Erlang capacity of CDMA systems with adaptive arrays

We present a technique to calculate the number of subscribers which can be supported in a CDMA system while using adaptive arrays. Results presented using this technique show the tremendous capacity increases possible while using adaptive arrays. The advantages of adaptive arrays over sector antennas and beamformers is quantified by considering Erlang capacity and spatial clustering of subscribers. This study has practical implications in wireless local loop systems and the results presented clearly highlight the benefits of using a dynamic spatial processor like adaptive arrays as compared with the fixed patterns used in sector antennas. We also consider the effects of high powered multimedia users in a voice-dominated system and results presented illustrate that by using smart antennas, it is possible to maintain a sizeable voice capacity while admitting a small number of multimedia users.