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

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

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
altered. For each subscriber, the base station has
to provide exactly the right minimum power. This
requires an extensive and fast power adjustment.
The effect of a variable coverage area due to an
increased load and noise is called ‘cell breathing’.
The graph below describes the relationship
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
Antenna
coverage
Decreasing the downtilt
BTS
Increasing the coverage
BTS
Soft hand over
To improve the low power uplink situation, sub-
scribers may be registered in more than one cell.
That means the weak signals are received in two
or three cells and added up by the system. It is
estimated that approximately 30 % – 40 % of the
subscribers will be in such a ‘soft-handover’
condition. This technology provides some benefits
regarding the uplink levels but on the other hand
it eats up capacity.
The amount of soft handover can be adjusted by
RET changing the overlapping areas in the
network.
High traffic area
Skilful planning, adding RET features to your
network, may increase capacity in high traffic
6
BTS
High traffic or
soft handover area
BTS
BTS
areas. For example, during rush hours the
network can concentrate on train stations or
airports. Furthermore, the network can be
adopted to meet the temporary requirements of
special events like music festivals, exhibitions or
major sporting events.
Network expansions
If a network grows due to an increased number of
subscribers, additional sites are generally added
in between the already existing ones. To avoid
interference between the sites, downtilt angles
have to be reset by installation teams who have to
visit each individual site.
With RET this adaptation could be carried out
centrally from the OMC without any work at the
site.
Conclusion
According to equipment suppliers and OEM’s,
remote electrical tilt will become a major feature of
UMTS networks.
For the operators, the decisive question with
respect to the implementation of RET systems is
the level of investment required. The correspond-
ing tenor forecast is that RET will be payed off
quite quickly:
– due to the achieved network optimisation, up to
20 % of WCDMA equipment can be saved
– the network will show lower bit failure rates and
a smaller amount of drop calls
The network operators, especially those in
Europe, have more experience with GSM than
with CDMA and now face the problem with
various new sites of how to decide in advance,
whether or not to use RET.
The Kathrein concept to upgrade the RET func-
tion with already installed antennas considers this
dilemma and allows the operators to postpone the
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.
This success is certainly due not only to the
customer-optimised portfolio, but also to
Kathrein’s advanced technological lead.
To ensure the highest possible quality, stringent
final test procedures are installed. Before leaving
the production facilities, every antenna is tested
for intermodulation, isolation and VSWR.
Kathrein offers an extensive and advanced range
of UMTS antennas. Customers can choose
between antennas with adjustable downtilt, fixed
tilt or no electrical downtilt and various half-power
beam widths. All of the adjustable antennas can
be optionally upgraded to a remote-controlled
electrical tilt version. A detailed list of the new
UMTS antennas is shown below.
Kathrein now serves all system suppliers and
more than 240 network operators throughout the
world with mobile communication base station
antennas and other related products.
Most of the world-wide UMTS license-holders use
Kathrein antennas for their demanding UMTS
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
Kathrein’s high level of innovation. Kathrein’s
vector dipole technology, providing excellent
broadband characteristics for UMTS antennas
and special phase-shifters for accurate downtilt
adjustments, are just two examples of extra-
ordinary patented solutions.
The vector-dipole technology used for Kathrein
broadband antennas ensures the highest
possible technical level and does not compromise
performance in any way. Considering not only the
New Phase-Shifters for Antennas with Adjustable Electrical Downtilt
With the UMTS system new effects like
“Cell-Breathing” and “Soft-Handover” etc. require
much greater demand on the network planning
rather than necessary with the well-known GSM
technology.
It’s obvious that the performance of the base
station antennas in this association play a very
important role. To be able to cope with the new
challenges, antennas with adjustable, electrical
downtilt are absolutely essential. The flexibility
also enables a network optimisation and fine-
tuning later on.
Therefore, Kathrein has developed complete new
(patented) phase shifters for UMTS antennas with
adjustable electrical downtilt to meet the new
requirements.
UMTS frequency range but also lower frequency
bands, e.g. GSM 1800 and PCS 1900, Kathrein’s
broadband dipoles help to achieve even better
electrical characteristics rather than single-band
dipoles. Constant half-power beam width and
outstanding VSWR values over the entire
frequency range from 1710 – 2170 MHz at all
downtilt angles are remarkable examples of the
distinguishing characteristics of Kathrein’s new
vector dipole technology. In addition, these UMTS
antennas show superior tracking and squint
values.
Kathrein’s sophisticated phase shifters provide
continuous downtilt angle adjustment. To reduce
intermodulation products capacitively coupling
elements are used for power distribution. This
technology ensures no limitation of lifetime.
Together with the introduced new dipole
technology (vector-dipole), Kathrein is able to
keep the defined specification of the antennas
not only over the complete frequency range, but
also over the whole adjustable downtilt range.
This is certainly one of the most challenging
tasks during the development of base station
antennas.
9
Wideband Antennas (Multi-band and 2-Multi-band)

