Site

Stuttgart

CELLULAR OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

Originator(s)
U. Birkel

Antenna Engineering Rules

Domain

MCD

Division

Operations

Rubric

Radio Network Planning

Type

Guide Line

Distribution codes :

Predistribution:
R.Collmann
R. Klahm
H. Knieer

ACS/OSB
ACS/OSB
ACS/MT

C.Guetin
S. Grillon

COR-F
COR-F

Abstract:
This document is a guideline on antenna engineering rules, which can be applied
when planning mobile radio networks.

Approval
Name
Signature

R.Klahm

K.Eckert

R.Collmann

Name
Signature

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Table of Contents
1 HISTORY .................................................................................................. 3
2 REFERENCES............................................................................................. 3
3 SCOPE...................................................................................................... 3
4 BASICS ON ANTENNAS............................................................................ 5
4.1 ANTENNA PARAMETERS ........................................................................................ 5
4.2 ANTENNA SYSTEM .............................................................................................. 7
4.3 OMNI AND SECTOR ANTENNAS ............................................................................. 7
4.4 ANTENNA NEAR AND FAR FIELD - FRESNEL ELLIPSOID.................................................... 9
4.5 EMC ASPECTS: BLOCKING AND MINIMUM COUPLING LOSS (MCL)............................. 11
4.6 ANTENNA TILT ................................................................................................. 14
4.7 PRINCIPLE OF AIR COMBINING ............................................................................. 16
4.8 INFLUENCE OF ANTENNA HEIGHT ON COVERAGE RANGES ........................................ 17
5 SPACE AND POLARIZATION DIVERSITY ..................................................17
6 ANTENNA TYPES.....................................................................................21
7 ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS IN MOBILE NETWORKS ...........................22
7.1 ANTENNA CONFIGURATION FOR OMNI SITES........................................................... 22
7.2 ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS FOR SECTOR SITES ....................................................... 23
7.3 MICROCELL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION ................................................................ 26
7.4 SPECIAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS .................................................................... 30
7.5 DUAL BAND ANTENNA SETUP............................................................................... 32
8 SUMMARY...............................................................................................34
9 ABBREVIATIONS .....................................................................................35

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1 History
Date
8. July 1997
14. October 1997

Edition
Draft
01

Origin
OC NPL
OC NPL

Comments
Creation
Comments of RC inserted

2 References
[1] 3DF 00995 0000 UAZZA:
[2] 3BK 1023 0001 DSZZA:
[3] R. Collmann
[4] 3DC 20008 0001 UAZZA:

Engineering Rules for Radio Networks

U. Birkel, Aspects on Polarization Diversity
Antenna catalogue
Hardware Commercial Configurator For Antenna
Systems
[5] 3DC 21019 0001 TQZZA:
Alcatel GSM/DCS Antenna Systems Product
Description
[6] Rothammel, K., Krischke, A.: Rothammels Antennenuch, ISBN 3-4440-07018-2
[7] William C.Y. Lee:
Mobile Cellular Telecommunications Systems
[8] 3DC 21032 0001 TQZZA:
G2 BTS Product description
[9] 3DF 00945 0001 TQZZA:
S. Grillon, Indoor Coverage Solutions
[10] Draftversion
M. Hahn, Standard Link Budgets for G2 and G3 BTS
[11] 3DC 21037 0001 TQZZA
Alcatel 900/1800 Multiband Operation GSM/DCS
1800 Concept Description

3 Scope
This document describes antenna engineering rules which should be taken into
account when planning mobile radio networks.
The main tasks of antenna engineering consist of the
selection of proper antenna types, antenna sytems and antenna configurations
provision of the antenna specification as an input for the field strength prediction
realisation of antenna systems according to the planning specification, taking into
account the according antenna engineering rules.
Thus in the following chapters the antenna parameters, which are relevant for the
selection of a proper antenna type, possible antenna configurations, fading and
antenna diversity, influence of obstacles and electromagnetical compatibility aspects
will be discussed, according engineering rules will be given.

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4 Basics on antennas
4.1 Antenna parameters
The following antenna parameters are relevant for radio network engineering and are
explained more detailed in [1],[6]:
Directivity D is a direction-dependent gain of the power flow of an real antenna
compared to the power flow of an isotropic radiator and is defined as the ratio of the
power densitiy of the real antenna S(,) to the power density Si of the isotropic
radiator (figure 1):
D(,)=S(,)/Si

(1)

Thus S(,) forms the antenna radiation pattern in spherical coordinates

Si

isotropic antenna

Pt

real antenna

Pt

D = S/Si, Pt = const.
Figure 1 Definition of the Directivity D
Additionally taking into account antenna internal losses (figure 2) with the efficiency ,
the more commonly known antenna gain G is defined, which is given in [dBi]:
G = D

Si

(2)

Pt

Pt0

Pt

Pt0

G = D, = Pt/Pt0
Figure 2 Definition of antenna gain G
EIRP, the equivalent isotropic radiated power, defines the power which has to be
feeded in an isotropic radiator in order to achieve the same power density in main
beam direction of a real antenna. Thus EIRP automatically takes into account the
antenna gain.

