Distributed Antenna Systems and Small Cells
Delivering reliable in-building connectivity for public cellular services
A distributed antenna system (DAS) makes sure everyone in your building gets strong, reliable wireless coverage—no more dead zones or dropped calls. It’s a great way to keep your team connected and your operations running smoothly, even as you add more devices and smart technologies. Plus, with DAS, you’re not just improving productivity and safety—you’re also making your space more attractive for employees, tenants and visitors.
Since 2004, CTS has been a leader in wireless, installing thousands of Distributed Antenna System networks across the country. All that hands-on experience means we’ve built up top-notch consulting, engineering, and deployment skills—so we can deliver the right solution for both property owners and service providers.
CTS Delivers for You
CTS delivers robust cellular connectivity that exceeds customer expectations, as demonstrated at 110 East Blvd in Charlotte. By implementing the Forté Neutral Host Signal Source, CTS ensured a multi-carrier Distributed Antenna System was online before tenants moved in—seamlessly scaling as occupancy grows. This project highlights CTS’s dedication to solving complex connectivity challenges and consistently meeting ambitious timelines for clients.
CTS solves your most complicated communications challenges
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Eliminating Wireless Dead Zones
Enterprises often struggle with poor indoor and outdoor wireless coverage, leading to dropped connections, disrupted operations, and non-compliance with public safety codes. Meeting both carrier-grade performance standards and local safety requirements can be complex and costly without the right infrastructure in place. |
Carrier-Grade Coverage Designed For Your Business
At CTS, we design and deploy indoor and outdoor wireless networks—like Indoor DAS (IDAS), Small Cell, and Outdoor DAS (ODAS) —that deliver strong, reliable coverage exactly where it’s needed. Our solutions not only exceed carrier-grade performance standards but also meet the specific needs of each customer while staying fully compliant with local public safety requirements. |
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Carrier Engagement
Getting carrier approval and coordination for in-building wireless networks can be complex and time-consuming. Whether the network is funded by the carrier or the enterprise, navigating technical requirements, compliance, and ongoing monitoring often creates delays and added stress for businesses trying to stay connected. |
Carrier Integration Made Easy—Funded by Them or You
CTS’s strong carrier relationships streamline everything from approvals to signal activation and ongoing 24/7/365 monitoring—ensuring your neutral host network stays reliable, compliant, and connected. We support both carrier-funded and enterprise-funded models, so whether a mobile operator is investing or your business is taking the lead, you get seamless integration and stress-free management from start to finish. |
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Cellular Technology Expertise
Choosing the right in-building cellular solution can be overwhelming. With signal-blocking materials, multiple technology and OEM options, and the need for multi-carrier support and future-proofing, it’s tough to know what really fits your space and budget. |
The Right Solution for Your Business
CTS takes an OEM-agnostic approach, meaning we recommend the best solution based on your needs—not vendor preferences. With deep expertise and strong relationships across all major technology providers, we help you cut through the noise to find the right fit for your building, budget, and future goals. The result: a custom, reliable network without compromise. |
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Ongoing Lifecycle Management and Support
Over time, DAS can be tough to maintain. Older systems may lag behind new tech like 5G, while repairs and upgrades get costly and complicated. Add in constant monitoring, shifting coverage needs, and carrier coordination, and it’s clear—keeping DAS running smoothly isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it job. |
Turnkey Managed Service with 24x7 Support
After deployment, CTS keeps your DAS running smoothly with 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and hassle-free upgrades. We handle carrier and vendor coordination, so you avoid downtime, stay current with tech like 5G, and never have to worry about your connectivity. |
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Budget
Cellular coverage often gets pushed down the priority list as enterprises focus on things like cybersecurity or cloud projects. Since the benefits are harder to measure, it’s tough to justify the cost—leading to delays, limited coverage, and challenges keeping up with growing connectivity needs. |
Network-as-a-Service
CTS removes the big upfront cost of in-building cellular by turning it into a predictable monthly expense. We design, deploy, and manage the network—so you get reliable coverage, 5G-ready infrastructure, and ongoing support without tying up capital or internal resources. It’s a flexible, future-proof solution that fits your budget and your priorities. |
Technology Partners
CTS is proudly vendor agnostic, partnering with all leading Das and Small Cell OEMs to deliver solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our expertise spans the industry’s top manufacturers, ensuring you get the right technology—no matter the brand. This flexibility lets us design and implement wireless networks that are optimized for your environment, leveraging the strengths of every major provider for maximum performance and reliability.
