Antenna Systems & Technology - Summer 2015 - (Page 8)

FEATURE ARTICLE The Future of DAS - In-Building and Dynamic Capacity By Matthew Thompson | Axell Wireless Since its conception at Bell Labs in 1987, DAS has provided an excellent coverage solution in the various scenarios that demand consistent and quality access to mobile and data networks. As the needs of consumers have changed and the mobile landscape has developed, so too has the supporting DAS technology. Intelligent digital DAS is the latest evolution, enhancing the capabilities of traditional systems and increasing its potential applications. Crucially, intelligent DAS reduces waste, allowing operators and facilities managers to work in tandem and guarantee a variable coverage system that enables considerable financial savings. We've Got You Covered Fast and robust network coverage is vital to consumer satisfaction, and designers of high-density residential areas and office blocks can no longer allow coverage blackspots without experiencing repercussions on their bottom line. In an increasingly connected world, busy travel hubs, sports stadiums and entertainment venues must also ensure that connectivity is not an issue - or risk the consequences of failing to provide a now expected utility. Traditional DAS is an excellent solution for supplying high capacity and widespread coverage when traditional network facilities are strained, and perfect when coverage demands are fairly constant and predictable. It has already proved its worth providing seamless coverage for high-profile events such as the 2012 London Olympics and in world-class facilities such as The Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Previously, guaranteeing network service with DAS has entailed 'blanketing' locations with coverage capacity, taking into account the 'worst case scenario' in order to assure facilities providers of their ability to cope regardless of network demands. As technology allows for greater data consumption on the move, however, this 'hardwiring' approach to providing network capacity is far from optimum. Maximum Capacity or Maximum Efficiency? The development of next generation DAS adds another layer to the abilities of traditional DAS solutions. Based on advanced digital communications and innovative signal processing and filtering techniques, intelligent digital DAS allows facilities managers and network operators to pool base station resources and reroute capacity, dynamically reallocating coverage levels to facilities with the greatest need. This vastly reduces OPEX for multiuse venues and areas which require maximum provision at specific times of the day, and can be done on either an ad-hoc basis or by using pre- 8 Antenna Systems & Technology Summer 2015 www.AntennasOnline.com http://www.AntennasOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Antenna Systems & Technology - Summer 2015

Editor’s Choice
The Future of DAS - In-Building and Dynamic Capacity
Impedance Matching is No Match for Aperture Tuning
All Band VSAT Antenna Radomes: A New Perspective
Antennas
Components/Subsystems
Software / System Design
Test & Measurement
Industry News
Marketplace
DAS and Small Cells, Revisited

Antenna Systems & Technology - Summer 2015