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‘Rain Umbrella’ For Computer Servers Wins US Patent – And Sees Orders Triple Post SuperStorm Sandy

May 14, 2013 by Phil Turtle

DCME0014_TurtleShellServerShield - An UmbrellaTo KeepWaterAnd DebrisOff DelicateEquipmentWhenLeaks AndStormsOccurAbove-W600Hundreds of thousands of data centers and server rooms are in multi-tenanted buildings across the US and elsewhere. Within them, critical computer servers and telecommunications equipment are regularly damaged by water dripping – and sometimes cascading – through ceilings from leaking or burst pipes on the floors above.

And worse: In storm-prone areas, it is only too frequent for roof-damage to allow water to come flooding in (even when the roof is several floors up) – causing widespread destruction of the server equipment and disruption to businesses.

An invention called the Turtle Shell server shield – effectively a massive umbrella for data center servers and telecoms racks – is already protecting thousands of servers around the US and as far afield as Norway and Pakistan.

Completely innovative, the Turtle Shell server shield has just been granted US patent number 8,413,385 in recognition of its uniqueness.

Glenn Mahoney, president at Turtle Shell Industries, and his team have been developing the product for four years – with considerable success.

Said Mahoney, “We’ve been called to many disaster sites where storms and pipe bursts have sent water cascading through the ceiling and right through $millions-worth of server and telecoms equipment – not only interrupting vital business operations but in most cases damaging the equipment beyond repair. It’s a highly distressing sight to see”.

“In one such situation – a major cable operator’s network center in New York – thousands of customers were offline because of the water damage. While the center was being rebuilt, the operator asked us to fit Turtle Shells, as one of several new disaster precautions. Less than two years later torrential storms hit again but even the newly reinforced roof gave way and water came cascading through again. However this time, the unique Turtle Shell ‘umbrellas’ kept the water out of the electronics and the equipment kept on working. With $millions worth of equipment saved to carry on earning revenue.”

You can see an amazing video of both the first and the second storm damage as this NYC data center is struck in 2008 and 2010 at ‘Turtle Shell in action’ here: http://turt.co/dcme14.

Turtle Shells are made from a very strong polycarbonate and shaped like a sideways “(“ extended over the full length of each suite or racks.

They can be installed over, under and around all manner of cables, conduits and support rods or brackets. Once installed Turtle Shells are total watertight. They can also be fitted with flexible curtains which can be operated manually or automatically to ensure that water doesn’t splash into the front and rear of racks.

“We’ve seen a 300 percent raise in sales since October,” said Mahoney. “As people on the East coast are recovering from super storm Sandy they are thinking seriously about how to build-in extra disaster protection. And Turtle Shells are proving to be the ideal solution not just for data centers, but telecoms and cable operators, hospitals, schools, universities and Government sites too.”

For further information on Turtle Shells and advice on how to protect your sensitive equipment from damage by falling water and debris visit turtleshellproducts.com

(Note: Turtle Shell Products is a client of Turtle Consulting Group, but the companies are not related. GREAT NAME THOUGH!)

 

Filed Under: Cellular / Mobile, Client, Converged Networks, Cooling, Data Centre, Electrical, Industry News, Infrastructure, IT, PR Agency, PR Company, Structured Cabling, Tech PR, Telecoms, Telecoms, Turtle Shell Products

RFS to showcase telecoms & broadcast innovation at CommunicAsia 2009

September 21, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: June 2009

Singapore: Global wireless infrastructure specialist RFS (Radio Frequency Systems) is participating at the CommunicAsia ICT conference & exhibition being held at the Singapore Expo, on 16-19 June 2009. RFS has been working closely with its customers to develop the products, manufacturing resources and distribution logistics required to cement its position as the partner of choice for broadcast and telecom providers throughout Asia Pacific.

The company boosted its supply chain and logistics in Asia Pacific recently with the establishment of an extensive warehousing facility in Port Klang, Malaysia, and has also developed a range of wideband antenna systems and RF conditioning solutions that ensure a cost-efficient, future-proof and speedy deployment for mobile operators in the region looking to transition from 2G to 3G and beyond.

At CommunicAsia, RFS will be showcasing its comprehensive range of cost-effective diplexers, in-band combiners, dual band and side-by-side single band antennas, which allow mobile operators to re-use existing infrastructure to support both 2G and 3G systems simultaneously. As well as reducing the cost and time of migration, especially in terms of materials, site installation and on-going operational costs, RFS’ wideband antenna systems and RF conditioning products help operators maximize their 3G investments, reduce the loading on cell towers and thus minimize both leasing costs and visual impact on the environment. Crucially, the RFS portfolio includes an extensive range of advanced filters designed to provide effective interference mitigation and thus support flexible approaches to 3G migration in markets where both European and US band plans have been adopted.

As a leading innovator in indoor wireless infrastructure solutions, RFS will also be exhibiting some of its latest world firsts at CommunicAsia, including:

  • ClearFill Star – the disruptive fully digital RF-over- GigaEthernet wireless indoor cellular coverage solution
  • ClearFill Space2 – an advanced multi-band, multi-operator RF-over-fiber distribution system for wireless indoor coverage

Best migration partner for mobile operators

“Our complete portfolio of cellular infrastructure solutions positions RFS as the best migration partner for mobile operators in the region looking to migrate from 2G to 3G, as well as other next-generation technologies such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and mobile TV,” states Tim Conboy, Vice President Sales and Marketing for APAC South at RFS. “Using RFS’ market-leading solutions, customers are able to reduce CapEx (capital expenditure) requirements for network evolution and expansion, reduce the ‘loading’ on cellular antenna towers that are often operating at close to full capacity, and readily upgrade networks across technologies and frequencies.”

