Multiband antenna system for distributed MIMO

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multiband antenna for a distributed MIMO system or small mobile communication cells, as well as to a distributed MIMO system. The multiband antenna (100) comprises at least one low band antenna device (120) and at least on high band antenna device (130). The low band antenna device (120) being arranged rotatable around a first axis of rotation (118) for mechanically adjusting a first radiation direction. The low band antenna device being further configured to provide access to a low band communication (10). The high band antenna device (130) includes at least a first array of antenna elements and a second array of antenna elements. The first array of antenna elements has first coverage area and the second array of antenna elements has a second coverage area, wherein the high band antenna device (130) is configured to provide a wireless front haul link (30).

Description

[0001] MULTIBAND ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTED MIMO

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a multiband antenna for a distributed MIMO system and / or small mobile communication cells. Further, the present invention relates to a distributed MIMO system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Distributed MIMO systems are well known. MIMO stands for Multiple Input, Multiple Output. It is a technology used in communication systems, including wireless and wired communications, to improve performance and increase data throughput. In a MIMO system, multiple antennas are used at both the transmitter and the receiver to exploit the spatial diversity and enhance the overall communication reliability and capacity.

[0006] The basic idea behind MIMO is to use multiple antennas to transmit and receive multiple data streams simultaneously, taking advantage of the fact that signals can take different paths between transmitter and receiver e.g. due to reflections, diffraction, and scattering. By processing these multiple spatial streams, MIMO systems can achieve improved data rates and better reliability compared to traditional single-input, single-output (SISO) systems.

[0007] MIMO technology is widely used in modern wireless communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, LTE (4G), and 5G. MIMO helps overcome issues like fading, interference, and limited spectrum resources, contributing to the overall efficiency and performance of wireless communication systems.

[0008] Erik G. Larsson et al. suggest in their article Massive MIMO for Next Generation Wireless Systems, IEEE Communications Magazine, 02 / 2014, a multi-user MIMO system comprising single-antenna terminals. Further, known massive MIMO systems typically make use of a large excess of service antennas via active terminals and time-division duplex operation. Extra antennas help by focusing energy into ever smaller regions of space to bring improvements in throughput and radiated energy efficiency. However, massive MIMO uncovers entirely new problems that need attention, such as the challenge of making low-cost, low-precision components that work effectively together. Further, the system's antennas have to be joined to a common network, particularly by means of front haul connections, including a huge wiring complexity. The front haul connection is required, as the system's antennas have to be synchronized. In known MIMO systems, each antenna is connected to a respective radio using cables. Thus, installing massive MIMO systems is costly and complex.

[0009] This is particular the case, if antennas shall be installed on structures flanking opposing sides of a street, such as buildings or street posts.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide for a cost efficient and easy to install MIMO system and antennas to be used in said system.

[0012] The object is achieved by a multiband antenna according to claim 1 and a MIMO System according to claim 17. Further aspects of the invention are given in the dependent claims as well as in the following description.

[0013] Particularly, the object is achieved by a multiband antenna for a distributed MIMO system and / or for small mobile communication cells. The multiband antenna comprises at least one low band antenna device and at least one high band antenna device. In a particular aspect, the multiband antenna may include just one low band antenna device, or two low band antenna devices, or three low band antenna devices.

[0014] The at least one low band antenna device is arranged rotatable around a first axis of rotation for mechanically adjusting a first radiation direction (particularly an azimuth angle orientation of radiation). The radiation direction of the low band antenna device is defined by the main beam direction. In case there are more than one low band antenna devices, each one of the low band antenna devices may be arranged rotatable around the axis of rotation (i.e. a common axis) or around an individual axis of rotation. The low band antenna device(s) is / are configured to provide access to a low band communication. The low band communication may be an uplink communication, a downlink communication or both, i.e. uplink and downlink communication. Further, the low band communication may be used for data transmission and / or for transmitting control signals. The at least one high band antenna device includes at least a first array of antenna elements and a second array of antenna elements. It is to be understood, that the high band antenna device may include multiple arrays of antenna elements, e.g. at least three, or at least four, or at least five, or at least six.

