antenas umts ret tma

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Technical Information andNew Products



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Photo on title page: Selection of products for UMTS networks.

“Quality leads the way”Being the oldest and largest antenna manufacturer worldwide, we take on every daythe challenge arising from our own motto. One of our basic principles is to look alwaysfor the best solution in order to satisfy our customers.Our quality assurance system conforms to DIN EN ISO 9001 and applies to the productrange of the company: Antenna systems, communication products as well as activeand passive distribution equipment.



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Contents Page

UMTS – the Future Mobile Communication SystemNetwork Planning 4WCDMA Technology and RET Benefits 5Conclusion 7

UMTS Antennas from the World’s Largest Antenna SupplierNew Dipole Technology 8New Phase-Shifters for Antennas with Adjustable Electrical Downtilt 9Wideband Antenna (Multi-band and 2-Multi-band) 10Dual-band Antennas 11Triple-band Antennas 12UMTS Products for Special Applications 13Mechanical Interface of RET-prepared UMTS Antennas 14

System for Remote Electrical Tilt (RET)RET-System Components 15Controlling the RCU 16Communication between OMC and CCU 19Browser Application 21

Tower Mounted AmplifierGeneral 22Design 22

Antenna Isolation with Site SharingFactors Influencing the Isolation Value 24Save Distance between two Panel Antennas 27

Optimised Minimum Distance between two Antennas 27

WLANWLAN – a Challenge 28Operation Standards 28Hotspot Service Portfolio 29Access Coverage 29Expectations 31



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The four letters UMTS, the abbreviation forUniversal Mobile Telecommunication S ystem, are

already well known among the general public.They stand for high data transmission rates andmulti media applications. The start of this newsystem has been postponed many times due togeneral delays in the technology as well asscepticism in carrying out such huge investments.But the thumbs are now up and many licenseeshave to fulfil regulations regarding a minimumcoverage before the end of 2003.While the end users do not care so much aboutthe used technology, UMTS means a big stepforward compared to GSM.The main technology for implementing the3. Generation of mobile systems will be WCDMA(Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). Theapplied frequency range is 1920–2170 MHz,which contains two paired blocks of 60 MHz each.

UMTS – the Future Mobile Communication System

The technologies used with GSM and UMTS havea big influence on network planning and therequired network optimisation due to someessential differences.In both cases, the vertical pattern downtilt plays a

major role concentrating the radiated power intothe cell to be covered and controlling theinterference from adjacent cells.

Network Planning

Traditionally with GSM, the downtilt angle has tobe altered only when the network structurechanges e.g. by adding new sites, which happensmay be once or twice a year. In this case it isacceptable to send out installation teams to sites

to change the mechanical or electrical adjustabledowntilt angles of the antennas.

Comparison GSM UMTSAccess TDMA WCDMA

(Time Division Multiple Access) ( Wideband Code Division Multiple Access)separation of the subscribers separation of the subscribersby time slots by codes

Frequency plan certain frequencies per cell the same full bandwidth in each cellHand over registration only in one cell registration in two or more cells

(hard hand over) (soft hand over)Cell size fixed variable



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With UMTS, there is a complex relationshipbetween capacity, coverage and interference. It isexpected that the electrical downtilt of the

antennas has to be modified several times a day!It is clear that the previous technologies cannotprovide the fast and permanent access to vary the

downtilt angle of the antennas. This led to theconcept of a remote electrical downtilt (RET)controlled from a central location within the

network e.g. the operational and maintenancecenter (OMC).

In essence, CDMA uses the same frequencyband in each cell with the unpleasantdisadvantage for a specific subscriber that all theother subscribers are ‘noise’ and causeinterference. Consequently, power levels inCDMA networks are kept to a minimum in order toreduce this interference. The power levels mighteven be below the noise level, and a certainsubscriber can only be identified by using codes.

Power adjustment and cell breathing

To keep the noise low within a cell, the transmitpower of the downlink (base station) is alsoaltered. For each subscriber, the base station hasto provide exactly the right minimum power. Thisrequires an extensive and fast power adjustment.

If the load in the cell rises, either by an increasednumber of subscribers, or by higher transfer datarates, the power and with it the noise level will

grow and finally hinder communication. The basestation gets at its limit concerning power adjust-ment and responses by turning down the power,

consequently reducing the coverage area andwith it the number of subscribers. This processwill continue until the power control is recovered.

The effect of a variable coverage area due to anincreased load and noise is called ‘cell breathing’.The graph below describes the relationshipbetween number of users, noise increase andcell range.

With RET it is possible to partly compensatethis effect and to optimise the power distribution incritical areas.

WCDMA Technology and RET Benefits

Cell breathing and noise increase in UMTS voice

source: HU Berlin

number of users

n o i s e i n c r e a s e

c e l l r a n g e [ k m ]

1.61.41.2

10.80.60.40.2

0

20181614121086420

0 10 20 30 40 50



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areas. For example, during rush hours thenetwork can concentrate on train stations orairports. Furthermore, the network can beadopted to meet the temporary requirements ofspecial events like music festivals, exhibitions ormajor sporting events.

