Mobile Unified Communications Featured Article

Networks need to be faster and more efficient given all the demands being placed on them. One of the key ways to achieve speedier mobile unified communications networks is by using more antennas, according to recent media reports.

PC World says that Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology will lead to several antennas being used in the base station and on the device. Also, Long Term Evolution (LTE (News - Alert)) networks can use two antennas on the downlink. Four antennas are likely to be used soon, and eventually eight antennas, the report said. With the larger number of antennas, LTE networks can run at almost 1G bps, the report adds.

A second option is to use more antennas on the uplink, PC World said. Uploading is more important now, given the increased uploading of mobile devices to cloud services and the sharing of photos through social networks, according to Ericsson (News - Alert). With Uplink Transmit Diversity, users can send data through two antennas. It upgrades the uplink connection, improves speeds and reduces battery consumption, Jan Derksen, head of technical marketing at Ericsson Networks, was quoted by PC World. The improvements come through beam-forming – where two antennas aim the signal at a base station, the report said.

In addition, when it comes to M2M solutions, TMCnet reported recently that a general rule is the bigger the antenna, the better, but that can’t always be achieved. Antenna design is very important to M2M solutions, according to Dermot O’Shea, Taoglas (News - Alert) joint managing director. Antennas can constrain the size and performance of a product.

Options to improve networks go beyond antennas. Qualcomm and Nokia Siemens Networks (News - Alert) have developed a technology called Multiflow. It lets mobile devices, which are near the end of a base station's coverage area, to connect with a second base station. Data can be downloaded from two base stations concurrently. It allows for more efficient networks and can double data speed and provides a 50 percent faster response, the company said.

In addition, mobile networks can be improved by employing small and large cells. Het nets, which use large base stations and smaller cells, are located in areas where there are lots of users. The small and large cells can use the same frequency band. But another possibility is to use different bands for the small cells, PC World said.

Also, there can be improved network performance through Wi-Fi integration. Users can be connected automatically to the best network. Via a SIM card, mobile devices can find and connect to Wi-Fi networks, according to PC World.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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