In the last couple of years, encountering the cliché term “data tsunami” in reference to mobile broadband data networks has been unavoidable. Nevertheless, it is perhaps the most appropriate phrase to describe what is occurring in the industry.
The good news is that swift adoption of smartphones, tablets and other data hungry devices has boosted average revenue per user, which were pressured by the commoditization of voice. However, these devices lend themselves to applications (social media, video, etc.) that are very visual. This has resulted in a preponderance of usage that is geographically concentrated and with relatively low mobility, yet must be seamless across locales.
Addressing this need, without astronomical investments in data capacity, is a huge challenge for the network operators. In addition, in the new all-IP world, operators need revenue sources with stickiness, to counter over-the-top applications and services that threaten to relegate them to mere bit-pipes.
Let us consider the challenge of data throughput and capacity. In its February 2012 “Visual Networking Index,” Cisco notes that in 2011, for the first time mobile video traffic was more than half (52%) of the total mobile data traffic, which grew 2.3-fold, doubling for the fourth year in a row. Additionally, the report forecasts that mobile data traffic will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 78% from 2011 to 2016. This rate of growth will challenge the ability of the network operators to meet the demand for capacity and performance.
One obvious solution to the problem is allocation of additional spectrum. Although additional spectrum is absolutely necessary, it is not an immediate or a complete solution. There is a limit to the amount of spectrum that can be made available and it is expensive to acquire as well as time-consuming to clear and deploy. More immediate term solutions are also necessary to address the demand.
Another needed step is to improve spectral efficiency by moving to newer 4G radio access technologies. However, even with the improved efficiency, optimal spectrum utilization will require solutions that incorporate spatial reuse of spectrum.
Addressing this via a more traditional approach of cell-splitting to make the macro network dense is expensive and has limitations as well as challenges including increasingly stringent zoning regulations. Furthermore, capacity and performance drop as a function of the distance from the base station. The most economical route is to deliver data capacity where it is needed instead of blanketing the entire network.
Small cell architecture is instrumental in achieving this end. Small cells can assist in addressing the need by delivering more bits per watt resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower operating expenses, facilitating green operations.
Leveraging the small cell architecture requires a different approach in formulating the problem statement. The metric of interest shifts from a focus shared-speed (megabits per second) to performance density (desired Mbps per square kilometer). Utilizing femtocells does not fully address the need due to limited coverage, limited capacity, limited access (user group lists) as well as privacy issues associated with using a private backhaul.
The other solution is to off-load to a Wi-Fi hotspot, the full benefits of which can be realized when it is seamlessly integrated into a cellular operator’s network. This enables the operator to manage the network performance as well as the subscriber experience. Also, by keeping subscribers within the network, value-add services can be offered which will be touched upon later in this article.
What is required is a platform that has the capacity, features, functionality and “carrier-gradedness” of a macrocell but with the ease of deployment and lower cost associated with a femtocell or a Wi-Fi access point. Additionally, this platform must have integrated Wi-Fi support to leverage the synergies that can be attained by a heterogeneous network architecture. This is where the picocell hits the sweet spot with the following characteristics.
–High capacity and performance (at least 100 users with over 100 Mbps cumulative throughput).
–Integrated Wi-Fi.
–Nice aesthetics for easier permits (integrated antennas, designer form-factor).
–Plug-and-play interface.
–Self-optimizing network support (self-configuring, self-optimizing).
–Backhaul agnostic for easy integration into diverse backhaul solutions (fiber, microwave, Ethernet).
Let us now address the need for facilitating subscriber stickiness. Cellular networks can provide valuable information such as location and presence. Leveraging these assets with intelligent data mining and context can create a platform for value-added content and services.
Context can be best created if the location and presence is associated with an immediate area of activity. This is most easily enabled by picocells as they can provide a high performance access within a localized space. Targeted delivery of advertisements, automated recognition and management of high value clients, as well as support staff communication network in hotels/casinos would be examples of such value propositions.
Furthermore, the challenge is to monetize such a platform by providing access to the information but maintain the security of the operator network. Once again picocells can offer solutions by localized connectivity into the customer-retention management interfaces with firewalls to protect the network.
Alternatively, picocells can be deployed with dedicated core network, which is flexible as well as scalable and provides a path towards easy integration in a service-oriented architecture to foster development of value added applications and services while keeping the macro network secure.
Powerwave Technologies has introduced a small cell that addresses all of the above requirements for capacity enhancement, challenging coverage situations and rapid deployment applications. The Powerwave Picocell is a small, all-in-one 4G LTE base station and Wi-Fi hot spot that delivers up to 100 Mbps/square mile to over 100 users. This small cell delivers capacity right where the network needs it most and is small and attractive to enable installation virtually anywhere. The result is a more cost-effective alternative to macrocell splits, and happier users experiencing faster speeds right where they want them.
In conclusion, small cell networks will be a key factor in assisting the network operator in addressing growing capacity and performance demands. In addition, the growth of the associated network architecture will be crucial in the development of innovative applications and services that will ensure subscriber stickiness.