Network expansions

If a network grows due to an increased number ofsubscribers, additional sites are generally addedin between the already existing ones. To avoidinterference between the sites, downtilt angleshave to be reset by installation teams who have tovisit each individual site.

With RET this adaptation could be carried outcentrally from the OMC without any work at thesite.

Soft hand over

To improve the low power uplink situation, sub-scribers may be registered in more than one cell.That means the weak signals are received in twoor three cells and added up by the system. It isestimated that approximately 30%– 40 % of the

subscribers will be in such a ‘soft-handover’condition. This technology provides some benefitsregarding the uplink levels but on the other handit eats up capacity.The amount of soft handover can be adjusted byRET changing the overlapping areas in thenetwork.

High traffic area

Skilful planning, adding RET features to yournetwork, may increase capacity in high traffic

Antennacoverage

BTS

BTS

BTS

BTS

BTS

BTS

High traffic orsoft handover area

Decreasing the downtilt

Increasing the coverage



Kathrein already began the development of

mobile communication antennas for the latestUMTS technology in 1999. Through it’sconsistently high standards of quality andoutstanding technological developments,Kathrein continues to prove it’s market leadershipin the field of UMTS antennas.

Producing more than 50,000 mobile communica-tion antennas per month, KATHREIN-Werke KGis not only the world’s oldest, but also the largestantenna supplier, with a current global marketshare of more than 42%.

So far, Kathrein have sold a remarkable quantityof several hundred thousand UMTS base stationantennas and meanwhile the turnover with UMTSantennas has increased to form a significant

share of the overall turnover achieved withmobile communication base station antennas.This success is certainly due not only to thecustomer-optimised portfolio, but also toKathrein’s advanced technological lead.

To ensure the highest possible quality, stringentfinal test procedures are installed. Before leavingthe production facilities, every antenna is tested

for intermodulation, isolation and VSWR.

Kathrein offers an extensive and advanced rangeof UMTS antennas. Customers can choosebetween antennas with adjustable downtilt, fixed

tilt or no electrical downtilt and various half-powerbeam widths. All of the adjustable antennas canbe optionally upgraded to a remote-controlledelectrical tilt version. A detailed list of the newUMTS antennas is shown below.

Kathrein now serves all system suppliers andmore than 240 network operators throughout the

world with mobile communication base stationantennas and other related products.Most of the world-wide UMTS license-holders useKathrein antennas for their demanding UMTSnetwork extensions.

UMTS Antennas from the World’s Largest Antenna Supplier

One of Kathrein’s most important philosophies isto always ensure that all products comprise thebest available technology. Approximately 10 % of

the overall revenue is invested each year forResearch & Development work. Considering thefield of UMTS technology only, a total of

New Dipole Technology

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Kathrein’s sophisticated phase shifters providecontinuous downtilt angle adjustment. To reduceintermodulation products capacitively couplingelements are used for power distribution. Thistechnology ensures no limitation of lifetime.

Together with the introduced new dipoletechnology (vector-dipole), Kathrein is able tokeep the defined specification of the antennasnot only over the complete frequency range, butalso over the whole adjustable downtilt range.This is certainly one of the most challengingtasks during the development of base station

antennas.

With the UMTS system new effects like“Cell-Breathing” and “Soft-Handover” etc. requiremuch greater demand on the network planningrather than necessary with the well-known GSM

technology.It’s obvious that the performance of the basestation antennas in this association play a veryimportant role. To be able to cope with the newchallenges, antennas with adjustable, electricaldowntilt are absolutely essential. The flexibilityalso enables a network optimisation and fine-tuning later on.Therefore, Kathrein has developed complete new

(patented) phase shifters for UMTS antennas withadjustable electrical downtilt to meet the newrequirements.

New Phase-Shifters for Antennas with Adjustable Electrical Downtilt

14 patents are granted, all picture proof ofKathrein’s high level of innovation. Kathrein’svector dipole technology, providing excellent

broadband characteristics for UMTS antennasand special phase-shifters for accurate downtiltadjustments, are just two examples of extra-ordinary patented solutions.

The vector-dipole technology used for Kathreinbroadband antennas ensures the highestpossible technical level and does not compromiseperformance in any way. Considering not only the

UMTS frequency range but also lower frequencybands, e.g. GSM 1800 and PCS 1900, Kathrein’sbroadband dipoles help to achieve even better

electrical characteristics rather than single-banddipoles. Constant half-power beam width andoutstanding VSWR values over the entirefrequency range from 1710–2170 MHz at alldowntilt angles are remarkable examples of thedistinguishing characteristics of Kathrein’s newvector dipole technology. In addition, these UMTSantennas show superior tracking and squintvalues.



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a considerably reduced number of antennas

needed by network operators. In the case of2-multi-band versions, two identical antennas areintegrated into one radome for independentdowntilting.

