A 5G network signal booster serves as a mini base station, solving many of the coverage problems that have plagued the technology rollout. Boosters used in conjunction with 5G new radio nodes (gNBs) are often called โrepeaters,โ and will allow the signal to reach a much larger population for a much lower cost.
The significantly lower cost of installing a network booster as compared to installing a gNB is partly due to the booster not requiring pulling new fiber to a site, or requiring a long, on-site construction process. This lets operators radically expand their coverage in a very short period of time. How significant are the savings?
Recent research from SureCall commissioned from analyst firm iGR indicated that deploying a 5G mmWave booster cost an average of just 10% of the overall expenditure from installing a gNB and running fiber to the site. If the fiber was already there, then installing the booster was 15% of the cost. Operators are realizing significant savings outside of installation costs, as well.
Network signal boosters are deployable within a few hours, capable of combining access and transport traffic, and do not require fiber backhaul, all lowering build, and operational expenditures. Current generations of 5G mmWave network signal boosters are inherently reliable and use less power than a gNB โ many can even run on solar.
For network operators struggling to get their 5G signal to a waiting public, this hybrid network architecture of gNBs and signal boosters is likely to become the preferred path. The potent combination of savings and benefits can get a large user base up and running quickly, and at a much lower cost.
The bottom line on signal boosters is literally the bottom line: Augmented 5G coverage at low costs. Network signal boosters allow operators to minimize the number of gNBs deployed and get revenue flowing quickly after lighting up the 5G node. This means the return on investment of installing a new gNB can be measured in months instead of years.
Rolling out powerful networks nationwide
For years, booster manufacturers have known about the signal frequency issue that is now plaguing 5G. They have worked with carriers and stakeholders to create products that serve different deployment configurations and frequency bands. In the U.S., the three major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) have all adopted mmWave and C-Band to support their 5G rollouts. Verizon, in particular, has led the way with mmWave, initially adopting a high-band spectrum to create a fixed wireless access home broadband service, and then building out mmWave 5G mobile network.
This product now reaches areas in more than 80 cities. As a key component of its network, Verizon has deployed network signal boosters to maximize the signal and improve performance for the end-user. This allows the company to drastically increase the service of its 5G Ultra Widebandยฎ network in a cost-effective and reliable way โ and the booster can be deployed within hours.
As companies continue to build networks around the world, key learnings from early examples like Verizon will point to the power of a hybrid 5G architecture that combines gNBโs and signal boosters for a faster and more cost-effective deployment. Network signal boosters are an ideal solution for realizing the potential benefits of 5G.
Boosters consume much less power than a gNB, donโt require backhaul, can be up and running in just hours, and need minimal maintenance. By embracing signal boosters, operators can offer customers the true benefits of 5G and realize positive ROI in months rather than years.
