How the power of pyramids is revolutionizing antennas and networks

The mobile industry is evolving fast, bringing both challenges and opportunities. By 2030, mobile data traffic is expected to triple, while energy costs remain high and market conditions continue to shift. This leaves communication service providers (CSPs) worldwide with a key question: how can we scale network performance while keeping energy consumption in check? 

Antennas play a pivotal role in answering this challenge. As the gateway to high-performing, energy-efficient networks, they are instrumental in ensuring that CSPs get the most out of their network investments. With the right antenna, operators can enhance signal quality, utilize spectrum more efficiently, and improve the effectiveness of RAN software features such as carrier aggregation, higher modulation coding schemes, and MIMO optimization.

We know this for a fact after having actively and extensively studied the impact of passive Antennas on network performance together with Tier 1 operators in Europe, Asia, the US, Middle East and Africa. In these studies, we have proven that with the right antenna, CSPs are experiencing better network KPIs compared to antennas with similar data sheets. 

Let me give you a few examples:  
 
For the first time in the industry, we tested impact of the PIM level of an antenna on uplink performance.  This was done in an urban scenario in Southern Europe, enabling up to 30% improved coverage footprint and achieving 29% higher uplink user throughput.  
 
In Asia Pacific, our antennas helped a Tier 1 operator enhance spectral efficiency and optimize FDD 4G and 5G resources in an urban scenario. Thanks to superior antenna efficiency and beam efficiency, we doubled uplink data traffic and increased downlink traffic by 75%. 
 
In Northern Europe, we tackled an interference-limited dense urban scenario. Our precisely engineered antenna minimized interference and overshooting, leading to an increase in 5G Dynamic Spectrum Sharing data traffic, enhanced downlink carrier aggregation, and 112% better uplink peak throughput. 
 
These three cases clearly prove that with the right antenna, you can vastly improve network performance without any changes to the existing site footprint. But how can we take this even further?

A strong foundation, built on precision

This time last year, in the lead up to Mobile World Congress (MWC), I shared my belief that antennas are gateways to networks. Now, Ericsson Antenna System’s groundbreaking new design philosophy is amplifying that potential impact and redefining how antennas are engineered. With the capacity to transform the future of networks, this approach may be innovative and new, but it is built on a concept that has been part of our lives for millennia. 

The power of threes is a well-established principle throughout human history—for example,the rule of three, which states that messages with three elements are more impactful and memorable, can be traced back to the teachings of Aristotle. But if you go back a few thousand years more, you’ll find an even more iconic example – the enduring legacy of the ancient Egyptians. 

The pyramids, the ultimate gateways to ancient civilizations, symbolize strength, precision, and endurance. Their architectural design, built on a carefully calculated foundation, ensured their resilience for millennia. The wide base and low center of gravity provide superior stability, while the unique triangular structure ensures an even spread of weight distribution. Each layer of stone supports the one above, creating an interconnected system that stands the test of time.

Leveraging the same key traits that enabled the pyramids to stand the test of time—stability, strength, and precision engineering—Ericsson Antenna System’s new pyramidal trio net antenna design philosophy is revolutionizing the way networks perform. Our antennas act as the gateway to limitless connectivity, uniting three interconnected dimensions—antenna design, pattern, and system—into a cohesive and perfectly balanced structure. As a change in any of the dimensions will influence the others and potentially undermine the foundation, each design choice is carefully evaluated for balance and to maximize the overall network impact.

From pyramids to peak network performance

Maximizing the effectiveness of every transmitted signal, the trio net design ensures higher throughput, better coverage and a more energy-efficient network. With the overall effect combining to become something greater than the sum of its parts, it boosts performance, efficiency, sustainability and security, while enabling a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) to help make business simpler for CSPs – without needing to compromise our planet. 

Learn how the new trio net design delivers network impact that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

At Ericsson Antenna System, our antennas have already proven their worth time and time again, as evidenced in our most recent antenna system benchmark report. We’ve delivered unparalleled performance metrics in live networks across Europe, the US and Asia, including:

• 110 percent improved uplink throughput
• 60 percent increased uplink data volume
• 29 percent power reduction, leading to 35 percent improved device battery life

Now, we’re setting a new standard for what passive antennas can achieve. 

We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with antenna innovation, but at Ericsson Antenna System, we’re committed to pushing those boundaries. Antennas will continue have a defining role to play as CSPs look to expand their business without increasing their carbon footprint, and the trio net design will be instrumental in making that a reality.

To us, trio net is not just an engineering milestone. It’s about building the gateway to future networks and creating an enduring legacy—networks that, like the pyramids, will stand the test of time and remain resilient, sustainable, and strong for generations to come.

Read more

Learn more about trio net antennas and design. 

Watch our on-demand webcast with ABI Research: How Antennas Drive Higher Throughput and Energy Efficiency in 5G Networks

Watch our on-demand webcast with Light Reading: The Future of Programmable Networks: Highlighting the Latest RAN Product Innovations

Find out more about the benefits of Ericsson Antenna System. 

Read the press release announcing our new wave of radio, antenna and RAN Connect products to advance high-performing programmable networks.

Explore the seven tenets of a modern antenna strategy.