Improvements in multibeam antenna base station technology

Abstract

A system comprising a multibeam antenna inside an enclosure with at least one radio unit mounted on the enclosure. The system is configured to be mounted at the distal end of a mast extending from a platform of a mobile base station, such that, when the mast is deployed, the antenna and the at least one radio are elevated together. The system may be configured for direct mounting at a predetermined elevation in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. Preferably, the radio(s) are mounted on the antenna in a position that reduces the length of the connector(s) required. The radio(s) may be mounted on the rear side of the enclosure. A non-metal back panel of the enclosure may be coated with a conductive coating to maximize FBR (front-to-back ratio of the antenna radiation).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN MULTIBEAM ANTENNA BASE STATIONTECHNOLOGYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 536,063, filed August 31, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to multibeam antenna installations. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems for mounting radios and antennas at base stations.BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile base stations, known as “cell on wheels’" (COWs) or “cell on trucks’" (COLTs), are portable or mobile cell towers commonly used to enhance or expand cellular coverage of an area for a specific time and / or reason. For example, COWs / COLTs are often used to expand cellular coverage around an arena during concerts or sporting events. As another example, COWs / COLTs are often used to expand or replace cellular coverage from conventional and / or stationary towers during emergencies and disasters.

[0004] Conventionally, a COW / COLT comprises a mast or arm that is mounted on a mobile platform (e ., a truck, trailer, etc.). The mast can be deployed for use and retracted for transit. When deployed, the mast typically extends at a straight vertical into the air. An antenna is mounted at a distal end of the mast such that, when the mast is deployed, the antenna is positioned at a suitable elevation. Depending on the implementation, of course, the suitable elevation may be higher or lower, but is often at least 30 feet high. In the conventional COW / COLT, the antenna is connected by way of long jumper cables to radio units positioned at the bottom of the COW / COLT (z.e., mounted on the platform).

[0005] Because of the height of the COW / COLT, the jumper cables connecting the radio units to the antenna are frequently required to be extremely long (z.e.,typical ly the whole length of the mast and thus often 30 feet or more). This results in substantial signal loss, especially on the uplink side of a connection. (For example, signal losses of up to 6 dB have been observed.) As such, the radio units at the bottom of the COW / COLT must be quite powerful to counter the loss effect from the cable length and to provide a useful signal to the antenna unit. Such a significant power draw is both fairly expensive and fairly inefficient.

[0006] As well, as is typical for multibeam antennas, large numbers of these cables may be required. For example, if aa multibeam antenna with 72 ports was mounted at the top (the distal end) of the mast, 72 cables would be required. This can be a significant expense, as well as highly cumbersome: each cable may require separate maintenance, the cables must be prevented from tangling, etc.

[0007] Thus, there is clearly a need for systems that overcome the drawbacks of the conventional base-station mounted system.SUMMARY

[0008] This document discloses a system comprising a multibeam antenna with at least one radio unit mounted thereto. The system is, in some embodiments, configured to be mounted at the distal end of a mast extending from a mobile base station platform, such that, when the mast is deployed, the antenna and the at least one radio are elevated together. In other embodiments, the system is configured to be directly mounted at a predetermined elevation in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. In some embodiments, the radio(s) are mounted on the antenna in a position that minimizes the length of the connector(s) required. In some embodiments, additional radios may be mounted at the bottom of the mast (z.e. , on the platform) or anywhere along the mast. In some embodiments, further, a cosmetic shroud may cover at least a portion of the system. In some embodiments, the system is for temporary use. In other embodiments, the system is for indefinite, long-term, semipermanent, or permanent use.

[0009] As another aspect, there is provided a system comprising a multibeam antenna inside an enclosure with at least one radio unit mounted on the enclosure. The system is configured to be mounted at the distal end of a mast extending from a platform of a mobile base station, such that, when the mast is deployed, the antenna and the at least one radio are elevated together. The system may be configured for direct mounting at a predetermined elevation in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. Preferably, the radio(s) are mounted on the antenna in a position that reduces the length of the connector(s) required. The radio(s) may be mounted on the rear side of the enclosure. A non-metal back panel of the enclosure may be coated with a conductive coating to maximize FBR (front-to-back ratio of the antenna radiation).

