Challenges and solutions to network densification

Given the pervasive challenges associated with network densification, particularly backhaul and site acquisition, and the emergence of 5G at millimeter wave frequencies, what can operators do to deliver the service their customers expect? Ericsson’s Martin Ljunberg, strategic product manager, small cell solutions, said this new breed of networks requires street-level deployments with inter-site distance of a couple hundred meters. On the backhaul side, he identified the use of both dark and lit fiber as well as the role of microwave. He also noted a potentially “promising future” associated with using millimeter wave frequencies for wireless backhaul, which is set for standardization with 3GPP’s upcoming Release 16. He called site acquisition “a very important aspect of this. A key thing is, of course, to make equipment that is small in size and good looking.”