To keep up with ever-growing data demand, wireless operators are adding new spectrum to their networks to increase capacity. One recent report suggests that streaming audio and video content will account for 80 percent of network traffic by 2020. By then there will also be more than 20 billion Internet of Things devices connected to the networks.
CommScope has updated its base station antennas for new frequency bands allocated in Europe and the US. They are introducing Ultra-Wideband antennas that support the 1400 MHz and 600 MHz bands. These are the latest set of frequencies bands which have been opened up for cellular network use. They have already delivered the Ultra-Wideband antenna for 1400 MHz to a major European operator.
Many European network operators recently received licenses to operate in the 1400 MHz bands, which will help supplement downlink speeds and improve the user experience. CommScope’s Ultra-Wideband antenna has been developed to cover the full spectrum from 1427 to 2690 MHz. The antenna also has a separate input for the 1400 MHz band, enabling downtilt for just that band, while still offering 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 MIMO capability on the 1800, 2100, 2300 and 2600 MHz bands without increasing the size of the antenna.
For the US market, CommScope has developed an Ultra-Wideband antenna for the 600 MHz bands currently being auctioned. The 600 MHz Ultra-Wideband antenna offers superior narrow beamwidth performance, giving it excellent pattern containment, roll off and sector overlap control. These pattern characteristics reduce interference, boost network capacity and enable operators to get the most from their spectral investments. CommScope expects to begin trials of the 600 MHz Ultra-Wideband antennas this year.
In addition to supporting new spectrum, CommScope’s Ultra-Wideband antennas carry the major frequency bands used globally, enabling operators to provide a variety of services from the same antennas. Network operators typically need such multi-faceted network equipment in order to support the numerous wireless technologies and devices in use today.
