Term of the Moment
driver
Definition: distributed antenna system
Using multiple antennas in an area that might normally have only one antenna. Typically at lower power than a single antenna, a distributed antenna system (DAS) is commonly deployed for 4G cellular systems in urban areas. A distributed system may even be used in large apartment buildings. For example, an optical fiber might connect to the cellular carrier, and the signals are wired to antennas on every floor.
Mandatory for 5G
Fifth-generation cellular networks require many more cell towers than LTE and previous systems (see 5G).
Three Antennas in One Block
Mandatory for 5G
Fifth-generation cellular networks require many more cell towers than LTE and previous systems (see 5G).
In San Francisco, distributed antenna systems are commonplace; witness these three small antennas within a couple hundred feet of each other. (Image courtesy of EMFanalysis.com.)