4G and 5G Capacity solutions – comparative study

Operators are looking to optimize their costs while increasing their 4G/5G network capacity to meet the ever-increasing demand for data. Among the strategies being employed is the use of various antenna technologies to enable higher data rates. These include multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques such as beamforming, as well as the use of multibeam and active antennas.

When determining the best upgrade approach for 5G, a few factors to consider include:

• Will capacity gains justify the costs of deployment?
• Will legacy infrastructure support additional weight and wind loading?
• Can power be economically delivered to the tower top?

This technical white paper evaluates various techniques for increasing capacity in 4G and 5G networks with considerations on cost, ecosystem support, FDD/TDD, and channel bandwidth.