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Optical Budget
The optical budget of a DAS is important because signals are often transported
through patch panels and splices in existing fiber networks. An analog DAS typically
has a 3-10 dBm optical budget, while a digital DAS has a 26 dBm optical budget.
The higher optical budget of a digital DAS means it can more easily traverse
problematic networks older networks that can be a rats nest of patch panels and
splices, for example.
Because a digital DAS has a more robust optical budget, the operators signals can
travel further through problematic (dirty fiber, multiple patch panels, multiple
splices, etc) networks to reach endpoints at greater distances from the DAS headend. Analog DAS are generally not considered for widely distributed applications like
urban corridors. In fact, analog DAS installers typically splice around existing patch
panels in the network because going through each patch panel causes a -dB loss
in the signal.
Fiber Muxing Options
When deploying a DAS over an existing fiber network, the key is to get as much
leverage out of each fiber as possible because unused fibers are scarce.
Multiplexing technologies such as Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM), Coarse Wave
Division Multiplexing (CWDM), and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) allow
operators to divide each fibers light into as many as 32 or 64 individual
wavelengths, each of which can transport a signal.
A digital DAS can use any of the multiplexing options (WDM, CWDM, or DWDM),
while analog DAS can only use WDM or CWDM. Digital DAS thus offers better
leverage for maximizing the usage of existing fiber. One application where a digital
DAS has an advantage is the ability to leverage an existing PON or FTTH network,
where there are a few spare dark fibers available to use for transporting DAS
signals in a neighborhood. When you talk about buried fiber in a city, its hard
enough to get bandwidth on a pair of fibers. Its a tremendous sacrifice to use
multiple fiber pairs in a situation like that, so analog DAS wouldnt even be
considered for such deployments.
Using DWDM also gives operators the ability to use base station hoteling in a city
environment. In a base station hotel, you have a centralized group of BTSs in one
location in a city. Using DWDM, the operator can multiplex 64 wavelengths over
several kilometers, and then break the wavelengths out to cover a number of
specific areas such as neighborhoods, campus, sporting venues or business parks.
Another use for DWDM is for using existing trunking fiber to transport DAS signals
from central office (CO) to central office before they are distributed out into the
network. By trunking bulk RF from CO to CO, the operators can leverage existing
wireline assets and allow the operator to access existing distribution fiber.
Delay Timing
for large buildings, metro areas, and campuses with existing fiber. Digital DAS is
also best for any application where theres an existing fiber network and the
deployment requires going through multiple patch panels.
Conclusion
When all is said and done, digital DAS can support any application, while analog
DAS is more limited in its use. Digital DAS offers high performance, long reach, and
simpler deployment than analog DAS. Many network planners still opt for analog
DAS because it is familiar and is offered by a larger number of vendors, but as the
networks become denser, utilize multiple frequencies and more protocols, digital
DAS is the better solution in most cases.