DAS installation helps bring stronger cell service into buildings where signals usually drop. It’s one part of a full network installation, but not always the right one. Some businesses need it. Others don’t.

What is DAS, and when is it installed?

A Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, uses antennas and signal boosters to bring strong cellular coverage into buildings that block outside signals. You’ll usually find DAS in places like hospitals, stadiums, high-rises, or campuses, anywhere regular cell service drops off indoors. 

Concrete, steel, and low-emissivity glass all make it harder for cell signals to get through. Even if you’re close to a tower, calls can still drop.

Wi-Fi and public LTE don’t always pick up the slack. Wi-Fi fades in large spaces. Public networks often slow down or lose strength once you step inside.

DAS picks up the outdoor signal, amplifies it, and pushes it through antennas placed throughout the building. In some setups, high-density Wi-Fi paired with LTE fallback can work just as well, depending on how the space is used.

What’s the difference between passive and active DAS?

Passive and active DAS do the same job in different ways, as shown in this chart:

Passive DAS sends the cell signal straight through coax cables. It’s a simpler setup and costs less, but the signal fades the farther it goes. It winds up a better fit for smaller buildings with fewer coverage issues.

Active DAS takes the signal, turns it into digital data, and moves it over fiber or ethernet. You get more distance, better control, and support for bigger, busier spaces. It's also remotely monitorable, which helps if something goes offline.

DAS installation overview

A distributed antenna system installation usually starts when a building just can’t hold a reliable cell signal. Think of dense materials, weird layouts, or underground levels that block everything. Hospitals, stadiums, and high-rises are the usual suspects.

Hospitals and medical centers

Medical gear often interferes with radio signals. Add reinforced walls and you’ve got huge dead zones. DAS helps staff stay connected and supports public safety radios for emergencies.

High-rises and office towers

Concrete, metal, and elevator shafts break up signals fast. Even if the lobby gets coverage, you’ll lose it once you hit the stairwell or upper floors. A DAS brings the signal to every level.

Stadiums and convention centers

Public LTE slows to a crawl once the crowd rolls in. DAS fixes that by routing traffic through dedicated antennas inside the venue.

Where the signal comes from: Off-air vs. base station

Every DAS needs a signal source. That’s usually either an off-air antenna or a carrier base station.

An off-air antenna sits on the roof and pulls in signal from the nearest tower. It works well if the outdoor signal is already strong. If not, you’ll end up boosting noise along with the signal.

A base station, often called a “BTS,” brings in a clean, dedicated signal from the carrier. It’s more reliable but also more expensive. Plus, it requires direct carrier coordination.

Carriers don’t just give the green light

Any time a DAS uses a carrier signal, whether from a tower or a BTS, you need approval. That includes submitting the design, waiting for feedback, and making sure it gets integrated into the carrier’s network.

This step can drag. Some carriers respond fast; others take months. That’s why early planning helps.

When we help customers with commercial network installation, we often build in time for carrier back-and-forth.

Timeline and cost depend on your building

Installation time depends on building size, carrier involvement, and cabling access. Smaller projects, like a single-carrier system in a mid-rise, can take a few months. Large, multi-carrier DAS setups in hospitals or stadiums often stretch closer to a year.

Cost varies just as much. Key drivers include:

• Total square footage
• Number of carriers supported
• Type of signal source (off-air vs. base station)
• Cabling needs and existing infrastructure

More antennas and longer cable runs add labor and equipment. If your building lacks riser space or requires new fiber paths, expect longer timelines and higher complexity.

When we help clients through infrastructure network installs, we often factor in future DAS support, even if it’s not being installed right away. It saves time and cost later.

DAS system components: The basics, explained

Every DAS setup relies on a few core parts to bring the signal in, move it through the building, and push it out where people need it.

Each component plays a different role, but together they create one connected system.

Donor antenna

Usually mounted on the roof, this antenna picks up the outdoor cell signal. It’s aimed toward the nearest tower with the strongest coverage.

Bi-directional amplifier (BDA)

This device boosts the signal as it travels between the roof and the rest of the system. It balances the uplink and downlink, so calls and data move both ways without dropping.

Coax or fiber cabling

Passive DAS uses coax. Active DAS uses fiber. Fiber handles longer distances and supports more data, which is why it's better for larger buildings or multi-carrier setups.

