====== Introduction to DAS Networks ======

Author: Michelle McCausland

Excerpts taken from presentation given by Stephen Shotts - Errigal U - Wireless Telecom & DAS Primer - November 2015
{{ :onboarding:introduction:07_-_errigal_university_-_wireless_telecom_das_primer_2015.pptx |}}

{{ :onboarding:introduction:videotron_das.jpg?nolink&200 |}}

**DAS** - Stands for Distributed Antenna Systems
  * A single traditional “tower” is replaced by smaller, typically fiber-fed, remote amplifiers.
  * DAS is widely used indoors and outdoors - in hotels, shopping centers, stadiums.

{{:onboarding:introduction:fake_cactus_cell_towers.jpg?nolink&200|}}
{{:onboarding:introduction:picture1.png?nolink&200|}}

**Pros:**
  * Less loss between amplifier and antenna (requiring lower power).
  * Signal can be placed more exactly.
  * Hardware supports “neutral host” configuration.

**Cons:**
  * Installation costs are higher compared to an average tower.
  * Maintenance costs are higher (more nodes, fiber repairs are costly).
  * Added complexity (multiple vendors and configurations).

----

**Currently 74,000 active DAS nodes deployed in the US.**

**Crown Castle – A traditional tower company**
  * 28,000 DAS “Nodes” including “Extension Units”
  * Acquisitions:  Newpath ($115M) and NextG Communications ($1B), as well as other local fiber companies.

**ExteNet Systems**
  * 8,000 DAS “Nodes” including “Extension Units”
  * Acquisitions:  Former Mobilitie DAS assets by way of SBA Communications (tower Co.)

**Future Customer(s):**
  * American Tower Company
  * 8,000 DAS “Nodes” + tower monitoring (lights, generators, etc.)
  * Other smaller integrators, venue owners, and DAS OEMs

----

**DAS OEMs (hardware vendors)**

  * Commscope (Andrew) – Hardware manufactured in Germany.
     * Models:  ION-M, ION-B, ION-U, TSUN
  * TE Connectivity (LGC, ADC, recently acquired by Commscope) – Based in San Jose.
     * Models: LRCS, Prism, Fusion, Spectrum.
  * Corning Mobile Access – Primarily only indoor DAS.
     * Models:  MA1000/2000, CorningOne
  * BravoTech Internaitonal (BTI) – Errigal worked with them to improve their SNMP Agent.
  * Powerwave - Out of business, but hardware is still deployed.
  * SOLiD – Made in Korea.  Offers NOC services out of CA.
  * Zinwave - Made in UK.  Extremely poor SNMP agent design.
  * Teko Telecom - Made in Italy.  Deployed in Levi’s stadium.

NOTE: See the following page for more info on DAS and NON DAS OEMs: [[toolsandtechnologies:oems|OEMs]]


----
===== Self Assessment =====

Assess your knowledge by seeing if you can answer the following questions:

  - What does the term DAS stand for?
  - Where are DAS systems used?
  - What are some advantages of DAS systems? Name 2
  - What are some dis-advantages of DAS systems? Name 2
  - Approximately how many DAS nodes are actively used in the US?
  - Name 3 DAS OEMs