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What is DAS?

[fa icon="calendar"] October 11, 2017 / by C Enterprises

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DAS stands for Distributed Antenna Systems. With large buildings, there are often dead spots that interfere with wireless coverage. Radios and cell phones have a weak signal or don’t work at all. A network of small antennas act as repeaters to distribute signals into areas of poor coverage. If you’ve ever wondered what DAS is, read on to find out more.

How DAS Works

Distributed Antenna Systems are categorized as passive or active. Passive DAS systems consist of antennas mounted on the roof and connected by leaky feeder cables that run through the facility. Individual antennas capture signals and run them through the cables to distribute them. 

Active systems pass signals directly from rooftop antennas to fiber cable, boosting and amplifying along the way.

Both types of systems are connected to a central controller that communicates with a wireless carrier’s base station. They work on radio frequency spectrums individual to wireless carriers, so it’s necessary to involve a provider like Verizon or AT&T for deployment.

DAS for Safety

First responders and public safety officials rely on clear communication during emergency situations. If signals are blocked during a fire or violent attack, it compromises the safety of both rescue workers and civilians.

The September 11 attacks emphasized the importance of dependable communications service for large facilities. Since then, more than 30 states have added legislation to improve communication coverage for first responders. 

In 2009, legislators updated the fire code with the following requirements:

  • New buildings must be constructed with adequate radio coverage for emergency situations.
  • 95 percent of all areas must meet radio strength requirements.
  • Existing buildings must repair, replace or retrofit facilities to comply with regulations.

DAS for Cell Phones

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An estimated 80 percent of cell phone use takes place inside buildings. When apartment and high-rise buildings have large areas with no signal, clients, and customers experience dissatisfaction and may take their business elsewhere. 

DAS improves cell phone coverage throughout large structures, so building owners can provide the value their users expect. One DAS can allow users to access multiple carriers.

People don’t just use their cell phones to have conversations. They transfer data like video or photographs, requiring an ever-increasing amount of bandwidth. DAS pipes carrier signals into and throughout buildings to improve data transfer.

DAS for WiFi

Individual users conduct a significant amount of business on wireless devices. DAS can provide steady wireless coverage throughout large buildings. For hotels, DAS enables bar code scanning for food and beverages and pay per use services in each room. Shopping centers can interact with customers nearby to attract business when connections are consistently available.

Large sports facilities have tens of thousands of attendees at major events. People expect to be able to stream live video and download updates at concerts and sporting events. DAS allows facilities like Petco Park, The Mercedes Benz Superdome and AT&T Stadium to provide the service that helps fans make the most of their experience. 

Whatever your communications, technology or energy-efficiency needs, C Enterprises has a cabling solution. For the highest quality, most reliable cable assemblies, contact us today.

C Enterprises

Written by C Enterprises

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