Evolution to ‘unplanned’ ad-hoc deployed small cells

Evolution to ‘unplanned’ ad-hoc deployed small cells

To rapidly achieve hyper-densification, it is important to adopt a more ‘unplanned ‘ad-hoc deployment approach, where-in, there is no need for detailed RF network planning and optimization. The small cells have to be plug-and-play and self-configurable. These small cells could be operator or user installed, but managed by operators, and coordinate with macros as well as other small cells. Neighborhood Small Cells (NSC) is a special case of such approach with user installed indoor small cells that leverage existing consumer-grade backhaul, and that also serve outdoor traffic it the vicinity.

Thanks to the popularity of smartphones and tablets, most of the data usage is indoors, necessitating extensive indoor small cell deployments. The “inside-out” model leverages the existence of these indoor small cells to provide capacity not only indoors but also outdoors, while also providing good outdoor coverage. This model is another example of the ‘unplanned’ ad-hoc approach. Our simulations show capacity increases of up to 1000x with 20% penetration, while using 10 times more spectrum. There are also future enhancements being developed to enable the same 1000x increase with even less spectrum or lower household penetration.