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The spatial antenna diagramm (as shown in figure 1, 2) can be cut in horizontal and
vertical direction, resulting in two radiation patterns, characterising the antenna
behaviour.
Each antenna diagram is characterised by the main beam direction, aiming at the
direction where the maximum power is radiated and the side lobes which are local
maxima in the antenna diagramm causing a certain risk of interference. Nulls are
directions in which no power is radiated.
The HPBW (half power beamwidth) specifies the angular range of main power
emission. The HPBW is limited by the directions where the antenna radiates half of the
power compared to main beam direction: 3dB power decrease.
The front-to-back ratio specifies the relation between the gain in main beam direction
and the radiation in the opposite direction of the antenna.
The polarization direction is given by the direction of the electric field vector. For
mobile radio antennas, mainly vertical polarization is used. For antenna diversity
however, concepts with dual polarized antennas, as discussed in chapter 5 can be
used.
Electrical and/or mechanical downtilt can be introduced in order to reduce the
interference level in the whole network and to limit the coverage area of a cell
individually. Basically an antenna downtilt is an inclination of the main beam related
to the horizontal line.
Antennas are specified for a specific frequency range. Antennas usually cover the
whole frequency band (e.g. EGSM, DCS, TACS, AMPS,...) including uplink and
downlink direction. E.g. DCS antennas usually cover accordingly 1710 MHz to 1880
MHz.
The impedance of antennas in mobile networks is generally 50. Since it is not
possible to have an exact impedance of 50 over the entire frequency range, the
parameter VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) defines accordingly the maximum
mismatch. VSWR is the ratio of the maximum and minimum voltage of the standing
wave, in feeder cables caused by reflection and impedance mismatch.
Mechanical aspects such as weight, size, maximum windload (for mast dimensioning),
resistance against vibrations or quality aspects like protection against lightening,
corrosion effects etc. have to be taken into account accordingly.

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4.2 Antenna system

The topic of antenna engineering does not only cover the antenna itself. There are
further items which belong to a complete antenna system and are more detailed
described in [4]:
Mechanical Antenna Support Structures
Antennas including mounting clamps and mechanical downtilt kit
Feeder cable including installation sets (clamps)
Accessories (earthing kits, wall glands, plugs, jumper cables)
Options are:
Special installation sets
Power dividers
Duplex filters
Tower mounted amplifier (TMA)

4.3 Omni and Sector antennas

For the link between base stations and mobile stations in general linear antennas are
used, which are made of either monopole (slab) or dipole antenna elements. Mobile
station antennas consist of a single monopole or patch antennas. Base station omni
and sector antennas are realised by group antennas of dipole arrays.
Omni antennas are characterised by a homogeneous power distribution in the
horizontal plane. Figure 3 shows the according horizontal and vertical radiation
pattern.
horizontal

vertical

0 dB

0 dB

-3 dB

-3 dB

-10 dB

-10 dB

HPBW

Figure 3 Horizontal and vertical radiation pattern of a omnidirectional antenna

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This type of antenna is used in order to achieve large continuous coverage ranges
especially in homogeneous, rural, low traffic areas or as an umbrella cell for
microcellular networks.
Antenna installation is more simple than for sector antennas. Drawbacks of omni
antennas are, that no mechanical (but electrical) downtilt is possible and clearance of
the antenna is required.
Typical parameter: Gain = 11 dBi, Vertical HPBW = 7, (horizontal HPBW = 360)
Sector antennas are characterised by a inhomogeneous power distribution both in
horizontal and vertical direction, resulting in a horizontal and a vertical beam.
By applying e.g. a grid arrangement of dipoles (dipole array) as shown in figure 4
and by feeding dipoles with weighted and phase-shifted signals, nearly arbitrary
antenna diagramms can be composed.

Dipole
element

Figure 4: Grid arrangement of a panel antenna

Figure 5 shows the horizontal and vertical radiation pattern of a sector antenna.
vertical

0 dB

0 dB

-3 dB

-3 dB

-10 dB

-10 dB

HPBW

horizontal

sidelobe

main beam
null direction

Figure 5 Horizontal and vertical radiation pattern of a sector antenna

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This type of antenna is used in order to focus on special areas (road coverage, indoor
coverage) and to achieve low coverage in regions of no interest (e.g. forest). Sector
antennas are typically used in high traffic areas to increase capacity with sectorized
sites.
Besides the electrical downtilt, which is possible for both omni and sector antennas,
mechanical downtilt is additionally possbile. Furthermore sector antennas can be wall
mounted. Setting up sector sites has the drawback, that more hardware is required.
Typical parameter: Gain= 17dBi, Horizontal HPBW = 65, Vertical HPBW = 8.5
The horizontal beamwidth typically varies between 65 and 105.
Wide horizontal beams, such as 90, are often used in areas with few reflecting and
scattering objects (rural areas) and e.g. to achieve area coverage with 3-sector sites.
The cell overlap in between the sectors is usually sufficient to allow successful
handovers. Antennas with smaller beamwidths (e.g. 65) are used for urban areas
with high scattering. The overlap between the sectors is reduced due to the lower
beamwidth, but the coverage between sectors is achieved by increased scattering in
urban environments.

4.4 Antenna near and far field - Fresnel ellipsoid

The antenna radiation behaviour is splitted in a near and a far field characteristic.
There should not be any obstacles whithin the near field since then the antenna
diagramm is then severely disturbed. The range of the antenna near field is
dependent on the maximum size of the antenna aperture D and the wavelength . It
can be estimated as follows:
Rmin=2D/
(3)
The simplest form of wave propagation is the free-space propagation. The pathloss
can be calculated with the free space formula, which is valid in case of direct line of
sight. This is the case if a specific region called the Fresnel ellipsoid is clear of any
obstacles. It can be shown that this ellipsoid carries the main power flow. In case of an
obstruction within this region additional losses have to be taken into account. Figure 6
shows this first Fresnel zone. For further information see [1].

