Macro cells are the workhorse of most CSP networks. With higher output power, they cover larger areas and provide most of the coverage and capacity of the 5G network. Most macro cells provide outdoor coverage, but in the past they provided indoor coverage as well. However, wireless coverage based on macro cells can have coverage issues caused by either natural phenomena such as hills, forests, and weather or human-made creations. The higher frequencies used in 5G make these issues more pronounced, both outside and inside. Capacity issues can also arise: a stadium may be covered by a macro cell but may not have the capacity needed when thousands upon thousands of people are attending an event or a game. A building may block outdoor coverage and have less-than-adequate indoor coverage. This is where small cells come into play. In general, small cells operate at lower output power and therefore cover smaller areas than macro cells. Small cells are physically smaller, less expensive to buy and install, and—because of the lower output power—have fewer safety issues (and regulations) around their installation and operation. This Frost & Sullivan study presents an analysis of the global small cells market. It describes the scenarios in which small cells play an important role in ensuring connectivity, and presents estimated forecasts on small cell spending.

Author: Troy Morley