A small cell installation, also referred to as "5G", consists of small radio equipment and antennas that can be placed on existing structures such as streetlights, the sides of buildings, or poles. They are used for transmitting data to and from a wireless device.
High-density placement is key for 5G/small cells because, in addition to the traditional low-band spectrum, they can transmit data using mid- and high-band spectrum-and those airwaves cannot travel as far. Each small cell installation requires three simple things: power; backhaul-fiber optic cable or microwave for transmission to the core network-and a permitted space for installation.