[0015] Further, an array may e.g. be 4x4 array, an 8x8 array, an 10x10 array, or any n x m array, wherein the n gives the number of antenna elements in a row and m gives the number of antenna elements in a column. It is to be understood, that these figures are illustrative only, and that differently dimensioned arrays may be used. Further, the invention is not limited to square arrays. The arrays may have a different aspect ratio, e.g. 4x8, or 8x4.

[0016] The first array of antenna elements has a first coverage area, and the second array of antenna elements has a second coverage area, the first coverage area being different from the second coverage area. In case there are multiple arrays of antenna elements, each one of the arrays may be arranged to as to have an individual coverage area. These coverage areas may overlap, at least in part. Within the arrays' coverage areas an antenna beam can be steered to have a desired radiation direction.

[0017] The high band antenna device is configured to provide a wireless front haul link. The wireless front haul link may be an uplink and / or a downlink. Further, the wireless front haul link may be used for data transmission and / or for transmitting control signals.

[0018] As the low band antenna device is arranged rotatable around a first axis of rotation, the first radiation direction (i.e. the direction of the low band antenna device's main beam) can be arranged to provide for an ideal coverage (if required, with further multiband antennas of a MIMO system and / or a small cell). Further, as low band is used for the communication, good coverage can be assured within buildings and / or when obstacles are present.

[0019] Further, with providing a high band antenna device, having multiple arrays of antenna elements (at least two), a broad angle of coverage can be achieved. For example, the first array of antenna elements covers the first coverage area and the second array of antenna elements covers the second coverage area, which is next to the first coverage area. Thus, first and second coverage areas contribute to the broad angle of coverage of the high-band antenna device. Hence, a wireless front haul can be provided, as different multiband antennas can communicate wirelessly with each other and / or with a front haul node. Further, the high band based front haul allows for high data transmission rates and low latency.

[0020] Still further, as the multiband antenna provides for a wireless front haul, wiring complexity is significantly reduced, as no data wiring is necessary. For putting the multiband antenna into action power wiring is sufficient. Hence, the multiband antenna can be easily installed on roof tops, street posts, streetlights and / or the like.

[0021] In a further aspect, the multiband antenna comprises a housing. The housing comprising at least one mounting element, e.g. for mounting the multiband antenna to a post, particularly a street posts, streetlights and / or the like, and / or a wall, or a ceiling. The mounting element may include a mounting beam for distancing the antenna devices from a structure, the housing is mounted to (e.g. a post, a wall, ...).

[0022] Further, the housing includes at least one housing shell, wherein the housing shell accommodates the low band antenna device and / or the high band antenna device. It is to be understood, that the housing may include multiple housing shells, wherein e.g. a first housing shell accommodates the low band antenna device and a second housing shell accommodates the high band antenna device. The housing shell(s) may serve as a radome.

[0023] In a particular aspect, the housing shell may provide a protective covering that houses and shields the antenna devices from environmental elements like weather, wind, and debris without significantly interfering with the electromagnetic signals passing through it. In a particular aspect, the housing shell is designed to be transparent to the frequencies the respective antenna device (e.g. low band, high band) uses while providing mechanical support and protection against damage. The housing and particularly the housing shell(s) may be made from a material like fiberglass, composites and / or plastics.

[0024] Further, the housing shell(s) may be substantially cylindrical, having a diameter in a range from 20 cm to 40 cm, or from 23 cm to 30 cm, or about 25 cm. The height of the housing (measured in direction of the first axis of rotation) may be in a range from 30 cm to 60 cm, or in a range from 40 cm to 55 cm, or about In a particular aspect, the low band antenna device is a dual polarized low band antenna device, particularly a dual polarized dipole. Thus, signals can be sent and / or received under different polarizations.

[0025] Further, the at least one low band antenna device may be configured to operate in a frequency range from 410 MHz - 7.2 GHz, particularly in a range from 690 MHz to 960 MHz. In a particular aspect, the low band antenna device may be configured to operate in at least one operating band of the FR1 range, according to the 3GPP TS 38.101 standard (Rel. 18.3.0).

