Thinking about lowering your total cost of ownership?

Wireless operators are under tremendous pressure to lower total cost of ownership in their network. For some, saving a few dollars up front by purchasing low-cost microwave antennas is a tempting option. In actuality, however, deploying low-cost microwave antennas can wind up costing more in wasted spectrum, higher repair and replacement costs, reduced quality of service and, ultimately, increased customer churn.

Think about who is behind your microwave antenna.

The performance objectives of today’s high quality microwave antennas are precise and stringent; not just because standards organizations such as ETSI require it but because you demand it. The RF path is growing more complex and advanced radio systems require microwave antennas that deliver increased spectral efficiency.

Engineering a high-performance microwave antenna that complies with your network availability objectives — now and over time — requires a significant investment in personnel and processes; an investment that most manufacturers are not able and/or willing to make. It is important to understand the capabilities and resources of the manufacturer before deciding to invest in a microwave antenna.

Some of the important characteristics to look for include:

• Expertise and Resources: Does the manufacturer use consistent and measurable production standards that include adequate quality controls and thorough testing — electrical, mechanical and structural? Is there a rigorous process for ensuring all test equipment is updated and calibrated? Is the selection and use of materials based primarily on price or performance?
• Compatibility with Add-on Components: To meet the growing demand for more reliability and increased capacity, operators are using more and more components, such as hot stand-by couplers or orthomode transducers (OMT). It is critical that any add-on be of the highest RF and mechanical quality and be designed to interface with the specific microwave antenna. Does the manufacturer have the relationships with these vendors and access to their design information to ensure this?
• Structural Support: Antenna performance can be severely compromised by poorly engineered antenna mounts. Mechanical fatigue, wind loading, and other environmental conditions affecting the mount can render the best-engineered antenna useless. Can the manufacturer produce field data showing that the antenna mount provides adequate structural stability over the life of the antenna?
• Installation and Safety: Depending on where your network is located, antenna installation is not just a safety issue; it can be a legal concern as well. In some countries, low-cost, low-quality microwave antennas are banned by law because of the inherent dangers during installation. In all cases, operators should check the manufacturer’s installation requirements to ensure compliance with all local and/or national safety regulations.

Think about the real cost involved.

Your microwave radio system must provide high levels of availability, reliability, and capacity, as well as fit within your budget. The quality of your antennas plays a pivotal role. The higher the performance, the lower your total cost of ownership over time. Conversely, the lower the quality the higher the long term cost.

Now that you know the real cost of selecting a microwave antenna based purely on price, ask yourself one final question: Are you willing to risk your network availability in order to save a few dollars up front? Learn More 

Think about it. Let’s have a conversation.

Of all the decisions you have to make, choosing the right industry expert should be an easy one. If you’d like to know more about how CommScope^® is helping network operators achieve lower total cost of ownership without compromising antenna quality, reliability, or capacity, contact your local CommScope sales representative.