There are many moving parts to new 5G wireless networks – none more important than small cell technology.
Small cells are key to the functionality of 5G networks because they provide the increased data capacity that 5G demands. They help providers reduce costs by eliminating expensive rooftop systems and installation costs. Users can expect improved performance and battery life of mobile handsets since less power is required to transmit data to something nearby.
Small cells are also important to the workability of 5G in the millimeter wave spectrum, which is where 5G architecture gets its super-fast speeds. But at these mmWave frequencies, signals have trouble getting through walls. Small cell towers spaced 20 to 25 per square mile are needed to help millimeter waves connect between devices.
In addition to greater bandwidth, 5G network small cells allow more processing to happen on the edge, leading to lower latencies.
At their core, small cells are wireless transmitters and receivers designed to provide network coverage to smaller areas. So while tall, high-power “macro” towers keep the network signal strong across large distances, small cells suit more densely developed environments like cities.
The ultimate goal of small cell technology is to improve the cellular experience for end users. It strengthens coverage and data transfer speeds where devices might otherwise compete for bandwidth.
Building a network capable of delivering 5G is complex, but small cell technology is a straightforward idea. Whereas most of today’s cellular data travels between towers and antennas that may rise hundreds of feet, small cells are about the size of a picnic cooler or mini-fridge.
Want to know more? Tonex offers 5G Wireless Network Training | The Fundamentals, a 2-day course that covers the fundamentals of the 5G mobile communication system, standardized by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), ITU-T and others bodies.
Additionally, Tonex also offers 20 more cutting edge 5G Wireless courses with titles like:
5G for Sales and Tech Sales/Support Training (2 days)
5G Wireless Training for Non Engineers (2 days)
5G Wi-Fi Offload Training (2 days)
5G and mmWave Antenna Engineering Training (3 days)
LTE Advanced Pro Training (3 days)
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.