Kathrein’s multi-band antennas extend the active

frequency range up to 1710 –2170 MHz. Theseantennas are suitable for operation in all threemobile communication frequency bands of1800, 1900 and 2000 MHz, which can lead to

Wideband Antennas (Multi-band and 2-Multi-band)

XPol Multi-band: 1710 – 2170 MHz

742 210 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 9 dBi 0°T739 489 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 12 dBi 2°T742 211 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 15.5 dBi 0°–10°T742 212 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–8°T742 215 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–10°T741 794 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18.5 dBi 2°T742 213 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 19.5 dBi 0°–6°T742 186 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 20.5 dBi 0°T

741 984 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 11.5 dBi 0°T

741 987 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 17 dBi 2°T741 988 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 14 dBi 0°–10°T741 989 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 17 dBi 0°–8°T741 990 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 18 dBi 0°–6°T

742 218 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 45° 19.5 dBi 0°–8°T742 219 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 45° 21.5 dBi 0°–6°T742 351 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 33° 21 dBi 0°–8°T

XXPol 2-Multi-band: 1710 – 2170 / 1710 – 2170 MHz

742 233 XXPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 15 dBi 0°–10°T1710 – 2170 65° 15 dBi 0°–10°T


742 235 XXPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 19.5 dBi 0°–6°T1710 – 2170 65° 19.5 dBi 0°–6°T


742 212

742 234



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XXPol Dual-band: 806/824 – 960 / 1710 – 2170 MHz

742 226 XXPol A-Panel 806 – 960 65° 12 dBi 0°T1710 – 2170 60° 14 dBi 0°T

742 264 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 14 dBi 0°–14°T1710 – 2170 65° 17 dBi 0°–8°T

742 265 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 16 dBi 0°–10°T1710 – 2170 65° 18.5 dBi 0°–6°T

742 266 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 17 dBi 0°–7°T1710 – 2170 65° 18.5 dBi 0°–6°T

800 10121 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 88° 12.5 dBi 0°–14°T1710 – 2170 88° 16 dBi 0°–8°T



A further reduction in the number of antennas

and an improvement in the optical impact isachievable installing the completely new dual-band antennas. Kathrein’s dual-band antennasoperate in the following two frequency ranges:806/824– 960 MHz and 1710 – 2170 MHz. Allpresent world-wide mobile communicationnetworks can be served simultaneously operating

only one antenna per cell. The downtilt angle

can be adjusted for both frequency rangesseperately.Due to the wide frequency range of the high-bandsystem, these dual-band antennas are alsosuitable for triple-band applications. A wide rangeof combiner products is also available to completeKathrein’s product portfolio.

Dual-band Antennas

742 264



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Triple-band Antennas

Kathrein’s unique antenna technology combines

three different frequency ranges packed into justone single radome. Three independentlyadjustable downtilt systems allow the operator tooptimise the radiation pattern individually.

Although Kathrein’s triple-band antennas containtwo radiating systems and integrated filter

components, mechanical dimensions are only

slightly larger than those of a single GSM 900antenna.The customer may also choose Kathrein’s triple-band antennas in a different design made of threeradiating systems. This offers additional flexibilitywith two broadband systems 1710–2170 MHz.

XXXPol Triple-band: 806/824 – 960 / 1710 – 1880 / 1920 – 2170 MHz

742 270 XXXPol A-Panel 806 – 960 66° 15 dBi 0°–12°T1710 – 1880 67° 16.5 dBi 0°–8°T1920 – 2170 63° 17 dBi 0°–8°T



XXXPol Triple-band: 806/824 – 960 / 1710 – 2170 / 1710 – 2170 MHz

742 241 XXXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 17 dBi 0°–7°T1710 – 2170 65° 17 dBi 0°–8°T

1710 – 2170 65° 16.5 dBi 0°–8°T

742 241

Further sophisticated antennas are in development!



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UMTS Products for Special Applications

In additon to the cross-polarised broad-band

UMTS antennas, Kathrein’s product portfolio alsoincludes vertically polarised UMTS antennas, e.g.a single-band omnidirectional antenna with highgain for fast network roll-out.

To complete the UMTS range, indoor products

(antennas, splitters and tappers) now coveran extended frequency range up to2.5 GHz, including WLAN.

VPol / Single-band and Multi-band

738 454 VPol Omni 1710 – 2170 360° 2 dBi800 10147 VPol Omni 824–960/1805–2170 360° 2 dBi800 10111 VPol Omni 870–960/1710–1880 360° 2 dBi

1920 – 2170 360° 2 dBi741 790 VPol Omni 2000 360° 11 dBi738 445 VPol BiDir 800/2000 65° 5 dBi 7-16 female738 446 VPol BiDir 800/2000 65° 5 dBi N-female742 192 VPol LogPer 806 – 2170 65° 11 dBi741 415 VPol F-Panel 2000 60° 17.5 dBi

742 445: VPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–10°T742 290 VVPol F-Panel 824 – 960 C 90° 7 dBi1710 – 2170 90° 7 dBi

