Cellular network design and smart antenna systems

Abstract

Using switched narrow-beam antenna systems allows a frequency planner greater flexibility in designing a cellular system. In addition to flexible sector sizes, more precise traffic data is available. By studying the amount of time particular beams or antennas are being used, the probability of having an unacceptable interference condition can be determined. As a result of having improved interference reduction and more detailed system information, aggressive frequency reuse is possible. Field results confirm theoretical calculations and show that it is possible to increase the system capacity by having aggressive frequency reuse without degrading network switch statistics.