Traditional DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) are still the gold standard to improve cellular coverage in the largest facilities, such as airports and stadiums. These systems often use dedicated signal sources and fiber optic backbones to supply the headend and remote units inside a facility for solid transmission speeds up to 1Gbps.
However, traditional DAS solutions are not always financially viable for most facilities under a million square feet. This is due to the high upfront cost of the equipment, the extensive length of installation time and contract negotiations with carriers, and extra operating expenses due to the heat, electrical, and air conditioning loads.
To address the needs and budget of this market segment, GetWireless recommends Cel-Fi QUATRA, a hybrid active DAS. The multi-carrier solution is fully digital, carrier approved, and guaranteed network safe. The system can be deployed with an off-air donor signal or connected to a small cell to create a distributed small cell network called a Supercell. And the installation can be accomplished in just days by certified installers versus months typical of a traditional DAS, and at a fraction of the cost.
Cel-Fi QUATRA can amplify cellular signal up to 656 horizontal or vertical feet with 100dB gain simultaneously delivered on multiple carrier networks using Category 5e or better cable between the headend and remote units inside a facility. A new Fiber HUB add-on to QUATRA now also enables fiber runs from the headend to as far as 1.25 miles away, making the active DAS hybrid a viable solution for a multi-building complex, high-rise, or facilities in remote locations at the edge of macro coverage, such as a data center embedded in a mountain or a tunnel.
In contrast, for a typical traditional DAS installation, the system integrator has to deal with four different sets of carrier teams that may have different requirements to sign off on an installation agreement. This can take months and is a huge factor when the client doesn’t have $20,000+ in additional budget to negotiate contracts with the carriers, which can be a significant differentiator in a competitive proposal to a middle price customer.
Here is what system integrators have to say about using Cel-Fi QUATRA instead of a traditional DAS:
“The entire system, including installation, cost the school about the same as it would have cost for only a headend of a traditional DAS.”
“We have seen that the Cel-Fi QUATRA Part 20 hybrid is a good, solid, reliable product. I can order the equipment, have it installed quickly, and sign off through the carriers’ websites immediately.”
“Cel-Fi QUATRA allows us to install a system, remotely monitor it, and make adjustments if we need to. It’s a smarter solution that fits into our smart DAS product offerings.”
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