Role of Small Cells in Improving Network Capacity

 A small cell is an umbrella term used to describe a miniature radio access point (AP) or wireless network base station with a low radio frequency (RF) power output, footprint and range.

They are base stations with low power consumption and cost. They can provide high data rates by being deployed densely to achieve high spatial spectrum efficiency.

Small cells look entirely different than macro cells, which are the tall cell towers that people have grown accustomed to seeing on the highway or on top of buildings.

Types of small cells

The three main types of small cells are 

femtocells

They have the lowest transmission power, shortest coverage radius, and smallest capacity for users. Femtocells only offer fibre or wired backhaul. Femtocells tend to be low-cost and are best suited for covering indoor areas.

Picocells

Picocells have a medium transmission power, medium range, and medium capacity for users. They only offer fiber or wired backhaul. Picocellls tend to be low-cost and can cover either indoor or outdoor areas.

Microcells

Microcells have more powerful transmission, longer coverage radius, and larger capacity for users. They offer fiber, wired, and microwave backhaul. They tend to be expensive and best suited to outdoor areas. Microcells can use intelligent connections to overcome limited line of sight in challenging urban environments. This makes their infrastructure vital to the future of 5G networks.

How Small Cells Work.

Small cells though less powerful than macro towers, small cells increase the overall network capacity by offloading traffic from the macro network into a localized access point.

Additionally, small cells are vital for 5G networks because they enable higher frequencies, denser deployments, and specific 5G use cases such as enhanced mobile broadband. Small cells are necessary to deliver the high data rates and low latency that make 5G networks desirable.

Small cells connect to a mobile operator’s core network through backhaul links such as fibre optic cables or microwave links and use the same radio access technologies as macro cells, although at a lower power level.

They use technologies such as beamforming(which optimizes signal directivity), higher frequency bands, and advanced antenna systems to improve spectral efficiency, thus providing greater signal quality in their designated coverage area. 

Mobile devices connect to the nearest small cell within range to improve data speed and reduce latency.

The small cells then automatically coordinate handovers as users move across different coverage areas.

Deployment of small cells.

Small cells are typically deployed in indoor environments (such as offices and malls), urban areas (such as city centers), and targeted locations with high demand like stadiums.

When choosing deployment locations, it is important to consider.

1.backhaul.

The small cells needs to be placed in an area where it can use a backhaul link to

connect to the core network.

2.Site Acquisition.

Operators must secure the right to install a small cell to existing infrastructure like utility poles.

3.Power Requirements.

Small cells need power sources, either through the backhaul connection or locally.

4.Interoperability.

Small cells need open standards and multi-vendor support to integrate them into existing networks.

Safety measures around small cells.

Small cells emit radio frequency (RF) emissions, but are strictly regulated by safety guidelines and exposure limits.

The small cell devices are regularly reviewed and monitored for compliance.

Security measured implemented to protect user data include physical security(such as tamper evident designs that prevent unauthorized access, network security (such as encryption with Ipsec tunnels, secure radio interfaces and authentication measures), and protection against denial of service attacks.

Current trends around small cells.

The rollout of 5G networks is one of the biggest drivers of small cell adoption, as small cells are crucial to provide a dense coverage and high bandwidth. 

A growing demand for outdoor coverage and the development of new small cells have also increased small cell deployment in recent years. 

Advantages of small cells.

Improved Coverage

small cells help extend coverage to areas where traditional towers can’t reach, like inside buildings, underground, or in rural zones.

Increased Capacity

By offloading traffic from larger cell towers, they reduce congestion and improve the overall quality of service, especially in high-density environments.

Cost-effective

compared to installing new large cell towers, small cells are a more affordable way to increase coverage and capacity.

Enhanced Performance For 5G

Small cells are crucial for 5G deployments since they allow for the denser network architecture needed for ultra-fast, low latency communication.

Compact

This means they can be discreetly installed in existing infrastructure like utility poles without sacrificing aesthetics.

Challenges Facing Small Cells.

Deployment

Small cells need to be installed in strategic locations, which may require permissions from property owners or local authorities.

Interference

Since small cells are often installed close to users, there’s a potential for interference between multiple cells in the same area, requiring careful planning.