What is a Base Station?

5G base stations have begun to grow in importance recently, if recent deals inked between top telecom companies is any indication. With 5G coverage expanding globally, that connectivity requires a much higher density of base stations. So let’s dive into base stations – what they are and why they are so important today. 

What is a Base Station?

A base station is a common term used in telecommunications for a radio receiver with one or more antennae. While the base station has many other applications, it’s often used for mobile telephony, wireless communications, and even wireless computer networking. 

A base station works as the main communication point for one or more wireless mobile devices. It is a fixed transceiver capable of sending and receiving wireless signals via the radio frequency (RF) base station antennas to transmit RF signals to other devices. 

Tracking these signals transmitted between devices and base stations is essential, and this is where digital twin software comes into the picture. A digital twin software is a virtual simulation of onsite or remote physical assets, which uses sensor data to monitor, track and manage these assets. 

On any given day in the US, any one digital carrier tracks 150 million devices, which generates 4 petabytes of data every day. Moreover, the number of devices is only expected to increase with 5G technology on the horizon, making it more difficult to track elements between devices and base stations. Digital twins are therefore perfect for optimizing the network, making it an easier, faster, and cost-effective way to track extensive data transmission. 

Why are Base Stations so Important?

Base stations are central hubs of connections in different sectors and support networking, communication, and transmitting data. Integration of 5G tech, virtual reality, augmented reality, and many other applications have only added to the importance of base stations. Now that we know what a base station is, let’s take a look at a few of the reasons cellular base stations are so critical in the world of telecommunication: 

The Rise in the Number of Cellular Devices

Base stations are also known as 5G cell internet towers. As there is an increase in the demand for cellular devices (courtesy of 5G tech and many other factors), the number of cellular base stations required will rise. Also, an increasing number of people use their cell phones for data-heavy operations, which puts a strain on the existing towers. Therefore, more base stations will only help improve transmission between cell tower antennas and devices. 

Effortless Management of Mobile Traffic With Cellular Base Stations

The exponential increase in mobile traffic requires dense cellular networks. 5G services have already been deployed in more than 1500 cities across 60+ countries globally. Increasing the number of wireless base stations is the only way to handle higher mobile traffic. The 5G-NR technology uses mmWave signals that do not cover areas as large as 3G/4G networks. So we may also require specialized base stations to tackle the 5G mobile traffic. 

Seamless Connectivity Between Satellite and Terrestrial Networks

Satellites connect to terrestrial networks via base stations. As a satellite moves further away from the earth, it requires more base stations to stay connected. This amplifies the importance of having a high number of base stations. 

Using renewable energy to power base stations can help cut down the cost of these additional units and change the amount of energy required to keep the base stations going. In addition, implementing systematic remote monitoring management (RMM) systems would help cut down bills while being environmentally conscious. 

Current Use Cases of Base Stations

Base stations are the backbone of telecom organizations and the services they offer. Besides this, base stations have multiple other use cases. Let’s have a look: 

Land Surveying

In the land surveying sector, a base station works like a GPS receiver, accurately fixed at a specific known location. This base station derives correction information from connections with nearby portable GPS receivers. With the help of position data obtained by mobile stations, land surveyors can get consistent and precise results. 

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) systems also use base stations to provide the wireless data and fixed positions that VR devices use for calculations. This can be done easily with radiofrequency and infrared signaling via base stations. 

Computer Networking

In this area, a base station is a radio transmitter that works as a gateway between a wireless and wired network. It is a central hub for wireless network communication between computers. In computer networking terms, a base station is also known as a ‘wireless router.’ 

Two-way Radio

In two-way radio systems, a base station works as the main point of connectivity. It works as a fixed end at the communication link to all other portable devices in the field. 

Smart Homes

A base station is the foundation of a smart home system. It can connect sensors, cameras, and other devices to give you real-time notifications and 24/7 access. 

Galooli’s Solutions For Base Stations

Digital infrastructure expansion leads to increased overhead costs that add up in the long run. As a telecom organization, 20-40% of your operating costs are earmarked to maintain and power base stations. Introducing an RMM solution can help you reduce up to 90% of energy loss while saving up to 40% in fuel consumption. 

Galooli’s solutions are agnostic and can be seamlessly integrated into the existing hardware of your organization, giving you efficient control over all your remote assets. Contact us today to get comprehensive monitoring, accurate tracking, and remote access all at your fingertips while reducing your operating expenses, energy waste, maintenance costs, and carbon footprint.

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