June 20, 2025
Before we dive in, you should know this post is part of a four-part blog series on how we at Metro Wireless execute our DAS offering. Be sure to check out the other posts in this series for more info on:
When it comes to monitoring Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), real-time data is your best friend. That’s where cloud portal reporting and analytics come into play.
This powerful feature enables you to see exactly how your DAS is performing at a glance— with all the crucial metrics displayed per carrier, per location, and even per device.
Through the cloud portal, system administrators can access a deep, granular view of network performance for each individual carrier. This means no guesswork, no generic overviews— just highly specific performance data that’s tailored to your environment.
Let’s break down what this actually means. From the portal, you can retrieve important performance indicators such as:
This data allows you to compare performance between carriers and ensure all users— regardless of network— are getting solid service.
Coverage unit and network unit level reporting
What makes this even more powerful is the multi-layered data view. You’re not just seeing high-level stats— you can dig down into the:
With both micro and macro perspectives available, it’s easier than ever to troubleshoot, optimize, and future-proof your DAS installation.
In a world of complex wireless networks, simplicity is powerful. That’s exactly what the Nextivity cloud portal dashboard delivers— clear, high-level insights into every DAS deployment under your control.
A bird’s-eye view of every system
The dashboard isn't just another cluttered control panel— it's a strategic vantage point. With just a few clicks, you can view the status of each system deployment, giving you an instant overview of how well your networks are performing.
Think of it like air traffic control— but for signals, devices, and data.
At Metro Wireless, we're not just installing DAS— we’re staying involved. Our team routinely monitors every client's deployment through the Nextivity dashboard to make sure everything runs like clockwork.
Whether it’s spotting early warning signs, verifying signal performance, or simply ensuring everything is online and stable, we’re on it— so you don’t have to be.
Proactive oversight means fewer surprises
By staying ahead of the curve, we help prevent issues before they escalate. This means fewer service interruptions, quicker fixes, and a smoother experience for everyone connected to your DAS system.
In DAS deployment, every detail counts— and that’s where the performance matrix for the network unit comes in. It offers a focused look into how each carrier is performing by frequency and band, giving installers the exact insights they need.
Empowering technicians with real-time signal data
This matrix isn't just for show. It gives installation technicians the tools to optimize signal strength and quality on the spot. Whether it’s boosting a weak band or balancing frequencies for multiple carriers, this page acts like a real-time tuning guide for flawless performance.
Distributed Antenna System (DAS) software and firmware updates are essential to maintain optimal performance and security. Regular updates ensure compatibility with new features and technologies across the network.
A centralized cloud-based portal is used to remotely manage and deploy software and firmware updates. This eliminates the need for on-site interventions, making the update process more efficient and less disruptive.
Our Metro Wireless team conducts regular checks to verify that all DAS installations are running the latest software and firmware versions. This proactive approach helps prevent system issues and ensures seamless connectivity.
The Nextivity cloud portal offers the capability to configure and automate software and firmware updates. This feature ensures that all connected devices are kept current without requiring manual intervention.
This screenshot highlights an example where a Coverage Unit (CU) has gone offline, which is a common alarm scenario.
A typical first step in troubleshooting such an event is to verify whether the Ethernet cable is properly connected and functioning.
Alarms can also be triggered by critical issues such as network hardware overheating, which may indicate cooling failures or excessive load.
At Metro Wireless, we typically implement a standardized set of Nextivity DAS policies, alarm configurations, and notification settings across all deployments. These settings ensure consistent performance monitoring and streamlined alert management for every installation.
Here is a list of all the potential alarms:
Nextivity DAS systems can be safely shut down and restarted as needed. This process allows the system to reset, clearing any temporary issues and restoring optimal performance. A restart is particularly useful if the system experiences instability or unexpected behavior.
A shutdown may be necessary to prevent hardware damage if the system detects excessive heat. Restarting the unit after it cools down ensures safe operation while maintaining consistent coverage and signal quality.
Restarting the system also triggers an automatic rescan for available frequencies. This is beneficial in dynamic RF environments where new frequencies may become available or interference patterns change, ensuring the DAS operates on the clearest channels.
The Nextivity portal continuously records detailed analytics logs that capture essential DAS performance metrics, including signal level, signal strength, and other network statistics.
At MW, our engineering teams actively monitor and analyze these logs to identify trends, detect anomalies, and quickly troubleshoot any client-reported issues.
This data-driven approach enables us to maintain reliable system performance and deliver a high-quality user experience.
Although lightning arresters are installed as a protective measure, DAS systems can still be susceptible to direct or nearby lightning strikes.
Such events may cause critical hardware components to fail, requiring immediate inspection and replacement.
Donor antennas may need realignment if the serving cell tower experiences signal issues or if the antennas shift due to weather or structural changes.
Misalignment can significantly degrade system performance and require on-site adjustments to restore optimal signal reception.
At Metro Wireless, we leverage our preferred relationship with Nextivity to ensure rapid response times.
This includes expedited shipping for replacement hardware and direct access to Nextivity’s technical support engineers for faster resolution of complex issues.
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re not monitoring your DAS in detail, you’re flying blind. But with cloud portal analytics, you’re flying with a full dashboard— seeing every signal drop, every spike in usage, and every trend in real time. It’s like having a health tracker for your network.
Ready to transform your facility's cellular coverage? Contact Metro Wireless on sales@metrowireless.com today to begin your custom DAS assessment and experience our proven methodology firsthand.
But don’t just take our word for it— see it in action! We’ve published a real-world DAS Case Study showcasing how we deliver seamless, cost-effective connectivity.
Tyler Hoffman
CEO
