When you're dealing with coverage, capacity and multiple carriers you need end-to-end expertise.
How the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium DAS System Was Deployed
Bill Moten, VP of solutions development and product management for Tessco, and Sean White, director of project management for CommScope, give RCR Wireless News an overview of the DAS deployed at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Watch Video
Large Venue Solution Components
-
1
Coax Cable
Coax cable is used to transport the RF signal between the amplifier and the donor and between the remote units and the distribution antennas. Can be surface mounted, with in conduit and when required concealed with in an air plenum.
Featured: Commscope,RFS,Times Microwave Solutions
-
2
Fiber Optic Network
Used to transport the RF signal between the amplifier and the donor and interior antennas. Installation is not unlike a typical cable television installation using both concealed and surface mounting options. Wireless options are available.
Featured: Commscope
-
3
BTS
Typically found at a macro tower site, a BTS transceiver can be installed within the building and connected to the carrier's network via fiber or to the macro tower via Coax to the donor antenna. A stadium deployment will have an array of BTSs supporting multiple carriers and frequencies. The BTS emulates the over-the-air macro tower connection providing the communication link to the mobile device via the DAS network.
-
4
Omni-Directional Antenna(s)
Transports the converted RF signals to the remote units on each floor where the optical signal is converted back to RF amplified and distributed to antennas for rebroadcasting within the building. Fiber enables you to cover greater distances with increase capacity and is impervious to EMI and interference in industrial settings.
Featured: Amphenol Antenna Solutions
-
5
Directional Antenna(s)
Providing coverage to specific areas of a stadium can be tricky, the parking lot for tail gating or the sidelines of a field would use directional antennas tuned for exacting coverage.
Featured: Commscope,Galtronics,CSS Antenna
-
6
Head End
Can refer to the physical location of the bi directional amplifier and the fiber distribution equipment. It can also reference the equipment used to convert the RF signals from the BDA/BTS/Small cell and can combines them onto a single RX/TX fiber interface supported by the fiber distribution network.
-
7
Splitters and Tappers
Used to split a signal or tap a signal for an additional antenna. Splitters typically divide the signal evenly, splitting the signal strength 50/50. Tappers provide the same splitting function only with the ability to attenuate the tapped feed allowing a more managed power allocation for downstream antennas. This ensures an even power distribution throughout the building.
Featured: Microlab,CSI,MECA
-
8
Remote Fiber Units
Active DAS components that convert the fiber optic back to RF signalsto be retransmitted within the building. Acting like a remote radio head, they can handle multiple carrier/frequencies and provide signals and power to varying number of antennas. These units typically require DC power with multiple units feed from a single DC power plant. In public safety applications the DC power may require a battery backup solution.
Featured: Commscope,Corning
-
9
Small Cell
In lieu of a BTS, Carriers may elect to deploy a small cell to connect the DAS to their network.
Featured: ConcealFab