Though traditional macrocell-based cellular networks were designed to address the rising influx of mobile broadband data traffic and the growing requirements for in-building wireless coverage, they failed to meet the wireless subscribers’ requirements for capacity and coverage.


Reports indicate that traditional macrocell based cellular network deployment does not meet the wireless subscribers’ requirements regarding the capacity and coverage.  This is critical further considering the fact that annual mobile data traffic throughput is poised for the growth at a 27.9 percent CAGR and is expected to increase from 57 Exabytes in 2013 to almost 335 Exabytes in 2020.

This rising demand for a higher capacity networks has given rise to the development of microcells, picocells and femtocells, which helps not only boost network capacity where usage is maximum but also delivers improved coverage in challenging scenarios.

A recent report published by Market Publishers provides details of the global small cells and carrier Wi-Fi market. It also analyzes the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) technology.

According to the report, “The HetNet Bible (Small Cells and Carrier Wi-Fi) – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies and Forecasts: 2013 – 2020 – With an Evaluation of DAS & Cloud RAN,” the deployment of carrier Wi-Fi and small cells is expected to generate revenues of around USD 350 billion by 2021 in total.

Findings also highlight that small cells and carrier Wi-Fi networks are likely to route nearly 208 Exabytes or more than 60 percent of overall mobile network traffic annually by the end of 2020. Meantime, overall annual spending on the HetNet infrastructure is forecast to reach almost $42 billion by 2020.

The study not only examines the existing and emerging technologies, it also presents industry business case and roadmap. Further, it outlines the major market challenges and opportunities as well as includes deployment case studies.

According to the report, spending on Small Cell-as-a-Service (SCaaS) engagements is expected to reach nearly $15 billion following a 30 percent CAGR over the seven year period between 2013 and 2020.

The research highlights a comprehensive forecast for the market from 2013 till 2020, including individual revenue and shipment projections of small cells, carrier Wi-Fi, small cell backhaul, SCaaS (Small Cells as-a-Service), DAS, cloud RAN, Self-Organizing Networks (SON) and mobile data services across six geographical regions.




Edited by Jamie Epstein