RFS introduces Ultra-Broadband Antennas for ultra-flexible LTE spectrum support

Colombes (France), February 10, 2010 – Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, is dramatically simplifying antenna requirements for operators by introducing Ultra-Broadband Antennas that support the full range of potential LTE frequencies on a single platform. Ready for worldwide LTE testing today, the RFS Ultra-Broadband Antennas eliminate operators’ need to replace or add antennas as they trial and deploy LTE services at different frequencies. The antennas also bring flexibility and freedom of choice to operators with 2G, 3G, PCS, AWS, GSM1800 and mobile TV networks.

The time, costs and risks associated with antenna site evolution are key challenges for all operators. Replacing or adding antennas to accommodate different technologies or frequencies delays time-to-market, is expensive and can lead to difficult negotiations with landlords. These challenges are of particular concern for operators moving to LTE, where allocated frequencies may be unknown or may change from the trial stage to the deployment stage.

For example, while many LTE trials are at 2.6 GHz, operators may want to take advantage of frequencies down to 1800 MHz if and when spectrum becomes available, or to use LTE at 700 MHz or 800 MHz depending on their geographical focus. The RFS Ultra-Broadband Antennas give operators the flexibility needed to activate LTE in any frequency band through Software-Defined Radio (SDR) without changing the antenna. This flexibility and ease of access also make these antennas ideal to meet rebanding and refarming requirements in the 1710-2700 MHz range, allowing operators to smoothly migrate capacity across frequency bands in a multi-technology RAN environment.

Eric Mariette, VP Global Marketing at RFS, explains the philosophy behind the Ultra-Broadband Antennas. “As we looked ahead, we could see that operators need the flexibility to continuously advance their operations and deal with the uncertainties around LTE spectrum availability while controlling costs. They should not be forced to replace or add antennas to take advantage of different frequencies or technologies,” he says. “It doesn’t make financial or business sense. With our variable tilt, Ultra-Broadband Antennas, operators can invest once then effectively forget about antenna replacement issues and focus on evolving their business. They are ready for anything.”

Available in dual polarization or side-by-side quad polarization versions, the Ultra-Broadband Antennas include all of the RFS premium performance features: High gain, high upper sidelobe suppression and performance stability across frequencies. They also include well-known RFS antenna features such as quick and easy adjustments and optional remote tilt, along with a low-profile design to minimize visual impact. Notably, the RFS Ultra-Broadband Antennas feature variable electric downtilt that is adjustable from zero to 12 degrees for enhanced precision in controlling intercell interference.

The side-by-side version gives operators increased flexibility to support multiple technologies, seamlessly add capacity and benefit from additional capabilities — all under a single radome. As operators progress with their LTE rollouts, they can take advantage of:

• Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) to increase data throughput without additional bandwidth or power requirements
• Beamforming to improve coverage based on traffic patterns and landscape
• 4-Way Receive (Rx) Diversity to reduce multi-path fading and increase reverse link (or uplink) signal capacity 

Unlike most antenna vendors, RFS has tested its side-by-side Ultra-Broadband Antennas with a base station. This has allowed RFS to optimize spacing between the two antennas to ensure the highest performance levels for MIMO, beamforming and 4-Way Rx Diversity. As part of the base station testing, RFS was also able to simulate the end-to-end system, meaning performance of these key capabilities could be fine tuned for use with any base station operators may be using in their LTE deployments. “RFS is really unique in its ability to test its antennas with a base station,” explains Mariette. “This is an important advantage for operators because they can be fully confident that the side-by-side antennas are already optimized for the highest performance levels with any LTE base station. They don’t need to worry about these details. This approach is in line with our strategy of combining the highest possible performance with simplicity for operators.” 

Today, the RFS Ultra-Broadband Antennas are in both high- and low-band LTE trials with major international operators. “In our discussions with future-oriented operators, it’s clear they recognize the value of the Ultra-Broadband Antennas,” says Patrick Houze de l’Aulnoit, VP Global Sales & Marketing at RFS. “As they move forward on LTE, they know they’re going to need the flexibility and the one-time investment is very attractive to them. The combination is exactly what they’re looking for.”    
    
As data traffic volumes continue to explode and LTE comes of age with testing around the world, it will become an increasingly important technology. RFS is ready to partner with operators, OEMs and installation companies on LTE, to answer their questions, help them face their challenges and provide the wireless infrastructure needed to reap LTE’s full benefits — today and tomorrow.  

During the RFS StayConnected Days @ 2010 Mobile World Congress, RFS is hosting a Press Briefing on Wednesday, February 17 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the RFS booth (Hall 2, Booth C53). To confirm your participation at the RFS Press Briefing or schedule an interview with an RFS executive, please contact:

Eric Giaretto,
eric.giaretto@rfsworld.com,
+33 (0)6 80 26 42 40.

Trademarks: Radio Frequency Systems® and RFS® are registered trademarks of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About RFS
Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.