What goes into installing a DAS system? Ideally

A Distributed Antenna System or DAS is a considerable investment into improving your business’ connectivity and paving your entry into the new digital age.

As any significant endeavor would have you do, proper planning prevents poor performance. So, it goes without saying that following a step-by-step process for a DAS installation will help meet the desired outcome from your expectations.

 

Step 1: Survey the Location

The first step in installing a DAS system is to survey the location and gauge your need for it. The ideal way to do this is by taking measurements and ensuring that equipment will fit into your available space.

Some systems need extra room for ventilation or modifications. Others may require more than one receiver, so it’s essential to measure how much space you’ll need for everything before digging holes and drilling through walls.

Once an initial assessment is rendered, we start evaluating and planning where your transmitters and receivers will be placed to optimize their reach and output. 

Essentially ensuring that they’re not too close together when placing them down (or up) later in the installation process.

 

Step 2: Design the System, and Apply for Permits 

Now that you’ve chosen your site, our role is to get to work on rendering the DAS architecture and installing your system.

Designing a DAS network is different than traditional antenna system design due to several factors that affect good performance:

• Antenna gain, or what’s commonly known as “the ratio between power output and input power,” needs to be optimized for each channel.

• If the gain is too high or too low, interference will occur at some frequencies when other stations are transmitting nearby.
• Likewise, suppose it’s too low or too high. In that case, adjacent channels won’t have enough power output available when necessary, for instance, during heavy rain storms.

• The location of each receiver within its coverage area must also be considered. Some receivers may require more distance from nearby transmitters. In contrast, others will work well together because they’ll pick up stronger signals as they move through their range.

Once designs are rendered and finalized comes the crucial task of submitting permits, following up, and receiving approval from your local authority or jurisdiction. Once the paperwork is cleared, the work gets started.

 

Step 3: Install Hardware and Connections in Building

Depending on where it will be used most, hardware should be in different areas of your building, ensuring peak performance delivery.

For example, suppose you are installing a distributed antenna system in an office space. In that case, you will want to connect it directly or indirectly (via cable) with any computers or devices available. 

An in-building DAS system will require you to include hardware, data, and voice connections, ensuring that the signal reaches devices without technical barriers or speedbumps.

Whereas if your distributed antenna system is being used outdoors or indoors at nighttime only, no other connectivity needs to be made since there would be no need for additional devices outside.

The final steps in the installation process is to first install remote units near cell towers. These units are small, portable devices that connect directly to your wireless router, allowing you to access your network from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi connection available.

Once the installation is complete, DAS testing takes place, ensuring the setup is fully operational, calibrated, and ready to get connected to.

 

Closing notes

A successful DAS solution requires carefully calibrated decision-making with a proven methodology and a tailored structure that works around the client’s needs and expectation.

A great approach includes the following:

 An experienced team with proven skills, good communication, coordination, and cooperation skills.

• A structured plan with actionable deliverables and a realistic timeline.
• An appropriate communication system between all parties upholds flexibility and transparency.

Here at DAS systems, we pride ourselves on our exceptional team of experts and our proven track record. Contact us to learn more about how we can help provide you with value engineering from start to finish.

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