RFS’ wideband antennas support operation at both 800MHz/900MHz, and 1800/2100MHz, while a range of side-by-side, single-band antennas enable operators to replace existing units and double capacity, or facilitate two different systems (e.g. 2G and 3G) operating at the same frequency. In addition, RFS’ range of dual-band antennas support low- and high-band combinations – again providing operators with the flexibility to maintain their 2G systems while adding in 3G. “The important thing is that this can be done and has already been achieved with great success in markets such as Australia,” continues Conboy. “We believe that operators in many other markets in Asia Pacific will follow this strategy, since it is a great way for them to make the transition to 3G cost-effectively.”

Boosting supplying and logistics in Asia Pacific

RFS serves customers globally across the broadcast and telecoms industries – including operators, OEMs, distributors/systems integrators, utilities and government. In addition to its unrivalled product portfolio, the company is ideally positioned to service its telecom customers throughout the Asia Pacific region via its new bonded warehousing facility in Port Klang, Malaysia. The facility provides a central logistical hub for local distribution and onwards fulfilment to other countries in the region, and is being run jointly by RFS and Malaysian distributor C&C Universal Engineering Sdn Bhd. The warehouse will stock RFS’ complete range of wireless infrastructure, RF transmission distribution and radio link network solutions, enabling the company to deliver much shorter lead times to customers of typically between 2-3 days.

Total package across broadcast & telecoms

A renowned technology leader for more than half a century, RFS is today uniquely positioned as a global provider of total package infrastructure solutions across broadcast and telecoms. The company offers the full spectrum of mobile media antennas, whether for use in ‘panels in arrays’ or discrete antennas across all global broadcasting bands (VHF, UHF, L-Band and S-Band), and also has solutions for horizontal, vertical and circular/mixed applications. Complementing the antenna suite is a full range of bandpass, lowpass/harmonic filters and combiners, which can be deployed across mobile media, 3G/4G co-siting and low power DTV (Digital Television) applications. RFS has also developed patch-panel-mountable automatic coaxial switches and Internet-accessible monitoring systems in response to the requirement for unmanned sites and automation.

“Across the globe, wireless communications operators rely on RFS as their global supplier of cutting edge technology in telecommunications, broadcast and defense communications,” Conboy continues. “We provide all components across the RF chain, offer the broadest range of products per category, and are fully-committed to driving innovation for the future of broadcast and mobile communications in Asia Pacific.”

Recent industry accolades for RFS include the coveted EMMY award, received by the company in recognition of its pioneering work on ‘adjacent channel combiners’ for TV broadcasting, and its induction into the prestigious Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame in Australia. The latter recognies the achievements of local manufacturers in their pursuit of excellence, with RFS’ operation in Kilsyth (which is the company’s world-wide Centre of Excellence for Broadcast) selected on factors including export provision, sustainability, quality and innovation.

RFS’ specialists on hand at the CommunicAsia ICT conference & exhibition include Martyn Kemel (President, Broadcast and Defense Systems), Mick Bennett (Global Product Manager Broadcast and Defense), Tim Conboy (Vice President, Sales and Marketing for APAC South) and Eric Mariette, VP Global Marketing and Strategy.

Meet them on the RFS stand (Hall 5, Stand 5E2-01)

 

RFS company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

RFS0271

Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

RFS smooths network migration as Asia Pacific looks to 3G and beyond

September 21, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: June 2009

Singapore: On the occasion of the CommunicAsia ICT conference & exhibition being held at the Singapore Expo, on 16-19 June 2009, wireless infrastructure specialist RFS (Radio Frequency Systems) has underscored its readiness to ensure a cost-effective and smooth 2G to 3G migration for mobile operators based in Asia Pacific, providing them with a safe passage to next-generation wireless technologies, whatever their coverage, frequency and deployment needs.

With a complete multi-band and broadband VET antennas portfolio for widest site configuration alternatives, high-performance customized co-location filters for interference mitigation, and cost-effective feeder sharing from 2G, 3G to LTE with its ShareLite broadband diplexers, RFS’ solutions are at the same time migration ready and co-location friendly.

Reducing migration cost & time

Currently, many of the region’s 2G cellular networks employ a mixture of technologies operating in various frequency bands, making the implementation of 3G and other next-generation cellular technologies problematic in terms of ongoing transmission and interference, especially in scenarios where operators are looking to re-use existing infrastructure. There are also growing concerns in some countries regarding the environmental impact of further cellular network rollouts.

A global leader in RF subsystems, RFS has developed an innovative range of cost-effective diplexers, in-band combiners, dual band and side-by-side single band antennas to reduce the cost and time of migration, especially in terms of materials, site installation and on-going operational costs. Furthermore, when used in combination, RFS’ wideband antenna systems and RF conditioning products help operators future-proof their 3G investments, reduce the loading on cell towers and thus minimize both leasing costs and visual impact on the environment.

“There is huge diversity throughout the cellular markets of the Asia Pacific region, and while some countries are comparatively advanced, 2G remains by far the dominant technology today,” says Tim Conboy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for APAC South at RFS. “However, the drive to advance is endemic and there is a lot of 3G migration underway. Many mobile network operators are working within constrained budgets, and are looking to migrate in a step-site manner by maintaining their 2G networks while deploying additional infrastructure cost effectively. RFS offers a complete portfolio of cellular infrastructure solutions that includes wideband antennas, combiners and interference mitigation filters, allowing operators to re-use existing equipment to support both 2G and 3G, while avoiding issues such as interference and additional loading on cell towers.”

