Comparing the Top Ranked DAS/DRS Vendors | ABI Research Competitive Assessment

As demand for high-performance indoor connectivity continues to increase, Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Distributed Repeater System (DRS) solutions are becoming essential for delivering seamless 5G and multi-technology coverage. ABI Research assessed nine leading DAS/DRS vendors, evaluating their innovation and implementation capabilities to determine which providers are best positioned to support dynamic, scalable, and sustainable deployments across global markets. This resource identified the top three equipment vendors within each category as of 2025.

As demand for high-performance indoor connectivity continues to increase, Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Distributed Reapeater System (DRS) solutions are becoming essential for delivering seamless 5G and multi-technology coverage. ABI Research assessed nine leading DAS/DRS vendors, evaluating their innovation and implementation capabilities to determine which providers are best positioned to support dynamic, scalable, and sustainable deployments across global markets. This resource identified the top three equipment vendors within each category.

Top DAS/DRS Vendors for Innovation

Vendors were evaluated across five key innovation metrics:

• Scalability
• Research and Development (R&D)/Technology Leadership
• Sustainability
• Deployability and Integration
• Cellular Backward Compatibility/Futureproofing

Ericsson

Ericsson leads in DAS/DRS innovation by combining a compact, modular Radio Dot System with advanced software features that enable rapid scalability and reduced deployment complexity. Key technologies like the Combined Cell feature and IRU 8850 help telco operators increase capacity without hardware changes, while the introduction of Indoor Advanced Positioning adds precision location capabilities. Ericsson’s commitment to sustainability is evident through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven power optimizations and the use of recycled materials. Its support for CAT6A and DWDM ensures backward compatibility and long-distance fiber connectivity.

Nokia

Nokia’s strength in DAS/DRS innovation lies in its modular ASiR system and ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC), which provide flexibility across diverse deployment scenarios. The company integrates advanced load-balancing algorithms and supports scalable indoor coverage with Smart HUB and chainable Pico radios. Its emphasis on sustainability includes AI-driven energy management and micro-DTX, enabling low-power idle modes. Nokia’s architecture also ensures readiness for future 6G applications, offering a forward-compatible solution for enterprises.

ANDREW

ANDREW stands out in DAS/DRS innovation with its digital ERA platform, designed to scale efficiently across both head-end and antenna-side components. Its integration of technologies like the CPRI interface and MOSAIC antennas enables high-performance, low-footprint deployments. With a strong focus on sustainability and efficient resource use, ANDREW employs recycled packaging and reduces Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) loads by eliminating Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). The system’s digital control and software-based configurations simplify deployment, making it highly adaptable.

Top Implementers of DAS/DRS Solutions

The implementation criteria ABI Research used to rank the top DAS/DRS vendors include:

• Commercial Success and Growth
• Geographical Penetration
• Vertical Coverage
• Financial and Organizational Health
• Portfolio Breadth and Comprehensiveness

Table 2: Comparing the Top Three DAS/DRS Vendors for Implementation

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Ericsson

Ericsson emerged as a top implementer of DAS/DRS solutions due to its robust growth in neutral host and private 5G deployments. With 40% of its indoor shipments concentrated in North America, the company has shown resilience amid regional variations, expanding in the Middle East & Africa while weathering declines in Asia and Europe. Its extensive presence across enterprise and public venue deployments underscores its adaptability, even if certain low-power environments fall outside its core strengths. Financially, Ericsson remains stable despite an 8% Year-over-Year (YoY) decline in network revenue, sustained by its broad DAS/DRS portfolio and 30% increase in network sales in North America.

Nokia

Nokia’s high implementation score reflects consistent deployment activity across stadiums, hospitals, factories, and airports. Its geographic footprint remains strong in Europe and North America, with growth in key emerging markets like India and Africa. The company's financial position remains solid, buoyed by a €4.9 billion net cash reserve and proactive restructuring initiatives. Nokia's portfolio versatility, highlighted by ASiR, Shikra Pico, and Smart HUB modules, supports a broad set of use cases and customer profiles.

Huawei

Huawei rounds out the top three implementers for DAS/DRS with wide deployment of its Digital Indoor System (DIS) solutions across a wide range of outdoor and indoor use cases, such as transportation, public venues, healthcare, and education. Despite regulatory hurdles in some markets, Huawei maintains a global presence and has leveraged its diverse infrastructure capabilities to expand into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Latin America. Backed by a 22% revenue growth in 2024, Huawei’s financial strength reinforces its strategic execution. Its product suite, including LampSite and CloudRAN, emphasizes efficient integration and compact design.

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