
Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
What is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS)?
The DAS Forum defines DAS as “A network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure,” but what does this mean, and how does it all work?
Typically, the objective of DAS network implementation is to capture wireless radio frequency (RF) signals, and to make them available where reception would be difficult, if not impossible, because of environmental variables. For example: A building’s basement, because they are below grade, are typically places with poor to nonexistent signal, but with a properly implemented DAS network, maintaining wireless connectivity becomes a possibility.
For nearly the past twenty years, DAS networks have become common telecommunications networks in office buildings, malls, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing facilities, power plants, airports and a multitude of other sites. All of these structures present challenges for the reception of wireless signals because of their building materials, and possibly because of their location, but with the help of an active in-building DAS network, these challenges can be overcome. Beyond coverage issues, when connected to a radio source like a base station or small cell, a DAS can be used to extend coverage and capacity within a venue.
Staying connected is vital, and DAS networks make staying connected possible in places where doing so may be difficult, if not impossible. The end results of a properly implemented DAS network are keeping people in touch with important people in their lives, keeping them in touch with vital information, along with providing greater safety, convenience and productivity.
In the illustration above, we see the basic building blocks of a traditional in-building DAS solution. RF signals are fed into the head end of the DAS network (normally located in the building’s master communications closet (MC)) by either a radio repeater connected to a donor antenna on the roof of the building or a base station provided by the respective wireless operator. At the head end, the RF signals are filtered, amplified, and converted to light. Once converted to light, the signals are transmitted to remote units located throughout the building’s telecom closets (TC) over fiber optic cable. The remote units then convert the optical signal back to RF, which is distributed throughout the building via coaxial cable to multiple ceiling mounted low profile serving antennas.

Commercial Wireless
Commercial wireless refers to DAS solutions that extend coverage and or capacity of the networks owned by the wireless operators such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.
Longent has been servicing the needs of Commercial Wireless operators since early 2002. Most Commercial DAS Networks currently being deployed focus on the 4th Generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies in the 700, 850, 1900 and 2200 MHz bands. Close on the horizon is the addition of 5th Generation (5G) technologies utilizing the CBRS and Millimeter wave set of frequency Bands. CBRS will offer upwards of 150 MHZ of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz range, with some of that spectrum being made available on a shared basis. At 3.5 GHz, CBRS starts to look very similar to the widely deployed WiFi solutions. The Millimeter wave solutions, are a relatively new arena for mobile communications, operating at 24, 28 and 38 GHz. These bands offer greatly reduced range, but can accommodate a tremendous amount of frequency bandwidth and data throughput.

Public Safety Wireless
The introduction of first responder (Fire, Police, EMS, etc.) radio coverage as part of the 2012 International Building Code, has created a dramatic increase in the number of Public Safety Radio coverage solutions in the VHF, UHF and 700/800 MHz bands. These solutions have the added requirement of the solution provider having a General Radio Operators License (GROL) along with the appropriate state issued contracting license. Additionally, each solution requires NEMA 4 enclosures, battery backup, integration into the buildings alarm panel and annual coverage checks.

Stadium & Entertainment
As the Smart Stadium trend continues to formulate, Stadiums and large Public Venues need more than just Carrier wireless coverage and capacity. They need a vision. Longent works with Venue owners and Carriers to ensure they meet the challenge of providing an exceptional and nuanced user experience to their end customers while attending events. Longent views Distributed Antenna System projects as a springboard that creates a platform for venue owners to facilitate and provision other event venue-specific solutions that can be “bolted-on” to leverage the DAS infrastructure: i.e. digital signage, CCTV, POS terminals and revenue generating/analytic-gathering/way-finding/in-seat purchase apps. Longent is highly involved in the emerging arena of “IoT” and partners with multiple manufacturers and resellers. This aspect of our business facilitates Longent to easily provision venue-specific solutions and end-devices transported by Longent-installed DAS, Private 5G networks, distributed Small-cells, or Wi-Fi.

Campus
Today’s Universities have discovered that students no longer need or desire wired phone service in dorms and other campus buildings. Consequently, several of these forward-thinking institutions have partnered with Longent to improve radio coverage and capacity on their campus. Not only do we supply seamless coverage solutions in the academic buildings and residence halls, but have implemented high capacity networks for game day and major events at their stadiums and arenas.
At the K through 12 levels, educators realize that seamless radio communications allow administrators to maintain contact with faculty, students, and parents at all times during the school day and is paramount for the safety and well being of their students and faculty during emergency situations. Additionally, public safety radio coverage allows first responders to stay connected during critical events.

Commercial
Given the competitive nature of US businesses and their adoption of mobile services as a critical part of your business processes, it’s no wonder these types of venues were the early catalysts for Distributed Antenna System deployments. In addition to the demand by business users, Commercial buildings tend to be equipped with IDF and Telecomm rooms which readily accommodate DAS solutions. Historically, the commercial deployments were funded by a wireless operator who needed to improve coverage at a customer’s facility. In recent years, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of commercial end-user customers who are willing to fund the systems themselves.
Funding the DAS allows these organizations to simultaneously improve coverage for multiple wireless service providers while allowing the venue owner to control the implementation timeline and include services like public safety radio and wi-fi along with the commercial radio services. As with any FCC licensed spectrum, the re-broadcasting of the wireless operator’s radio channels mandates an agreement between the DAS owner and the respective operators. Fortunately, Longent is well versed in the procurement of these agreements and can facilitate the process.

