The cost benefits of deploying line powering systems from a centralized location over an existing a copper twisted-pair outside plant to energize remote equipment in the distributed telecom network

Abstract

Line powering is a means of energizing remote equipment, from a centralized location, over the outside plant (OSP) telecom copper twisted-pair cable. It has been used for decades in telecom networks for various applications such as T-1 repeater powering, HDSL remote unit powering and DSLAM powering. Currently, line powering is being deployed for several telecommunication applications such as FTTN, FTTP, FTTH, FTTdp, DAS and HetNet powering. In many scenarios, line powering offers operators the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for powering remote communication equipment and capitalizing on their existing twisted-pair copper network assets. Considering its benefits and flexibility, operators all over the world are turning to line powering to support their broadband network upgrades in DSLAM, Fiber-To-The-Node (FTTN), Fiber-To-The-distribution-point (FTTdp) and Small Cell deployment. When installed in central offices, line powering systems provide greater average availability and virtually indefinite run time through centralized power generators. Thus, they more closely resemble the existing telephone system. Capital and operating expenditure is a primary concern in making a business case for the network architecture. Because of their technical complexity, line powering equipment costs are generally higher than alternative options. However, when including the `total cost of installation' at a first level, then the `total cost of ownership' at a second level, line powering often becomes the most cost-effective solution. This paper presents a methodology for specifying and sizing line powering systems. It proposes a business case analysis framework that enables estimating and comparing the cost of deploying line powering solutions versus other alternatives. Then, it discusses deployment costs and various other factors that influencing the total cost of ownership for power equipment. Finally, it presents capital expenditure analysis and comparison for various real life deployment scenarios.