Improvements in beam antenna base station technology

Abstract

A system is provided that includes a multi-beam antenna within a housing on which at least one radio unit is mounted. The system is configured to be mounted at a distal end of an antenna mast extending from a platform of a mobile base station such that when the antenna mast is deployed, the antenna and the at least one radio unit are raised together. The system may be configured for direct installation at a predetermined height in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. Preferably, the radio unit is mounted on the antenna at a position where the length of the required connector can be reduced. The radio unit may be mounted on a rear side of the housing. The non-metallic backplane of the housing may be coated with a conductive coating to maximize the FBR (front-to-back ratio of antenna radiation).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the installation of multi-beam antennas. More specifically, this application relates to a system for installing radio units and antennas in a base station. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile base stations, also known as "cell on wheels" (COW) or "cell on trucks" (COLT), are portable or mobile cell towers typically used to enhance or extend cellular coverage in a specific area at a particular time and / or for a specific reason. For example, COW / COLTs are frequently used to extend cellular coverage around stadiums during concerts or sporting events. As another example, COW / COLTs are often used to extend or replace the cellular coverage of traditional and / or fixed towers during emergencies and disasters.

[0003] Traditionally, a COW / COLT consists of an antenna mast or arm mounted on a mobile platform (e.g., a truck, trailer, etc.). The antenna mast can be deployed for use and retracted for transport. When deployed, the antenna mast typically extends vertically into the air. The antenna is mounted at the far end of the antenna mast such that it is at a suitable height when the mast is deployed. Of course, the suitable height can be higher or lower depending on the implementation, but it is typically at least 30 feet high. In a traditional COW / COLT, the antenna is connected via a long jumper cable to a radio unit located at the bottom of the COW / COLT (i.e., mounted on the platform).

[0004] Due to the height of the COW / COLT, the jumper cable connecting the radio unit to the antenna typically needs to be very long (i.e., often the entire length of the antenna mast, and therefore usually 30 feet or more). This results in significant signal loss, especially on the uplink side of the connection. (For example, signal loss of up to 6 dB has been observed.) Thus, the radio unit at the bottom of the COW / COLT must have very high power to compensate for the loss effects caused by the cable length and to provide a useful signal to the antenna unit. Such high power consumption is both quite expensive and quite inefficient.

[0005] Furthermore, multi-beam antennas often require a large number of these cables. For example, if a multi-beam antenna with 72 ports is mounted at the top (far end) of an antenna mast, it will require 72 cables. This can be very expensive and cumbersome: each cable may require individual maintenance, and tangling must be prevented, etc.

[0006] Therefore, it is clear that a system is needed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional base station installation systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This document discloses a system comprising a multi-beam antenna with at least one radio unit mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the system is configured to be mounted at the distal end of an antenna mast extending from a mobile base station platform, such that when the antenna mast is deployed, the antenna and at least one radio unit are raised together. In other embodiments, the system is configured to be mounted directly at a predetermined height in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. In some embodiments, the radio unit is mounted on the antenna at a location that minimizes the required connector length. In some embodiments, the additional radio unit may be mounted at the base of the antenna mast (i.e., on the platform) or anywhere along the antenna mast. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a decorative shroud may cover at least a portion of the system. In some embodiments, the system is intended for temporary use. In other embodiments, the system is intended for indefinite, long-term, semi-permanent, or permanent use.

[0008] On the other hand, a system is provided comprising a multi-beam antenna within a housing, with at least one radio unit mounted on the housing. The system is configured to be mounted at the distal end of an antenna mast extending from a mobile base station platform, such that when the antenna mast is deployed, the antenna and at least one radio unit are raised together. The system can be configured for direct mounting at a predetermined height, either permanently or semi-permanently. Preferably, mounting the radio unit on the antenna reduces the required connector length at certain locations. The radio unit can be mounted on the rear side of the housing. The non-metallic backplate of the housing can be coated with a conductive coating to maximize the FBR (front-to-back ratio).

[0009] In a first aspect, this document discloses a system comprising: - Multi-beam antennas; and - At least one radio unit physically mounted on the housing of the antenna and communicating with the antenna via at least one antenna connector, the housing having a front side, a rear side, and at least one lateral side / side, the front side opposite the rear side. in - The multi-beam antenna is used to generate a beam radiating through the front side of the housing; and - The system is configured for installation at a base station.

