Comparing Passive DAS and Active DAS Hybrid Signal Solutions

Ever wondered what the difference is between Passive DAS and Active DAS Hybrid? Well we have the answers! Mobile signal has become an essential for any sort of business, but achieving reliable connectivity in complex buildings can be challenging. This is where Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) comes into play.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Passive DAS and Active DAS Hybrid systems, helping you understand which solution is best suited for your specific needs. Whether you’re managing an office, hospital, or retail space, choosing the right system can make all the difference in ensuring seamless mobile connectivity.

Solving Signal Issues in Commercial Spaces: A Customer's journey

Many customers come to us frustrated by weak mobile signal, dropped calls, and unreliable data speeds in their offices or commercial buildings. These signal issues, often caused by dense materials, large structures, or interference, can disrupt business operations and productivity. Choosing between passive DAS vs active DAS hybrid is critical to effectively addressing these challenges and ensuring seamless connectivity.

We specialise in resolving these challenges by designing and installing mobile signal boosters, tailored to ensure strong, reliable coverage throughout any commercial space. From diagnosing the problem to delivering the perfect solution, we help our clients stay connected, no matter the size or complexity of their building.

Our installation process is thorough and efficient, ensuring reliable mobile signal from start to finish. It begins with a desktop survey to assess the building, followed by an on-site survey to determine the best placement for the equipment to ensure maximum signal strength.

During the installation, we install external antennas outside (usually on a roof) & network units, whether it’s a Nextivity CEL-FI GO G41, G43, or QUATRA 4000e, tailored to the building’s needs. Internal coverage units and antennas are also strategically placed to ensure strong signal throughout the building. 

What is Passive DAS?

A Passive Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is a solution that improves indoor cellular coverage by distributing existing external cellular signals throughout a building. This is an ‘off-air solution.’ However, you can have other signal sources such as passive DAS being driven by base stations, etc. Therefore the ‘off-air solution’ relies on a network of antennas and coaxial cables to passively distribute the signal. 

Other sources of Passive DAS wouldn’t need this. Passive DAS is highly effective for smaller installations, where the distance between the signal source and the antennas is shorter. It’s a cost-effective solution that works well in environments such as small offices or larger residential buildings, providing reliable coverage without the need for extensive infrastructure.

How Nextivity's CEL-FI GO G41 is Passive DAS?

The CEL-FI GO G41 is a prime example of Passive DAS solutions. These systems work by capturing the available external cellular signal and redistributing it within the building using a network of passive antennas and cabling. 

They offer targeted coverage improvement for specific areas, making them ideal for smaller installations or areas where boosting the signal for a single carrier is required. The GO G41 delivers a balance of performance and simplicity, helping to ensure users maintain strong cellular connectivity in spaces where signal strength might otherwise be limited.

How Signal Solutions Can Help With Your Installation?

At Signal Solutions, we offer expert installation services for our CEL-FI GO G41 systems, providing tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of your building. Our team handles every aspect of the installation process, from assessing your current coverage challenges to designing and installing the most efficient Passive DAS solution. With our expertise and Nextivity’s CEL-FI range, you can be confident that your system will deliver reliable and consistent cellular coverage.

What is an Active DAS Hybrid?

An Active DAS Hybrid combines features of traditional Active DAS systems with more cost-effective, scalable technology. Active DAS Hybrid systems use digital signals to maintain full strength throughout the building.

For example, the CEL-FI QUATRA range from Nextivity amplifies cellular signals by converting them to digital via Power over Ethernet (PoE) and category cabling, ensuring signal strength remains high even across larger areas. This system is perfect for commercial buildings, offering seamless support for 4G and 5G signals, with minimal installation time and remote management capabilities.

How the Nextivity CEL-FI QUATRA 4000e is an Active DAS Hybrid?

The Nextivity CEL-FI QUATRA 4000e is a standout example of an Active DAS Hybrid system, offering the best of both active signal boosting and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). 

While traditional passive DAS remains an excellent solution for smaller installations, the QUATRA 4000e shines in larger or more complex environments, providing enhanced scalability and cost-effectiveness in comparison to other technology. 

With its active components, the system amplifies and optimises cellular signals, ensuring robust and reliable coverage across multiple carriers. This makes it ideal for enterprises where maintaining seamless connectivity is critical, delivering strong performance even in areas that may challenge other systems, including passive DAS or conventional boosters.

Benefits of Signal Solutions' Mobile Signal Boosters:

• Improved Indoor Coverage: Our mobile signal boosters ensure reliable mobile connectivity in areas that typically suffer from poor signal due to thick walls or challenging building layouts.

• License Exemption Against Ofcom’s Specification: Our CEL-FI by Nextivity solutions are fully compliant with Ofcom standards, meaning they boost mobile signals legally and are unconditionally network safe.

• Easy Installation: Our mobile signal boosters are designed for quick and professional installation, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations.

• Future-Proof Technology: Our mobile signal boosters are designed to adapt to future network advancements, such as 5G. This ensures that your business remains equipped with strong mobile connectivity as technology evolves, without the need for costly upgrades.

• Boosted Productivity: Reliable mobile signal ensures employees can make calls and access data without interruptions, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency. Strong connectivity helps your team stay focused and productive.

Choosing between Passive DAS and Active DAS Hybrid depends on your building’s size and scalability needs. At Signal Solutions, we provide expert installations for both, ensuring reliable mobile connectivity tailored to your business. Whether it’s a simple Passive DAS for smaller spaces or an Active DAS Hybrid for larger and potentially more complex environments, we deliver seamless signal coverage and support.

Free Desktop Survey

Take advantage of our FREE desktop survey where you receive a solution design and quote to help you find the perfect mobile signal boosting system for your business. This no-obligation service provides you with a customised plan and detailed quote, so you can confidently choose the best signal solution tailored to your needs.