LONDON—A group of international antenna manufacturers has formed the Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) with an objective of introducing open standards for base station antennas with remotely adjustable tilt.
The group said third-generation (3G) antenna makers are fitting their products with remotely controlled electro-mechanical phase shifters that help improve coverage control for each base station. The shifters allow the main beam of each antenna to be adjusted to the optimum elevation angle, avoiding capacity loss caused by excessive coverage overlap of adjacent base stations.
AISG hopes to speed up widespread introduction of the antennas by agreeing on standards for the digital control interface. The group plans to hold discussions with all interested parties, including network operators, infrastructure vendors and others involved in the control of associated base station subsystems embodying remote control or monitoring.
Current members include Alan Dick, Argus Technologies, CSA Wireless, Huber + Suhner, Jaybeam, Kathrein, REMEC, RFS, Sigma Wireless and Thales Antennas.
