Although small cell technology has been touted as a major development in 5G networks, small cells are not the only base stations providing 5G connectivity.
5G networks also use macrocells, such as cell phone towers, for connectivity. These large base stations enable lower 5G frequencies compared to the high frequency millimeter wave (mmWave) capabilities of small cells. Carriers are also offering 5G femtocells to improve cellular coverage in the home or for SMBs.
The differences between macrocells, small cells, and femtocells are clear in size, coverage, and cost.
Definition of macrocell, small cell, and femtocell
macrocell
A macrocell is a cellular base station that sends and receives radio signals through large towers and antennas. In particular, cell towers range in height from 50 feet to 200 feet, providing cell phone coverage for miles. According to the Wireless Infrastructure Association, the United States currently has approximately 210,000 macrocells across the country.
small cell
Small cells are another type of cellular base station that is physically small, about the size of a pizza box, and transmits radio signals. The goal of small cells is to enhance wireless network connectivity in specific areas, as they can deliver millimeter wave frequencies with high-speed broadband connectivity. According to industry reports, the U.S. plans to deploy five to 10 times more small cells than macro cells.
femtocell
Femtocells are wireless access points used to enhance indoor cellular connectivity. Unlike other cellular connectivity options, femtocells connect over the Internet and provide cellular connectivity for your home or office. Femtocells look and act like routers, allowing users to place them near their current network hardware setup. Femtocells are accessible to anyone who wants to buy them.
Comparison of macrocell technology and small cell technology
Macro cells and small cells both provide 5G connectivity, but their signal propagation and building penetration capabilities are very different. Signal propagation, or coverage radius, is the main difference between macro cells and small cells. Macro cells provide several miles of low frequency coverage, and small cells provide high frequency coverage from 10 to 2,000 yards.
Building penetration refers to whether the connection will work indoors. The low frequencies from the macrocell travel far, and walls, windows, and other physical barriers don’t block the signal. Small cell technology, on the other hand, has line-of-sight limitations, meaning physical barriers can block the signal and prevent it from reaching multiple rooms within a building. However, millimeter wave frequencies still hold promise for small cells despite the challenges.
Another difference between macro cells and small cells is cost. Traditionally, macro cells cost about $200,000 to set up, while small cells cost less than $10,000. Even if a carrier deploys 10 times as many small cells compared to macro cells, the cost of small cells will be significantly lower than a complete macro cell deployment. The carrier is also updating its existing macro cells to his 5G, but this transition is expected to take several more years.
Comparison of small cell and femtocell technology
Femtocells, picocells, and microcells are considered types of small cells due to their small size and limited coverage, but there are variations between small cells and femtocells. Picocells and microcells are commonly used in airports, hotels, and shopping malls, but clear definitions of these devices are inconsistent across the wireless industry. microcell Probably an earlier term for small cells. However, femtocells predate small cells and constitute a separate market with some key differences.
One difference is how small cells and femtocells connect to the network. Small cells connect through dedicated links. Femtocells connect to the internet. Another difference is that femtocells are private networks, while small cells are public networks.
Femtocells are also smaller than small cells, about the size of a paperback book or smaller, and do not have the line-of-sight limitations of small cells. If a user places a femtocell in the center of their home or office, they should be able to get sufficient coverage. Also, femtocells are private, so only one device can connect to a femtocell, but anyone can connect to a small cell.
Femtocells are similar to routers in appearance, functionality, and cost. Femtocells cost about $100 and can improve indoor coverage in locations that are too small to justify the investment in a full digital antenna system.
The use cases for small cells and femtocells are also different. For example, femtocells connect to Wi-Fi routers, and small cells connect to Wi-Fi hotspots. This means that small cells, like his Wi-Fi hotspots for internet connectivity, can expand cellular coverage in areas where people gather, such as stadiums.
Expectations for small cell technology
While key differences between macrocells, small cells, and femtocells are clear, 5G small cell deployment is underway as carriers use this technology to fill coverage gaps.
As carriers introduce mmWave, consumers and businesses may encounter strange issues because this spectrum region is new to both markets. With limited line-of-sight and the inability to travel long distances, mmWave will be a major adjustment for carriers and users alike.
Backhaul is also a major issue with small cell technology, and operators need to develop effective solutions to this problem. This issue is particularly relevant when carriers place small cells on objects such as light poles that are supported by electrical power rather than fiber links, which require small cells.
Small cells look useful as hotspots such as stadiums and outdoor event centers, but carriers may need to plan for wide-area small cell deployments. Despite their shortcomings and unknowns, small cells remain an important aspect of 5G plans. Basically, small cells are a growing and important part of how carriers deploy their 5G. Although small cells have technical limitations, they can help heat hot spots.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect changes in small cell 5G deployment.
