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SmallCell
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Your Power Solutions Partner

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No Power, no problem.

Small cell networks are expanding the coverage and capacity of 4G/LTE networks, and providing a path to 5G. Market forecasts for small cell networks are bullish, with the Small Cell Forum forecasting over 10M outdoor small cells by 2025. Despite success in overcoming problems such as spectrum, backhaul and siting, routine deployment is still elusive because of another often-forgotten issue — power. Why? A usable source of electricity does not always coincide with the optimal location for the small cell.

Alpha solves this problem with our Remote Line Power solution that delivers power to the small cell over copper telephone lines. Simple, affordable, reliable, and minimum interaction with the local electrical utilities.



Powering the Small Cell revolution

As Small Cells transform communications networks, Alpha is working hand-in-hand with the industry to deliver power solutions that simplify the deployment process and lower the total cost of ownership. We are actively collaborating with leading radio manufacturers, operators and neutral host solution providers to understand their powering needs for today and tomorrow. We combine this feedback with Alpha’s 40 years of experience in the communications industry to create innovative solutions that use telephone lines and CATV coax cables to deliver power to remote sites. Our remote power solutions provide a much faster time to market than connecting each site directly to the electrical grid. They also lower capital investment, reduce operating expenses, enhance network reliability and resiliency, and eliminate batteries at the network edge. We have already powered thousands of small cells with our remote power solutions, and have solutions that will truly help make routine deployment of Small Cells and 5G a reality.

  • The Central Power Hub (CPH) is the source of power for the Small Cells. It includes all the components necessary to connect to the grid, convert utility power to standard -48Vdc, and elevate that DC voltage to a higher level for distribution over regular copper telephone lines to Small Cells located up to a few thousand feet away. Our Central Power Hubs come in a variety of sizes and capacities, and can be pole- or pad-mounted. The CPH contains all the power and cable connection equipment necessary to power up to 72 Small Cell devices. The CPH can also be equipped with batteries, providing backup for all connected Small Cells. The CPH is designed for outdoor applications, meeting the rigorous requirements for deployment in harsh environments.

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    Grid Connections

    A CPH requires a single connection to the power grid, simplifying logistics with the electrical utility

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    OSP Enclosure

    NEMA 3R outdoor cabinet with heat exchanger improves energy efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.

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    Mounting Versatility

    Central Power Hub cabinets can be pole- or pad-mounted

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    Remote Control

    IP-based controller provides remote monitoring & control, alarm reporting, and remote reboot

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  • The upconverter is the heart of the Remote Line Power solution. Located at the Central Power Hub, this special DC-DC converter elevates conventional -48Vdc power to ±190Vdc, enabling the power to extend greater distances over standard OSP copper cables. Alpha’s Upconverters are part of our LPS36 family of remote power products. Each LPS36 system includes an IP-enabled intelligent controller that allows the operator to remotely turn power on or off to individual small cells, a particularly useful means of rebooting a small cell without requiring a truck roll.

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    Modularity

    Modular, hot-swappable LPS36 Quad Modules are the heart of the system

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    Power Density

    A fully equipped 2RU 23" shelf provides up to 48 circuits with a built-in controller

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    Packaging Options

    Solutions offered for 23- and 19-inch rack-mount, compact cabinet shelf, and sealed 4-channel unit

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    Standards Compliance

    Full compliance with industry standards enables technicians to work on the equipment while powered

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  • The downconverter is located at the Small Cell site. It is another special DC-DC converter, transforming the ±190Vdc voltage from the OSP cables back to the nominal -48 volts needed by the Small Cell. Alpha’s featured down-converter is the LPR48-300, a compact, lightweight, sealed unit that accepts up to four (4) twisted copper pairs and delivers up to 300W to the Small Cell. Designed for deployment in outdoor environments, the LPR48-300 can be mounted to a pole or wall, or connected to a strand to avoid pole attachment fees.

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    Powerful

    Delivers up to 300W per downconverter

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    Outdoor Environments

    Sealed design for installation in underground vaults, or on poles, walls or strands

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    Parallel Operation

    Outputs can be combined to deliver up to 600W of 48V power

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    Built-in Holdup

    Built-in capacitance to ensure the remote equipment rides through line surges

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  • For AC-powered Small Cell radios, Alpha’s univerter, converts the DC output of a downconverter into the AC voltage required by the radio. Alpha’s univerter is called the INV90AC-400, and is designed with a similar look and feel to our downconverters. It is a sealed unit, designed for outdoor environments, and can be mounted to a pole or wall, or connected to a strand. The output of the Univerter is up to 400W at 89, 90, or 120Vac.

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    AC Power

    Outdoor inverter module remotely powers AC small cells, microcells, & Wi-Fi access points

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    Powerful

    Provides up to 400W output at 89, 90, or 120Vac

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    Outdoor Environments

    Sealed design for installation in underground vaults, or on poles, walls or strands

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    Input Power Versatility

    Can be powered from a DC input (48Vdc to 140Vdc) or HFC input (50Vac to 126Vac)

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satheesh

“Remote Line Power is helping operators and neutral hosts move toward routine deployment of small cell networks. By taking advantage of the Communications Power Grid, the providers not only lower capital investment and reduce operating expenses, but also speed the time to market by minimizing the number of connections to the utility power grid.”

Satheesh Hariharan Product Manager
Outside Plant Solutions

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Powering Small Cells in the 5G era

This webinar with FierceWireless is essential for anyone planning or implementing an outdoor small cell network. It outlines issues with powering small cells, and discusses the alternative remote techniques being used by network providers today.

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ISE executive interview with Mike Burkhalter

An interview with Mike Burkhalter, Senior Director, Emerging Technolgies and Sharon Vollman, SVP Editorial Director for ISE Magazine, on the role power plays in small cell deployment and how Alpha is addressing the problem.

Small Cells: No power, no problem 5 keys to success

Small Cells: No power, no problem 5 keys to success

A case study of a resourceful company in Southern California who worked with Alpha to find a way to power their small cells, even when the utility power was not available.

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Alpha has joined the Small Cell Forum

We are pleased that Alpha Technologies has joined the Small Cell Forum,” said Sue Monahan, CEO of the Small Cell Forum. “They bring a unique and innovative perspective to powering solutions for small cells."

Remote powering Ericsson Small Cell

Remote powering Ericsson Small Cell

In this video, Satheesh Hariharan, Product Manager for Outside Plant Solutions, demonstrates how to remotely power a small cell unit from a centralized power source when there is no AC power available.

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