Why accurate antenna alignment is crucial in RAN networks

In the world of cellular networks, precision is key. Antenna alignment is one of the most critical aspects when it comes to deploying and maintaining high-performing radio and access networks. Whether for an initial installation or routine maintenance, accurate alignment ensures that networks operate at their full potential, delivering optimal signal quality, minimizing downtime, and ultimately providing superior user experience. 

What is antenna alignment? 

Antenna alignment is the process of positioning and adjusting a wireless communication antenna to ensure it is accurately oriented for optimal signal transmission and reception in a specific planned direction.  

The key parameters adjusted during antenna alignment include: 

• Azimuth: The angle the antenna is pointing relative to the geographic north. Correct azimuth ensures the antenna is facing the correct area for optimal cell coverage. 
• Tilt: Antenna tilt refers to the vertical angle at which an antenna is physically inclined upwards or downwards. Adjusting the tilt controls the distance and area the signal reaches, affecting the coverage pattern. 
• Roll: The rotation angle of the antenna around its central axis. Roll affects the polarization of the signal and must be controlled to prevent signal degradation. 
• Height Above Mean Sea Level (MSL): The elevation of the antenna from sea level, which impacts signal reach and interference with surrounding antennas/cells. 
• GPS coordinates: Allows to validate that antennas were installed on the right geographical position as planned in operator’s databases.

Why is antenna alignment crucial? 

During the initial installation of antennas at a new site, proper alignment is essential to ensure optimal performance from day one as each antenna must be aligned precisely to target specific areas of the coverage zone. This involves using antenna alignment tools to ensure that  azimuth, tilt, roll, and height are all calibrated to reach the desired areas. This precise alignment maximizes coverage and minimizes interference with neighboring cells, enhancing signal quality for users in the area.

When deploying 5G small cells in an urban or dense urban area, the placement and alignment of the antennas are even more critical as these antennas must be aligned with high precision to ensure that high-frequency millimeter-wave signals reach specific coverage areas.  

Over time, antennas can shift slightly out of alignment. This can be due to planned capacity upgrades involving antenna upgrades or to environmental factors such as high winds, storms, or structural changes. Site audit and maintenance involves routine checks by technicians using antenna alignment tools to ensure that all antennas are re-aligned accurately to target high-density user areas, ensuring smooth transitions during network upgrades and minimal disruption to service.

Key benefits of antenna alignment are: 

Optimal signal coverage
Antenna alignment is essential for ensuring that signals are transmitted and received with maximum efficiency. A properly aligned antenna maximizes network capacity, allowing more devices to connect and communicate simultaneously without degradation in signal strength. Moreover, it helps eliminate dead zones—areas where coverage is weak or non-existent—thus improving the overall reach of the network. 

Enhanced network performance
The speed and responsiveness of a network are directly influenced by how well the antennas are aligned. Proper alignment reduces interference, leading to faster data speeds, lower latency, and fewer dropped calls. This is particularly important for both 4G and 5G networks, where low latency and high data throughput are critical for supporting modern applications like video streaming, real-time gaming, and IoT devices. 

Cost efficiency
Accurate antenna alignment reduces the need for repeated site visits and adjustments. When antennas are installed correctly the first time, maintenance costs drop significantly, and operational expenses are reduced. Additionally, efficient network performance translates to lower energy consumption, further driving down costs. 

User satisfaction
A network's success hinges on user satisfaction. Clearer calls, faster data speeds, and reliable connectivity lead to a better customer experience, which directly translates to increased customer retention and reduced churn rates. Proper antenna alignment ensures that the network delivers consistent performance, keeping subscribers happy and connected. 

Efficient resource utilization
The telecommunications spectrum is a finite resource, and proper alignment ensures its efficient use. Misaligned antennas can cause signal overlap or interference, wasting valuable spectrum and hindering network performance. In contrast, well-aligned antennas optimize spectrum use, improving overall network capacity.

Conclusion 

Antenna alignment is a critical element in the successful deployment and maintenance of cellular networks. By ensuring that antennas are properly aligned, contractors and mobile network operators (MNOs) can improve signal quality, enhance network performance, and minimize costs.