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In today’s connected environments, seamless indoor mobile coverage is crucial for productivity, safety, and user satisfaction. But with diverse building types and usage demands, no single Distributed Antenna System (DAS) fits all. That’s where Hybrid DAS steps in—offering a smart blend of active and passive technologies to optimize coverage and performance with deployment flexibility.

What is hybrid DAS?

Hybrid DAS combines the long-distance transmission capabilities of active DAS with the simple and reliable signal distribution of passive DAS. In this architecture:

The mobile signal is transported using fiber or Ethernet to remote units (as in active DAS).

From there, it’s distributed to antennas via coaxial cables (as in passive DAS).

Also known as hybrid active passive DAS or active DAS hybrid, this design takes advantage of both systems' strengths to meet the varied demands of modern buildings.

Hybrid DAS Explained: Balancing Cost and Performance

Buildings today vary greatly in layout, materials, and connectivity needs. Some are too complex for passive DAS to serve effectively, while others don’t require a full-scale active system.

Hybrid DAS offers a middle-ground approach that ensures:

• Strong, consistent signal coverage across multiple floors or zones

• Flexible design that adapts to complex building structures

• Efficient use of infrastructure without over-engineering

Instead of choosing between two extremes, hybrid DAS allows integrators to apply the right technology where it's needed—improving signal reach and user experience.

Ideal Use Cases for Hybrid DAS

Hybrid DAS is especially effective in environments where both performance and adaptability are key.

Common deployment areas include:

• Commercial real estate and office towers

• Hospitals and healthcare centers

• Stadiums and arenas

• Shopping centers and underground parking lots

• Hotels, resorts, and multi-floor residential buildings

• Universities and educational campuses

These spaces often feature long corridors, multiple floors, or signal-blocking materials like concrete and Low-E glass—making hybrid DAS an ideal solution.

Zyxel Hybrid DAS Solution

Zyxel ZoneDAS One and Two provide hybrid DAS solution with RU4C. RU4C is the Remote Unit with 4 external SMA female connectors. These connectors can connect to multiple external antennas through coaxial cables. Since one Remote Unit can cover up to 50x50 m2(4G) or 30x30 m2(5G), such a large open space. 

Small partitions like lift hall or