Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are a cornerstone for indoor connectivity.
Businesses that struggled with signals and wanted independence from WiFi and external cellular towers installed these systems. It served them well for many years however, like any technology, DAS has a lifecycle.
When a DAS reaches its end of life, it can create significant challenges for businesses. Many businesses are facing them and some may even be unaware of it.
In this article, we’ll explore what happens when DAS retires and what businesses can do about it.
Let’s go.
Why DAS Reaches End of Life
Most buildings installed DAS solutions in the past 10 years when the common cellular signal bands were for 3G and 4G. So, now, those infrastructures can’t handle the technological advancements. That’s the reason why even with DAS installed, indoor users will face reduced cellular performance.
But that’s not the only way DAS reaches the end of life. Let’s explore what’s happening behind the scenes before we jump to the DAS upgrades.
1. Technological Advancements:
Rapid advancements in wireless technology, like the transition from 4G to 5G, render older systems incapable of meeting modern demands.
2. Hardware Wear and Tear:
Over time, physical components degrade, reducing performance and reliability.
3. Lack of Scalability:
Legacy DAS systems were often designed for specific use cases and could not adapt to increased user demands or evolving connectivity standards.
Because of these, existing DAS are losing efficiency in many buildings, eventually harming the business. See how.
The Business Impact of End-of-Life DAS
Failing to address an end-of-life DAS can have serious consequences for businesses:
Lost Revenue Opportunities:
Retailers, venues, and other customer-facing businesses may lose sales if customers cannot access reliable service.
Also, businesses become limited with technology and can’t scale their revenues and profit numbers.
For example, many buildings with legacy DAS technologies struggle to handle modern wireless standards like 5G or IoT devices. This indicates that businesses need to upgrade to continue riding the technological advancements and benefit the business.
Reputation Damage:
Persistent connectivity issues can tarnish a company’s reputation, impacting client relationships and customer trust. When signals are unreliable for a continued period, it negatively impacts everyone and adds to frustration.
Operational Disruptions:
When DAS infrastructure ages, connectivity issues occur. Poor connectivity hampers communication and leads to dropped calls, slow data speeds, and dead zones, leading to inefficiencies in daily operations.
Upgrading Your DAS And What Are Its Benefits?
We’re sure you wouldn’t want your business to suffer because of retired systems. Plus, the old systems often require maintenance, which can hinder operations and cost money.
Once you’ve identified that your existing DAS isn’t delivering peak performance, here are some options to consider:
Schedule a Professional Site Assessment
Work with DAS experts to evaluate your current system’s performance, coverage gaps, and future requirements.
Professionals can better guide you about your current standings and make suggestions to take your coverage to the next level. Oftentimes, you may not even need complete replacements, and some machine updates will raise your DAS standards.
So, it is always better to consult a professional and understand their viewpoint.
Incorporate Neutral Host Capabilities
Ensure the upgraded DAS can accommodate multiple carriers, enhancing coverage and flexibility for users.
This is particularly advantageous in large venues, commercial buildings, or campuses where diverse users depend on different providers.
It’s also cost-effective – Instead of deploying separate DAS systems for each carrier, a neutral host system consolidates infrastructure, reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Don’t Think Short Term
Invest in a system that supports current technologies (like 5G) and is scalable for future needs. Many businesses want makeshift solutions that fulfill immediate needs but forsake the bigger picture.
Ensure that you invest in a system that offers a long-term workable solution and can allow the adoption of smart technologies. Also, consider the scale of potential business growth while upgrading.
Consider Hybrid Solutions:
Explore hybrid DAS options that combine the benefits of traditional DAS and small cells for cost-effective and comprehensive coverage. This helps you stay within budget while allowing you to scale in the future.
Small cells can be added incrementally as demand grows, making hybrid solutions ideal for businesses anticipating future expansion. It’s perfect for applications requiring high bandwidth, such as video conferencing or IoT device connectivity.
Wrapping Up – Deal With Outdated DAS The Right Way!
Don’t let outdated technology hold your business back.
An end-of-life DAS can significantly impact your business operations, tenant satisfaction, and overall reputation.
Recognizing the signs of an aging DAS and taking proactive steps to upgrade is essential to staying competitive in today’s fast-paced, connectivity-driven world.
Investing in a modern DAS solution with features like 5G compatibility and neutral host capabilities ensures seamless wireless coverage and enhanced user experiences.
Let us help you stay connected, competitive, and ready for the future. Reach out now!