Technical Information and

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

“Quality leads the way”

Being the oldest and largest antenna manufacturer worldwide, we take on every day
the challenge arising from our own motto. One of our basic principles is to look always
for the best solution in order to satisfy our customers.
Our quality assurance system conforms to DIN EN ISO 9001 and applies to the product
range of the company: Antenna systems, communication products as well as active
and passive distribution equipment.

2
Contents Page

UMTS – the Future Mobile Communication System

Network Planning 4
WCDMA Technology and RET Benefits 5
Conclusion 7

UMTS Antennas from the World’s Largest Antenna Supplier

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

System for Remote Electrical Tilt (RET)

RET-System Components 15
Controlling the RCU 16
Communication between OMC and CCU 19
Browser Application 21

Tower Mounted Amplifier

General 22
Design 22

Antenna Isolation with Site Sharing

Factors Influencing the Isolation Value 24
Save Distance between two Panel Antennas 27
Optimised Minimum Distance between two Antennas 27

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

3
UMTS – the Future Mobile Communication System
The four letters UMTS, the abbreviation for
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, are
already well known among the general public.
They stand for high data transmission rates and
multi media applications. The start of this new
system has been postponed many times due to
general delays in the technology as well as
scepticism in carrying out such huge investments.
But the thumbs are now up and many licensees
have to fulfil regulations regarding a minimum
coverage before the end of 2003.
While the end users do not care so much about
the used technology, UMTS means a big step
forward compared to GSM.
The main technology for implementing the
3. Generation of mobile systems will be WCDMA
(Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). The
applied frequency range is 1920 – 2170 MHz,
which contains two paired blocks of 60 MHz each.

Network Planning

The technologies used with GSM and UMTS have Traditionally with GSM, the downtilt angle has to
a big influence on network planning and the be altered only when the network structure
required network optimisation due to some changes e.g. by adding new sites, which happens
essential differences. may be once or twice a year. In this case it is
In both cases, the vertical pattern downtilt plays a acceptable to send out installation teams to sites
major role concentrating the radiated power into to change the mechanical or electrical adjustable
the cell to be covered and controlling the downtilt angles of the antennas.
interference from adjacent cells.

Comparison GSM UMTS

Access TDMA WCDMA
(Time Division Multiple Access) (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access)
separation of the subscribers separation of the subscribers
by time slots by codes
Frequency plan certain frequencies per cell the same full bandwidth in each cell
Hand over registration only in one cell registration in two or more cells
(hard hand over) (soft hand over)
Cell size fixed variable

4
With UMTS, there is a complex relationship downtilt angle of the antennas. This led to the
between capacity, coverage and interference. It is concept of a remote electrical downtilt (RET)
expected that the electrical downtilt of the controlled from a central location within the
antennas has to be modified several times a day! network e.g. the operational and maintenance
It is clear that the previous technologies cannot center (OMC).
provide the fast and permanent access to vary the

WCDMA Technology and RET Benefits

In essence, CDMA uses the same frequency consequently reducing the coverage area and
band in each cell with the unpleasant with it the number of subscribers. This process
disadvantage for a specific subscriber that all the will continue until the power control is recovered.
other subscribers are ‘noise’ and cause
interference. Consequently, power levels in
CDMA networks are kept to a minimum in order to
reduce this interference. The power levels might
even be below the noise level, and a certain
subscriber can only be identified by using codes.

Power adjustment and cell breathing

To keep the noise low within a cell, the transmit

power of the downlink (base station) is also The effect of a variable coverage area due to an
altered. For each subscriber, the base station has increased load and noise is called ‘cell breathing’.
to provide exactly the right minimum power. This The graph below describes the relationship
requires an extensive and fast power adjustment. between number of users, noise increase and
cell range.

Cell breathing and noise increase in UMTS voice

1.6 20
1.4 18
16
cell range [km]

noise increase

1.2
14
1 12
0.8 10
0.6 8
0.4 6
4
0.2 2
0 0
If the load in the cell rises, either by an increased 0 10 20 30 40 50
number of users
number of subscribers, or by higher transfer data
rates, the power and with it the noise level will source: HU Berlin

grow and finally hinder communication. The base With RET it is possible to partly compensate
station gets at its limit concerning power adjust- this effect and to optimise the power distribution in
ment and responses by turning down the power, critical areas.

5
 BTS
BTS
High traffic or
soft handover area
Antenna
coverage

Decreasing the downtilt

BTS BTS
Increasing the coverage

BTS BTS

Soft hand over areas. For example, during rush hours the
network can concentrate on train stations or
To improve the low power uplink situation, sub- airports. Furthermore, the network can be
scribers may be registered in more than one cell. adopted to meet the temporary requirements of
That means the weak signals are received in two special events like music festivals, exhibitions or
or three cells and added up by the system. It is major sporting events.
estimated that approximately 30 % – 40 % of the
subscribers will be in such a ‘soft-handover’
condition. This technology provides some benefits Network expansions
regarding the uplink levels but on the other hand
it eats up capacity. If a network grows due to an increased number of
The amount of soft handover can be adjusted by subscribers, additional sites are generally added
RET changing the overlapping areas in the in between the already existing ones. To avoid
network. interference between the sites, downtilt angles
have to be reset by installation teams who have to
visit each individual site.
High traffic area With RET this adaptation could be carried out
centrally from the OMC without any work at the
Skilful planning, adding RET features to your site.
network, may increase capacity in high traffic

