Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) extend cellular coverage inside buildings, campuses, and venues where structural materials attenuate outdoor signals — providing reliable voice and data connectivity for employees, visitors, and IoT devices in locations where cellular coverage is otherwise inadequate.
Modern buildings with dense concrete, steel framing, and low-emissivity glass windows are cellular signal barriers. Hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, parking structures, and high-rise offices all experience coverage dead zones that impair employee productivity and critical communications. DAS solves this by distributing cellular signal from indoor antenna arrays connected to carrier equipment or signal amplifiers. RLM advises on DAS design, carrier coordination, and neutral-host architectures.
A structured advisory process — from environment assessment and carrier/vendor evaluation to deployment support and ongoing optimization.
We conduct an RF site survey — measuring signal strength throughout your facility, identifying dead zones, and determining whether passive DAS, active DAS, or small cell deployments best address your coverage gaps.
We design the DAS architecture — passive vs. active DAS, neutral-host vs. carrier-dedicated design, antenna placement, head-end equipment, and the carrier interface that connects the system to licensed spectrum.
We manage carrier coordination — submitting DAS integration requests, obtaining carrier approval for equipment connection, and managing the testing and acceptance process that authorizes the system for commercial use.
For facilities requiring reliable public safety communications — hospitals, government buildings, high-rise offices — we advise on FirstNet DAS requirements, ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems) compliance, and the fire code implications of indoor cellular coverage systems.
The dimensions that separate high-performing mobility deployments from costly ones — and the questions RLM helps you answer before any commitment.
Passive DAS uses coaxial cable to distribute signal and works well for single-carrier, smaller deployments. Active DAS uses fiber and remote antenna units, supporting multiple carriers with better signal quality for larger facilities. Evaluate the trade-offs for your building size and carrier requirements.
Neutral-host DAS serves multiple carriers from a single infrastructure investment. Evaluate whether carriers will connect to a neutral-host system in your facility and the revenue-sharing or cost-sharing model available.
Legacy DAS infrastructure may not support 5G frequencies (mid-band 3.5 GHz, mmWave). Evaluate the 5G compatibility of DAS designs for new deployments and the upgrade path for existing systems.
Many jurisdictions require Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems in new construction and major renovations. Evaluate ERRCS requirements early — the design and inspection process adds timeline and cost.
DAS systems require periodic maintenance and carrier software updates. Evaluate maintenance contracts, carrier update procedures, and the monitoring approach that detects coverage degradation before complaints escalate.
"RLM helped us rationalize our mobile fleet across four carriers and cut our monthly spend by 31%. They handled the whole transition — we didn't lose a single device."
"We needed private LTE across 12 distribution centers. RLM mapped the vendors, ran the RFP, and had us live in 90 days. Their knowledge of the carrier landscape is unmatched."
Talk to an RLM advisor who specializes in enterprise mobility. Vendor-neutral guidance from assessment through deployment.