Huawei has released a new dual-beam radio antenna that it claimed could improve capacity and efficiency of six-sector networks.
Six-sector sites are cellular towers comprising six antennas at the top forming a hexagonal configuration, with each antenna at a 33 degree horizontal beam width.
Such configurations are often used to maximise spectrum use when resources are limited. However, Huawei said that six-sector sites provided “negligible” capacity gain at the expense of high construction costs for operators.
They also create “side lobe” interference, caused by radiation escaping from the antennas in unwanted directions.
Huawei claimed its new dual-beam antenna design improved the shortcomings of six-sector sites by supporting two beams at the same width as current models.
This means six-sector sites only require three of its new dual-beam antennas, saving space for operators while also offering easy capacity expansion for three-sector sites.
The new design also reduces side lobe interference, Huawei said.
The vendor claimed the solution enhanced coverage and improved capacity by 70 percent in deployments with operator AIS Thailand in 2013.
Zhou Taoyuan, President of Huawei Antenna Business Unit, commented: “Huawei relentlessly focuses on developing solutions for the challenges faced by operators as well as the ongoing requirements of the MBB (mobile broadband] era.
“The launch and industry’s first large scale commercialisation of the innovative dual-beam antenna will not only allow operators to maximise the efficiency of existing spectrum bands, but also help solve capacity problems, improve the user experience and achieve business success.”
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