Kathrein’s multi-band antennas extend the active
frequency range up to 1710 – 2170 MHz. These
antennas are suitable for operation in all three
mobile communication frequency bands of
1800, 1900 and 2000 MHz, which can lead to
a considerably reduced number of antennas
needed by network operators. In the case of
2-multi-band versions, two identical antennas are
integrated into one radome for independent
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
and an improvement in the optical impact is
achievable installing the completely new dual-
band antennas. Kathrein’s dual-band antennas
operate in the following two frequency ranges:
806/824 – 960 MHz and 1710 – 2170 MHz. All
present world-wide mobile communication
networks can be served simultaneously operating
only one antenna per cell. The downtilt angle
can be adjusted for both frequency ranges
seperately.
Due to the wide frequency range of the high-band
system, these dual-band antennas are also
suitable for triple-band applications. A wide range
of combiner products is also available to complete
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
three different frequency ranges packed into just
one single radome. Three independently
adjustable downtilt systems allow the operator to
optimise the radiation pattern individually.
Although Kathrein’s triple-band antennas contain
two radiating systems and integrated filter
components, mechanical dimensions are only
slightly larger than those of a single GSM 900
antenna.
The customer may also choose Kathrein’s triple-
band antennas in a different design made of three
radiating systems. This offers additional flexibility
with two broadband systems 1710 – 2170 MHz.

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

1
2
2

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

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
Central Control Unit (CCU), which is located at
the BTS. In order to cover all required appli-
cations, the CCU can be accessed from the
Operational Maintenance Center (OMC) via the
Ethernet input and/or directly by a personal
computer via the RS 232 input.
The number of RCUs and the maximum usable
cable length, depend on power losses along the
cables.
Following, a summary of different examples is
given about how to connect RCUs using separate
cables:
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
remotely.
Local control:
Configuration of the RET system and simple
adaptation to network changes can be made via
local control. In this case, an installation team has
to be sent out to the site. A laptop is connected to
the RS232 interface and PPP link at the CCU.
Alternatively, you may use the Ethernet interface.
Remote control:
Due to the required network optimisation with
UMTS, the downtilt of the vertical radiation pattern
has to be adjusted much more often compared to
a GSM network. To meet this demand, a remote
controlled system via OMC is inevitable. The
Ethernet interface may be selected for remote
control in a local area network (LAN) or wide area
network (WAN).
The following transport and application protocols
are served by the CCU: TCP/IP, PPP, UDP,
DHCP, HTML and ICMP/Ping. In future, the CCU
will also be able to support a selection from the
application protocols: XML-RPC, FTP, Telnet,
SNMP and NFS.
It is also anticipated that the software of the CCU
will be extended to allow the operation of a cable-
19
modem or GSM-modem connected to the RS232
interface.
Different ways to communicate with the CCU from
the OMC (Operational Maintenance Center) can
be chosen depending on the network connections
implemented:
Connection via modems
The hardware interface RS232 on the CCU can
be utilised to connect modems.
If a fixed telephone line is available at the site,
the link between the OMC and the CCU can
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
part of a network can be configured and controlled
through a standard browser, e.g. Netscape,
Internet Explorer – no additional software is
required. You can control the RET-system directly
on site or via a long distance.
The connection to each CCU is generated easily
by typing in its individual IP-address.
The appearing website contains all required
control functions for normal service
installation.
The CCU program allows in addition to the
configuration and control of the connected RCUs,
Screenshot of CCU browser application
to also display the device status, command
history list and various system errors. It is also
possible to perform CCU software updates.
The browser application is a helpful tool for the
installation team on site, especially during initial
configuration of a RET-system
Each CCU and with it each of the connected
RCUs can be addressed and controlled
individually. Therefore, the browser application
and also offers a comfortable solution to respond on
new situations by changing the individual downtilt
angles fast and easily.
21
Tower Mounted Amplifier
General
Improved coverage, better network quality,
reduced numbers of dropped calls, better indoor
coverage, and higher revenue are only some of
the reasons why Tower Mounted Amplifiers
(TMAs) are considered as one of the basic
Design
In the past, space diversity technology with two
receiving and one transmitting antenna were
commonly implemented. Today cross-polarised
antennas with two independently operating
slanted dipol systems, one at +45° and the other
at –45° polarisation, are predominantly used.
Kathrein’s UMTS Double Dual Duplex TMA
consists of two identical, independently operating
masthead amplifiers for RX and RXdiv. This means
that the TMA is especially suitable for use with
X-Pol antennas. An INLINE design and one
common housing for the double TMA are
additional measures which lead to cost reduction
and network quality improvement.
TMA prepared for full integration into antenna.
22
components in a UMTS network. Whether or not
customers are planning the roll-out of a new net-
work or searching for quality improvement of an
existing network, TMA’s can be a cost effective
contribution to achieve operators goals.
Being the oldest and largest antenna manufac-
turer worldwide, Kathrein takes advantage of its
outstanding experience with outdoor equipment.
The already protected TMA filter body is build into
an additional housing to achieve optimal weather
protection.
Several thousands hours of extensive environ-
mental stress tests such as four corner stress
testing, submerge stress testing, humidity biasing
stress testing, thermal cycle stress testing, and
mechanical shock stress testing ensures, that
Kathrein’s motto: “Quality leads the way” does
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
Antenna Systems or as customised versions.
 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
shortage of available sites, site-sharing has
become more and more regular. Apart from static
aspects, isolation between the antennas on the
same site is the biggest problem.
To get different systems with two separate
antennas working properly, an isolation of at
Factors Influencing the Isolation Value
For the isolation values, different influencing
factors have to be considered:
Electrical specifications:
With the same mechanical settings at a site,
variations of the electrical specifications impact
the isolation:
Frequency: Antennas are not filters! They also
receive frequencies out of the band they are
specified for. However, for these frequencies
they show worse VSWR values. The resulting
mismatch creates an attenuation called mismatch
loss, that increases the isolation between two
antennas.
Therefore, antennas operated in different
frequencies have higher isolation values than
antennas operated in the same frequency band.
Polarisation: The lowest isolation figures
apply, when two antennas have the same
polarisation. If the polarisation is different, the
isolation values increase. Taking one antenna
with vertical and one with slanted polarisation,
mainly the vertical component of the slanted
polarisation is responsible for the isolation. Due to
the fact that the amplitude of this vertical
24
least 70 – 80 dB between both networks is
necessary. This isolation cannot be achieved
by the antennas alone. It must be generated
with the combination of filter isolation together
with the isolation of the antennas. The required
isolation offered, from the antennas should be
at least 30 dB.
component is 3 dB smaller compared to the
complete signal, the isolation is approx. 3 dB
higher.
Half-power beam width: With two antennas side
by side and facing into the same direction,
radiation against each other (orthogonal to the
main beam) finally determines the isolation.
The broader the half-power beam width, the hig-
her the radiation level at +/–90°. Consequently
the isolation decreases with a growing half-power
beam width of the two antennas. (see picture 1,
next page)
Electrical tilt: The electrical tilt is achieved by
feeding the dipoles with unequal phases of a
signal. The different phases lower the coupling
between two antennas, resulting in higher
isolation values for antennas equipped with fixed
or adjustable electrical tilt, rather than for anten-
nas without electrical tilt. (see picture 2, next
page)
Mechanical settings:
Keeping the electrical specifications of two
antennas constant at a site, also variations of the
mechanical settings influence the isolation:
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)
is only a save distance and not the optimised
minimal possible distance. This distance may only
be found with measurements.
Kathrein has done a number of isolation
measurements for typical site configurations, that
are available for our customers.
In these measurements we have measured
values up to 50 dB. Values of more than 50 dB
also depend on the special site due to reflections
from buildings or parts of the pole. Therefore,
these values can no longer be seen as typical.

