Lightning and Surge Voltage Protection in Mobile Phone Stations - Practical Experiences with a German Operator

Abstract:
In order to pay off the high investments in licenses and technology for mobile communication networks (GSM, GSM-R, UMTS/3G, TETRA, CDMA ) in time as short as possible, a fast and safe network system is necessary. Especially in the field of mobile communications, highest demand are made on the continuous availability of sending and receiving systems. The network based on the GSM 1800 standard is known for its excellent language quality. To achieve a network covering of more than 99% of the German population numerous base stations (BTS) are necessary. Good radio prerequisites are necessary for the construction on exposed sites, like for example on elevations, tower buildings and on towers or poles. With increased expansion and due to the high danger potential lightning protection and thus over voltage protection is becoming more relevant for Cost-intensive engineering and the demand for permanent availability of the network operation are making a protection concept indispensable. In close cooperation a protection concept has been developed that corresponds to the technical specification of the operator. This paper describes how to realise an efficient concept to protect a radio base station against the influences of lightning discharge.