RFS’ wideband antennas support operation at both 800MHz/900MHz, and 1800/2100MHz, while a range of side-by-side, single-band antennas enable operators to replace existing units and double capacity, or facilitate two different systems (e.g. 2G and 3G) operating at the same frequency. In addition, RFS’ range of dual-band antennas support low- and high-band combinations – again providing operators with the flexibility to maintain their 2G systems while adding in 3G. “The important thing is that this can be done and has already been achieved with great success in markets such as Australia,” continues Conboy. “We believe that operators in many other markets in Asia Pacific will follow this strategy, since it is a great way for them to make the transition to 3G cost-effectively.”

According to Conboy, a key enabler to this approach is RFS’ range of in-band combiners, which negate the requirement for additional cabling and associated rigging at the cell site. With many mobile operators running 2G systems at 900MHz, the use of in-band (‘passive’) combiners allows 2G and 3G at 900 MHz to be combined into one antenna system. Feeder cable sharing between systems is also possible using RFS’ cost-effective, yet advanced diplexers. “The space to run additional RF cabling and rigging is already limited on cell towers, while visual impact issues are becoming more prevalent in Asia Pacific, just as they have done in other regions,” states Conboy. “People don’t want to see their environment cluttered with cell towers and massive antenna structures. Thus operators are looking to minimize the visual impact by reusing existing antennas and combining systems down on the ground so that they can be fed into the one antenna. Importantly, this reduces tower loading and site rental costs.”

Deploying 3G at 800MHz

A further challenge for a growing number of mobile operators in the region is the deployment of 3G at 800MHz. With spectrum being a scarce resource in markets where both European and US band plans have been adopted, mobile operators are looking to benefit from the excellent propagation and in-building penetration afforded by operation at 800MHz. However, a great deal of filtering is required at the 800/900MHz boundary. “3G networks operating at 800MHz can cause massive interference problems for existing 900MHz GSM networks. Transmit filters on the WCDMA (3G) side at 800MHz, and receive filters on the 2G (GSM/CDMA) 900MHz side are therefore essential. RFS has developed an extensive range of advanced filters designed to provide effective interference mitigation and thus support flexible approaches to 3G migration,” Conboy concludes.

RFS’ specialists on hand at the CommunicAsia ICT conference & exhibition include Martyn Kemel (President, Broadcast and Defense Systems), Mick Bennett (Global Product Manager Broadcast and Defense), Tim Conboy (Vice President, Sales and Marketing for APAC South) and Eric Mariette, VP Global Marketing and Strategy.

Meet them on the RFS stand (Hall 5, Stand 5E2-01).

 

RFS company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

RFS0270

Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

Customer service and value-for-money central to RFS’ Tower Components strategy

September 21, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: May 2009

RFS (Radio Frequency Systems), the wireless infrastructure specialist, is extending its end-to-end solutions range in North America to include Tower Components, a newly expanded range of high quality steel and cabling support equipment used in cell tower installations.

“Our name has been synonymous with high quality and value-for-money in the global wireless installation and components industry for many years. We are now extending this strategy – of offering high levels of service at the most competitive prices – into Tower Components,” said Matt Gauvin, RFS’ Area Product Manager Transmission Lines.

“In launching this new service and product range to North American carriers, we are showing that, even at the seemingly less complex level of steel and cabling, RFS can offer the same superior levels of service and supply logistics as we do in other segments of the carrier supplies and installation business,” he added.

According to Gauvin, in the current economic climate, carriers of all sizes are focusing their attention on those core operations that generate the best return on investment.

As a result, he says, they do not wish to concern themselves with complex sourcing and procurement procedures, which soak up management time and frequently push the costs of network expansion and operations above budgeted levels.

What carriers seek above all else is a partner that can meet their supply needs in a cost-effective manner that does not cause them any headaches. With RFS North America’s extension of its end-to-end support strategy into the Tower Components side of the market, we can now meet those needs in a much more timely and cost-effective manner, he explained. 

Gauvin went on to say that, until the launch of RFS Tower Components, carriers had to rely on multiple suppliers to meet their steel, cabling and associated technology requirements.

Now, he says, they can order everything from a single supplier:  RFS.

Not only is the ordering procedure streamlined and simplified, says the company’s director of marketing and product management, the new service extends into the field of purchase order management, delivery times and logistics.

“Carrier customers typically order on a per-site basis and our sales team work intensively with colleagues at several levels within the company to ensure that the order is fulfilled in a timely and effective manner. This ‘managed project’ strategy includes seamless and transparent interworking with supply chain partners to ensure the delivery of everything required at the same time and in the same delivery,” he said.

“It’s no good claiming to be an end-to-end supplier if the steel arrives one day at the warehouse or on-site, and the cabling arrives a couple of days later, leaving the installers idle for longer than necessary. There is absolutely no room for cell site installation delays in a modern carrier’s installation program. RFS’ new Tower Components’ offering can help carriers avoid these costly – and unwanted – headaches,” he added.

