New iGR white paper discusses the need to address size and RF performance for small cell deployments

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - June 07, 2017) - In order to deploy 5G, the next generation of mobile network architectures that promises increasing speeds and lower latency, the network must be densified. Densification implies more cell sites in more locations and getting the signal closer to the users. This means significantly more small cells -- there is simply no choice other than to put more radios into the network.

The problems with deploying small cells are well known in the wireless industry: location, backhaul, power and spectrum. RF performance is also critical: the small cell is part of a larger network and must perform on an equal footing. Good RF performance, low PIM and good isolation must be maintained in the small cell architecture, as the demands of 5G and the ability to meet the industry goals for 5G depend on it. iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry, has recently released a white paper that discusses these small cell deployment challenges in more detail.

"Small cells are not all created equal and are not all the same physical size," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR. "Because RF performance is critical, the small cell components must be both a small physical size and offer the necessary RF performance by using compact quality components."

In its most recent white paper, Addressing small cell issues: Size and RF performance, iGR discusses the challenges of deploying small cells, especially balancing small size and RF performance. The white paper also provides examples of several possible configurations for successful small cell deployments.

The following key questions are addressed in the white paper:

• What are the challenges of small cell deployments?
• How does the size of a small cell impact its deployment location?
• What are the challenges of multi-band multi-operator deployments?
• Why is RF performance critical for 5G?
• What are the differences between small cell configurations, such as dual-band single sector, dual-band dual sector, and neutral host?

iGR's new white paper, Addressing small cell issues: Size and RF performance, can be downloaded at no charge directly from iGR's website.

About iGR

iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now in its seventeenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile wearable devices; connected cars; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell and het-net architectures; mobile EPC and RAN virtualization; DAS; LTE; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.

A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.

About Microlab

Microlab is a leader in low PIM (passive intermod) RF and microwave products enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks. High performance passive components such as power combiners, directional couplers, attenuators, terminators and filters are developed for broadband applications to support public safety networks, GPS reference signaling, television transmitters and aircraft landing systems. Active solutions from Microlab include GPS signal repeaters for cellular timing synchronization and passive safety monitors for real-time in-building DAS system diagnostics.