P0

P1

Figure 6 First Fresnel Zone

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A basic engineering rule is that the direction of the antenna sector should be free from
any obstacles. The antenna sector can either be defined by the first fresnel zone or by
the HPBW with an additional safety margin.
Accordingly, the following rules can be defined, based on the HPBW:
Obstacles within near field range (30m): Consider vertical HPBW with a margin of 20
Roof mounting: Dominating obstacle = roof itself
Omni
HPBW/2++20

Sector

HPBW/2
++20

Taking into account the vertical HPBW, downtilt angle and a securtiy margin of 20, which means no
obstacle 20 below the 3dB point: H>=D*tan(HPBW/2+
+20) (4)
Example: 8.5 vertical HPBW, 2 downtilt results in:
Distance
Required height

D [m]: 1
H [m]: 0.51

5
2.5

10
5

>20
10

Note: If there is a risk, that the clearance of the antenna might be influenced (e.g. by pedestrians)
increase the antenna height from 0.5m to 2m
Wall mounting at sector sites: Consider horizontal HPBW with a margin of 20
Sector
antenna

Wall mounting:

Wall

Top View
Ideal setup if main beam is directed orthogonal to wall as shown above. If the Front-to-back ratio is
sufficient high (> 20dB), then no distortion has to be expected from reflection.
Antennas with a horizontal HPBW>=105 should not be inclined
For antennas with a horizontal HPBW <105 the following rules can be applied:
The sector antenna might be directed within a certain range: [0;max] as shown below.
max depends on the HPBW of the used sector antenna, taking into account a saftey margin of 20:

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max

HPBW/2
20

max=70-HPBW/2 (5)
(e.g. for a 60 sector antenna max=40)

Wall
Top View

max

Close to corner:
max=70-HPBW/2+arctan(h/d) (6)

Top View

4.5 EMC Aspects: Blocking and Minimum Coupling Loss (MCL)

One important aspect in antenna engineering is EMC (electromagnetical
compatibility), which covers aspects of spurious emission, switching and modulation
spectrum, intermodulation, receiver sensitivity and blocking. Especially the receiver
blocking scenario has to be taken into account in antenna engineering.
Receiver Blocking
The GSM recommendation 05.05 defines the blocking requirement as the capability of
a receiver, to receive a weak useful signal fuse, with a level of -101dBm, which is 3 dB
above the static sensitivity threshold, with an acceptable BER of max. 2%, while a
strong interfering signal fint is also received, with a frequency offset of f = n*200kHz.
Due to the strong interferer level, the receiver sensitivity will be reduced, since the
receiver is operating close to its 1 dB compression point P1dB. Figure 7 shows this
scenario.
Receiver
Pout Characteristic

P [dBm]
-13

-101

fuse
fint
n*200kHz

fuse

fint

f[MHz]

TX

P1dB

RX
Pblock

Pin

Figure 7 Receiver Blocking Scenario

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Basically one distinguishes the in-band and out-of-band blocking requirement,

depending if the interferer is within or outside the GSM/DCS band. For antenna
engineering aspects the out-of-band requirement is relevant, since it has to be taken
into account, that the decoupling between the Tx and Rx antenna is sufficiently high.
According to the GSM recommendation (11.20 or 05.05), the out of band interfering
signal level may be up to +8dBm, while for DCS +0dBm are specified.
Based on this requirement a minimum decoupling, thus a minimum antenna spacing
can be evaluated in order to make sure that the transmitted signal will not block the
receiver of the same base station.
Especially in microcellular environments in-band-blocking problems can occur, this
has to be accordingly taken into account, as will be discussed in chapter 7.3.
Intermodulation:
Especially the third order intermodulation product (IM3) (2f1f2) can cause EMC
problems. Therefore it is strongly recommended for co-site frequency planning not
to use frequency combinations, which have a IM3-interferer potential on used
frequencies within the RX band:
Example:
The following frequencies are assigned to one BTS:
TRX 1 on channel 1
=> TX: 935.2 MHz
TRX 2 on channel 119
=> TX: 959.0 MHz
TRX 3 on channel 103
=> TX: 956.4 MHz, RX=911.4 MHz
TRX 1 and TRX 2 can cause a potential IM3 product at
2*935.2-959 MHz = 911.4MHz, which is Rx frequency of TRX 3.
E.g. for GSM, there is a IM3 interferer potential for RX frequencies above 910MHz
=2*935-960MHz.
The following table gives an overview on further EMC relevant antenna engineering
rules, taking into account aspects of decoupling.

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Decoupling:

Tx-Tx
= 20 dB
Tx - Rx GSM = 30 + 10log (n) dB
Tx-Rx DCS
= 40 + 10log (n) dB
(n = number of transmitters)
Vertical separation to achieve decoupling (omni):
(sector):

Vertical separation to achieve decoupling

Tx

Tx
dv

Mast

dv

Mast

Rx

Rx
dm

dm

(Note: This configuration for omni antennas is not

recommended, since the omni antenna pattern
will be disturbed by the mast.)
Vertical separation is recommended to provide sufficient Tx/Rx decoupling
The following formula can be applied to calculate the achievable decoupling DV, based on vertical
separation dV, dependent on the wavelength (GSM 30cm, DCS 15cm) :
DV=28+40log(dV/
) [dB] (7)
Typically vertical separation dv used for GSM and DCS: dv=50cm
Typically separation dm from mast
Omni dm=2m, but not recommended to use
Sector dm=20 cm is typically applied
Horizontal separation to achieve decoupling
Omni:

dH

Sector:

dH

The required separation depends on antenna gain The required separation depends on antenna gain
and can be calculated according to the formula G, antenna orientation and HPBW. Thus the
given below:
antenna gain G() in direction of the interfered
antenna has accordingly to be taken into account
DH=22+20log(dH/
)-(GT+GR) [dB] (8)
in the formula given below.
E.g. two omni antennas with GT=GR=11dBi DH=28+20log(dH/
)-(GT(
)+GR(
)) [dB] (9)
separated 20m(!) results in an decoupling of 36dB
only, calculated for GSM.
Pure horizontal separation is not recommended to provide sufficient Tx-Rx decoupling,
since the antenna gain increases the required separation drastically, especially for omni
antennas.

