Why watch it and how does it work?

5G is the latest mobile networking technology to replace 4G and power the next generation of internet-connected devices…but how does it work? 5G networks use so-called small cellsbut what does it mean?

Cell phone towers are an important part of mobile networks. Like any network infrastructure, specific equipment is required to relay information between devices. This is exactly why 5G networks need his 5G towers.

5G towers are physically and functionally different from 4G towers. More towers are needed to cover the same amount of space, but the towers are smaller and transmit data in completely different parts of the radio spectrum. Small cells are useful in 5G networks because they are the best way to deliver the coverage, speed, and low latency that 5G promises.

What are 5G small cells?

Small cells in 5G networks are base stations that play a key role in the entire network. Because they are relatively small, they are called “small cells” as opposed to the “macrocells” used in 4G networks.

5G towers can operate on less power, so they can be made relatively small. This is important not only for aesthetics, but also for space efficiency. Small cells support high frequency mmWave with limited range (more on why this is important below).

A 5G base station is basically just a small box, as you can see in the image above. While most implementations achieve this result, some companies are embedding antennas under manhole covers to extend mobile networks to the streets.

How 5G small cells work

Despite their size, small cells are not weak. The technology within these cells will enable faster 5G speeds and support the growing number of devices that require internet access.

Inside a small cell, the necessary radio equipment is installed to send and receive data to connected devices.The antenna inside a small cell is highly directional, so-called beam forming Focus your attention on a specific area around the tower.

These devices can also quickly adjust power usage based on current load. This means that when the radio is not in use, it enters a low-power state within just a few milliseconds and quickly recalibrates when more power is needed.

5G small cells are very simple in design and can be installed in less than a few hours, and in some cases even faster, like Ericsson’s 15-minute street lighting solution, Street Radio 4402. This is very different from his 4G towers, which are more rugged and take much longer to install. Install it, start it and run it.

Of course, small cells also need power and backhaul to connect to carriers’ 5G networks and, ultimately, the internet. Your carrier may choose a wired fiber connection or a wireless microwave for that connection.

small cell is an umbrella term. There are three subtypes, each serving a unique purpose with different size, coverage, and power requirements.

• Microcells and picocells can each have a range of up to 200 to 2000 meters (just over a mile), making them suitable for outdoor use.
• Femtocells have a coverage radius of less than 10 meters (32 feet), so they are recommended for indoor use.

5G tower location

5G promises a hyper-interconnected world where everything from smartwatches to vehicles to homes and farms can take advantage of lightning-fast speeds and low latency. To achieve this and do it well with as few coverage gaps as possible, we need to install a huge number of 5G towers, especially in areas that require a lot of traffic, such as large cities, large events, and business districts. need to do it.

Fortunately, 5G cell towers are so small that they can be installed in commonplace locations such as utility poles, building rooftops, and even streetlights. This gives the tower a less traditional look, but it can be an eyesore wherever you look.

For example, for 5G to be truly effective in densely populated cities, connected devices will need access, especially given short-range limitations, such as at intersections, outside business doors, and around college campuses. A tower must exist near a location. , around transportation hubs, etc.

Another reason these towers often need to be placed in congested areas is that in order for small cells to support ultra-fast speeds, they must have direct line-of-sight to the receiving device, such as your smartphone or your home. That’s it. If he’s planning to replace his home broadband internet with 5G, he’ll probably have a 5G cell tower built down the street from his home.This is different as Required for low-band networks that support long-distance communications.

As 5G rollout progresses, carriers will release updated coverage maps, but showing exactly where every tower is located is virtually unsustainable.