Photo: Can be downloaded here:

http://fs.turtleconsulting.co.uk/PICS/RFS0229_Tower_Components.jpg

 

Company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

 RFS0229

Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

RFS powers mobile media expansion with new and breakthrough SCO antenna

September 21, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: April 2009

Las Vegas– On the occasion of the 2009 NAB Show, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems), the wireless infrastructure and RF specialist, announces that it has developed a breakthrough SCO circularly polarized omnidirectional antenna for the booming mobile TV carrier, broadcaster and OEM marketplace in the United States.

Designed specifically for 716 to 728MHz – in the Lower 700MHz band used for MediaFLO mobile TV transmissions and other signals around the world – the antenna features low pattern ripple of typically better than +/- 1.0 dB across the entire operating frequency range.

“The antenna is highly cost-effective, featuring two channel capacity – for bandwidth and input power – and has 16 circular polarization radiating elements with a 9dBd gain per plane. And with an omnidirectional azimuth pattern, it is ideal for the rapidly evolving mobile media marketplace in the US,” said Mick Bennett, Global Product Manager, Broadcast & Defense.

“With the FCC having allowed several UHF stations across the US to turn off their analog terrestrial TV signals ahead of the June 2009 planned switch-off, US wireless carriers have been able to bring forward their inception dates for their new mobile TV transmitters, pushing the number of Mobile Media markets from 65 to 68 by the end of the first quarter of 2009,” he added.

As a result, he says, the US wireless industry is now on target to achieve Mobile Media coverage to 200 million potential viewers by the end of the year, making 2009 a landmark year in terms of mobile TV.

In parallel with this significant coverage increase, power outputs on existing Mobile Media transmitters are scheduled to ramp up, once the analog television Channel 55 UHF transmissions cease this summer.

This scenario, says Bennett, is what the new SCO mobile media antenna was designed for, with a maximum input power of 18kW and a low pattern ripple across its entire operating frequency range.

Once Channel 55 analog gets switched off across the whole of the US, he explained, mobile media carriers will be looking to boost their ERPs to 25kW per polarization – or more, where reception can be boosted in optimum signal propagation conditions.

The technology underlying the new antenna, he said, is the result of the years of research and experience that RFS has gained as a quality player in the global communications infrastructure marketplace.

The current economic situation, he added, means that a number of suppliers in the mobile TV transmission infrastructure sector will, unfortunately, go out of business in the next few years. RFS’ position as a global supplier of high quality and price competitive communication solutions – together with its multi-decade track record – means that the company will be here for the foreseeable future to support broadcasters, carriers and OEMs with their systems.

Any interruption to customer support, says Bennett, reduces customer satisfaction and, even in today’s economic climate, that can only increase the risk of a customer migration to other suppliers. Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to RFS in the US marketplace, and this is where our globally gained track record as a quality supplier at the right price comes to the fore.

“Our support levels are second-to-none in the communications transmission infrastructure industry. We’re proud to allow broadcasters, carriers and OEMs to tap into our ability to meet their needs at this pivotal point in the rollout and expansion of mobile media to more than 100 markets across the US by the end of 2009,” he said.

“The new SCO mobile antenna is just one building block in our quest to become a key player in the supporting team of quiet heroes that ensure cellular customers across the US can access their favorite news and sports broadcasts whilst on the move. Americans need no longer be tethered to their homes and offices when watching TV,” he added.

RFS’ specialists on hand at the 2009 NAB Show (RFS booth # C2315) will include Raymond Bibisi, Sr. Director of National Area Sales for North America, and Mick Bennett, Global Product Manager, Broadcast & Defense.

 

Company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

 RFS0255

Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

How engineering challenges will influence the UK’s great DTT switchover

September 18, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: March 2009

Much has been written about the digital TV switchover in the UK from the consumer’s point of view, but little has been revealed about the changes taking place behind the scenes on the network side of DTT (Digital Terrestrial TV)

This is hardly surprising, since how the industry achieves the digital switchover is irrelevant to the millions of terrestrial TV viewers in the UK – all they are truly concerned about is how the switchover will affect their own TVs. Dave Thickett, Systems Sales Director, Broadcast & Defence EMAI for Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) explains what is happening behind the scenes on the UK’s digital switchover…    

The scale of the changes and the behind-the-scenes engineering required for a smooth switchover to digital TV was clearly illustrated in the Borders area of Scotland last November, when, without too many problems, the analog channels were quietly switched off during a 24-hour period and, slowly but surely, the power of the DTT multiplexes was increased.

Ramping the power of DTT transmissions from 4-10 (depending on the multiplex) to 116 kW as the analog element of the broadcast TV network is switched off is only part of the equation, however. In most cases, there is also a need for transmitting arrays to be progressively relocated and realigned on a typical transmission tower, in order to optimize transmissions.

Apart from the now digitally-enabled Scottish Borders region, most of the UK is currently served by a set of high-power UHF analog transmitters, normally working in one `antenna group’ with horizontal polarization, and a flotilla of lower-power local transmitters normally working with vertical polarization.

A number of these local UHF TV transmitters also transmit in more than one antenna group, usually due to a channel saturation issue with ‘Channel 5’, which means that, for optimum reception, TV antenna installers in many parts of the UK have had to install wide-band multi-group antennas.

The DTT transmission front in detail

On the DTT transmission front, meanwhile, there has also been a need to transmit some of the multiplexes outside of the frequency range for which the domestic user’s antenna is optimized for in a given analog TV reception area.

As well as meaning that a sizeable minority of DTT viewers in the UK have had (or will have) to upgrade their antennas – usually to a wide-band and multi-group capability – in order to receive all the digital multiplexes, this has also presented challenges from a network engineer perspective.

