To support today’s huge demand for mobile broadband, operators are under pressure to expand the capacity of their radio networks. Consequently, they’re using “small cells,” which provide additional capacity in small areas of high demand, along with traditional “macro cells,” which can be hundreds or thousands of meters away.

Hence, heterogeneous networks (HetNet) with combinations of multiple cell sizes, technologies and frequencies have emerged to form multilayer networks to address the new demands.  This makes them more complex to plan, deploy and optimize than the conventional networks.

To help operators monetize mobile broadband, Nokia Siemens Networks (News - Alert) has readied a new service that optimizes HetNets to ensure operators offer an optimal mix of macro and small cells.

In addition, the company has also launched a new, second-generation 3G femto access point (AP) that provides mobile coverage in the home or small office.

According to Nokia Siemens, both launches are additions to the company’s Liquid Net portfolio, aimed at allowing capacity to flow through networks to provide mobile operators the best return on investment.

The Nokia Siemens’ new software includes hotspot analysis, as well as small cell planning, optimization, deployment and management. The supplier said the services for HetNets correlates data from a range of unique tools and resources, including the company’s Smart Labs. Once a capacity hotspot has been identified, device types, application use, subscriber location and radio frequency conditions are analyzed to forecast the required capacity and most appropriate upgrade plan, said Nokia Siemens.

Nokia Siemens said that existing macro cells are optimized by applying the company’s six-sector site concept and active antenna system to maximize macro cell capacity, before appropriate small cell technologies are deployed in indoor and outdoor locations.

These could include femto, pico and micro cells, Wi-Fi and in-building solutions such as distributed antennas – all aimed at easing mobile traffic congestion.

“Based on the insights provided by our Services for HetNets, we can advise how best to use the latest technologies to enhance the existing macro network, and effectively plan the integration of small cells to ensure that operators meet traffic and user demands today and can cope with the needs of tomorrow,” said Jan Tjurin, head of network planning and optimization, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Commercial deployments have shown that this phased approach can deliver greater capacity and enhance user experience. It can also help reduce total cost of ownership by up to 20 percent, compared to taking a simple ‘either/or’ approach and blanketing an area with small cells.”

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Austin 2012, happening now in Austin, TX. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.