Andrew Evolves Base Station Antennas with SmartBeam

HICKORY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Andrew Solutions, the CommScope, Inc. division that is a global leader in wireless communication systems and products, is helping operators evolve their wireless networks with its SmartBeam base station antenna system, an agile network solution that makes adding capacity and optimizing coverage cost-effective and responsive to customer demand.

“SmartBeam’s network capacity and performance improvement capabilities will enable operators to get the most out of their 3G, LTE, and WiMAX networks”

For the first time ever, wireless operators have an inexpensive and highly effective tool in SmartBeam® to achieve load balancing across a cell site or even a whole network cluster of cell sites.

“SmartBeam’s network capacity and performance improvement capabilities will enable operators to get the most out of their 3G, LTE, and WiMAX networks,” said Philip Sorrells, vice president of product line management, Base Station Antenna Systems, Andrew. “SmartBeam’s breakthrough beam fanning technology frees network planners from the relatively limited choices they have in sectorization. With SmartBeam, planners can truly build a network right the first time.”

SmartBeam offers three levels of base station antenna pattern adjustments—beam tilting, panning, and fanning—which can be conducted from a central office via Andrew’s ANMS™ (Antenna Network Management System). When used in combination, the three pattern adjustments enable wireless operators to easily re-distribute capacity across a network cluster of sites based on changing traffic patterns. The result is significant improvement in capacity efficiency while delaying or preventing the expensive addition of new cell sites or radios. An agile system with SmartBeam antennas can also enhance network quality by providing the capability to deliver stronger signal strength, minimized interference, reduced number of dropped calls, and higher data rates.

SmartBeam works by utilizing Next Generation Actuators™ installed under the antenna radome, which enable the three pattern adjustments. Remote electrical tilt BSAs currently deployed in many wireless networks essentially perform vertical beam tilting. SmartBeam, however, adds the horizontal panning and beamwidth fanning that make the next generation of network optimization capabilities truly possible. Beamwidth fanning can result in antenna patterns narrowed or broadened from 35 to 105 degrees. Andrew currently offers seven SmartBeam base station antenna models with one, two or three pattern adjustment capabilities.

Trials of SmartBeam antennas are underway with wireless operators in many global markets. For more information, view the SmartBeam video, or visit CommScope’s booth 2433 at International CTIA WIRELESS 2010, occurring March 23 – 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

SmartBeam is a registered trademark and ANMS and Next Generation Actuator are trademarks of CommScope, Inc.

About CommScope:

CommScope, Inc. (NYSE: CTV)(www.commscope.com) is a world leader in infrastructure solutions for communication networks. Through its Andrew Solutions™ brand, it is a global leader in radio frequency subsystem solutions for wireless networks. Through its SYSTIMAX^® and Uniprise^® brands, CommScope is a world leader in network infrastructure solutions, delivering a complete end-to-end physical layer solution, including cables and connectivity, enclosures, intelligent software and network design services, for business enterprise applications. CommScope also is the premier manufacturer of coaxial cable for broadband cable television networks and one of the leading North American providers of environmentally secure cabinets for DSL and FTTN applications. Backed by strong research and development, CommScope combines technical expertise and proprietary technology with global manufacturing capability to provide customers with infrastructure solutions for evolving global communications networks in more than 100 countries around the world.

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on information currently available to management, management’s beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those currently expected. For a more detailed description of the factors that could cause such a difference, please see CommScope’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In providing forward-looking statements, the company does not intend, and is not undertaking any obligation or duty, to update these statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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