Indoor DAS Deployment: Considerations For Optimal Signal Coverage

Alex James

Indoor-DAS-Deployment

Reliable wireless internet connectivity is essential for everyday life. From checking important notifications and emergency alerts to weather updates and GPS locations, every individual depends on mobile devices and internet usage. Apart from speeding up routine tasks, some sectors such as business, education, transportation, and public safety totally depend on the internet. However, weak signals, dead zones, dropped calls, and slow data transfer are affecting people’s routine life drastically. A DAS system ( Distributed antenna system) can resolve connectivity problems so that the expectations of flawless services can be met and life goes smoothly every day. Now, many questions come to mind.

Firstly, what is an indoor DAS system?

Secondly, where to use them?

Thirdly, what are the considerations for optimal signal coverage?

Fourthly, what is the process of DAS system installation?

And what are the benefits of using an Indoor DAS system?

So, let’s start with the first question.

What Is An Indoor DAS (iDAS) System?

The indoor-distributed antenna system is a one-stop solution to deal with dead zones and poor network coverage inside the building. Indoor DAS receives the radio signals from mobile carriers and distributes the radio frequency signals over the antennas installed in the building. These antennas amplify the signals and distribute the boosted signals throughout the building. Basically, the DAS system is installed to modify, improve, and expand the wireless coverage for better signals across the target area. Besides, both large and small buildings can benefit from the indoor DAS system.

When To Use An Indoor DAS System?

You can use the indoor DAS in office buildings, hospitals, hotels, government facilities, shopping centers, etc. Such in-building DAS systems increase cellular capacity in the required region, where amplified signals are needed. These systems are helpful especially in areas with little to no network services or dead zones.

What Things To Consider For Indoor DAS Installation?

Here are some considerations before the installation of indoor DAS.

Coverage And Capacity

The first and foremost consideration for indoor DAS installation is the type of place where DAS needs to be deployed. For example, an office building will have different requirements and challenges as compared to the stadium in terms of wireless cellular capacity and coverage. Also, an airport will require a different type of planning for DAS installation as compared to hotels. So, the type and the crowd of places and how much wireless coverage you need are the key factors before installing a DAS system in your buildings.

Construction Material

The next consideration is the building’s construction material. It’s important that your DAS design criteria allow the signal to propagate through the thick building walls. Also, different construction materials are used in the ceilings, walls, and overall structure of the building. Besides, a well-designed model of DAS also takes into consideration conference rooms, and medical imaging rooms. These sensitive areas require more attention while planning DAS design for improved cellular signals.

How Does Indoor DAS System Work?

Cellular signals are transmitted between multiple antennas distributed throughout the building. In the network of distributed antennas, each antenna receives the signals, amplifies them, and sends the amplified signals indoors. Also, distributed antenna strategy is more efficient and needs less power to operate the functionality of improved wireless coverage.

What Are The Types Of Indoor DAS Systems?

There are two types of indoor DAS solutions.

Passive Indoor DAS

It is a cost-effective and efficient way to improve cellular coverage indoors, especially in small areas. In passive DAS outside cellular signal is taken into the building and distributed indoors. Also, it relies on coaxial cables to send the signals indoors. For thick walls, it becomes difficult for the RF signals to penetrate through thick walls. Here, passive indoor DAS is recommended for buildings that are constructed with metals, concrete, and masonry.

Active Indoor DAS

It is used mainly for large spaces like stadiums, and airports. This system uses the fiber optics cabling system to propagate the RF signals in the dead zone areas with no signals. It’s more costly than passive DAS but can provide better coverage to any area and up to any capacity.

What Is The Process Of Installation Of The DAS System?

The process of DAS installation needs an experienced team to design your DAS infrastructure and further install that. Still, you can take charge of your DAS system installation process and can work with the team.

  • Discuss your cellular connectivity needs with the certified representative of the DAS installation team.
  • After the consultation, a site survey is scheduled at your building and an authorized representative will come to your place to inspect the building.
  • After the site survey, a customizable DAS installation plan will be designed according to the building size, dead zone areas, and signal strengths.
  • Once the survey is completed the team will plan a customizable DAS design and start the process of installation.

What Are The Benefits Of An Indoor DAS System?

There are several benefits of installing indoor DAS systems.

  • Improves customer experience and provides better internet access to the end users. 
  • Generates high revenues for companies with better business communications with customers and clients.
  • Ensure public safety as your devices are always ready for emergency alerts.
  • Provide easy internet access and network services to passengers at airports, and train stations.
  • Smooth your digital transactions and usage of mobile applications.
  • Provides better communication pathways to medical staff in hospitals.
  • Benefits the teams, audience, and performers with improved wireless connectivity at stadiums.
  • Helps individuals to make calls, send texts, and get notifications even in dead zones.

Conclusion

Indoor-distributed antenna systems provide reliable wireless connectivity inside the buildings. The material used to construct the building such as metals, and thick walls of concrete, stop the radio frequency signals from penetrating the building. Besides, the outdoor antennas are not sufficient to provide better cellular coverage for places with many people, such as stadiums and train stations. Here, indoor DAS systems help to provide reliable cellular signals throughout the buildings. It helps you to access the network everywhere in your apartments, office buildings, stadiums, etc. Thus, ensuring uninterrupted communication.

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