Jio Launches Pico Small Cell Technology for Enhanced 5G Speed
New Delhi, November 11: In large buildings, malls, and offices, despite having good 5G signals outside, the internet speed often decreases indoors. This issue can arise due to thick walls, floor designs, and a high number of users accessing mobile networks in one place. To address this problem, Reliance Jio has launched the 5G Pico Small Cell Technology, specifically designed to enhance 5G coverage and network capacity in large indoor and multi-story buildings.
What is Jio Pico Small Cell?
The Pico Small Cell can be understood as a small 5G base station. It can be installed on the walls or ceilings of a building. Jio’s model is unique because it allows for compact cells to be installed on different floors as needed. This means that additional 5G capacity can be provided on the floor where more users are accessing the network.
Typically, a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is used for indoor cellular coverage in large buildings. This system often requires extensive cabling and infrastructure to deliver signals to different floors. Jio’s Pico Small Cell aims to make the signal available closer to the floor, making installation easier.
Peak Download Speed of Up to 1 Gbps
According to Jio, the Pico Small Cell supports a maximum configuration with peak download throughput of up to 1 Gbps and peak upload throughput of up to 75 Mbps. It operates on the n78 5G band, ranging from 3.3 to 3.6 GHz, and primarily supports 5G Standalone mode. It is compatible with 3GPP Release 17.
Reduced Cabling and Easy Management
The Pico Small Cell integrates baseband processing, radio transceiver, and RF front end into a single unit. It can be mounted on walls or ceilings. Jio claims that its hyperlocal architecture reduces the need for long copper feeder cables typically used in traditional DAS.
Where Will It Be Beneficial?
This new technology can be utilized in large corporate offices, malls, hospitals, campuses, and other multi-story buildings where a significant number of people access mobile networks simultaneously. However, Jio has not yet provided a timeline for the commercial rollout of this technology.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.