Antenna structure and installation

A method of making an antenna system on a tower/support structure, said method comprising:

• mounting a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an antenna array on said tower/support structure;
• coupling a power amplifier with each of said antenna elements, each power amplifier mounted closely adjacent to the associated antenna element, such that no appreciable power loss occurs between the power amplifier and the associated antenna element;
• and
• mounting a first RF to fiber transceiver on the tower/support structure, and coupling the first RF to fiber transceiver with the antenna structure, and
• mounting a second RF to fiber transceiver adjacent a base portion of the tower/support structure, and coupling said second RF to fiber transceiver with the first RF to fiber transceiver by an optical fiber cable.

A communication system comprising:

• an antenna structure including a plurality of antenna elements which form an array;
• a plurality of power amplifiers, a power amplifier being operatively coupled with each of said antenna elements of the array and mounted closely adjacent to the associated array antenna element, such that no appreciable power loss occurs between the power amplifier and the associated array antenna element;
• a first RF to fiber transceiver configured for being operatively coupled with the antenna structure;
• and
• a second RF to fiber transceiver, positioned remotely from the antenna structure and first RF to fiber transceiver, and configured for being coupled with said first RF transceiver by an optical fiber cable.