Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are needed for strong wireless coverage - particularly in large buildings, hospitals, airports, and stadiums. Ensuring DAS is operationally healthy often proves challenging, though.

If you're responsible for wireless infrastructure, you're likely aware that DAS downtime can cause severe disruptions. Even worse, these failures can go unnoticed until users complain.

Here, you'll learn why way too many DAS setups are running without effective alarm visibility, how to integrate (as one specific example from a recent client meeting) ADRF DAS alarms via SNMP or contact closures, and how the right gear provides real-time alerts into third-party tools (like SolarWinds). You'll also discover best practices for rolling out a monitoring solution across multiple sites.

Incomplete or Reactive DAS Monitoring is a Problem

Many organizations operating DAS systems struggle to achieve full alarm visibility. Legacy systems relying solely on contact closures and newer setups using SNMP traps present integration challenges. These issues often lead to:

• Missed alarms and delayed responses
• Costly downtime and outages
• No clear path to integrating alarms into modern Network Management Systems (NMS)

Relying on legacy devices or outdated scripts often results in incomplete monitoring. The NOC may not see critical issues until end users complain. This leaves you guessing and checking to figure out what failed, when, and why.

Some Methods for Monitoring Just Don't Work Well

It's not for lack of trying that DAS systems remain unmonitored. What doesn't work, and why not?

1. Custom Scripts: Many teams rely on custom scripts to convert alarms or gather data. While these scripts may work temporarily, they require frequent updates. A single DAS firmware change can break the entire system, forcing endless troubleshooting and rewriting.
2. Partial SNMP Implementations: Some teams attempt to use SNMP, only to discover that vital components like SNMP traps aren't supported (because many manufacturing use "GET polling" only) or MIB files are not thorough.
3. Ignored Contact Closures: Contact closures, which could provide valuable insights, are often overlooked due to the lack of a dependable SNMP conversion method (many times use an SNMP manager almost exclusively). This leads to missed opportunities for effective monitoring.
4. Specialized Knowledge Dependency: Keeping these systems running often requires expertise. When experienced staff leave, it creates a long-term maintenance burden and increases the risk of system failures.

Get Complete Visibility - No Matter the Protocol

To avoid hassles of monitoring anything, including DAS systems, you'll want a system that sends real-time alerts for anomalies like:

• Power failures
• Battery issues
• Overheating
• RF alarms
• Fiber disconnects

In addition to real-time alerts, you'll want a system that integrates easily with both your legacy infrastructure and any modern gear you're deploying. That means no rewiring entire sites or battling incompatible protocols.

With a well-built system, it doesn't matter whether your DAS is brand-new and SNMP-capable or a legacy system with relays. Either way, you'll be able to see every event in a single pane of glass - and even northbound alarms to another manager. This means:

• No guesswork about where a fault lies
• Secure monitoring via SNMPv3 or email notifications
• No forklift upgrade for older DAS units

All of this is possible with reliable devices, like NetGuardian RTUs, which gather alarms from contact closures or SNMP traps and deliver them to your current monitoring infrastructure.

Use Durable RTUs for DAS Monitoring

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a client to discuss monitoring solutions for their ADRF DAS systems, and it was a great example of how to implement monitoring the right way (as it relates to both contact closures and protocol-based monitoring via SNMP).

Keep in mind that ADRF makes multiple different DAS systems, and that your DAS system may be from a different manufacturer. Still, there are two basic methods that are very common in the industry, so we can dig into those now.

Option 1: Monitoring Contact Closures

This configuration is best for antenna systems with dry relay outputs. In this setup:

1. Your DAS outputs contact closures.
2. NetGuardian 480 collects these closures and converts them into SNMP traps.
3. Traps go over LAN to your SNMP manager (e.g., SolarWinds).

The NetGuardian 480 (an RTU) provides 80 contact inputs and supports SNMPv1-v3 output. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of SNMP managers.

The RTU is built with an industrial-grade design, making it a dependable choice for deployment in remote or environmentally challenging locations. The unit also features a hinged, pluggable back panel. This panel makes wiring fast and simple, which is ideal for technicians in the field.

This setup allows you to retrofit your existing DAS system without replacing it - saving both time and budget. You'll gain consistent, real-time monitoring that integrates directly into your existing workflow. With minimal complexity and dependable performance, this solution makes sure your network remains secure and under control.

Option 2: SNMP Trap Monitoring

This setup is best for modern antenna systems with built-in SNMP trap support.

1. DAS sends SNMP v1/v2c traps to the NetGuardian 832A.
2. 832A forwards those traps (using SNMP v1-v3) to your NMS.
3. You can also receive email alerts.

The NetGuardian 832A is able to accept up to 32 SNMP alarms. This gives you flexibility to monitor a wide range of DAS outputs. The device also supports SNMPv3 which enables secure, encrypted transmission of traps. Built-in email alert notifications provide an additional channel to make sure critical alarms are never missed.

This configuration enables direct SNMP integration without the need for wiring contact closures. Reducing what you have to wire in turn reduces installation time and complexity.

