January 2, 2024 When choosing which telecom tower will best suit your project, it is important to consider a number of factors first, including design, tower height, location (environment) and weight.
The telecom tower landscape has undergone significant changes in the past decade, as providers rush to meet the growing demands for connectivity, data, and the requirements of evolving network technologies. While the fundamental types of telecom towers have been in use for some time, the rapid evolution of communication technologies has led to the introduction and exploration of new types of telecom towers and related infrastructure, including telecommunication drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), smart poles, and underground base stations.
Identifying the most efficient telecom tower design can be challenging, but KMB is committed to helping you select the style that is right for your project and accommodate increasing connectivity demands. We are a leading provider of Design & Build tower modifications and reinforcement services and a member of NATE.
Towers, commonly used for wireless telecommunications, come in a variety of types:
Lattice Towers
Lattice towers are freestanding and segmentally designed with rectangular or triangular base steel lattices. This type of tower construction can be useful in situations which require modifications such as mounting large number of panel or dish antennas. They can be used as electricity transmission towers, radio towers or as an observation tower. The Eiffel Tower is a famous example of a lattice tower.
Guyed Towers
Guyed towers can be lightweight to heavyweight towers often seen as slender steel structures. Commonly seen in the tower industry, guyed towers are designed to provide maximum strength, efficiency and versatility with easy installation. They are supported by one or more levels of braided or stranded steel guy cables that anchor to the ground.
Monopole Towers
Monopole towers work well when space is limited, zoning is difficult or harsh weather conditions need to be considered. Designed as a single-pole that can be a tubular section design or a formed, tapered pole, they are the least intrusive – making them the most popular tower types in the wireless communication industry. Because of the single-pole design, it advantageously reduces visual impact and results in a shorter construction time (and typically cost) compared to traditional lattice structures. Many monopoles can also be designed as stealth, camouflage towers.
Camouflage Towers
Camouflage towers are typically used in urban areas when the need to reduce visual impact on the environment is a concern. They are often seen in the form of artificial pine trees, palm trees, clock towers and even in the form of artificial cacti.
Self-Support Towers
Self-support towers offer the most possibilities compared to other types of telecom towers and are considered appropriate for nearly all wireless communication applications. Available in 3-legged triangular and 4-legged square lattice-type structures, their braces can accommodate the heaviest of loads and the strongest of winds. Their design is ideal for installations where space requirements may be limited and often inexpensive to purchase, transport and install.
Mobile Cell Towers
Mobile cell towers (tower-on-wheels, cell-on-wheels) are considered low-profile and portable because they are often mounted on trailers. Coming with a portable, small footprint, mobile cell towers are discreet and very versatile. They are often used in temporary or emergency situations; however, they are also useful if budget or permits are of concern.
New for 2024: Recent Advancements in Telecom Towers
In recent years, there have been significant changes and advancements in telecom towers driven by technological innovations, increased connectivity demands, and the evolution of communication networks.
Some key changes include:
Transition to 4G and 5G
The most notable change has been the transition from 2G and 3G to 4G and now 5G networks. 5G networks require denser and more advanced infrastructure, including smaller cells and increased capacity, which has led to the deployment of more diverse types of telecom towers.
Increased Tower Density
As demand for data and connectivity has grown, there’s a need for increased tower density to support higher capacity and better coverage. This has led to the deployment of more towers in urban areas and the use of microcells, picocells, and femtocells.
Energy Efficiency and Green Initiatives
There’s a greater focus on making telecom towers more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This includes the use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient equipment, and the adoption of green technologies to minimize the environmental impact of these structures.
Integration of Smart Technologies
Telecom towers are increasingly becoming part of smart city initiatives. They are equipped with sensors, monitoring systems, and advanced analytics to optimize performance, predict maintenance needs, and enhance overall efficiency.
Rural Connectivity Initiatives
Efforts have been made to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas. Innovations like solar-powered and low-cost towers are being deployed to extend network coverage to underserved regions.
KMB Design Group is a leading provider of Design & Build tower modifications and reinforcement services. We combine expert structural engineering services with our fabrication and construction services to maximize the structural capacity of our clients’ vertical real-estate. As an approved vendor with the leading tower owners throughout the USA, KMB has the experience, resources and technical skills required to meet your needs and we take pride in the professional level of service our tower crews provide across the nation.