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LTE small cell vs large cell-difference between small cell and large cell

This page compares LTE small cell vs large cell and mentions difference between small cell and large cell used in LTE heterogeneous networks (HetNet).

The LTE network consists of small cells and large cells. Due to this, this type of network is known as heterogeneous network.

LTE small cell

LTE small cell vs large cell

Following are the features of LTE small cells:
• They are basically RANs (Radio Access Nodes) which supports range of about 10 meters to 1 or 2 Kms. The cell site size is smaller and hence the name.
• They usually operate in licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.
• It uses low power base station or RRH.
• It has hot spot coverage.
• It is used for providing coverage at cell edge of the large cell.
• It is used to provide coverage in the area not covered by the macro network.
• It is suitable for indoor coverage.
• It helps in offloading the traffic from the large cells.
• They are categorized into different types viz. femtocells, picocells and microcells>>

LTE large cell

Following are the features of LTE large cell:
• It uses high power eNBs.
• Here macro-eNB site can be difficult to find.
• There may be many small cells in a large cell.

➨Small cells are applicable in areas not covered by macro network.
➨Small cells are used to increase the capacity in hotspots.
➨Small cells help offload data from large macro cells and hence will help in improving performance of the network.
➨Both small cells and large cells together provide higher bit rates per unit area.

LTE Related Links

HetNet Gateway  LTE tutorial  LTE terminologies  LTE system basics  LTE UE categories  LTE Frequency Bands  EARFCN vs frequency   LTE frame structure  FDD LTE vs TDD LTE 

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