“Active” mobile broadband antenna puts users in the spotlight #MWC12

Nokia Siemens Networks will showcase a live Active Antenna System configuration at the company’s booth at Mobile World Congress 2012, Center Hall 8 Co1. The demo will illustrate beam forming, or the formation of dual-cell sector within the same antenna element, as well as the tilting capability of AAS.

Telecom Italia has been actively participating in the verification and testing of Nokia Siemens Networks’ Flexi Multiradio Antenna System. In fact, the leading Italian operator has been collaborating on a common R&D framework for intelligent antennas with Nokia Siemens Networks since 2006, contributing to the development of the Flexi Multiradio Antenna System. Initial results show that base station capacity can be increased by up to 65 percent and coverage by as much as 30 percent compared to traditional antennas with the new antenna system.

“We have started a trial of the Flexi Multiradio Antenna System to improve the network capacity and the end-user experience. Telecom Italia is convinced of the benefits of AAS technology and we are looking forward to introducing it in our network to boost our subscribers’ experience,” said Sandro Dionisi, head of Telecom Italia Lab and Global Consulting.

The Active Antenna System technology integrates several radio frequency (RF) components such as power amplifiers and transceivers into the antenna dipoles. This enables the unique beam forming capability that delivers significant performance enhancement and energy efficiency. In addition to improved capacity and coverage, AAS offers more flexible deployment, smaller footprint, lower power consumption and support for multi-technology networks. It also eliminates the need for separate RF units that are typically connected with feeders to traditional antennas.

“As a pioneer and leading active antenna system vendor, Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to helping operators address the unpredictable bandwidth demand cost-effectively by creating networks that adapt instantly to changing customer needs, use existing capital investments more efficiently and generate new revenue opportunities,” said Massimo Mazzocchini, head of customer business team Italy at Nokia Siemens Networks.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.

With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 150 countries and had revenues of over 14 billion euros in 2011. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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Notes:
*A principal advantage of active antennas is their ability to create and steer beams within the cell. Also called beam forming, it allows formation of dual cell-sector instead of a single cell-sector in the same frequency i.e. two cells in same frequency from single column cross polarized antenna. With beam forming, active antennas can use the existing installed base to effectively double network resources in a given area. It also enables an operator to focus a portion of the cell’s resources on a chosen hotspot while still providing blanket coverage throughout the rest of the cell.