About DAS

Mis-match: Wireless Demand Versus Indoor Signal Strength and Quality -

Demand for wireless access to voice and data services by mobile device users is exploding.  This rapid growth is being driven by advancements in smartphone and other mobile device functionality, an expanding universe of innovative mobile applications, and new methods of accessing a variety of data remotely. With the increasing utility of mobile devices and easy access to data and applications, subscribers increasingly expect to be able to connect anytime and anywhere, particularly indoors.  Carriers and regulatory bodies have worked to increase capacity by expanding available bandwidth, and by developing and deploying new standards and technologies in anticipation of and response to growth in demand.  However, for carriers and subscribers, indoor coverage is a problem likely to persist and perhaps worsen.  This is because carrier networks by nature are predominantly outdoor networks, consisting of outdoor towers and rooftop installations. And, quality, reliable wireless reception from outdoor transmission equipment when indoors is, among other things, a function of the indoor user’s proximity to the outdoor network, that outdoor network’s current available capacity, and the extent to which the structure from within which the user is operating acts as an inhibitor to wireless signals--common materials like concrete and steel are natural barriers to wireless signals.  

DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) – An Excellent Solution -

DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) provide an excellent solution for conveying outdoor wireless frequencies indoors to provide an interference-free environment for mobile-device users and those facility managers or others who have a stake in providing facility-wide wireless.  Outdoor DAS systems provide an excellent solution for smaller outdoor areas such as campuses or common areas where access is either unavailable or interference with outdoor macro-networks is too great.  Aesthetically-conscious municipalities are turning to outdoor DAS when adding towers is impractical, not feasible (no land), and/or overly unpopular with residents.

DAS Overview -

DAS typically consists of either carrier base station equipment or a donor antenna to receive wireless carrier signals from a macro source.  From there, signals are conveyed to users’ devices over fiber or coaxial cable through hubs, repeaters and amplifiers to a network of strategically placed, multi-band antennas.  DAS can enable multiple wireless technologies including those in use by carriers as well as WiFi and public safety.  DAS also “offloads” carrier macro-networks, effectively freeing up macro-capacity.

Passive DAS systems do not use power to convert or amplify signals, while active systems do. An active system would be superior in a large facility, with a large number of users, while passive systems can be effective within smaller locations serving smaller numbers of users.

Economics, Stakeholders and Neutral Host DAS -

DAS feasibility is changing due to already high and rapidly growing demand for wireless access and a “re-aligning of interests” amongst various stakeholders in taking advantage of wireless access.  This re-alignment of interests points to multi-carrier “neutral host” DAS as the optimal solution. These systems eliminate the need to install and maintain multiple systems, combining all into one wireless backbone.  By employing a firm with site development/ marketing expertise,  strong carrier relationships, and a knowledge of and access to financing techniques, neutral host systems can provide the means by which to appropriately distribute the costs of designing, installing, and maintaining wireless transmissions indoors to each stakeholder based on the benefit derived by each. 

Streamline Networks, LLC -

Put us to work to Streamline your wireless communications. Indoors or outside we have the development, marketing, design, engineering and installation knowledge and experience to provide turn-key solutions.