800 10046 VVPol F-Panel 824 – 960 C 90° 10 dBi1710 – 2170 90° 11.5 dBi

741 786 VPol F-Panel 2000 120° 14.5 dBi

Indoor / VPol

741 571 VPol Indoor 900/2000 360° 2 dBi741 572 VPol Indoor 800/2000 360° 2 dBi800 10137 VPol Indoor 876–960/1710–2500 360° 2 dBi800 10177 VPol Indoor 824–960/1425–2170 360° 2 dBi800 10173 VPol Indoor 876–960/1710–2500 360° 2 dBi

741 573 VPol Indoor 1710 – 2500 360° 2 dBi742 149 VPol Indoor 800/2000 90° 7 dBi

742 192

800 10177



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Splitters / Tappers860 10017, 860 10018, 860 10019 Splitter series 2-way / 3-way / 4-way 800–2500

Indoor

860 10020, 860 10021, 860 10022 Tapper series 2-way 6 / 10 / 15 dB 800–2500Indoor

K 63236001 Tapper 2-way 5.0 – 15.0 dB 824–960 / continuously adjustable ratio Indoor 1710–2170

860 10023 Tapper 2-way 5.0 – 15.0 dB 870–960 / continuously adjustable ratio Indoor 1710–2500

Mechanical Interface of RET-prepared UMTS Antennas

Kathrein offers a special solution for all UMTSantennas in which the downtilt of an antenna canbe set remotely.This RET solution supports the UMTS system

operation with regard to cell breathing, hot spots,network extension and soft handover.Each manually adjustable UMTS antenna from

Kathrein can easily be upgraded to a remoteelectrical tilt version adding of a separate RemoteControl Unit (RCU).Therefore all new antennas with adjustable

electrical downtilt are supplied with a necessaryinterface to attach the RCU to the antenna.

Antenna with protection capattached to the mechanicalinterface.

Thread for fixing of theprotective cap or the RCU(Remote Control Unit).Gearwheel for RCU-powerdrive.

2

1

RCU fixingMechanical interface showing:Adjustment wheel withtwist-lock function formanual adjustment.Downtilt spindle with inte-grated scale.

1

2

860 10023



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System for Remote Electrical Tilt (RET)RET-system components

RCU(Remote Control Unit)

CCU(Central Control Unit)

Control cable

DC power and signal splitter

Lightning protection device

Earthing clamp

Optional

TMA(Tower Mounted Amplifier)

Smart Bias Tee

• Remote controlled motor, mounted at theantenna and used to adjust the downtilt angle

• Controls several RCUs• Provides power for connected devices;

e.g. RCU, TMA and/or Smart Bias Tees• Handles alarming• Designed for indoor BTS installation

• Feeds power supply and control signals to theRCUs

• Allocates power supply and control signals froma common input onto three outputs for multipleRCU-control

• Protects the RET system against lightning• Needs to be utilised if RCUs are controlled with

separate cable

• Grounds the control cable

• Installed to enhance coverage and improvevoice quality

• Forwards power supply and control signals toconnected RCUs

• Employed to feed control signals and powersupply onto the RF cables



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Controlling the RCU

The major component to control the RCU is theCentral Control Unit (CCU), which is located atthe BTS. In order to cover all required appli-cations, the CCU can be accessed from theOperational Maintenance Center (OMC) via the

Ethernet input and/or directly by a personalcomputer via the RS 232 input.

Connection between CCU and RCU

Three options may be offered: – Separate cables – using Smart Bias Tee’s in the feeder lines

– via TMA

Utilising splitters up to nine RCUs may be connec-ted to a single CCU.

Use of separate cables

The 5-conductor cable consists of two wires

for the HDLC data, two wires for the +29 Vrespectively +13V power supplies and one forgrounding.

The number of RCUs and the maximum usablecable length, depend on power losses along thecables.Following, a summary of different examples isgiven about how to connect RCUs using separate

cables:

Alarm interface OC RS 232 Ethernet RCU interface DC powersupply –48 V

AC power supply110– 240 V

(optional)

CCU

RCURCURCU

Splitter

BTS

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 1 5 0 m

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 2 5 m

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

Example to connect 3 RCUs with separate cables



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Via feeder cable employing two Smart BiasTees

In order to reduce installation efforts and costs,Kathrein offers a solution, which uses the feederline to forward the control signal and the powersupply up to the RCU.

One of Kathrein’s Smart Bias Tees is added intothe feeder line close to the base station.

A second Smart Bias Tee is mounted near theantennas to recover the control signal and DCvoltage from the feeder.

Due to the use of the existing feeder line for theRCU controlling, there is no need to install aseparate cable with its own lightning protectionsystem.

