The growth of mobile communications over the last 15 years has been phenomenal.  This explosive success has brought a number of problems for operators.   A key issue is that of base sites management.

There are now literally hundreds of thousands of base-sites installed around the world. Many of these are located in remote, hard to reach locations.  This fact leads to a number of issues.

Many sites are not secure and are not managed as closely as perhaps they should be. Yet the equipment contained in the sites is expensive.   Any downtime or poor site performance is also expensive.   The problem lies in the sheer cost of regularly visiting each site in the network.   The answer surely lies in remote management.

All remote sites should be fitted with equipment which provides enhanced management and security capabilities beyond that provided by the cellular infrastructure. The ability to monitor the operation of the hardware, software and supporting facilities is absolutely invaluable in maintaining the site in a fully operational state. Closely integrated monitoring allows developing faults to be anticipated, and appropriate action taken to avoid downtime. Remote diagnosis and maintenance potentially removes the need for engineers to visit thus saving a considerable amount in manpower costs.

But what if the communications to the site has failed or equipment failure on site prevents access for remote maintenance via the transport network ? Well, why not use a landline with a modem as an alternative route or even the competitor’s cellular network using an integrated dual-SIM GSM/GPRS modem ? When linked to the communications equipment on site, for example microwave systems, smart monitoring and management equipment could be used to test the communications equipment and isolate the point of failure or faulty equipment before an engineer is despatched to site.

Many sites remain unprotected against intrusion or vandalism. Most base station sites have no form of access control that would control and monitor visits by the Operator’s own engineers or sub-contractors. Security and access control are vital to not only secure valuable assets but in driving operational cost efficiencies through the business. For example, the elimination of the role of site key holder through the integration of access control and remote video verification of personnel will ensure seamless access to the site without the need for the collection or holding of keys.

Safety of personnel can also be enhanced through integrated CCTV and monitoring of on-site activity from the network management centre. Where previously additional personnel were required to oversee the activities of engineers or sub-contractors, remote surveillance may now suffice.  Central staff can monitor, inspect and advise staff on site from the comfort of the network management centre.

One of the reasons that this approach is not employed is down to the difficulties involved in monitoring or controlling a varied array of equipment including CCTV, weather monitoring equipment, intruder alarm systems, access control, audio, power monitoring and so on.  It requires a rugged server system to integrate and control the various functions and to allow communication with the network management centre.

Such a system can effectively provide the role of a permanent, on site, caretaker.  It can check on all of the site’s vital signs, look out for various types of emergencies, control access and allow remote adjustment of the site’s systems.

SiteWatch from Alan Dick is one example of an integrated site management solution. Compact rack or panel mounted, Site Smarts provides integrated management of on-site power, base station and communications equipment, together with a powerful, integrated security, environmental monitoring and access control system. This communicates with operations personnel either in the network management centre using standard protocols or directly using SMS, email or Instant Messaging. SiteWatch requires very little power and can run off its own battery during power outages.

The system can also be programmed to react automatically to specific situations. For example, to transmit a picture of a visiting engineer when the access control facility is used or to reset an electrical breaker following a power surge.

The system also provides video monitoring with streaming video feeds to the Network Management Centre, plant monitoring including electrical systems and generators and environmental monitoring including external weather conditions.

Remote base station management through integrated, rugged server systems can give operators significant benefits.  The advanced management capabilities offer reduced downtime, enhanced safety for maintenance personnel and significant operational cost savings.

Experience has shown that the costs of rolling out such systems can be very quickly paid back.   The systems also promise less downtime and higher overall return on network investment.

It really is time to bring base sites in from the cold and invest in smart remote management.