[0010] On the other hand, this application provides an antenna housing for housing an antenna, the housing including a non-metallic backplate located on the rear side of the housing, at least a portion of the backplate having a conductive coating.

[0011] On the other hand, the system is connected to a power source at the bottom of the base station. Similarly, the system and power source can be connected via a single cable.

[0012] On the other hand, at least one radio unit includes a plurality of radio units, each of which is individually mounted on the housing of the antenna, and each of the plurality of radio units has at least one dedicated antenna connector for connecting to the antenna.

[0013] On the other hand, at least one radio unit is mounted on the housing at a location that reduces the required length of the at least one antenna connector. The at least one antenna connector may include at least one of an RF jumper cable and a blind-fit connector.

[0014] Alternatively, the housing includes a non-metallic backplate, at least a portion of which is coated with a conductive coating. The coating may be at least one of conductive strips and metallic paint. At least a portion of at least one lateral side of the housing may also be coated with a conductive coating. The housing may further include a bracket for mounting at least one radio unit. This bracket may be mounted on the backplate and / or at least one lateral side of the housing.

[0015] On the other hand, at least one radio unit is mounted on the rear side of the housing. The rear side may be completely coated with a conductive coating.

[0016] On the other hand, the system is used to extend mobile coverage over specific areas, including at least one of the following: sports stadiums; stadiums; racetracks; sports fields; concert halls; campuses; workplaces; educational facilities; government facilities; military facilities; healthcare facilities; public gathering places; and important areas designated by competent authorities.

[0017] On the other hand, the system also includes a decorative shield disposed around at least a portion of the system. The decorative shield may be disposed around at least one of the following: the at least one antenna connector; and the at least one radio unit.

[0018] In another embodiment, this document discloses a system in which the antenna is at least one of a single-band antenna, a dual-band antenna, and a multi-band antenna.

[0019] In another embodiment, this document discloses a system in which at least one additional radio unit is mounted at the bottom of the base station and connected to the antenna.

[0020] On the other hand, an antenna housing for housing an antenna is provided, the housing including a back plate located at the rear of the housing, at least a portion of the housing having a conductive coating.

[0021] As another aspect of this application, a method for reducing potential interference from an antenna inside an antenna housing is provided, the method comprising: (a) Providing the antenna housing, the antenna housing enclosing the antenna; and (b) Coating at least a portion of the antenna housing with a conductive coating. The portion of the antenna housing is the non-front-facing portion. Attached Figure Description

[0022] This application will now be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a system according to one aspect of this application, mounted on a base station antenna mast; Figure 2A This is a schematic rear view of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2B This is a schematic rear view of another exemplary system according to different embodiments of this application; Figure 2C This is a schematic rear view of another exemplary system according to different embodiments of this application; Figure 3 The antenna housing is shown, with detailed views of each side of the housing. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The total radiation pattern of an enclosure for 1800 MHz is shown, the enclosure having: a removed backplate, a used metal backplate, and a non-metallic backplate with a conductive coating; and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The total radiation pattern of a housing for 2110 MHz is shown, the housing having: a removed backplate, a metal backplate used, and a non-metallic backplate with a conductive coating. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be understood that the systems and methods of this application are applicable to systems and antennas operating in various frequency ranges and utilizing various wireless technologies. For clarity, the various methods and systems of this application are applicable to various mobile / cellular technologies / applications, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies. Similarly, it should be understood that the various systems and methods of this application are applicable to systems used / operated in well-known cellular frequency bands such as 617-960 MHz, 1695-2690 MHz, 3300-4200 MHz, and 5150-5925 MHz.

