Small Cell
A small cell is a low-power mobile radio access node that operates in licensed and unlicensed spectrum that has a range of 10 meters to a few kilometers. Small cells are used to enhance wireless network coverage and capacity, especially in areas with high user density or where macrocell coverage is limited.
Types of Small Cells
There are several types of small cells, including femtocells, picocells, and microcells. Femtocells are typically used in residential or small business environments to improve indoor coverage and offload traffic from the macro network. Picocells have a larger coverage area than femtocells and are often deployed in indoor public spaces like shopping malls or airports. Microcells have even larger coverage areas and are used to enhance outdoor network coverage.
Benefits of Small Cells
Small cells offer several benefits, including improved network coverage and capacity, reduced interference, and better network performance in high-density areas. They also enable offloading of data traffic from the macro network, resulting in better overall network quality and user experience. Small cells are a cost-effective solution for operators to enhance their network capacity and coverage in a scalable manner.
