How Does AT&T Use Industrial Batteries in Its Network?

AT&T uses industrial batteries to ensure network reliability and provide backup power during commercial power loss. These batteries are essential for maintaining service to customers and supporting critical infrastructure, such as wireless sites and switching centers. They power various IoT applications, including smart utility meters and asset tracking, ensuring continuous operation. Read more:What Are Telecom Batteries Used For?

Why are Industrial Batteries Important for Network Reliability?

Industrial batteries play a crucial role in maintaining network reliability for AT&T. They serve as a reserve power source to ensure continuous operation during commercial power outages caused by severe weather events or other disruptions. This backup power is essential for minimizing service interruptions and maintaining communication links, safeguarding network stability.

What Types of Industrial Batteries Does AT&T Use?

AT&T utilizes lead-acid batteries to ensure network reliability. These batteries are necessary for delivering services to customers and can be recycled at the end of their life, promoting sustainability. Over 99% of AT&T wireless sites are engineered with reserve batteries and/or permanent generators, showcasing a commitment to continuous service.

How do Industrial Batteries Support AT&T Wireless Sites?

Industrial batteries are engineered into over 99% of AT&T wireless sites to provide reserve power. This ensures that the sites continue to operate even during commercial power loss, maintaining wireless connectivity for customers. These batteries, along with permanent generators, provide a robust backup system, enhancing network resilience.

What Role do Batteries Play in AT&T Switching Centers?

AT&T switching centers are equipped with redundant permanent generators with local fuel supply to allow greater than 4 days of run time. In addition, each switching site is equipped with an 8-hour battery reserve in case both permanent generators sustain damage. Supplementing these systems, AT&T maintains a rapid response fleet of portable generator assets to augment permanent systems as needed, ensuring uninterrupted service.

How Does AT&T Address Power Loss in Severe Weather Events?

To address power loss following severe weather events, AT&T has invested billions in reserve power infrastructure and deployable power generating equipment. Over 99% of AT&T wireless sites are engineered with reserve batteries and/or permanent generators. AT&T switching centers are typically equipped with redundant permanent generators with local fuel supply and an 8-hour battery reserve, demonstrating a proactive approach to disaster preparedness.

How Do Industrial Batteries Contribute to AT&T’s IoT Applications?

Industrial batteries contribute to AT&T’s IoT applications by providing reliable power to various devices and sensors. These batteries support applications like smart utility meters, asset tracking, and industrial sensors, all benefiting from a service life extending well beyond a decade. LTE-M, a low-power wide-area network, allows device batteries to last up to 10 years, enabling long-term deployment.

How Does AT&T’s LTE-M Network Utilize Industrial Batteries?

AT&T’s LTE-M network utilizes industrial batteries to power IoT devices that require long battery life and reliable connectivity. LTE-M is designed for low-power wide-area networks, allowing device batteries to last up to 10 years. This makes it suitable for applications like smart city services, smart metering, asset tracking, and security monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency.

What are the Benefits of Using LTE-M with Industrial Batteries?

LTE-M, when combined with industrial batteries, offers several advantages for IoT deployments, enhancing the performance and longevity of connected devices:

• Longer battery life (expected up to 10 years)
• Better coverage for IoT devices underground and deep inside buildings
• Reduced module size

How Does AT&T Ensure Security with its IoT Network and Industrial Batteries?

AT&T ensures security with its IoT network by deploying 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) standardized technology using licensed spectrum for carrier-grade security. Industrial batteries provide a reliable power source for these secure connections, ensuring that IoT devices remain online and protected, maintaining data integrity.

Expert Views

“Industrial batteries are a critical component of AT&T’s network infrastructure, providing the necessary backup power to ensure network reliability and minimize service disruptions. Their role in supporting IoT applications is also increasingly important, driving innovation.” – Telecommunications Infrastructure Expert

“The combination of LTE-M technology and long-lasting industrial batteries enables a wide range of IoT applications, from smart metering to asset tracking. This technology is essential for building smart cities and improving industrial efficiency, creating new opportunities.” – IoT Solutions Architect

FAQ Section

• What is AT&T FlexWare?
  AT&T FlexWare is a network virtualization solution that allows businesses to launch virtualized network functions quickly to improve productivity and communication across its sites, enhancing operational flexibility.
• How does AT&T Cybersecurity protect businesses?
  AT&T Cybersecurity offers customers unrivaled visibility and security through people, process, and technology, allowing them to better protect their global business, ensuring data protection.
• What are some examples of IoT applications supported by AT&T’s network?
  Examples of IoT applications supported by AT&T’s network include smart utility meters, asset tracking, industrial sensors, smart city services, and security monitoring, driving connectivity innovation.
• How does AT&T support smart grid technology?
  AT&T partners with industry-leading Smart Grid solutions providers to allow electric utilities to install Internet protocol (IP) based Smart Grid technology, enabling improved energy efficiency and reduced costs, promoting sustainability.
• What is the role of AT&T in Exide’s digital transformation?
  AT&T powers Exide’s digital transformation with AT&T FlexWare and AT&T Cybersecurity services across 70 global sites, enhancing efficiency and security.