Latin America. Planning for wireless network modernization is vital to maximize profits and avoid unnecessary expenses.
The imminent arrival of 5G, the exponential increase in the number of devices connected to the network and the need for greater bandwidth have forced service providers to look for better solutions for users. With new frequency bands available, such as 700, 800, 1400MHz, operators should review the smartest ways to upgrade their wireless network, especially when it comes to deploying new spectrum on base station antennas.
"Although the radio frequency (RF) domain is changing rapidly, it is best to carefully plan network modernization to maximize benefits and minimize long-term costs," said Elie Kanakri, technical marketing manager – EMEA/APAC at CommScope.
In addition to the design, the planning that mobile network providers must do includes the selection of new antennas, before which Elie Kanakri describes 5 steps that can help them make this decision:
Step 1: Understand the radio spectrum matrix
It is critical to understand the current and future frequency bands that the operator plans to use, at least for the next five years, and to know when these bands will be available, so that this information serves as a guide for the selection of BSAs.
Step 2: Add technologies to the frequency matrix
"Considering the generation of technology, the MIMO order, the functions used such as beam direction, and the types of radio modules, the next step should be to link the technologies to the listed frequency bands, which will allow to maximize the benefits," added Elie Kanakri.
Step 3: Use combiners
Combiners are mainly used to reduce the number of running cables and bridges and share two, three or four bands or frequency technologies on the same antenna ports. The use of combiners will cause the operator to share the same electronic tilt configuration with all sections combined. In this way, by entering the frequency array and adding the combiners, the total number of RF ports needed is identified.
Step 4: Check the current network antennas
Verifying the inventory of the current network, the warehouse and the installed antennas will be of vital importance to corroborate if they are adequate to support the modernization. Some questions to ask are: Are your antennas compatible with all the frequency bands mentioned or only some of them? How many antennas are needed to cover all these bands and ports?
Step 5: Categorize with tower structures
According to the tower structures and their load capacity, the sites should be categorized and the best antenna solution for them should be selected.
"For example, for new sites a new 22-port antenna will be used; for medium structure sites, 2 existing antennas, of 14 ports with 8 antenna ports, will be used; while for heavy-duty structure sites it will be better to use new 6 ports with 8 existing ports, and 8-port antennas with beam control. If these steps are followed, a plan for the implementation and modernization of wireless networks must be in place accurately and efficiently," concluded Elie Kanakri, technical marketing manager - EMEA/APAC at CommScope.