[0010] In a first aspect, this document discloses a system comprising: a multibeam antenna; and at least one radio physically mounted on an enclosure of said antenna and in communication with said antenna by way of at least one antenna connector, said enclosure having a front side, a rear side, and at least one transverse side, said front side being opposite said rear side. wherein said multibeam antenna is for producing beams that emanate through said front side of said enclosure; and said system is configured for mounting at a base station.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides an antenna enclosure for enclosing an antenna, the enclosure comprising a non-metal back panel at a rear side of said enclosure, at least a portion of said back panel having a coating that is conductive.

[0012] In another aspect, the system is connected to a power source at a bottom of said base station. As well, the system and the power source may be connected by way of a single cable.

[0013] As another aspect, the at least one radio comprises a plurality of radios, each of the plurality of radios being separately mounted on the enclosure of theantenna and each of the plurality of radios having at least one dedicated antenna connector for connection to the antenna.

[0014] In another aspect, the at least one radio is mounted on the enclosure at a position that reduces a required length of said at least one antenna connector. The at least one antenna connector may comprise at least one of an RF jumper cable and a blind mate connector.

[0015] As a further aspect, the enclosure comprises a non-metal back panel, at least a portion of which is coated with a coating that is conductive. The coating may be at least one of: conductive tape and metallic paint. At least one of the transverse sides of the enclosure may also have at least a portion to be coated with a coating that is conductive. The enclosure may also comprise a bracket to mount at least one radio. This bracket may be mounted on the back panel and / or on at least one of the transverse sides of the enclosure.

[0016] In a further aspect, the at least one radio is mounted on a rear side of the enclosure. The rear side may be completely coated with a conductive coating.

[0017] In another aspect, the system is for expanding mobile coverage over a specific area, the area comprising at least one of: an arena; a stadium; a motorsports venue; a field; a concert hall; a campus; a workplace; an educational facility: a government facility; a military facility; a health care location; a public gathering place; and an area designated by an authority as being significant.

[0018] In another aspect, the system further includes a cosmetic shroud disposed around at least a portion of said system. The cosmetic shroud may be disposed around at least one of: said at least one antenna connector; and said at least one radio.

[0019] In another embodiment, this document discloses a system wherein said antenna is at least one of a single-band antenna, a dual-band antenna, and a multi -band antenna.

[0020] In another embodiment, this document discloses a system wherein at least one additional radio is mounted at a bottom of said base station and connected to said antenna.

[0021] In a further aspect, there is provided an antenna enclosure for enclosing an antenna, the enclosure comprising a back panel at a rear side of said enclosure, at least a portion of said enclosure having a coating that is conductive.

[0022] As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reducing potential interference from an antenna inside an antenna enclosure, the method comprising:(a) providing said antenna enclosure, said antenna enclosure enclosing said antenna; and(b) coating at least a portion of said antenna enclosure with a conductive coating, wherein said portion of said antenna enclosure is a non-front facing portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals refer to identical elements and in which:FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a system according to one aspect of the invention, mounted on a base station mast;FIG. 2A is a schematic rear view of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention;FIG. 2B is a schematic rear view of another exemplary system according to a different embodiment of the invention;FIG. 2C is a schematic rear view of another exemplary system according to a different embodiment of the invention;FIG. 3 illustrates an antenna enclosure detailing the various sides of the enclosure;FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show total radiation patterns for 1800 MHz an enclosure that has: back panel removed, a metal back panel used, and a non-metal back panel with a conductive coating; andFIG.6 and FIG. 7 show total radiation patterns for 2110 MHz an enclosure that has: back panel removed, a metal back panel used, and a non-metal back panel with a conductive coating.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It should be clear that the systems and methods of the present invention are applicable to systems and antennas that operate in various frequency ranges and with various wireless technologies. For clarity, the various methods and systems of the present invention are applicable to for use with various mobile / cellular technologies / applications including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies. As well, it should be clear that the various systems and methods of the present invention are applicable to systems that use / operate in well- known cellular frequency bands such as 617-960 MHz, 1695-2690 MHz, 3300-4200 MHz, and 5150-5925 MHz.

