Protecting radio heads

DEHN protects critical communication components

Radio heads play a pivotal role in modern wireless communication systems. These components are vital for the efficient operation of cellular networks, handling the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals. Mounted on masts or rooftops, radio heads are integral for connecting mobile devices and ensuring seamless communication.

These installations house sensitive technology, including remote radio units and active antenna arrays. Their strategic placement helps expand coverage and enhance network capacity. However, the elevated and compact nature of these systems makes them particularly vulnerable to transient voltage disturbances.

As with any of your critical infrastructure, protecting radio heads from electrical threats is essential to the success of your business. At DEHN, we share your goals for growth and power quality preservation, and we have the knowledge and experience to achieve them. 

With our proven transient voltage protection solutions, you can operate your telecommunications business with confidence that you won’t lose a radio head to electrical disturbances.

Request a risk assessment from our internationally renowned team today.

Transient voltage threats in a wireless world

Transient voltage is a huge threat to electronic infrastructure across countless industries. For more than 100 years, DEHN has watched these stealthy electrical events evolve in both complexity and frequency due to an increased reliance on electronic equipment and the increased presence of severe weather events as a result of climate change.

At DEHN, we are continuously adapting our solutions to stay ahead of this change so we can always deliver optimal protection.

But, what exactly is transient voltage and why should your wireless operation care about it?

What is transient voltage?

Transient voltage refers to sudden and short-lived spikes in electrical voltage that can occur in an electronic system. These surges can come from both external and internal sources.

  • External transient voltage: These are typically caused by environmental factors such as lightning strikes or power line surges. A lightning strike can induce a high-voltage surge that travels through power lines or directly strikes the infrastructure, causing significant damage to electrical components.
  • Internal transient voltage: These arise from within a system itself, often due to sudden changes in power consumption or switching actions. For example, when large machinery or electrical equipment is turned on or off, it can create voltage spikes that impact nearby electronic systems.

No matter the source of the surge, a transient voltage event can happen in the blink of an eye. Without proper protection in place, it’s a matter of “when,” not “if” your systems will be damaged.

 

The impact of transient voltage on radio heads

Transient voltage, including lightning strikes and power surges, pose significant threats to radio heads. These surges can lead to various types of damage across every component within your sensitive equipment, including:

  • Remote Radio Units (RRUs): Sensitive to voltage spikes, RRUs can suffer from impaired functionality or complete failure if exposed to high transient voltage. This can disrupt signal processing and transmission.
  • Active Antenna Arrays: These components are vulnerable to damage from electrical surges, which can degrade their performance or cause them to become inoperative.
  • AC and DC Components: Voltage spikes can affect both AC and DC systems within radio heads, potentially leading to malfunction or reduced lifespan of critical power components.

The potential damage from transient voltage extends from minor disruptions to severe failures. Minor issues might include reduced efficiency or increased maintenance needs, while major problems could result in total system outages. Such outages not only affect the immediate functionality of the radio heads but can also lead to broader network disruptions.

In severe cases, a direct lightning strike or significant power surge can render a radio head inoperative. This can result in extended downtime, impacting network performance and your ability to fulfill service contracts. The financial costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged components can be substantial, not to mention the potential loss of service for users relying on the affected network.

The cascading effect of a single transient voltage event can also impact other parts of the network, causing a ripple effect that might overload nearby systems. The interconnected nature of network infrastructure highlights the importance of comprehensive protection for radio heads.

By addressing transient voltage threats comprehensively, DEHN helps you prevent these costly disruptions while maintaining the high performance of your radio heads and other wireless communication systems.

Request a risk assessment today to learn more.

DEHN's solutions for radio heads

With over a century of expertise, DEHN delivers tailored solutions designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern telecommunications infrastructure.

Our in-depth knowledge of the specific needs of the wireless industry enables us to offer solutions that not only meet but exceed compliance standards, including those set by NFPA 780 and IEC.

DEHN offers a range of specialized products to support your radio heads, including:

  • DEHNgate
  • DEHNsecure
  • DEHNguard

Our detailed support and project success can be attributed to our unmatched knowledge of the industry and our thorough processes, including step one: our in-depth risk assessment. Before we begin concept development, we take the time to gather information about your radio head installations to identify gaps in your existing protection and bring you up to speed on the opportunities for improvement.

Don't leave your radio heads exposed to electrical threats. Request a risk assessment from DEHN today.

Request an assessment today.

Strike first with DEHN’s proven solutions

DEHN is your trusted partner for comprehensive transient voltage protection. We don’t sit behind a computer and sell you products – we connect with your team and provide unparalleled support to develop customized solutions that help ensure the lasting integrity and performance of your wireless network infrastructure.

Contact DEHN now to schedule your risk assessment and protect your radio heads against transient voltage threats.

Schedule a risk assessment today.