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Combined horizontal and vertical separation:

dV
dH

To estimate the decoupling of the combined arrangement a lineare interpolation can be applied,
based on the upper formulas for DH and DV:
D=(DV_DH)
/90+DH [dB] (10) (no tilt considered)
Typically used dv=50cm

4.6 Antenna Tilt

Mechanical and electrical antenna tilt can be applied (choose always the same tilt for
the Tx and Rx antenna) in order to
Reduce the overshoots over the planned cell range
Remove insular coverage
Lower interference
Improve the coverage of the near area, also indoor coverage
Adjust cell borders (to arrange the handover zones)
The required tilt can be estimated by geometrical optics taking into account the vertical
HPBW, antenna heights and topography.
Figures 8 and 9 show how the coverage ranges can be estimated, taking into account
upper parameters. Note, that the coverage range is limited by point c, only if the
downtilt angle is larger then HPBW/2.
The following equation gives the dependancy of antenna height, downtilt, HPBW and
position of point c::
C=

H
tan( tilt HPBW / 2)

(11)

E.g. for an antenna height of 30m and a HPBW of 7 the following distances of point c
from the BTS site can be calculated for various downtilts.
Downtilt []
Dist. of point c [m]

4
3473

6
687

8
381

Table 1: Exemplary calculation of point c (figure 8, 9), antenna height= 30m,

HPBW=7 based on equation (11)

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HPBW

main beam direction

HPBW

2 downtilt
7 vertical HPBW

4 downtilt
7 vertical HPBW
HPBW

main beam dir.

Figure 8 Assessment of required tilts

Increasing downtilts, e.g. from 2 to 4, as shown in figure 9, the overlap area can be
decreased.

2 downtilt
7 vertical HPBW

cell border

4 downtilt
7 vertical HPBW

cell border

Figure 9 Adjustment of cell overlap area, by applying different downtilts

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Basically mechanical, electrical and combined downtilts are possible, the advantages
and drawbacks are:
Advantages of Mechanical Downtilt
Antenna diagram is not changed, i.e.
nulls and sidelobes remain in their
position relative to the main beam
Cost effective (single antenna type may
be used)
Fast adjustments possible
Drawbacks of Mechanical Downtilt
Sidelobes are less tilted compared to
electrical downtilt
Occurence of small rotation of the
polarization plane in sidelobe direction
Accurate adjustment is difficult
Problems for sites with difficult access

Advantages of Electrical Downtilt

Same tilt for both main and side lobes
Antenna mounting is more simple no
adjustment errors

Drawbacks of Electrical Downtilt

Introduction of additional antenna types
are neccesary if different downtilts have
to be achieved, since electrical
adjustable antennas are commonly not
used.
New antenna installation at the site if
downtilting is introduced
Long antenna optimization phase

Table 2: Advantages and Drawbacks of electrical and mechanical downtilt

Combination of both mechanical and electrical downtilt
Distinct range reduction in sidelobe direction (interference reduction) is possible by
choosing sector antennas with high electrical downtilt (6...8) and by applying
mechanical uptilt installation for optimum coverage range in main beam direction.

4.7 Principle of air combining

The idea of air combining is to combine transmitted signals in the air and not with an
internal combiner, in order to save combining losses. Thus the maximum achievable
coverage range will be increased.
Air combining can be realized with
two sector or omni antennas
one cross polar antenna transmitting different carriers on +-45.

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4.8 Influence of Antenna Height on Coverage Ranges

For obstacles (trees, buildings etc.) within the near field the engineering rules
described in chapter 4.4 can be applied, to evaluate the required mounting height,
taking into account the horizontal and vertical HPBW, with an according saftey margin
of 20.
Besides these aspects, the mounting height of an antenna determines the achievable
coverage range: The higher the antenna, the larger the coverage range. The selection
of the appropriate height should be based on simulations using A955.
Typical ranges for an omni site with antenna diversity, no TMA, calculated for outdoor
coverage, GSM are given below as an example: (based on a coverage probability of
Pcovarea=95%)
Mounting
Height
100 m
30 m
10 m

urban flat

urban hilly

3.6
2.0
1.31

1.7
1.0
0.71

suburban
flat
5
2.71
2.17

suburban
hilly
2.6
1.53
1.54

open flat

open hilly

19.7
9.4
5.33

13.0
6.4
3.8

Table 3: Typical cell ranges [km] dependent on BTS antenna mounting heights

5 Space and Polarization Diversity

Basically three different types of fading are defined: Rayleigh/Rician Fading,
lognormal Fading and large-scale fading as described more detailed in [1].
Antenna diversity primarily is introduced to reduce the short-term (Rayleigh) fading
effects, in order to increase the receiver sensitivity under fading conditions. In principle
antenna diversity is based on combining decorrelated signals containing the same
information.
In order to achieve maximum diversity gain the correlation between both signals and
the difference in signal level in each receiver branch should be low.
There are many possibilities to realise the reception of two decorrelated signals, thus
many different diversity techniques are possible. Currently space and polarization
diversity are used in mobile radio networks.
While in space diversity systems the decorrelation is achieved by two spatial separated
antennas (horizontal or vertical), polarization diversity system receive on two
orthogonal polarized branches, whereas the polarization of the antennas can be
horizontal/vertical or +-45 (also called cross polar or slant antenna).