Industries We Serve
Resources
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Data Sheet
Learn about the benefits of the CTS Neutral Host Network-as-a-Service.
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Case Study
Learn how CTS improved wireless coverage at Skyline College.
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Whitepaper
Learn about options for providing signal source for your DAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is an in‑building wireless network platform made up of active electronics and passive infrastructure that distributes cellular RF signals from a signal source (e.g. a base station or repeater) throughout a facility. It takes the signal from that central signal source and pushes it across many antennas to deliver consistent coverage in hard‑to‑reach areas. CTS designs DAS solutions that give enterprises carrier‑grade indoor coverage across large or complex buildings.
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Small cells are compact cellular radios that act as their own signal source, boosting wireless coverage and capacity in specific areas of a building. In the in‑building wireless context, they are typically used as an alternative to DAS rather than layered on top of it, so most projects are either a DAS deployment or a small‑cell deployment. CTS helps you determine whether a small‑cell approach or a DAS is the right fit for your property.
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A building should consider DAS or small cells based on its size, layout, carrier requirements, and performance goals rather than a simple “large vs small” rule. DAS often fits multi‑carrier, highly complex environments, while small‑cell systems can be attractive where a single MNO or specific capacity pattern is the main driver. CTS helps evaluate your building, carrier mix, and commercial options to recommend whether a DAS or a small‑cell solution better meets your in‑building wireless objectives.
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DAS and small cells are generally deployed as separate approaches rather than layered together in the same coverage area. In most real‑world projects, a DAS handles the challenging environments and broad in‑building coverage, and any additional “spot” improvements are achieved by extending the DAS with remotes and antennas, not by adding a separate small‑cell layer. Small‑cell architectures are typically best suited when a carrier‑driven or single‑operator solution is acceptable and aligns with your commercial and technical requirements. CTS helps you choose the right architecture and expansion path so your in‑building wireless system stays efficient, scalable, and manageable over time.
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A neutral‑host DAS is typically the best option when you need many wireless carriers, sectors, and frequency bands supported on a single in‑building wireless platform, which is why it is widely used in venues like stadiums and airports. Small‑cell systems are often better suited to single‑carrier applications and may require separate layers or infrastructure for each participating mobile network operator. CTS works with carriers and OEMs to design DAS or small‑cell architectures that align with your current carrier mix and anticipated future needs.
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Most in‑building DAS or small‑cell systems for standard enterprise buildings take weeks to design and a few months to deploy, while complex venues like airports or stadiums can take several months to design and up to about a year to complete. In practice, projects only extend beyond a year for new buildings when overall building construction schedules push wireless work to the end. CTS plans DAS and small‑cell projects around your construction milestones so in‑building wireless is ready when you need to open and operate the facility.
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Cost is driven by building size and layout, how well outdoor macro signals penetrate the structure, and requirements for sectors, carriers, and frequency bands. Conduit availability, construction conditions (especially on greenfield projects), and any aesthetic or stealthing requirements also impact materials and labor. CTS factors in these technical and construction details to create a DAS or small‑cell design and commercial model that fits your performance and budget objectives.
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Yes. CTS provides 24x7 monitoring, incident response, and lifecycle management for in‑building wireless systems, including DAS and small‑cell networks. Our Network Operations Center and managed services ensure performance stays aligned with carrier SLAs and your internal KPIs, handling alarms, upgrades, and capacity adjustments over time. CTS acts as your long‑term in‑building wireless partner, keeping DAS and small‑cell infrastructure performing reliably as technologies and demands evolve.