![]() Microwave 'anyhaul'Ī major challenge for mobile network operators has been how to extend existing 4G LTE and 5G connections into areas where a physical, fiber or copper connection to a 5G tower isn’t feasible. Given the UK government is eager for the country to be a 5G leader, it’s likely that these height rules will be relaxed through revisions of the Electronic Communications Code (ECC). This is especially true when you consider that taller masts would make wireless backhaul a more practical option. This is particularly important when operators start rolling out the low-range spectrum that will deliver wide 5G coverage. This reduces the need to build more masts, lowering construction and operational costs (and reducing the number of potential eyesores). The taller the mast is, the wider an area it can serve. However, UK regulations currently prescribe a maximum elevation of 25 metres (and 20 in protected areas). In parts of Europe, operators are allowed to build masts up to a height of 50 metres. Operators have supported any measure that promotes investment in fibre networks, but they have been even more vocal about the height of masts. Lightweight, compact, multi-functional equipment reduces demand on space significantly.Īnother key 5G tower consideration is the availability of fibre, as there’s no point in having ultrafast radio speeds if the backhaul isn’t there to support it. The second factor is that because some cell towers will support multiple networks (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G), there is a physical limit to the amount of kit that a site can support. This reduces labour demands and there reduces costs for the operators. ![]() The first is that the lighter the equipment, the quicker and easier it is to install. Equipment manufacturers such as Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia have all been working to ensure that their 5G radio gear supports as many functions and standards as possible, while remaining compact and lightweight. Upgrade programme for 5G towersįor 5G, operators have been upgrading masts with new equipment that is compatible with their new spectrum. To deliver this, new technology must be installed on 5G towers. Software upgrades will make it easier to roll out new features, while edge computing will enable ultra-low latency. And this has placed a focus on the 5G tower technology that operators are having to install to deliver 5G.ĥG networks will be powered by cloud-based cores that allow physical functions to be virtualised and moved around the network. This has required a rethink in how mobile networks are built at all three key layers - radio, transport and core. (Image credit: Future) 5G towers require new technologyĥG will bring ultrafast speeds, greater capacity, and ultra-low latency – characteristics that will allow mobile networks to offer connectivity reliable enough to support critical applications for the first time. This Huawei AAU is used to deliver 5G services by Vodafone in the UK. They’re often designed to be as discreet as possible, so they blend in with the environment, but there’s only so much that can be done to limit the aesthetic impact. In the most simplest of terms, masts transmit data to and from a device to the wider network. ![]() Masts are essential for the radio layer of a 5G network. In this post, we aim to demystify some of the issues around 5G tower technology. Despite this general awareness, though, most people have absolutely no idea what technology sits atop the thousands of mobile masts that surround them.
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