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2. Small cells/Hotspot
Hotspots are perhaps the most obvious use case for mmWave. Small cells are typically deployed by operators at hotspot locations, where there is large amount of traffic demand in a relatively small area. Examples of small cell deployment locations includes, stadiums, concert halls, airports, and shopping malls etc. Small cell can be deployed in both SA and NSA mode. Standalone mmWave small cell deployment is a challenge due to limited device ecosystem in present scenario. Considering this limitation, we have not covered this specific use case in this planning exercise.
Key Learnings
• Since the cell range is typically very small in mmWave, un-calibrated model results can lead to predict too few or too many sites. Thus, use of calibrated and advanced propagation model is very important for effective use of CAPEX. As per report by Mobile Experts even 1 dB improvement in RSRP modeling precision, could save a nationwide U.S. mobile network approximately $2 billion over a 10-year period through a reduction in the number of base stations and smalls cells deployed. • Having an appropriate 3D geo map with all the required clutters is an important to predict FWA CPE positioning accurately. • Due to the inherent characteristics of shorter cell range of mmWave, it is important to study the availability of Radio products which are developed to overcome these challenges & provide better cell range. • Understanding the Ecosystem (frequencies & products) and deployment timelines from the CSPs is critical to provide the right planning approach (EN-DC, NR-DC, SA) for mmWave. • Use of traffic maps is highly recommended in case of planning mmWave cell to identify the high traffic density area for FWA service as well as small cells. • Selection of suitable massive MIMO and beamforming antenna is the key to success in mmWave planning. mmWave planning tool and features Tools characteristics and features To successfully plan a mmWave network, it requires a planning tool with the right capabilities. Most of the capabilities are generic for any technology & for different spectrum bands, however mmWave does have a few unique requirements. In this section we will look at both the requirements i.e., generic as well as specific to mmWave.
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