The SelectaBeam SP-2510 antennas from Plasma Antennas Ltd. target novel system architectures and protocols that support the next generation of wireless mesh networks (see the figure). These high-performance selectable multi-beam antennas operate from 5.3 to 5.8 GHz.

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Based on Plasma Antennas’ advanced beamforming technologies, the SelectaBeam SP-2510 offers high-speed switching between nine high-gain directional beams across ±45°, combined with a sectoral floodlight beam pattern providing full coverage across the 90° forward sector.

The antenna’s selectable nulling capability allows deep nulls to be created around the main beam patterns, minimizing the impact of strong or close-in sources of interference. A number of SelectaBeam SP-2510 preproduction prototypes will be incorporated into the WiMAX-based SMART-Net test bed in France.

The license-exempt frequencies above 5 GHz represent an attractive band of spectrum for a range of fixed and nomadic wireless telecommunications applications, including backhaul and relay. The major challenge facing equipment providers and network operators seeking to exploit this spectrum is the increasing amount interference present in these bands.

Developed with this challenge in mind, the SelectaBeam SP-2510 supports very high-speed beam switching, enabling a high-gain directional beam to be multiplexed between target network nodes on a sub-frame basis. With low sidelobes, these directional beams ensure optimal signal-to-interference ratios are maintained for each communication link in a point to multi-point network.

The SelectaBeam SP-2510 automatic beamforming antenna from Plasma Antennas is designed for active beam steering in the 5-GHz band. Common applications include broadband wireless and backhaul.

In addition, with selectable nulling, the SelectaBeam SP-2510 allows the selection of derivative beam patterns that contain deep nulls at various positions to either side of the main beams. These deep nulls enable the suppression of particularly powerful or close-in sources of interference.

Plasma Antennas