WHAT IS SMALL CELL TECHNOLOGY?
Small cells are low power, short-range wireless transmission systems. They cover a small geographical area, both indoor and outdoor. One of the benefits of using these cells is that they can still handle a high data rate for individual users despite their small size. These networks will play a massive role in efficiently delivering high-speed mobile broadband and low latency applications in the future. Recent research has predicted that by 2030, the small global cell 5G network market is expected to reach a value of $5Bn.
TYPES OF SMALL CELLS
Small cells can be divided into three categories depending on the coverage area and the number of supported users.
1. FEMTOCELLS
They are small mobile base stations and provide extended network coverage to residential and enterprise applications.
If a mobile operator’s base station has poor signal strength, the Femtocell application can help boost the signal. Femtocells are primarily used to offload network congestion, extend network coverage and increase data capacity for indoor users.
2. PICOCELLS
Picocells are a more suitable option for small businesses as they provide a wider network coverage and higher data capacity than Femtocells.
3. MICROCELLS
Small cell towers provide network coverage to more users than femtocells and picocells. High transmission power means that they are suitable for smart cities and metros.
HOW DOES A SMALL CELL WORK?
Small cells work in a way similar to conventional cells. The only difference is that they use advanced technologies like MIMO, beamforming and millimetre waves for transmission.
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SETTING UP A SMALL CELL NETWORK
Small cell base stations are easy to set up; they can be fixed on walls for indoor use. Those who want to use it outdoors can be fixed on small towers or even lamp posts. Hardware units used by small cells are less complex, and so implementation is much quicker.
Backhaul connections can be made using fibre and wired connections, and it is also possible to make backhaul connections via microwave links.
Configuration for these types of cells can be done quickly, and you only need to connect to a backhaul and power source.
ADVANTAGES OF USING SMALL CELLS
- Small cells can deliver a high data rate up to a few gigabytes per second.
- They are cost-effective
- Convenient to deploy indoors as well as outdoors because of no location requirements.
DISADVANTAGES OF SMALL CELLS
- Coverage limitation due to low power
- Because of their small size, a huge budget is required for large deployments.
WHERE IS SMALL CELL TECHNOLOGY BEING USED CURRENTLY?
- In areas where there is data traffic congestion
- Mission-critical services where there is a need for low latency and highly reliable network
- In the Internet of Things applications like industrial IoT, innovative healthcare, smart cities and homes.
- During special events like sports and events to provide network coverage to a large number of people.
- Disaster management and drones.
- In 5G technology to provide higher bandwidth and extended coverage to users.
CONCLUSION
Small cells provide flexibility and increased Qods capabilities. It is also environmentally friendly because it provides a clean signal and eliminates the need for cell towers.
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