Active DAS vs. passive DAS is a core decision that shapes how a distributed antenna system (DAS) installation aligns with your building and coverage needs.

What is a DAS?

A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is one way to improve the indoor cell signal. The system captures cellular signal, usually from a nearby tower or carrier feed, and redistributes it through indoor antennas.

Buildings use in-building DAS where cellular signal struggles to reach, like stadiums, hospitals, airports, or underground facilities. Wi-Fi or cellular failover alone can’t support coverage in those environments.

There are two types of DAS:

• Passive DAS grabs the signal from outside towers and moves it through coaxial cables.
• Active DAS takes that signal, converts it to digital, and sends it over fiber or ethernet.

DAS solves real problems, but it comes with a few too many tradeoffs. We're talking cost, complexity, and maintenance. That’s why we rarely recommend it as a first option.

Most enterprise buildings can get better coverage and control from managed Wi-Fi and LTE. DAS is only worth considering when those systems fall short.

DAS system components

Every DAS, whether passive or active, relies on a few core parts to work.

Headend unit

The headend unit acts as the DAS control center. It receives the cellular signal, processes it, and pushes it to the rest of the system. In active DAS, the headend often includes baseband units and signal source equipment provided by the carrier.

At Meter, we don’t deploy traditional DAS headends. Instead, our teams install network switching, fiber, and local compute infrastructure that can support these systems if the use case demands it.

In most buildings, that same infrastructure powers enterprise-grade Wi-Fi and LTE without needing a DAS headend at all.

Signal source

The DAS pulls its signal from this source. That might be an off-air rooftop antenna, a direct carrier feed, or a dedicated small cell like an eNodeB. Active systems lean heavily on carrier coordination here.

Meter typically doesn’t rely on these carrier-specific sources. Instead, we deploy LTE modules or bonded cellular links that give clients immediate coverage without needing a full DAS pipeline or signal license.

DAS antennas

Antennas distribute the signal inside the building. Passive antennas broadcast the signal they receive without any processing. Active systems use powered nodes that amplify and shape the signal before rebroadcasting it.

While we don’t install DAS antennas directly, we build the LAN and cabling backbone that can support them. And when possible, we reduce the need for them by using Wi-Fi-first networks and cellular overlays that solve the same problem with less equipment.

Cabling

Passive DAS uses coaxial cable, which works over short distances but loses strength across longer runs. Active DAS runs on fiber or Cat6 Ethernet, which can cover more ground with zero loss.

We install and manage structured cabling as part of our commercial network installations. That lets us support active DAS if needed or offer a cleaner alternative using our own network stack.

Now that we’ve covered what a DAS is, let’s look at the key differences in features between an active vs. a passive DAS:

Active DAS vs. Passive DAS: Key differences

What is passive DAS?

Passive DAS pulls cellular signal from outside and pushes it through coax cables, splitters, and passive antennas across the building. We call the system “passive” because it doesn’t convert or digitize the signal.

Coaxial cabling carries the signal through the building in passive DAS setups. Coax is straightforward to install, but signal strength fades the farther it travels.

The system uses splitters to divide the signal and passive antennas to broadcast it indoors.

Anyone wondering what a passive antenna is can think of it as a basic signal broadcaster with no amplifier or processing. Passive DAS antennas don’t amplify or modify anything. They simply rebroadcast what they receive.

Because there’s no signal conversion or digital processing, setup is faster and less expensive. Fewer components mean lower material and labor costs, which makes passive DAS a common choice for smaller buildings or budget-conscious deployments.

Best for:

• Spaces under 100,000 square feet
• Locations with a strong outdoor cell signal
• Sites with limited budgets or short timelines

Limitations:

• Signal loss over distance
• Can’t scale easily
• No remote monitoring
• Struggles with carrier diversity

What is active DAS?

Active DAS captures cellular signal, digitizes it, and sends it through the building using fiber or ethernet. It’s built for spaces where signal strength needs to be consistent across large areas—and where IT teams want control over how that signal behaves.

The system can pull a signal from an off-air rooftop antenna, a direct carrier feed, or an on-site base station. That signal gets converted into digital form, travels through long cable runs without degrading, and is then rebroadcast indoors through powered nodes or remote radio heads.

It’s a powerful setup, but one that comes with more engineering, more time, and more coordination than a passive DAS.

Best for:

• Buildings over 100,000 square feet
• Multi-floor or complex layouts
• Multi-carrier support
• Teams that want remote monitoring and control

Limitations:

• Higher upfront and long-term costs
• Long deployment timelines due to permitting and carrier involvement
• Needs fiber or Ethernet infrastructure to be in place or added

Hybrid DAS and DAS cell boosters

Hybrid DAS systems use both coax and fiber cabling to balance cost and coverage. They often show up in retrofit projects or in buildings that already have partial fiber in place. By mixing cable types, hybrid setups aim to get better performance without the full price tag of active DAS.

