Raising the bar: Cell service reaching new heights

With an increasing number of people and devices relying on cellular data, cell towers just aren’t cutting it anymore. As more and more data are consumed, cities are working hard to transition to 5G.

Key to this transition are small cells — low-powered antennas that increase cellphone coverage and data speeds.

A small cell is hidden at the top of a light pole — one of the many ways that small cells can be used with existing infrastructure such as traffic signals, billboards and water towers.

Here to investigate small cells are Illinois Center for Transportation and Illinois Department of Transportation researchers in the joint project “R27-SP41: Small-cell Installation in Transportation Infrastructure.”

The project is led by Mohammad Imran Hossain, Bradley University assistant professor, as well as Marshall Metcalf and Mark Seppelt, IDOT’s project implementation unit chief and former electrical and mechanical unit chief, respectively.

“We wanted to understand the challenges that are being faced by state departments of transportation and other local transportation agencies while they are adopting small-cell technology,” Hossain said. “It has an enormous impact on future transportation planning and engineering.”

The team formed guidelines on the best locations for small cells, with light poles and traffic signals serving as the most popular options.

They also recommended contractual duties for DOTs and providers of small cells, noting that the two entities should clearly define their responsibilities for the shared structure.

Their efforts are already helping IDOT take the next steps toward 5G.

“The project provided IDOT with the base of knowledge we needed to create our first permit procedure for small-cell installations,” Metcalf said.

But the opportunities for a better tomorrow don’t stop there.

Small cells are also key to creating smart cities, which use technology to improve conditions such as traffic congestion and energy use.

“Through small-cell technology and using the 5G network, people will experience and use autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles and smart infrastructure, and their telecommunication will be improved,” Hossain said.

Written by: McCall Macomber

Posted: Mar. 12, 2020