Indoor DAS: Benefits, Installation & How It Works

Wireless internet connectivity is a necessity for everyday life. Dropped calls, dead zones, and weak signals are a public nuisance and can pose serious safety hazards. Reliable service is expected for business, personal, transportation, public safety, education, and more. Distributed antenna systems (DAS) resolve connectivity issues and gaps in a multitude of environments so that expectations of seamless service are met.

Quick answer: Indoor DAS (iDAS) is a network of antennas installed inside a building to distribute cellular signal throughout the space, closing the dead zones created by walls, floors, and modern building materials. It’s used in hospitals, hotels, offices, multifamily properties, airports, convention centers, stadiums, and anywhere people expect their phones to work inside. 

WHAT IS INDOOR DAS?

Indoor distributed antenna systems (iDAS) are common connectivity infrastructures used to efficiently disseminate wireless capacity and reception in sometimes complex interior facilities. Both large and small spaces can benefit from these supplementary, in-building networks. A variety of customizable DAS designs are possible to meet the needs of any indoor facility.

WHEN TO USE INDOOR DAS

Places such as hospitals, hotels and shopping centers rely on iDAS for cellular connectivity in previously isolated areas that had little to no service.

INDOOR DAS BENEFITS

By improving the connectivity of end users, iDAS enriches customer experiences, ensures public safety and improves business outcomes. At transportation venues like airports and train stations, iDAS allows passengers to easily access the internet and mobile applications on the go. Multiple carriers are supported for a reliable user experience. In hospitals, iDAS provides medical professionals and staff with dependable communication pathways. IDAS supports record keeping infrastructure, equipment operation, and patient care. Capacity requirements are substantial and complex, and iDAS joins solutions like private networks to meet the connectivity needs of patients, family and care providers. In densely populated entertainment venues like stadiums and arenas, iDAS provides crucial wireless coverage for fans, teams and performers. Both the production and the audience require robust internet service to orchestrate and document memorable events.

HOW INDOOR DAS WORKS

With iDAS, cellular signals are transmitted between multiple discrete nodes, or antennas. This wireless distribution strategy requires less power and is more effective than single antenna units. Coverage gaps are eliminated because more line-of-sight channels are in operation. Both passive and active DAS configurations are available for iDAS solutions. With passive DAS, an outside cellular signal is brought into a building and distributed indoors. With active DAS, cellular signals can be created. The signal source determines the type of signal that is distributed. I Base Transceiver Station (BTS) DAS pull signal from cell towers. They are complex to install, but can deliver high performance.

INSTALLATION

Installation begins with a consultation that is followed by an in-depth site survey. Conversations cover topics such as patterns of use, logistic requirements, and goals for growth. A detailed assessment inspects for dead zones, carrier strength, building materials, and more. A design, installation and operation plan is created based on the information gathered. While iDAS systems are typically discrete, the installation plan takes into consideration the aesthetic requirements of the service area. Once installed, iDAS systems should be continually monitored and maintained to provide reliable, seamless coverage.

Related: Learn how Outdoor DAS works.

INDOOR DAS IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Modern day construction materials such as energy-saving windows, steel beams, brick, and concrete degrade wireless communications. Cellular coverage supplied by macro antennas is often insufficient indoors where large groups of people gather. IDAS extends wireless coverage so that wireless connectivity is strong and seamless throughout a property. The technology is powerful but discrete. By enabling mobile device use throughout a building, IDAS guarantees building owners can move with demands of a connected worlds. Through iDAS, a single infrastructure can serve many users. Densification poses a challenge that only solutions like iDAS can overcome. Places like airports, train stations, stadiums, and convention centers require connectivity to meet operational requirements. Customers expect solid connectivity. Wireless service is so critical and ubiquitous that dead zones and dropped signals are unacceptable. Unfortunately, traditional cellular coverage does not always extend coverage inside buildings. IDAS is critical for bridging these gaps and ensuring reliability and always on connectivity.

With 25 years of experience as an industry leader, Boingo excels at designing, building and managing indoor DAS networks end-to-end, from initial site survey through 24/7 monitoring.

For contacting Boingo, visit boingo.com/corporate/contact/

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between indoor DAS and small cells? 

Indoor DAS and small cells both improve cellular coverage, but they work differently. A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) distributes carrier signals throughout a building using a network of connected antennas. Small cells are individual, carrier-specific radios that provide localized coverage in targeted areas. In many large buildings, DAS and small cells can be deployed together to enhance indoor cellular performance.  

How much does indoor DAS cost to install?

Indoor DAS costs vary based on the building and deployment requirements. Factors such as square footage, building construction, coverage objectives, and carrier participation all influence pricing. A network assessment can provide a site-specific estimate based on your building’s needs.  

Does indoor DAS work with all cell carriers? 

Most indoor DAS deployments use a neutral-host DAS architecture that supports multiple wireless carriers on shared infrastructure. This approach helps deliver consistent indoor cellular coverage for users across major carrier networks while reducing the need for separate systems for each provider.