A DAS (distributed antenna system) can operate on its own, just as a small cell system can operate solely. Although, the two can also be combined. Over 80% of engineers predict small cell systems will be integrated with an increasing number of DAS in the future. There are many examples that show how well small cells work when added to DAS in venues that get a lot of traffic. Small cells can operate alone but they work best when used in conjunction with DAS.

DAS is used to improve signal strength in buildings, entertainment venues, stadiums, and so forth. Not all venues benefit from the addition of small cells, but those with outer coverage areas that lack high levels of traffic can benefit from the addition of small cells because they are more capital efficient.

What is Small Cell?

Small cells are made from a fiber optic network with various wireless access points. Sounds similar to a DAS, right? Although, there are some serious differences. For starters, you do not need a fiber optic transponder (BIU) to bridge the gap between the base station RF signals to fiber.

A 3G gateway or evolved packet core (EPC) is used to attach the small cells to the base transceiver station (BTS) baseband unit or wireless core. Small cells operate on the common public radio interface when attached to the baseband unit. On the other hand, they run on Ethernet when they are attached to the core via a 3G gateway or EPC. Small cells can be a single cell site sector or a pico cell site.  So, how are all these decisions made? The design of the system plays an important role, as does the network architecture. The design engineer is typically the deciding factor because they understand what will work best.

Small Cell VS. DAS

While small cells provide solid coverage, similarly to a DAS, there are many differences in terms of the system design and architecture, this is especially true depending on the situation. In the past, small cell systems were focused on offering a boost in reception to one particular mobile provider. The latest advancements in small cell technology are shifting towards a broader range of support, including 2G, 3G, and 4G for multiple carriers and networks.

Much of these changes have arisen out of the need to support multi-operator core networks, as well as multi-public land mobile networks—this is when several mobile networks operate on the same bands. As a result of engineers designing joint systems, small cells offer a more effective solution than they have in the past.

Many experts believe the real magic happens when the powers of small cells and DAS are combined, thus allowing the next generation of indoor wireless communication to reach new heights.

VHF and UHF radios may look the same, but they operate on different frequencies. The best option for your business is circumstantial, and each has its own drawbacks and benefits. For starters, VHF (very high frequency) radios are great for tightly-packed urban environments, while UHF (ultra-high frequency) radios are ideal for wide-open spaces—such as large fields or out at sea. Continue reading to learn more about these different types of radio frequencies. 

UHF Vs. VHF Radio

What UHF Radios Have to Offer

UHF radios run on a higher radio frequency spectrum than VHF. As a result, it is easier for the signal to move through concrete and metal structures, as well as natural barriers like trees. That’s why UHF is commonly used in dense urban environments, as well as heavily forested terrain. In addition, UHF is commonly used inside of buildings because it can transmit signals even through thick walls.   

UHF radios generally have a shorter antenna and are often more compact than VHF radios. You can further boost radio range by adding an extender on to the antenna. Although, this will extend the length of the otherwise compact antenna, which might make it cumbersome for certain uniforms.

Common applications for UHF radios include:

• On campus at educational facilities
• Industrial warehouses
• Retail stores
• Security personnel 
• Indoors
• Cities & urban areas with dense buildings

What Does VHF Offer?

VHF radio signals are on the low end of the frequency scale when compared to UHF. Although, VHF signal wavelength is longer, allowing it to travel farther than UHF. If you are planning to use radios outdoors and want farther signal reach, VHF may be the right option.

Aviation and marine communication are conducted exclusively on VHF radios. They are also used by outdoor security personnel, maintenance workers, and in wide open fields, from golf courses to concerts and other large outdoor festivals.

VHF signals are not able to move as freely through metal and concrete like UHF can. Therefore, VHF is not always the best option in dense urban areas or inside large buildings. Instead, this signal operates best in an area that is wide open.

Marine VHF Radios (VHF Maritime Mobile Band)

Marine VHF radios operate between 156 and 174 MHz. Equipment for this radio system is installed on all large ships and other watercraft. It is also used on lakes and rivers, although there are different regulations based on the body of water.

VHF radios are reliable and used for a lot of different purposes including search and rescue, as well as maintaining communication between ships and harbors, marinas, and so forth. Also, this type of radio is capable of receiving weather radio broadcasts as they are made available.

