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A Small Cell is basically a mobile wireless device that has a smaller coverage area and smaller size than a traditional large base station. So why are Small Cells, which have a smaller coverage area and the required equipment is not as feature-rich as a large cell, growing in popularity? Here, it is important to note that the term "Small Cell" is not a standard usage and can sometimes refer to a whole range of such devices, from non-traditional base stations that are slightly smaller in size to emerging technology systems such as Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and 5G prototype base stations. Although Small Cells are somewhat skeptical, they may be part of the solution to providing better wireless services in today's increasingly urbanized world and a factor in the latest developments in the mobile wireless field.
Small Cell is essentially a combination of multiple technologies. Generally speaking, Small Cell is composed of the same type of equipment as traditional base stations, but the equipment used in Small Cell is usually more integrated, lighter, smaller, and consumes less power. In order to further reduce size and weight, its filtering function is more streamlined or more integrated. In order to be installed on limited installation structures in dense areas such as street furniture, street corner roofs and hidden small signal towers, it is necessary for Small Cell to reduce size. The next generation of Small Cell will support advanced 5G technology, and will also adopt new multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas and beam scanning technology, as well as sub-6GHz frequencies of non-independent 5G new radio technology (NSA 5G NR). Small Cells used in the millimeter wave 5G trials and initial 5G deployments to be implemented in 2019 will also use millimeter wave operating frequencies, but the specific frequency values are still to be further determined by 3GPP and spectrum management agencies.
Although often confused, DAS and Small Cell are two different means of achieving coverage in dense, indoor or other areas with insufficient coverage. Small Cell is a completely independent small base station that requires its own backhaul system and is able to provide services, while DAS consists of a remote antenna system that uses transmission lines or fiber optic systems to expand the coverage of large cells. In addition, DAS and Small Cell differ in the way they are installed and managed. Since Small Cells are generally cheaper and do not require coordination with other service providers when using Small Cells, each service provider can deploy them according to its own time frame and cost structure. Based on this, Small Cell may become a popular alternative to DAS.
Verizon (Verizon Wireless) recently submitted a document to the FCC stating: "Approximately 62% of Verizon's wireless devices deployed in 2017 were Small Cells, and this number will only increase with the deployment of 5G in 2018 and beyond." Interestingly, while many people have doubts about whether Small Cells can survive and whether they should be adopted, large wireless service providers such as Verizon and AT&T seem to be declaring Small Cell technology as their current and next-generation wireless deployment technology. Verizon's document also stated: "We need Small Cells to meet the explosive growth of consumer data demand, promote innovation, create new jobs, and power new services and features such as smart communities, connected cars, smart agriculture and the Internet of Things."
Small Cells, while very attractive to wireless service providers looking to gain more customers and capture/retain market share, are not without their drawbacks. Since Small Cells are an emerging technology, they cannot be deployed in traditional ways. In addition, Small Cells must be located in high-traffic areas favored by wireless customers, and the nature of Small Cell deployments involves multiple layers of regulation, zoning, and siting. In the United States, many cities do not even have a standardized approach to Small Cell installations, and Small Cell-related ordinances may not be sufficient at this time. Furthermore, there may be a lack of understanding of the magnitude of this issue, as major wireless service providers have been tight-lipped about their Small Cell deployments. These issues are expected to be addressed as future legislation and regulations regulate the industry’s preparations for large-scale 5G deployments, which will inevitably use Small Cells.
Since the systems required for Small Cell deployment are not yet standardized, Small Cell may need to go through some "growing pains". This may slow down the pace of Small Cell deployment, but it is unlikely to abort the deployment of Small Cells because the upcoming 5G services will inevitably be deployed in Small Cells. However, this also brings some other major challenges, such as how to install a large number of Small Cells in dense urban areas and verify and maintain them. This work will require a very large number of portable RF test equipment, necessary interconnect components, and operators who can respond quickly to service interruptions or regulatory issues. In addition, the deployment rhythm of Small Cells will also require RF equipment suppliers to have a large inventory of parts, devices and connectors in stock so that orders can be completed on the same day without delay.
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