Efficient Cube Antenna Array Deployment Using Noninteger Spacing for Cost Optimization

The demand for efficient and high-performing antenna arrays in next-generation wireless networks has led to the exploration of innovative design strategies. Traditional integer-spaced cube arrays often face challenges, such as elevated mutual coupling and increased costs from dense deployments. This article addresses these challenges by introducing a novel extension of noninteger spacing configurations to 3-D cube antenna arrays, supported by derived array factor and sum-rate capacity formulations. Comprehensive performance evaluations across multiple communication metrics demonstrate the consistent advantages of noninteger arrays, even under diverse channel conditions. Additionally, a bottom face-off configuration is explored, reducing element count while maintaining competitive capacity and beamforming performance. These findings position noninteger cube arrays as scalable, cost-effective solutions to meet the rigorous demands of fifth generation (5G) and future wireless networks.