What is a distributed antenna system and how much can you pay for it?

One major cause of signal-related issues is network congestion, in which many users are in a complex and/or indoor structure. And one of the best ways it’s solved is by deploying a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which sorts out the speed, as well as the coverage. While the solution sounds good on paper, knowing more about the solution, including the distributed antenna system cost will help you discern whether the attached prices make sense according to UCtel.

This requires a deep dive into the system in question. It is also crucial to know how the accompanying prices come about and how one can maintain cost-efficiency. With that settled, we can begin!

Describing the solution

These systems are essentially several antennas spread out across different parts of the inside of structures, and there, a signal that’s already been boosted is broadcast everywhere it’s needed. Two versions of these systems exist and they’re as follows:

The active variety
Built for larger spaces of over half a million square feet, these systems enhance signals from outside via an amplifier. The enhanced signal is then sent to the antennas waiting inside, which send them out to users. Below are a few advantages of this system type:

• Scaling is easy
• The coverage area has no limits

Some downside should be expected, however. The following are a few disadvantages of this system:

• The amount of power needed is high
• Deployment is lengthy
• Is the more expensive of the two varieties

The passive variety
These systems are for wireless coverage. Additionally, the systems are for multiple network generations, over an area about fifty times smaller than its active counterpart. While similar, what separates the two is the signal in this version that isn’t actively amplified and instead depends on coaxial cables to limit signal loss. Going down this path is beneficial in the following ways:

• They’re not as expensive as their counterparts
• Deployment is relatively short
• Maintenance is fairly easy
• Extra equipment isn’t needed

Unfortunately, there is a flip side of the coin. Below are a few reasons this path could be detrimental:

• Link budgets if a particular kind is needed
• They can only function when the signal strength is high
• It’s limited to spot coverage only

How it’s priced
Looking at the two DAS types informs how deployment is priced on more of a macro level. That said, a myriad of other key factors inform the distributed antenna system price and should be considered along with the system types. These include the following:

The nature of the structure in question
When thinking of the buildings in which deployment is needed, several factors are thought of when coming up with the price. These include the following:

• The building materials are of the signal-hindering kind such as glass and concrete
• The size of the building and the likelihood of multiple buildings in one estate
• The likelihood of underground rooms, in which signal strength is low

These things allow experts to come in and give advice based on their findings. In doing so, a fitting system can be deployed at the right price.

The coverage type
Two types of coverage exist whole and spot. The former deals with larger areas, while the latter is for smaller spaces. From this, one can tell which type of DAS will work, which will then inform the price attached to it.

Choice of dealer
Because of the ever-growing DAS market, there’s quite a lot of competition. This growing market and competition makes dealers want to pitch lower prices to attract customers. While thinking about how much a distributed antenna system can cost is important, it shouldn’t cloud your judgment. Try not to go for something cheaper over anything of great quality, as that rarely correlates.

Duration of deployment
Everything after the point at which a dealer is found will take time. This includes the gauging of the structure, the type of DAS, the planning and the actual deployment. As stated earlier, the passive DAS is far lengthier to deploy, hence its being more expensive than its counterpart.

The chosen frequency band
This affects the price because of the accompanying price of the hardware required to run it. A 5G frequency, being as high-end as it is, is naturally more expedient than the 4G variety.

Possible upgrades
Upgrading anything will cost a pretty penny and DAS in particular confirms this. This is especially true when moving up in terms of network generation from the one you currently possess. This bit will need you to consult experts, as you’ll need proper insight.

How to save money
It is true that often for the best result to be achieved, quality shouldn’t be sacrificed for the sake of affordability. However, there’s nothing that says that all money-saving endeavours aren’t any good. The following are a few things you could do to cut costs:

• Always ensure that the right DAS type is chosen: the last thing you could ever want is to choose an active DAS, when it’s not necessary and as a result, end up blowing your budget by a mile
• Make sure that installers give accurate quotes: before any idea of a price is brought up, be certain that every aspect of the build is covered, to not incur any expenses that come from out of the blue
• Choose to cover only necessary areas: only public spaces like halls would require the dusters in question, while private places can rely on wireless networks
• Only seek out transparent dealers: In short, any discernment process that’s vague, or gives out estimates that aren’t a certain number you can verify is a no-go

Final thoughts
DASes is another path one can take when addressing signal-related issues and if you’re unaware as to how they’re priced, the above will certainly be of great use. Knowing the distributed antenna system cost will help you avoid unwanted depending later on while also getting a clear idea of what you’re looking for based on expert opinions. Said opinions are only put out when all necessary aspects are taken into account, so always keep an eye out for thorough professionalism.

Anything less than this will result in a poor experience and/or overspending. When things go right, however, the benefits are good from multiple fronts.