Today’s wireless networks are exploding with data use. Unfortunately, they are also constrained by capacity limitations. Soaring demand for mobile devices and bandwidth-intensive, mobile applications is simply overwhelming network infrastructure for most organizations. Previously, anybody interested in increasing their indoor wireless capacity would just add new macrocells and microcells. But that also meant increasing their network complexity.
Now, there’s a new way to deal with the data explosion – distributed antenna system (DAS). The Wireless Infrastructure Association (PCIA) defines DAS as “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.”
In simpler terms, DAS opens the door to almost unlimited wireless bandwidth inside a building, or on a campus. DAS is also device and protocol-agnostic, i.e., future-proof. It can handle 2G and 3G technologies as well as newer 4G protocols – and future communications technologies, too.
One way to look at in-building DAS involves the different system types:
- Passive DAS uses passive RF components to distribute a wide range of RF signals over a building. Passive DAS is inexpensive, very reliable, and works well for multi-operator, multi-service systems for smaller installations.
- Hybrid DAS is essentially a series of Passive DASes connected by fiber and works well for larger installations (over 500,000 square feet).
- Active DAS digitizes an RF signal and distributes it to remote unit in the building. Active DAS is limited by the bandwidth of the cabling used to distribute the signal.
DAS also offers several deployment models:
- Dedicated coverage – Operators invest some of their capital budget to generate revenue with a direct business case showing a clear return on investment. The vast majority of in-building investments fit this model.
- Shared coverage – Facilities owners work on their own (or with a third party) to increase a property’s value by inviting operators to feed the building’s indoor DAS or repeater system.
- Dedicated capacity – Operators increase their quality of service by 1) increasing capacity in some cells, 2) deploying new cells or 3) deploying in-building cells depending on which solution delivers maximum capacity relief for minimum investment.
- Shared capacity (aka neutral host) – Tower operators and other third parties invest in indoor DAS. Then, they approach operators to lease on this system and perhaps to lease space for a BTS inside a building, stadium, airport, and other large venues.
Established and expected trends in wireless make DAS the right solution at the right time. Between 60 to 80 percent of worldwide data connections initiate inside a building, according to the PCIA. And Mobile Experts estimates that the North American market for in-building wireless solutions is expected to exceed $500M by 2014. Other analysts predict a much larger market, potentially $15B by 2013.
Is DAS the right solution for you? We’re happy to help you assess your DAS options and deal with your wireless data explosion. Contact us at info@nexius.com. In the meantime, we invite you to download our report, “Indoor DAS 2011: State of the Market & Opportunities”.
- Matt Glass, Vice President Nexius Network Services
