This document contains a brief selection of rudimentary questions and answers for those interested in cell tower layout and design. More in-depth stru...
Cell Tower Site Components Questions & Answers This document contains a brief selection of rudimentary questions and answers for those interested in cell tower layout and design. More in-depth structural analysis and calculations will be provided in 2014.
Chi M. Kwan 12/12/2013
Q. What is a definition of a tower? According to the Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s dictionary, it is “a tall, narrow building or structure that may stand apart from or be attached to another building or structure.”
Q. What are the typical structures at a cell site? At a cell site, there’s a tower with some of its selected appurtenances (whip antenna, antenna array, panel / antenna, microwave dish). Coax cables run through the port holes (basically openings on the cell tower) and connect to sheltered equipment. Reinforcement bars may be added to the cell tower in anticipation of additional cell tenants. A generator is also on standby for backup power, in case of power failure. Lastly, a fence encloses the cell site for safety and vandalism concerns. Sometimes, cell towers are also known as BTS (Base Transceiver Stations).
Q. What’s a monopole tower? A monopole tower is a “one” pole tower. They are best used for areas where zoning is difficult and quick assembly is needed.
Q. What’s a lattice tower? A lattice tower is a structure that’s made of crossing structural members. They’re typically designed to be self- supporting structures.
Q. What’s a guyed tower? A guyed tower is a structure that has guys (tensioned cables) added for better lateral stability. Typically, unless a large land area is available and a tower height of 300 ft or greater is needed, it’s more economical to go with the other tower types.
Q. What’s a stealth tower? A stealth tower is a structure that blends into the environment (think NIMBY = Not in my backyard). Sometimes they may look like Palm trees, flag poles, cactuses, or atop of buildings or water tanks.
Q. How do those typical towers look like? Monopole
Lattice
wormwould/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/onthespiral / CC BY-NC 2.0
SteveKazella / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Guyed Tower
Stealth Tower (disguised as a tree)
Chetvorno / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
SteveKazella / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Q. Draw a rough sketch of all the structures you may find at Base Transceiver Station.
Q. What’s typically owned by the tower company (ex. Crown Castle, American Tower, etc.)? They typically have a long term lease on the land and they own the physical tower. The business generates revenue by allowing tenants to rent spaces on the tower. Tenants can be cellular providers, radio stations, government research organizations, etc.
Q. What’s typically owned by the cellular providers? They typically own the antenna equipment that’s mounted on the towers, the equipment inside the shelter (base station controller equipment), and coaxial cables that lead up to the antenna.
Q. What are two specifications aiding the design and construction of antenna supporting structures? TIA-1019-A: Standard for Installation, Alteration and Maintenance of Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas TIA-222G Rev G: Structural Standards for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas
References
American Tower. Introduction to Tower Industry and American Tower - 4Q 2012 [PDF document]. Retrieved from American Tower Online Web site: http://www.americantower.com/corporateus/investor-relations/company-industryresources/index.htm
tower. 2013. In Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary online. Retrieved 12/12/2013, from http://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/tower