6
Conclusion

According to equipment suppliers and OEM’s, – the network will show lower bit failure rates and
remote electrical tilt will become a major feature of a smaller amount of drop calls
UMTS networks.
The network operators, especially those in
For the operators, the decisive question with Europe, have more experience with GSM than
respect to the implementation of RET systems is with CDMA and now face the problem with
the level of investment required. The correspond- various new sites of how to decide in advance,
ing tenor forecast is that RET will be payed off whether or not to use RET.
quite quickly: The Kathrein concept to upgrade the RET func-
tion with already installed antennas considers this
– due to the achieved network optimisation, up to dilemma and allows the operators to postpone the
20 % of WCDMA equipment can be saved decision until tests have been performed.

7
UMTS Antennas from the World’s Largest Antenna Supplier

Kathrein already began the development of

mobile communication antennas for the latest
UMTS technology in 1999. Through it’s
consistently high standards of quality and
outstanding technological developments,
Kathrein continues to prove it’s market leadership
in the field of UMTS antennas.

Producing more than 50,000 mobile communica-

tion antennas per month, KATHREIN-Werke KG
is not only the world’s oldest, but also the largest
antenna supplier, with a current global market
share of more than 42 %.

So far, Kathrein have sold a remarkable quantity

of several hundred thousand UMTS base station
antennas and meanwhile the turnover with UMTS
antennas has increased to form a significant
share of the overall turnover achieved with
mobile communication base station antennas. tilt or no electrical downtilt and various half-power
This success is certainly due not only to the beam widths. All of the adjustable antennas can
customer-optimised portfolio, but also to be optionally upgraded to a remote-controlled
Kathrein’s advanced technological lead. electrical tilt version. A detailed list of the new
UMTS antennas is shown below.
To ensure the highest possible quality, stringent
final test procedures are installed. Before leaving Kathrein now serves all system suppliers and
the production facilities, every antenna is tested more than 240 network operators throughout the
for intermodulation, isolation and VSWR. world with mobile communication base station
antennas and other related products.
Kathrein offers an extensive and advanced range Most of the world-wide UMTS license-holders use
of UMTS antennas. Customers can choose Kathrein antennas for their demanding UMTS
between antennas with adjustable downtilt, fixed network extensions.

New Dipole Technology

One of Kathrein’s most important philosophies is the overall revenue is invested each year for
to always ensure that all products comprise the Research & Development work. Considering the
best available technology. Approximately 10 % of field of UMTS technology only, a total of

8
14 patents are granted, all picture proof of UMTS frequency range but also lower frequency
Kathrein’s high level of innovation. Kathrein’s bands, e.g. GSM 1800 and PCS 1900, Kathrein’s
vector dipole technology, providing excellent broadband dipoles help to achieve even better
broadband characteristics for UMTS antennas electrical characteristics rather than single-band
and special phase-shifters for accurate downtilt dipoles. Constant half-power beam width and
adjustments, are just two examples of extra- outstanding VSWR values over the entire
ordinary patented solutions. frequency range from 1710 – 2170 MHz at all
downtilt angles are remarkable examples of the
The vector-dipole technology used for Kathrein distinguishing characteristics of Kathrein’s new
broadband antennas ensures the highest vector dipole technology. In addition, these UMTS
possible technical level and does not compromise antennas show superior tracking and squint
performance in any way. Considering not only the values.

New Phase-Shifters for Antennas with Adjustable Electrical Downtilt

With the UMTS system new effects like Kathrein’s sophisticated phase shifters provide
“Cell-Breathing” and “Soft-Handover” etc. require continuous downtilt angle adjustment. To reduce
much greater demand on the network planning intermodulation products capacitively coupling
rather than necessary with the well-known GSM elements are used for power distribution. This
technology. technology ensures no limitation of lifetime.
It’s obvious that the performance of the base
station antennas in this association play a very Together with the introduced new dipole
important role. To be able to cope with the new technology (vector-dipole), Kathrein is able to
challenges, antennas with adjustable, electrical keep the defined specification of the antennas
downtilt are absolutely essential. The flexibility not only over the complete frequency range, but
also enables a network optimisation and fine- also over the whole adjustable downtilt range.
tuning later on. This is certainly one of the most challenging
Therefore, Kathrein has developed complete new tasks during the development of base station
(patented) phase shifters for UMTS antennas with antennas.
adjustable electrical downtilt to meet the new
requirements.

9
Wideband Antennas (Multi-band and 2-Multi-band)

Kathrein’s multi-band antennas extend the active a considerably reduced number of antennas
frequency range up to 1710 – 2170 MHz. These needed by network operators. In the case of
antennas are suitable for operation in all three 2-multi-band versions, two identical antennas are
mobile communication frequency bands of integrated into one radome for independent
1800, 1900 and 2000 MHz, which can lead to downtilting.