[0024] This document provides a system comprising a multi-beam antenna and at least one radio unit directly mounted on the antenna (i.e., mounted on the antenna housing). Therefore, the system can also be described as an "antenna integrated radio" (AIR) unit. In some embodiments, the at least one radio unit comprises multiple radio units, each independently mounted on the antenna. Each of the at least one radio unit is individually connected to the antenna via at least one dedicated antenna connector (e.g., an RF jumper cable or a blind-fit connector). In some embodiments, the system is configured to be mounted at the distal end of a base station antenna mast such that when the antenna mast is deployed, at least one radio unit and the antenna are both raised. In other embodiments (for permanent and / or fixed installations), the system is configured to be permanently or semi-permanently mounted directly at a predetermined height. Unlike conventional systems, this system requires an antenna connector that is significantly shorter than the length of the antenna mast. Therefore, the loss effect due to cable length is significantly reduced, especially on the uplink side.

[0025] Therefore, when installed on a base station antenna mast, this system can be used to extend cellular coverage in an area. It should be understood that such extensions are often for temporary purposes (e.g., for cultural or sporting events, or in emergencies or disasters). Furthermore, COW / COLT is typically used to extend cellular coverage in important geographic areas. As a non-exhaustive list, such areas may include: stadiums; gymnasiums; racetracks; sports fields; concert halls; school campuses; workplaces; educational facilities; government facilities; military facilities; healthcare facilities; public gathering places; and important areas designated by competent authorities.

[0026] However, it should also be understood that there are no time restrictions on the use of such a system, nor are there any requirements for its use in any particular location. In embodiments where permanent, semi-permanent, indefinite, or long-term installation is desired, it should be clear that the platform for the base station does not need to be mobile or vehicle-mounted, and a fixed platform may be preferred. Similarly, in some such embodiments, the radio unit and other components are preferably weather-resistant or hardened relative to the environment in which they will be deployed. Furthermore, it should be understood that while mobile platforms for COW / COLT are typically located outdoors during use, this system can also be located indoors during use (assuming ceiling height permits). Additionally, the system can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or floors or any extension thereof, such as aisles in indoor gymnasiums / stadiums. That is, the system does not need to be mounted on an antenna mast / arm or pole. Similarly, depending on the embodiment (e.g., a radar antenna for weather detection), the system of antennas and radio units according to this disclosure can be mounted on a mobile platform or a fixed platform. All these considerations will be within the judgment of those skilled in the art.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one radio unit is mounted on the antenna housing at a location that reduces the required cable length. That is, in some embodiments, the at least one radio unit is positioned as close as possible to the antenna port to which it is to be connected. Furthermore, the at least one radio unit should, of course, be positioned to reduce or minimize any interference with antenna operation. Therefore, typically, the at least one radio unit will be mounted to the rear of the antenna housing, or along the bottom / edge of the housing. For any given embodiment, a person skilled in the art can determine the appropriate positioning of the at least one radio unit.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will also understand that possible implementations of this system are subject to weight limitations. That is, when the system is mounted on an antenna mast, to ensure the physical stability of the system, the combined weight of at least one radio unit, antenna, and associated cables cannot exceed the weight that the specific antenna mast used can support. Of course, suitable dimensions and weight depend on the desired implementation and can be determined by those skilled in the art.

[0029] However, in general, the radio units used in this system are smaller than those typically used in COW / COLT systems / base stations and small cell base stations. That is, physically smaller and / or lower-power units are generally preferred in this system compared to conventional systems. However, this lower power is usually compensated for by reduced signal loss due to cable length and lower (and therefore cheaper) overall system power requirements. Furthermore, this system is significantly less bulky than conventional systems and has fewer potential points of failure. This system can be connected to a power source at the base of the antenna mast (e.g., on a platform) via a single cable, rather than through dozens of long and heavy cables extending along the entire length of the antenna mast. (Of course, multiple cables may be used to connect the system to the power source depending on the specific power requirements of a particular implementation.) In some embodiments, the antenna housing includes at least one mounting mechanism for mounting at least one radio unit. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting mechanism includes a bracket configured to engage with a connection point on the at least one radio unit, to which the at least one radio unit can be securely mounted. In some embodiments, the at least one radio unit can be mounted to the antenna housing using removable or temporary fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). In other embodiments, the at least one radio unit can be permanently or semi-permanently mounted to the antenna housing. A single antenna can be configured with multiple sets of mounting mechanisms, which are configured for radio units of different sizes and / or different numbers of radio units. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the mounting mechanisms are adaptable to radio units of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0030] In other embodiments, the at least one radio unit is integrated with the antenna during manufacturing. As an example, the system can be formed as a single unit within a single housing.

