Small Cell technology has acquired its place by playing a vital role in 5G networks to improve their coverage and capacity. Small cell (have a range from 10 meters to a few kilometers) in the telecom industry is the term that you must have heard often, especially when it comes to the rollout of 5G. Small cells are low radio frequency (RF) access points or miniature radio access points or wireless network base stations available with a low radio frequency (RF) power output, footprint, and range, which can be used to complement larger networks such as 5G. These small cell low-power radio access nodes or base stations use licensed, shared, or unlicensed spectrum, and they have become part of heterogeneous networks now with traditional macro base stations together to improve service in high-traffic locations such as sporting events and concert venues. Small cells can be deployed indoors or outdoors and used in public and private networks. Moreover, the small cell technology has proven effective for extending signal penetration and increasing wireless density, and it will continue to be a significant technology for the data-intensive transition to a 5G network. So now let us look into Small Cell testing with user-friendly 5g tester, 5G test equipment, 5g network tester tools and user-friendly RF drive test tools & equipment, RF tester software app & network LTE 4g tester
5G small cell network and the reason behind its growth
The 5G small cell network is denoted as different types of mobile base stations and used to enhance signals in indoor areas, such as shopping centers and offices. Small cell is low cost, low power radio access units deployed to balance the macro base station to ensure a uniform user experience (QoE). There are three types of 5G small cells including femtocells, picocells, and microcells – all providing different coverage limits (femtocells reach 10 meters, picocells 200 meters, and microcells around two kilometers). So, the urban areas with the deployment of mmWave technologies are now requiring the need for thousands of these small cell antennas to boost network capacity. A 5G small cell may also be deployed in residential or rural areas as they have a better financial side than deploying a microcell.
The demand for 5G small cell technology has increased due to some reasons and a few of them are –
- It offers millimeter-wave signals – the gold standard of 5G connectivity that doesn’t travel very far, and can’t penetrate walls, therefore making (5G small cells) vital for in-building coverage.
- When the densification of the 5G network infrastructure is expensive and time-consuming, and therefore 5G small cell technology comes (the realm of dense urban environments, as well as buildings in crowded places such as sports stadiums).
There has been an increasing demand for small cell infrastructure, which means the 5G will see the deployment of small cells in a wide range of scenarios. 5G network (small cell) offers telecom operators an opportunity to test new technologies continuously, and this will enable ultra-low-latency networks to provide an enhanced experience while maintaining low costs for the users. And here comes reliable small cell testing that helps operators to test the 5G small cells for providing ultrafast measurement data speed, capacity, power efficiency, and parallel testing of multiple Devices Under Test (DUTs) in the small cell realm.
Types of Small Cell Testing: Indoor and Outdoor
Small cell testing (5G network) for Indoors can meet the demand for increased indoor voice, data coverage, and capacity. 5G small testing indoor solutions are beneficial for operators who can provide their subscribers uninterrupted connectivity for virtual reality and 4k/8k video streaming applications.
Small cell testing (5G network) for Outdoors is beneficial for providing seamless mobility for users/subscribers moving in and out of the small cell coverage area. These radio frequencies (outdoors) have the best-in-class design, superior radio performance, and power efficiency.
Advantages of 5G Small Cell
- Improved wireless density and coverage
- Increased throughput
- Enhanced end device battery life
- Flexible deployment options
- Reduced cost per bit
Final Say
5G is providing new possibilities/opportunities for communication with small cell technology to improve coverage, capacity, and connectivity. RantCell is one of the reliable network testing tools or software that can be beneficial for small cell testing solutions – building blocks for the 5G network. Small cells with the advent of 5G will play a crucial role soon in facilitating 5G deployments in enterprise networks, and densification of urban cities and rural areas.
