A data surge in urban areas has prompted many mobile operators to consider adding small cells in the mix. Two principal analysts from Informa, Malik Kamal-Saadi and Dimitris Mavrakis, discuss the challenges operators that need to be overcome regarding large-scale small cell deployment, and how Huawei's AtomCell solution differentiates itself from competitors' offerings.
According to Saadi, adding small cells requires a change in the current network topology, and as a result, some technology and planning challenges arise. The biggest technological challenge, as he points out, is interference management, especially in the 3G environment. Mavrakis also highlights backhaul and power supply challenges to due to small cells’ distributed nature. Both analysts believe that there is a need for multi-mode and multi-band small cells. This allows the network to be as future-proof as possible and thus protects the investment. In addition, devices in the market coming in various modes and bands also require small cell support.
Mavrakis sees Atomcell as a stepp in the right direction and an important technology that will help convince operators to go for small cells. Saadi lists three elements of differentiation for Huawei’s Atomcell, Wi-Fi integration, backhaul/site flexibility, and easy integration of value added services.
