One of the new trends found in technology is out-of-band management – which can be used to remotely monitor wireless networks. On the other hand, heterogeneous networks, also called “HetNets,” are present within these types of networks. They are made up of large cells (known as “macro” cells) – that have higher transmit power (between 5 W – 40 W) and small cells – which have low transmit power (between 100 mW – 2 W).
What role will these technologies play in the present or future?
Currently, Ericsson (News - Alert) and Nokia-Siemens are both coming up with technology related to HetNets. Overall, the technology is predicted to be an increasingly important revenue producer. In fact, Researchmoz says spending on HetNet infrastructure will likely reach $42 billion a year by the end of 2020
.“HetNets quickly jumped the chasm from hype to reality,” according to a recent report from the Telecom Council's Mobile Forum. “Today, they are an essential part of 4G and future network topologies, as operators seek new ways to extract more capacity from their spectrum. HetNets include a few sub-trends, such as Wi-Fi Offload, DAS, SON, Picocells, Femtocells (News - Alert) and overlapping N=1 topologies. Put together, they multiply a network's power, but also increase its complexity.”
Looking around the world, many markets are considering the use of HetNets and whether to use large or small cells. For example, in the short- and medium-term, Australia's telecom companies will probably not use HetNet technology – according to a report from iTnews.
It is not as if telcos in Australia aren’t interested in HetNet technology. For example, Telstra is looking at HetNets. But it is not part of a far-reaching strategy for Telstra. Optus and Vodafone (News - Alert) Hutchison Australia (VHA) are watching HetNets from afar, as well.
Also, vendors want to see carrier-grade Wi-Fi added to HetNets. HetNets are also more focused on smaller base stations, such as lightRadio devices by Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) and Liquid Radio boxes by Nokia-Siemens Networks.
Edited by Jamie Epstein