XPol Multi-band: 1710 – 2170 MHz

742 210 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 9 dBi 0°T

739 489 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 12 dBi 2°T
742 211 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 15.5 dBi 0°–10°T
742 212 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–8°T
742 215 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–10°T
741 794 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18.5 dBi 2°T
742 213 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 19.5 dBi 0°–6°T
742 186 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 20.5 dBi 0°T

741 984 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 11.5 dBi 0°T
741 987 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 17 dBi 2°T
741 988 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 14 dBi 0°–10°T
741 989 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 17 dBi 0°–8°T
741 990 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 88° 18 dBi 0°–6°T

742 218 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 45° 19.5 dBi 0°–8°T
742 219 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 45° 21.5 dBi 0°–6°T 742 212
742 351 XPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 33° 21 dBi 0°–8°T

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

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

1710 – 2170 65° 15 dBi 0°–10°T
742 234 XXPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–8°T
1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–8°T
742 235 XXPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 19.5 dBi 0°–6°T
1710 – 2170 65° 19.5 dBi 0°–6°T

742 352 XXPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 85° 17 dBi 0°–8°T

1710 – 2170 85° 17 dBi 0°–8°T 742 234

10
Dual-band Antennas

A further reduction in the number of antennas only one antenna per cell. The downtilt angle
and an improvement in the optical impact is can be adjusted for both frequency ranges
achievable installing the completely new dual- seperately.
band antennas. Kathrein’s dual-band antennas Due to the wide frequency range of the high-band
operate in the following two frequency ranges: system, these dual-band antennas are also
806/824 – 960 MHz and 1710 – 2170 MHz. All suitable for triple-band applications. A wide range
present world-wide mobile communication of combiner products is also available to complete
networks can be served simultaneously operating Kathrein’s product portfolio.

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

742 226 XXPol A-Panel 806 – 960 65° 12 dBi 0°T

1710 – 2170 60° 14 dBi 0°T
742 264 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 14 dBi 0°–14°T
1710 – 2170 65° 17 dBi 0°–8°T
742 265 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 16 dBi 0°–10°T
1710 – 2170 65° 18.5 dBi 0°–6°T
742 266 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 17 dBi 0°–7°T
1710 – 2170 65° 18.5 dBi 0°–6°T
800 10121 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 88° 12.5 dBi 0°–14°T
1710 – 2170 88° 16 dBi 0°–8°T
800 10122 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 88° 15 dBi 0°–10°T
1710 – 2170 88° 17 dBi 0°–6°T
800 10123 XXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 88° 16 dBi 0°–7°T
1710 – 2170 88° 17 dBi 0°–6°T 742 264

11
Triple-band Antennas

Kathrein’s unique antenna technology combines components, mechanical dimensions are only
three different frequency ranges packed into just slightly larger than those of a single GSM 900
one single radome. Three independently antenna.
adjustable downtilt systems allow the operator to The customer may also choose Kathrein’s triple-
optimise the radiation pattern individually. band antennas in a different design made of three
radiating systems. This offers additional flexibility
Although Kathrein’s triple-band antennas contain with two broadband systems 1710 – 2170 MHz.
two radiating systems and integrated filter

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

742 270 XXXPol A-Panel 806 – 960 66° 15 dBi 0°–12°T

1710 – 1880 67° 16.5 dBi 0°–8°T
1920 – 2170 63° 17 dBi 0°–8°T
742 271 XXXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 16 dBi 0°–10°T
1710 – 1880 67° 17.5 dBi 0°–6°T
1920 – 2170 63° 18 dBi 0°–6°T
742 272 XXXPol A-Panel 824 – 960 65° 17 dBi 0°–7°T
1710 – 1880 67° 17.5 dBi 0°–6°T
1920 – 2170 63° 18 dBi 0°–6°T

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

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

1710 – 2170 65° 17 dBi 0°–8°T
1710 – 2170 65° 16.5 dBi 0°–8°T

742 241

Further sophisticated antennas are in development!

12
UMTS Products for Special Applications

In additon to the cross-polarised broad-band To complete the UMTS range, indoor products
UMTS antennas, Kathrein’s product portfolio also (antennas, splitters and tappers) now cover
includes vertically polarised UMTS antennas, e.g. an extended frequency range up to
a single-band omnidirectional antenna with high 2.5 GHz, including WLAN.
gain for fast network roll-out.

VPol / Single-band and Multi-band

738 454 VPol Omni 1710 – 2170 360° 2 dBi

800 10147 VPol Omni 824–960/1805–2170 360° 2 dBi
800 10111 VPol Omni 870–960/1710–1880 360° 2 dBi
1920 – 2170 360° 2 dBi
741 790 VPol Omni 2000 360° 11 dBi
738 445 VPol BiDir 800/2000 65° 5 dBi 7-16 female
738 446 VPol BiDir 800/2000 65° 5 dBi N-female
742 192 VPol LogPer 806 – 2170 65° 11 dBi
741 415 VPol F-Panel 2000 60° 17.5 dBi 742 192
742 445: VPol F-Panel 1710 – 2170 65° 18 dBi 0°–10°T
742 290 VVPol F-Panel 824 – 960 C 90° 7 dBi
1710 – 2170 90° 7 dBi
800 10046 VVPol F-Panel 824 – 960 C 90° 10 dBi
1710 – 2170 90° 11.5 dBi
741 786 VPol F-Panel 2000 120° 14.5 dBi

