Andrew Solutions SmartBeam base station antenna system

Andrew Solutions has released its SmartBeam base station antenna system that makes adding capacity and optimising coverage responsive to user demand.

Said to be for the first time, wireless operators have a tool to achieve load balancing across a cell site or even a whole network cluster of cell sites.

The antenna offers three levels of base station pattern adjustments, beam tilting, panning and fanning, which can be conducted from a central office via ANMS (antenna network management system).

When used in combination, the three adjustments enable operators to re-distribute capacity across a network cluster of sites based on changing traffic patterns.

The antenna works by using Next Generation Actuators installed under the antenna radome, which enable the three pattern adjustments. Remote electrical tilt BSAs currently deployed in many wireless networks essentially perform vertical beam tilting.

Horizontal panning and beamwidth fanning is also possible. Beamwidth fanning can result in antenna patterns narrowed or broadened from 35 to 105 degrees. There are seven models available with one, two or three pattern adjustment capabilities.