[0031] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the system includes a decorative shield disposed around at least a portion of the system. For example, the shield may be disposed around at least one radio unit and / or cable. In some embodiments, the shield is weather-resistant and / or protective. However, it should be understood that the material and positioning of the shield should be selected so as not to interfere with the operation of the system or its deployment, while allowing gas flow for cooling the radio unit, and taking into account similar operational considerations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Similarly, in some embodiments, the system can also be connected to one or more additional radio units located at the base of the antenna mast / base station platform. This configuration may be suitable when weight constraints or other size characteristics of the radio units and / or antenna make it impractical to mount all radio units on the antenna. Furthermore, additional radio units can be mounted anywhere along the antenna mast / arm / pole, including at the top of the antenna mast, and connected to the system.

[0033] It should also be clear that the antenna can be any suitable type of antenna. In particular, the antenna can be a multi-beam antenna with any number of beams. The beams can be divided into any number of groups. Furthermore, according to embodiments, the antenna can be a single-band antenna, a dual-band antenna, and a multi-band antenna.

[0034] Furthermore, the radio units used in any embodiment may all be of the same type and / or from the same supplier / manufacturer. In other embodiments, one or more radio units used may have different types, sizes, power levels, brands / models, etc. Again, all these considerations are within the judgment of those skilled in the art.

[0035] Furthermore, although this disclosure has discussed extending cellular coverage, it should be clear that the same principles and systems disclosed herein will be applicable to extending coverage in other networks such as satellite communication networks and / or radar networks.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 1The diagram shows a side view of a system 10 according to one aspect of this application. At least one radio unit 30 is connected to an antenna 20 via at least one antenna connector 40. The antenna 20 is mounted on an antenna mast 50 of a base station platform 60 (not shown). This side view illustrates the antenna mast 50 in its deployed position, with the system 10 raised to a predetermined height. It can be seen that the antenna has a front side 20A and a rear side 20B, with the radio unit 30 mounted on the rear side 20B of the antenna 20. It should be understood that the antenna is configured such that its beam radiates through the front side 20A.

[0037] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is an exemplary rear view of system 10 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2A A 6-beam 4×4 antenna 20 is depicted, on which 6 4×4 radio units 30 are mounted; Figure 2B A 6-beam 4×4 antenna 20 is depicted, on which three 8×8 radio units 30 are mounted; Figure 2C A 6-beam 2×2 antenna 20 is depicted, on which three 4×4 radio units 30 are mounted. Again, it should be clear that nothing in these exemplary illustrations is intended to limit this application in any way. Rather, those skilled in the art will fully understand how to select a suitable antenna / radio unit combination for any given embodiment.

[0038] One potential problem with mounting one or more radio units on or near an antenna housing is potential interference from antenna radiation. Every antenna has some radiation directed towards its back. Ideally, the front-to-back ratio (FBR) of antenna radiation should be maximized. A low FBR indicates that the antenna is failing to effectively concentrate its energy in the desired direction and causes interference to the rear of the antenna. This radiation can be due to a small antenna reflector size or phenomena such as diffraction or scattering. Furthermore, the presence of PCBs or cables behind the antenna can generate radiation and reduce the FBR. When this back radiation reaches towers and other equipment behind the antenna, it can interfere with other equipment or cause intermodulation within the same antenna. If the radio equipment is behind the antenna, as described above, there may be interference between the radio equipment and the antenna, or intermodulation within the radio components.

[0039] To improve back-side radiation from the feedback network behind the antenna, the back of the housing is typically covered with a metal backplate, making the metal backplate an integral part of the housing. Adding a metal backplate significantly improves the front-side radiation (FBR). However, metal backplates are generally heavy, especially when the antenna is large, such as in multi-beam antennas.

[0040] One option to achieve the same results as a metal backplate while reducing the overall weight of the antenna (including the housing) is to use a non-metallic backplate, but with at least a portion of it coated with a conductive coating. This conductive coating can be achieved using conductive strips, metal, or conductive paint.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 The image shows the antenna package, specifically the exterior of the antenna housing. It can be seen that the housing 100 has a front side 110, a rear side 120, and lateral sides 130 and 140. For clarity, the lateral sides are the non-front and non-rear sides of the housing.

