The TR-42.1 Engineering Committee on Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, announced that it is developing a new standard for distributed antenna system (DAS) cabling infrastructure.
A DAS helps ensure that reliable service is available to everyone in arenas and other facilities where people use smart devices to text, send selfies or stream video but where building components can act as a barrier for cellular communication. As more DAS systems are deployed and consumer demand for broadband access continues to grow, TIA – the premiere association developing consensus-built voluntary standards for telecommunications cabling – has deployed its TR-42 committee to take the lead in addressing DAS infrastructure needs.
Recognizing that cabling is an essential part of any antenna system, TIA’s “Structured Cabling Infrastructure Standard to Support Distributed Antenna Systems” – TSB-5018 – will specify recommendations for DAS cabling infrastructure, including cabling topology, architecture, design and installation practices, test procedures, and components.
This new TIA standard will help DAS continue to timely and efficiently meet the goals of ubiquitous, high-speed wireless broadband networks. DAS technologies are highly adaptable and can be modified to service future spectrum allocations and communications standards with minimal impact on surrounding areas.
A major function of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the writing and maintenance of voluntary industry standards and specifications. These activities are carried out by the volunteer members of TIA engineering committees.
TIA is actively seeking participation in these projects from the users and general interest communities. For more information about TR-42 and how to participate in standards development with TIA, contact Germaine Palangdao at standards@tiaonline.org.
