Compact 5G-ready antennas with help solve challenges

The approach which can be applied to both base station and small cell antenna equipment, allowing customers to select multiple frequencies and technologies, i.e. 5G, 4G, 3G, which are formatted into a single hybrid antenna, without impacting the performance of any frequency. Site space constraints, site simplification and site sharing are core considerations that can be addressed with the new technology.

Using modular ‘building block’ technology which has been optimised to allow spectrum efficiency and ensure performance and throughput, operators can significantly increase the functionality of their Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment while selecting narrower and smaller antennas from RFS.

The solution gives an opportunity to consolidate multiple technologies into a single antenna, it reduces OPEX and CAPEX costs, plus, by using a building block approach, RFS is able to give its customers the flexibility of heavily tailored products, without the delay to market that usually accompanies custom-built equipment. As operators look to integrate 5G capabilities into their infrastructure, this offers a perfect way to add a 5G layer without impacting existing 4G network performance.

Laurent Cruchant, VP Base Station Antennas and Filters at Radio Frequency Systems, said: “As 5G becomes a real-world reality, there are a number of considerations for operators as they look to build a RAN that can deliver the promises and potential of 5G. Here, size is important, as it is essential that equipment that works harder in less space to ensure that 5G and existing network generations can work seamlessly together to serve customers. We are particularly excited about platform2, platform3 and platform4 all suited to integrate 8T8R and higher order TDD beam formers for 5G.”