White Papers
Design Considerations for Public Safety DAS in the LTE Era
This white paper discusses the convergence of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communication systems for emergency services personnel to 4G and 5G wireless technologies. It identifies best practices for designing in-building distributed antenna systems (DAS) for optimal coverage and capacity during the transition period between these technologies.
Tappers vs Couplers for Ultra-Wideband Signal Distribution Networks
With 5G ready networks on the horizon and the need for higher data rates the requirement for greater bandwidth can no longer be avoided. Carrier aggregation enables higher capacity and can be further enhanced by License Assisted Access (LAA). LTE-LAA enables the use of an unlicensed spectrum (2.4GHz, 3.5GHz, and 5.9GHz) for Supplemental Downlink in tandem with a Primary Cell operating in the licensed spectrum’s sector as an anchor. To accommodate carrier aggregation with LTE-LAA, ultra-wideband components that operate up to 6GHz are required. Signal Tappers are a cost effective and space efficient alternative to directional couplers.
Passive Intermodulation in Low Power Components
Passive Intermodulation (PIM) is a significant challenge that the wireless industry faces. When PIM products fall within the uplink (Rx) band, the level must be below the noise floor of the receiver. The industry standard definition for PIM is in dBc (decibels below the carrier) relative to 2 tones of 20W each (2x20W). Measurements are typically conducted on 3rd order PIM products due to the E-UTRA Downlink and Uplink band separations, but sometimes higher order PIM products are tested. As the industry and equipment has evolved the typical specifications have gone from -140dBc, to -153dBc, to -161dBc.
Digital GPS Repeaters for Wireless Network Timing
Modern wireless telecommunications networks rely on accurate frequency and precise timing to synchronize base stations and mobile devices throughout the network. Unlike older 2G/3G wireless technologies which required only an accurate frequency reference, GPS timing signals are used today to ensure optimal signal quality & coverage, high speed data service with high capacity, spectral efficiency and advanced features.
Addressing small cell issues: Size and RF performance
In order to deploy 5G, the next generation of mobile network architectures that promises increasing speeds and lower latency, the network must be densified. Densification implies more cell sites in more locations and getting the signal closer to the users. This means significantly more small cells – there is simply no choice other than to put more radios into the network.
PIM Requirements for Low Power Wireless Components and Subsystems
Passive intermodulation, PIM, continues to be a concern for high speed Wireless networks. A good understanding of how it impacts the network operation and how to detect and avoid it has been rapidly developing.