The application of DAS (Distributed Antenna System) varies based on building scale, type, system ownership, customer type, system architecture, frequency band configuration, and whether it is a new or existing building. This article focuses on market segmentation for medium to large-scale indoor signal coverage based on system ownership and customer type, explaining how Zyxel's active or hybrid DAS solutions address these needs.
The market can be categorized into MNO-initiated DAS projects and Private-owned (including Neutral Host) DAS projects, based on the project initiator or system ownership.
These projects are typically classified into two main types:
1. Enterprise Projects: Mostly for Single MNO Support DAS
These projects involve MNOs providing indoor signal coverage for their own enterprise customers. The costs may be covered by the MNO or passed on to the enterprise. Since the project serves a single MNO, the required coverage is usually limited to that provider’s network.
4G Only & Refarming 5G (5G FDD): Zyxel ZoneDAS offers cost-effective solutions such as B1+B3+B8+B20 SISO or B1+B3 2X2 MIMO DAS systems.
Including 5G TDD Bands: Zyxel ZoneDAS One effectively supports single MNO 5G TDD applications like n78+B1+B3+B8 SISO.
For 5G Private Networks: Zyxel ZoneDAS One can support a single MNO’s 5G TDD band with a 4X4 (4T4R) MIMO system. By selecting four n78 band modules, it provides n78 4X4 MIMO DAS, delivering ultra-fast uplink and downlink speeds while significantly reducing the deployment costs compared to multiple small cells or O-RAN RUs.
2. Public Infrastructure Building Projects: Mostly for Multi-MNO Co-Sharing DAS
Public buildings such as airports, train stations, and large shopping malls require robust indoor signal coverage. Since these facilities serve the general public, multiple MNOs typically collaborate and share the deployment costs. Due to their high-profile nature, these projects demand high-spec frequency band configurations, often including high-frequency 5G TDD bands with MIMO support.
4G & Refarming 5G (5G FDD): Zyxel ZoneDAS One provides solutions that support all MNOs, such as B1+B3+B8+B20 SISO or B1+B3 MIMO DAS.
Including 5G TDD Bands: Zyxel ZoneDAS Two supports multi-MNO DAS solutions with high-frequency 5G TDD bands, such as n78+B1+B3+B8 SISO. The ZoneDAS Two Plus model can provide up to 8-band DAS solutions, supporting all MNOs with n78 4X4 MIMO + B1, B3, B8, B20 SISO.
Since private-owned DAS systems are funded by building owners or private entities, they typically require coverage for all MNOs rather than a single provider. However, cost sensitivity is a major factor, with owners often prioritizing affordability over advanced 5G capabilities. The market is generally divided into 3 key segments by the building’s scale:
1. Enterprise or Commercial Buildings
4G & Refarming 5G (5G FDD): Zyxel ZoneDAS One supports multi-operator coverage, such as B1+B3+B8+B20 SISO DAS.
Including 5G TDD Bands: Zyxel ZoneDAS Two provides multi-operator 4G+5G coverage, such as n78+B1+B3+B8 SISO DAS.
2. Residential Buildings
4G & Refarming 5G: Zyxel ZoneDAS One supports multi-operator coverage, such as B1+B3+B8+B20 SISO DAS.
Including 5G TDD Bands: Zyxel ZoneDAS Two supports multi-operator 4G+5G coverage, such as n78+B1+B3+B8 SISO DAS.
At the same signal power level, 5G TDD (e.g., n78) provides only half the coverage area compared to 4G and refarming 5G, requiring twice the number of antenna devices. Given the cost sensitivity of this market segment and Ericsson's research indicating that as of late 2024, only 20-30% of global mobile users have adopted 5G (with projections reaching 80% by 2030), the demand for 5G TDD in private-owned DAS projects remains low. The primary market focus is still on multi-operator 4G & refarming 5G solutions.
Due to the high number of residential buildings, this segment represents a significant portion of the market. However, cost considerations have historically led property owners to either forgo DAS deployment or rely on system integrators who install outdated passive DAS solutions. It’s time to adopt Zyxel ZoneDAS Series solution to cease the business opportunity.
3. SMBs, Retail Stores, and Households
Due to smaller site sizes and higher price sensitivity, these markets primarily demand cost-effective 4G & refarming 5G solutions. Solutions such as Zyxel’s low-power repeater with passive DAS can effectively meet market needs.
Zyxel ZoneDAS series offers cost-effective active and hybrid DAS solutions with a simple system design, rapid deployment, and low installation costs. Whether for MNO-initiated DAS projects or Private-owned (including Neutral Host) DAS projects, and whether for Single MNO SISO or multi-MNO MIMO, we help you achieve high-quality indoor signal coverage at a lower cost. For more details, please refer to our product page.