Analysing antenna performance in the microwave radio interference environment

A Monte Carlo computer simulation models the radiation performance of 11 GHz antennas in a homogenous high density microwave link interference environment. The results facilitate the quantitative comparison of antenna parameters on the basis of spectrum re-use criteria and confirm that antenna aperture is a poor indicator of spectrum re-use potential and an inconsistent basis for regulatory criteria. Antennas with high sidelobe and cross-polar discrimination facilitate spectrum re-use factors of four to five times that achievable with standard models. Further simulation work is anticipated to consolidate a general result, with application in a regulatory context.