ETSI standards and guides for efficient powering of telecommunication and datacom

Telecommunications networks worldwide are evolving rapidly into systems carrying broadband services with Internet, cable TV and other data traffic in addition to traditional voice telephony, and operators are seeing a large increase in Internet equipment installed in their networks. This development has influenced the actual existing standards for power supply interfaces. European Telecommunication Standardization Institute (ETSI) is the regional organization that is recognized by the EC and EFTA as one of the three official standards-making bodies in Europe, and is responsible for standardization in the whole field of telecommunications, including radio, broadcasting and private telecommunications. The requirements for the power distribution to the interface "A" for -48V/-60V are standardized in ETSI EN 300 132-2. The mixing of traditional telecommunication equipment with new broadband and IT equipment in the Central Office (CO) and access network need a solution for powering and safe installation (earthing, grounding, batteries) with higher efficiency and reliability. In the year 2003 ETSI published ETSI EN 300 132-3 for direct powering the transmission equipment with 400 V. In several workshops at INTELEC 2003, 2004, 2005 and worldwide initiatives, the different experiences and solutions in connection to several pilot projects were discussed. A wide use of DC in electrical installations offers high energy efficiency, and improves power quality in the AC distribution network. This presentation will give a small overview of the standardization in the last 5 years with the actual results, problems and trends in the worldwide realization of higher efficient powering of the new internet equipment.