As with previous diplexer and triplexer technology from RFS, the new wideband diplexer systems on show in Barcelona at GSMA Mobile World Congress are designed to enable feeder sharing of several systems on the same site. Focusing at the highest technical performance standard, designed for easy installation and spearheaded by the ShareLite Diplexer range, the new RFS technology is a positive development for both carriers and end users alike.
Carriers will get access to antennas and associated electronics that will support multi-band and multi-frequency transmissions without physically overloading the cell tower. End-users, meanwhile, will get access to the many benefits of LTE, not least the possibility of much higher mobile broadband speeds than seen on 3G/HSPA-enabled systems.
David Kiesling, global product manager for wireless infrastructure solutions with RFS, said that, while cellular has come a long way in the last two decades, LTE is set to propel wireless communications far further forward - and lot more rapidly than seen before - in just a few short years.
Kiesling explained: “The industry has gone about as far as it can with GSM networks operating at 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz. 3G services at 2100 MHz, meanwhile, have been a very useful progression, but the industry is already planning for LTE services which will operate at 2600 MHz in most of the world and 700 MHz in North America,” he said. “In addition, and using a technology already undergoing tests in Australia, there are plans to re-use legacy GSM frequencies for LTE transmissions, allowing LTE signals to reach greater distances than 3G in urban and rural areas,” he added.
The use of GSM 1800 frequencies for LTE transmissions in particular, he went on to say, will enhance indoor signal propagation and ensure that in-building signal quality is more uniform than seen on 3G services.
According to Kiesling, it is clear from informal discussions that RFS has had with network customers planning to use LTE, that the world’s carriers are keen to generate a faster return on investment with LTE than they achieved with 3G. This is clearly illustrated by the fact that, while North American carriers are required – under the terms of their licenses – to achieve 40% coverage with LTE by 2013, there is every indication that they are planning to reach this target in a shorter timeframe.