If we look at the UK’s Belmont main transmitter serving the regions of Lincolnshire, parts of Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the Northern part of East Anglia, we can see that DTT is transmitted at relatively low power (see boxout one).

As a result, the pre-digital switchover DTT coverage area for Belmont is limited to a smaller coverage area to that seen with analog TV.

In addition, many old residential antenna installations, which are in current service in the Belmont coverage area are optimized for UHF channels 21-34 (also known as a `group A’ antenna) and were installed prior to the launch of Channel 5, the UK’s fifth national TV channel, back in 1997

Unfortunately, group A antennas are not suitable for complete Belmont pre-switchover DTT reception, nor will they provide analog Channel 5 reception, so an antenna upgrade is normally needed.

Looking more closely at Belmont’s DTT transmissions (see boxout one), we can see that five out of the six multiplexes are in the UHF channel 48 to 68 range – i.e. well outside the channel numbers that a group A antenna (channel 21–34) is optimized to receive.

Wide-band antennas help

In theory, if a TV viewer has upgraded to a wide-band antenna in order to receive analog ‘Channel 5’ from Belmont on UHF channel 56, they will be better able to receive all six DTT multiplexes, especially since analog Channel 5 is transmitted at a 50 kW transmitter power level, compared to the 500 kW seen on the other four analog terrestrial channels.

In practice, however, since the six DTT multiplex transmitting antennas are arrayed on the Belmont transmitter tower at varying heights, this means that full line-of-sight DTT reception is not currently available in the middle and outer fringes of the analog coverage area.

Coupled with the fact that two of the multiplexes are only currently broadcast at 4 kW ERP (Effective Radiated Power) levels, compared to the 10kW ERP of the other four multiplexes (see boxout one for multiplex details) full DTT reception from Belmont is limited to a much smaller area than that seen with analog TV.

This situation will change dramatically in July 2011, when the analog channels are switched off and the six multiplexes are each increased to 116 kW levels.

The multiplex broadcast channels will also be re-arranged from July 2011 so that four of the multiplexes (see boxout one for multiplex details) will radiate in the old group A antenna range.

The engineering perspective

If we look more closely at the pre-DTT switchover Belmont multiplexes, we can see that the multiplex power outputs are relatively weak compared to the post-switchover plans detailed in boxout one.

The switchover will involve detailed preparatory work on the part of the transmitter engineers in the months leading up to the region’s July 2011 DTT switchover date, which will involve shortening the support structure and replacing the main transmitting antenna.

This will optimize the reception area of each DTT multiplex and help ensure that analog TV viewers – even in the fringe areas of the current Belmont service area – will be able to receive most, if not all, of the six DTT multiplexes after July 2011.

This increase in reception capabilities is achieved through the use of a 12-level horizontally polarized broadband panel antenna array capable of accepting the higher powered digital multiplexes to be used after the digital switchover.

Many of the DTT broadcast antenna arrays are based around an RFS five-sided PHP 5S panel array technology.

Engineered specifically for the UK’s DTT environment, the array supports multiple channel operation over the entire UHF frequency band (470-862 MHz), and delivers high levels of horizontal radiation pattern (HRP) performance.

This HRP performance is largely thanks to the use of an advanced dipole design and `winged’ back screen, allowing optimized coverage for both omni-directional and directional array configurations.

 BOX OUT

 Pre- and Post-July 2011 multiplex/channel/power allocations for the UK’s Belmont DTT transmitter:

 

        Pre-DTT switchover Belmont TV Transmitter UHF DVB-T Channels (Digital Multiplexes)

Mux 1

Mux 2

Mux A

Mux B

Mux C

Mux D

Ch30 – 5kW

Ch48 – 10kW

Ch68 – 10kW

Ch66 – 10kW

Ch60 – 4kW

Ch57 – 4kW

 

After Digital TV Switchover Date – 1 July 2011 (DVB-T power increase to 116kW)

DVB-T PSB1

DVB-T PSB2

DVB-T COM4

DVB-T PSB3

DVB-T COM5

DVB-T COM6

UHF Ch22

UHF Ch25

UHF Ch30

UHF Ch28

UHF Ch53

UHF Ch60

 

Company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

RFS0037

Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

Cure found for cell-site deafness – CTIA preview

September 15, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: March 2009

All around the world, mobile cell-sites suffer from inexplicable dropped calls and degrees of uplink degradation “deafness”.  Many engineers know in their hearts that the cause is more than likely PIM (passive inter modulation). PIM just lies hidden in the cell’s RF infrastructure but until now there has been no way of diagnosing the level of the problem on site in order to set about curing it.

Summitek has finally brought to market two user friendly truly portable PIM “diagnostic measurement” tools iMT and iQA for use in the field.  Both have the same high-power and effectiveness as their benchtop model which is the standard for laboratory PIM testing. It’s being demonstrated at CTIA (Central Hall C3, Booth 6221).

PIM often only shows up under full-power transit conditions. It is caused by a variety of factors such as arcing between surfaces that are not correctly prepared or where mating surfaces are not 100% clean or terminations not 100% torqued.

The route from transmitter to airwaves is a complex one – filters, diplexers, combiners, feeders, connectors, jumpers, and the antenna itself – and not only is every single component a candidate for causing  PIM, but so also is the way it was installed one, three maybe five or ten years ago.

