March 22, 2019 Why is 5G Small Cell Technology Important for Future Networks?
As we have covered in previous articles, 5G technology is designed to enhance tomorrow’s mobile broadband (up to a rate of a few gigabytes per second), create ultra reliable and low latency networks (with less than 1 millisecond latency), and connect a huge number of devices that will enable massive IoT opportunities. Considered the foundation of future network success, 5G small cell technology will play a significant role in supporting these framework promises.
What Are Small Cells and Why are They Important for 5G Networks?
Small cells are important for 5G networks as they improve network coverage, increase network capacity and enhance density. Additionally, since they offer short range wireless transmission opportunities and utilize little power, small cell technology will become the foundation for the future of 5G.
Small cells are operator-controlled. They act as a radio access point to add targeted network capacity in areas with very dense phone usage. They can be utilized within different indoor or outdoor applications, based on the demand (number of users and coverage) they need to support. Different sized small cells are used for different applications. There are three main small cell options: femtocells, picocells and microcells.
Driving Force Behind Small Cell Technology
Applications for 5G Small Cell Technology
Femtocells Support Small Indoor Business Applications
Femtocells support smaller applications that need a range of around 10-50 meters. They can accommodate between 8-16 users. Optimal for residential and small businesses, femtocell technology offloads network congestion, increases data capacity and extends coverage within indoor applications.
This allows businesses to transform weak coverage areas into much more productive work zones, thus improving employee efficiency.
Read More >> What Is The Impact Of 5g On Businesses?
Picocells Support Small Enterprise Applications
Picocells support larger applications than femtocells. They can cover a defined area, commonly between 100-250 meters and accommodating between 32-64 users. Picocells are optimal for larger indoor applications. They provide extended network coverage and data throughput, perfect for large offices, hotels, schools and shopping centers.
If your business has cellular coverage dead zones, your consumers will feel the effects. Picocell 5G small cell technology allows you to meet the needs of mobile-dependent employees and consumers, while delivering a higher level of service.
Microcells Support Large, Outdoor Applications
Microcells support an even larger area. A microcell’s range extends up to 2.5 kilometers and can accommodate up to 200 users simultaneously. Due to their high transmission power, microcells are suitable for mission critical applications that require low latency and highly reliable networks. Microcells are perfectly suited for large outdoor applications, such as stadiums and smart cities.
Responsive Engineering Solutions for 5G Small Cell Technology
5G technology will support a wide variety of applications. Small cells are the perfect solution to deliver a cost effective solution for this much anticipated framework.
5G is coming and consumers are anxiously ready for it. Are you?
As a leading telecom firm, KMB Design Group provides the 5G small cell technology solutions for organizations nationwide. With decades of experience in responsive telecom engineering, our team is knowledgeable and equipped to help transform commercial networking ecosystems for 5G applications.
The future of 5G depends on small cells. Act now or risk being left behind. Contact us to learn more about KMB’s small cell telecom engineering consulting services.
Read More About 5G Small Cell Technology