Remote units and antennas

These are the antennas people actually connect to. They're placed across floors, halls, and rooms to push out the signal where coverage is needed most.

Signal source equipment

This might be a repeater that captures an off-air signal, or a base station (BTS) supplied by the carrier. A BTS gives better performance but costs more and takes more setup.

Monitoring and management (optional)

Some DAS setups include monitoring tools that track signal levels and alert you to issues. Larger sites might link this to existing IT dashboards or building systems.

DAS deployment: Key steps and timeline

Getting a DAS up and running isn’t instant. There’s a clear process, from checking the building to tuning the last antenna. Most deployments follow the same basic steps, though timelines vary depending on building size, carrier involvement, and signal source.

Site survey and RF analysis

An engineer walks through the building to see where coverage is weak. They take measurements to map out signal strength and dead zones. This shapes the system design.

Design and carrier approval

The DAS layout is planned to match how the building is used. It’s then sent to mobile carriers for review. Carriers check for conflicts and approve how their signal will be used.

Equipment sourcing and cabling prep

Once the design is approved, parts are ordered. While waiting, the team gets the building ready, running cable through risers, drop ceilings, and wherever access is available.

Installation and integration

Antennas, amplifiers, and supporting gear are installed across the site. Everything is connected back to the signal source and configured to carrier specs.

Testing and signal validation

Each antenna gets tested. The team walks the site again to confirm signal levels and fix any dead spots.

Post-deployment support or monitoring

After the installation, some buildings keep the DAS managed through a vendor. Others hand it off to in-house IT or add monitoring to an existing dashboard.

Tips for choosing a DAS installation company

You need a team that understands cellular networks, has real experience with DAS system installation, follows local code, and works well with your IT group. Here’s what to look for:

Look for real-world DAS experience

Make sure the team has worked on both passive and active DAS, especially in buildings like hospitals, schools, or large offices. Commercial work is different from basic residential installs.

Ask about multi-carrier setups

Most businesses don’t want to support just one carrier. A good integrator knows how to build for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile at once.

Make sure they know local compliance rules

Some cities require a public safety DAS for firefighter or police radios. That brings extra rules from the fire marshal or NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Not every installer can handle that.

Check how they work with IT

DAS gear affects more than just the signal. It may use rack space, power, and network switches. Your IT team needs to be looped in from day one.

Look for carrier-neutral partners

Some installers push one carrier’s gear because they’re under contract. A neutral team builds the system around your needs, not the carrier’s.

Challenges and compliance considerations

Some issues come up during planning. Others show up later and cost time or money to fix. Here are the big ones to watch out for.

Some cities require a separate DAS just for first responder radios. This system uses different frequencies than commercial cellular. It also needs battery backup, 24/7 fault monitoring, and full building coverage, including stairwells and basements.

Cabling routes can block progress. Older buildings may not have open risers or usable ceiling paths for coax or fiber. In that case, retrofits are needed. That means cutting into walls or ceilings, and adding costs.

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Planning for 5G or CBRS isn’t always simple. DAS should be ready for newer spectrum bands. But future-proofing too far ahead can backfire. Not every carrier supports those bands yet, and some buildings may not need them at all.

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Too much DAS can hurt performance. Adding more antennas isn’t always better. Poorly tuned systems can create interference, cancel each other out, or waste power, which is why system design matters more than just square footage.

When you might not need DAS (+ alternatives)

Some buildings get solid coverage with the right mix of Wi-Fi, LTE, and flexible infrastructure. It depends on how the space is used and how much control you need over the network.

Strong Wi-Fi with bonded LTE may be enough

In many cases, a solid Wi-Fi deployment paired with bonded LTE provides reliable coverage for day-to-day needs. Meter Cellular helps keep businesses online, without the cost or complexity of a full DAS build.

Private 5G with CBRS works in larger or isolated sites

Warehouses, industrial parks, and campuses can benefit from private 5G. Plus, CBRS lets you build a secure, high-performance cellular network without relying on mobile carriers.

Our Mobile Network as a Service gives teams a way to deploy private LTE or 5G networks with more flexibility and control than DAS offers.