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When setting up antenna diversity systems, aspects of decoupling, decorrelation of the

two receiver branches as well as difference in signal level have to be considered. The
concept of space and polarization diversity is described more detailed in [2].
The important engineering rules can be summaried as follows:
Diversity Gain
The diversity gain basically depends on the difference in signal level of both receiver
branches, which should be low and on the signal decorrelation, which should be high.
With space diversity better signal decorrelation can be achieved, on the other hand
the difference in signal level is higher compared to polarization diversity. Therefore in
urban and suburban areas, the achievable diversity gain for space and polarization
diversity is equal (2.5 - 6dB, depending on the propagation condition), due to shifted
weights of the upper two effects.
In rural areas neglectible diversity gain can be expected from polarization diversity.
Further cross polar antennas have no additional diversity gain compared to
horizontal/vertical polarized antennas.
Tx-application with dual polarized antennas
From the transmission point of view cross polarized antennas are used in order to
introduce air combining. When air combining with cross polar antennas is introduced,
one TRX will be transmitted on the +45 inclined branch, the other will be transmitted
on the -45 inclined branch. With air combining a combiner can be saved, resulting in
3 dB lower path loss. On the other hand, transmitting a signal on a 45 inclined
branch introduces 2 dB additional losses compared to a vertical transmitted signal.
This has to be accordingly taken into account in the link budget. Therefore the max.
path loss is slightly increased by ca. 1dB (=3dB-2dB) using a cross polar antenna with
air combining compared to a vertical polarized antenna without air combining.
Transmitting a signal on the horizontal branch of a hor/ver antenna would introduce
3dB loss compared to a vertical transmitted signal, therefore air combining with a
hor/ver antenna is not recommended. Figure 10 summarizes these aspects.

3dB

2dB

Figure 10 Effect of different antenna polarizations on propagation

Therefore in urban areas cross polar antennas should be preferred, since it is possible
to introduce air combining.

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In rural areas the usage of this configuration still has to be validated, based on
measurements. The following scenario might cause problems with the usage of air
combining, especially in rural areas (as shown in figure 11):
Assuming a 4 TRX BTS, with 2 TRX on branch 1, transmitted with +45 and 2 TRX on
branch 2, transmitted with -45. The BCCH is assigned to branch 1 (+45). If a
neighbour cell mobile tries to perform an HO, based on Power Budget or level, the
decision is based on the received BCCH level. If the mobile will then be allocated on a
TCH of the other branch (-45), there will be a sudden change in signal level, due to
different polarization. In the worst case there is a drastic signal drop and the level
based decision for the HO was incorrect and might lead to a call drop.

Cell Border
TRX2
TRX3

BCCH
TRX1

4 TRX BTS with

cross polar
antenna

Mobile performing a HO based on BCCH

level measurement, which will be
assigned to a TCH of TRX2 (orthogonal
branch).

Figure 11: Worst case scenario which may cause problems while using air combining
in rural areas
Conclusion:
Apply cross polar antennas with air combining in urban and suburban
areas. Prefer space diversity in rural areas.
Space diversity:
Full benefit from space diversity can be taken if the spacing is: dH=20, dV =15
Recommended horizontal separation
Recommended vertical separation

dH:
dV:

GSM = 6m
GSM = 4.5m

DCS = 3m
DCS = 2.25m

If the installation space is limited, lower separations can be applied, at the cost of
diversity gain, but they should not be reduced below 50% of upper values.
Higher gains are achieved with horizontal separation, therefore prefer horizontal
separation

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The higher the antenna is mounted above ground, the higher is the required
separation [7], therefore the required antenna spacing is not only determined by the
rules above, an additional condition needs to be taken into account:
d > antenna height/10
(12)
Both conditions need to be fullfilled, whichever is higher is valid.
It further has been evaluated [7], that highest gains are achieved from broadside, thus
setup the orientation of the diversity arrangement accordingly to the cell orientation:

RxA

Maximum
Diversity

Maximum
Diversity
RxA

RxB

Correct orientation

Cell
Border

RxB

Incorrect orientation

Figure 12: Orientation of space diversity setup

Polarization Diversity
For the selection of the proper antenna type aspects of decoupling between the
horizontal and vertical branch has to be taken into account. The decoupling needs to
be high enough to avoid problems with intermodulation and receiver blocking.
Investigations showed that intermodulation aspects are determining the required
decoupling. The following configurations had been investigated, taking into account
intermodulation products 5th order. Intermodulation products 3rd order are not taken
into account, this has to be considered by an according co-cell frequency planning, as
described in chapter 4.5 (intermodulation).
Required decoupling of dual polarized antennas for G2 BTS
Antenna configurations will be discussed in chapter 7. Please refer to figure 15, for the
according configurations. Generally the following rule can be applied for the required
decoupling between the polarization branches:
G2 BTS:
If no duplexer is used, the TX and RX antenna are separated, thus 20 dB
decoupling for cross-polarised RX antennas are sufficient (configuration F, two
antenna system). Decoupling is achieved by spatial separation.
If a duplexer is used (configuration G, one antenna system) without an addtional
RX-Filter for the second branch, 45 dB decoupling is required for the G2 GSM BTS
and 30dB is required for the G2 DCS BTS, due to intermodulation problems.
G3 BTS:

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 The G3 BTS is equipped with the ANx, a twin receiver front end with duplexers.
Thus minimum 25 dB decoupling is sufficient (configuration i, figure 16, one
antenna system with air combining).
Typicaly decoupling values of cross polar antennas offered at the market are 25dB to
30dB.

