Enhance network efficiency with SEED® technology

Over the past 30 years, the demand for energy-efficient mobile networks has become more critical than ever. Mobile networks have always been significant consumers of electrical power. But rising energy costs and the growing importance of sustainability have combined to make reducing power consumption a top priority for mobile network operators (MNOs).

At ANDREW, we are committed to meeting this need with innovative solutions. Our latest answer to the energy efficiency challenge is SEED® high-efficiency base station antenna (BSA) technology. It is a cutting-edge technology that enhances network performance, delivers bottom-line savings, and promotes better environmental outcomes. SEED technology also demonstrates our continuing commitment to sustainability.

Network energy efficiency is influenced by various factors, but radio amplifiers and antennas both play a significant role. This is why minimizing BSA losses can be a game changer for overall energy efficiency. Our proprietary SEED technology — short for “sustainable energy-efficient design” — achieves this by delivering higher gain. This not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces energy consumption, lowers operating expenses (OpEx), and decreases CO₂ emissions.

At the core of the SEED solution is an innovative low-loss distribution feed network and advanced phase-shifter technology. These components work together to boost the base station antenna’s radiated power relative to its input power, increasing radiating efficiency.

What makes the SEED solution truly special, however, is the flexibility that comes from increased gain that can be leveraged to:

• Improve coverage area and close coverage gaps around cell edges, which ultimately enhances customer experiences.
• Potentially reduce the number of sites required to cover a region, which is particularly valuable when designing coverage for new network areas.
• Save up to 15% on energy consumption while maintaining the same coverage and capacity, significantly reducing operating costs and CO₂ emissions.

What makes the new SEED-enabled BSAs greener?

Here are four ways SEED technology helps improve environmental outcomes:

1. Lower power consumption. SEED technology reduces insertion loss, so a larger percentage of the DC power fed into the radio is radiated into the sector. This can allow radio power to be reduced, resulting in up to a 15% savings in energy consumption. 
2. Better performance with existing power. ANDREW’s latest-generation SEED products utilize a new aerodynamic radome design. The new 468mm-wide housing reduces wind loading due to the unique shape of its cross section. Because the housing is wider, the arrays in the antenna can be placed farther apart to improve low-band and mid-band performance. Additionally, advanced 3D network simulation techniques are used to optimize the network performance of the design, both in terms of coverage and signal quality.
3. Harmful materials reduction. SEED technology features an improved mid-band strip line feed network. The airstrip design also eliminates coaxial cables that contain fluoropolymers known as "forever chemicals” due to their extreme environmental persistence.
4. Recyclable materials use. The radome is made of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP), which is 100% recyclable. 

At ANDREW, we are excited to help MNOs take on the challenge of improved network efficiency. Our proprietary SEED technology represents a significant step forward in sustainability — and it’s a technology that we intend to continually improve. We believe this gives MNOs a practical and effective way to make mobile networks more efficient and environmentally friendly without compromising the customer experience. It’s just one of the ways we’re working with our customers to create a more sustainable future for the telecommunications industry.