A distributed antenna system (DAS) is a network of antennas that boosts cellular frequencies to provide you with a high-quality cellular connection in almost any location. Certain factors can affect your cellular signal capability, but you won’t have to worry about losing the signal with a DAS.

If you are wondering whether to install it at your workplace or not, you should first begin understanding distributed antenna systems (DAS) design. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about designing this type of system.

The Difference Between Passive and Active DAS

There are a few different kinds of DAS. The main difference between types of DAS is whether they are passive or active. An active DAS requires power sources to operate the system and uses fiber optic cables to pass the signal to each remote node.

A passive system doesn’t require power or fiber optic cables because it uses bi-directional amplifiers to boost the signal at certain points in the network. When designing a DAS for your building, you should first decide whether to use a passive or active system.

Off-Air DAS Design

An off-air DAS is another name for a passive system. To design a DAS properly, you must consider the unique characteristics of the property where you want to install it. For an off-air system, you will put a donor antenna on the roof that will receive signals from the nearest cell tower.

This type of system is more affordable than an active system and uses coaxial cables, splitters, couplers, and amplifiers. However, this system wouldn’t work well for a property that doesn’t receive a strong signal from the donor antenna. This system works best for places with coverage problems instead of too much network traffic.

BTS DAS Design

Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) broadcast a signal throughout a DAS network. A BTS will transmit signals to antennas via fiber optic cables in an active system.

Places such as airports, sports arenas, and concert halls could benefit from this type of system because these systems are more effective but more expensive than passive systems. BTS systems can also work with multiple cellular carriers, which is why it works better for areas with larger traffic. Fiber optic cables are larger than coaxial ones, so you need plenty of space for them to travel.

Overall, understanding the nuances of distributed antenna system design depends on your building’s size, how strong the available signal is, and how many people you can expect to use the system. Understanding DAS design also depends on your building’s materials and the environment in the surrounding area.