Opinion: How machine learning can help operators detect small cell anomalies

Most mobile operators run heterogeneous networks (HetNets), combining various cell types and technologies. The use of small cells in these networks has grown hugely in recent years, partly because smalls cells supply network coverage for indoor public spaces. Indoor spaces account for roughly 80% of today’s mobile data traffic. Small cells and HetNets are thus vital to modern mobile communications, but while standard self-organising networks (SONs) can self-heal, this does not work well with...

4 July 2019 | Hot Topics

US outdoor small cell antenna likely to rise by 75% in 2018, predicts EJL Wireless Research

A recent report from EJL Wireless Research, titled “U.S. Outdoor Small Cell Antenna Market Analysis and Forecast, 2018-2022 1st Edition”, states that the shipments of US outdoor small cell antenna increased 84% in 2017. The market is predicted to increase by 75% in 2018, owing to the increasing demand from all four American mobile operators as well as neutral host operators.

The report states that...

27 September 2018 | Hot Topics

Nokia to launch the worlds first MulteFire small cell for private LTE networks

Nokia is to launch the first MulteFire small cell in the world to help industries, enterprises, smart cities and mobile service providers leverage global unlicensed spectrum for reliable, safe, high-capacity and high-coverage private LTE networks.

The new Nokia Flexi Zone MulteFire Multiband Pico BTS will pave the way towards 5G connectivity in the future by enabling enterprises to establish a connection between mobile sensor-enabled 'things' and individuals in a more...

16 February 2018 | LTE

Why an increase in small cell deployments is providing a fundamental building block for 5G

A detailed survey by the Small Cell Forum (SCF) has found densification has already started in the present LTE networks and will intensify in the 5G era due to significant changes in architecture and economics of small cells.

According to the research, the industry is already witnessing acceleration of deployments in the enterprise, where deployments of small cells surged by 98% between 2015 and 2017. It is also projected that small cell deployments will increase by up to 1600% from...

5 December 2017 | Operators

Small cell market scaling up but still work to do, argues IHS Markit

A pair of reports by IHS Markit showed the values of the mobile backhaul equipment market and the small cell backhaul segment in 2016. While the value of the former stands at $8.2 billion, the latter has a value of just over $148 million. However, it is to be noted that due to the small cell deployments taking place in a range of locations the market is scaling up.

The report, titled “Macrocell Mobile Backhaul Equipment Market Tracker”, labels the mobile backhaul equipment...

27 October 2017 | Networks

Small Cell Forum aims to enhance smart communities and smart buildings with new partnership

A far-reaching collaboration has been formed between the Small Cell Forum (SCF) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) wherein the alliance will address issues with smart communities and smart buildings.

Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in order to work on technical, commercial, and regulatory solutions. All their existing work and skillset will be put together to develop solutions that simplify and expedite deployment of dense networks and...

15 September 2017 | IoT

How small cells and the cloud are improving the stadium fan experience

Mobilitie, a company based in Newport Beach, California, has installed a new cellular wireless system at Avaya Stadium in San Jose. The new system is expected to provide fans with access to an advanced cellular voice and data communications network that includes over 150 small, digital antennas, remote unit and other network components.

The neutral-host distributed antenna system (DAS) installed by Mobilitie is a flexible, small antennae and radio solution. With the new system,...

30 August 2017 | Small Cells

Qualcomm teams up with ITRI to develop 5G NR-enabled small cell technologies in Taiwan

Qualcomm is partnering with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), to work on 5G NR-enabled small cell technologies.

The collaboration is said to speed up the delivery and global commercialisation of 5G NR small cell products and infrastructure by Taiwanese OEMs and ODMs.

Jim Cathey, SVP and president, APAC & India, Qualcomm International, said, “This joint effort with ITRI is a key part of the investments we are making in Taiwan to ensure the...

8 August 2017 | Networks

Nokia and Ericsson results show road ahead for telecom equipment market

Nokia said it expects to face further ‘challenges’ on the networking side despite posting a profit of €574 million (£511.2m), up 73% from this time last year.

The Finnish giant published its Q217 financial results today, seeing overwhelming gains year over year on its global services and Nokia Technologies arms, the latter focusing on patent licensing, but a 4% downturn in IP networks and applications. Non-IFRS net sales went down slightly to €5.63 billion,...

27 July 2017 | Networks

Corning acquires SpiderCloud to expand wireless network capabilities

Corning has announced the acquisition of SpiderCloud Wireless, a leading provider of in-building wireless solutions.

SpiderCloud will come under the Corning Optical Communications segment, where its expertise in developing scalable small-cell network platforms will be used to its full potential for delivering unprecedented coverage and capacity for wireless services and optimising network efficiency and improving user experience. This acquisition is set to open unique market access...

24 July 2017 | Networks