Beamforming controls the directionality of the transmission or reception of a signal on an antenna array. Beamforming improves the spectral efficiency by providing a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Working with other antenna technologies such as smart antennas and MIMO, beamforming boosts cell range and capacity. That means mobile device users get stronger, clearer signals.
Beamforming appropriately weights the amplitude and phase of individual antenna signals to create narrowly focused radiation. This makes it possible to provide better coverage in an indoor environment and at the edge of a cell. When end-users are faced with variances in connectivity, even in small areas, satisfaction suffers. Beamforming goes a long way to mitigating this type of poor cell coverage and makes for better experiences overall.
A beamforming receiver electronically modifies an antenna pattern to focus the antenna in the direction of an arriving signal. Interfering signals in the direction of the incoming signal are suppressed. These modifiable receiver antenna patterns improve signal quality.
Beamforming can be adaptive to continually track a moving terminal. The received signals from the mobile terminal may be processed to continuously optimize the antenna pattern to follow the target. This adaptive beamforming enhances spectral efficiency and link quality. When carriers can more efficiently serve customers and produce a better user experience at the same time, it’s a win-win situation.
New beamforming technologies exchange control information between base stations at a rapid pace. Signaling between base stations is enhanced to cooperatively and adaptively change beamforming patterns. Handover signaling and beamforming ensure a seamless connection when a user moves between cells.
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