What is Telecom Site Automation?

Telecom Site Automation is a logical and modern extension of what was once referred to by telecom network operators as remote site management, remote monitoring systems (RMS), or simply “site alarming”. Not too many years ago there was a general class of products referred to as a remote terminal unit (RTU). These units were primarily used […]

Summary

Telecom Site Automation is a logical and modern extension of what was once referred to by telecom network operators as remote site management, remote monitoring systems (RMS), or simply “site alarming”.

Not too many years ago there was a general class of products referred to as a remote terminal unit (RTU). These units were primarily used to monitor contact closures from other pieces of equipment like microwave radios or DC rectifiers. Over time these devices became more IP-network oriented as the equipment that the RTU’s monitored also began to become more IP-based.

The Asentria SiteBoss product line is to an RTU as a smart phone is to a flip phone. The SiteBoss is based on an underlying Linux operating system and is significantly more powerful than earlier RTU units. Further, as the drive to find efficiencies in management of remote sites has grown, the SiteBoss has evolved a set of functions, tools and capabilities which reduce the burden of site management and increase the number of sites which a given tech can manage. This collection of capabilities defines a new class of product, a Telecom Site Automation Controller.

Once one of our devices is interfaced to various sub-systems, it is possible to have the SiteBoss autonomously make decisions at a site, or to push commands to an entire network of SiteBoss units. One example would be controlling the start/stop of a generator. Once you can control the start/stop of large numbers of generators, you can begin to automate processes to improve the resilience and efficiency of your network. One example would be exercising all the generators in a region where a large-scale weather event like a hurricane is expected. It is possible to exercise large numbers of generators in the days leading up to landfall, to see if any of the generators fail to start, improving resilience. It is also possible to know accurate run-time of generators, allowing you to more efficiently schedule generator maintenance.

We have expanding our review of Telecom Site Automation in an In-Depth Case Study which contains some specific examples of Telecom Site Automation applications which customers have currently employed.

Introduction

The ROI on telecom site automation (TSA) solutions comes from savings within two main categories: network resilience and network efficiency. Most TSA applications will lead to savings in either network resilience, efficiency, or both. The solutions are modular, so not every installation includes all the parts described in the checklist. One significant advantage of having a modular solution is how you can extend the initial purpose of the SiteBoss site solution for other uses. We found most customers expanding the use of their SiteBoss after gaining more knowledge on the power of the site automation solutions. Calculating the exact savings will depend on variables like the amount paid for electricity, how truck rolls are valued, or what is considered the cost per minute of network downtime. Regardless of those exact values, you can gain ROI in the following ways outlined in our checklist.

What’s in the Checklist?

14 categories of the most savings on telecom site automation.
A list of multiple applications and the specific category of savings.
Checkboxes for you to mark and indentfy which application you will be using.
Concluding worksheet to help you estimate the ROI on implementing telecom site automation solution.

Download your free ROI Checklist to determine all telecom site automation applications that will impact savings, resilience, and efficiency of your network.

Monitoring and Managing a Fiber Communications Network

Case Study

Boost Efficiency, Security, and Control in Your Fiber Network Operations

Monitoring and Managing a Fiber Communications Network

The fiber communications landscape is expanding rapidly, and managing these networks effectively has become more critical than ever. This white paper dives into the core challenges and solutions for fiber operators, providing insights into maintaining network resilience, enhancing site security, and optimizing power and equipment management.

Inside this guide, you’ll discover how to harness the power of SiteBoss for seamless monitoring and control of remote fiber sites—without overhauling your existing infrastructure. From addressing power constraints to integrating legacy and modern systems, this document reveals actionable strategies to keep your fiber network operational and secure.

Topics Covered:

Key challenges of fiber network management
Solutions for network security and power management
Best practices for integrating legacy equipment with modern systems
Real-time monitoring and remote control of critical site components
Reducing operational costs and downtime through automation

Gain the Knowledge to Optimize Your Fiber Network’s Performance

Increasing Network Resilience and Efficiency for 18K Sites for a US Mobile Network Operator

Case Study

Introduction

The customer is a North American mobile network operator with remote cabinet sites implemented nationwide. Their plan was to build a very large network, deploying Asentria’s devices as the network itself was deployed. It was a cabinet solution, so Asentria’s products were designed to be integrated into cabinets in an integration facility before being sent to individual locations for deployment. The client’s main interest was in Asentria’s ability to do DC reboot and provide cellular wireless out-of-band coverage.

Customer at a Glance

Industry: Telecom – Mobile Network Operator
Location: USA
Network size: 40,000 sites

Project at a Glance

No of sites: 18,000 at peak
Project duration (# of days): 4 years
Installed products: SiteBoss S571
Included services: Software Integration and Hardware Development
Main Benefit: Remote and out-of-band access to cabinet locations via wireless modems. DC reboot ability. If backhaul is lost, out-of-band connectivity allows for an ability to troubleshoot and reboot.

Download our free case study that provides substantial technical details as to specifically how the project was accomplished:

How Telecom Network Operator and Tower Companies Can Reduce GHG Emissions

Case Study

Make a positive impact on the environment and start reducing carbon footprint now!

Did you know that by implementing an energy and carbon reduction strategy, you can reduce your costs and improve your network reliability?

How is that possible?

Download our 18-pages free white paper and learn how:

GHG Protocol can provide a better understanding of GHG emissions’ sources;
Global companies are taking action by setting GHG emissions reduction targets;
Telecom Site Automation can be used to reduce GHG emissions.

Now it’s your turn to decide how you will make a difference in battle against climate change!

What is Telecom Site Automation?

Summary

RELATED CONTENT

The ROI on Telecom Site Automation Solutions Checklist