Small cell vs DAS — decision framework

Decision Factors Overview

Choosing between small cells and DAS for an indoor wireless deployment depends on several interconnected factors: venue size, number of operators, required capacity, existing infrastructure, budget, and future scalability needs. Neither technology is universally superior — each has strengths in specific scenarios. DAS excels in large multi-operator venues with existing coaxial infrastructure or where centralized base station equipment is preferred. Small cells excel in single-operator or enterprise-managed deployments where Ethernet infrastructure exists and modular scalability is important.…