DAS is quickly becoming the preferred connectivity choice for many businesses. From SMBs to enterprises, businesses are replacing WiFi with DAS because the former offers subpar performance.
While many have already made the shift, several businesses are planning and researching their options.
This article covers the reasons why DAS is a superior option to WiFi and how it’s installed.
Let’s get into it right away!
5 Benefits of DAS Over WiFi
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and WiFi serve different purposes, but DAS offers distinct advantages when it comes to ensuring seamless communication and reliable connectivity.
Here’s how DAS stands out:
Coverage Across Large Areas
WiFi signals weaken over long distances and struggle to penetrate thick walls, concrete, or underground areas. On the contrary, DAS provides consistent and extensive coverage across large facilities, including basements, parking structures, and high-rise buildings.
WiFi handoff is also a major problem. Devices have to change hands from one router to another, which can disrupt signals and make connecting take 30 seconds or more.
And, dead zones aren’t a problem with DAS, but WiFi-powered spaces commonly have them.
Reliable Signal Strength
WiFi networks can be prone to congestion and fluctuations, especially during peak usage. You’d often get full signals on your devices, but the internet would be slow.
DAS maintains consistent signal strength even during high traffic, making it ideal for crowded venues like stadiums, malls, or airports.
Better Emergency Communication
WiFi is not typically designed to support public safety or emergency communications, which are critical in crises. DAS includes dedicated bands for public safety, ensuring first responders can communicate seamlessly during emergencies.
Scalability for High Traffic Loads
WiFi networks can slow down or crash under heavy usage, especially in areas with dense foot traffic. DAS is built to handle high-traffic loads, supporting thousands of users without performance degradation.
Support for IoT Devices
WiFi networks may struggle to handle the simultaneous connection of numerous IoT devices, which are increasingly used in smart offices and buildings.
DAS supports IoT devices that rely on cellular networks, offering a stable and scalable solution for smart systems.
The list can be way longer. The bottom line is that DAS is a powerful solution for businesses, and it can bring connectivity issues down to almost zero.
It also reduces the need for businesses to rely on external network towers for signals. This is another problem because signals from outside towers can have a difficult time penetrating concrete buildings and can disturb communication.
Want all these benefits? Let’s see the DAS installation process:
Step-by-Step Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) Installation Process
Installing a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) requires a strategic approach to ensure optimal coverage, performance, and regulation compliance. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Initial Consultation and Site Survey
It begins with consultation and assessment of the facility.
The DAS service provider will first understand your coverage needs and then move to the site survey. The site inspection determines the gadgets needed for the cover area, identifies dead zones and notes building materials that may affect signal transmission.
Once the provider gets the necessary details, they can offer budget expectations and the estimated time for the project.
System Design Planning and Approval
This is the part where appropriate DAS type (Passive, Active, or Hybrid) and equipment specifications are selected, along with the plans for installation, signal source, cables, antenna placements, etc.
The designs are planned for optimized usage while considering scalability needs. The plan is then shared with the building owner to explain how the system will meet their requirements.
It’s also the phase where you ensure compliance with building codes and carrier requirements and secure approvals from carriers and local authorities. The steps in this process can vary depending on your location, business type, building type, etc.
This is where a reliable service provider can be of huge help. They’d know the nitty gritty and easily get you the needed permissions to proceed. Skipping something here can get you penalized heavily.
Once you have the go-ahead, it’s time for installation.
Install Hardware & Connections In Building DAS System
This is where the design gets implemented.
Head-end components like amplifiers and repeaters are installed in secure locations. Antennas are positioned as per the plan and all components are connected via appropriate cabling.
Then, remote units are installed near network towers to bring signals into the building via DAS. This is what brings signals into the building with consistent strength.
Testing and Handover
It’s time to perform extensive tests to verify signal coverage, system capacity under load, and integration with carrier networks.
It’s ideal to put maximum stress on the system to see how it performs and see if anything collapses or not.
Once the test results are satisfactory, it’s time for documentation and handover. Provide detailed system documentation, including maps and technical guides, and train the client’s team on monitoring and basic troubleshooting procedures.
Then, officially hand over the fully operational DAS to the client, ensuring they are ready for long-term use.
That’s the end of the DAS installation process. The clients can now enjoy superior quality network strength throughout the premises.
Conclusive Thoughts – Choose Your Provider Carefully
DAS is a long-term investment. Your provider can play a pivotal role in determining whether you have a smooth or turbulent experience.
Ensure that you don’t just look at the price but someone with experience handling tricky projects. Your DAS installation can significantly impact your business operations, customer experience, and internal communication.
To learn more about DAS, follow us on LinkedIn @CED Systems.