[0026] Further, the at least one high band antenna device may be configured to operate in in a frequency range from 24 GHz to 71 GHz, particularly in a range from 24 GHz to 53 GHz and / or from 53 GHz to 71 GHz, even more particularly in a range from 28 GHz to 32 GHz. In a particular aspect, the high band antenna device may be configured to operate in at least one operating band of the FR2 range, according to the 3GPP TS 38.101 standard (Rel. 18.3.0).

[0027] It is to be understood, that the multiband antenna is not limited to a respective communication standard, such as 4G or 5G, but may be used in different applications, including 6G, WIFI, and / or the like.

[0028] Further, the multiband antenna may comprise only one low band antenna device. Thus, a simple structured and cost efficient multiband antenna can be provided. This allows using multiple multiband antenna in a MIMO system and / or a small cell. Thereby providing ideal coverage.

[0029] Further, the multiband antenna may comprise a dielectric support frame. Further, the at least one low band antenna device may comprise a radiator head and a feeding structure, wherein the radiator head and the feeding structure may be supported by the dielectric support frame. The radiator head may form a dual polarized dipole and may be a sheet-metal radiator head or a PCB-based radiator head. The feeding structure may e.g. be a suspended strip line or a micro strip line. Further, the feeding structure may be a sheet-metal feeding structure or a PCB-based feeding structure.

[0030] The dielectric support frame, or at least a portion thereof may be substantially bow-shaped. The bow-shaped portion may include a bearing surface. This bearing surface may be in sliding contact with the housing shell, so as to support a rotational movement of the low band antenna device. The bow shaped support frame may further support the housing shell, leading to a more stable housing. Further, with providing a bearing surface that is integrated in the support frame, the dimensions of the housing can be reduced.

[0031] In an aspect, the housing includes a first rotatable housing shell, wherein the low band antenna device is fixedly received within the first rotatable housing shell so as to rotate with the first rotatable housing shell. Hence, the first housing shell may be rotatable relative to the at least one mounting element. Thus, orientation of the first radiation direction of the low band antenna device (i.e. the main beam direction) can be adjusted without the need of opening the housing.

[0032] Optionally, the housing may include a second rotatable housing shell, wherein the high band antenna device is fixedly received within the second rotatable housing shell so as to rotate with the second rotatable housing shell. Hence, the second housing shell may be rotatable relative to the at least one mounting element and / or relative to the first housing shell. Thus, the orientation of the first coverage area and the second coverage area can be adjusted without the need of opening the housing.

[0033] In an aspect, the at least one high band antenna device is arranged rotatable around a second axis of rotation for mechanically adjusting an orientation of the respective coverage areas of the arrays of antenna elements. The second axis of rotation may be congruent with the first axis of rotation, or the second axis of rotation may be parallel with the first axis of rotation, or the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation may be angled, wherein the first axis of rotation and the second axis may have an intersection, or not. A rotation of the high band antenna device particularly allows adjusting the orientation of the respective coverage areas in an azimuth angle orientation of radiation (if the second axis of orientation is e.g. substantially vertical).

[0034] Additionally, or alternatively, at least one (some, or all) of the arrays of antenna elements is (are) configured to be controlled so as to electronically adjust an antenna beam direction of the respective array of antenna elements (e.g. by phase shifting). This allows adjusting the bema direction of the arrays of antenna elements in an azimuth angle orientation of radiation and / or in an elevation angle orientation of radiation, within the respective coverage area. To provide a broad coverage of the high band antenna device, the arrays of antenna elements of the high band antenna device are arranged so that the individual coverage areas contribute to a broad angle of coverage of the high-band antenna device. The angle of coverage (azimuth angle) may be at least 170°, or at least 260° or even 360°. In a further aspect, the multiband antenna may be configured to use only these arrays of the high band antenna device (or just one of them) that face(s) into a direction needed for optimizing coverage. For example, only the first array may be in use, while the second array is (at least temporarily) disabled.

[0035] Further, the multiband antenna may comprise a reflector element. The reflector element may be assigned to the low band antenna device. Accordingly, the radiation diagram of the low band antenna device can be orientated more precisely, while distortions can be avoided.