[0042] It should be clear that, although Figure 3 Two lateral sides (as well as a top and bottom side) are shown, but other configurations are possible. More or fewer lateral sides are possible when the housing has an irregular or non-rectangular shape.

[0043] It should also be clear that at least one radio unit can be mounted on one of the lateral sides. Thus, although the above description details mounting at least one radio unit on the rear side 120 of the housing 100, one or more radio units can also be mounted on one or more lateral sides 130, 140.

[0044] Similarly, while the above discussion covered at least a portion of the rear side 120 with a conductive coating, a similar treatment could be applied to one or more lateral sides.

[0045] In terms of the effect of covering the back with a conductive coating, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The effect of this coating on the measured radiation pattern of the antenna is shown. Figure 4 The image shows the radiation pattern at the azimuth angle, while Figure 5 The image shows the radiation pattern at the elevation angle. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The left side shows the radiation pattern when the radome (shell) has no backplate. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The middle image shows the radiation pattern of an radome with a metal backplate. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image on the right shows the radiation pattern of an radome with a non-metallic backplate that has been fully coated with metallic paint. For clarity, Figure 4 and Figure 5 All radiation patterns shown are for 1800 MHz, and are the overall radiation patterns, i.e., common polarization plus cross polarization. It should be noted that when considering the FBR, the total power should account for both common polarization and cross polarization, as they increase interference and intermodulation issues. Figure 4As can be seen, when a backplate is added (middle image), or when conductive paint or conductive strip is applied to the back of the radome (right image), there are smaller lobes on the back of the radiation pattern. Here, radiation towards the top of the image is frontal radiation, and radiation towards the bottom of the page is back or rear radiation. The improvement in FBR can be seen in both the azimuth and elevation radiation patterns.

[0046] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The radiation pattern for 2110 MHz is shown. Figure 6 The radiation pattern of the azimuth angle is shown, while Figure 7 The image in the image shows the radiation pattern at the elevation angle. (Compared to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 Same, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The left side shows the radiation pattern when the radome (shell) has no backplate. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The middle image shows the radiation pattern of an radome with a metal backplate. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The image on the right shows the radiation pattern of an radome with a non-metallic backplate that has been fully coated with metallic paint.

[0047] It should be clear that radomes with non-metallic backplates already coated with metallic paint have similar front-to-back ratios to radomes with metallic backplates. When calculating the FBR over + / -30 degrees and averaging over sectors of 1695–2690 MHz, there is approximately a 7 dB improvement when using a metallic backplate (or when the backplate is coated with a conductive coating) compared to a conventional radome without a metallic backplate.

[0048]

[0049] It should be clear that the above results apply to implementations involving 6-beam antennas covering 1695-2690 MHz, and the concept of covering the rear side with a conductive coating can be applied to antenna housings that accommodate antennas with any number of beams or frequency bands.

[0050] While the above results were achieved by covering the entire backplate / rear side with metallic paint, similar results can be achieved by using conductive strips instead. Similarly, it should be noted that while the above results were achieved by covering the outer side of the backplate with a conductive coating, similar results can be achieved by covering the inner side of the backplate (opposite to the outer side) with a conductive coating. It must also be noted that some of the advantages of FBR can be achieved by covering only a portion of the backplate with a conductive coating. Furthermore, as mentioned above, at least a portion of the lateral sides can also be covered with a conductive coating to reduce radiation through these sides.

