Sign in Subscribe

4g small cell

Last updated on 

Small cells are low-power, short-range cellular base stations designed to cover a small geographical area, such as a building, stadium, or a street corner. The primary purpose of deploying small cells is to increase network capacity and improve the quality of service (QoS) in areas with high user density or poor coverage.

2. Types of Small Cells:

There are various types of small cells, including:

  • Femtocells: Typically used in homes or small businesses to provide indoor coverage.
  • Picocells: Slightly larger than femtocells and often deployed in larger indoor environments like malls or office buildings.
  • Microcells: Cover larger areas than picocells and are deployed in outdoor environments like streets or urban areas.

3. Technical Aspects of 4G Small Cells:

a. Frequency Bands:

4G small cells operate in the licensed spectrum bands allocated for LTE (Long Term Evolution) services. These bands include:

  • 700 MHz
  • 800 MHz
  • 1800 MHz
  • 2100 MHz
  • 2600 MHz

The specific frequency bands used depend on regional spectrum allocations and the operator's deployment strategy.

b. Radio Access Technology (RAT):

4G small cells use LTE as the primary radio access technology. LTE offers high data rates, low latency, and efficient spectral efficiency, making it suitable for small cell deployments.

c. Backhaul Connectivity:

Small cells require a reliable backhaul connection to the core network. Common backhaul technologies include:

  • Fiber Optic: Provides high-speed and low-latency connectivity.
  • Microwave: Suitable for areas where laying fiber is challenging or expensive.
  • Ethernet: Used for shorter distances and can be a cost-effective solution.

d. Antenna Configuration:

Small cells are equipped with multiple antennas, commonly referred to as MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antennas. MIMO technology enhances spectral efficiency and improves signal quality by transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously.

e. SON (Self-Organizing Networks):

To simplify deployment and management, 4G small cells often incorporate Self-Organizing Network (SON) capabilities. SON automates tasks such as:

  • Auto-configuration: Automatically configures small cell parameters based on network requirements.
  • Self-optimization: Adjusts parameters dynamically to optimize network performance.
  • Self-healing: Detects and rectifies network issues automatically.

f. Power and Range:

4G small cells operate at low transmit power levels compared to macro cells, typically ranging from a few milliwatts to a few watts. The coverage range varies depending on the cell type:

  • Femtocells: Coverage radius of up to 10-50 meters.
  • Picocells: Coverage radius of up to 200 meters.
  • Microcells: Coverage radius of up to a few kilometers.

4. Deployment Considerations:

When deploying 4G small cells, operators must consider factors such as:

  • Site Selection: Identifying optimal locations for small cell installation to maximize coverage and capacity.
  • Interference Management: Ensuring minimal interference with neighboring cells to maintain network performance.
  • Power and Backhaul Availability: Ensuring adequate power and backhaul connectivity for seamless operation.

4G small cells play a crucial role in enhancing cellular network capacity and coverage. By deploying small cells strategically, operators can address network congestion, improve user experience, and pave the way for future 5G deployments.