[0036] The multiband antenna may further comprise a radio unit, the radio unit being connected to the low band antenna device and the high band antenna device. Further, the radio unit may be configured to retransmit data (including data and / or control signals) received via the low band antenna device via the high band antenna device and / or vice versa. The data and / or the transmission format may be converted by the radio unit. The conversion may include digital-analog, analog-digital, FDD-TDD, TDD-FDD, and the like.

[0037] Further, the radio unit may be located proximate to the reflector element, so as to sandwich the reflector element between the radio unit and the low band antenna device. In a particular aspect, the reflector element may divide the housing, particularly the (first) housing shell, into a radio section and an antenna device section. Thus, interference between the radio section and the antenna device (low band and optionally high band) can be avoided or at least reduced. The radio section may accommodate further components, such as a signal converter, a power supply, and / or the like.

[0038] In a further aspect, the multiband antenna may include at least one mid band antenna device, the mid band antenna device being adapted to operate in a frequency range from 1700 to 2700 MHz. In a particular aspect, the mid band antenna device may be arranged rotatable, so as to adjust a radiation direction of the mid band antenna device. In a further aspect, the multiband antenna may comprise a satellite-based navigation system-receiver, such as a GPS receiver, a GLONASS receiver, a Galileo receiver, a BeiDou receiver, a IRNSS receiver and / or the like. Thus, the geographical location of the multiband antenna can be determined, and the ideal orientation of the low band and / or high band antenna devices can be computed.

[0039] The object is further achieved by a distributed MIMO system. The MIMO system comprises multiple multiband antennas (at least two), wherein the multiband antennas are configured as outlined above. The multiband antennas are spread over a geographical area (e.g. along a street, on a roof or on multiple roofs, particularly opposing roofs, and / or the like). The geographical area may for example cover 500 m2to 50.000 m2, or 1.000 m2to 10.000 m2, or 2.000 m2to 5.000 m2.

[0040] Further, the MIMO system may comprise a front haul node, wherein the multiple multiband antennas and the front haul node may communicate on a wireless front haul, by means of the high band antenna devices.

[0041] In an aspect, the distributed MIMO system may include at least 8 multiband antennas, or at least 16 multiband antennas, or at least 32 multiband antennas.

[0042] Further, at least some of the multiple multiband antennas may be configured to operate in a daisy chain. However, any other type of network topology (star, mesh, bus, ring, ...) is possible, as well as combinations thereof. In a particular aspect, the distributed MIMO system is a cell free MIMO system. Further, the distributed MIMO system may provide at least one access point for mobile communication. Further, the low band link may be an uplink and / or downlink link, and / or the wireless front haul link may be an uplink and / or downlink link.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Further features and advantages will be apparent from the following description as well as the accompanying figures, to which reference is made. The figures show in detail:

[0045] Fig. 1 a schematic illustration of a distributed MIMO system;

[0046] Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of a further distributed MIMO system;

[0047] Fig. 3 a schematic illustration of an even further distributed MIMO system;

[0048] Fig. 4A-C schematic illustrations of multiband antennas, including a radio unit;, Fig. 5 a schematic illustration of a multiband antenna, and

[0049] Fig. 6 a schematic illustration of the multiband antenna being in use.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figs 1 to 3 give schematic illustration of distributed MIMO systems 1, 1' and 1". Each of the distributed MIMO systems includes multiple multiband antennas 100. Each of the multiband antennas 100 comprises at least one low band antenna device. The low band antenna device being configured to provide access to a low band communication 10 (indicated by a symbolic wave front, large symbol). Further, each of the multiband antennas 100 comprises at least one high band antenna device. The high band antenna device is configured to provide a wireless front haul link 30, 32 (indicated by dashed lines and a symbolic wave front, small symbol). The front haul link 30, 32 may be established between a front haul node 300 of the MIMO system and a respective multiband antenna (cf. reference sign 30) and / or between two multiband antennas 100 (cf. reference sign 32).

[0052] The low band antenna device of each multiband antenna may be rotated so as to provide ideal coverage, i.e. by orienting a main beam direction of the low band antenna device. Further, an orientation of a coverage area of the high band antenna devices (particularly of arrays of antenna elements thereof), may be rotated (mechanically and / or electronically) to provide a stable wireless front haul link. Even further, a beam direction of each of the high band antenna devices may be adjusted (particularly electronically).

