Cellular infrastructure refers to the components and systems that enable mobile communication via cellular networks. These networks use radio frequencies to communicate between mobile devices and network equipment, allowing users to make calls, send texts, and use data services.
Key components of cellular infrastructure include:
Cell Towers (Base Stations):
- House the antennas and other equipment that transmit and receive signals from mobile devices.
- Typically connected to the core network via high-capacity lines, either fiber-optic cables or microwave links.
Mobile Switching Center (MSC):
- A central component in a network. It connects calls by setting up the path for each call based on the provided signal.
- Manages registration, call location updating, and mobile text messaging.
Baseband Unit (BBU):
- Processes the baseband signal from the Radio Frequency (RF) part of the tower.
- Often located at the base of the tower.
Remote Radio Head (RRH):
- A piece of equipment often located at the top of a cell tower that communicates directly with the mobile device.
- Connects to the BBU, often via fiber optic links.
Gateway:
- Connects the cellular network to other networks, including the internet and other telecom networks.
Backhaul:
- Refers to the connection between the cell tower and the core network or internet.
- Can be wired (like fiber-optic cables) or wireless (like microwave or satellite links).
Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC):
- Used for network management, including monitoring, diagnostic functions, and maintenance.
Subscriber Data and Authentication:
- Home Location Register (HLR): A database used for storage and management of subscriber information.
- Visitor Location Register (VLR): A temporary database that stores the information about subscribers currently within the jurisdiction of the MSC.
- Authentication Center (AUC): A protected database that stores a copy of the secret key stored in each subscriber’s SIM card, used for authentication and encryption to secure the user’s communication.
Evolved Packet Core (EPC):
- For 4G/LTE networks, the EPC handles data traffic and manages sessions.
- Components include the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW), and Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW).
5G Architecture:
- As networks evolve into 5G, new components like the 5G New Radio (NR) and NextGen Core (NGC) become integral.
- 5G infrastructure also leans heavily on network slicing, edge computing, and other technologies to deliver ultra-reliable low latency and high bandwidth.
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) & Software-Defined Networking (SDN):
- Modern cellular infrastructure is moving towards more software-centric solutions, allowing for greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency.
Small Cells:
- Smaller cellular base stations designed for more targeted coverage, especially in dense urban areas or indoor locations.
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS):
- Used to distribute cellular signals within a particular environment, such as a large building or stadium.
Spectrum Management:
- Regulators allocate radio frequency spectrum for cellular providers, and the infrastructure must be designed and optimized for these specific frequency bands.
The setup and management of cellular infrastructure demand considerations around coverage, capacity, scalability, and evolving technology standards. As the demand for more data and faster speeds continues to grow, providers are continuously working to upgrade and expand their infrastructure.