5G Cell Towers: Why You See Them and How They Work

You might have heard of 5G, the newest mobile networking technology that's replacing 4G and powering the next generation of internet-connected devices...but how does it work? You might know that a 5G network uses what’s called small cells, but what does that mean?

The cell tower is an essential part of a mobile network. Like any network infrastructure, certain equipment is needed to relay information between devices, which is exactly why a 5G tower is needed for 5G networks.

A 5G tower is different from a 4G tower both physically and functionally: more are needed to cover the same amount of space, they’re smaller, and they transmit data on an entirely different part of the radio spectrum. A 5G network isn't all that useful unless small cells are utilized, because it's the best way to provide the coverage, speed, and low latency 5G promises.

What Are 5G Small Cells?

A small cell in a 5G network is the base station that serves a critical role in the overall network. They're called “small cells” as opposed to "macrocells" used in 4G networks because they’re relatively smaller.

Since 5G towers don’t require much power, they can be made relatively small. This is important not only for aesthetics but also for space efficiency—small cells support high frequency millimeter waves, which have limited range (more on why this is important below).

A 5G cell tower is basically just a small box, like you see in the "5G" labeled image above. While this is how most implementations are turning out, some companies are burying antennas under manhole covers to extend their mobile network through the streets.

How 5G Small Cells Works

Despite their size, small cells are not weak. The tech inside these cells is what allows 5G to be so fast and support the growing number of devices requiring internet access.

Inside a small cell is radio equipment necessary for transmitting data to and from connected devices. The antennas within the small cell are highly directional and use what's called beamforming to direct attention to very specific areas around the tower.

These devices can also quickly adjust power usage based on the current load. This means when a radio is not in use, it will drop into a lower power state in just a few milliseconds, and then re-adjust just as quickly when more power is needed.

5G small cells are fairly simple in design and can be installed in less than a few hours, sometimes even faster, like with Ericsson's 15-minute streetlight solution, Street Radio 4402. This is very much unlike the beefier 4G towers that take much longer to install and get up and running.

Of course, small cells also require a power source and backhaul to connect it to the carrier's 5G network, and eventually the internet. A carrier might choose a wired fiber connection or wireless microwave for that connection.

Small cell is an umbrella term; there are three subtypes, each with their own purposes due to their different sizes, coverage areas, and power requirements. Microcells and picocells are good for outdoor use because they have a range of up to 200–2000 meters (just over a mile), respectively. Femtocells are preferred indoors due to a coverage radius of less than 10 meters (32 feet).

5G Tower Locations

5G promises an extremely interconnected world where everything from smartwatches, vehicles, houses, and farms utilize the ultrafast speeds and low delays it offers. To accomplish this, and to do it well—with as little coverage gaps as possible—it’s required to have a huge number of 5G towers, particularly in areas that demand lots of traffic like big cities, large events, and business districts.

Fortunately, since 5G cell towers are so small, they can be positioned in ordinary places like on light poles, the tops of buildings, and even streetlights. This translates into less traditional-looking towers, but also potentially more eyesores nearly everywhere you look.

For 5G to really shine in a highly-populated city, for example, especially given its short distance limitations, towers need to exist close to wherever connected devices will need access to them, like at intersections, outside the doors of businesses, all around college campuses, around transportation hubs, right down your street, etc.

Another reason 5G towers have to be installed so frequently in busy areas is that for the small cell to support superfast speeds, it has to have a direct line of sight with the receiving device, like your smartphone or home. If you ever plan to replace your home broadband internet with 5G, you'll most likely have a 5G cell tower down the street from your house. This isn't as necessary, however, for low-band networks that support long-range communication.

As 5G continues to roll out, carriers release updated coverage maps, but it'd be practically unsustainable to show exactly where every tower is placed.