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How Telecommunications Drives the Future of Connectivity

The digitalization of industry requires advanced communications solutions that use LTE, which provides optimal operational control and security.


Explore the interactive illustration below and click on the numbers to learn more about how advanced LTE technology keeps the world connected and helps utilities operate more efficiently.

User equipment (UE)

Endpoint devices and systems, both mobile and stationary, need to establish wireless connections. They are tied into the network by creating a data link through the available spectrum. UE includes phones, mobile routers and any other devices that connect to the network.

Utilities generation, transmission and distribution network

The wireless broadband network augments existing direct fiber and/or networked ethernet connections between the power generation plant, substations, transmission lines and distribution network — extending capabilities to end users, devices and systems. Adding wireless broadband to the network makes the grid more reliable through increased control, end-to-end visibility and enhanced security.

Radio frequency (RF) spectrum

RF spectrum is a specific range of over-the-air radio waves that enable the transmission of voice and data via wireless signals. These radio waves can be shared with others (unlicensed) or held privately for purpose-built applications.

Cellular tower

This is a key part of the radio access network (RAN). The cellular tower is the structure that supports equipment necessary to broadcast and receive wireless signals. In many areas, the height of the tower is critical to enable antennas to effectively broadcast and receive broadband wireless signals to and from UE devices.

Antenna and remote radio head (RRH)

The antenna and RRH work together to broadcast the wireless signal. The RRH provides the power to amplify the signal and is the main contributor to the energy consumption of a wireless broadband network. Located at the top of the tower (typically), the RRH is connected to the baseband unit using fiber-optic and power cables.

Baseband unit (BBU)

The baseband unit is specialized hardware that processes incoming radio waves into backhaul data, translating the information from the UEs and preparing it so it can be transported over the wide-area network (WAN).

Cellular site — radio frequency equipment

The cellular site radio frequency equipment includes power amplifiers, noise filters and transceivers. It serves one or more sectors/cells as well as IP networking equipment, such as BBU, site routers and switches. This equipment improves performance and resiliency and connects to the backhaul networking equipment that routes traffic across the WAN.

Cellular site — support system equipment

The support system equipment includes the power equipment for all of the electronics, HVAC elements, battery backup and backup power generators. This equipment keeps the site operational in the event of a power loss and disconnection from the electric grid and is critical to maintaining the reliability of a communications network. 

Backhaul — utility data network

The backhaul network for a utility represents the WAN that many utilities have built out over the last few decades. These networks are typically designed to carry mission critical transmission control applications and are often suitable to transport broadband backhaul as an additional application. This network connects the RAN to the cellular network core.

Data network aggregation nodes

These aggregation points serve as central locations where data from various cellular towers is aggregated for subsequent routing stages, prior to forwarding it to the cellular network core.

Evolved packet core (EPC)

The EPC consists of servers, routers, gateways, storage and virtualization infrastructure that handle all data processing for a network. One of the primary functions of the EPC is conducted by the switching apparatus which determines the optimal route for data transmission and steers data toward the cellular tower closest to the UE.

User equipment (UE)

Endpoint devices and systems, both mobile and stationary, need to establish wireless connections. They are tied into the network by creating a data link through the available spectrum. UE includes phones, mobile routers and any other devices that connect to the network.

Utilities generation, transmission and distribution network

The wireless broadband network augments existing direct fiber and/or networked ethernet connections between the power generation plant, substations, transmission lines and distribution network — extending capabilities to end users, devices and systems. Adding wireless broadband to the network makes the grid more reliable through increased control, end-to-end visibility and enhanced security.

Radio frequency (RF) spectrum

RF spectrum is a specific range of over-the-air radio waves that enable the transmission of voice and data via wireless signals. These radio waves can be shared with others (unlicensed) or held privately for purpose-built applications.

Cellular tower

This is a key part of the radio access network (RAN). The cellular tower is the structure that supports equipment necessary to broadcast and receive wireless signals. In many areas, the height of the tower is critical to enable antennas to effectively broadcast and receive broadband wireless signals to and from UE devices.

Antenna and remote radio head (RRH)

The antenna and RRH work together to broadcast the wireless signal. The RRH provides the power to amplify the signal and is the main contributor to the energy consumption of a wireless broadband network. Located at the top of the tower (typically), the RRH is connected to the baseband unit using fiber-optic and power cables.

Baseband unit (BBU)

The baseband unit is specialized hardware that processes incoming radio waves into backhaul data, translating the information from the UEs and preparing it so it can be transported over the wide-area network (WAN).

Cellular site — radio frequency equipment

The cellular site radio frequency equipment includes power amplifiers, noise filters and transceivers. It serves one or more sectors/cells as well as IP networking equipment, such as BBU, site routers and switches. This equipment improves performance and resiliency and connects to the backhaul networking equipment that routes traffic across the WAN.

Cellular site — support system equipment

The support system equipment includes the power equipment for all of the electronics, HVAC elements, battery backup and backup power generators. This equipment keeps the site operational in the event of a power loss and disconnection from the electric grid and is critical to maintaining the reliability of a communications network. 

Backhaul — utility data network

The backhaul network for a utility represents the WAN that many utilities have built out over the last few decades. These networks are typically designed to carry mission critical transmission control applications and are often suitable to transport broadband backhaul as an additional application. This network connects the RAN to the cellular network core.

Data network aggregation nodes

These aggregation points serve as central locations where data from various cellular towers is aggregated for subsequent routing stages, prior to forwarding it to the cellular network core.

Evolved packet core (EPC)

The EPC consists of servers, routers, gateways, storage and virtualization infrastructure that handle all data processing for a network. One of the primary functions of the EPC is conducted by the switching apparatus which determines the optimal route for data transmission and steers data toward the cellular tower closest to the UE.

The Value of Control: Private LTE Networks Offer Flexibility and Oversight

Electric utilities face a monumental shift toward decarbonization and greater reliance on renewables and distributed energy sources. Pressure from government and regulatory bodies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and move to a more electrified society has placed an unprecedented strain on outdated power grid infrastructure. This is creating the necessity for grid modernization which requires a comprehensive communications strategy.

A modernized grid requires additional visibility and controls, introducing new data and connectivity requirements with each change. These new requirements will force utilities to evaluate and choose from a variety of new communications solutions. A solution that meets these requirements is a broadband wireless network utilizing long-term evolution (LTE) technology in a private, purpose-built, utility-controlled environment. This is commonly referred to as a private LTE (PLTE) network.

LTE is a global standard for wireless broadband communications used for high-speed internet and data services on public mobile networks. It offers fast data speeds, low latency and efficient spectrum use for consumer and business applications. LTE is recognized as a well-established wireless broadband communications technology supported by a large network of suppliers, infrastructure providers and professional services resources. LTE is equipped to accommodate future communication technologies including 5G, 6G and beyond. By leveraging this technology in a private network deployment, utilities and other large industries can leverage their current investments while embracing future innovations.

The demand for safe, reliable, resilient and efficient power delivery has never been more critical. A PLTE network allows utilities to build, operate and maintain their own communications networks using a proven global standard while providing the benefits of improved cybersecurity, greater visibility, and increased control and resiliency. 

Collaborating with a knowledgeable partner that understands the criticality of utility applications and the value of implementing carrier-grade communications technologies to support your private network solution will put you in a position to be successful. A partner with the experience and capabilities to develop a comprehensive communications strategy and then implement it from concept through design, construction and operation will be a valuable resource when it comes to increased grid reliability.

Thought Leaders

Bruce Albright

PLTE Business Segment Manager
Burns & McDonnell

Scott Wales

Senior Business Development Manager