[0025] This document provides a system comprising a multibeam antenna and at least one radio directly mounted to the antenna (z.e., mounted on the antenna’s enclosure). The system may thus also be described as an “antenna integrated radio” (AIR) unit. In some embodiments, the at least one radio comprises a plurality of radios, each of which is separately mounted on the antenna. Each at least one radio is individually connected to the antenna by way of at least one dedicated antenna connector (such as an RF jumper cable or a blind mate connector). The system is, in some embodiments, configured to be mounted at the distal end of a base station's mast, such that, when the mast is deployed, both the at least one radio and the antenna are elevated. In other embodiments (for permanent and / or stationary installations), the system is configured to be directly mounted at a predetermined elevation in a permanent or semipermanent manner. Unlike in the conventional systems, the antenna connectors required by such a system are much shorter than the length of the mast. As such, the loss effects due to cable length are significantly lessened, particularly on the uplink side.

[0026] The present system, when mounted on a base station mast, can thus be used to expand cellular coverage of an area. As should be understood, such expansion is frequently for temporary purposes (e.g, for a cultural or sporting event, or in an emergency or disaster). As well, COWs / COLTs are commonly used to expand cellular coverage in geographic areas of significance. As a non- exhaustive list, such an area may include: an arena; a stadium; a motorsports venue; a field; a concert hall; a campus; a workplace; an educational facility: a government facility; a military facility; a health care location; a public gathering place; and an area designated by an authority as being significant.

[0027] However, it should also be understood that there is no time limit on the use of such a system, nor any requirement that the system be used in any specific location. In embodiments where permanent, semi-permanent, indefinite, or long-term installation is desired, it should be clear that the platform of the base station is not required to be mobile or on wheels, and that a stationary platform may be preferred. As well, in some such implementations, the radio(s) and other elements are preferably weather-resistant or otherwise hardened against the environment in which they are to be deployed. Further, it should also be understood that, although the mobile platform of a COW / COLT is commonly positioned outdoors during use, the present system may be positioned inside during use (provided ceiling height permits). Further, the system may be mounted on a wall, ceiling, or floor, or any extension(s) therefrom, such as a cat walk in an indoor arena / stadium etc. That is, the system is not required to be mounted on a mast I arm or pole. As well, depending on the implementation (e.g, radar antennas for weather detection), the antenna and radio(s) system according to the current disclosure may be mounted on mobile platforms or stationary platforms. All such considerations would be within the judgment of the person of skill in the art.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one radio is mounted on the antenna enclosure in a position that reduces the required length of cabling. That is. the at least one radio is, in some embodiments, positioned as close as possible to the antenna port to which it is to be connected. Further, of course, the at least one radio should be positioned such that any interference with the operation of the antenna is reduced or minimized. Typically, therefore, the at least oneradio would be mounted to the rear of the antenna enclosure, or along a bottom side / edge of the enclosure. Suitable positioning of the at least one radio could be determined by the person of skill in the art for any given implementation.

[0029] As would also be clear to the person of skill in the art, the possible implementations of the present system are subject to a weight limitation. That is, to ensure the physical stability of the system when the system is mounted on a mast, the combined weight of the at least one radio, antenna, and associated cables cannot be heavier than what can be supported by the specific mast used. The suitable dimensions and weights, of course, depend on the desired implementation and can be determined by the person skilled in the art.

[0030] However, in general, the present system uses smaller radio units than those that are commonly used in COW / COLT systems / base stations and small cell base stations. That is, physically smaller and / or lower power units may be preferred, in general, in the present system as compared to conventional systems. However, the lower power of such units is generally compensated for by the reduction in signal loss due to cable length, as well as by the lower (and thus cheaper) power demands of the system as a whole. Further, the present system is significantly less cumbersome than conventional systems, and has fewer points of potential failure as compared to conventional systems. Rather than tens or dozens of long, heavy cables extending the whole length of a mast, the present system may be connected to a power source at the bottom of the mast (e.g, on the platform) by way of a single cable. (Of course, depending on the specific power requirements of a specific implementation, multiple cables may be used to connect the system to the power source.)

