Will The Market For Global Distributed Antenna System Flourish?

By Author: Andrew Thomas
Total Articles: 19
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Network coverage in isolated areas or large buildings is relatively poor and a distributed antenna system (DAS) is the solution for it. Installation of small electronic devices or antennas that receive signals and transmit those are distributed throughout the low-coverage area to act as repeaters. The antennas are manually connected to a central controller, which is linked to the wireless carrier network’s base station. This enhances the receptivity of signals and boosts network coverage.

Better networking with the DAS system

The rise in mobile data traffic and the rapid increase in the number of connected devices, owing to the growing acceptance of Internet of Things (IoT), have created a high demand for spectrum efficiency and extended network coverage. This need for uninterrupted connectivity is a major factor driving the growth of the global distributed antenna system. DAS systems are lucid and compatible with mobile devices, providing both voice and data services to cell phones like any ...
... regular tower on a cellular network. DAS deployments are best suited for densely populated indoor spaces such as shopping complexes, medical, and high-rise buildings.

Generally, there are two types of distributed antenna systems, passive or active. A passive DAS captures mobile phone signals from antennas situated in an open elevated place and channelizes them through leaky feeder or coaxial cables located throughout the space. The signal channel distributes the signal to the entire area as a result. The active system, on the other hand, allows the signal to be passed from antennas located in high spots through fibre cables. The systems boost and strengthen the signals when required. The main differences between active and passive DAS systems are the variations in cost and level of effectiveness. The global distributed antenna system market scopecan be segmented based on its application and investment.

Recent developments and challenges of the market

A new type of DAS has evolved called the hybrid distributed antenna system. Most of the features are similar to that of active system. The hybrid DAS applies a certain amount of fibre for the distribution of signal, however, it depends heavily on passive coaxial cable for the larger amount of signal distribution. Hybrid systems can be ideal for average-sized spaces, or unexpected signal problems. When several passive systems are connected by a fibre cable to a remote amplifier unit, it forms the hybrid DAS system.

There exist quite a few challenges in the DAS market. Since DAS systems function on the spectrum of radio frequency licensed to wireless carriers, organizations interested in employing this system cannot undertake a DAS deployment independently without involving at least one carrier which has to be purchased at a very high cost. The deployment of a DAS project is also an expensive step as installing antennas and roping fibre optical or coaxial cables between antenna modules and the controller are all extremely labour-intensive operations. Costs of installing the systems as well as maintenance expenses are usually sustained by the carrier providers. However, the carrier may agree to pay for these expenses only if the deployment fits within their network plans, covers a large number of subscribers or fills a significant gap in service. A DAS may be shared by multiple carriers to reduce the costs.

Various factors determine the type of DAS system most suitable for a particular purpose. Both commercial and public sectors are increasingly adapting to this technology for its better network coverage which is predicted to propel the global distributed antenna system forward.

Written by a content marketer who keeps updated on industries for market research purposes and studying them.