RCURCURCU

3:1 Splitter

3:1 Splitter3:1 Splitter3:1 Splitter

RCU RCU RCU

CCU

BTS

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 1 0 0 m

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 2 5 m

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

RCURCURCU

3:1 Splitter

SplitterSplitterSplitter

RCU RCU RCU

CCU

BTS

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 1 5 0 m

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 2 5 m

M a x . c a b l e

l e n g t h 1 0 0 m

X X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X X P o l

A n t e n n a

RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU

Splitter

RCU RCU RCU

Splitter Splitter

CCU3x BTS UMTS

3x BTS GSM 1800

Feeder cable

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

SmartBias-Tee

SmartBias-Tee

Max. cablelength 25 m

Example to connect 6 RCUs utilising two Smart Bias Tees

Example to connect 6 RCUs with separate cable

Example to connect 9 RCUs with separate cables



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Via feeder cable utilising one Smart Bias Teeand one TMA

Especially with UMTS, tower mounted amplifiers(TMA) are implemented to the system to enhancecoverage and improve voice quality.An elegant way of controlling the RET system isto combine a Kathrein TMA and a RCU. Both, thecontrol signal and DC power supply are fed ontothe RF cable via a Smart Bias-Tee. The TMAincludes a Smart Bias-Tee to recover signals andvoltage from the feeder cable forwarding them tothe connected RCU’s.Each of the three CCU outputs is suitable for theconnection of one TMA and max. 3 RCU’s.

AISG (Antenna Interface Standards Group)

Kathrein’s overall RET system works accordingthe AISG standard.The AISG was founded in 2001 as a sub-groupof the UMTS standardisation group 3GPP(3G Partnership Project).The purpose of the AISG standard is to embedthe RET control into the UMTS standard anddefine all interfaces and protocols between theCCU and the RCU. The link between the OMCand the BTS is not standardised by the AISG!

Several antenna and TMA manufacturers(including Kathrein) as well as operators andOEM’s are members of the AISG. The groups’overall goal is to guarantee the basic inter-operability of antennas and the control infra-structure.

RCU RCU RCURCU RCU RCU

Splitter

CCU

3x BTS GSM 1800

3x BTS UMTS

TMA TMASplitter Splitter

TMA

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

X X P o l

A n t e n n a

SmartBias-Tee

SmartBias-Tee

SmartBias-Tee

Feeder cable

Max. cablelength 25 m

Example to connect 6 RCUs utilising Smart Bias Tees and TMAs



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The electrical tilt can be controlled either locally orremotely.

Local control:Configuration of the RET system and simpleadaptation to network changes can be made vialocal control. In this case, an installation team hasto be sent out to the site. A laptop is connected tothe RS232 interface and PPP link at the CCU.Alternatively, you may use the Ethernet interface.

Remote control:

Due to the required network optimisation withUMTS, the downtilt of the vertical radiation patternhas to be adjusted much more often compared to

a GSM network. To meet this demand, a remotecontrolled system via OMC is inevitable. TheEthernet interface may be selected for remote

control in a local area network (LAN) or wide areanetwork (WAN).

The following transport and application protocolsare served by the CCU: TCP/IP, PPP, UDP,DHCP, HTML and ICMP/Ping. In future, the CCUwill also be able to support a selection from theapplication protocols: XML-RPC, FTP, Telnet,SNMP and NFS.

It is also anticipated that the software of the CCUwill be extended to allow the operation of a cable-

Communication between OMC and CCU

Overview of general CCU network integration



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modem or GSM-modem connected to the RS232interface.

Different ways to communicate with the CCU fromthe OMC (Operational Maintenance Center) canbe chosen depending on the network connectionsimplemented:

Connection via ethernet

The base station transceivers on different sitesare surveyed from the OMC via a supplier specificEthernet connection.Kathrein is also using the medium Ethernet toaddress and control the CCU from the OMC.

Connection via modems

The hardware interface RS232 on the CCU can

be utilised to connect modems.If a fixed telephone line is available at the site,the link between the OMC and the CCU canbe accomplished using cable modems on bothsides.

Communication between OMC and CCU via fixed line

In case of missing Ethernet and fixed telephonelines at the site a GSM-modem enables a wirelesssolution.

Communication between OMC and CCU via wireless units

Fixed Line

OMC

BTS-Control

CCU-Control

BTS

CCU

Ethernet

A n t e n n a

RCU

RS485

Modem Modem

Fixed line Fixed line

RS232 RS232

Ethernet

OMC

BTS-Control

CCU-Control

BTS

CCU

Ethernet

A n t e n n a

RCU

RS485

Wireless

OMC

BTS-Control

CCU-Control

BTS

CCU

Ethernet

A n t e n n a

RCU

RS485

Modem ModemRS232 RS232

Communication between OMC and CCU via Ethernet



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The CCU runs a webserver. RCUs and CCUs as

part of a network can be configured and controlledthrough a standard browser, e.g. Netscape,Internet Explorer – no additional software isrequired. You can control the RET-system directlyon site or via a long distance.The connection to each CCU is generated easilyby typing in its individual IP-address.The appearing website contains all requiredcontrol functions for normal service andinstallation.The CCU program allows in addition to theconfiguration and control of the connected RCUs,

to also display the device status, command

history list and various system errors. It is alsopossible to perform CCU software updates.The browser application is a helpful tool for theinstallation team on site, especially during initialconfiguration of a RET-systemEach CCU and with it each of the connectedRCUs can be addressed and controlledindividually. Therefore, the browser applicationalso offers a comfortable solution to respond onnew situations by changing the individual downtiltangles fast and easily.

