System for isolating an auxiliary antenna from a main antenna mounted in a common antenna assembly

An antenna structure comprising:

• a base station antenna configured to transmit or receive signals in a first frequency range, said base station antenna developing a main beam that is substantially wider in azimuth than in elevation;
• an auxiliary antenna configured to transmit or receive signals in a second frequency range at least partially overlapping said first frequency range and to develop an auxiliary beam at least partially overlapping said main beam, said auxiliary antenna mounted elevationally above or below said base station antenna in a common antenna assembly;
• and
• energy absorbing material surrounding said auxiliary antenna configured to isolate said auxiliary antenna from one or more antennas positioned adjacent to said common antenna assembly.

An antenna structure comprising:

• an electrically non-conductive support structure;
• mounted on said support structure, a base station antenna comprising at least one radiator supported adjacent a first ground plane, said at least one radiator configured to transmit or receive signals in a first frequency range and to develop a main beam substantially wider in azimuth than in elevation;
• mounted on said support structure and spaced elevationally above or below said base station antenna, an auxiliary antenna comprising at least one radiator supported adjacent a second ground plane isolated from said first ground plane, said auxiliary antenna configured to transmit or receive signals in a second frequency range overlapping said first frequency range and to develop an auxiliary beam at least partially overlapping said main beam azimuthally;
• and
• a radio frequency energy suppressor disposed between said base station and auxiliary antennas.

For use in a base station, a method comprising:

• with a base station antenna, transmitting or receiving signals in a first radio frequency range in a main beam which is significantly wider in azimuth than in elevation and has a predetermined beam elevation selected to communicate with mobile terminals;
• with an auxiliary antenna, transmitting or receiving signals in a second radio frequency range overlapping said first frequency range in an auxiliary beam which azimuthally overlaps said main beam and is directed to communicate with other base stations;
• and
• decoupling said base station and auxiliary antennas to suppress interference by the main beam signals with the auxiliary beam signals.