An advanced antenna technology that suppresses radiowave emissions in a specific direction to prevent interference
Technology reduces signal strength in specific directions to boost communication precision
Nullforming, also known as nullsteering, is an adaptive array antenna technology used in 5G and 4G LTE wireless communications. Nullforming technology, which controls multiple antenna elements, plays a crucial role in minimizing interference between signals from different base stations. Mobile network base stations typically emit radiowaves across wide areas that can cover distances of up to several kilometers. However, when signals from different base stations collide, interference can occur, degrading the quality of communication. Nullforming addresses this issue by suppressing signals in specific directions to effectively reduce interference. Wireless signals propagate in a wave-like manner, and by using multiple antenna elements to cancel out signals in certain directions, a "null" state is created. This process drastically reduces signals from going in unwanted directions.
Nullforming and beamforming technologies complement each other in NTN Applications
In addition to the wireless communications used in daily life, nullforming technology can also potentially be applied to Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), such as stratospheric-based High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) communications. NTN communication requires the precise direction of signals from airborne base stations to mobile devices at a far distance away on the ground. By combining beamforming, which directs signals in desired specific directions, with nullforming, which suppresses signals moving in undesired directions, researchers are exploring ways to minimize unnecessary radiowave emissions between HAPS, or between HAPS in the sky and base stations on the ground, while enhancing signal strength reception.
SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is actively developing nullforming technology as part of its research and development efforts to provide high-quality communication networks using HAPS. In April 2024, SoftBank successfully conducted a demonstration with its cylindrical antenna, and used nullforming technology to suppress signals in specific directions. This demonstration successfully prevented signal interference and enabled frequency sharing between HAPS and ground base stations, marking a significant step forward in the development of advanced communication networks.
Related News
(Posted on August 26, 2024)
by SoftBank News Editors