6 Antenna types
Within Alcatels Mobile Communication Division there is a physical specification for
antennas in order to get a common standard antenna set for planning, offers and
purchase departments. The standard antenna set covers approximately 80% to 90% of
all applications. For details on the specified antennas and parameters please refer to
the according document [3].
Besides sector and omni antennas as described in chapter 4.3, the following antenna
types are relevant in mobile radio networks:
Microcell and Indoor antennas:
The environment in which the antenna is installed has a strong influence on the
radiation characteristic. Also aesthetical aspects become relevant for the selection of a
specific antenna design, as discussed more detailed in [5].
Special antenna types:
Dual band antennas can be used for multiband applications (e.g. DCS and GSM)
Dual polarized antennas are used for polarization diversity.
For repeater applications antennas with a high directivity such as Yagi antennas are
used for the link between the donor cell BTS and the repeater.
The typical applications of different antenna types are summarized in table 4.
indoor
macrocell
microcell

outdoor
x
x

x-polar
x
x
air combining

dual band
x
(x)1

Table 4: Application of antenna types

1

Note to dual band: Dual band antenna configurations in microcells are in

principle possible, but dual band microcell antennas are currently not available on
the market.

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7 Antenna configurations in mobile networks

In general there are many possiblities for antenna configurations. In the following
configurations for omni and sector sites will be described.
The application of duplexer and TMA have to be taken into account for the different
configurations:
A duplexer (or duplexe filter) consists of a Tx and Rx filter and a combiner, providing
sufficient Tx/Rx decoupling. With a duplexer it is possible to save one antenna and a
feeder cable, by using only one antenna for transmission and reception.
A TMA (Tower mounted amplifier) can be used to increase the sensitivity of the BTS
receiver. The gain is usually dimensioned in a way to compensate the feeder cable
losses (e.g. 4dB). The TMA should be mounted as close as possible to the receiving
antenna. If the TMA is not equipped with a TX bypass, it is not possible to use an one
antenna system. TMAs with TX-bypass are available on the market (e.g. ALLGON).

7.1 Antenna configuration for omni sites

The following omni configurations are possible as shown in figure 13:
A: No diversity, no duplexer: Two antenna system with optional TMA
B: No diversity, with duplexer: One antenna system with optional TMA with TX-bypass
C: Diversity, no duplexer: Three antenna system with optional TMA
D: Diversity, with duplexer: Two antenna system with optional TMA with TX-bypass
E: Air combining configuration (Figure 14)

Config. B
Config. A

Config. C

Config. D

TMA+TX
Bypass
Duplexer

TMA
RX

TX

RX

TX

TMA+TX
Bypass

TMA

TMA
RX

TX

RXd

Duplexer

RX

TX

TMA
RXd

G2 BTS
G2, G3 BTS
G2 BTS
G2, G3 BTS
Figure 13: Possible omni antenna configurations, with optional TMA
Note that in the upper configurations the Tx antenna is usually moved up vertically in
order to increase the Tx/Rx decoupling. Space diversity can basically be achieved by

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vertical or horizontal separation, whereas more benefit is taken from horizontal

separation of the receiving antennas [2].
G2 BTS: For Tx-coupling wide band combiner (WBC) or remote tunable combiner
(RTC) can be used, whereas higher losses are introduced with the WBC. For more
details refer to [10]. Depending on the configuration external or internal duplexers are
used.
G3 BTS: Tx coupling for the G3 BTS can be achieved with the WBC (max. 4 or 8 Tx)
or with air combining (one antenna per TX or one cross polar antenna for sector sites).
A remote tunable combiner (RTC) solution will not be available before end of 1998.
The antenna coupling equipment of the G3 BTS is called ANy (WBC combiner
network) and ANx (Twin receiver front end with duplexer). Figure 14 shows a possible
air combining configuration for omni sites (configuration E):
Configuration E
Antenna

feeder

TXA - RXA - RXdivB

TXB - RXB - RXdivA

Duplexer

Duplexer
Filter

Filter

LNA

LNA

Splitter

Splitter

Filter

TXA RXA RXdivA

Filter

BTS
ANx

RXdivB RXB TXB

Figure 14 Omni air combining configuration with the G3 BTS

Since the duplexer stage ANx is always included within the G3 BTS, the configuration
A and C cannot be used for the G3 BTS.

7.2 Antenna configurations for sector sites

Depending on the requirement sector sites are usually configured with one, two or
three sectors. Four sector sites might cause EMC and inteference problems and are
therefore applicable for special scenarios only. A two sector site configuration could be

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used for the coverage along a street, three sector sites in order to achieve area
coverage in high traffic areas.
Basically the same antenna configurations as described for omni sites are also possible
per sector. Further dual polarized antennas can be used for sector sites. The following
configurations are possible:
A: No diversity, no duplexer: Two antenna system with optional TMA (fig. 13)
B: No diversity, with duplexer: One antenna system with optional TMA with TX-bypass
(fig. 13)
C: Diversity, no duplexer: Three antenna system with optional TMA (fig. 13)
D: Diversity, with duplexer: Two antenna system with optional TMA with TX-bypass
(fig. 13)
E: Two antenna air combining configuration for the G3 BTS (fig. 14)
F: Polarisation diversity with a hor/ver polarized antenna, no duplexer (fig. 15)
G: Polarisation diversity with a hor/ver polarized antenna, with duplexer and optional
Rx-Filter (fig. 15). The Rx-Filter is required if the Tx-Rx-isolation is below 45dB for
the G2 GSM BTS and below 30 dB for the G2 DCS BTS, due to intermodulation
problems.
H: Combination of Space and Polarisation diversity with cross polar antennas (e.g.
with 4 TRX) and air combining (fig. 15). The TX-filter is an internal filter (G2 BTS).
In
case of the G3 BTS the configuration would be accordingly different, due to the
ANx network, but is in principle possible.
I: Polarisation diversity with crosspolar antennas with air combining (G3 BTS, fig. 16)
Whereas configuration A to E is similar to the omni configurations according to figure
13 and 14. Figure 15, 16 show further configurations, which are possible for sector
sites.
Config. F

TMA+TX TMA
Bypass
Duplexer

TMA TMA
RX

RXd

Configuration H

Config. G

TX

G2 BTS

TX

RX

RXFilter
RXd

G2, G3 BTS

TMA+TX
Bypass
TxFilter

Dupl.