[0053] In Fig. 1, multiple multiband antennas are arranged along an edge of a roof top of a building. Here, only one building is shown, however, the MIMO system (and respective multiband antennas) may be spread over multiple roof tops, e.g. on roof tops of buildings that flank a street on opposing sides. Thereby providing ideal coverage in the street and / or in the buildings. In Fig. 2, multiple multiband antennas are arranged on posts (e.g. street light posts) along a street. In Fig. 3, the multiband antennas are distributed over different buildings.

[0054] Figs. 4A to C show schematic illustrations of multiband antennas, including a radio unit 200. The multiband antennas include at least one low band antenna device 120 that is configured to provide access to a low band communication, as indicated by box 10, 10', 10", respectively. Further, the multiband antennas include at least one high band antenna device 130. The high band antenna device is configured to provide a wireless front haul link 30, 32. The high band antenna device includes array of antenna elements.

[0055] In Fig. 4A, the low band antenna device 120 is a receiving-only low band antenna device (RX-low band communication). Data received via the low band antenna device 120 on the low band communication link 10 may be converted by an analog to digital, A / D, converter 12 of the radio unit. The converted data may be processed by a digital data processing device 20. The processed data may then be reconverted by a digital to analog, A / D, converter 23' and transmitted via the high band antenna device 130 on the front haul link 30, 32.

[0056] In Fig. 4B, the high band antenna device 130 is a receiving-only high band antenna device (RX-front haul). Data received via the high band antenna device 130 on the front haul link 30, 32 may be converted by an analog to digital, A / D, converter 23 of the radio unit 200. The converted data may be processed by a digital data processing device 20. The processed data may then be reconverted by a digital to analog, A / D, converter 12' and transmitted via the low band antenna device 120 on the low band communication link 10'.

[0057] In Fig. 4C, the low band and high band antenna devices are configured for receiving and transmitting data. Hence, a two-way communication, e.g. for the connection with a user equipment, UE, is possible. Accordingly, data received via the low band antenna device 120 on the low band communication link 10" may be converted by an analog to digital, A / D, converter 12 of the radio unit. The converted data may be processed by a digital data processing device 20. The processed data may then be reconverted by a digital to analog, A / D, converter 23' and transmitted via the high band antenna device 130 on the front haul link 30, 32. Further, data received via the high band antenna device 130 on the front haul link 30, 32 may be converted by an analog to digital, A / D, converter 23 of the radio unit 200. The converted data may be processed by a digital data processing device 20. The processed data may then be reconverted by a digital to analog, A / D, converter 12' and transmitted via the low band antenna device 120 on the low band communication link 10". It shall be noted, that for synchronization purposes there may be established a bidirectional communication on the high band to the front haul node for control signals respectively control channels, but using only a one-directional communication for the user data in the low band. Fig. 5 gives a schematic illustration of a multiband antenna 100. The multiband antenna is suited for a distributed MIMO system (as e.g. shown in Figs. 1 to 3) and / or for small mobile communication cells. The multiband antenna 100 comprises at least one low band antenna device 120, being a dual polarized radiator in the embodiment shown. The dual polarized radiator having a first dipole 122 (first polarization) and a second dipole 124 (second polarization). Further, a reflector element 125 is assigned to the low band antenna device 120. The low band antenna device 120 is arranged on a first side of the reflector element 125. On a second side, being opposite to the first side, a radio unit (not shown) may be located.

[0058] The low band antenna device 120 is arranged rotatable around a first axis of rotation 118. The rotation allows to mechanically adjust a radiation direction (i.e. a main beam direction) of the low band antenna device 120.

[0059] Further, the multiband antenna 100 includes at least one high band antenna device 130. Said high band antenna device 130 includes a first, a second and a third array of antenna elements 132, 134, 136, each being e.g. a 4x4 array. Each of the arrays provides for a coverage area. An array's coverage area may form a sector having an angle of opening of about60°. The arrays' coverage areas contribute to the coverage of the high band antenna device 130. It is to be understood, that the arrangement of the arrays is only exemplarily in Fig. 5 and that this arrangement could be varied.

