Abstract: A lensed antenna system is provided. The lensed antenna system include a first column of radiating elements having a first longitudinal axis and a first azimuth single, and, optionally, a second column of radiating elements having a second longitudinal axis and a second azimuth angle, and a radio frequency lens. The radio frequency lens has a third longitudinal axis. The radio frequency lens is disposed such that the longitudinal axes of the first and second columns of radiating elements are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the radio frequency lens, and such that the azimuth angels of the beams produced by the columns of radiating elements are directed at the radio frequency lens. The multiple beam antenna system further includes a radome housing the columns of radiating elements and the radio frequency lens. There may be more or fewer than two columns of radiating elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods of testing active digital radio antennas are presented. Systems and methods can test the active digital radio antenna functioning as both a radio and as an antenna and can test both the transmit and receive performance of the antenna. An electromagnetic probe can scan the antenna to perform the testing and couple to the elements of the antenna using radio frequency signals propagated in the air, as opposed to direct cabling.

Abstract: A dipole antenna comprising a base; first and second pairs of dipoles positioned in front of the base and arranged around a central region; a first feed line which extends from the base towards the dipoles and splits at a first junction positioned in front of the base into a first pair of feed probes each of which is coupled to a respective one of the first pair of dipoles; and a second feed line which extends from the base towards the dipoles and splits at a second junction positioned in front of the base into a second pair of feed probes each of which is coupled to a respective one of the second pair of dipoles. The feed probes are spaced from the dipoles so as to field-couple with the dipoles. In one embodiment, the first pair of feed probes is positioned on a first side of the dipoles and the second pair of feed probes is positioned on a second side of the dipoles opposite to the first side. In another embodiment, the dipoles are printed on a PCB.

Abstract: A cellular telecommunications system and methods of monitoring, control and communication within such a system. In one aspect redundancy is provided by a second mode of communication for control signals should the primary mode be unavailable. In one embodiment a secondary wireless network is provided in case of failure of a backhaul link. This allows the control of ancillary equipment in case of unavailability of the primary mode of communication. In another aspect continuity of telephony signals may be provided in a cellular communications system by utilising one or more wireless link between base stations to convey telephony signals normally conveyed via a backhaul link.

Abstract: A cellular communications antenna including sensors for determining position and/or orientation of the antenna. Position information may be obtained using, for example, a GPS receiver or by triangulation. Orientation information may be obtained using, for example, an electronic compass and/or gyroscope and/or an inclinometer. Position and/or orientation information may be utilised locally to control attributes of the antenna or may be communicated to a central controller which may control attributes of the antenna. Signals may be sent to a central controller to indicate that an attribute of the antenna is outside a desired range.

Abstract: Multi-array antennas providing dual electrical azimuth beam steering, combined mechanical and electrical azimuth steering, independent mechanical column steering and dual mechanical steering. Systems incorporating such antennas and methods of controlling them are also provided.

Abstract: An adapter and hanger mounts an associated article to an associated anchor rail. The anchor rail is formed as a U-shaped channel having a pair of upstanding, opposing legs, each leg having an inwardly extending wall and terminating in a downwardly oriented lip. The adapter includes a top surface, flanges depending from the top surface and mounting legs extending from the flanges. The mounting legs each have a hook-like portion for engaging a respective rail lip. The adapter is flexible to permit urging the flanges inwardly toward one another for inserting a portion of the mounting legs into the U-shaped channel, and is also resilient such that the hook like portions biasedly engage the rail lips. In one embodiment, a hanger is formed integral with the adapter.

Abstract: There is provided a cellular antenna allowing mechanical azimuth adjustment in combination with adjustment of one or more other antenna attribute such as electrical down tilt, electrical beam width or electrical azimuth adjustment. An integrated control arrangement is provided which can utilise either serial, wireless or RF feed lines to convey communications. A multiband embodiment provides azimuth adjustment for both bands by utilising mechanical and electrical azimuth adjustment. Systems incorporating such antennas and methods of controlling them are also provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna structure includes a base station antenna and an auxiliary antenna mounted within a common antenna assembly. The base station antenna is configured to transmit or receive signals in a first frequency range and to develop a main beam that is substantially wider in azimuth than in elevation, and the auxiliary antenna is configured to transmit or receive signals in a second frequency range at least partially overlapping the first frequency range and to develop an auxiliary beam at least partially overlapping the main beam. Means are included for decoupling the base station and auxiliary antennas to thereby suppress interference between the main and auxiliary beams, and for suppressing interference between the auxiliary antenna and any co-located antennas.

Abstract: A wireless network management system for controlling a network of antennas including multiple antennas located at multiple sites includes a controller remotely located from the network of antennas for generating an internet protocol address and establishing an internet protocol connection to a data network in communication with the network of antennas. The controller provides control signals for controlling antenna operating parameters for each of the antennas at each of the multiple sites. The system further includes a user interface coupled to the controller for selecting ones of the antennas and establishing selected antenna operating parameters based upon the creation of a group of antennas and a created schedule.

Abstract: An antenna system including a coverage antenna (2) with a coverage beam pattern; and an auxiliary antenna (3) with an auxiliary beam pattern. The auxiliary beam pattern is arranged to perform sidelobe suppression, null steering, null addition, or null-fill. In the case where the auxiliary antenna is used to perform sidelobe suppression, the auxiliary beam pattern has a mainlobe with: an amplitude lower than an amplitude of a mainlobe of said coverage beam pattern; a width lower than a width of said mainlobe of said coverage beam pattern; a phase different to a phase of a sidelobe of said coverage beam pattern; and a direction which is selected so as to at least partially suppress said sidelobe.