New remote electrical tilt antennas enable instant adjustment of coverage

L-com has released a line of RET sector and omnidirectional antennas. The antenna beams in these products can be altered remotely and continually to respond to changing traffic patterns and environmental conditions. Such a capability helps communication networks that need continuous wireless signal optimisation. These include mobile, WISP, Wi-Fi, GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, public safety, smart cities and industrial networks.

The new products are provided in two versions: The 694MHz to 960MHz RET omnidirectional antenna has 11dBi gain, 2-14° RET, rooftop mounting and two connectors. The 1710-2690MHz RET sector antennas have 18dBi gain, 2-12° or 0-10° RET, down-tilt mounting brackets, and choices of two, four or six connectors. These 694-960MHz and 1710-2690MHz versions of the RET antennas share many features. All are 45° slant and can be manipulated utilising a handheld controller or a base station radio with integrated AISG 2.0. This allows the tilt angle of the antenna’s coverage pattern to be adjusted remotely, optimising the coverage and signal propagation without physically repositioning the antenna.

All the new RET sector and omni antennas minimise interference with low-PIM 4.3-10 female connectors rated at -150dBc or -153dBc. They have a maximum input power of 250W and a maximum input VSWR of 1.5:1. The antennas’ fibreglass radome construction allows them to withstand harsh conditions.

The 1710-2690MHz antennas have multiple bands operating − from 1710-1990MHz with 17.6dBi gain, 1920-2200MHz with 17.8dBi gain, 2200-2490MHz with 18.2dBi gain, and 2490-2690MHz with 18dBi gain.

“Today’s crowded airwaves make it increasingly harder to get clear wireless signals over your entire coverage area day and night,” said senior product line manager Kevin Hietpas. “Our new RET sector and omni antennas give you precise beam steering, improved coverage and signal quality, and the flexibility to quickly adapt to your evolving network requirements.”