[0031] In some embodiments, the antenna enclosure comprises at least one attachment mechanism for mounting the at least one radio. The at least one attachment mechanism, in some embodiments, comprises a bracket configured to cooperate with attachment points on the at least one radio and to which the at least one radio may be securely mounted. In some embodiments, the at least one radio may be mounted to the antenna enclosure using removable or temporary' fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). In other embodiments, the atleast one radio may be permanently or semi-permanently mounted to the antenna enclosure. A single antenna may be configured with multiple sets of attachment mechanisms configured for radios of different sizes and / or different numbers of radios. Additionally, in some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms are adaptable to radios of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0032] In other embodiments, the at least one radio is integrated with the antenna during manufacturing. As an example, the system may be formed as a single unit within a single enclosure.

[0033] In some embodiments, further, the system comprises a cosmetic shroud disposed around at least a portion of the system. For example, the shroud may be disposed around the at least one radio and / or the cables. The shroud is, in some embodiments, weather-resistant and / or protective. However, as should be clear, the material and positioning of the shroud should be selected so as not to interfere with the operation of the system or its deployment, while allowing airflow for the cooling of the radio, and accounting for similar operational considerations that would be evident to the person of skill in the art.

[0034] As well, in some embodiments, the present system may also be connected with one or more additional radios positioned at the bottom of the mast / on the base station’s platform. Such a configuration may be suitable where weight limitations or other dimensional characteristics of the radios and / or antenna make it impractical to mount all the radio units on the antenna. Further, other additional radios may be mounted at any position along the mast / arm / pole. including at the top of the mast, and connected to the present system.

[0035] It should also be clear that the antenna may be any suitable ty pe of antenna. In particular, the antenna may be a multibeam antenna having any number of beams. The beams may be divided into groups of any number. Further, the antenna may be, depending on the embodiment, a single-band antenna, a dualband antenna, and a multi-band antenna.

[0036] Further, the radios used in any embodiment may all be a same type and / or from a same supplier / manufacturer. In other embodiments, one or more of the radios used may be of different types, sizes, power levels, makes / models, etc. Again, all such considerations are within the judgment of the person of skill in the art.

[0037] Further, although this disclosure has discussed expanding cellular coverage, it should be clear that the same principles and systems disclosed herein would be suitable for use in expanding coverage in other networks, such as satellite communications networks and / or radar networks.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 1, a side view of a system 10 according to one aspect of the invention is show n. At least one radio 30 is connected to antenna 20 by way of at least one antenna connector 40. The antenna 20 is mounted on a mast 50 of a base station platform 60 (not depicted). This side view illustrates the mast 50 in the deployed position, wherein the system 10 is elevated to a predetermined height. As can be seen, the antenna has a front side 20A and a rear side 20B, with the radio 30 being mounted on the rear side 20B of the antenna 20. As should be understood, the antenna is configured such that its beams emanate through the front side 20 A.

[0039] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are exemplary rear views of systems 10 according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 2A depicts a 6-beam 4x4 antenna 20 with six 4x4 radios 30 mounted thereto: Figure 2B depicts a 6-beam 4x4 antenna 20 with three 8x8 radios 30 mounted thereto; and Figure 2C depicts a 6-beam 2x2 antenna 20 with three 4x4 radios 30 mounted thereto. Again, it should be clear that nothing in these exemplary’ illustrations is intended to limit the invention in any way. Rather, the person of skill in the art would have a full understanding of how to select a suitable antenna / radio combination for any given implementation.

[0040] One potential issue with mounting one or more radios on or near an antenna enclosure is potential interference from the antenna’s radiation. Every antenna has some radiation toward the back side of the antenna. In general, it is desirable to maximize the front-to-back ratio (FBR) of the antenna radiation. Low FBR indicates the antenna is not effectively focusing its energy in thedesired direction and causes interference to the rear of the antenna. This radiation could be due to the small antenna reflector size or phenomena such as diffraction or scattering. In addition, when there are some PCBs or cables at the back side of the antenna, they can radiate and reduce FBR. When back radiation hits the tower and other equipment behind the antenna, it could cause interference for other equipment or inter-modulation in the same antenna. If radio equipment is behind the antenna, such as that detailed above, there could be interference between radios and antennas, or intermodulation could be caused in the radio components.

[0041] To improve the back radiation from the feed network behind the antenna, the back side of the enclosure is usually covered with a metal back panel such that the metal back panel forms part of the enclosure. Adding a metal back panel improves the FBR significantly. However, a metal back panel is usually heavy, especially when antenna size is large, such as in multibeam antennas.

