NTT DOCOMO Achieves 1.2 Gbps with Smart Vertical MIMO for LTE-A

NTT DOCOMO has achieved downlinks exceeding 1.2 Gbps in a field test using a single-size antenna incorporating a new transmission technology, Smart Vertical MIMO, for LTE-Advanced.

DOCOMO has developed a unique Smart Vertical MIMO transmission technology that uses adaptive grouping of vertical antenna components according to the reception quality for mobile devices in the transmission area. The technique enables a single-size antenna to achieve throughput equivalent to that of a four-antenna system.

DOCOMO said Smart Vertical MIMO could play a key role in its planned deployment of LTE-Advanced. The technology reduces the cost and space of installing antenna equipment and improves spectrum utilization efficiency. Space reduction is particularly beneficial for deployments in congested urban areas.

The company tested Smart Vertical MIMO in July 2013 in the suburban environment of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, and again this month in the urban environment of Sagamihara. The tests used 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3.9GHz band.