to-cover areas.
- Increased capacity: A DAS can also increase capacity by adding more antennas and using smart algorithms to schedule transmissions on the different channels. This can be especially beneficial in high-traffic areas where a single antenna would quickly become overloaded.
- Reduced interference: By spreading the signal over multiple antennas, a DAS can also reduce interference from other devices or systems using the same frequency band.
- Flexibility: A DAS can be easily reconfigured to add or remove antennas as needed, making it more flexible than a traditional single-antenna system.
- Scalability: DAS systems can be easily expanded to support future growth.
Some Disadvantages Of A Distributed Antenna System
There are a few potential disadvantages of distributed antenna systems. One is that the system can be quite expensive to install and maintain. Additionally, DAS can be complex to design and implement, so there is a risk that it may not function as intended. There is also the potential for signal interference if the system is not properly designed and installed.
Who Uses Distributed Antenna Systems
Distributed antenna systems can cover small indoor spaces, like office buildings, or large outdoor areas, like stadiums. The size and scope of the system will be determined by the specific coverage needs.
Some industries that use DAS are:
- The telecommunications industry is one of the most common users of distributed antenna systems, as they are essential for providing reliable cell phone coverage in areas with poor reception.
- Distributed antenna systems are also used in public safety applications, such as police and fire departments in Canada, to ensure that first responders can always stay in communication in large buildings.
- Other industries that commonly use distributed antenna systems include hospitals, schools, and large businesses or office buildings.
In Summary
If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable way to improve your wireless signal, a distributed antenna system may be the perfect solution. DAS is becoming increasingly commonplace in large buildings and venues as they offer many benefits over traditional antenna systems. Contact Tridon Communications today for more information about distributed antenna systems – our experts would be happy to answer all of your questions.
