The global 5G rollout continues apace. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 543 operators are investing in 5G worldwide, have spent more than $50 billion on 5G-related auctions and assignments, and have planned 265 commercial launches.
Telcos’ information and communications technology (ICT) must support larger workloads, such as IoT and mobile edge computing, connected services (including smart homes and buildings, intelligent transportation, and ultimately autonomous vehicles), gaming, streaming media, and more. Many of these workloads are mission-critical, require ultra-low latency, and will be processed at the edge.
Telco Access Sites Now Have More IT Equipment
So, what does this mean for telecommunications companies’ infrastructure? It’s evolving fast, becoming denser and more intelligent.
Telcos’ power infrastructure is changing, too. For decades, 48-volt DC power has been the standard for telecommunications equipment because it is efficient and reliable.
However, telecommunications access sites are now packed with IT equipment that supports new processing requirements. Much of this equipment requires AC, not DC power. In addition to providing continuous power, access sites must provide extended runtimes when grid challenges force a shift to battery backup. This is especially true when they are remotely located and unstaffed, causing service delays. While an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can offer short-term backup power for AC loads, it generally does not provide the extended runtime many of these locations demand.
Inverters Provide AC Power, Supporting More Applications
As a result, telco access sites need to ensure a continuous stream of AC power – a task that inverters are uniquely equipped to handle. Inverters like the Vertiv™ NetSure™ Inverter Series power AC loads in a compact footprint and share a common battery bank with the DC power system.
The benefits of deploying Vertiv NetSure Inverters at telco access sites include:
- Using a single AC and DC power solution: Integrated Vertiv NetSure Inverter Systems provide AC and DC power and offer a single system controller. Telcos that deploy Vertiv NetSure reduce Capex investments and simplify site operations.
- Improving power reliability: 5G services require always-on connectivity. Telecommunications firms can meet this demand by using Vertiv inverters to ensure zero transfer time from grid to battery, maximizing site availability.
- Minimizing energy consumption: Vertiv inverters reduce energy consumption, providing up to 95.2% efficiency in AC input mode. Telcos can use energy savings to reduce costs and report Scope 2 emissions improvements.
- Scale with growth: Growing IT loads increase power density at access sites. Vertiv NetSure provides market-leading inverter power density (19.5 VA/in3) and can be scaled by adding 1kVA inverter modules to increase system capacity.
- Taking up less space: Vertiv NetSure Inverters have a slim design that frees up space for revenue-generating IT equipment at access sites.
- Providing flexible maintenance options: Vertiv inverters offer an advanced interface that can be managed locally and remotely. As a result, teams can troubleshoot issues remotely, minimizing site visits and decreasing operational costs.
Maximize 5G Growth Opportunities with an Inverter for Growing Power Loads
Telecommunications firms are spending billions on buying 5G spectrum, rolling out internet services with faster speeds and greater bandwidth, and developing new services.
As a result, they’ll require a growing number of high-performance inverters to provide AC and DC power and ensure power reliability for mission-critical services.
Telco teams can count on Vertiv NetSure to provide strong operational performance while scaling with business growth.
Learn more about the Vertiv™ NetSure™ Inverter Series.