Browser Application

Screenshot of CCU browser application



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Improved coverage, better network quality,reduced numbers of dropped calls, better indoorcoverage, and higher revenue are only some ofthe reasons why Tower Mounted Amplifiers(TMAs) are considered as one of the basic

components in a UMTS network. Whether or notcustomers are planning the roll-out of a new net-work or searching for quality improvement of anexisting network, TMA’s can be a cost effectivecontribution to achieve operators goals.

TMA prepared for full integration into antenna.

Tower Mounted AmplifierGeneral

Design

In the past, space diversity technology with tworeceiving and one transmitting antenna werecommonly implemented. Today cross-polarisedantennas with two independently operatingslanted dipol systems, one at +45°and the otherat –45° polarisation, are predominantly used.Kathrein’s UMTS Double Dual Duplex TMAconsists of two identical, independently operating

masthead amplifiers for RX and RX div. This meansthat the TMA is especially suitable for use withX-Pol antennas. An INLINE design and onecommon housing for the double TMA areadditional measures which lead to cost reductionand network quality improvement.

Being the oldest and largest antenna manufac-turer worldwide, Kathrein takes advantage of itsoutstanding experience with outdoor equipment.The already protected TMA filter body is build intoan additional housing to achieve optimal weatherprotection.

Several thousands hours of extensive environ-

mental stress tests such as four corner stresstesting, submerge stress testing, humidity biasingstress testing, thermal cycle stress testing, andmechanical shock stress testing ensures, thatKathrein’s motto: “Quality leads the way” doesalso apply for Kathrein TMAs.In the design phase, we not only focused on themechanical performance but also on the electricalperformance of the TMAs. The operator can

therefore take advantage of Kathrein’s coldredundant amplifier technology (patent pending)

for improved system reliability and count on thelong experience in filter design. Being a trend set-ter in antenna technology, Kathrein’s TMAs arealready designed in such a way as to enable fullintegration of this product into the antenna inorder to further reduce the costs and maximisethe electrical performance even more. The TMAs

are available in accordance with the AISGSTANDARD to support Remote Electrical TiltAntenna Systems or as customised versions.



Type No. Frequency Gain Alarm handling DC-supply RX-Bypass Prepared for RET Control Remark12 dB 24 dB 32 dB Current window AISG 12 V 24 V Yes No Yes No

23

Kathrein UMTS TMA – Product overview Status: 01.04.2003

782 10071 UMTS X X X X X 1)

782 10072 UMTS X X X X X 1)

782 10147 UMTS X X X X X 1)

782 10148 UMTS X X X X X 1)

782 10149 UMTS X X X X X 1)

1) All TMA’s are double units (2 TMA’s in one common housing)All TMA’s are in Inline design (Antenna connectors up – BTS connectors down)All TMA’s are 60 MHz fullband versions (DL: 2110 – 2170 MHz; UL: 1920 – 1980 MHz)

State of the art performance using laser tuned LNA-hybrid modules. Superb materials and extensive environmental stress tests ensurequality of Kathrein’s TMAs.



24

Antenna Isolation with Site Sharing

Due to the environmental restrictions and growing

shortage of available sites, site-sharing hasbecome more and more regular. Apart from staticaspects, isolation between the antennas on thesame site is the biggest problem.

To get different systems with two separateantennas working properly, an isolation of at

least 70–80 dB between both networks is

necessary. This isolation cannot be achievedby the antennas alone. It must be generatedwith the combination of filter isolation togetherwith the isolation of the antennas. The requiredisolation offered, from the antennas should beat least 30 dB.

Factors Influencing the Isolation Value

For the isolation values, different influencingfactors have to be considered:

Electrical specifications:With the same mechanical settings at a site,variations of the electrical specifications impact

the isolation:

Frequency: Antennas are not filters! They alsoreceive frequencies out of the band they arespecified for. However, for these frequenciesthey show worse VSWR values. The resultingmismatch creates an attenuation called mismatchloss, that increases the isolation between twoantennas.

Therefore, antennas operated in differentfrequencies have higher isolation values thanantennas operated in the same frequency band.

Polarisation: The lowest isolation figuresapply, when two antennas have the samepolarisation. If the polarisation is different, theisolation values increase. Taking one antennawith vertical and one with slanted polarisation,

mainly the vertical component of the slantedpolarisation is responsible for the isolation. Due tothe fact that the amplitude of this vertical

component is 3 dB smaller compared to thecomplete signal, the isolation is approx. 3 dBhigher.