TMA+TX
Bypass
Dupl.
Splitter

Splitter
TX1 TX2

Rx1-4

TxFilter

TX3

RX1-4

TX 4

G2, G3 BTS

Figure 15: Possible sector antenna configurations A-I with optional TMA

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G3 BTS: The duplexer is integrated within the ANx, thus configurations without
duplexer are not possible. Configuration E as shown in figure 14, is possible. Further,
the following one antenna system configuration H is possible with the G3 BTS by
applying a cross polar antenna (configuration I):

Configuration I

Antenna

feeder
TXA - RXA - RXdivB

TXB - RXB - RXdivA

Duplexer

Duplexer
Filter

Filter

Filter

LNA

LNA

Splitter

Splitter

TXA RXA RXdivA

Filter

BTS
Twin RFE
and
Duplexer stage

RXdivB RXB TXB

Figure 16: Configuration I, Air combining application for a sector site with the G3 BTS
Introducing space diversity two or three antenna systems are used per sector,
depending on the usage of duplexer. Figure 17 shows a possible side mounted
configuration with horizontal space diversity (three antenna system):

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Figure 17 Exemplary 3 sector site setup with horizontal space diversity

The following engineering rules should be applied for such a sector site configuration:
Consideration of required distances at sector sites
There is a wide range of possible configurations for sector sites. Two exemplary three sector site setups
are given below:

Dmin

Tx1/RxA1
Dmin
Tx2/RxA2

Distance according
to diversity requirements

Tx2/Rx2

Tx1/Rx1

RxB1

With space diversity and duplexer:

No space diversity, with duplexer:

The required distance Dmin should be:

Dmin = 0,5m if the antennas are not mounted in the same horizontal plane
Dmin = 1,5m if the antennas are mounted in the same horizontal plane

7.3 Microcell antenna configuration

The following micro BTS types are offered by Alcatel:
Class M1 micro BTS, one TRX with synthesizer or radio frequency hopping (RFH)
Class M1 micro BTS, modular with one or two TRX with RFH (if the BTS is equipped
with two TRX, hopping is only possible on the second carrier)
2W micro BTS, modular with one or two TRX, RFH only on second TRX

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The micro BTSs are equipped with an internal duplexer and without a diversity
receiver. Due to RFH capability no remote tunable combiner (RTC) can be used, a
wide band combiner (WBC) has to be used. Thus the following configurations are
basically possible:
A: One TRX micro BTS: One antenna system (microcell antenna)
B: Two TRX micro BTS: One antenna system with wide band combiner (microcell ant.)
C: Two TRX micro BTS: One antenna system with air combining (cross polar antenna)
Figure 18 shows the three possible configurations:

Config. A

Config. B

Config. C

linear
antenna
cross
polar
antenna

linear
antenna

TX/RX

TX1/
RX1

TX2/
RX2

TX1/
RX1

TX2/
RX2

Duplexer

2 Duplexer

2 Duplexer

micro BTS
1 TRX

micro BTS
2 TRX

micro BTS
2 TRX

Figure 18: Possible microcellular antenna configurations (Config. A-C)

Radio conditions in microcellular environment:
Especially in microcellular environments close proximity scenarios, causing blocking
problems can occur, as shown in figure 19.
An indoor mobile is connected to micro BTS 1, while another mobile being connected
to micro BTS 2 might turn around the corner and have sudden direct line of sight
condition to micro BTS 1. In such a scenario there is a high risk of BTS receiver inband-blocking. In order to achieve a sufficient minimum coupling loss between mobile

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antenna and BTS receiving antenna the mounting height has to be accordingly high,
taking into account the following two basic items:
In order to increase the minimum coupling loss between MS and BTS, the antenna
should be positioned as high as possible.
With increasing mounting height the interferer potential will be increased, especially
since microcells often are planned with a reduced RCS.
A proper compromise has to be found which is usually 50% of the average
building height (typically 6-12m).

Micro BTS 2

Interference

signal in the limit of sensitivity

Micro BTS 1

Figure 19 Close proximity scenario in a microcellular network

causing receiver blocking
Antennas in microcellular networks are usually positioned below roof top level, either
within the street or at street crossings (instreet or crossroad BTS). With the instreet BTS
a higher site density can be achieved as described more detailed in [1].
The maximum distance R of a omni cross road BTS from the street corner is defined
based on experience as follows: The angle is restricted to a maximum angle of 20:
R

Omni antenna

Street

R < tan(
max)D = 0.36 D (13)
max=20
Example: D=50cm results in R=18cm

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Indoor Solutions:
Please refer to [9] for detailed information.

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7.4 Special antenna configurations

If omni antennas cannot be mounted at the top of a mast, they also can be sidemounted with a special side mounting kit, but this configuration is not recommended
because the pole will severely disturb the antenna radiation pattern.
Therefore special solutions are possible in order to realize a omni radiation pattern, by
the usage of several panel (sector) antennas. In this section three special arrangements
will be discussed:
Radial Arrangement
Figure 20 shows a radial arrangement of six panel antennas with a horizontal
beamwidth of 105. The resulting radiation pattern has a 1 dB ripple, which will
increase with increasing radius and with reduced amount of panel antennas. This
setup could be used in a rural environment where no scattering is expected, to achieve
sufficient coverage between each radiation pattern.

