Ericsson’s three new scalable small cells are part of the solution to meet the growing demand for better mobile coverage and capacity, while laying the groundwork for 5G and IoT.
The small cell solutions encompass the “multi-dot”, with the “Multi-Operator Dot solution” delivering a set of Radio Dots that can be shared between multiple operators, with one operator managing the system while others provide radio frequency signals – similar to an active distributed antenna system (DAS).
Ericsson explained this new architecture “allows up to four operators to broadcast over a single Dot solution; combining the multi-operator benefits of an active DAS solution with the performance, agility and cost-effective design of the Radio Dot System".
As Ericsson said, as its name suggests, the Multi-Dot Enclosure “combines multiple Dots in a single enclosure. The enclosure has a minimal impact on building aesthetics, is useful for multi-operator deployments, and presents a cost-savings option in buildings that charge per box deployed.”
{loadposition alex08}Here, we learn that the “Strand-Mount Unit for outdoor micro radios makes it easier to install the radios on the existing grid, hung on aerial coax, fibre, or electricity cables".
“Aerial-strand deployments are critical for scaling outdoor small cells and can be deployed for both single and multi-operator usage”, with Ericsson stating its new Strand-Mount Unit “can support up to four micro radios, enabling multiple operators to utilise the same mount for cost-efficient deployments".
Meanwhile, the Strand-Mount Unit delivers “superior outdoor coverage with zero footprint".
Nishant Batra, head of Product Area Network Infrastructure at Ericsson, said: “We have developed scalable small cell models to meet the current demands of our customers while also preparing for requirements that will be imposed by 5G and the IoT.
“With the Multi-Operator Dot and the Multi-Dot Enclosure, our customers can enhance the in-building user experience with excellent connectivity for both smartphones and IoT devices. The Strand-Mount Unit for outdoor micro radios, meanwhile, facilitates the dense deployments that will be required for 5G – enabling operators to deploy small cells in areas where they may not have been able to do so previously.”
Mark Lowenstein, managing director of Mobile Ecosystem, said: “The mobile industry is experiencing an evolution in the way we use our devices, the methods in which we design the networks for upcoming 5G technologies, and the way we deploy small cells. Multi-operator solutions will be critical to expanding the market for small cells and the range of possible deployments. Ericsson’s new small cell solutions address these industry changes to enable operators to deliver the needed coverage and capacity in a variety of environments.”
Ericsson continued, noting that “The Multi-Operator Dot and the Multi-Dot Enclosure will enable service providers to offer their customers an aesthetically pleasing full multi-operator solution, capable of extending coverage and capacity indoors using LTE/5G tight interworking. The Strand-Mount Unit creates new opportunities for outdoor deployments for customers such as telecom operators, cable operators and tower companies.”
To further illuminate the situation, Ericsson explained: “We have reached an inflection point at which approaches to small cells are evolving rapidly. Seventy-five percent of companies either already allow employees to bring their own devices to work or plan to do so soon (Source: TechPro Research). But although 90% of our time is spent indoors, 60% of users are dissatisfied with their indoor cellular connectivity experience (Source: Ericsson ConsumerLab – PDF link).”
At the same time, Ericsson said: “5G readiness requirements and IoT strategies are becoming increasingly important factors in network planning. Non-traditional players are entering the wireless marketplace and operators need to think outside the box and find more cost-effective means of deploying the number of small cells required to meet consumer demand.”
So, it’s no surprise to see Ericsson stating that its “new small cell solutions meet the new market requirements and will be on display at the inaugural Mobile World Congress Americas from 12 to 14 September, and commercially available in 2018.”
More on Ericsson’s Small Cell Deployments here.