You benefit from higher security through encrypted SNMPv3 traps, and you gain redundant alarm delivery via both SNMP and email. These attributes create the foundation for maximized reliability in your monitoring system.

Understand Contact Closures & Why They Still Matter in 2025

Contact closures might seem dated in an IP-driven world, but they're still invaluable for mission-critical monitoring. They're fairly universally supported by older DAS, power, HVAC, and fire systems.

Since they don't require any firmware, you can simply wire them to a remote telemetry unit (RTU) and start receiving alerts. You'll get immediate notification if a circuit is broken (when you use "NC" or "Normally Closed" wiring) - plus a built-in fail-safe, since a line break or short will always trigger a known alarm state.

The NetGuardian 480 acts as your IP gateway that transforms simple relay outputs into SNMP-based alerts, giving you modern oversight without discarding proven hardware.

Using SNMPv3 for Secure DAS Monitoring is Powerful

Security is a major priority, especially in high-stakes locations like airports, data centers, military bases, and financial institutions. Older SNMPv1 or v2c traps send data in clear text, leaving a vulnerability. SNMPv3 solves this with:

• Encryption for privacy
• Authentication to confirm the sender's identity
• Integrity checks to block tampering

NetGuardians can serve as a secure hub, ensuring any DAS alarm remains protected and trusted as it travels over the network.

How to Physically Connect Your DAS to a NetGuardian RTU

For Contact Closure DAS

1. Identify relay outputs (NO/NC contacts) on the DAS.
2. Wire them to corresponding inputs on the NetGuardian.
3. Label cables and configure alarm names in the RTU's web GUI or TTY interface.
4. Make sure the RTU is forwarding SNMP to your NMS.

For SNMP Trap DAS

1. Connect your DAS to your LAN network.
2. Configure the DAS to send SNMP traps to the NetGuardian IP address.
3. Load MIBs and confirm SNMP versions.
4. Set email alerts if desired.
5. Enable trap forwarding from the NetGuardian to your NMS (SolarWinds, T/Mon, etc.).

DPS Telecom provides wiring diagrams and remote support, so most teams can connect their DAS with minimal effort.

Integrate DAS Alarms Into Your SolarWinds Dashboard

If your NOC already uses SolarWinds - or another NMS - for routers, switches, and servers, you can incorporate DAS alarms into that same platform. Here's how:

1. Import DPS MIBs into SolarWinds.
2. Enable SNMP polling for NetGuardian inputs/outputs.
3. Customize dashboards to display DAS alarm points.
4. Configure alerts to open tickets or escalate if a critical alarm persists.

This centralization simplifies life for your NOC staff. With this integration, they won't need multiple systems to see when a DAS module fails - they'll get immediate visibility.

Protect Your Network Reliability with Good Monitoring

Comprehensive DAS visibility does more than prevent outages - it also helps you plan resources effectively. By capturing every alarm in real time and sending clear notifications to your technicians, you avoid repeated truck rolls, reduce downtime, and keep end users happy.

Proactive data on environmental conditions - like temperature, power, and battery status - lets you schedule maintenance before costly failures occur. This level of preventive action means fewer emergencies, less wasted time, and lower operational expenses in the long run.

Over time, the improvements in uptime and efficiency pay for themselves.

Best Practices for Planning a DAS Monitoring Rollout

Deploying a new monitoring solution across several sites can be intimidating. Following best practices will help set you up for success:

1. Start Small:
   • Pick one or two DAS nodes to pilot.
   • Validate alarm forwarding, confirm real-time visibility.
2. Standardize:
   • Use consistent cable labeling and a reference diagram.
   • Create a default SolarWinds configuration for DAS-related alerts.
3. Train Your Team:
   • Show your field technicians how to wire contact closures and set up SNMP.
   • Document processes for future installs.
4. Review and Expand:
   • Track alarm frequency, response times, and ROI.
   • Roll out the same template to additional sites.

This methodical approach reduces surprises and makes sure each new DAS node is monitored correctly.

Trust Gear Made With Expertise

DPS Telecom has decades of experience manufacturing dependable solutions. With NetGuardian RTUs, you're getting:

• Full alarm visibility without replacing your existing DAS
• SNMP and email notifications for redundant coverage
• Secure SNMPv3 support to encrypt sensitive data
• Easy integration with SolarWinds or your preferred NMS

By using NetGuardians in your setup, you can retain your current infrastructure while gaining a new level of insight. Your left with less downtime, fewer manual checks, and zero guesswork about where problems reside.

Monitor Your DAS the Right Way

DAS is the lifeblood of reliable wireless coverage in large or high-stakes facilities. But coverage alone won't help if you have no visibility into failures.

If missed alarms and reactive troubleshooting have plagued your operations, now is the time to fix it.

• Call DPS Telecom: (559) 454-1600
• Email: sales@dpstele.com

We'll help you:

• Select the right equipment
• Integrate with SolarWinds or another SNMP manager
• Enable real-time alarm notifications for your team

Don't wait to discover gaps in your DAS monitoring the hard way. Contact us today and be sure you always know what's happening with your wireless infrastructure.