RNS News

Radio Network Solutions (RNS) recently installed Africa’s first ever Matsing Lens Antenna at the Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Newlands, home to the Cape Cobras, is considered one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. With a capacity of 25,000 people and a breath-taking backdrop of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, the Stadium will now also possess state-of-the-art technology.

“The Matsing Lens Antenna holds industry records for data capacity throughput. It was used in the United States for the 2017 presidential inauguration,” says RNS sales director, Richard Hill. “We are excited to bring world-class technology to one of our very own stadiums, allowing Newlands’ visitors to enjoy seamless connection during matches.”

Technical aspects

Matsing Lens Antennas provide a new high-capacity solution for base-station antennas. Having developed and patented a new meta-material, Matsing is able to manufacture the worlds lightest RF lens base-station antennas. RF Lens antennas provide several unique advantages over traditional array or ‘panel’ antennas, particularly in providing significantly higher capacity, multiple individual beams, individual tilt and multi-band coverage from one antenna. Matsing Lens Antennas have recently set new industry records for data capacity throughput and have been deployed at some of the largest events in the U.S. (including the recent 2017 presidential inauguration, as well as Coachella music festival 2014-2016). Matsing Antennas provide the highest efficiency, highest capacity multi-beam base-station solution utilising the latest RF lens technology, explains Neil Nordgaard, RNS Technical Director.

How an RF Lens works

A RF Lens, similar to an optical lens, forms or bends Electromagnetic waves through refraction. By placing a single radiating element on the surface of spherical RF Luneburg Lens, a high-gain signal is created radiating from the opposite side of the spherical lens.

RF Lens Multi-beam Antenna Design

Multiple radiating elements can be placed around the same sphere to create multiple, independent, high-gain beams utilising the same lens. This allows Lens based antennas to have significant performance improvement as compared to traditional array or dish antenna technology.

Performance and capacity improvements

RF Lens based antennas can provide significant performance and capacity improvements over traditional antenna technology, such as the ability to have multiple independent beams for high order sectorisation, ultra-broadband coverage, high isolation between beams and individual beam tilt capabilities.

As one of Africa’s most innovative and leading communications solutions suppliers, RNS’engineers design, implement and support wireless networks in any environment. Their combined expertise exceeds 60 years.

Mr Hill concludes: “We are delighted that this technology will contribute to many more great sporting moments, and have confidence that RNS will continue to be at the forefront of innovation.”