Distributed Antenna Systems Grow with Wireless Connectivity

Distributed Antenna Systems Grow with Wireless Connectivity

The need for uninterrupted continuity of wireless signaling is propelling the distributed antenna system (DAS) market into double-digit growth and widespread global deployment.

A staple of in-building, code-required systems for amplifying RF signaling in life safety and public safety communications, the DAS market is moving into additional wireless deployments to handle increased mobile data traffic, the proliferation of connected devices and demand for extended network coverage.

DAS deployments span a host of services, including cellular, personal communications, enhanced specialized mobile radio, advanced wireless, broadband, public safety and business band mobile, and emergency medical. DAS is typically deployed as a network and designed to ensure extended, reliable signaling.

Projections for 2022 to 2030, released in July 2022 by Verified Market Research, indicate the market for DAS will reach more than $23 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%.

In addition, an increase in the number of buildings being built using contemporary and sustainable concepts are further fueling the DAS market, according to the report’s findings.

The report defines a DAS as a cluster of different antennae spatially separated and distributed over a geographic area for augmenting the existing wireless services, which includes cellular and radio signals. DAS provide extra network coverage and capacity to the buildings and venues subject to high demand for wireless services such as sports stadiums, concert halls and auditoriums. DAS networks can be used indoors or outdoors and include antennae, radio units, head-end units and other hardware to improve network performance and coverage.

Wireless services explode

“The increase in smartphone penetration, the number of wireless broadband subscriptions and mobile data usage are major factors responsible for the enormous growth. This has been influencing service providers to work on offering uninterrupted data and voice services, particularly for the people who are using in-building wireless solutions. As a part of these efforts, wireless carriers have started deploying DAS solutions at different sites, especially those with complex building designs. The DAS and small cells are emerging as the extensions to cellular networks and provide the required capacity and increased bandwidth to support high data speeds and low latency,” according to the report.

In addition, the report points to the implementation of new public safety networks in high-rise buildings, shopping malls, parking garages, tunnels, airports and other areas focused on occupant safety. These systems are driven by legislative standards and the new public safety building codes by the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association.

Mobility demands

As mobile devices with advanced computing and multimedia capabilities are released, the need for reliable and intelligent networks is on a parallel growth path. According to the Cisco Annual Internet Report (2018-2023) white paper, which covers fixed broadband, Wi-Fi and mobile (3G, 4G and 5G) networking, over 70% of the global population will have mobile connectivity by 2023.

The total number of global mobile subscribers will grow from 5.1 billion (66% of the population) in 2018 to 5.7 billion (71% of the population) by 2023. By 2023, global mobile devices will grow from 8.8 billion in 2018 to 13.1 billion, and 1.4 billion of those will be 5G-capable.