Says Wayne Skinner, VP Sales Interconnect technologies, “PIM is insidious, it slowly grows and the cell becomes more damaged, more ‘deaf’ – but no-one could investigate and explain why – until now.”

Conventional VSWR and ‘distance to fault’ testing are robust measurements in themselves, but incapable of finding PIM distortion and its causes; and even the low-power portable PIM testers are inadequate because they don’t have the power levels to simulate the system environments which cause the real-life PIM issues.

Summitek iMT and iQA field test units are both full 20w + 20w testers. Both are fully field ruggedized, capable of being dropped and stood upon (not that Summitek actively recommend such treatment) and can be easily taken by technician-in-van to any site and used to test and diagnose PIM issues, and once the suspect element has been replaced/repaired to test for a full “clean bill of health” on the entire RF system. There is even a small back-pack tester (iHA companion) which can be taken to the tower-top during identification and cure operations.

Engineers know that gaining an extra few dB of signal to noise ratio on the uplink receive path saves on lost calls and improves data thru-put. PIM cures effected with Summitek iMT and iQA portable field PIM testers have instances improving the noise floor by a massive 5dB delivering an environment which allows optimal receiver performance

Summitek forecasts a frightening rise in PIM issues as existing infrastructure is re-used for new technologies like 3G/UMTS and LTE.

Says Skinner “Feeders, filters and the like have been in-situ for years and they were built for either analogue or GSM single frequency operation. UMTS and LTE use wideband approaches so old empirical PIM solutions like using a different frequency are no longer an option. What’s more, because they are wideband instead of discrete transmission frequencies, the wideband carrier being transmitted creates a type of spreading effect of the third, fifth and seventh order intermods causing significantly raised noise floors for the uplink receivers.”

Although this is a potential minefield says Skinner, now with the Summitek iMT and iQA field testers it is possible to confirm end-to-end RF interconnection quality through the analysis of the presence of PIM – problems can be identified and rectified so that existing infrastructure can be re-used with the certainty of high quality operational use.

PIM-free RF components

From its leading position as the manufacturer of the laboratory standard Summitek PIM bench tester, the companies sister brands will also be on the CTIA booth (Central Hall C3, Booth 6221) showing:

Triasx HSPA proven Filters, Diplexers, triplexers, combiners and splitters

Triasx Sole supplier of RF products (Active solutions and Tower Mount Amplifiers) to the world’s fastest national mobile network

Allrizon radio receiver conditioning solutions, (filtering and amplification)

Allrizon Microwave broadband RF filter solutions from 2.4GH to 38GHz

 

Photo

Download here: http://fs.turtleconsulting.co.uk/PICS/IQA2000_001.jpg

Caption: Fully field ruggedized the Summitek iQA allows full on-site system testing and elimination of PIM – a major cause of cell site deafness.

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Filed Under: Cellular / Mobile

RFS appoints Jay Martin as Broadcast Technical Sales Director – Americas

September 15, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: April 2009

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless infrastructure specialist, has appointed Industry veteran Jay Martin as ‘Broadcast Technical Sales Director – Americas’. The appointment is pivotal in strengthening RFS’ established presence across the region, and follows the reinvention of its sales and customer support operations to ensure it remains ideally positioned to meet local market requirements.

The broadcast industry in the Americas has witnessed tremendous change in recent years, most notably with digital TV (DTV) switchovers, HDRadio and the introduction of Mobile DTV and Mobile Media in a number of markets. As such, network operators require RF coverage solutions that secure existing investments and ease migration to new standards, while allowing them to manage spectrum and maximize tower space. Providing a complete range of RF solutions for broadcasters – from analog radio and TV, to DTV, Mobile DTV, Mobile Media, HDRadio and DAB – RFS delivers a total package solution that ensures timely and cost-efficient deployment.

In his new position as head of broadcast technical sales for RFS throughout the Americas, Jay Martin brings a wealth of experience in the design and application of antenna systems for the broadcast industry. His career, which commenced with WLBZ-TV in Bangor, ME, and Shively Laboratories, spans more than three decades. From 1985 to 2008, Jay assumed key roles with Dielectric Communications of Raymond, ME, including Television Antenna Product Manager, Senior Director of Marketing, VP of Broadcast Marketing and VP of Sales. 

Welcoming him to his new role, Martyn Kemel, President, Broadcast and Defense Systems, RFS, points out that Jay has been involved with all aspects of antenna and filter design from concept to completion – including testing, specification and installation. “His engineering background and practical acumen are complementary skills that allow for high-level system solution development with customers. One of his many assets is his ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical customers”, Martyn said.

Commenting on his appointment, Jay added: “I have always been impressed with the RFS product portfolio, having competed with it for years.  Furthermore, once I met the people, I immediately realized that this was the right fit. The RFS people are an enthusiastic team of professional experts who share a strong customer focus, a great work ethic, and have a great sense of community and a long-term commitment to the broadcast industry. Having been in the industry some 30 years myself, this is very important to me and the customers that I serve.”

Jay Martin received his BSEET from the University of Maine at Orono, and his MBA from Husson College in Bangor, ME. He is an active member of International Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and The Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE).

RFS will be participating at the NAB conference and exhibition being held in Las Vegas, Nevada USA, April 18-23, 2009 (RFS booth # C2315). Specialists on hand at NAB will include Raymond Bibisi, Sr. Director of National Area Sales for North America, and Mick Bennett, Global Product Manager, Broadcast & Defense.

