Antennas are the gateway to high-performing, energy-efficient networks

Connectivity has become the baseline in numerous aspects of modern society. As the data traffic grows exponentially and demand for new applications follows closely, high uplink throughput, best network performance, and overall efficiency are of crucial importance. In this connectivity chain, called Radio Access Network, antennas play a pivotal role for network performance and energy efficiency.

By considering antenna choices early on in the network design phase, service providers can maximize the performance and enhance coverage, capacity, and throughput.??

No network looks the same, so it’s vital that antenna systems are flexible and purpose-built (or updated) to meet their specific needs. The right placement and antenna selection can enable better passive intermodulation (PIM) performance and reduced interference, improving overall network performance. Benchmark tests in Europe, US, and Asia have proved this, and just last year we achieved a 57% higher uplink throughput – which, as mentioned earlier, is critical for today’s bandwidth-hungry applications, video calls and uploads to the cloud, as well as emerging gaming and XR applications.?

To get the most out of their investments, service providers also need to look beyond the up-front costs to include long-term cost offsets over the life cycle of the technology.??

With Ericsson Antenna System, for example, you can outweigh outlay costs with benefits such as lower operational expenses, market-leading 7.5% higher efficiency (MB/kWh), and – in addition to the 57% higher uplink mentioned previously – capabilities such as 12% higher downlink user throughputs and a 20% improvement to wind load thanks to our vortex generator technology – all in a smaller, lighter footprint.?

In this newsletter, we take you on the sightseeing of innovative antennas. ??

Can antennas support sustainability and energy efficiency??

Sustainability and energy efficiency are the foundation of Ericsson Antenna System, and according to the benchmark study performed by a sizeable network operator, Ericsson is achieving the top results in this area. A highlight of the results is the top uplink performance with our solutions, which is highly important for end users and their experience in the network.?

Explore the findings of the study: Empowering connectivity is key for antenna vendors .?

What does innovation look like in antenna technologies?

As sustainability and energy efficiency act as critical pillars driving telecom industry progress, industry participants must constantly innovate. What does it mean in the realm of antenna systems???

Apart from maximizing performance efficiency and boosting sustainability results, it means keeping high standards for safety in installations and simplicity in the maintenance of components and products on sites. How? Find out here: Streamline antenna maintenance with accessories .

Ericsson is pioneering passive antenna technologies that ensure flexibility for continuous site upgrades and implementing midband MIMO schemes.?

Talking about innovation, meet our revolutionary antenna honeycomb structure. This proprietary design is a game-changer. Imagine a world where signal strength isn't compromised by challenging environments, where coverage remains steadfast, and network performance consistently exceeds expectations – that’s what this solution brings to life. Learn more in the video on this webpage: Revolutionary honeycomb structure .?

More about our groundbreaking and innovative antennas

There is a lot to say about Ericsson Antenna System innovations and groundbreaking solutions used in developing our antennas. These blogs tell you more.?

• 6G and antennas: Antennas will play a critical role in advancing 6G technology, facilitating distributed MIMO, joint communication and sensing, and seamless connectivity across diverse domains, according to Jan Mertens from Ericsson Antenna Systems.? 6G and antennas: making sense in a new reality ?

• Ericsson FRMCS 5G antennas: Ericsson Antenna System unveiled a new FRMCS antenna at Mobile World Congress 2024, aimed at transforming railway industry communication for 5G evolution, emphasizing the importance of early adoption for rail operators to optimize benefits and efficiencies.? Ericsson FRMCS 5G antennas – a high-speed link to the future ?
• Maximizing network impact with Antennas: Antennas are essential for optimizing network performance and efficiency in North America's evolving telecommunications landscape dominated by 5G technology and increasing data traffic driven by demanding new applications.? Maximizing Network Impact with Antennas ?

?? For all of you interested to know more about how new antennas and site topologies increase spectral efficiency and handle new frequency bands, how to ensure long-term network efficiency and cost-effectiveness by optimal antenna selection, what’s the best way to tackle the multiple technology/architecture shifts before 6G, and more, watch this on-demand session about North America’s rollout of 5G technology:

How to Enhance Performance, Sustainability and Openness in the Next Phase of 5G ?