Indoor / VPol

741 571 VPol Indoor 900/2000 360° 2 dBi

741 572 VPol Indoor 800/2000 360° 2 dBi
800 10137 VPol Indoor 876–960/1710–2500 360° 2 dBi
800 10177 VPol Indoor 824–960/1425–2170 360° 2 dBi
800 10173 VPol Indoor 876–960/1710–2500 360° 2 dBi
800 10177
741 573 VPol Indoor 1710 – 2500 360° 2 dBi
742 149 VPol Indoor 800/2000 90° 7 dBi

13
Splitters / Tappers
860 10017, 860 10018, 860 10019 Splitter series 2-way / 3-way / 4-way 800–2500
Indoor

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

K 63236001 Tapper 2-way 5.0 – 15.0 dB 824–960 /

continuously adjustable ratio Indoor 1710–2170
860 10023 Tapper 2-way 5.0 – 15.0 dB 870–960 /
continuously adjustable ratio Indoor 1710–2500
860 10023

Mechanical Interface of RET-prepared UMTS Antennas

Kathrein offers a special solution for all UMTS Kathrein can easily be upgraded to a remote
antennas in which the downtilt of an antenna can electrical tilt version adding of a separate Remote
be set remotely. Control Unit (RCU).
This RET solution supports the UMTS system Therefore all new antennas with adjustable
operation with regard to cell breathing, hot spots, electrical downtilt are supplied with a necessary
network extension and soft handover. interface to attach the RCU to the antenna.
Each manually adjustable UMTS antenna from

1
2
2

Antenna with protection cap Mechanical interface showing: ➀ Thread for fixing of the RCU fixing
attached to the mechanical ➀ Adjustment wheel with protective cap or the RCU
interface. twist-lock function for (Remote Control Unit).
manual adjustment. ➁ Gearwheel for RCU-power
➁ Downtilt spindle with inte- drive.
grated scale.

14
System for Remote Electrical Tilt (RET)
RET-system components

RCU • Remote controlled motor, mounted at the

(Remote Control Unit) antenna and used to adjust the downtilt angle

• Controls several RCUs

CCU • Provides power for connected devices;
(Central Control Unit) e.g. RCU, TMA and/or Smart Bias Tees
• Handles alarming
• Designed for indoor BTS installation

Control cable • Feeds power supply and control signals to the

RCUs

• Allocates power supply and control signals from

DC power and signal splitter a common input onto three outputs for multiple
RCU-control

• Protects the RET system against lightning

Lightning protection device • Needs to be utilised if RCUs are controlled with
separate cable

Earthing clamp • Grounds the control cable

Optional

TMA • Installed to enhance coverage and improve

(Tower Mounted Amplifier) voice quality
• Forwards power supply and control signals to
connected RCUs

Smart Bias Tee • Employed to feed control signals and power

supply onto the RF cables

15
Controlling the RCU

Alarm interface OC RS 232 Ethernet RCU interface DC power AC power supply

supply –48 V 110 – 240 V
(optional)

The major component to control the RCU is the The number of RCUs and the maximum usable
Central Control Unit (CCU), which is located at cable length, depend on power losses along the
the BTS. In order to cover all required appli- cables.
cations, the CCU can be accessed from the Following, a summary of different examples is
Operational Maintenance Center (OMC) via the given about how to connect RCUs using separate
Ethernet input and/or directly by a personal cables:
computer via the RS 232 input.
Antenna

Antenna

Antenna
XXPol

XXPol

XXPol
Connection between CCU and RCU RCU RCU RCU
length 25 m

Three options may be offered:

Max. cable

– Separate cables
– using Smart Bias Tee’s in the feeder lines Splitter

– via TMA
length 150 m
Max. cable

Utilising splitters up to nine RCUs may be connec-

ted to a single CCU.

Use of separate cables

CCU
The 5-conductor cable consists of two wires
for the HDLC data, two wires for the +29 V BTS
respectively +13 V power supplies and one for
grounding. Example to connect 3 RCUs with separate cables

16
 Via feeder cable employing two Smart Bias

Antenna

Antenna

Antenna
Tees
XXPol

XXPol

XXPol
RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU
In order to reduce installation efforts and costs,
Kathrein offers a solution, which uses the feeder
line to forward the control signal and the power
length 25 m
Max. cable

supply up to the RCU.

3:1 Splitter 3:1 Splitter 3:1 Splitter

One of Kathrein’s Smart Bias Tees is added into

length 100 m
Max. cable

3:1 Splitter the feeder line close to the base station.

A second Smart Bias Tee is mounted near the

antennas to recover the control signal and DC
voltage from the feeder.

