Mobile
Mobile operators have doubled their network capacity every three years or so to keep pace with demand, most recently with LTE. But LTE and other technologies are reaching the theoretical limits of spectral efficiency. To avoid the two more expensive options for increasing capacity – deploying smaller cells and acquiring more spectrum -- mobile operators will rely on beamforming to meet rising data demand. As the lowest cost beamforming option, Holographic Beam Forming™ (HBF) will be deployed in 4G and 5G markets.
4G
Despite wide use of remote electronic down-tilt, mobile operators spend millions in truck rolls to optimize cell site coverage patterns. HBF’s Directivity-on-Demand™ steers coverage where it’s needed, including overloaded or non-functional cells nearby using the extended range afforded by narrow beams. This way, HBF slashes operating expenses by delaying densification, i.e., small cells, and delivering on the concept of self-organizing (and optimizing) networks – SON.
5G
5G radio access networks (RAN) will be forced to seek additional capacity at higher frequency bands. Beamforming will necessary to overcome path loss, and only HBF can do so cost-effectively. This capability will lead to a resurgence of fixed broadband access or “wireless fiber” to homes and businesses.