Diplexers help system longevity

RFS (Radio Frequency Systems) has developed a groundbreaking wideband diplexer technology that will assist carriers as they migrate their mobile network infrastructures to LTE — long term evolution.

Focusing at the highest technical performance standard, designed for easy installation and spearheaded by the ShareLite Diplexer range, the technology is a major development for both carriers and end users.

Carriers will get access to antennas and associated electronics that will support multiband and multifrequency transmissions without physically overloading the mobile tower.

End users 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 mobile has come a long way in the last two decades, LTE is set to propel wireless communications far further forward — and a lot more rapidly than seen before — in just a few short years.

“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, will enhance indoor signal propagation and ensure that in-building signal quality is more uniform than on 3G services.

He said that while North American carriers are required — under the terms of their licences — to achieve 40% coverage with LTE by 2013, there is every indication that they are planning to reach this target quicker.

RFS has developed a set of base station technologies — spearheaded by its multiband diplexers.

The units can slot neatly onto existing mobile towers without adding any extra electronics and associated cabling nor any extra load on the cell tower structures.

Diplexers enable a single RF feeder cable to be shared by two different bands, thus minimising the required RF infrastructure.