Modern Wi-Fi standards can fill coverage gaps

Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer better speed and range than older systems. For smaller offices or midsize spaces, a well-placed Wi-Fi network can handle coverage without needing cellular distribution at all.

We’ve helped customers extend signal reach using high-density Wi-Fi designs that account for walls, load, and access points, no DAS needed.

Flexible buildings need flexible networks

In modular workspaces or fast-changing layouts, DAS can get in the way. Antennas are hardwired into specific zones. A software-defined network, on the other hand, moves with the layout.

That’s one reason we often recommend starting with scalable Wi-Fi and LTE fallback before investing in a fixed cellular system.

How Meter supports DAS-ready networks

Meter doesn’t install DAS. However, we do help teams set up the necessary infrastructure to support it, especially when a third-party DAS integrator is involved.

Our services focus on making sure the building network can handle DAS traffic and that teams have visibility into what’s happening across the system.

We support planning around carrier-neutral DAS

When a building brings in a DAS vendor, we work alongside them to get the handoff right. That includes setting up fiber, switches, rack space, and other key network devices so the DAS equipment fits cleanly into the rest of the network.

Our networks help reduce the need for full DAS

Many deployments don’t need indoor cellular coverage at carrier-level strength. With our Wi-Fi-first model and bonded LTE fallback, we help teams avoid costly overbuilds.

Meter Connect provides the backhaul

Every DAS needs a path to the internet. Our Meter Connect service handles the ISP side, so you don’t have to coordinate it across multiple vendors.

Meter Command gives you network-wide visibility

While Meter Command doesn’t directly manage DAS, it does help IT teams see LAN, Wi-Fi, and backhaul performance in one place. That matters when DAS is added into the mix.

Frequently asked questions

How long does DAS installation typically take?

Timelines vary based on building size, carrier involvement, and installation complexity. Many projects take several months, especially when multiple carriers are involved.

Do I need carrier approval before installing DAS?

Yes, you do. Mobile carriers must approve the design before their signal can be rebroadcast through a DAS.

How much does a DAS installation cost for commercial buildings?

There’s no fixed number. Costs depend on your layout, cabling needs, signal source, and the number of carriers supported.

Can I reuse existing cabling for a new DAS deployment?

In some cases, yes. Older coax might work with passive DAS, but active systems usually require new fiber runs.

Is DAS necessary if I have great Wi-Fi coverage?

Not always. If your main tools run over Wi-Fi and LTE is only a fallback, a DAS may not be needed.

How do I find qualified DAS installation companies?

Look for teams with commercial DAS experience, multi-carrier knowledge, and public safety compliance, including NFPA 72.

What’s the best signal source for my building?

If the outdoor signal is strong, an off-air antenna may be enough. Weaker areas usually benefit from a base station instead.

Can Meter help with DAS planning or alternatives?

We don’t install DAS, and we rarely recommend it. Most businesses get better results with Meter Cellular and bonded LTE, which avoid the cost and carrier delays that come with DAS. When DAS is required, like for public safety, we can support the network infrastructure and ISP backhaul that it depends on.

Meter builds better indoor coverage without unnecessary DAS

DAS installation adds cost, delays, and carrier coordination that most businesses don’t need. For many buildings, it’s overbuilt from the start.

Meter’s vertically integrated network solves indoor coverage differently. We combine enterprise Wi-Fi, bonded LTE, and Meter Cellular, our private, neutral-host CBRS network, into one fully managed system.

You get strong, reliable coverage without relying on DAS.

Features you can expect from Cellular:

• Simplified deployment: Meter handles everything from site surveys to installation and activation.
• Quick installation: The process is much faster than traditional DAS, taking just 6 to 8 weeks.
• Reliable coverage: Neutral-host CBRS gives strong signals and removes dead zones for steady, carrier-grade service.
• Multi-carrier support: One setup works with major carriers, keeping employees and visitors connected.
• Dashboard monitoring: The upcoming Meter dashboard integration, planned for Q1-Q2 next year, will display cellular APs, their status, and connected devices
• Compliance and security: The system supports E911 compliance for accurate emergency service access.

Adding Cellular to your vertically integrated network plan or purchasing it separately means strong, high-quality indoor cell coverage that grows with your business. 

Contact Meter today to learn more.