Macro cell, Micro cell, Pico cell and Femto cell are 4 types of base stations in wireless communication networks.
Macro Base Station
Macrocell antennas must be properly mounted on ground-based masts, rooftops or other existing structures and at heights for an unhindered, clear view of the surroundings. Its performance can be increased by increasing the efficiency of the transceiver. Macrocell base stations have power outputs of typically tens of watts. Since this type of cell offers the largest coverage area, it is placed in stations along highways and rural areas where large stretches rarely have service within a few kilometers.
Micro Base Station
A micro base station is a relatively small-scale base station with a smaller coverage area than a macro base station. It is usually set up in densely populated areas such as indoors, office buildings, shopping malls, subway stations, etc. to provide better signal coverage and capacity support. Micro base stations can enhance the quality and stability of wireless signals and provide higher data transmission speeds and lower latency.
Pico Base Station
A picocell is a smaller base station with a smaller coverage area than a microcell. It is mainly used to provide indoor coverage, such as offices, hotels, hospitals and other places to meet the needs of high-density users. Pico base stations usually have lower power and shorter transmission distance, which can provide more stable and high-quality wireless signals.
Femto Base Station
A femto base station (also called an Access Point Base Station, femtocell, femtobasestation or femto basestation) is an in-home base station. Like a standard base station, it connects cell phone voice and data to the cell phone network, but it serves a smaller area (the home). A femto base station benefits the service provider because it offloads cell tower traffic. Subscribers benefit from superior signal strength, due to the proximity of the unit -- especially where a cellular signal is weak or not available. Femto base stations augment the normal network and replicates the usual telecommunications infrastructure. Connection to the cell phone network is provided by VoIP over the Internet.
(Image source: ciena)
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