Due to the use of the existing feeder line for the

CCU
RCU controlling, there is no need to install a
BTS separate cable with its own lightning protection
system.
Example to connect 6 RCUs with separate cable
Antenna

Antenna

Antenna
XXXPol

XXXPol

XXXPol

Antenna

Antenna

Antenna
XXPol

XXPol

XXPol

RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU

Max. cable
length 25 m
Splitter Splitter
length 25 m
Max. cable

Splitter

Smart
Splitter Splitter Splitter Bias-Tee
length 150 m
Max. cable

3:1 Splitter
Feeder cable
length 100 m
Max. cable

Smart
Bias-Tee

3x BTS UMTS CCU

CCU

3x BTS GSM 1800

BTS

Example to connect 9 RCUs with separate cables Example to connect 6 RCUs utilising two Smart Bias Tees

17
Via feeder cable utilising one Smart Bias Tee AISG (Antenna Interface Standards Group)
and one TMA

Especially with UMTS, tower mounted amplifiers

(TMA) are implemented to the system to enhance
coverage and improve voice quality.
An elegant way of controlling the RET system is
to combine a Kathrein TMA and a RCU. Both, the
control signal and DC power supply are fed onto
the RF cable via a Smart Bias-Tee. The TMA
includes a Smart Bias-Tee to recover signals and Kathrein’s overall RET system works according
voltage from the feeder cable forwarding them to the AISG standard.
the connected RCU’s. The AISG was founded in 2001 as a sub-group
Each of the three CCU outputs is suitable for the of the UMTS standardisation group 3GPP
connection of one TMA and max. 3 RCU’s. (3G Partnership Project).
The purpose of the AISG standard is to embed
the RET control into the UMTS standard and
define all interfaces and protocols between the
Antenna

Antenna

Antenna
XXPol

XXPol

XXPol

CCU and the RCU. The link between the OMC

and the BTS is not standardised by the AISG!
RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU RCU

Max. cable
Several antenna and TMA manufacturers
length 25 m

Splitter Splitter Splitter

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

Smart
Bias-Tee
Smart
Bias-Tee
Smart
Bias-Tee

CCU
3x BTS UMTS

3x BTS GSM 1800

Example to connect 6 RCUs utilising Smart Bias Tees and TMAs

18
Communication between OMC and CCU

Overview of general CCU network integration

The electrical tilt can be controlled either locally or a GSM network. To meet this demand, a remote
remotely. controlled system via OMC is inevitable. The
Ethernet interface may be selected for remote
Local control: control in a local area network (LAN) or wide area
Configuration of the RET system and simple network (WAN).
adaptation to network changes can be made via
local control. In this case, an installation team has The following transport and application protocols
to be sent out to the site. A laptop is connected to are served by the CCU: TCP/IP, PPP, UDP,
the RS232 interface and PPP link at the CCU. DHCP, HTML and ICMP/Ping. In future, the CCU
Alternatively, you may use the Ethernet interface. will also be able to support a selection from the
application protocols: XML-RPC, FTP, Telnet,
Remote control: SNMP and NFS.
Due to the required network optimisation with
UMTS, the downtilt of the vertical radiation pattern It is also anticipated that the software of the CCU
has to be adjusted much more often compared to will be extended to allow the operation of a cable-

19
modem or GSM-modem connected to the RS232 Connection via modems
interface.
The hardware interface RS232 on the CCU can
Different ways to communicate with the CCU from be utilised to connect modems.
the OMC (Operational Maintenance Center) can If a fixed telephone line is available at the site,
be chosen depending on the network connections the link between the OMC and the CCU can
implemented: be accomplished using cable modems on both
sides.

Antenna
Connection via ethernet Fixed Line

RCU
The base station transceivers on different sites OMC
Ethernet
are surveyed from the OMC via a supplier specific RS485
CCU-Control CCU
Ethernet connection. RS232 RS232
Modem Modem
Kathrein is also using the medium Ethernet to
address and control the CCU from the OMC. BTS-Control BTS
Antenna

Fixed line Fixed line

Ethernet
Communication between OMC and CCU via fixed line
RCU
OMC
Ethernet
RS485 In case of missing Ethernet and fixed telephone
CCU-Control CCU lines at the site a GSM-modem enables a wireless
solution.
BTS-Control BTS
Wireless Antenna

Communication between OMC and CCU via Ethernet

RCU

OMC
Ethernet
RS485
CCU-Control CCU
RS232 RS232
Modem Modem

BTS-Control BTS

Communication between OMC and CCU via wireless units

20
Browser Application

The CCU runs a webserver. RCUs and CCUs as to also display the device status, command
part of a network can be configured and controlled history list and various system errors. It is also
through a standard browser, e.g. Netscape, possible to perform CCU software updates.
Internet Explorer – no additional software is The browser application is a helpful tool for the
required. You can control the RET-system directly installation team on site, especially during initial
on site or via a long distance. configuration of a RET-system
The connection to each CCU is generated easily Each CCU and with it each of the connected
by typing in its individual IP-address. RCUs can be addressed and controlled
The appearing website contains all required individually. Therefore, the browser application
control functions for normal service and also offers a comfortable solution to respond on
installation. new situations by changing the individual downtilt
The CCU program allows in addition to the angles fast and easily.
configuration and control of the connected RCUs,

Screenshot of CCU browser application

21
Tower Mounted Amplifier
General

Improved coverage, better network quality, components in a UMTS network. Whether or not
reduced numbers of dropped calls, better indoor customers are planning the roll-out of a new net-
coverage, and higher revenue are only some of work or searching for quality improvement of an
the reasons why Tower Mounted Amplifiers existing network, TMA’s can be a cost effective
(TMAs) are considered as one of the basic contribution to achieve operators goals.

