Telecom FAQs

Alpine Power Systems has created this page as a resource for answers to frequently asked questions about the telecommunications industry.

What is 5G?

5G stands for “Fifth Generation” within the telecommunications industry. The fifth generation will provide up to 1,000 times the speed of 4G LTE technology. 5G Telecommunications technology will be necessary for the evolving IoT. The 5G standard has been finalized, and carriers have acquired the spectrum they need for next-gen speeds.

What is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS)?

A distributed antenna system (DAS) is a way to manage remote spots of poor coverage inside a building by connecting a network of small antennas throughout the building to serve as repeaters. The antennas are physically connected to a central controller which is connected to the wireless carrier network’s base station. Distributed antenna systems operate on RF spectrum licensed to wireless carriers; therefore, an organization can’t complete a DAS installation on its own without working with a wireless carrier.

What is Wireless Communication?

Wireless communication is the transfer of information or power between two or more points that are not connected by an electrical conductor. The most common wireless technologies use radio waves.

Many different applications use wireless communication technology including smartphones, GPS, two-way radios, radio receivers, satellite television and more.

What Is Landline Communication?

Landline communication involves using a phone that uses a metal wire or optical fiber telephone line for transmission. This differs from a cellular line, which uses radio waves for transmission. Landline is often referred to as a home phone, fixed-line, or wireline. The amount of landline subscribers has decreased over time due to upgrades in wireless technology and or Internet-based alternatives.

How Does a BBU Work?

A Baseband Unit works by converting data into a digital signal which is sent on to the remote radio head RRH) where it is converted into an analog signal.

What does Telco mean?

The term telco is used as another word for telecom company; a telecommunications service provider that offers telephone and data communication services. Many telcos bundle services so customers will purchase Internet and telephone service packages. Examples of telcos are Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.

What is a Central Office?

A central office is a physical site where telecommunications carriers terminate customer lines and locate the switching equipment that interconnects those lines.

What is a Femtocell?

Femtocells increase capacity and coverage but are very small and low powered. Typically, they can service less than 10 users. Femtocells are independent from the local towers but do not require a dedicated back-haul. Femtocells use a local internet connection to back haul data to the carrier. This is the lowest cost option for increasing indoor cell coverage. These femtocells are similar in size and complexity to a Wi-Fi router.

How does a DAS differ from a Small Cell?

DAS Systems are almost identical to the “Small Cell” system but it utilizes the same base station equipment as a cell tower. DAS systems are used in large venues like stadiums, hospitals and campuses.

What is an Active DAS System?

An Active DAS is a system that uses a power source so that fiber optic cables can connect with remote nodes.

What is Benchmark Testing Within the Telecommunications Industry?

Measuring indoor signal strength to justify the need for DAS and identify weak spots.

What is a Picocell?

A Picocell is a small cellular base station that is an alternative to a repeater or DAS to improve cell phone reception inside.

How does a Base Station Network Emulator Work?

A Base Station Network Emulator works by simulating a test environment to test network connection and traffic for measuring 5G performance at scale.