Abstract: The present invention relates to a beamforming method for smart antenna arrays. Smart antennas employ arrays of low gain antennas connected to a combining/beamforming network. Smart antennas can provide enhanced coverage through range extension, hole filling and improved building penetration. By improving transmission and reception at the base station, the tolerable path losses can be increased whereby the range of the base station can be improved. A first aspect of the invention addresses the feedback signalling technique presently being considered by standards bodies for four antennas in large arrays. The invention is suitable for CDMA wireless cellular systems, as presently determined for third generation cellular wireless networks, and other wireless systems such as TDMA systems and wireless LANs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beamforming method for smart antenna arrays, and in particular relates to a beamforming method for smart two-dimensional antennas. Smart antennas employ arrays of low gain antennas connected to a combining/beamforming network. Smart antennas can provide enhanced coverage through range extension, hole filling and improved building penetration. By improving transmission and reception at the base station, the tolerable path losses can be increased whereby the range of the base station can be improved. A first aspect of the invention thus provides a method of generating low sidelobe beampatterns for 2-dimensional arrays. A further aspect addresses the feedback signalling techniques which are presently being considered by standard bodies for four antennas in large arrays. The invention is suitable for CDMA wireless cellular systems, as presently determined for third generation cellular wireless networks, and other wireless systems such as TDMA systems and wireless LANs.

Abstract: Improvements in or relating to Smart Antenna Arrays The present invention relates to a beamforming method for smart antenna arrays. Smart antennas employ arrays of low gain antennas connected to a combining/beamforming network. Smart antennas can provide enhanced coverage through range extension, hole filling and improved building penetration. By improving transmission and reception at the base station, the tolerable path losses can be increased whereby the range of the base station can be improved. A first aspect of the invention addresses the feedback signalling technique presently being considered by standards bodies for four antennas in large arrays. The invention is suitable for CDMA wireless cellular systems, as presently determined for third generation cellular wireless networks, and other wireless systems such as TDMA systems and wireless LANs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beamforming method for smart antenna arrays, and in particular relates to a beamforming method for smart two-dimensional antennas. Smart antennas employ arrays of low gain antennas connected to a combining/beamforming network. Smart antennas can provide enhanced coverage through range extension, hole filling and improved building penetration. By improving transmission and reception at the base station, the tolerable path losses can be increased whereby the range of the base station can be improved. A first aspect of the invention thus provides a method of generating low sidelobe beampatterns for 2-dimensional arrays. A further aspect addresses the feedback signalling techniques which are presently being considered by standard bodies for four antennas in large arrays. The invention is suitable for CDMA wireless cellular systems, as presently determined for third generation cellular wireless networks, and other wireless systems such as TDMA systems and wireless LANs.