Why everyone agrees small cells are a win-win-win-win technology

In a perfect world, all technologies work flawlessly and are universally praised across the board.

In the real world, though, that is hardly ever the case, and nearly all technologies are criticized upon their introduction. One emerging solution, small cell technologies, is running counter to this trend, and is garnering both support and acclaim from experts across the industry.

Small cell technology, in layman’s terms, is an approach to curbing overload of a macro mobile network, a problem that has emerged only lately, what with the increase in device data demand in recent years.

Small cells are mini-base stations that are strategically placed for the purpose of bolstering network density, increasing data speeds, plugging coverage holes in voice networks, and managing the overall mobile network spectrum in a much more efficient manner.

The technology has so far seen greatest use in the form of low-end home versions called femtocells. Recently though, there’s been a developing trend that is seeing the adaptation of this technology to the form of more robust devices that can handle network demands in businesses and public spaces.

Small cells are now seen as a more-than-adequate-enough technology for helping business handle the challenges of in-building mobile Internet connectivity and an increasingly mobile workforce. As a result, demand for the technology is increasing, and a recent report by EE Times indicates an aggressive forecast in the coming years: the number of deployed small cells is expected to increase from 168,000 units last year to 11.5 million by 2018.

This number becomes even more realistic when considering the fact that having small network support in place will come into sharper focus as LTE 4G wireless continues to expand, followed by the eventual move to 5G. Companies will see small cell solutions as a way to reduce the cost of service delivery, open new revenue opportunities, and improve the end-user experience by providing faster mobile broadband service as well as better-quality voice connections.

Near the end of this decade, small cell deployments are expected to be an even split between residential and non-residential uses. Analysts foresee strong adoption of the technology in developed countries over the next few years, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea.

All this being said, small cell component providers like Avago are now being tasked with delivering the technologies necessary to assist designers, operators, and companies not only address the growing demand for data, but also clear the technological hurdles associated with the implementation of a new system.

For a closer look into Avago’s approach to small cell solutions, and to learn more about this developing technology, check out the company’s video below.

Learn more about small cell technology.