Businesses in various verticals now want to complement their WiFi systems with mobile network solutions.
Dead zones, inconsistent speeds, network congestion, and high handoff times are some of the problems WiFi has. Plus, cybersecurity threats make people wary of public WiFi networks.
Concrete interiors block microwaves, causing indoor spaces to usually not receive network signals and leaving the buildings with almost zero network access.
Businesses now look for a hybrid of WiFi and network connections to tackle these issues and provide customers with a better experience.
There are two network connection options to resolve these situations: in-building DAS and small cells. Let’s understand them more deeply and see which one’s right for what type of business.
DAS vs. Small Cells
In layman’s terms, both infrastructures offer the same function—bringing network connectivity to indoor spaces that are otherwise signal-dead.
But a deeper look shows us that they serve different purposes depending upon the indoor spaces. Let’s dive in to see how they differ.
Architecture
DAS consists of a network of antennas distributed throughout a building. They are all connected to a central source via coaxial or fiber-optic cables.
These antennas send and receive signals from a central hub that links with the carrier’s network.
Small cells are individual, low-power cellular base stations that cover smaller areas.
They function independently and connect directly to the carrier’s network, often via an Ethernet connection.
Coverage
DAS is designed to cover large areas. It is highly effective in eliminating dead zones in large and complex environments.
It can support multiple carriers and frequencies, making it suitable for places that receive a heavy footprint.
Small cells provide targeted coverage for specific areas, typically covering a range of up to a few hundred meters. They effectively fill coverage gaps and enhance signal strength in localized areas.
Small cells can handle a moderate number of users and are often used to offload traffic from macro cells in densely populated areas.
Scalability
DAS can be scaled to cover very large areas and support many users.
It is highly flexible in terms of supporting multiple carriers and technologies. It can be configured to work with different frequency bands and updated to support new standards.
Small cells can easily be added in different areas as needed to improve coverage and capacity.
They can be deployed in various locations to address specific coverage needs and are relatively easy to relocate or reconfigure.
Cost and Maintenance
DAS installations are generally more expensive upfront due to the complexity of the system and the need for extensive cabling and infrastructure. The cost is justified for large-scale deployments with high coverage and capacity needs.
However, once installed, DAS systems are robust and require minimal ongoing intervention.
Small cells are generally less expensive to deploy than DAS, especially for smaller-scale applications. Their lower initial cost makes them attractive for smaller buildings or specific coverage areas.
You can monitor and update them remotely, reducing the need for on-site maintenance.
Use Cases
DAS is ideal for large venues such as stadiums, airports, hospitals, office buildings, and campuses that require extensive coverage and support for multiple carriers.
Small cells are ideal for smaller spaces such as retail stores, small offices, and urban areas with high user density. Small cells also address specific coverage gaps and enhance network capacity in targeted locations.
Wrap Up
Both DAS and small cells play crucial roles in improving indoor cellular coverage, but they cater to different needs and environments.
DAS suits large-scale, high-capacity deployments, while small cells offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution for smaller areas or specific coverage gaps.
Book a free 30-minute call with our team to learn more about which solution is best for your business.