What is a DAS?

What is a DAS?

Frequently Asked Questions about Distributed Antenna Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

We know, there’s a lot to take in! Here are answers to some of the questions we see most often.

Large buildings often have significant challenges with cellular coverage. Weak signals, dead zones, dropped calls, and slow data speeds are frequent issues, especially with newer construction methods. A DAS, or Distributed Antenna System, is a wireless network that improves indoor cellular coverage using multiple small antennas installed throughout a building rather than a single large antenna. It connects these smaller antennas to an external cellular signal using a system of cables. This allows the wireless signals from cell towers to be received and transferred and then rebroadcast indoors from the antenna nodes. By distributing the cellular signals across many antennas located strategically, a DAS provides uniform wireless coverage for technologies like 4G/5G LTE throughout the entire indoor space.

In this guide, we cover both how to test for coverage and how to fix coverage issues if you've identified a problem.

DAS is an acronym that stands for Distributed Antenna System. A DAS distributes multiple antennas via a system of cables throughout a building.

A distributed antenna system enhances indoor cellular coverage for large buildings and/or outdoor campuses. Small antennas are strategically placed throughout the coverage area and connected them to an external signal source using a wired network. This network distributes and amplifies wireless signals from nearby cell towers inside via the antenna system. This distributed antenna system provides strong and reliable cellular connectivity across the entire space it serves.

A distributed antenna system is used to improve indoor wireless coverage in large and dense buildings that typical cellular signals have trouble reaching like buildings, hotels, airports and hospitals. It is also possible to use a DAS across a campus, like a university. The system extends network coverage across the environment where cell signals may be weak or even nonexistent. By distributing and boosting external antenna signals within its coverage area, a DAS provides reliable cellular connectivity for voice calls, text messaging, and high-speed data on mobile devices.

Written and reviewed by:

Sina Khanifar

As CEO and cofounder of Waveform, Sina has been helping people boost their signal since 2006. He has personally tested and installed hundreds of signal boosters.

He welcomes feedback via Twitter, LinkedIn, or by email to [email protected].

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Why Choose Waveform for Your DAS Signal Solution

We're the preferred vendor for multiple DAS manufacturers and have helped improve signal for hundreds of deployments. Our team is ready and able to walk you through the process of finding and deploying the right solution.

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We've Helped Over 5,000 SMBs and Enterprises Improve Their Cell Signal

At Waveform, cell signal enhancement is all we do. Since our start over 15 years ago we've helped thousands of clients across the country fix their signal problems.

150,000 sq ft residential building
Multi-Carrier Off-Air Distributed Antenna System deployment.

150,000 sq ft residential building
Multi-Carrier QUATRA Distributed Antenna System deployment.

25,000+ sq ft office and laboratory
Dual-Carrier Hybrid Distributed Antenna System

The Waveform team is clearly passionate about the work they do, and they're incredibly knowledgeable about cellular connectivity for the IoT devices in our EV chargers. It's always easy working with them because they go the extra mile to make it easy for us. Their solutions work as expected, and we've yet to experience any downtime.

Jeffery Moore

Infrastructure Solutions Engineer, Shell Recharge Solutions

Working with Waveform on cell coverage solutions for Rancho Mirage's City Hall was a refreshingly positive experience! Waveform's team worked closely with us to understand our needs. They went above and beyond by designing an excellent system, communicating well, and supplying all the materials promptly. If only more of my projects went as well as this!

Jason Jaurigue

Director Of Information Services, State of California

SemaConnect has partnered with Waveform to provide customers with world class support and expertise to deliver reliable cellular signal solutions for SemaConnect Charging Stations. Over the last year they have been faultlessly reliable and always professional. They know this stuff better than anyone we've worked with, and their solutions show it!

Peter Fisher

Senior Project Manager, SemaConnect/Blink Charging

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Our Process

Boosting Cell Signal With Waveform

After deploying hundreds of systems for customers around the country, we’ve developed two DAS deployment methodologies that we think best serve our customers.

For smaller deployments

Guided Self-Install

We'll walk you through installs in smaller buildings under 100,000 sq ft in size.

Remote Signal Survey
We'll walk you through taking basic signal measurements.
Full System Design Including RF Propagation Analysis
We'll analyze your building, design a full booster system, perform RF propagation analysis, and generate predicted coverage maps.
Guided System Install & Commissioning
We'll ship you equipment and walk you through getting all the equipment installed and deployed.
Ongoing Support
We'll provide ongoing technical support in case you any experience any issues down the line.

We'll handle everything

Turnkey Install

For buildings between 100,000 and 1M+ square feet

Fast Initial Quote
We'll quickly give you an idea of typical costs for your building based on size & building materials.
On-Site Pre-Install Site Survey
Our technicians will visit your site to take signal readings and make detailed deployment notes.
Complete Turnkey Install & Post-Install Testing
Our deployment team will visit the site to complete all installation, commissioning, testing, and cleanup.
Maintenance and NOC Monitoring Plans
We'll monitor and maintain your booster system to ensure uptime and performance.

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Delivering Connectivity

Our team of 50+ signal experts is distributed across the country and ready and eager to help you achieve full bars, say goodbye to frustrating dropped calls, and say hello to blazing fast data rates. Here's a few of the faces you might encounter on your journey to better signal.