A conversation about densification with Andy Sutton, principal network architect at BT
The below is only a summary. Download a transcript of the complete interview and the full report “Massively densified networks. Why we need them and how we can build them.” them.”
Andy Sutton, principal network architect at BT, has been working for a long time on small cell and backhaul solutions that address the increasing capacity and coverage requirements.
Indoor coverage is acquiring a more prominent role in densification strategies. Sutton said: “The next phase is to really understand how we deploy ever smaller cells, and tie that in, also, with our approach to in-building coverage. If a huge amount of data is generated in-building, and we can manage that capacity within the building, then of course it’s going to reduce the demand on the external macro network. Currently we’re considering the optimal strategy for balancing growth in external network capacity with managing in-building coverage to remove, effectively, capacity demand at the source, therefore helping us to balance the overall network. That also allows us to work toward a more energy-efficient network as well. In areas of high in-building demand, rather than transmitting everything from outside in, we can manage that capacity more efficiently with in-building solutions.”
As the need for small cells increases, operators still face challenges in their deployment. “Among the challenges we foresee, site acquisition is always one that operators have,” Sutton added. “We need to develop new strategic partnerships. We also need to understand what new business models are available for both external and internal deployments.”
We further discussed the topic of densification during our recent webinar. Download the webinar.
