Penetration effects on XPD with GSM 1800 handset antennas, relevant for BS polarization diversity for indoor coverage

This paper presents dual polarized wideband radio investigations in urban and suburban microcell conditions in the 1800 MHz band. The aim of the investigations is to disclose the factors determining base station (BS) polarization diversity gain. It is found that handset antenna type and handset orientation are the determining factors for polarization cross coupling, which is the prime variable responsible for the diversity gain, Environment and body proximity are of less importance for the polarization state, though they have a noticeable influence on the total received power, It is concluded that BS polarization diversity can function with comparable results as a traditional space diversity system, under typical handset usage conditions, thus providing a very compact antenna system, less intrusive than space diversity antenna setups.