Design

In the past, space diversity technology with two Being the oldest and largest antenna manufac-
receiving and one transmitting antenna were turer worldwide, Kathrein takes advantage of its
commonly implemented. Today cross-polarised outstanding experience with outdoor equipment.
antennas with two independently operating The already protected TMA filter body is build into
slanted dipol systems, one at +45° and the other an additional housing to achieve optimal weather
at –45° polarisation, are predominantly used. protection.
Kathrein’s UMTS Double Dual Duplex TMA
consists of two identical, independently operating Several thousands hours of extensive environ-
masthead amplifiers for RX and RXdiv. This means mental stress tests such as four corner stress
that the TMA is especially suitable for use with testing, submerge stress testing, humidity biasing
X-Pol antennas. An INLINE design and one stress testing, thermal cycle stress testing, and
common housing for the double TMA are mechanical shock stress testing ensures, that
additional measures which lead to cost reduction Kathrein’s motto: “Quality leads the way” does
and network quality improvement. also apply for Kathrein TMAs.
In the design phase, we not only focused on the
mechanical performance but also on the electrical
performance of the TMAs. The operator can
therefore take advantage of Kathrein’s cold
redundant amplifier technology (patent pending)
for improved system reliability and count on the
long experience in filter design. Being a trend set-
ter in antenna technology, Kathrein’s TMAs are
already designed in such a way as to enable full
integration of this product into the antenna in
order to further reduce the costs and maximise
the electrical performance even more. The TMAs
are available in accordance with the AISG
STANDARD to support Remote Electrical Tilt
TMA prepared for full integration into antenna. Antenna Systems or as customised versions.

22
 Superb materials and extensive environmental stress tests ensure
State of the art performance using laser tuned LNA-hybrid modules.
quality of Kathrein’s TMAs.

Kathrein UMTS TMA – Product overview Status: 01.04.2003

Type No. Frequency Gain Alarm handling DC-supply RX-Bypass Prepared for RET Control Remark
12 dB 24 dB 32 dB Current window AISG 12 V 24 V Yes No Yes No
782 10071 UMTS X X X X X 1)
782 10072 UMTS X X X X X 1)
782 10147 UMTS X X X X X 1)
782 10148 UMTS X X X X X 1)
782 10149 UMTS X X X X X 1)
1) All TMA’s are double units (2 TMA’s in one common housing)
All TMA’s are in Inline design (Antenna connectors up – BTS connectors down)
All TMA’s are 60 MHz fullband versions (DL: 2110 – 2170 MHz; UL: 1920 – 1980 MHz)

23
Antenna Isolation with Site Sharing

Due to the environmental restrictions and growing least 70 – 80 dB between both networks is
shortage of available sites, site-sharing has necessary. This isolation cannot be achieved
become more and more regular. Apart from static by the antennas alone. It must be generated
aspects, isolation between the antennas on the with the combination of filter isolation together
same site is the biggest problem. with the isolation of the antennas. The required
isolation offered, from the antennas should be
To get different systems with two separate at least 30 dB.
antennas working properly, an isolation of at

Factors Influencing the Isolation Value

For the isolation values, different influencing component is 3 dB smaller compared to the
factors have to be considered: complete signal, the isolation is approx. 3 dB
higher.
Electrical specifications:
With the same mechanical settings at a site, Half-power beam width: With two antennas side
variations of the electrical specifications impact by side and facing into the same direction,
the isolation: radiation against each other (orthogonal to the
main beam) finally determines the isolation.
Frequency: Antennas are not filters! They also The broader the half-power beam width, the hig-
receive frequencies out of the band they are her the radiation level at +/–90°. Consequently
specified for. However, for these frequencies the isolation decreases with a growing half-power
they show worse VSWR values. The resulting beam width of the two antennas. (see picture 1,
mismatch creates an attenuation called mismatch next page)
loss, that increases the isolation between two
antennas. Electrical tilt: The electrical tilt is achieved by
Therefore, antennas operated in different feeding the dipoles with unequal phases of a
frequencies have higher isolation values than signal. The different phases lower the coupling
antennas operated in the same frequency band. between two antennas, resulting in higher
isolation values for antennas equipped with fixed
Polarisation: The lowest isolation figures or adjustable electrical tilt, rather than for anten-
apply, when two antennas have the same nas without electrical tilt. (see picture 2, next
polarisation. If the polarisation is different, the page)
isolation values increase. Taking one antenna
with vertical and one with slanted polarisation, Mechanical settings:
mainly the vertical component of the slanted Keeping the electrical specifications of two
polarisation is responsible for the isolation. Due to antennas constant at a site, also variations of the
the fact that the amplitude of this vertical mechanical settings influence the isolation:

24
Vertical or horizontal separation: Antennas angle (e.g. 120°) between them, the mutual level
have very dedicated radiation patterns with nulls of radiation becomes less. For this reason, the
above and below the antennas main beam. This isolation grows with the azimuth angle between
results in a very small radiation level towards an the two antennas.
antenna that is directly above or below. Therefore,
two vertical separated antennas show higher Pole-/Wall-Mounting: Despite the relatively
isolation values than two horizontally separated high front-to-back ratio of panel antennas,
antennas at the same distance. (see picture 3, the influence of a large plane (e.g. building
next page) fascade) behind the antenna cannot be
completely neglected. The reflections from the
Angle: The signal level behind the antenna is surface usually result in a slightly smaller
much smaller than the one in front or even at radiation pattern than normal, decreasing the
+/–90°. If now two antennas do not point into the level of radiation towards the neighbouring
same direction, but are separated through an antenna.

