A distributed antenna system includes a master unit configured to receive at least one set of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) channel signals from at least one signal source. The master unit is configured to frequency convert at least one of the MIMO channel signals to a different frequency from an original frequency, and combine the MIMO channel signals for transmission. An optical link couples the master unit with a unit remote from the master unit for transceiving the MIMO channel signals. Conversion circuitry is configured to frequency convert at least one of the first and second MIMO channel signals from the different frequency back to an original frequency for transmission over an antenna.