20090305689 | LOAD REDUCTION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TOWERS - Metal-based (coaxial) cables traditionally found on communication towers, which are a significant part of payload weight on the tower, are reduced/eliminated by using optical communication between an on-ground electronics box and an on-tower electronics box through a fiber line. Payload weight and cabling cost may be significantly reduced simplifying tower design process. Reliability may also be increased through reduced failure rate (fewer cables) and optical communication. The use of fiber-optic feed lines reduces the wind load on the tower and allows the tower to be smaller in size and to be built at less cost. A smaller size tower also reduces the negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area. | 12-10-2009 |