Comba USA is working to streamline DAS deployment through a system integration approach that significantly reduces capex
In a large building or venue, owners often want to deploy a single, neutral host network infrastructure to meet a wide variety of service requirements ranging from on-demand capacity in specific locations to provisioning a future-proof platform capable of supporting more than one carrier.
In this case, a distributed antenna system (DAS) is the technology of choice as fiber- or Ethernet-net fed remote radio units acting in concert with a master unit can effectively spread a network signal throughout a large, challenging space. However, DAS is a significant investment in terms of both capital and operating costs, so many locations in need of DAS, have gone without.
The problem with weak to no cellular connectivity is unacceptable for many modern consumers. Imagine checking into a hotel and having to rely on spotty coverage bolstered by inadequate Wi-Fi being shared by hundreds of guests. A DAS would solve the problem, but likely prove out of reach for many hoteliers.
Looking to address this largely untapped market, Comba USA, drawing on nearly two decades of experience in the APAC, EMEA and CALA regions, is working to continually assist in lowering the price-per-square-foot of DAS installations from the industry norm of around $2 to $3 per square foot to less than 50-cents per square foot.
Targeting enterprise customers, Comba has identified numerous efficiencies that streamline and lower the cost of a DAS installation. “This model involves a lot less paperwork than a major-league stadium use case,” Kevin Geary, Sr. Director of Sales at Comba North America, explained to RCR Wireless News.
“When an experienced system integrator takes the lead, data collection, plan review, testing and data processing is compressed, especially when the operator is willing to trust the system integrator to meet quality of service requirements. In dozens of projects, we have noticed this is the single biggest factor in reducing DAS cost.”
Comba’s gamut of DAS implementations spans the globe from smaller venues to large scale stadiums and airports. This includes the multi-band, multi-operator DAS systems in large arenas hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil and Domodedovo International Airport in Russia. Integrated DAS and public safety systems were deployed for a series of integrated resorts across Asia such as the Galaxy Macau, which allowed visitors, staff and public safety official’s ubiquitous access to 2G/3G/4G wireless networks.
While Comba has helped hundreds of enterprise customers around the world benefit from robust signal and connectivity, it’s now bringing these technologies and end-to-end solutions to the US, through its growing number of channel partners and system integrators.
Geary said that, in addition to a system integration approach, Comba is lowering DAS costs in the following ways:
● Instead of using expensive, high-capacity base stations, bidirectional amplifiers or small cells can be deployed as input to the DAS, provide enterprises with optimized coverage and capacity.
● A scalable design and careful radio planning provides optimal coverage rather than sheer capacity. Reducing the cost of equipment, cabling and testing reduces total cost of ownership.
● A vertically-integrated, proven manufacturing and business model gives Comba a high level of quality control, reduced lead times and ability to turn projects around quickly.
“DAS networks are ideal for providing enterprise customers with the coverage and capacity customers and employees expect,” Geary said. “But the needs of an enterprise customer are very different from the needs of a stadium owner. So why would an enterprise buy a DAS system that’s designed for a crowded stadium? Comba’s DAS product set is tailored for the enterprise, with efficiencies and scalable performance perfect for a typical business.”
Click here for an in-depth whitepaper detailing Comba USA’s approach to enterprise DAS.
