RFS Announces Beamforming Antenna to Support 3.5GHz Band Applications
January 24, 2018 – Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems providing total-package solutions for wireless and broadcast infrastructure, today announced the release of a new 8-port TDD beamforming antenna for the 3.5GHz band (3300-3800MHz). The ability to support 3.5GHz applications is pivotal as operators around the world seek to accommodate growing LTE demand, deploy new small cells, and prepare for the imminent rollout of 5G.
The 3.5GHz band is presently licensed in many countries and under auction in others. Operators in Europe and the Middle East, Asia and South America, for example, are looking to this frequency to increase LTE network capacity in densely populated urban areas. In the U.S., leading operators are establishing the necessary framework to make the 3.5 GHz band suitable for sharing in order to deploy base stations utilizing low-power and high-power small cells. Furthermore, the 3.5 GHz band is poised to be the ideal mid-band spectrum for the eventual worldwide rollout of 5G networks.
“The 3.5GHz band will play a critical role in the evolution of wireless networks and RFS is committed to delivering innovative products that will allow our customers to make the most of this frequency band in order to maximize LTE network capacity today and prepare for 5G tomorrow,” said Dr. Rani Makke, senior regional product manager for EMEA at RFS. “Our new antenna is the first in a multi-phased roadmap for providing future-proof technologies for 3.5GHz frequencies.”
The newest TDD antenna from RFS provides an ideal solution using four columns for flexible use in MIMO Beamforming applications in the 3.5GHz band. Key features include:
- Multiple individual beam control (Unit Beam)
- Single high-powered beam option (Broadcast Beam)
- Beam steering flexibility (Service Beam)
- Integrated, field-replaceable AISG-compliant RET motor
- Robust, UV-resistant ASA radome for high long-term heat resistance
- Calibration port functionality for precise steering performance
- Variable electrical down tilt 2-10 degrees
RFS will expand its product portfolio in 2018 with the introduction of an ultra-wideband antenna supporting up to 4.2GHz. This extension will allow operators to reuse the 4.2GHz band, currently used for broadband access, for LTE. This next step of RFS’ 3.5GHz strategy will also help operators overcome the challenge of insufficient installation space as they transition from 4G to 5G by integrating the 3.5GHz beam forming functionality into the legacy multi-broadband antenna supporting low (694-960MHz), mid (1400-2400MHz) and high bands (1695-2690MHz). This will allow the operators to efficiently use the available space on the site towers.
Trademarks: RFS® is a registered trademark 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.
For more information, visit www.rfsworld.com, or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RFSworld.
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