There are regulations on VHF radios. For instance, they must be capable of sending out a distress signal with the push of a button. This is technically known as “Digital Selective Calling.” There are both simplex and duplex transmission channels used for VHF radios. Simplex transmissions only allow data to transfer in one direction at a time, as the radio works as a transmitter and a receiver. Duplex transmission channels allow communication to work in both directions.

Furthermore, transmission power is typically between 1 and 25 watts, with an average signal reach of 60 nautical miles when the aerial is placed on a tall ship or hill.

UHF vs VHF? We’re Here to Help

Unsure if you need a UHF or VHF radio? Give us a call today, our experts are happy to help guide you in the right direction.

You might be wondering how far can two-way radios communicate—and how much of a difference is afforded by long-range radios in comparison to standard radios? No matter what, long-range two-way radios offer a much greater span of communication, reaching hundreds of miles. Although, the exact distance a radio can communicate across varies based upon different factors including the terrain, type of radio and watts available.

Standard two-way radios can communicate a relatively short distance, usually around 25 miles on a good day. On the other hand, long-range two-way radios operating on a Wide Area Network are capable of communicating across 300 miles with the same clarity you’d get if you were talking to someone next door. Clearly, this is a huge difference.

Long Range Two-Way Radios vs. Standard Two-Way Radios

How our Wide Area Network Operates

At Highland Wireless, we understand the importance of solid radio communication, and recognize the need for much greater signal strength than standard radios offer. That’s why we offer a future-forward Wide Area Network that allows you to communicate via radio as much as 300 miles away. We were one of the first providers in Florida to offer this type of radio communication, which we see as the future of two-way radios.

How Does it Work?

A wide area radio system is a large network of connected sites, each with their own radio infrastructure. As each site receives data it sends an audio transmission to the next site and an onboard computer transmits the audio to each site necessary for broadcast. This all happens in under a second—providing quick and seamless communication across hundreds of miles. As a result, businesses in Miami, Daytona Beach, West Palm, Orlando, Tampa—pretty much all throughout Florida, can communicate without missing a beat.

How Standard Two-way Radios Work

Standard two-way radios are generally somewhere between 150MHz and 900M Hz. AM radio signals can follow the natural curves of the Earth and therefore be received hundreds of miles away. Radio signals are different, they are considered “line-of-sight” communication. Even if the point of signal is not really a straight line to the receiver, the signal moves in a straight line following the horizon. As a result, they can get blocked up by different obstacles and interferences.

While standard radio signals can move through a lot of different non-metallic objects as well as walls and many other obstacles, they can ‘hit a wall’ when it comes to certain obstacles or hilly terrain. This is especially true if the antenna height is low. Antenna height plays an important role in how a signal is projected. Raising the height of the antenna can extend the line of sight, along with the distance a signal can travel.

Power output is important too, the more watts a radio has the farther distance the signal can travel. Think of it like this: while many radio stations are operating at 50,000 to 100,000 watts, the average handheld two-way radio is broadcasting at 1-5 watts. Additional watts greatly increase the distance a radio signal can travel. Unfortunately, radios with a lot of watts will lose battery charge quickly. Hence, the need for a different system that allows for long range communication without the drawback of significant battery drain. 

Highland Wireless Wide Area Network Offers the Ideal Solution

Our Wide Area Network offers the reliable communication you need across the state of Florida. Learn more about our reliable network.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are networks that enhance communication in areas that do not have good coverage. For instance, a large building in a densely urban area, or a sweeping outdoor venue. Depending on the set up of the system, they can be used to enhance mobile and/or radio device signals. For the most part, it is a three-part system that consists of:

A Donor Antenna System: usually placed on top of your building’s roof and positioned towards the nearest communication tower. It brings signals in and out of the building.  A Bi-Directional Amplifier: takes incoming signals from the donor antenna and amplifies them throughout the building. Receives signals from inside of the building and transmits them out to the donor antenna.  The Distributed Antenna System: an interconnected web of coaxial cable, power dividers, and splitters, as well as ceiling-mounted antennas, and fiber in some cases. This creates the path for signals moving to and from the BDA.

Far from one-size-fits-all, a DAS is typically designed to the unique requirements and specifications of a space or building. Indoor systems are known as iDAS and outdoor systems are known as oDAS. Not only does a DAS help improve daily productivity, it can be lifesaving in an emergency by allowing a consistent flow of communication between people, as well as First Responders.

