DAS Solutions - Distributed Antenna Systems

Summary: DAS Solutions - Distributed Antenna Systems

DAS Solutions — Distributed Antenna Systems

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage coaxial cables and supplies complementary accessories that help RF integrators design and install reliable in-building Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) with confidence. Our plenum-rated, low-loss 1/2 inch air dielectric coax options deliver consistent RF performance for cellular DAS and public safety radio (ERRCS) by combining complete shielding, excellent intermodulation characteristics, and code-driven CMP plenum compliance. Pair these feedlines with our purpose-fit connectors and hardware to streamline deployment from headend to antenna.

Every SmartWire DAS cable is built for dependable signal integrity in challenging environments. Standard 1,000 ft spools support long plenum runs, with select items also available in 500 ft lengths. SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied to the jacket during manufacturing to reduce pulling friction by up to 70%, helping crews install faster and with fewer re-pulls. To simplify cable identification across large venues, SmartWire can be ordered with custom jacket and stripe color combinations that align with your company standards or system design.

• Low-loss, plenum-ready performance: CMP-rated constructions for in-building pathways and plenum spaces while maintaining low attenuation over long runs.
• Complete shielding and low PIM: Continuous outer conductor architecture minimizes RFI/EMI and supports multi-carrier, multi-band DAS without unwanted intermod.
• Code and jobsite practicality: Select constructions are acceptable as a metal raceway alternative per NFPA 72 section 12.4.2 and are UV rated for additional routing flexibility.
• Installation efficiency: SmartWire Glide lubrication reduces friction during pulls, helping lower labor time and risk of jacket damage.
• End-to-end compatibility: N-type connector options and trim tools are available for the listed 1/2 inch coax families to speed termination and ensure repeatable results.

Available lengths: 1,000 ft standard; select SKUs also in 500 ft.

DAS Low-Voltage Coax Constructions

• ClearFill Line 1/2" Low-Loss Air Dielectric Coax, CMP Plenum — Black Jacket (Aluminum Outer Conductor with SmartGuard)
  Plenum-rated feedline with continuous shielding for strong RFI/EMI containment and excellent intermodulation performance. Supports multiple RF signals for cellular DAS and public safety in-building systems; UV rated for additional routing flexibility.
• ClearFill Line 1/2" Low-Loss Air Dielectric Coax, CMP Plenum — Red Jacket (Aluminum Outer Conductor with SmartGuard)
  Same low-loss, plenum-ready performance and shielding in a red jacket for clear pathway identification. Acceptable as a metal raceway alternative per NFPA 72 section 12.4.2 where permitted by code.
• ClearFill Line 1/2" Low-Loss Air Dielectric Coax, CMP Plenum — White Jacket (Aluminum Outer Conductor with SmartGuard)
  Plenum-rated, low-loss DAS feedline in a white jacket for neutral ceiling spaces or color-coded designs. Delivers complete shielding to minimize system interference across multi-operator, multi-band deployments.
• ClearFill Line 1/2" Low-Loss Air Dielectric Coax, CMP Plenum — Copper Outer Conductor with SmartGuard
  CMP plenum coax with a copper outer conductor for projects or specifications that prefer copper construction. Maintains low attenuation and low PIM characteristics for consistent DAS performance in occupied buildings.
• CELLFLEX 1/2" Low-Loss Flexible Coax — Black Jacket (LCF12-50 Series)
  Low-loss flexible coax for areas requiring tighter bends, equipment jumpers, or transitions where flexibility is key. Compatible with OMNI FIT Premium and N-type terminations for rapid, secure field assembly.

Shielding options

• Coaxial feedlines feature a continuous outer conductor for complete RF shielding; aluminum and copper variants are available depending on construction.
• Non-shielded hardware and mounting accessories are available to support conduit and pathway management.

