5 Components of Advanced In-Building DAS Solution

With RF distribution carried on fiber, the head-end can be connected to a fiber backhaul, Ethernet backhaul, and even configured for a Passive OTA backhaul. The RF is then distributed out to remote Units/ Nodes and Serving units that are themselves amplifiers integrated with an antenna. If a customer has redundant/unused fiber runs, their existing network infrastructure can be leveraged for distribution. Being a fiber based RF distribution model, loss over distance is no longer a limiting factor. Such an advanced DAS solution has been in our tool-box of options and has been deployed successfully. Its benefits are simplicity and future-readiness.

The following five components of our Advanced In-Building DAS Solution provide advanced in-building cellular and Public Safety bands connectivity. The simplicity of these components makes both the design and installation flexible and easy. Today, it is more important than ever that we have reliable in-building wireless connectivity. Fortunately, this process doesn't have to be unnecessarily complicated. Using our streamlined DAS comprising the following five components, indoor connectivity is reliable and guaranteed.

Primary Hub.

The primary hub performs a number of duties in an Advanced In-Building DAS Solution. First, it is the primary hub that provides the connection directly to the RF sources. In addition, RF signals are converted to optical through the primary hub, which is also connected to other hubs via fiber or, if the configuration is a single star one, directly to remotes.

One of the main features of the primary hub is its unique distribution matrix for internal service, allowing a great degree of flexibility to route wireless signals within the entire system. In this way, individual frequencies and operators can be either routed system-wide or directed to specific system sections. Such customizations can be tailor-made to suit the requirements of the individual system.

Secondary Hub.

Secondary hubs connect to the primary hub via an optical link (full duplex) which connects directly to an optical module in the front area of the primary hub. The purpose of the secondary hub is to connect the primary hub's RF feed to as many as eight remote units as required. Each secondary hub is configured to support an optical expansion of 1:8 out of the box, with no additional set up or modules required.

In terms of powering remote units, this is achieved by way of a fully integrated chassis on the secondary hub which supports a PSU (power supply unit) of up to 48 volts. Connectivity is achieved by attaching pairs of copper wires to two-way Phoenix connectors as needed.

Depending on the layout of the site and where equipment rooms are located, secondary hubs can either be located in the vicinity of the primary hub or placed at a suitable distance. Since each hub is fully modular, as many as eight optical modules and four service modules can be supported, with optical modules designed to integrate to either remotes or secondary hubs while service modules integrate directly to appropriate RF sources.

Service Module.

Each primary hub can deploy up to four service modules, which serve as a direct interface between the primary hub and the source of the RF signal, whether that be a small cell, BTS, BDA, or other sources. The service modules can be hot-swapped at any time, ensuring easy access for the purposes of system testing and maintenance or to configure additional frequencies or operators without disrupting current services.

Optical Module.

Supporting fiber links from the primary to a secondary hub, the optical module also supports fiber links to the remotes; with up to eight optical modules being deployed. Inserted in the front of the primary hub, the optical module is a hot-swappable unit which allows for the adding of remotes or system maintenance without affecting existing services.

Remote Unit.

Typically situated in out-of-sight locations, such as above ceiling tiles, the remote unit is located close to the service area. Converting wireless signal from both optical to RF and RF to optical, the remote unit amplifies the wireless signal for transmission either to or from a mobile device. Similar to the other components, the remote unit is wideband and supports all frequencies in any combination, from between 150 MHz and 2700 MHz.