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.............................................................4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8

ANTENNA PARAMETERS................................................................................4
ANTENNA SYSTEM.......................................................................................6
OMNI AND SECTOR ANTENNAS......................................................................6
ANTENNA NEAR AND FAR FIELD - FRESNEL ELLIPSOID.........................................8
EMC ASPECTS: BLOCKING AND MINIMUM COUPLING LOSS (MCL).....................10
ANTENNA TILT..........................................................................................13
PRINCIPLE OF AIR COMBINING......................................................................15
INFLUENCE OF ANTENNA HEIGHT ON COVERAGE RANGES.................................16

5 SPACE AND POLARIZATION DIVERSITY....................................16

6 ANTENNA TYPES...................................................................20
7 ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS IN MOBILE NETWORKS.................21
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5

ANTENNA CONFIGURATION FOR OMNI SITES....................................................21

ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS FOR SECTOR SITES...............................................22
MICROCELL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION..........................................................25
SPECIAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS.............................................................29
DUAL BAND ANTENNA SETUP.......................................................................31

8 SUMMARY............................................................................. 33
9 ABBREVIATIONS....................................................................34

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1 History
Date
Edition
8. July 1997
Draft
14.
October 01
1997

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:
Antenna

Engineering Rules for Radio Networks

U. Birkel, Aspects on Polarization Diversity
Antenna catalogue
Hardware Commercial Configurator For

Systems
[5] 3DC 21019 0001 TQZZA: Alcatel GSM/DCS Antenna Systems Product
Description
[6] Rothammel, K., Krischke, A.:
Rothammels Antennenuch, ISBN 34440-07018-2
[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.

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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

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

antenna.
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:
horizontal

v ertical

0 dB

0 dB
-3 dB

-10 dB

-10 dB

HPBW

-3 dB

sidelobe

main beam
null direction

Figure 5 Horizontal and vertical radiation pattern of a sector

antenna
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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

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

Sector

HPBW/2++20

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
5
H [m]: 0.51

10
2.5

>20
5

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

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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-toback 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:

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.

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Receiver Blocking
The GSM recommendation 05.05 defines the blocking requirement as the
capability of a receiver, to receive a weak useful signal f use, 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 f int 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 P 1dB. Figure 7 shows this
scenario.
Receiver
Pout Characteristic

P [dBm]
-13

fuse

TX

fint
-101

RX

n*200kHz

fuse

fint

P1dB

f[MHz]

Pblock

Pin

Figure 7 Receiver Blocking Scenario

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) (2f 1f2) 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:

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

Vertical separation to achieve

Tx

Tx
dv

dv

Mast

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 D V, 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:
Sector:
dH

dH

The required separation depends on The required separation depends on

antenna gain and can be calculated antenna gain G, antenna orientation and
according to the formula given below:
HPBW. Thus the antenna gain G() in
direction of the interfered antenna has
DH=22+20log(dH/)-(GT+GR) [dB] (8)
accordingly to be taken into account in the
formula given below.
E.g. two omni antennas with G T=GR=11dBi
separated 20m(!) results in an decoupling DH=28+20log(dH/)-(GT()+GR())
[dB]
of 36dB only, calculated for GSM.
(9)
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.
Combined horizontal and vertical separation:

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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
a

main beam dir.

b

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
3.6
2.0
1.31

urban hilly suburban

flat
1.7
5
1.0
2.71
0.71
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.

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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).
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

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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.
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

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: d H=20, dV
=15
Recommended horizontal separation
= 3m
Recommended vertical separation dV:

dH:

GSM = 6m

GSM = 4.5m

DCS
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.
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Higher gains are achieved with horizontal separation, therefore prefer

horizontal separation
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
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(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:
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

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macrocell
microcell

x
x

x
x
air combining

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

TMA+TX
Bypass
Duplexer

TMA
RX

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RX

TX

Config. D

Note
that in
the
upper

TMA+TX
Bypass

TMA
RX

TMA
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
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configurations the Tx antenna is usually moved up vertically in order to

increase the Tx/Rx decoupling. Space diversity can basically be achieved
by 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

Duplexer
Filter

TXB - RXB - RXdivA

Duplexer

Filter

Filter

LNA

LNA

Splitter

Splitter

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.

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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 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)

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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

G3
BTS:
The

V
TMA+TX
Bypass

RXd

TX

G2 BTS

TX

TMA+TX
Bypass

TMA

Duplexer

TMA TMA
RX

Configuration H

Config. G

RXFilter
RXd

RX

TxFilter

Dupl.

TMA+TX
Bypass
Dupl.
Splitter

Splitter
TX1 TX2 Rx1-4

G2, G3 BTS

TxFilter

TX3

RX1-4

TX 4

G2, G3 BTS

Figure 15: Possible sector antenna configurations A-I with

optional TMA
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):
Antenna

Configuration I

feeder
TXA - RXA - RXdivB

Duplexer
Filter

TXB - RXB - RXdivA

Duplexer

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

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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):
The

Figure 17 Exemplary 3 sector site setup with horizontal space

diversity
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

Distance according
to
diversity
requirements

Tx2/Rx2

Tx1/Rx1

RxB1

Tx2/RxA2

With space diversity and duplexer:

duplexer:

No

space

diversity,

with

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

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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
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)
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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 in-band-blocking. In order to achieve a sufficient
minimum coupling loss between mobile 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).
Antennas
in
Micro BTS 2

signal in the limit of sensitivity

Interference
Micro BTS 1

Figure 19 Close proximity scenario in a microcellular

network causing receiver blocking
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].

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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

R < tan(max)D = 0.36 D (13)

D

Street
max=20

Example: D=50cm results in R=18cm

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
side-mounted 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.

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),
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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

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Introduction of air combining or not

Coupling loss of dual band antennas?
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

Duplexer
Splitter

Combine
r
TX TX TX TX

RX RX RX RX

BTS 1
4 GSM TRXs

Splitter

RX RX RX RX
div div div div

Combine
r
TX TX TX TX

Splitter

RX RX RX RX

Splitter

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

8 Su
m
m
ar
y
The
Splitter

Combiner

TX

TX

TX

TX

RX

RX

RX

Splitter

RX

RX RX RX RX
div div div div

BTS 1
4 GSM TRXs

Splitter

Combiner

TX

TX

TX

TX

RX

RX

RX

Splitter

RX

RX RX RX RX
div div div div

BTS 2
4 DCS TRXs

Figure 24 Dual band antenna configuration with space

diversity
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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