Author: Lisa Winer

As 4G LTE networks approach capacity limits, many mobile network operators (MNOs) are facing the challenge of providing more bandwidth to meet growing data demands. This requires substantial investment in expanding network capacity, a burden that will only increase as data usage continues to rise. An analysis using the WiROI Tool reveals that on capacity-limited networks, the cost of delivering each gigabyte (GB) of data is directly linked to the network’s available capacity. As capacity expands, the cost per GB stabilizes but remains nonzero. This financial reality has led many MNOs to phase out unlimited data plans in favor of…

The global surge in data traffic has been extraordinary, with 2012 surpassing the total data traffic of all previous years combined. This explosive growth is expected to persist due to increasing usage of applications such as video streaming, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, gaming, web browsing, social media, and text messaging. The widespread adoption of smartphones, combined with the enhanced download speeds of 3G and 4G networks, is driving this data boom. Mobile users now expect high-quality service no matter where they are, prompting service providers and tower operators to expand and optimize their infrastructure. To ensure a reliable, always-available service, optimizing…

As of today, over 200 LTE networks are in operation globally, and this number is expected to double within the next five years, according to 4G Americas. A common thread running through all these networks is the requirement for active antenna systems, essential to meet LTE’s Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) demands. MIMO technology is crucial for both base stations and user devices. However, implementing MIMO at the device level presents unique challenges: Multiple Antennas: MIMO requires at least two antennas, compared to the single antenna used for 3G. As MIMO evolves to more advanced configurations like 4×4 and 8×8,…

Antennas Direct has launched its latest line of indoor and outdoor TV antennas, introducing the ClearStream 1MAX, 2MAX, and 4MAX models. These new antennas from the MAX series are designed for easy installation and have been scientifically proven to outperform the competition in providing reliable long-range TV reception. “Just when we thought our antennas couldn’t get any better, our dedicated team of scientists and cord-cutting experts reassured us that we could,” said Richard Schneider, president and founder of Antennas Direct. “We listened to customer feedback and took the opportunity to enhance our already advanced TV antennas. Now, they’re the most…

The AISG On-Off Keying (OOK) interface was developed to enable data communication for command and diagnostics between a base station and mast-mounted equipment. Although most existing AISG OOK implementations rely on discrete designs, recent developments in integrated transmitter/receiver devices have opened up new possibilities for more streamlined designs. This article explores the tradeoffs between traditional discrete and newer integrated implementations of AISG OOK modems, focusing on both board-level and system-level changes. Block Diagram and Overview In an AISG OOK modem interface, the transmitter generates modulated signals from logic inputs, while the receiver demodulates RF signals into logic levels. Both implementations,…

Radiometrics, through its acquisition of DeTect Meteorological Systems Group, was chosen to replace the outdated radar wind profiler (RWP) system at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. For years, NASA had relied on weather balloons to monitor upper-level winds, with their aging RWP serving as a backup. However, NASA’s heavy-lift rocket programs needed more precise and current wind data, driving the demand for a modern, reliable RWP system. The new system is designed to last for the next 20 years. Radiometrics was tasked with upgrading NASA’s old radar infrastructure. During the process, they recognized the need for a specialized antenna manufacturer that…