DAS Signal Distribution Types

Passive DAS

In Passive DAS, the signal source (which is BTS outsite or Antenna on the roof) connects to a cellular
amplififer or repeater, which then connects to the distributed antenna around the building or facility using
coaxial cable and splitters, where appropriate. There is no amplification between the repeater and the
distributed antennas, hence the name passive distributed antenna system.

There are limitations to the reach of passive DAS solutions. Because they use coax cable to distribute signal,
signal loss is higher than with active DAS. The further away the antennas are from the amplifier, the higher
the signal loss. The signal loss results in lower downlink output power.

But the advantages of passive DAS solutions are considerable. In particular, they are considerably cheaper
than active DAS. Because they typically rebroadcast the macro network’s signal, there is less need for carrier
approval and coordination.

Active DAS

Active DAS employ amplifiers at the distributed antenna locations, and signals may be transported from the
repeater to the distributed antenna locations via fiber, or CAT-5/6 cabling. The amplifiers amplify the signal
from the repeater and provide a stronger signal to wireless units. They also amplify signals from the wireless
units to provide a stronger outgoing signal. Active DASs may cover very large areas, but at the expense of
higher cost and greater complexity.
Hybrid DAS

A hybrid DAS combines characteristics of passive and active systems. . Hybrid DAS uses some fiber for
distribution of signal, but relies on passive coaxial cable for much of the signal distribution. The RRUs are
separate from the antennas, allowing the system to use both fiber optic cable and coaxial cable to distribute
signal throughout a building. Hybrid systems can be a good solution for medium-sized spaces, or unusual
signal problems. Multiple passive systems can be linked by fiber cable to a remote amplifier unit.

What are the advantages of a DAS ?

 Coverage: DAS architecture provides coverage in areas that cannot be effectively addressed with traditional
sites. And it helps overcome the shadowing and penetration losses because a line of sight link is available
more frequently. As a result the levels of absorption are lower and this means coverage is increased,
 Capacity: DAS can closely align capacity to actual market requirements, managing available radio resources.
 Spectrum: DAS uses available frequency spectrum efficiently through multiple low-power transmission
points.
 Interference: DAS reduces interference through low radiation centers and lower output power.
 Data Rates: DAS provides better data throughput given signal strength and proximity of transmission points
to user equipment.
 Scalability: DAS is a scalable network that can meet future capacity requirements, or additional carriers, by
adding additional nodes.
 Adaptability: DAS can respond to market dynamics, equipment architecture changes and new technologies.

DAS branch testing

Return loss ❙ This test spots any defects in the cable or connector that causes reflections or standing waves.
Excessive reflections rob power from the signal, add distortions and can cause the RF transceiver to shut down
when very large❙Return loss is normally measured for each frequency band used ❙This test is done with a
precision load at the far end of the cable
Distance-to-fault (DTF)❙This test provides the distance to any abnormality in the cable that generates a
significant return loss. This might be a cable defect, a minimum bend radius violation in the cable (a kink), an
improperly installed connector or a crimp due to a tight clamp. This test is often done only for the lowest
frequency band to be used, but may be done over the full frequency range in which the cable is to be used ❙This
test is done with a precision load at the far end of the cable

Cable loss❙One-port cable loss is a measure of signal attenuation in the cable. Cable loss varies with frequency,
cable type and cable length and is taken into account as part of the DAS design. Excessive cable loss can make
the cable unusable or make it impossible to balance the RF power at the antennas❙Cable loss is normally
measured for each frequency band in use❙This test is done with a precision short at the far end of the cable

Passive intermodulation (PIM) ❙This test checks for intermodulation products that might be generated within the
cable. They can be caused by improper connector installation, metal shavings, cable faults or corrosion within the
cable or connectors ❙PIM is an issue when multiple RF carriers are routed through the same set of cables and
can prevent the branch from working as intended by raising the noise floor at certain frequencies❙Cable PIM tests
are normally run at a high power level, with a PIM load (high power precision load) at the far end of the
cable❙Cable PIM tests are normally done in one of the low and one of the high frequency bands

Per-antenna tests

IBS Design solution Scenarios:

Distributed antenna network: The useful application of antennas in indoor systems is the idea of distributed
antennas.  Approach is to split the transmitted power among several antenna elements, separated in space so as to
provide coverage over the same area as a single antenna, but with reduced total power and improved reliability.  The
smaller coverage footprint of each antenna element provides for controlled coverage and reduces excessive
interference and spillage effects.

DAS implementation ways:

DAS-1-Passive coaxial network design: The network is made up of passive components such as coaxial
cable, combiners, splitters, directional couplers, etc. Antennas that are utilized can be of wide-bandwidth to
support multi-band and/or multi-system requirements. The advantage of this approach is that the network is
simple and requires minimal maintenance.
DAS -2-Leaky feeder system: The ultimate form of a passive distributed antenna system is a radiating cable
(leaky feeder) that is a special type of coaxial cable where the screen is slotted to allow radiation along the
cable length. With careful design, such cables can produce virtually uniform coverage. This type of system is
best suited for applications requiring in-tunnel coverage (such as in subways). The radiating cable in this case
is run along the entire length of the tunnel. The cable is either a radiating coaxial cable or radiating wire.