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

28
speeds up to 54 Mbit/s within the 5 GHz band.
Output power is limited to 30 mW for systems
without power control, and 60 mW for WLAN
systems with power control option. The higher
frequency and lower output power might slow
down a successful implantation of this standard.
A new, and possibly more interesting standard will
soon also be made available within the 2.4 GHz
band. 802.11g is designed to handle up to
54 Mbit/s eventually allowing to utilise certain
Hotspot Service Portfolio
Basically two customer ranges are identified that
are each separated in two additional groups for
basic services and advanced services.
• Corporations with a variety of different applica-
tion demands, starting with simple Internet
Access Coverage
WLAN Hotspots are growing rapidly. Easy
installation, low operating costs, and the con-
venient setup of WLAN components support this
fast growing market. Radiated power of WLAN
applications following the 802.11b standard is
limited to 100 mW maximum. Depending on
antenna performance WLAN indoor systems may
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
existing infrastructures of the “b” standard. The
“g” standard has not been finalised yet, but should
become available soon.
While UMTS forced operators to pay
tremendous amounts of license fees, WLAN
and its individual standards are license free, so
Hotspots may be operated by almost everyone.
All major mobile operators are already operating
WLAN networks together with a huge number
of private operators.
access requirements over to Intranet, Internet,
Accounting and other proprietary services.
• Consumer market, like private customers that
require simple and fast Internet access with
maybe some particular customer features.
data rates although at high distances.
Sophisticated WLAN architecture and a careful
selection of WLAN components may improve
data rate performance to satisfy most customer
requirements.
Indoor systems for mobile applications could be
easily extended with WLAN service utilising
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
entire band from 806 – 2500 MHz, and allow
operators maximum flexibility with the outline of
their networks.
Multi-band combiners allow to mutually use
existing infrastucture for cellular and WLAN
services.
WLAN antennas for outdoor applications in the
2.4 GHz are designed, produced and distributed
Expectations
The license-free WLAN standard and the relative-
ly low operation costs may attract more custo-
mers within a shorter time frame rather than
expected.
Major operators already offer WLAN services,
which also indicates their belief in the success of
this technology.
by the company Sira in Italy, a member of the
Kathrein group of companies.
Small omni antennas are optimised to support
small hotspots in shopping centers, airports and
other similar applications,
Directional antennas allow an excellent coverage
of parks, streets and stadiums.
High gain antennas are designed for links
between far separated buildings and to increase
the coverage and capacity.
Particular demands for hardware components are
still under technology change but will be balanced
soon.
Kathrein will contribute with sophisticated
products and innovative technologies to help
operators running professional WLAN systems.
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