Half-power beam width: With two antennas sideby side and facing into the same direction,

radiation against each other (orthogonal to themain beam) finally determines the isolation.The broader the half-power beam width, the hig-her the radiation level at +/–90°. Consequentlythe isolation decreases with a growing half-powerbeam width of the two antennas. (see picture 1,next page)

Electrical tilt: The electrical tilt is achieved by

feeding the dipoles with unequal phases of asignal. The different phases lower the couplingbetween two antennas, resulting in higherisolation values for antennas equipped with fixedor adjustable electrical tilt, rather than for anten-nas without electrical tilt. (see picture 2, nextpage)

Mechanical settings:

Keeping the electrical specifications of twoantennas constant at a site, also variations of themechanical settings influence the isolation:



25

Vertical or horizontal separation: Antennashave very dedicated radiation patterns with nullsabove and below the antennas main beam. This

results in a very small radiation level towards anantenna that is directly above or below. Therefore,two vertical separated antennas show higherisolation values than two horizontally separatedantennas at the same distance. (see picture 3,next page)

Angle: The signal level behind the antenna ismuch smaller than the one in front or even at+/–90°. If now two antennas do not point into thesame direction, but are separated through an

angle (e.g. 120°) between them, the mutual levelof radiation becomes less. For this reason, theisolation grows with the azimuth angle between

the two antennas.

Pole-/Wall-Mounting: Despite the relativelyhigh front-to-back ratio of panel antennas,the influence of a large plane (e.g. buildingfascade) behind the antenna cannot becompletely neglected. The reflections from thesurface usually result in a slightly smallerradiation pattern than normal, decreasing thelevel of radiation towards the neighbouringantenna.

Picture 1: Isolation values for different half-power beam width’s

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25

55

50

45

40

35

30

I s o l a t i o n d B

Distance a/m

65 °

741 622: XPol A-Panel 824–960 65 ° 17dBi 9 ° T742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65 ° 18dBi 0 ° –8 ° T

Picture 2: Isolation values for different downtilt angles

0

55

50

45

40

35

30


Distance a/m

742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65°

18dBi 0°

–8°

T742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65 ° 18dBi 0 ° –8 ° T

0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

0 ° T

2 ° T

4 ° T

6 ° T

8 ° T

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25

50

48

46

44

42

40

38

36

34

32

30


Distance a/m

90 °

739 661: XPol A-Panel 806–960 90 ° 15dBi 8 ° T742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65 ° 18dBi 0 ° –8 ° T

a



26

0

50

45

40

35

30


Distance a/m, Distance b/m

739 707: XPol F-Panel 1710–1880 90 ° 16.5dBi 2 ° T

0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

Horizontal separation

Vertical separation

a

Hor izontal separation Vertical separation

b

Picture 3: Vertical / horizontal separation

0

50

45

40

35

30


Distance a/m

739 707: XPol F-Panel 1710–1880 90 ° 16.5dBi 2 ° T

0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

Antennas on pipe mastsAntennas close to reflective structure

a

Antennas on pipe masts Antennas close toreflective structure

a

Picture 4: Pole / wall mounting

Therefore, two same antennas mounted on a wallshow higher isolation values than if beingmounted on a pole. (see picture 4, below)

Design: One of the biggest influencing factors isthe design of the antennas, since the current atthe edges of the reflector significantly influencesthe isolation between two antennas. These

currents depend on the construction and thekind of the radiating elements used (e.g. dipole,patch).

Therefore, isolation values of one manufacturermay not be used for antennas from another.Kathrein antennas, with their proven dipoleconstruction, are designed for high isolationvalues.



27

However, the stated save distance (see above)is only a save distance and not the optimisedminimal possible distance. This distance may onlybe found with measurements.Kathrein has done a number of isolationmeasurements for typical site configurations, thatare available for our customers.

In these measurements we have measuredvalues up to 50 dB. Values of more than 50 dBalso depend on the special site due to reflectionsfrom buildings or parts of the pole. Therefore,these values can no longer be seen as typical.

Optimised Minimum Distance between two Antennas

Save Distance between two Panel Antennas

There is a standard question of network planners

about the required minimum save distance for twopanel antennas in order to achieve isolationvalues of more than 30 dB.

Vertical separation: The isolation values forvertical separation are always quite good, there-fore typically only the minimum possible distanceis needed.

Horizontal separation: The minimum savedistance depends on the wavelength and on thehorizontal half-power beamwidth:

Save distance a for an isolation value of 30 dB:

Angle separation: Taking a 120°angle, 30 dB ofisolation are already reached with the minimummechanical distance.

2 λ 65°

2.5 λ 90°

3 λ 105°

4.5 λ 120°

a

Minimum distance a Horizontal half-power beam width

(λ = wavelength)



28

WLANWLAN – a Challenge

Flexibility, independency, and mobility – WLANoffers a variety of different solutions to satisfycustomer demands in many aspects. Internetusers are no longer decoupled, now being able toaccess data and information in almost alllocations, and through various services. Hotspotsare growing rapidly worldwide to satisfy customerdemands in this technology. Currently, Germanycan already offer more than 400 professionallyoperated WLAN networks.Generally, WLAN is controversially discussedbeing or not being a competitive system forUMTS. It should be more considered as asupplemental wireless system for parallel enhan-cement of UMTS and other wireless applications.Functionality of WLAN can easily be comparedwith a local wired LAN system, but with the

unbeatable flexibility to access this local networkwireless anywhere, not being forced to physicallyplug into LAN outlets. Data will then betransmitted with data speeds of 11 Mbit/s or evenmore in the future, allowing higher data transferrates per customer rather than offered withUMTS.

