What is a 5G microcell base station?

5G microcells cover just over a mile. As the name implies, microcell towers are small and can be added to infrastructure, such as lamp posts. An advantage of a microcell base station is its energy efficiency. Small cells are the backbone of 5G and complement macrocells.

Can small cells connect to 5G networks?

Small cells provide fast connectivity speeds for 5G networks and capable devices, but 5G won't stop there. Macrocells and femtocells are also key to connect 5G networks. Small cell technology has been touted as a major development with 5G networks, but small cells aren't the only base stations that provide 5G connectivity.

Do small cells require a 5G antenna?

While traditional cell networks have also come to rely on an increasing number of base stations, achieving 5G performance will require an even greater infrastructure. Small cells can use much smaller antennas if they are transmitting tiny millimeter waves.

Why are small cells a new part of 5G?

The need to increase the number of base stations to provide wider and more dense coverage has led to the creation of small cells. Small cells are a new part of the 5G platform that increase network capacity and speed, while also having a lower deployment cost than macrocells.

How do small cells fit into the 5G ecosystem?

A cell tower (also called a macrocell) is a huge umbrella used to provide radio signals to thousands of users in large areas with minimal obstructions. To extend the coverage of a macrocell, distributive antenna systems (DASs) are used in conjunction with the cell tower.

Should a 5G power amplifier be combined with a power amplifier?

For 5G, infrastructure OEMs are considering combining the radio, power amplifier and associated signal processing circuits with the passive antenna array in active antenna units (AAU). While AAUs improve performance and simplify installation, they also require the power supply to share a heatsink with the power amplifier for cooling.