As digital communication networks become integral to society and the economy—driving everything from personal communication to business operations and smart city infrastructure—the capacity of these networks must continuously expand to accommodate higher data volumes. The Ericsson Mobility Report demonstrates the growing need for higher throughput and increased network capacity to meet end-user expectations. One of the viable approaches to increase network capacity is through the deployment of small cells.
In general, the related axioma is: the higher the offered bandwidth (higher radio frequencies), the shorter the radio ranges will be. Small cells provide additional capacity (preferably) by means of high-frequency bands such as 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz offloading the macro network in particular short-range hotspots. Small cells can deliver higher data rates to end users, making their deployment essential at hotspots in densely populated urban areas where additional capacity will be required. This master’s thesis evaluates Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture options for combining macro cells and small cells from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

The main finding from the Radio Access Network-related theoretical analysis is that the RAN architecture split option 7.2x recommended by the O-RAN Alliance is the optimal solution for indoor and outdoor deployment of small cells. Split option 7.2x offers significant benefits, such as minimising the impact on transport bandwidth while enhancing the virtualisation capabilities of the gNB Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU), and enabling a cost-effective design of the Radio Unit (RU).


To gain an understanding of the practicalities involved in small cell deployment, this master thesis, through the Utrecht practical case study, examines potential locations for the installation of RUs, DUs, and CUs using a combination of expert interviews, Google Street View analysis, QGIS visualisations, and site visits. Proposed locations for RUs include three tall lamp posts and two security camera poles, while wharf cellars managed by Stedin and a macro cell base station are recommended for the installation of CUs and DUs. These recommendations are based on an analysis of power availability, transport, site accessibility and expert interviews. From the research it is concluded that small cell deployment in the Utrecht researched area is feasible, provided that specific challenging boundary conditions are met such as collaboration among MNOs and the use of existing poles.

The practical part of this thesis research also delves into the complex interplay of eight socioeconomic sectors and their roles in small cell deployment, providing insights into the trans-sector nature of this project.
The main results from this practical part of the research concern the conclusions from the Utrecht practical case study about realizing small cells:
The main results from this practical part of the research concern the conclusions from the Utrecht practical case study about realizing small cells:
1. The rollout of small cells is a complex multi-actor value case with substantially more actors to collaborate in comparison with rolling out macro cells by primarily telecom operators and municipalities (issuing licenses).
2. Municipalities are best suited to fulfil the role of orchestrator in the rollout of small cells because they can coordinate diverse stakeholders to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure, maintain city aesthetics and establish a direct line of communication with residents for feedback and service improvement.
Based on some representative calculations of small cell deployments in the city of Utrecht we obtained good insight into the complexity as well as cost of small cells. A few of the quantitative results are mentioned below:
•The price of a small cell is roughly around €60,000 per small cell site, including digging for transmission and power costs.
•In case the fronthaul is replaced by a wireless connection, roughly 30% of cost savings can be achieved.