A new, more varied radio access network (RAN) topology is emerging, driven by the availability of new technologies, more demanding performance, coverage and cost requirements, and innovative business models. The traditional ground-based, multi-sector macro base transceiver station (BTS) is rapidly losing its dominant position to single-sector micro and pico BTSs with a smaller footprint, and to distributed multi-sector BTSs with remote radio heads (RRHs).
 
A new type of base station, the compact BTS, has also entered the market, further reducing footprint and power consumption, while retaining the performance of macro BTSs.
 
This paper introduces the concept and value proposition of WiMAX compact BTSs, compares compact BTSs to other base station form factors, and examines the total cost of ownership (TCO) for compact and distributed BTS configurations.

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