[0060] The high band antenna device may be arranged rotatable around a second axis of rotation. Here, the second axis is congruent with the first axis of rotation. Accordingly, the low band antenna device and the high band antenna device can rotate around the same axis. As the high band antenna device is arranged rotatable an orientation of the coverage areas of the arrays of antenna elements can be mechanically adjusted. Further, the arrays 132, 134, 136 of antenna elements may be configured to be controlled so as to electronically adjust an antenna beam direction of the respective array of antenna elements.

[0061] Further, the multiband antenna 100 comprises a housing 110. The housing protects the low band antenna device 120 and the high band antenna 130, which are accommodated within the housing 110, particularly a housing shell 116. The housing shell 116 is in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 substantially cylindrical and held between two mounting elements 112, 114. These mounting elements serve for mounting the multiband antenna 100 to e.g. a post or a wall.

[0062] Further, the multiband antenna comprises a dielectric support frame 119. Said support frame supports the low band antenna device 120. Further, the at least a portion of the dielectric support frame 119 is substantially bow-shaped, wherein the bow-shaped portion 119a includes a bearing surface. The bearing surface being in sliding contact with the housing shell 116, so as to support a rotational movement of the low band antenna device 120.

[0063] Fig. 6 gives a schematic illustration of the multiband antenna 100 being in use. The low band antenna device 120 is orientate, particularly mechanically rotated, so that the main beam 120b is directed towards a UE for wireless communication. The high band antenna device 130 includes three arrays of antenna elements 132, 134, 136. The first array of antenna elements 132 has a first coverage area 132c, the second array of antenna elements 134 has a second coverage area 134c, and the third array of antenna elements 136 has a third coverage area 136c. These coverage areas 132c, 134c and 136c are arranged next to each other and do overlap. Further, coverage areas 132c, 134c and 136c contribute to the coverage 130c of the high band antenna device 130.

[0064] For establishing a front haul link with the front haul node 300, an array may be chosen which covers position of the front haul node 300. Further, an antenna beam 130b may be directed towards the front haul node 300 so as to provide for a stable and reliable wireless front haul link.

[0065] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein are described more fully with reference to the accompanying figures. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0066] The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0067] 1 MIMO System

[0068] 10 low band, LB, communication

[0069] 12 A / D converter

[0070] 12‘ D / A converter

[0071] 20 Digital data processing device

[0072] 23 A / D converter

[0073] 23’ D / A converter

[0074] 30 wireless front haul link

[0075] 32 wireless front haul link

[0076] 100 multiband antenna

[0077] 110 housing

[0078] 112 mounting element

[0079] 114 mounting element

[0080] 116 housing shell

[0081] 118 axis of rotation

[0082] 119 support frame

[0083] 119a bow-shaped portion

[0084] 120 low band antenna device

[0085] 120b main beam of low band antenna device

[0086] 122 dipole (first polarization)

[0087] 124 dipole (second polarization)

[0088] 125 reflector element

[0089] 130 high band antenna device

[0090] 130c coverage of high-band antenna 130b high band beam

[0091] 132 array of antenna elements 132c coverage of high-band array

[0092] 134 array of antenna elements 134c coverage of high-band array

[0093] 136 array of antenna elements 136c coverage of high-band array 200 radio unit

[0094] 300 front haul node UE user equipment

Claims

CLAIMS 1 TO 221. A multiband antenna (100) for a distributed MIMO system (1) and / or for small mobile communication cells, the multiband antenna (100) comprising at least one low band antenna device (120), the low band antenna device being arranged rotatable around a first axis of rotation (118) for mechanically adjusting a first radiation direction, the low band antenna device (120) being configured to provide access to a low band communication (10); and at least one high band antenna device (130), the high band antenna device (130) including at least a first array of antenna elements (132) and a second array of antenna elements (134), wherein the first array of antenna elements (132) has a first coverage area, and the second array of antenna elements has a second coverage area, the first coverage area being different from the second coverage area, and wherein the high band antenna device (130) is configured to provide a wireless front haul link (30).

2. The multiband antenna (100) according to claim 1, wherein the multiband antenna (10) comprises a housing (110), the housing comprising at least one mounting element (112, 114) and at least one housing shell (116), wherein the housing shell (116) accommodates the low band antenna device (120) and / or the high band antenna device (130).

