Cell Splitting

Cell Splitting is the process of subdividing a cell into smaller cells each with its own Base Station. On splitting, new cells with smaller radius are added called microcells. Each new cell created is independent and has reduced antenna height and transmitter power. The creation of new smaller cells increases the capacity of the system as a whole. Cell Splitting increases the frequency reuse factor. A higher frequency reuse factor increases the capacity of the cellular system in Cell Splitting. 

Advantages

• Increases the capacity of the channel considerably.
• Enhances dependability of cellular networks.
• Increases the frequency reuse factor.
• Increases signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio.
• Reduces interference.

Disadvantages

• For each individual cell, an individual base station is required so a huge number of base stations are needed in this process.
• Handoff occurs frequently.
• Assigning channels is difficult

With the growing number of mobile users, it is important for the cellular capacity to also keep growing to meet the needs of the users. In this article, we will look at some of the capacity-increasing methods in cellular networks.

 Figuratively speaking there are broadly two ways to increase the channel capacity:

1. The new addition of channels
2. Borrowing of frequency

Both of the above two methods will also lead to an increase in cost along with capacity. Two distinct approaches we use in the modern day to increase channel capacity are Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring. We will discuss them in detail below.