Every wireless communication network you see today working and running amazingly well is only made possible via a powerful hub known as base station which is often described as the unsung heroes of wireless communication.
At its best, it does a great job of bridging the gap between mobile devices and the wide networks that power our digital lives. From video streaming to making call or sending text, we owe all of these activities to the base station because of its huge role it plays in connecting your device to the rest of the world.
It is for sure the technological backbone of cellular network; it provides the infrastructure that enables seamless communication across vast distances. This article takes you on a journey through the history of base station, its evolution, the intricacies and current states of its technology.
Historical Concepts
So how did it all started? Basically, the concept of wireless communication technology dates back to the 19th century when the radio was invented after Guglielmo Marconi successfully transmitted a wireless signal over a distance (about one mile).
Towers were then developed to help improve radio technology. When the idea for cellular networks was conceptualized, it makes total sense to improve on the existing wireless communication technology to create what is today’s modern base station.
Let me take you back to history. In 1947, engineers working at Bell Labs came up with the idea of developing a cellular network that is served by a base station established at each cell (divided geographical area).
Development then followed suite until the first experimental cellular network that made use of analog signal to transmit voice call was live. This happened in the 1970s. Moving on to the 1980s, the cellular network was ready for the public, so 1G (First Generation) which depended on high-power base stations for analog voice communication was rolled out.
By the 1990s, 2G (Second Generation) networks introduced digital signals to enable text messaging and more efficient voice communication. As a result, smaller, and more efficient base stations were being created to replace older ones which were bulky at that time.
As we transitioned into the modern era (2000s – present) were we saw the advent of 3G, 4G, 5G and 6G (still a work in progress), base stations have transformed into high-tech hubs capable of handling large data loads, low-latency communication and connecting billions of devices.
Base Station
A base station can be described as a communication node that connects user devices to the core network. It can transmit and receive radio signals; it also ensures devices within its catchment area can communicate seamlessly. Base stations are the foundation of mobile communication networks.
Components of modern base station
A base station is built using several components that work hand in hand to ensure that there is a network that functions properly for effective communication. Let’s dive right into some more details to learn more about these components.
- Antenna System
The antenna system is an important component of the base station because it facilitates the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals. Antennas can either be directional or omnidirectional depending on the network coverage requirements.
Directional antennas focus their energy on specific direction; it is much suitable in scenario where the signal needs to cover a defined area like point to point communication. One good example is the Yagi antenna.
Omnidirectional antenna radiates signal in all direction (360 degree horizontally) which makes it suitable for users scattered in different directions. They are often used in urban and suburban areas. Example include: Vertical Whip antenna.
Regardless of the antenna chosen for the requirements, it is important to state that these antennas help in ensuring efficient communication between the base station and user devices.
- Transceiver (TRX)
The transceiver acts as the interface between the radio frequency (RF) and baseband signals. It works by converting RF signals received from the antenna into baseband signal for processing and also the reverse for outbound communication. This dual-functionality is crucial because it helps to maintain smooth bidirectional communication.
- Baseband Unit (BBU)
Next, we talk about baseband unit (BBU) which is at the core of signal processing. BBU handle baseband signal tasks like modulation, demodulation, error correction, and encoding/decoding pretty well. It also ensures that data transmitted and received is adequately processed, reducing errors and optimizing communication quality.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU)
It is very important that base stations run actively round the clock so as to avoid hindrance to stable internet hence the need for power supply unit (PSU). The PSU is responsible for providing uninterrupted power to the base station.
The power is not meant to go off even when there is a general power outage or fluctuation. In order to ensure reliability and continuous service delivery, the PSU is often supported by backup systems like batteries or diesel generators.
- Cooling System
Since base stations are built with electronic components some of which are high-performing once, capable of generating significant heat which if not properly managed can lead to inefficiencies or destruction. It is essential to adopt a system that will help maintain the operational health and prolong the lifespan of these components.
This is where adopting a cooling system becomes crucial. Cooling systems like air conditions help maintain optimal operating temperatures while ensuring the longevity and performance of these electronic components at the same time.
- Control Unit
Just like the name implies, the control unit acts as the intelligent center of the base station. It manages critical functions like handovers, network signal, and resource allocation.
These helps in ensuring that calls, data sessions, and other user activities are flawlessly transmitted between base stations during movement (handover). The control unit also ensures that network resources are utilized efficiently to meet increasing demand.