Compatible Connectors, Tools, and Installation Accessories

• OMNI FIT Premium connectors for 1/2" CELLFLEX (fits LCF12-50J, LCF12-50JL) with O-ring sealing
• N-Type Connectors: N(F) and N(M) for 1/2" LCF12-50 and ICA12-50 series
• Automated trimming tool for C02 connector preparation
• 3/4" zinc-plated steel saddle connector with insulated throat
• 3/4" one-hole conduit strap
• ROTO-FLEX flexible conduit (1/2"–1-1/2" trade sizes)

Where these DAS cables deliver value

• In-building wireless coverage for enterprise, healthcare, education, hospitality, airports, arenas, and campuses
• Public safety DAS/ERRCS where plenum CMP compliance and dependable RF performance are required
• Multi-operator and multi-band systems that demand low PIM and strong RFI/EMI control

Why partner with Windy City Wire

• U.S.-manufactured SmartWire low-voltage cable built for the realities of DAS installation
• Project-ready selection of 1/2" plenum-rated low-loss coax and field-proven connectors
• SmartWire Glide lubrication included at no additional cost to reduce pull time and effort
• Custom jacket and stripe color options available to standardize identification across sites
• Technical guidance from a B2B team focused on commercial and industrial RF infrastructure

Plan your next in-building DAS project with SmartWire DAS cables and matched accessories from Windy City Wire. Contact our team for assistance with part selection, code considerations, and takeoff support.

Solutions: DAS Solutions - Distributed Antenna Systems

DAS Solutions for In‑Building Wireless Performance

Windy City Wire supplies low-loss, plenum-rated coaxial cable and compatible components that form the backbone of high-performance Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Built for commercial and industrial environments, our 1/2 inch air-dielectric constructions deliver consistent RF performance across public safety, cellular, and private wireless applications while meeting code-driven requirements inside air-handling spaces.

Where These DAS Cables Fit in Your Architecture

• Public Safety DAS (ERRCS) – Supports mission‑critical LMR, VHF/UHF, and 700/800 MHz (including FirstNet Band 14) to extend coverage for first responders throughout stairwells, basements, and other hard‑to‑serve areas.
• Cellular and 5G DAS – Reliable feedlines between head-end, BDAs, splitters, and indoor service antennas for LTE and 5G across carriers, single‑carrier or neutral‑host systems.
• Hybrid and Passive DAS – Ideal for passive coaxial runs or as the RF distribution layer in hybrid topologies that combine fiber backbones with coaxial last‑mile antenna drops.
• Private Wireless and CBRS/OnGo – Stable, low‑PIM performance for enterprise LTE/5G private networks, IoT backhaul, and industrial wireless control systems.

Key Performance Benefits

• Low Loss, 1/2" Air‑Dielectric Coax – Maintains signal integrity across long runs to reduce amplifier load and maximize coverage.
• Plenum‑Rated (CMP) – Designed for installation in return‑air spaces and risers within occupied buildings.
• Complete RFI/EMI Shielding – The solid outer conductor in the ClearFill Line creates a continuous shield to minimize interference in dense MEP pathways.
• Outstanding Intermodulation Performance – Solid inner and outer conductors help mitigate intermods/PIM, confirmed with factory testing.
• Indoor/Outdoor Versatility – UV‑rated jacket suitable for indoor plenum spaces and selective outdoor exposure on roof‑to‑headend runs.
• Code‑Forward Design – Acceptable as a metal raceway alternative per NFPA 72 section 12.4.2; always confirm with the local AHJ.

Product Constructions and Options

• ClearFill Line 1/2" Low‑Loss Air‑Dielectric Coax – Plenum‑rated CMP in Black, Red, and White jacket options to support in‑house labeling schemes and system identification.
• Outer Conductor Materials – Available in copper and corrugated aluminum shielded designs to match performance, routing, and budget requirements.
• CELLFLEX 1/2" Low‑Loss Flexible Coax (Black) – A flexible option for tight bends and congested pathways while maintaining low‑loss performance.
• Lengths – Available in 1000 ft and 500 ft options to align with project scope, reel handling, and pull planning.

Connectors and Installation Accessories

• OMNI FIT Premium for CELLFLEX 1/2" – Precision connectors compatible with LCF12‑50J and LCF12‑50JL.
• N‑Type Interfaces – N(f) and N(m) connectors for LCF12‑50 and ICA12‑50 series; O‑ring sealing helps maintain environmental integrity at terminations.
• Automated Trimming Tool (for C02 connector) – Speeds prep work, supports consistent terminations, and helps maintain low PIM performance.
• Pathway Hardware – 3/4 in. zinc‑plated steel saddle connectors with insulated throats and 3/4 in. one‑hole conduit straps for compliant mounting and strain relief; ROTO‑FLEX flexible conduit options for equipment transitions.

