As network operators scramble to hire tower crews to keep up with the demand for wireless service, they are learning that every minute counts at the cell site. With time and talent both in short supply, getting the most out of each work crew becomes critical. This is the reality that inspires equipment makers to focus on efficiency, simplicity and scalability.
“Plug and play” is a favorite phrase for Omar Flores, business development manager for wireless at 3M. The company has created a wireless division in Austin to adapt many of its core technologies for the wireless market. 3M recently introduced an external cable assembly module allows cable to be prepared for installation on the ground, and then snapped into the terminal port on the tower, connecting and sealing in one motion.
The external cable assembly module (ECAM) is part of 3M’s new Tower Dome terminal, a complement to the Slim Lock closure the company launched last year. The Tower Dome terminal is for fiber-to-the-antenna solutions.
“The OEMs are bringing tower-top electronics now, so they are bringing the radio remote unit to the top of the tower, and instead of using coax they are using fiber,” says Flores. “Depending on the number of radios that you have in one tower you will need a different system. We have different closures that allow you to provide services for up to 12 radios.” Flores said 3M focused on making the Tower Dome easy to access and open so that additional fiber can be added easily.
Another potential time saver for operators is built-in sensor technology. “We are bringing intrusion sensors, if that’s what customers need, in the way in which if you open the closure a signal will be sent to the central office. We are also adding moisture sensors,” Flores said.
Some of the same technologies used in 3M’s tower equipment will translate to small cells in the months ahead. “We are bringing weatherproofing, we are bringing fiber connectivity, in addition to that we are bringing other 3M technology, like concealment [and] aesthetics,” said Flores. “We are bringing materials that allow you to mimic the wall or mimic the building.”
Flores expects demand for small cells to take off next year, but says that for now fiber-to-the-antenna is driving 3M’s wireless business. Below Flores demonstrates the SlimLock and the Tower Dome.