[0042] One option to achieve the same result as a metal back panel while reducing the overall antenna (including the enclosure) weight is to use a non-metal back panel but to coat at least a portion of the back panel with a conductive coating. The conductive coating may be accomplished using conductive tape or metallic or conductive paint.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 3, illustrated is an antenna package showing the outside of an antenna enclosure. As can be seen, the enclosure 100 has a front side 110 and a rear side 120 along with transverse sides 130, 140. For clarity, the transverse sides are the non-front and non-rear sides of the enclosure.

[0044] It should be clear that, while Fig. 3 shows two transverse sides (as well as a top side and a bottom side), other configurations are possible. In the event the enclosure is of a non-regular or non-rectangular shape, more or less transverse sides are possible.

[0045] It should also be clear that the at least one radio may be mounted on one of the transverse sides. As such, while the description above details mounting the at least one radio on the rear side 120 of the enclosure 100, one or more radios may also be mounted on one or more of the transverse sides 130, 140.

[0046] Similarly, while the above discusses covering at least a portion of rear side 120 with a conductive coating, a similar treatment may be applied to one or more of the transverse sides.

[0047] In terms of the effect of covering the rear side with a conductive coating, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the effect of such a coating on the measured radiation pattern for an antenna. Fig. 4 images show the radiation patterns in azimuth while Fig. 5 images show the radiation patterns in elevation. The left side of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the radiation pattern when the radome (the enclosure) does not have a back panel. The center image in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the radiation pattern for a radome with a metal back panel. The right image in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the radiation pattern for a radome with a non-metal back panel that has been completely coated with metallic paint. For clarity, all radiation patterns in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are for 1800 MHz and that the patterns shown are the total pattern, i.e., co-polarization plus cross-polarization. It should be noted that, when looking at FBR, the total power should be looked at as both co-polarization and cross-polarization as these add to interference and intermodulation issues. As can be seen from Fig. 4, there are smaller lobes at the back side of the pattern when the back panel is added (middle image) or when conductive paint or tape is applied to the back side of the radome (right image). Here, radiation toward the top of the image is the front radiation, and the radiation toward the bottom of the page is the back or rear radiation. The FBR improvement can be seen in both the azimuth and elevation patterns.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, illustrated are radiation patterns for 2110 MHz, with Fig. 6 showing the radiation patterns in azimuth while the images in Fig. 7 show the radiation patterns in elevation. As with Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, The left side of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show' the radiation pattern when the radome (the enclosure) does not have a back panel. The center image in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show the radiation pattern for a radome with a metal back panel. The right image in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show the radiation pattern for a radome with a non- metal back panel that has been completely coated with metallic paint.

[0049] It should be clear that the radome with a non-metal back panel that has been coated with metallic painted has a similar front-back ratio as the radome with a metal back panel. When FBR is calculated is over + / -30 deg and when the sector is averaged over 1695-2690 MHz, there is around a 7dB improvement when a metal back panel (or when the back panel with coated with a conductive coating) was used as compared to a regular radome that does not having a metallic back panel.

[0050] It should be clear that the results for the above are suitable for an implementation involving a 6-beam antenna covering 1695-2690 MHz, the concept of covering the rear side with a conductive coating can be applied to an antenna enclosure that houses an antenna with any number of beams or frequency bands.

[0051] While the above results were achieved by covering the whole back panel / rear side with metallic paint, similar results can be achieved by using conductive tape instead. As well, it should be noted that, while the above results were achieved by covering the outside of the back panel with a conductive coating, similar results can be achieved by covering the inside (as opposed to the outside) of the back panel with the conductive coating. It must also be noted that some advantages in terms of FBR can also be achieved by covering only part of the back panel with the conductive coating. And, as noted above, at least part of the transverse sides can also be covered with a conductive covering to reduce radiation through these sides.

