A distributed antenna system having improved data transmission features incorporates endpoints of the system, which are coupled together by serial data link. At the endpoints, processing may occur utilizing processing circuitry to determine similarities between multiple signal streams. If the streams are similar, the data sent over the serial digital link is reduced by only sending one of the representative signals. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the difference between the signals might be sent as well. Alternatively, all signals might be sent, but may be compressed with compression circuitry before the signals are transmitted over the serial link. At the endpoint of the system, the signals are reconstructed for further processing and transmission.