DAS cell boosters like WilsonPro or Cel-Fi work differently. These are single-zone amplifiers that grab a weak signal and rebroadcast it within a limited area. They don’t build a network-wide system, but they can solve dead spots in places like stairwells, conference rooms, or corners of a warehouse.

Boosters and hybrids can help in the right situations, but they’re not substitutes for full multi-carrier systems. Meter sometimes recommends them when the goal is quick, localized coverage, retrofitting an older site, or adding backup signal paths during maintenance.

We handle these use cases through modular builds, often paired with our support for warehouse Wi-Fi and cellular coverage inside industrial spaces.

How to choose the right DAS approach for your building

No single DAS setup works for every building. What you need depends on a few practical factors.

Facility size

If the building is over 100,000 square feet, active DAS is usually required. Smaller spaces may be fine with passive DAS, especially if the outdoor signal is already strong.

Construction materials

Thick concrete, steel, and treated glass block cellular signals. Passive systems struggle with that. Active DAS handles difficult materials better, but it also costs more to deploy.

Carrier support

If you need coverage from multiple carriers, active DAS is easier to manage. Different networks can't scale well in the same space when using passive systems.

Budget and timeline

Passive DAS is cheaper and faster to install. But it comes with limits. Active DAS takes more time, often months, and costs more upfront. It makes sense only if the building demands it.

Meter’s recommended process

Meter does not provide DAS. We build networks that use Wi-Fi as the primary layer, with LTE modules or bonded cellular added for network redundancy and backup coverage. Most enterprise buildings reach full coverage through that setup without needing DAS.

The network service management team helps assess when you truly require DAS. Many environments perform better with simpler, more adaptable infrastructure. Meter’s goal is to deliver reliable connectivity without unnecessary complexity.

Explore alternatives to DAS with Meter’s scalable network solutions

Most buildings don’t need DAS. Wi-Fi and LTE solve indoor coverage in far more flexible and cost-effective ways.

Meter builds networks that make DAS optional. We handle switching and structured cabling that supports active DAS if your office needs it.

Meter designs Wi-Fi-first environments for high uptime and adds LTE modules when coverage needs backup. We also procure ISPs and deliver dedicated internet to support DAS backhaul or cellular failover when needed.

Modern LAN and Wi-Fi cover 80 to 90 percent of cellular demand in enterprise buildings. Meter recommends DAS only when everything else falls short.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need DAS if I already have strong Wi-Fi?

You likely don’t need DAS if you already have strong existing Wi-Fi and LTE backup. Those systems typically provide consistent indoor coverage.

How much does a commercial DAS typically cost?

The cost of a commercial DAS varies based on system type, building size, and carrier coordination. For accurate pricing, it’s best to consult a DAS vendor or integrator.

What is a DAS cell booster, and how is it different?

A DAS cell booster is a localized amplifier that improves the signal in one area. It’s different because, unlike a full DAS, it doesn’t scale to support entire buildings or multiple zones.

What are the common DAS system components?

Common DAS components include a headend unit, signal source, distributed antennas, cabling, and amplification hardware.

What are the different DAS antenna types?

DAS antenna types include passive dome antennas, directional panel antennas, and active remote radio units. Each antenna type supports specific coverage needs.

Can DAS and Wi-Fi coexist in the same enterprise network?

Yes, DAS and Wi-Fi can coexist in the same enterprise network. They use different frequencies and typically work together without interference.

Does Meter provide DAS installation?

Meter does not provide or install DAS hardware directly. We build and support the networks that can integrate with DAS when needed.

What are alternatives to DAS for improving indoor coverage?

Alternatives to DAS for improving indoor coverage include Wi-Fi-first network designs, bonded LTE, and managed LAN solutions. These options often meet coverage needs without requiring DAS.

Boost your network with the new Cellular from Meter

We design connectivity that fits your business, not the other way around. Whether you need managed Wi-Fi, LTE backup, or support for active DAS or passive DAS, Meter builds networks that scale with your needs and keep your teams connected.

Meter Cellular is the latest addition to the Meter family. It uses a neutral-host CBRS network to deliver reliable indoor cell service without the complexity of DAS.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Simplified deployment: We handle site surveys, installation, and activation.
2. Quick installation: Most deployments take 6 to 8 weeks, not the 6+ months DAS usually requires.
3. Reliable coverage: Neutral-host CBRS removes dead zones and supports carrier-grade signal strength.
4. Multi-carrier support: One setup works across major carriers, keeping employees and guests connected.
5. Dashboard monitoring: The upcoming Meter dashboard integration, planned for Q1-Q2 next year, will display cellular APs, their status, and connected devices
6. Compliance and security: The system supports E911 compliance for accurate emergency service access.

You can add Meter Cellular to your existing Meter network or deploy it as a standalone solution. Either way, you’ll get strong indoor cell coverage that scales with your business. 

Contact Meter today to learn more.