5G, the future of mobile networks, is here and it will change the way our mobile devices perform. 5G (fifth generation) mobile networks are the new worldwide standard and they will vastly outperform previous generations in some very key aspects:
- A higher multi-Gbps data speed, which will allow for faster downloading and streaming capabilities.
- A larger bandwidth, which will allow for more devices to be connected at once without slowing down the network.
- A huge decrease in latency will allow for faster communication with cloud platforms.
However, 5G technology has one major limitation: range. This is due to its utilization of millimeter waves (mmWave). Millimeter waves are a high-frequency band of frequencies that provide high speed and increased bandwidth. But they travel by line of sight and are blocked or reduced by physical objects like walls, trees, and buildings. This limitation is particularly acute in densely populated urban areas with more network users and physical obstacles.
Fortunately, there is a solution: street lighting systems. Street lighting can help improve 5G coverage limitations in urban areas by utilizing 5G Small Cells. These cells can be mounted on street light poles to act as miniature base stations and, when spaced properly, can increase network capacity by using them as signal relays.
By equipping street lights with 5G capabilities, cities can enhance wireless communication, support a wide array of IoT (Internet of Things) applications, and improve public safety and services, all while maintaining their primary function of illumination.
What are 5G Small Cells?
5G small cells are small base stations that increase network coverage in urban areas. They act as low-powered cellular radio access points with an operating range of 30 feet to a few miles. They use very little power consumption and are relatively inexpensive. When they are deployed close together, they can offer high data rates efficiently.
Small cell networks (SCNs) will play a key role in 5G infrastructure as the technology is crucial for network densification. They will help to ensure signal penetration and greater coverage. In the 5G era, cell towers (aka macrocells) are restricted to lower-level frequencies while SCNs are used to support high-frequency mmWave transmissions.
Technical Foundations of 5G in Street Lighting: How do 5G Small Cells work?
The small cells used in 5G networks get their connection via macrocells (cell towers). Once this connection is established, they send data from one small cell to another in a relay. This allows the network to carry signals over larger distances.
There are three kinds of 5G small cells: femtocells, picocells, and microcells. Each type of small cell provides different coverage limits.
- Femtocells have a coverage radius of 30-165 feet. They are used exclusively in indoor applications.
- Picocells have a coverage radius of 330-820 feet. They are used in indoor and outdoor applications.
- Microcells have a coverage radius of 1.5 miles. These are the types of small cells that are mounted on street lights. They can support the most users at one time and have the most bandwidth of the three types.
Small cells require two things to connect with 5G networks: a power source and backhaul. These things can be easily drawn from or integrated into light poles.
Backhaul is a method where data signals are transmitted from isolated networks or locations back to central ones. It is the primary link to different networks and sub-networks that are capable of high-speed data transmission.
Mobile networks are heavily dependent on backhaul technology to boost the data transfer between mobile devices and base stations. This is done in either a wired or wireless method. Wired backhaul services are more expensive and not as accessible in remote areas as wireless, but they provide a higher bandwidth.
Benefits of 5G Street Lights
There are many benefits of 5G-enabled street lights.
- They enhance urban connectivity because they complement the macro network by filling coverage gaps and adding directed bandwidth capacity.
- They utilize existing infrastructure which reduces costs, streamlines site approval/permitting, and speeds installation.
- Small cells are relatively small in size. They don’t require much power and can be deployed for indoor or outdoor use in a licensed, shared, or unlicensed spectrum.
- Because of their size, they are easy to conceal and camouflage to blend with their environment.
- Small cells are quick to install and are more affordable when compared to conventional cell towers.
Best Type of Light Pole for 5G Compatibility
To deploy a 5G small cell network in urban areas, you’ll probably be using existing infrastructure. Except for new construction projects, you’ll likely need to make do with what has already been installed. The most common types of light poles in urban environments are anchor-base steel and aluminum light poles.
However, fiberglass light poles are the ideal solution.
- Fiberglass poles do not conduct electricity, unlike steel and aluminum poles.
- They are quicker, cheaper, and easier to install. This is because they are much lighter than steel and aluminum poles.
- They have a longer lifespan than steel poles. Usually, it is two or three times longer. This is because they are resistant to a broad range of chemicals and will not rust or corrode like metal poles.
Another consideration is to combine 5G small cells with the latest in street lighting technology: LED lighting. LED 5G street lights provide the best and longest-lasting type of illumination while being the most energy-efficient lighting option.
Logistical Considerations
For 5G signals sent over mmWaves, the number of small cells in an urban area will need to increase significantly. They will need to be placed close together to move the shorter waves from one small cell to the next without a dropped connection or decreased bandwidth.
Street lights are the ideal placement point for this because:
- They are typically 25 to 50 feet high.
- They are spaced 150 to 165 feet apart.
- They have an existing power supply.
- They are within close proximity to fiber.
This requires significant time and investment, making it a considerable challenge for widespread deployment of 5G networks.
However, this is a better alternative for carriers to the old standard mobile network infrastructure deployment. One of the biggest challenges that they faced in the past (and in the present) was the time it took to work through the process of acquiring sites, engineering designs, and securing permits before construction even began. Adding a new 5G macrocell can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months on average. Doing things the old way would require a dense network of 5G macrocells.
By using existing infrastructure, the small cell solution:
- Reduces costs.
- Streamlines site approval and permitting.
- Allows for quicker installation.
Future Implications and Other Uses
Forward Compatibility
We mentioned earlier that significant time and investment are required to deploy 5G networks via street lights, one thing that makes it worthwhile is that 5G technology is forward-compatible. What this means is that it can be upgraded or enhanced in the future without having to be completely redesigned. 5G mobile networks are made to be flexible and can evolve to support new features and capabilities over time, whatever they may be.
Other Deployments and Applications
Other types of infrastructure for the deployment of 5G small cells include:
- Traffic lights
- Decorative street lamps
- Security camera poles
- Walkway/pathway lighting
Other applications for 5G small cells include:
- National parks
- Campgrounds and RV parks
- Manufactured housing communities
Exploring LightMart’s Offerings
LightMart offers products and solutions that support the integration of 5G technology into street lighting. Our experienced staff has the expertise to help you with your upcoming projects. Contact us today!