Photo:

Can be downloaded here;

http://fs.turtleconsulting.co.uk/PICS/RFS0253%20Jay%20Martin.jpg

 Caption: Jay Martin, Broadcast Technical Sales Director – Americas’

 

Company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

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Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

LAN Media – Structuring the Solution

September 15, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: April 2009

Ken Hodge, of global cabling and data solutions company Brand-Rex, considers the selection criteria for in-building LAN media and points out that with a lifecycle of possibly 15+ years, structured cabling infrastructure must support a wide array of network services for both current and future applications.

Maximising interoperability and optimising network performance are key criteria when designing a seamless transmission network. In Europe, LAN media must comply with numerous standards and Codes of Practice set out by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation). In addition, national regulatory requirements must be met.

Choice of LAN media

LAN media falls into three transmission types – copper, fibre and wireless, each of which have differing selection criteria that vary according to operational environment, performance requirements, building structure and budget availability.

Copper

Essentially, copper cabling comes in two forms: twisted-pair cables (‘balanced’ cabling); and coaxial cable (‘un-balanced’ cabling). Twisted-pair copper is available in shielded and un-shielded (UTP) cable types and is suited to cable runs of up 100 metres. 

Cable performance classifications include Category 5 (Cat5), Cat6 and Cat6A, which use RJ45 connectors and are fully interoperable and backwards compatible. The higher performance Cat7 and 7A products are backwards compatible to the lower categories, but they must employ hybrid cords to achieve RJ45 connectivity.

Copper cabling classification:

  • Class D – (100MHz), supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, PoE and ATM.  Uses Cat 5 components
  • Class E – (250MHz), supports all Class D applications and ATM1200 and uses Cat6 components
  • Class EA – (500MHz), supports all Class D and E applications and 10GBASE-T and uses Cat6A components
  • Class F and Class FA systems – (600Mhz and 1GHz), use Cat7 and Cat7A components respectively, and are designed to distribute multi-media services

Traditionally, UTP with its small diameter, lightweight and flexibility was the preferred installation solution for Class D and Class E systems, and was easier to install than screened cabling.  However with the introduction of Class EA screened cabling, this trend has reversed. Offering a higher degree of immunity to EMI, Class EA is now a preferred option for critical network areas such as data centres.

In addition to cable performance, environmental issues such as specifying cables with an LSZH-FR (Low Smoke Zero Halogen – Fire Resistant) sheath should be considered.

Optical Fibre

Fibre optic cabling supports transmissions up to 10km. It comes in two basic types – multimode (OM) and singlemode (OS) – and is available with the following ratings:

  • OM1 (62.5/125 fibre) – limited by its relatively low bandwidth it only supports very short drive distances for higher-speed applications
  • OM2 (50/125) – a higher bandwidth product which can support high speed applications over longer transmission distances but only by using more expensive transceivers; and in some cases special mode-conditioning patchcords
  • OM3 (laser optimised 50/125) – a high performance multi-mode fibre, the optimum solution for transmission of 10Gbps up to 300m
  • OS1 – has an attenuation of 1dB/km and is typically specified for indoor or campus building links up to 2km
  • OS2 – has an attenuation lower than OS1,and supports longer drive distances

Selection is determined by several parameters, including ‘end to end’ system costs, distance traversed and transmission bit-rate. Installation methods vary from laying cables conventionally – i.e. indoors in tray, basket or conduit, – to pulling cables into existing exterior ductwork, and more advanced techniques such as blowing micro cable or fibre units into pre-installed microduct systems.

Wireless

Wireless LAN (WLAN) is widely deployed to complement, rather than replace, structured cabling. Whilst ROI may be rapid, operational issues such as security, radio propagation and upgrading costs, limits its application.

The IEEE’s 802.11 WLAN standard defines three systems (see Table 1).

Table 1: Wireless Technologies

IEEE & WiFi WLAN technology        802.11a        802.11b       802.11g
Raw Data Rate      54 Mbit/s      11 Mbit/s      54 Mbit/s
Average Throughput      27 Mbit/s     4-5 Mbit/s      27 Mbit/s
Typical Indoor Operating Range          12m          30m          12m

 

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af-2003) allows Ethernet ports to both connect and power devices such as WLAN access points, IP Cameras and IP phones. Power-sourcing equipment (PoE enabled switches or mid-span devices) is required for delivery of a  maximum of 13 watts to the powered devices. ‘PoE Plus’ (yet to be standardised as IEEE P802.3at) will offer an increased power level to support devices such as laptops and PTZ cameras and requires Cat 5 (8-wire) instead of Cat 3 (4-wire) cabling.   PoE supports the convergence of intelligent building systems and provides a platform for development of new ‘end point’ devices. 

System selection

Today, LAN media selection is increasingly involved as demand for ever higher bandwidth and delivery of both power and data extends application scope into all walks of industry. At present, copper remains the most viable option for connections up to 100m, while fibre is favoured for distances over 100 metres and in the network backbone. Moreover, while WLAN enables mobility, copper is required for electrical power. Nevertheless, regardless of complexity, the goal of LAN media selection must be to provide seamless connectivity for both present and future networking generations.

