CommScope supplies active antennas to 4G network trial

CommScope has supplied the first active antennas in use in an LTE network field trial.

The active antennas, part of the company’s expanding portfolio of solutions for 4G wireless networks, are installed as part of a multisite LTE trial being conducted by a North American wireless network operator.

Active antennas are considered the next stage in the evolution of cellular site architecture, in which the radio is integrated into the antenna and the radio functionality is distributed across the antenna elements. This digital architecture reduces the need for certain cell site equipment, which can reduce energy consumption, site maintenance and leasing costs.

“We believe this trial is a significant step toward the eventual widespread deployment of active antenna solutions in LTE networks,” said Kevin Linehan, vice president and chief technology officer for base station antennas, CommScope. “Through our 10-plus years of pioneering research and development on active antenna systems, combined with our vast experience in designing and developing advanced antenna and remote radio head systems for global operators, we think CommScope is uniquely positioned to help wireless operators experience the many benefits of the world’s first digital, antenna-integrated radio system.”

The antennas, featuring antenna-embedded radio technology developed with technology partner Ubidyne, are designed to enable mobile operators to deliver optimal wireless coverage and quality of service to subscribers while reducing capital expense and operating expense. The antennas feature modular digital circuits that attach directly to individual antenna radiators, with electronic beam-forming features that increase network capacity.

Previous testing in operator networks shows that active antennas deliver the highest level of integration possible and can offer significant savings in total cost of ownership, in addition to enhancing service performance.

The active antennas deployed in the network trial have undergone rigorous testing for radio performance, safety and reliability at the company’s advanced antenna testing centres.

The company has a dynamic fibre-optic transmission line solution for active antenna site architectures. Remote Fiber Feeder cable combines power conductors and fibre into a single high-performance cable that delivers efficiency, capacity and savings for next-generation networks. It is offered in singlemode or multimode configuration, with two to six fibres per component, offering built-in redundancy.