[0051] In one embodiment, the antenna housing has a front side, a rear side, and at least one lateral side (or neither front nor rear side). The antenna housing houses an antenna, which may be a single-beam or multi-beam antenna. The antenna is preferably usable in well-known cellular frequency bands, such as 617-960 MHz, 1695-2690 MHz, 3300-4200 MHz, and 5150-5925 MHz. The housing may have a non-metallic backplate on the rear side, at least a portion of which is coated with a conductive coating. The entire backplate may be coated with a conductive coating. The conductive coating may be applied to the inner or outer side of at least a portion of the housing (including to a portion or the entire backplate). The conductive coating may be at least one of conductive strips and metallic paint. One or more lateral sides of the housing may also be at least partially coated with a conductive coating. The housing may also include one or more supports for directly mounting at least one radio unit onto the housing. One or more radio units may be directly mounted onto the housing such that one or more radio units can be mounted on the rear side of the housing, and one or more radio units can be mounted on one or more lateral sides of the housing. As described above, the housing can be mounted on an antenna mast, thereby elevating the housing and the antenna housed therein to a specific height. Preferably, by reducing the physical distance between the radio unit and the antenna, the cable connecting the antenna to the radio unit directly mounted on the housing is minimized. Also preferably, a conductive coating is used on the rear side of the housing to maximize the FBR, thereby minimizing rearward beam transmission from the antenna.

[0052] It should be noted that the antenna system may have one or more radio units directly mounted on its housing, which does not have a conductive coating. Similarly, the antenna system's housing may be at least partially coated with a conductive coating, while its radio units are not directly mounted on the housing. It should be clear that these improvements (i.e., mounting one or more radio units directly on the antenna housing, and having at least a portion of the antenna housing coated with a conductive coating) do not need to be used together. Each of these improvements can be used individually or in combination with other improvements.

[0053] As used here, the expression “at least one of [x] and [y]” means and should be interpreted as meaning “[x], [y] or [x] and [y]”.

[0054] Those who understand this application can now conceive of alternative structures, embodiments, or variations of the foregoing, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of this application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system, characterized in that, include: - Multi-beam antenna; and - At least one radio unit, physically mounted on the housing of the antenna and communicating with the antenna via at least one antenna connector, the housing having a front side, a rear side, and at least one lateral side, the front side opposite the rear side. in - The multi-beam antenna is used to generate a beam that radiates through the front side of the housing; and - The system is configured for installation at a base station.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a decorative shield disposed around at least a portion of the system.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system and power supply are connected via a single cable.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one radio unit includes a plurality of radio units, each of which is independently mounted on the housing of the antenna, and each of the plurality of radio units has at least one dedicated antenna connector for connection to the antenna.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the rear side is coated with a conductive coating.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system also includes at least one radio unit mounted on at least one lateral side of the housing.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes at least one mounting mechanism configured to connect the at least one radio unit, thereby mounting the at least one radio unit onto the housing.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one mounting mechanism includes at least one bracket.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one radio unit is mounted on the rear side of the housing.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system is configured to be mounted at the distal end of an antenna mast extending from the platform of the base station, such that the system is at a predetermined height when the antenna mast is in the deployed position.

11. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The coating is at least one of the following: metallic paint and conductive tape.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the at least one lateral side is coated with a conductive coating.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system is used to extend mobile coverage over a region, wherein the region includes at least one of the following: -Sports hall; -stadium; -Racing track; -playground; - Concert hall; -campus; -Workplace; -Educational facilities; -Government facilities; -Military facilities; -Health care facilities; -Public gathering places; and -Important areas designated by the competent authority.

14. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The decorative shield is disposed around at least one of the following: the at least one antenna connector; and the at least one radio unit.

15. An antenna housing for accommodating an antenna, characterized in that, The housing includes a back panel located at the rear of the housing, and at least a portion of the housing has a conductive coating.

16. The antenna housing of claim 15, further comprising at least one bracket for mounting at least one radio unit.

17. The antenna housing according to claim 15, wherein, The coating is at least one of the following: conductive strip and metallic paint.

18. The antenna housing according to claim 15, wherein, At least a portion of the backplate is coated with the conductive coating.

19. The antenna housing according to claim 15, wherein, The conductive coating is also present on at least one lateral side of the housing.

20. A method for reducing potential interference from an antenna inside an antenna housing, characterized in that, The method includes: (a) Providing the antenna housing, the antenna housing enclosing the antenna; and (b) Coating at least a portion of the antenna housing with a conductive coating. The portion of the antenna housing that is not facing forward is the part that is not facing forward.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The portion is at least one of the following: - The rearward-facing portion of the antenna housing; - The lateral side of the antenna housing; and - The back plate of the antenna housing.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The portion of the antenna housing is located inside the antenna housing.

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