3. The multiband antenna (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the low band antenna device (120) is a dual polarized low band antenna device, particularly a dual polarized dipole.

4. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one low band antenna device (120) is configured to operate in a frequency range from 410 MHz - 7.2 GHz, particularly in a range from 690 MHz to 960 MHz, and optionally in at least one operating band of the FR1 range, according to the 3GPP TS 38.101 standard.

5. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one high band antenna device (130) is configured to operate in in a frequency range from 24 GHz to 71 GHz, particularly in a range from 24 GHz to 53 GHz and / or from 53 GHz to 71 GHz, even more particularly in arange from 28 GHz to 32 GHz, and optionally in at least one operating band of the FR2 range, according to the 3GPP TS 38.101 standard.

6. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the multiband antenna (100) comprises only one low band antenna device (120).

7. The multiband antenna (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the multiband antenna (100) comprises a dielectric support frame (119), and wherein the at least one low band antenna device (120) comprises a radiator head and a feeding structure, wherein the radiator head and the feeding structure are supported by the dielectric support frame.

8. The multiband antenna (100) according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the dielectric support frame (119) is substantially bow-shaped, wherein the bow-shaped portion (119a) includes a bearing surface, the bearing surface being in sliding contact with the housing shell, so as to support a rotational movement of the low band antenna device (120).

9. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the housing (110) includes a first rotatable housing shell, wherein the low band antenna device (120) is fixedly received within the first rotatable housing shell so as to rotate with the first rotatable housing shell, and wherein the housing (110) optionally includes a a second rotatable housing shell, wherein the high band antenna device is fixedly received within the second rotatable housing shell so as to rotate with the second rotatable housing shell.

10. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one high band antenna device (130) is arranged rotatable around a second axis of rotation for mechanically adjusting an orientation of the respective coverage areas of the arrays of antenna elements (132, 134, 136); and / orwherein at least one of the arrays (132, 134, 136) of antenna elements is configured to be controlled so as to electronically adjust an antenna beam direction of the respective array of antenna elements (132, 134, 136).

11. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the arrays of antenna elements (132, 134, 136) of the high band antenna device (130) are arranged so that the high band antenna device (130) has an azimuth coverage angle of at least 170°, or of at least 260° or of 360°.

12. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the multiband antenna (100) further comprising a radio unit (200), the radio unit (200) being connected to the low band antenna device (120) and the high band antenna device (130), wherein the radio unit (200) is configured to retransmit data received via the low band antenna device (120) via the high band antenna device (130), and / or vice versa, wherein the data may be converted.

13. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the multiband antenna (100) further comprises a reflector element (125), the reflector element (125) being assigned to the low band antenna device (120).

14. The multiband antenna (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the radio unit (200) is located proximate to the reflector element (125), so as to sandwich the reflector element (125) between the radio unit (200) and the low band antenna device (120).

15. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least one mid band antenna device, the mid band antenna device being adapted to operate in a frequency range from 1700 to 2700 MHz.

16. The multiband antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a satellite-based navigation system receiver.

17. A distributed MIMO system (1), the MIMO system (1) comprising multiple multiband antennas (100) according to any one of claim 1 to 16, wherein the multiband antennas (100) are spread over a geographical area; anda front haul node (300), wherein the multiple multiband antennas (100) and the front haul node (300) communicate on a wireless front haul, by means of the high band antenna devices.

18. The distributed MIMO system (1), according to claim 17, wherein the distributed MIMO system (1) includes at least 8 multiband antennas (100), or at least 16 multiband antennas (100), or at least 32 multiband antennas (100).

19. The distributed MIMO system (1) according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein at least some of the multiple multiband antennas (100) are configured to operate in a daisy chain.

20. The distributed MIMO system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the distributed MIMO system is a cell free MIMO system.

21. The distributed MIMO system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the distributed MIMO system provides at least one access point for mobile communication.

22. The distributed MIMO system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the low band link is an uplink and / or downlink link, and / or wherein the wireless front haul link (30, 32) is an uplink and / or downlink link.

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