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Distributed antenna systems for WiMAX networks
These include systems for handling simple and remote optical feeds for WiMAX antennas. Separate remote antenna locations, as determined by the operator network planning, can be controlled from the WiMAX base station. This technology is of special interest for network planning scenarios based on pico-cells with high traffic capacity, since there is a drastic cost reduction in the network deployment investment (CAPEX); as well as reduced operational and maintenance costs (OPEX).
This technology is applicable in external and internal systems; but a greater business opportunity is found in internal systems. The technology is being used commercially in traditional mobile phone networks (i.e. GSM) because of the increased transmission speed and traffic capacity offered by WiMAX. However, a better quality signal is required for users. As a response, high capacity traffic coverage can be provided by pico-femto cells inside buildings. This tendency is further increased when high traffic levels are a factor: hotels, hospitals, business centres, shopping centres, sports events, etc.
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) using fibre enable, for example, the centralisation in a basement of all the WiMAX base stations needed to provide the traffic capacity in a building. This is achieved by providing a low-cost fibre distribution network that feeds the remote antenna positions.
These fibre optic distribution systems provide the following additional advantages:
- Traffic sharing of a base station by multiple antennas.
- Multi-protocol capacity (GSM, UMTS, WiFi...). Dynamic traffic allocation
among several antennas (day/night, strengthening during sports events, etc.).
- Synergies in infrastructure-sharing among several services that may offer profitable business opportunities. A clear example is the "Fibre-to-the-home" (FTTH) fibre network, whose fibre links can be shared by the WiMAX antenna feeding systems.