This high speed data service is intentionallyconsidered for company offices, hotels, airports,and many other places where people meet or are“forced” to stay waiting for other connections.

Main customer target are business peoplethat require Internet access and direct accessto their company Intranet. WLAN may satisfytheir desire for mobility and boundless networkaccess.

Operation Standards

Different standards in different frequency bandsare offered. Majority of suppliers for WLANaccess points follow the IEEE standards802.11b/a while the most common standard usedis the IEEE standard 802.11b. Main feature of thisstandard is a data rate of 11 MB operated in thelicense free ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical)

band at 2.4 GHz band.The 802.11b standard is available within thefrequency band of 2.4 through 2.4835 GHz.

Operators may offer WLAN access through anumber of different channels (total of 13 channelsare available) within the frequency band.Individual channels are overlapping, thoughoperators need to make careful selections toavoid interferences.Dependent on traffic loads in certain Hotspots

data rates of 11 Mbit/s will limit network speed anddata access soon. However, access pointsfollowing the IEEE 802.11a standard can offer



29

speeds up to 54 Mbit/s within the 5 GHz band.Output power is limited to 30 mW for systemswithout power control, and 60 mW for WLAN

systems with power control option. The higherfrequency and lower output power might slowdown a successful implantation of this standard.A new, and possibly more interesting standard willsoon also be made available within the 2.4 GHzband. 802.11g is designed to handle up to54 Mbit/s eventually allowing to utilise certain

existing infrastructures of the “b” standard. The“g” standard has not been finalised yet, but shouldbecome available soon.

While UMTS forced operators to paytremendous amounts of license fees, WLANand its individual standards are license free, soHotspots may be operated by almost everyone.All major mobile operators are already operatingWLAN networks together with a huge numberof private operators.

Hotspot Service Portfolio

Basically two customer ranges are identified thatare each separated in two additional groups forbasic services and advanced services.• Corporations with a variety of different applica-

tion demands, starting with simple Internet

access requirements over to Intranet, Internet,Accounting and other proprietary services.

• Consumer market, like private customers thatrequire simple and fast Internet access withmaybe some particular customer features.

Access Coverage

WLAN Hotspots are growing rapidly. Easyinstallation, low operating costs, and the con-venient setup of WLAN components support thisfast growing market. Radiated power of WLANapplications following the 802.11b standard islimited to 100 mW maximum. Depending on

antenna performance WLAN indoor systems maycover ranges up to 70 m. High gain antennas offeroutside coverage from several hundred meters upto 8 km. There are also point to point systemsavailable to combine locations that might beseparated by up to 20 km. Signal-to-noise ratioshould be around 20 dB to operate WLAN atmaximum data rate. Any value below will reducespeed. Although WLAN can be operated over a

distance of many kilometers, data rate will sufferconsequently. Kathrein offers high gain antennasto optimise system performance allowing high

data rates although at high distances.Sophisticated WLAN architecture and a carefulselection of WLAN components may improvedata rate performance to satisfy most customerrequirements.Indoor systems for mobile applications could be

easily extended with WLAN service utilising



30

4-way Splitter 860 10019






directional antenna forwall mounting

742 149 –13.4 dB

–13.4 dB

–13.1 dB

–12.4 dB

–12.4 dB

–12.4 dB

–6.4 dB

–6.4 dB

–3.4 dB

–2.4 dB

–8.4 dB

–7.4 dB

–1.4 dB

–0.4 dB

4

1

4

1

4

1

2-way Splitter860 10017

2-way Tapper 4/1860 10020

2-way Tapper 4/1860 10020

2-way Tapper 4/1860 10020

5. Floor

4. Floor

6. Floor

3. Floor

2. Floor

1. Floor

relative signal strength 1 0 dB

–9.4 dB

More flexibilitywith 2-way adjustable tapper860 10023

1:32

1:3.5

adjustable ratioe.g. –10.4 dB

omni antennafor ceilingmounting

800 10137

2400(e.g. WLANBluetooth)

UMTS1800/1900800/900

Combiner

Wideband indoor system with flexible power distribution (extended for WLAN)



9 9 8 7 . 1 0 2 / 1 1 0 3 / 1 0 / Z W / H A

S u b j e c t t o a l t e r a t i o n .

Please contact for:

Sales queries, orders, cataloguesor CD-ROM:

Fax: (++49)8031/184-820E-Mail: [email protected]

Technical Information:Fax: (++49)8031/184-973E-Mail: [email protected]

antenas umts ret tma

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