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Extending Macrocell Life

One of the ways the mobile world is trying to expand its reach and bandwidth is by moving to femtocells. Unlike macro-, micro-, and picocells, which remain outdoors and use the mobile backhaul infrastructure, femtocells typically plug into your home DSL or cable internet, completely bypassing the typical outdoor cellular infrastructure. Makes life easier for the carrier (and harder for the landline provider).

But Ubidyne has just announced active antenna technology that they say mitigates the need to change the cell structure: instead, operators can make better use of the cells they already have. They say that their beam-forming technology allows them to focus and direct the transmission energy in the direction most optimal for reaching the mobile handsets. The direction may vary by technology generation or other physical characteristics; this eliminates the need for making such adjustments using mechanical tilting.

They also claim that it reduces the amount of cabling as well as server sizing. Battery life is eased because of more efficient use of power – it’s going to where it’s needed more accurately.

More information in their release

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