4 Signs Your Venue or Building Will Benefit From a DAS

So, how do you know if your building or venue could benefit from implementing a DAS? Here are some key signs to look out for.

#1. You drop calls frequently – If cell phone calls and radio signals frequently drop inside of a building, a DAS may offer the appropriate solution. It is common for certain floors of a building to get better reception than others. If you must find a certain window on X floor to get okay service, it’s time to consider adding a DAS.

#2. People go outside the building to make calls – If everyone in the building resorts to huddling around the lobby or outside the building to make a call, efficiency could be improved with a DAS.

#3. Messages are difficult to send – Multimedia messages take more service to send and may be close to impossible to send or receive when inside of a building that needs a cellular repeater or DAS.

#4. You do not meet local regulations for First Responder communication – It’s imperative that First Responders can communicate in an emergency from all points of your building. A lack of radio signal can impair this from happening and lead to dire consequences.

Benefits of Adding a DAS

• Improve wireless or radio coverage in an area that otherwise has poor signal or coverage
• Enjoy fewer coverage gaps than other systems can offer
• Provides greater coverage while using less overall power
• Greater safety to the public, including people who work and live in a space, as well as First Responders in an emergency.
• Increases productivity by making in-building communication easier and more reliable.
• Enables consistent communication across crowded venues, thus enhancing public safety, security, and helping events run smoother.

Still unsure if you could benefit from the addition of a DAS? Contact Highland Wireless today! We offer free pre-testing of signal strength as well as site surveys.

SOURCES:

5 Signs You May Need an In-building Cellular Repeater System (DAS)

https://www.radio-electronics.com/info/antennas/das-distributed-antenna-systems/basics-tutorial.php

There are three main types of Distributive Antenna System (DAS) designs passive, active, and hybrid. The most common system recommended today is a hybrid DAS, which is considered the best option about 60% of the time. Active systems are recommended around 32% of the time, while passive systems are applied about 6% of the time. Passive systems are the simplest and most affordable to install but they do not offer the same reliability. A passive DAS is more commonly found in smaller buildings with fewer interruptions to RF signals. Active systems are the most complex and provide the greatest coverage. They are used in larger buildings with a lot of RF signal loss. Lastly, hybrid systems offer the best of both by combining the technology used in active and passive systems.

A Breakdown of Each Type of DAS Design

Passive DAS – Passive DAS is typically used indoors and for smaller areas. It is considered the simplest option in terms of design and is therefore more cost effective. The system consists of a repeater that transfers signals to and from the antenna. It relies on coax cabling to move the signals. A passive DAS is often recommended for buildings shrouded in metal, concrete, or thick masonry. These are all examples of materials that are difficult for RF signals to penetrate and, as a result, tend to block signals and cause “dead zones.”

Active DAS – Active DAS is more complex than a passive DAS. It is typically used in larger spaces or venues. If there are additional barrier materials blocking RF signals, an active DAS may be necessary to improve signal strength. This system includes fiber optic cabling that are capable of altering RF signals into light for distribution purposes, before turning it back into a recognizable signal once it reaches its intended destination.

Advanced fiber technologies are employed by up to 65% of engineers who specialize in DAS design. As a result of more advanced fiber technologies, digital transportation of RF signals is greatly enhanced. In many cases, this type of system can improve coverage as well as capacity and overall performance.

The downside to an active system is that it requires additional maintenance when compared to a passive system. Although, the enhanced communication capabilities and reliability make up for that in many cases.

Hybrid DAS – A combination of a passive design that relies on coax, and an active design that relies on fiber optics, Hybrid systems offer the best of both worlds. A hybrid system combines the technology of coax and fiber optics to distribute signals. It is a single passive DAS that is connected to a few passive systems that rely on RF amplifiers.

Since it is similar to a passive system, the design and installation tend to be less complex. This option typically produces better signals and offers fewer signal losses than a passive system. Although, there is still some signal loss because the antennas are wired together through coaxial cables. Over 50% of engineers believe that hybrid systems often make the best option.

What is the Best DAS Design for Your Building? – We offer free pre-testing of signal strength and site surveys. During this process, an engineer comes on site to assess your building or venue. As a result, we can provide you with the knowledge you need to decide on the best system regarding budget, reliability, and so forth. Contact us today to learn more and set up your free consultation and assessment.

SOURCE:

http://micro.apitech.com/pdf/whitepapers/DAS-API-WhitePaper.pdf