Microcell technology sounds like something you may have heard in biology class. But in the world of communications, it’s actually referring to the latest approach to expanding cellular networks and boosting connectivity. Here we take a closer look at this technology and three things you should know about its effect on the future of your business communications.
Understanding microcell technology
Microcells can be described as “mini cell towers” that allow for mobile connectivity for devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. With microcell technology, cellular developers can expand signal coverage and provide more access points to the internet. Essentially, they can add microcells to networks with spotty coverage, creating a layering effect with existing cell towers or macrocells. When microcells are added, connectivity automatically shifts from the macrocells to the new microcells, which can create higher bandwidth speeds and longer battery life for users. With this understanding, there are three things that will be helpful for businesses to know.
Microcell technology towers are smaller
In the past, cellular networks could only be expanded by macrocell towers, which are large and expensive and require vast spaces that often come with zoning regulations. Microcell towers, on the other hand, are small and nimble. They can be more easily and inexpensively built in large urban areas where this is a need for more bandwidth, but no room to accommodate large cell towers.
Their size also makes it possible for microcells to be deployed in elevated locations, such as rooftops, street lights, and telephone poles, furthering their application in urban settings. And, like distributed antenna systems, they can be installed in outdoor events like stadiums, where coverage can also be spotty.
Microcell technology paves the way for 5G
While the buzz is starting about 5G, it may still be years away. This is because the traditional network infrastructure of macrocells is limited. The large towers cannot be everywhere connection is needed, and space and logistics can make access points difficult to implement. But microcells require less power and can provide short-range wireless transmission in smaller geographical areas and even indoors. They can handle high data rates for individual users, and they can bolster signal strength anywhere, with less time, money, and barriers to implementation.
Based on this, having microcell infrastructure will be key to 5G deployments, which will increase internet speeds and improve accessibility.
Microcell technology could boost your business
With microcells, developers will be able to expand cellular networks with less investment, and if your business property is located where connectivity is needed—and microcell technology could help—your business could be in a position to lease space and thus create an additional revenue stream.
Also, greater speeds and accessibility could add up to more opportunities for businesses that rely on the Internet. As microcell technology expands, companies that sell, manage, engage, and inform via the internet will be able to improve performance and increase deliverables. People will turn to the internet more and more, and high-speed access will be a consumer must-have. There will be implications across the board for leaders in public safety, education, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing. Meanwhile, this means companies that don’t take advantage of the new technology could find themselves losing business.
The future is coming, and along with it will be opportunities to capitalize on new technology and provide greater services to clients and customers. To learn more about how changing technology can benefit your business contact us.
