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GSM Network Basics
An Introduction to GSM Networks

TOWERS AND ANTENNAS

TRANSMISSION TOWERS
The construction of new towers, BTS cabins and other civil engineering related
applications come under the infrastructure development. There are mainly three types
of towers as shown in the figures.

Monopole Self Support Guyed
Monopoles consist of tapered steel tubes that fit over each other to form a stable pole
Self-supporting towers are having free-standing lattice structures
Guyed towers are stabilized by tethered wires

ANTENNAS
There are several types of antennas are being used to meet the requirement of the
network. General BTS location includes GSM (900MHz band) antennas and DCS (1800MHz
band) antennas to provide the GSM coverage. Sometimes dual band antennas that are
having both GSM and DCS facility are used rather than having 2 separate antennas. In
addition to that some Sites have 3G antennas and WiMax antennas.
Antenna tilting is used to adjust the coverage area of an antenna. There are two ways
of antenna tilt adjustment mechanisms.
Mechanical tilt
Tilting the antenna using an adjustable joint that is fixing the antenna to the tower is
mechanical tilting. (Figure A)
Electrical tilt
There is a screw at the bottom of the antenna. This screw is connected to a ferrous
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There is a screw at the bottom of the antenna. This screw is connected to a ferrous
core, which is in inside of the antenna. When the screw is rotated the down tilt of
the main lobe is changed. (Figure B)

Figure A: Mechanical tilt Figure B: Electrical tilt
VSWR MEASUREMENT
VSWR stands for Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. An impedance of exactly 50 Ohm can
only be practically achieved at one frequency. The VSWR defines how far the
impedance differs from 50 Ohm with a wide-band antenna. The power delivered from
the transmitter can no longer be radiated without loss because of this incorrect
compensation. Part of this power is reflected at the antenna and is returned to the
transmitter. The forward and return power forms a standing wave with corresponding
maximum and minimum voltages. This wave ratio defines the level of compensation of
the antenna.
This test is performed to make sure the cables from BTS to antenna are installed
properly. Readings are taken of the whole system of antenna, jumpers and cable up to
the BTS. Analyzer is used to measure the VSWR and it draws a graph taking frequency
to x-axis and VSWR to y-axis.
Calibration
Before any reading is taken, the very first thing is to calibrate the analyzer. Analyzer
is switched on and cable is connected to the port. The desired frequency range is
entered (890MHz 960MHz for GSM and 1710MHz 1880MHz for DCS). To the other
end of the port, the Open side of the dummy is connected and reading is taken.
Then Close side and Load side of the dummy should be connected. The analyzer
process data and if it gives a VSWR reading around 1 for the Load, then it is ready
to take the readings.
Taking Measurements
Jumper cable to the BTS is removed from the BTS port and connected to the analyzer
and a graph is obtained. The connectors should be well-tighten; otherwise a false
reading may be given. The VSWR graph should be below 1.2 for an acceptable
installation. If not, the next check points going in sequence are,
Connection point of jumper and antenna cable.
Replace the antenna by the dummy load at the next end jumper.
Replace the jumper cable and measure.
Worst case, replace the antenna cable.
Following are two graphs obtained from a VSWR test. The graph at top is one with the
VSWR at an acceptable range and the bottom one is one which is not.
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VSWR is at an acceptable range

VSWR is not at an acceptable range



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Chathuranga Perera,
Electrical Engineer
Ceylon Electricity Board