[0052] In one embodiment, the antenna enclosure has a front side, a rear side, and at least one transverse (or non-front and non-rear) side. The antenna enclosure contains an antenna that may be a single beam or a multibeam antenna. The antenna is preferably usable for use with well-known cellular frequency bands such as 617-960 MHz, 1695-2690 MHz, 3300-4200 MHz, and 5150-5925 MHz. The enclosure may have a non-metal back panel on the rear side of theenclosure, with at least a portion of the back panel being coating with a conductive coating. The whole back panel may be coated with the conductive coating. The conductive coating may be applied to either the inside or the outside of at least a portion of the enclosure (including to a portion of or to the whole of the back panel). The conductive coating may be at least one of: conductive tape and metallic paint. One or more transverse sides of the enclosure may also have at least a portion being coated with the conductive coating. The enclosure may also include one or more brackets for mounting at least one radio directly on the enclosure. One or more radios may be mounted directly on the enclosure such that one or more radios may be mounted on the rear side of the enclosure and one or more radios may be mounted on one or more transverse sides of the enclosure. As detailed above, the enclosure is mountable on a mast to thereby elevate the enclosure, and the antenna contained within, to a specific height / elevation. Preferably, the cable connecting the antenna to the radio directly mounted on the enclosure is minimized by the reduction in physical distance between the radio and the antenna. Also preferably, use of the conductive coating on the rear side of the enclosure maximizes the FBR and thereby minimizes rear facing beam emanations from the antenna.

[0053] It should be noted that an antenna system may have one or more radios mounted directly on its enclosure with the enclosure not having a conductive coating. Similarly, an antenna system may have its enclosure at least partially coated with a conductive coating without any of its radios being directly mounted on the enclosure. It should be clear that these improvements (i.e., mounting one or more radios directly on the antenna enclosure and having at least a portion of the antenna enclosure be coated with a conductive coating) do not need to be used with one another. Each of these improvements can be used by itself or in conjunction with the other improvement.

[0054] As used herein, the expression “at least one of [x] and [y]"’ means and should be construed as meaning “[x], [y], or both [x] and [y]”.

[0055] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which areintended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A system comprising: a multibeam antenna; and at least one radio physically mounted on an enclosure of said antenna and in communication with said antenna by way of at least one antenna connector, said enclosure having a front side, a rear side, and at least one transverse side, said front side being opposite said rear side, wherein said multibeam antenna is for producing beams that emanate through said front side of said enclosure; and said system is configured for mounting at a base station.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a cosmetic shroud disposed around at least a portion of said system.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said system and a power source are connected by way of a single cable.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one radio comprises a plurality of radios, each of said plurality of radios being separately mounted on said enclosure of said antenna and each of said plurality of radios having at least one dedicated antenna connector for connection to said antenna.

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

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said system further comprises at least one radio mounted on said at least one transverse side of said enclosure.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure comprises at least one attachment mechanism configured for attaching to said at least one radio to thereby mount said at least one radio on said enclosure.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism comprises at least one bracket.

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

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said system is configured for mounting at a distal end of a mast extending from a platform of said base station such that when said mast is in a deployed position, said system is at a predetermined elevation.

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

12. The system according to claim 1. wherein at least a portion of said at least one transverse side is coated with a coating that is conductive.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said system is for expanding mobile coverage over an area, and wherein said area comprising at least one of: an arena; a stadium; a motorsports venue; a field; a concert hall; a campus; a workplace; an educational facility; a government facility; a military facility; a health care location;a public gathering place; and an area designated by an authority as being significant.

14. The system according to claim 2, wherein said cosmetic shroud is disposed around at least one of: said at least one antenna connector; and said at least one radio.

15. An antenna enclosure for enclosing an antenna, the enclosure comprising a back panel at a rear side of said enclosure, at least a portion of said enclosure having a coating that is conductive.

16. An antenna enclosure according to claim 15. further comprising at least one bracket for mounting at least one radio.

17. An antenna enclosure according to claim 15, wherein said coating is at least one of: conductive tape and metallic paint.

18. An antenna enclosure according to claim 15, wherein at least a portion of back panel is coated with said coating that is conductive.

19. An antenna enclosure according to claim 15. wherein at least one transverse side of said enclosure also has said coating that is conductive.

20. A method for reducing potential interference from an antenna inside an antenna enclosure, the method comprising:(a) providing said antenna enclosure, said antenna enclosure enclosing said antenna; and(b) coating at least a portion of said antenna enclosure with a conductive coating, wherein said portion of said antenna enclosure is a non-front facing portion.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said portion is at least one of: a rear facing portion of said antenna enclosure; a transverse side of said antenna enclosure; and a back panel of said antenna enclosure.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein said portion of said antenna enclosure is inside of said antenna enclosure.

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