Ripple of 1 dB

Figure 20 Radial Arrangement with 6 panel antennas forming a omni antenna

Quasi Omni Arrangement:

Figure 21 shows a quasi omni arrangement, consisting of only 3 antennas with a
horizontal beamwidth of 105 and the resulting radiation pattern. This type of setup
can be used in urban environments. The coverage holes due to the nulls between the
sectors are covered by scattering effects in urban environments.

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Figure 21 Quasi Omni Arrangement for urban areas

Skew arrangement:
A skew arrangement consisting of 4 panel antennas with a horizontal beamwidth of
65 is shown in Figure 22.

Figure 22 Skew arrangement

The advantage of this setup is that the ripple is reduced compared to the radial
arrangements, resulting in a more homogeneous radiation pattern.

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7.5 Dual band antenna setup

Dual band antennas e.g. for GSM/DCS applications are characterised by being
suitable for both frequency ranges (880-960 MHz, 1710-1880 MHz), having two
separated input connectors for GSM and for DCS. Thus the GSM and DCS signals are
combined in one antenna.
There is a wide range of possible dual band configurations. First of all a dual band
network not necessarily has to be configured exclusively with dual band antennas,
especially if independent GSM and DCS cell coverage has to be achieved.
The decision if a dual band antenna or two independent GSM / DCS antenna setups
should be used, strongly depends on the planning philosophy of the network and
needs to be discussed with the customer. This approach will be explained in two
following examples:
Example 1: Application of a dual band antenna in high traffic urban areas
The customer has a GSM and DCS licence and is currently running a GSM network in
an urban area. With increasing traffic, network densification has already been
performed, thus the cell ranges are reduced and the omni sites are already sectorized.
Typically six or nine antennas are installed per site in case of a three sector diversity
configuration. In order to increase the traffic a two layer network should be installed.
The coverage ranges of the GSM and DCS cell will be similar, therefore it is a good
solution to reuse the existing sites and replace the existing GSM antennas by dual
band antennas, instead of increasing the amount of antennas up to twelve or even
eighteen, or what is even more difficult to realize, to try to aquire new DCS sites.
Examples 2: Application of separated GSM and DCS antenna configurations
An operator is installing a new dual band network in lower traffic areas. Since higher
coverage ranges can be achieved with GSM, the operator will try to perform coverage
in rural areas with GSM cells and choose lower cell sizes in urban areas by applying
DCS cells there. In these scenarios no dual band antennas are required, the cells need
to be configured independently of each other.
So basically antenna configurations in a dual band network can be split up in dual
band antenna or mono band antenna configurations. Further setups with or without
diversity, with duplexer or wide band combiner etc. are possible.
Discussing different dual band antenna configurations, the following decisions have to
be made depending on the customer requirements:
Setup with GSM and DCS or with dual band antennas
Usage of diversity or not
separated Tx and Rx antennas
usage of duplexer
Introduction of air combining or not
Coupling loss of dual band antennas?

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 Radiation pattern of dual band antennas in both bands identical?

BTS configuration: With the G3 BTS, a BTS can be equipped with DCS and GSM
TRXs
From the wide range of setups two possible configurations are shown below for the
Alcatel G2 BTS:
A configuration with a separated GSM and DCS antenna is shown in figure 23.

2 GSM antennas

2 DCS antennas

Duplexer
Splitter

Combine
r
TX

TX

TX

Duplexer

TX

RX

RX

RX

Splitter

RX

RX RX RX RX
div div div div

BTS 1
4 GSM TRXs

Splitter

Combine
r
TX

TX

TX

TX

RX

RX

RX

Splitter

RX

RX RX RX RX
div div div div

BTS 2
4 DCS TRXs

Figure 23 : Dual band configuration with separated GSM and DCS antenna
A diversity antenna configuration with a dual band antenna is shown in figure 24. The
main advantages of that configuration is, that less installation place is required and
the number of antennas is reduced by 50%. On the other hand the tilt and the
antenna orientation of the GSM and DCS network cannot be set independently from
each other.
For more detailed information on the Alcatel dual band concept, please refer to [11].

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3 Dual Band antenna

Splitter

Combiner
TX

TX

TX

TX

RX

RX

Splitter

RX

RX

RX
div

RX
div

RX
div

Splitter

Combiner
RX
div

TX

TX

TX

BTS 1
4 GSM TRXs

TX

RX

RX

RX

Splitter

RX

RX
div

RX
div

RX
div

RX
div

BTS 2
4 DCS TRXs

Figure 24 Dual band antenna configuration with space diversity

8 Summary
The document gives an overview on antenna parameters, types, configurations,
diversity and EMC aspects. According antenna engineering rules are defined.
The given rules focus on the following aspects:

Application of omni and sector antennas

Required spacing from obstacles within the antenna near field
required spacings between antennas to provide sufficient decoupling
application of antenna tilt
Rules for space and polarisation diversity application
Overview on antenna types and possible configurations in macro and micro cellular
environments
Dual band configurations

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9 Abbreviations

A955
AMPS
ANx
ANy
BTS
DCS
EGSM
EIRP
EMC
GSM
HPBW
MCL
RCS
RFH
RTC
Rx
TACS
TMA
TRX
Tx
VSWR
WBC

Alcatel RNP-Tool
Advanced Mobile Phone System
Twin receiver front end with duplexer of the G3 BTS
Wide band combiner network of the G3 BTS
Base Transceiver Station
Digital Cordless System
Extended Global System of Mobile Communication
Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power
Electromagnetical Compatibility
Global System of Mobile Communication
Half Power Beam Width
Minimum Coupling Loss
Reuse Cluster Size
Synthesizer or Radio Frequency Hopping
Remote
Receiver
Total Access Communication System
Tower Mounted Amplifier
Transceiver
Transmitter
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
Wide Band Combiner

END OF DOCUMENT

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