65° 90°
55 50
48
50 46
44
Isolation dB

Isolation dB

45 42
40
40 38
36
35 34
32
30 30
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25
Distance a/m Distance a/m

741 622: XPol A-Panel 824–960 65° 17dBi 9°T 739 661: XPol A-Panel 806–960 90° 15dBi 8°T
742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65° 18dBi 0°–8°T 742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65° 18dBi 0°–8°T

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

55
0°T
50 2°T
4°T
Isolation dB

45
6°T
40 8°T
a
35

30
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
Distance a/m

742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65° 18dBi 0°–8°T

742 212: XPol F-Panel 1710–2170 65° 18dBi 0°–8°T

Picture 2: Isolation values for different downtilt angles

25
Therefore, two same antennas mounted on a wall currents depend on the construction and the
show higher isolation values than if being kind of the radiating elements used (e.g. dipole,
mounted on a pole. (see picture 4, below) patch).
Therefore, isolation values of one manufacturer
Design: One of the biggest influencing factors is may not be used for antennas from another.
the design of the antennas, since the current at Kathrein antennas, with their proven dipole
the edges of the reflector significantly influences construction, are designed for high isolation
the isolation between two antennas. These values.

50
Horizontal separation
45 Vertical separation
Isolation dB

b
40

35
a
30
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 Horizontal separation Vertical separation
Distance a/m, Distance b/m
739 707: XPol F-Panel 1710–1880 90° 16.5dBi 2°T

Picture 3: Vertical / horizontal separation

50
Antennas on pipe masts
45 Antennas close to reflective structure
Isolation dB

40
a a

35

30
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 Antennas on pipe masts Antennas close to
Distance a/m reflective structure
739 707: XPol F-Panel 1710–1880 90° 16.5dBi 2°T

Picture 4: Pole / wall mounting

26
Save Distance between two Panel Antennas

There is a standard question of network planners Save distance a for an isolation value of 30 dB:
about the required minimum save distance for two
panel antennas in order to achieve isolation
values of more than 30 dB. a

Minimum distance a Horizontal half-power beam width

Vertical separation: The isolation values for
vertical separation are always quite good, there- 2λ 65°
2.5 λ 90°
fore typically only the minimum possible distance
3λ 105°
is needed. 4.5 λ 120°
(λ = wavelength)
Horizontal separation: The minimum save Angle separation: Taking a 120° angle, 30 dB of
distance depends on the wavelength and on the isolation are already reached with the minimum
horizontal half-power beamwidth: mechanical distance.

Optimised Minimum Distance between two Antennas

However, the stated save distance (see above) In these measurements we have measured
is only a save distance and not the optimised values up to 50 dB. Values of more than 50 dB
minimal possible distance. This distance may only also depend on the special site due to reflections
be found with measurements. from buildings or parts of the pole. Therefore,
Kathrein has done a number of isolation these values can no longer be seen as typical.
measurements for typical site configurations, that
are available for our customers.

27
WLAN
WLAN – a Challenge

Flexibility, independency, and mobility – WLAN

offers a variety of different solutions to satisfy
customer demands in many aspects. Internet
users are no longer decoupled, now being able to
access data and information in almost all
locations, and through various services. Hotspots
are growing rapidly worldwide to satisfy customer
demands in this technology. Currently, Germany
can already offer more than 400 professionally
operated WLAN networks.
Generally, WLAN is controversially discussed
being or not being a competitive system for
UMTS. It should be more considered as a
supplemental wireless system for parallel enhan- This high speed data service is intentionally
cement of UMTS and other wireless applications. considered for company offices, hotels, airports,
Functionality of WLAN can easily be compared and many other places where people meet or are
with a local wired LAN system, but with the “forced” to stay waiting for other connections.
unbeatable flexibility to access this local network
wireless anywhere, not being forced to physically Main customer target are business people
plug into LAN outlets. Data will then be that require Internet access and direct access
transmitted with data speeds of 11 Mbit/s or even to their company Intranet. WLAN may satisfy
more in the future, allowing higher data transfer their desire for mobility and boundless network
rates per customer rather than offered with access.
UMTS.