Typical Use Cases and Spaces

• High‑Rise, Mixed‑Use, and Corporate Campuses – Reliable in‑building wireless across offices, conference centers, and subterranean levels.
• Healthcare – Coverage within patient rooms, surgical suites, and diagnostic areas where CMP plenum compliance is required.
• Education – Distributed coverage for K‑12 and higher‑ed across classrooms, auditoriums, labs, and athletic facilities.
• Hospitality and Retail – Uniform signal across guest rooms, ballrooms, back‑of‑house, malls, and big‑box environments.
• Transportation and Public Venues – Airports, arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and transit hubs where multi‑carrier traffic and public safety radio coexist.
• Industrial and Utilities – Manufacturing floors, warehouses, distribution centers, energy production, and water treatment facilities requiring robust, low‑interference RF paths.
• Parking Garages, Tunnels, and Stairwells – Challenging concrete and below‑grade environments addressed by shielded, low‑loss coax feedlines.

Integration Guidance for Contractors and System Designers

• Match the medium to the topology – Use 1/2" low‑loss coax for passive segments, service‑antenna drops, and BDA head‑end interconnects; pair with fiber for active remote links in hybrid designs.
• Plan for code and AHJ requirements – CMP plenum rating and NFPA 72 metal raceway alternative eligibility help streamline compliance; verify all pathways and terminations with local authorities.
• Protect low‑PIM performance – Use approved prep tools, torque to spec, and keep mechanical stress off connectors; avoid tight bends at terminations.
• Control interference – The solid outer conductor’s continuous shielding reduces RFI/EMI; maintain separation from high‑voltage and VFD cabling to further minimize noise.
• Standardize components – N‑type male/female connectors, compatible splitters, and approved hardware simplify installs and spares across multi‑building campuses.

Why Windy City Wire for DAS

• Consistency from design to turn‑up – Low‑loss, plenum‑rated coax, proven connector ecosystems, and practical installation accessories support predictable results across large portfolios.
• Multi‑signal support – From public safety and LMR to LTE/5G and CBRS, one coax platform supports mixed RF environments with strong intermodulation performance.
• B2B focus – Products and support tailored for low‑voltage contractors, DAS integrators, electrical contractors, and RF engineers working to schedule and to code.

Get Started

Discuss your DAS design, frequency plan, pathway constraints, and AHJ requirements with our team. We will help you select the appropriate 1/2" plenum‑rated low‑loss coaxial construction, compatible connectors, and field accessories to streamline installation and deliver reliable in‑building wireless coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions: DAS Solutions - Distributed Antenna Systems

• What constructions are available with this SmartWire DAS Solutions - Distributed Antenna Systems cable?

  We offer 1/2" low-loss air dielectric coax in plenum-rated CMP constructions designed for in‑building DAS, including:
  - 1/2" aluminum plenum-rated low-loss air dielectric coax with SmartGuard™ technology
  - 1/2" copper plenum-rated low-loss air dielectric coax with SmartGuard™ technology
  - CELLFLEX® 1/2" low-loss flexible coax
  Performance highlights: supports multiple RF signals, complete RFI/EMI shielding with solid outer conductor, outstanding intermodulation performance, and UV rating for indoor plenum spaces with suitability for outdoor runs. Shielding options in the portfolio include corrugated aluminum; select accessory items are non-shielded. Lengths: 1000 ft standard, also available in 500 ft. For easier pulls, SmartWire Glide lubrication reduces friction by up to 70%.

• What other colors is this SmartWire DAS Solutions - Distributed Antenna Systems cable available in?

  Available jacket colors include Black, Red, and White. Custom jacket and stripe colors can be produced to standardize your installations—contact Windy City Wire for details.

• Do you stock 1/2" Coax DAS Cable?

  Yes, we stock 1/2" coax for all survivability requirements, including plenum-rated CMP options acceptable as a metal raceway alternative per NFPA 72 (section 12.4.2).

• Who are Windy City Wire's valued partners in the DAS market?

  Windy City Wire is proud to partner with companies like RFS, ADRF, Westell, iBwave, GWave, RFI and others. Additional partner information can be found at https://windycitywire.com/resource-cetner/das

• Can DAS cables be RackPacked?

  No. DAS cables cannot be RackPacked, as these spools are large and not conducive to use with the SmartWire RackPack solution.

• Do the DAS cables work with the RackPack Transportation devices?

  No. The spools are much larger than the RackPack boxes and transportation devices.

Additional Links:

• DAS ROM/BOM Request Form
• Check out our DAS Resource Section
• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
• The RackPack - Our patented cable delivery solution
• Our Transporters - RackPack Transportation Devices
• 19 Stocking Locations Nationwide - Find a Branch near you