Healthcare
The healthcare industry is increasingly burdened with patient safety and security of information while continuing to streamline costs. Seamless communications and utilization of advanced smartphone applications are critical tools for caregivers needing instant access to important patient information. As a result, radio coverage in and around large and complex healthcare facilities is a must.
Unfortunately, many of these healthcare facilities consist of buildings that were constructed many years ago and have been added to over time, compounding radio reception issues. Longent has designed DAS solutions for a multitude of healthcare facilities; and as a result, is very familiar with the requirements of the structures, the facility stakeholders, and the wireless operators.

Hospitality
Because of the popularity of wireless communications, business and personal travelers demand seamless communications at hotels and resorts. Additionally, hotels and resorts are constantly looking for ways to attract guests and establish repeat business.
With a properly implemented DAS solution, guests are able to easily move from offices or restaurants to hotels without a lapse in voice or data connectivity. This not only protects current occupancy rates but positions the facility for increased business.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing environments tend to create unique challenges, which can be caused by a facility’s construction materials, the expanse of the facility, lighting, machinery, and in some cases, access to the facility because of multiple shifts. If not properly accounted for, all of these variables can be detrimental to a successful implementation, possibly resulting in increased timelines and cost.
A properly implemented DAS solution allows for greater capability to communicate, which may, in turn, increase productivity, and also provide for greater safety should the need arise.

Public Safety
During times of public emergency, communications between our first responders are paramount in protecting the occupants of the sites under duress; as well as, the emergency personnel coming to their aid. As a result, many municipalities and government agencies have passed laws mandating adequate public safety radio coverage in new commercial and government buildings.

Public Venue
Public venues such as Convention Centers, Arenas, Stadiums, and Airports are often plagued by poor RF coverage which can readily be resolved by a DAS solution. With the wireless capacity demand posed by the proliferation of smartphones, the more significant issue posed at these venues is the capacity demand on game day or during busy periods. A capacity solution involves providing coverage enhancement as needed.
However, it also involves breaking the facility into segments or sectors, each having a dedicated amount of capacity allocated. Designing a high capacity venue involves a considerable amount of RF testing and predictive modeling. These venues also need a location to house the large amount of wireless operator equipment needed to provide the radio capacity for the site. Longent is unmatched in its background, tools, and experience at designing and deploying DAS networks at high capacity venues.

Retail
Because malls, shopping centers, and grocery stores are usually constructed of concrete, brick or other materials which tend to be unfriendly to telecommunications signals, connectivity in many shopping centers is usually poor. Moreover, many shopping centers in large metropolitan areas may be surrounded by tall buildings, which may result in further attenuation of the signal.
Implementation of a DAS network in these facilities results in keeping shoppers connected because a day out shopping shouldn’t mean losing contact with important people and information.
- Better connectivity inside metal & concrete buildings
- Provide a superior experience for the venue’s customers
- In-building cell signal boost

System Design
Design for now & into the future
- Degreed RF Engineers physically walk the facility
- The venue is thoroughly assessed during the Site Survey
- Scout potential equipment locations and cabling paths
- Carrier wave transmitter tests are conducted as necessary
- Final System Design Drawings are generated using the industry accepted iBwave design tool
- Develop a solution that’s right for the venue or application
- Guarantee that Coverage/capacity expectations are met

System Installation
Professional Installation & Project Management
- Licensed contractor in multiple states
- From single antenna repeater based solutions to campus-wide multi-operator networks
- Highly trained and skilled installation technicians
- Experienced Project management oversight from start to commissioning

System Commissioning
- Properly optimize and commission each component of the System
- Ensure peak performance
- Uses advanced RF test tools to measure
- Record the pertinent RF coverage parameters
- Verify that all in-building system design requirements have been met
- Final product is a Close-Out Document showing all test results, final system as-built configuration and specific hardware settings

Maintenance & Monitoring
MAINTENANCE
- Focuses on preventing systems failures
- Includes routine scheduled site visits to verify system parameters
- Site visits to verify system parameters
- Deployment of Longent technicians if and when issues occur
MONITORING
- Longent provides 24X7 DAS monitoring
- Longent owned and operated network monitoring system
- Remotely monitor and diagnose system issues

About Us

Being a full turnkey solutions provider, Longent maintains its own fleet of vehicles equipped with the latest in installation and test equipment.

About Us

In addition to in house training of Longent’s Engineers, project managers, and installation technicians Longent’s personnel maintain industry specific licensing (GROL, General and Electrical Contracting, etc.) and certifications (product, design, and test tools).

About Us

To ensure rapid deployment after award, Longent maintains a well-stocked inventory of components at it’s Raleigh headquarters facility warehouse.
Longent Has Constructed More Than 3,000 DAS & Small Cell Networks
As a leader in the wireless industry, Longent has designed and constructed more than three thousand DAS and Small Cell networks. These networks afford businesses and individuals the ability to maintain vital contact on a 24X7 basis.
Whether at the “big game,” studying for mid-terms, catching a race, out for a day of shopping, or traveling, Longent’s team of professionals is unmatched at providing ubiquitous coverage and capacity solutions.

Longent LLC

Careers

- Account Managers
- Project Managers
- RF Engineers
- Lead Installation Technicians
- Installation Technicians
To see our current listing of open positions, please visit us at “Indeed”
Please Or email your resume and references to: [email protected]