Operation Standards

Different standards in different frequency bands Operators may offer WLAN access through a
are offered. Majority of suppliers for WLAN number of different channels (total of 13 channels
access points follow the IEEE standards are available) within the frequency band.
802.11b/a while the most common standard used Individual channels are overlapping, though
is the IEEE standard 802.11b. Main feature of this operators need to make careful selections to
standard is a data rate of 11 MB operated in the avoid interferences.
license free ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) Dependent on traffic loads in certain Hotspots
band at 2.4 GHz band. data rates of 11 Mbit/s will limit network speed and
The 802.11b standard is available within the data access soon. However, access points
frequency band of 2.4 through 2.4835 GHz. following the IEEE 802.11a standard can offer

28
speeds up to 54 Mbit/s within the 5 GHz band. existing infrastructures of the “b” standard. The
Output power is limited to 30 mW for systems “g” standard has not been finalised yet, but should
without power control, and 60 mW for WLAN become available soon.
systems with power control option. The higher While UMTS forced operators to pay
frequency and lower output power might slow tremendous amounts of license fees, WLAN
down a successful implantation of this standard. and its individual standards are license free, so
A new, and possibly more interesting standard will Hotspots may be operated by almost everyone.
soon also be made available within the 2.4 GHz All major mobile operators are already operating
band. 802.11g is designed to handle up to WLAN networks together with a huge number
54 Mbit/s eventually allowing to utilise certain of private operators.

Hotspot Service Portfolio

Basically two customer ranges are identified that access requirements over to Intranet, Internet,
are each separated in two additional groups for Accounting and other proprietary services.
basic services and advanced services. • Consumer market, like private customers that
• Corporations with a variety of different applica- require simple and fast Internet access with
tion demands, starting with simple Internet maybe some particular customer features.

Access Coverage

WLAN Hotspots are growing rapidly. Easy data rates although at high distances.
installation, low operating costs, and the con- Sophisticated WLAN architecture and a careful
venient setup of WLAN components support this selection of WLAN components may improve
fast growing market. Radiated power of WLAN data rate performance to satisfy most customer
applications following the 802.11b standard is requirements.
limited to 100 mW maximum. Depending on Indoor systems for mobile applications could be
antenna performance WLAN indoor systems may easily extended with WLAN service utilising
cover ranges up to 70 m. High gain antennas offer
outside coverage from several hundred meters up
to 8 km. There are also point to point systems
available to combine locations that might be
separated by up to 20 km. Signal-to-noise ratio
should be around 20 dB to operate WLAN at
maximum data rate. Any value below will reduce
speed. Although WLAN can be operated over a
distance of many kilometers, data rate will suffer
consequently. Kathrein offers high gain antennas
to optimise system performance allowing high

29
 6. Floor

4-way Splitter 860 10019

–12.4 dB
5. Floor –6.4 dB

2-way Splitter
4-way Splitter 860 10019
860 10017 –6.4 dB

–12.4 dB

4. Floor –3.4 dB
4
2-way Tapper 4/1 2-way Splitter 860 10017
860 10020 –9.4 dB
1
–12.4 dB

3. Floor –2.4 dB
4
2-way Tapper 4/1
3-way Splitter 860 10018
860 10020 –8.4 dB
1
–13.1 dB
–1.4 dB
2. Floor
4
2-way Tapper 4/1 4-way Splitter 860 10019
860 10020 –7.4 dB
1
–13.4 dB
–0.4 dB
1. Floor

More flexibility 1:32 adjustable ratio

e.g. –10.4 dB
with 2-way adjustable tapper 2-way Splitter 860 10017
860 10023
1:3.5
omni antenna directional antenna for
for ceiling wall mounting
relative signal strength 1 0 dB
mounting –13.4 dB 742 149
Combiner 800 10137

800/900 1800/1900 UMTS 2400

(e.g. WLAN
Bluetooth)

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

30
Kathrein indoor products, covering mostly the by the company Sira in Italy, a member of the
entire band from 806 – 2500 MHz, and allow Kathrein group of companies.
operators maximum flexibility with the outline of Small omni antennas are optimised to support
their networks. small hotspots in shopping centers, airports and
other similar applications,
Multi-band combiners allow to mutually use Directional antennas allow an excellent coverage
existing infrastucture for cellular and WLAN of parks, streets and stadiums.
services. High gain antennas are designed for links
WLAN antennas for outdoor applications in the between far separated buildings and to increase
2.4 GHz are designed, produced and distributed the coverage and capacity.

Expectations

The license-free WLAN standard and the relative- Particular demands for hardware components are
ly low operation costs may attract more custo- still under technology change but will be balanced
mers within a shorter time frame rather than soon.
expected.
Kathrein will contribute with sophisticated
Major operators already offer WLAN services, products and innovative technologies to help
which also indicates their belief in the success of operators running professional WLAN systems.
this technology.

31
 Subject to alteration.

Please contact for:

9987.102/1103/10/ZW/HA

Sales queries, orders, catalogues

or CD-ROM:
Fax: (++49)8031/184-820
E-Mail: central.sales@kathrein.de

Technical Information:
Fax: (++49)8031/184-973
E-Mail: antennas.mobilcom@kathrein.de

Internet: www.kathrein.de
KATHREIN-Werke KG . Telephone +49 80 31 1 84-0 . Fax +49 80 31 1 84-9 91
Anton-Kathrein-Straße 1 – 3 . PO Box 10 04 44 . D-83004 Rosenheim . Germany