Vodafone looks to space to ensure its mobile antennas are aligned

Vodafone is looking to space to address an industry challenge down on earth – how to ensure land-based 4G and 5G antennas are precisely positioned to consistently provide customers with the best mobile signal.

Mobile antennas which are not perfectly aligned, for instance that have shifted position over time due to adverse weather or seismic activity, can disrupt the quality of connection.

Satellite guided sensors

Vodafone’s solution to this problem, which will be rolled out initially in Albania from this September before extending to other countries, is to install satellite guided sensors within new radio antennas located on top of mobile masts. Vodafone will become the first mobile operator to use this technology in a commercial network, ensuring its antennas are perfectly aligned from the outset, and they remain that way.

Today, antennas are manually installed, and although engineers are capable of positioning them for optimal performance, it is not a straightforward task. At heights of up to 50 metres, the engineer needs to consider the azimuth (the angle the antenna is pointing relative to geographic north), its tilt to determine the distance and area the signal reaches, as well as its elevation above sea level to avoid other objects that might obstruct its performance. The job is further complicated if a mast houses multiple radio antennas from different operators.

To address these challenges, Vodafone is inserting sensors within the antenna. These will collect GPS-based location information from modules installed at different points on the antenna, together with other performance data. In turn, these sensors quickly relay details of the antenna’s alignment back to one of Vodafone network operations centres, enabling its engineers to either automatically reposition the antenna or dispatch an expert for more complex installations.

Network precision is key

Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, said: “As smartphones pack in ever more functionality, network precision is key. Antenna alignment is now one of the most critical aspects when it comes to installing and maintaining high-performing mobile networks. By integrating sensors into new radio antennas, we can more easily fine-tune our radios to give customers the optimal signal quality.”

During installation, each antenna should be aligned to target a specific coverage zone while minimizing interference with neighbouring cell sites. Proper alignment of radio antennas can help eliminate areas with no coverage and lead to faster data speeds, more responsive connections, and fewer dropped calls. This initiative will reduce the necessity for multiple site visits to make adjustments, lowering maintenance costs over time.

Vodafone has been working closely with its network vendors to ensure that the information provided by the sensors can be easily collected and is consistent across its entire pan-European network using a standard industry protocol. Ultimately, Vodafone aims to dynamically control the position of its radio antennas to match demand, for example, serving commuters on the move, sports fans at stadiums or music festival goers.

Network as a Sensor

This latest technological innovation is part of a wider ‘Network as a Sensor’ programme that leverages Vodafone’s extensive geographical reach, comprising around 160,000 masts, across Europe and Africa. For example, Vodafone is using sensors fixed to its masts to forecast rainfall and other weather conditions at a micro-climate level to alert people and first responders of flooding and other natural and man-made dangers.