Future-Proofing Wireless Networks: The Importance of Tower Design

Wireless connectivity requires the physical infrastructure capable of providing reliable coverage, equipment capacity and efficient network deployment. A wireless tower infrastructure solutions provider plays a key role as they design, construct, upgrade and maintain structures on which antennas, radio and other communication gear are mounted.

The project is not confined to tower building. The structural design, location, loading demands, power supply, accessibility and upkeep all influence the ability of a tower to support network operations. Infrastructure providers are also becoming important partners as operators expand coverage and deploy ever more advanced radio equipment and technology, and make better use of existing sites.

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Evolving Demand for Wireless Tower Infrastructure

Network operators' wireless infrastructure needs are increasing and becoming more complex, looking for not only increased coverage and capacity, but also avoiding unnecessary duplication of physical assets. The sites for towers must support equipment from various generations and, in many instances, various network providers.

Additional antennas and radio units can be added to a well-engineered tower, if appropriate, from the outset. Site planning should allow for existing loads and anticipated equipment changes to ensure infrastructure continues to be useful in an ever-changing network environment.

Small cells and distributed network architectures are also impacting infrastructure needs. Some dense urban environments may not always be appropriate for macro towers, due to space constraints, planning requirements or visual aspects.

Where conventional towers are impractical, there is a potential for providing additional coverage in compact structures, rooftop installations and street-level infrastructure. Each location is different, and infrastructure specialists can decide on appropriate mounting configurations, structural needs and equipment location based on the physical properties.

Another key market development is tower sharing. A common structure can be used with multiple operators, without requiring to build multiple sites with overlapping coverage areas. When loading, access and equipment segregation are both designed and implemented correctly, shared infrastructure can help to maximize asset usage and site management.

As more equipment is added, structural assessments are especially critical to ensure that the tower stays within the limits of what has been engineered. Existing loads are easier to manage in the future if there is also documentation.

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges through Engineering

The addition of antennas, radios, or transmission equipment to towers raises important considerations, with structural load being one of the most critical factors. As the equipment and antenna configuration change, wind loading can increase greatly, and such assumptions are not always reliable, based only on a specific tower.

As the equipment and antenna configuration change, wind loading can increase greatly, and such an assumption would not necessarily be reliable, based on a specific tower. One practical solution is to perform structural analysis prior to approval of modifications. Engineers can check the current loading, wind loading forces and proposed reinforcement, and they can give suggestions on reinforcement or equipment redistribution when it is necessary.

Acquisition of sites can also pose challenges in a network expansion, as locations that meet requirements may be scarce. Instead of building new towers, infrastructure operators can evaluate existing towers, rooftops and other buildings for reuse. Applications in conjunction with coverage requirements can help identify sites for network reach that can be useful without duplication of infrastructure. It can also help reduce deployment work and maximize asset efficiency by reusing suitable assets.

Local planning and permitting can have an impact on deployment design. The location, appearance, and land use may all impact approval requirements for towers. Proper engineering documentation can resolve technical issues in advance of construction. Monopoles, or concealed equipment arrangements or structures designed with visual impact being considered, may offer practical alternatives that support network performance where visual impact is a consideration.

Advancing Tower Infrastructure and Stakeholder Value

Digital engineering is helping to optimize the planning and management of tower assets. Prior to construction or modification, three-dimensional site models, digital surveys, and structural analysis software can be used to gather more accurate information. Engineers are able to check out pieces of equipment placement, tower geometry and site restrictions digitally, thus avoiding the need for repeated physical adjustments. Upgrading is also easier in the future because existing configurations can be checked prior to the addition of new equipment.

The trend of remote monitoring is providing additional opportunities for infrastructure management. Sensors can detect structural motion, environment parameters, power status and selected equipment parameters. Monitored data can allow maintenance staff to find potential unusual conditions and prioritize inspections. Operators are no longer forced to rely on pre-designed inspection schedules and instead can leverage site data to aid in more focused decisions about maintenance.

Such monitoring capabilities can be extended to predictive maintenance. Multiple measurements may be made that indicate a change in vibration, temperature, power usage, or structural behavior over time. Arrange for engineering teams to explore unusual patterns and schedule corrective work that will not affect performance. Because of the need to interpret sensor readings based on the design of the towers, the environmental conditions, and the equipment configuration, human expertise is still needed.