ABOUT BRAND-REX

Brand-Rex Ltd is a global operation, designing, developing and manufacturing the most sophisticated, high performance copper and fibre cabling systems for communications and extreme environment applications. Headquartered in Scotland, the company is committed to being a trusted market leading provider of best-in-class communication infrastructure solutions that are truly ‘future proof’. For more information visit www.brand-rex.com

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Filed Under: Brand-Rex, Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, Copper Cabling, Fibre/Fiber Optics, Structured Cabling

RFS underscores its commitment to the North American broadcast market with world-leading RF coverage solutions at the 2009 NAB Show

September 14, 2009 by Jackie Thomas

Released: April 2009

Las Vegas, 20 April 2009: Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the partner of choice for the broadcast industry, will be participating at the NAB conference and exhibition being held in Las Vegas, Nevada USA, April 20-23, 2009.

Produced annually by the National Association of Broadcasters, the NAB show attracts broadcast engineering and industry professionals from throughout the world, and will feature more than 1,600 exhibits showcasing the latest developments in 3D, mobile solutions, IPTV and content.

Offering an unrivalled range of broadcast and mobile-broadcast RF solutions, RFS will be demonstrating its expertise in bridging the boundaries between broadcast and cellular, as North America makes the leap from the sunset of analog, to the dawn of digital TV.

The North American broadcast industry has witnessed tremendous change in recent years, with the deadline for the switch from analog to digital broadcast television – known as the ‘digital TV (DTV) transition’ – now set for June 12, 2009.

All over-the-air TV broadcasts will be in digital after this date, with the resulting re-allocation of 700MHz spectrum creating significant opportunities and challenges for traditional broadcast TV, cable and satellite providers, as well as for cellular network operators and new mobile media entrants.

RFS is currently working with several US-based and global OEMs for delivery of end-to-end wireless coverage solutions across the broadcast, mobile media and cellular markets. RFS’ coverage solutions ensure that network operators are able to secure existing investments and ease migration to new standards, whilst managing spectrum and maximizing tower space.

“The DTV transition signals a new phase of market development for broadcasters and new mobile media providers alike in North America,” says Martyn Kemel, President, RFS Broadcast & Defense Systems. “There are tens of thousands of low-power DTV (LDTV) broadcasters looking to enhance and extend network coverage, while new high-power broadcasters such as AT&T and Qualcomm/MUI are poised to launch services.

“RFS has reinvented its sales and customer support operations in the US, which have been further bolstered with the appointment of industry veteran Jay Martin as RFS’ Broadcast Technical Sales Director – Americas. Jay’s experience and leadership coupled with the development of innovative RF coverage solutions designed specifically for the US market means that RFS is ideally positioned to support its customers in meeting the DTV switchover challenge and addressing the significant market opportunities moving forward.”

At the 2009 NAB Show, RFS will be exhibiting its complete range of RF solutions for broadcasters – from analog radio and TV, to DAB, mobile TV and DTV switchover. The RFS portfolio includes:

  • Full spectrum of mobile media antennas – from ‘panels in arrays’ to discrete antennas across all global broadcasting bands (VHF, UHF, L-Band and S-Band) plus solutions for horizontal, vertical and circular/mixed applications. Products on show will include the HU6, CTV, MTV-4, LVO, PCP and 159 Series.
  • Complementing the RFS antenna suite is a full range of bandpass, lowpass/harmonic filters and combiners. Designed for applications such as combining and filtering, mobile media, 3G/4G co-siting and LDTV. Other RFS products being exhibited include the LPF Series, 50E Series and 80E Series.
  • Switching and monitoring solutions meeting the requirements for unmanned sites and automation. RFS offers patch-panel-mountable, automatic coaxial switches, and Internet-accessible monitoring systems. Visitors to NAB will also be able to view the RFS’ CS Series and MS Series.

The coveted EMMY trophy, received recently by RFS in recognition of its pioneering work on ‘adjacent channel combiners’ for TV broadcasting, will also be on show at the RFS booth (# C2315). RFS’ award winning directional waveguide adjacent channel combiner technology has been deployed in 132 projects worldwide to date, and has saved the TV industry $billions by making it unnecessary to deploy new antenna systems and towers when operating digital and analog systems concurrently during DTV switchovers.

Other recent broadcast technology ‘World Firsts’ for RFS include distributed broadcast systems for digital TV in the US, where the use of multiple low-power transmission sites provides improved performance at lower cost compared to the conventional single-site high-power transmitter approach; and an innovative five-sided broadcast antenna that greatly improves operational health and safety by providing more work-space for technicians inside the array, while allowing more channels to be transmitted concurrently due to its world-leading broadband capability.

“We have been working hard with our customers in the US to ensure we provide the levels of support and product innovation demanded in such a dynamic market,” continues Kemel. “With the current economic climate, broadcasters need technology partners they can trust, and RFS has been renowned as a technical leader for over half a century. We are the only manufacturer of all components across the RF chain, and offer the broadest range of products per category. And this means we can deliver total package solutions that ensure timely and cost-efficient deployments for our customers.”

RFS’ specialists on hand at the 2009 NAB Show (booth # C2315) will include Mick Bennett, Global Product Manager, Broadcast & Defense; and Raymond Bibisi, Sr. Director of National Area Sales for North America. 

Photo: can be downloaded here:

http://fs.turtleconsulting.co.uk/PICS/RFS0254PCP%20panel_2.jpg

Caption: 700MHz PCP antenna for US carrier trial and commercial LTE network rollouts

Photo: can be downloaded here;

http://fs.turtleconsulting.co.uk/PICS/RFS0253%20Jay%20Martin.jpg

Caption: Jay Martin, Broadcast Technical Sales Director – Americas’

 

 Company background

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information visit: http://www.rfsworld.com/

RFS0252

Filed Under: Carrier Networks, Cellular / Mobile, RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)

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