The role of UPS systems in 5G and 6G telecom networks
The UK rollout of 5G cellular networks is in full swing, increasing the need for resilient power protection strategies that support rapid expansion plans and ensure network reliability during deployment.
As the networks expand, so too does their dependence on Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. UPS for telecoms infrastructure provide the reliable power needed both during and after the 5G cellular network installation process, to prevent downtime and ensure that critical communication networks remain operational.
More complex and power-hungry than their predecessors, 5G networks represent an enormous leap in telecommunications technology. They promise unprecedented speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (a rate 30 times faster than the maximum 4G offering) and lower latency rates of five milliseconds, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and greater bandwidth capacity.
With these vast improvements however come significant power infrastructure challenges. Unlike traditional cellular networks, 5G relies on denser networks with a higher number of small cells and base stations to provide its comprehensive level of coverage.
As each of these components requires their own power infrastructure and backup system, the potential points of failure are multiplied. With the networks consuming significantly more energy due to their advanced capabilities, even the smallest power interruption can therefore disrupt essential services, resulting in substantial financial losses or in some instances, a serious threat to life.
UPS for telecoms infrastructure add an extra layer of protection and reliability to ensure the backbone of the network system remains intact. By providing instant backup support during power outages, the units provide redundancy for larger 5G base stations and allow for the uninterrupted operation of small cells and core network components.
They also provide assistance for base stations in more remote urban or off-grid areas, acting as a bridge between the grid and backup generators to maintain connectivity and avoid potential service disruptions.
As we embrace more innovative and emerging technologies, we will also see UPS for telecoms infrastructure play a pivotal role in supporting mission-critical and real-time applications; such as those used in healthcare facilities, smart cities, automation processes, IoT devices and emergency and medical services.
Crucial in supporting the delivery of reliable power quality, the UPS regulate supply, safeguarding against irregular power conditions, such as power surges, spikes and brownouts.
This ability to enhance overall network resilience also protects vulnerable equipment, extending the lifespan of sensitive electronics and 5G components that are often adversely affected by voltage fluctuations. Operational downtime is reduced, so too the emergency repair costs often associated with these power-related failures.
While the 5G rollout is shaping the way we currently live and work, it appears the next generation of cellular network technology is only just around the corner. Current predictions suggest that we could see the initial commercial deployment of 6G as early as 2028, followed by a wider rollout sometime after 2030. As yet nothing has been set in stone but a number of leading players are known to be conducting ongoing research into innovative 6G technologies.
If 5G is changing our lives, it is thought 6G will open up an entirely new sphere of opportunities. Experts suggest this revolutionary technology will have the capacity to reach speeds of one terabit per second (Tbps), representing a rate of approximately 100 times the average top speed of 5G.
These enhanced speeds will enable the introduction of a wealth of pioneering technologies, such as AI and extended reality, while also paving the way for next generation robotics. Unlike 5G, 6G has the ability to deliver both the speed and bandwidth to create a single fully immersive, integrated 3D virtual space, allowing us to engage in new experiences and ways of life that we may not otherwise be able to access in the physical world.
The increased energy requirements of higher frequency waves, ultra-dense small cell deployments and high-performance nodes will understandably place even greater demand on the UK’s existing power infrastructure. 6G will rely heavily on edge computing to process immense amounts of data locally and in real-time. Internet of Everything (IoE) will require massive device connectivity – millions of devices, sensors and systems also in need of constant power to remain connected and preserve data integrity. Increased adoption of these immersive next-generation technologies will have a profound impact on the overall electrical load, placing even further emphasis on the need for consistent and stable power.
UPS for 6G telecoms infrastructure will have the ability to support the distributed energy demands of edge computing applications, ensuring they remain powered during fluctuations and outages to provide ultra-reliable connectivity. These advanced UPS will also have the capability to dynamically manage energy flows; balancing grid power, battery storage and the lulls in production that are associated with renewable sources. This new breed of ‘smart’ UPS will integrate with AI and machine learning to predict the likelihood of power failures, optimising energy usage and ensuring better network reliability.
As systems evolve to meet the advanced demands of modern telecoms infrastructure, we will see more UPS manufacturers adapting designs to allow for greater integration with 6G’s sustainability goals of efficient energy storage, reduced power waste and better grid integration. Their use of eco-friendly materials and support for renewable energy systems also aligning with the anticipated carbon-neutral targets of 6G.
Summary
The rollout of both 5G and 6G networks will increase the demand for uninterrupted power capable of supporting dense, high-capacity, low-latency networks, making UPS systems a critical component in the telecommunications ecosystem. With their advanced capabilities, both 5G and 6G UPS systems will be a cornerstone of our future world, providing the reliable, efficient and sustainable infrastructure that keeps it connected and turning.
If you would like further information on UPS solutions that support 5G and 6G telecoms infrastructure, please contact a member of the Power Control team on 01246 431431 or email info@powercontrol.co.uk