How antenna technology is driving network transformation for North American operators

If you’re reading this post, you’re likely already aware of that the Ericsson North America network transformation for operators is already underway. It’s a transition toward open and fully programmable networks that are ready to meet the growing demands of a hyper-connected world – and adapt seamlessly to the challenges of tomorrow.

At the heart of this network transformation lies a critical, component: the antenna. In previous posts, we’ve discussed in depth how antenna evolution is having a significant impact on networks through advances in design engineering, and why antennas are key for maximizing network impact in North America specifically. Now we take a deeper look inside this strategic collaboration and explore how Ericsson Antenna System is playing a pivotal role in helping top-tier communication service providers (CSPs) achieve their ambitious goals.

Three core priorities for telecom leadership

As discussed in another recent post, antenna solutions can be leveraged to meet specific needs at every stage of the telecom journey. Differentiation of services and exceptional customer experiences are essential for  top-tier communication service providers (CSPs) at this level, who are striving to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In the race to build networks that can handle increasing traffic, faster speeds, more connected devices and enable new revenue opportunities,  CSPs are focusing on creating an open, programmable network, with Ericsson infrastructure as the core foundation. It’s a move that will cement their place as a market leader in performance, deliver value for them and their customers plus help to achieve their sustainability goals.

High-performance networks for happy customers

Key measurements to test network performance include benchmark tests and customer experience metrics. These are frequently used by prospective customers (whether private or enterprise) to assess and compare the performance of a service, making them a top priority for CSPs. These scores largely depend on the network’s ability to deliver uncompromising high-speed and reliable connectivity even in harsh environments – which is where Ericsson Antenna System enters the picture.

Ericsson antennas are optimized to deliver improved uplink and downlink performance, with increased throughput and superior gain, which ultimately results in better coverage and signal quality. For example, in a recent field trial by a European Tier 1 CSP, the Ericsson antenna delivered more than four times the coverage and double the capacity.

By leveraging better spectrum utilization and superior beam efficiency, peak data rates were doubled, enhancing both downlink and uplink performance. Network throughput was increased by shifting low band traffic to the mid band and by leveraging on improved signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) performance, higher modulation and optimal utilization of carrier aggregation. 

Spectrum utilization is particularly vital as US Tier 1 operators have a broad array of spectrum choices and require high performance antennas. Ericsson antennas are optimized to provide exceptional  multiband performance. Recent field evaluations have showcased sites with Ericsson antennas carrying more traffic and at the same time enabling more users to stay on the mid band, which in turn improved throughput and overall user experience.

For an in-depth look at how Ericsson antennas are revolutionizing 5G performance, with key insights into mid-band optimization, advanced beamforming, and energy efficiency benefits, explore our detailed overview. Download the portfolio overview to uncover how these innovations deliver unmatched sustainability, coverage, and capacity.

Reducing interference is a key factor for these performance improvements– and another area where Ericsson antennas excel. Various technologies contribute to achieve this aim in different ways, such as controlling the shape of the transmission patterns from the antenna, using beamforming in Massive MIMO antennas to more actively control where the signal is directed, or minimizing passive intermodulation (PIM) to avoid mixed signals being received as interference by the base station.

Reliable connectivity also depends on the physical durability of the equipment. Antennas face challenging environmental conditions and must show resilience in the face of strong winds and years of enduring all types of weather. With market-leading engineering including specifically-engineered outer casings that utilize our vortex generator technology, Ericsson antennas are able to achieve up to 60 percent wind load improvement – an industry first.

Lower complexity meets higher value

As operators undergo this vast network transformation, reducing complexity and bringing greater value (monetary or otherwise) are key objectives. Ericsson Antenna System enables simplified deployment scenarios that reduce the total time for site completion – in turn, saving on operating costs. Plus, with antenna design and production regionally located  Ericsson is also able to expedite deployment, reduce transportation costs and strengthen the supply chain – key factors in scaling up a networks of this magnitude and mitigating procurement risks. But the most significant driver of value lies in energy efficiency.

Ericsson antennas are engineered to improve efficiency, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing performance. In fact, a previous antenna benchmark evaluation on energy efficiency demonstrated a 7.5 percent higher traffic volume per kWh with the Ericsson antenna compared to the closest competitor, with the radio output power reduced by 29 percent, translating to a real savings of more than 4716 kWh/year per site.

Meeting sustainability commitments 

The benefits of reducing energy consumption go beyond adding monetary value as discussed above. By lowering emissions and minimizing environmental impact through antennas and operations, CSPs can lower their environmental impact and make strides toward achieving their sustainability goals and commitments. These include climate change targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent by 2030 (compared to 2015) and to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2035.

Our strategic partnerships with the CSPs will contribute to these targets, and our antennas have plenty to offer, with a focus on lowering the carbon footprint across the product lifecycle through more sustainable sourcing, materials, manufacturing, packaging and transportation. For example, our revolutionary honeycomb radome structure results in a 49 percent lower embodied carbon footprint, due to a lighter structure with fully recyclable materials, while regional production and reduced transportation distances mean lower emissions from transport and logistics.

Ericsson Antenna System: Designed in the USA, built regionally for fast, resilient, and trusted global delivery.

• Innovation created locally: Antenna R&D center in Plano, TX
• Quick delivery: Supply hub in Plano, TX
• Resilient & risk-free: Manufacturing in Mexico
• Trusted globally: Customer in more than 150 countries
  
  

Looking ahead: a future of open and programmable networks

As traffic continues to grow and the demands of customers and enterprises evolve in the transition to 5G (and 5G standalone in particular), the advantages and value delivered by advanced antennas will only continue to grow. For example, APIs on the open radio access networks (Open RAN) being built by CSPs could be leveraged to further improve antenna performance. Advancements like Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) using an rApp for remote control can enable real-time adjustments to antenna patterns and improve network coverage and capacity based on dynamic conditions.

And that is just the beginning. As the network transformation – and the telecom industry as a whole – moves forward, Ericsson infrastructure and antennas stand ready to be integrated with open architectures and future technologies to accelerate the journey toward fully autonomous, self-optimizing networks. It’s a path that is sure to reshape how North America’s CSPs deliver value to their customers, and we can’t wait to see what’s around the next corner.

Read more

• Find out more about the benefits of Ericsson Antenna System.
• Explore the seven tenets of a modern antenna strategy.
• Discover how antennas form the gateway to higher-performing, energy efficient networks.
• Download the most recent antenna system benchmark report.