Getting indoor coverage shouldn't require a hope and a prayer. A CBRS small cell gives IT teams a way to fix dead zones without handing control to a carrier. Some use it for private LTE. Others build it into a neutral host setup.

Understanding what a CBRS small cell does is the first step.

What is a CBRS small cell?

A CBRS small cell is a compact radio that provides LTE or 5G using the 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum. It connects to a local core and talks to devices like phones, sensors, and IoT hardware through SIM-based access.

The small cell acts like a mini cell tower. It fits better indoors, installs faster, and gives the business more control over coverage and performance. Each unit uses shared spectrum and manages its own traffic.

The different types of small cells

CBRS small cells come in multiple forms. Each one supports a specific kind of space or deployment need.

Indoor

Indoor small cells support offices, warehouses, hospitals, and factories. Walls, equipment, and multiple rooms make indoor coverage more complex.

Outdoor

Outdoor small cells mount to poles, rooftops, or outside walls. They extend signal range and support more users in open areas.

Integrated

An integrated small cell combines the radio and baseband in one device. This design lowers costs and simplifies installation.

Disaggregated

A disaggregated small cell separates the radio from the baseband. Larger networks use this setup to mix indoor and outdoor radios more flexibly.

Why are enterprises using CBRS small cells?

Enterprises use CBRS small cells to control their wireless networks without depending on a mobile carrier. A private setup gives the IT team full authority over performance, security, and cost.

Coverage and capacity

Teams use CBRS to direct signal coverage to specific areas. They can isolate service to zones, floors, or equipment clusters.

Cost

CBRS reduces long-term spending compared to DAS. There are no recurring carrier fees or per-device charges.

Performance and security

CBRS technology powers private LTE networks that reduce latency and block outside device access. The enterprise controls authentication, traffic flow, and encryption.

IoT optimization

CBRS supports thousands of SIM-based devices without relying on Wi-Fi. Business-critical traffic stays stable and separate from general use.

Enterprises deploy CBRS small cells to take full control of wireless coverage. Site-specific needs determine how the network adapts, without delays from outside carriers.

What businesses should know about CBRS licensing and spectrum tiers

CBRS stands for Citizens Broadband Radio Service. It runs on the 3.55–3.7 GHz mid-band spectrum, which balances coverage range and data capacity.

CBRS divides access into three spectrum tiers. Each tier gives users a different level of priority and control.

PAL (Priority Access License)

PAL uses licensed spectrum sold at auction. License holders get higher priority in specific geographic zones.

GAA (General Authorized Access)

GAA offers open access under shared-use rules. Enterprises use GAA to run private networks without buying spectrum rights.

Incumbent access

Incumbent access protects military and legacy government systems. Government and military systems retain priority whenever they operate nearby.

How CBRS small cells access spectrum

All CBRS small cells work with a SAS to request and receive frequencies. The system manages spectrum use to avoid conflicts and maintain reliable service.

GAA supports most CBRS private LTE deployments. Businesses can run their own networks without competing for expensive licenses.

CBRS small cell vs. Wi-Fi vs. DAS

IT teams often compare CBRS small cells, Wi-Fi, and DAS when designing enterprise wireless networks. Each option solves a different set of problems depending on coverage needs, cost, and network control.

CBRS small cells fit best in environments that need reliable coverage and strong security. Common sites include warehouses, hospitals, airports, and enterprise campuses.

Wi-Fi works well for general-purpose traffic that doesn’t need guaranteed performance. Use it for laptops, guest access, and employee messaging.

DAS fits venues that must support all major carriers. It’s common in stadiums, malls, and large public buildings.

All options in the table use backhaul to connect the network to its core. Some teams install fiber, while others rely on a dedicated wireless connection to link small cells back to the core. Both approaches can support private LTE, but only wireless gives flexibility in hard-to-reach zones.

Key components of a CBRS small cell network

A CBRS private LTE network needs more than small cells. Every component supports a specific network function and contributes to system reliability.

Small cells

Small cells transmit LTE or 5G signals across defined indoor or outdoor zones. Placement depends on coverage needs and interference risk.

Core (EPC or 5GC)

The core manages network traffic. It can run locally or in the cloud depending on site requirements.

SAS

The Spectrum Access System controls frequency assignments. It prevents signal conflicts by coordinating devices in real time.

SIM provisioning

SIMs and eSIMs give devices secure access to the network. Meter Cellular handles provisioning remotely and at scale.

eNodeB and gNodeB

Radio control software manages the link between small cells and the core. It also handles device transitions between radios.

All components must connect to the broader enterprise network. Backhaul runs through switches, enterprise routers, and the DIA circuit that links the site to the internet.

Indoor vs. outdoor CBRS deployment: What to know

Indoor and outdoor CBRS deployments need different planning strategies. Materials, layout, and exposure all affect how the signal performs.

Indoor deployment tips

Indoor networks need tighter signal control. Dense layouts and obstructions like walls or machinery can break up coverage.

Ceiling mounts work well in open office spaces. Metal surfaces and HVAC systems can disrupt signal quality, so keep radios away from them. A site survey helps map signal strength and highlight potential dead zones before install day.

Outdoor deployment tips

Outdoor networks face environmental stress. Radios need protection from heat, cold, and moisture, especially in exposed locations.

Higher placement improves line of sight and reduces blockage from buildings or trees. Directional antennas help shape coverage for yards, lots, or open zones.

Planning for backhaul

Backhaul planning depends on how the site connects to the core. Some teams use fiber for speed and consistency. Others choose wireless to reach areas where fiber isn’t practical.

Our guide to lit and dark fiber explains how both options support enterprise backhaul.

How CBRS enables private LTE and 5G

CBRS small cells give enterprises the tools to build LTE and 5G networks with the reliability of on-site infrastructure. Private LTE networks built on CBRS avoid carrier reliance and give enterprises full control over access and traffic.

Enterprise use cases

Warehouses use CBRS to connect robots, scanners, and sensors across large indoor zones. The private signal helps avoid dead spots that disrupt workflows.

Airports and hospitals deploy CBRS to support communication, building operations, and digital signage. The network stays private and avoids outside interference.

Universities and campus networks use CBRS to manage wireless access across multiple buildings. IT teams control every device that joins and every rule that applies.

Architecture and mobility support

Private LTE built on CBRS aligns with 5G LAN architecture. It runs alongside enterprise routers, Wi-Fi, and security layers like firewalls.

The system also supports mobility across radios. Devices roam between small cells using LTE and 5G handoff protocols without losing connection.

How Meter Cellular supports CBRS deployments

Meter Cellular handles every stage of a CBRS small cell deployment, from planning to installation and ongoing support.

RF design and site planning

The team maps out radio placement, spectrum usage, and building-specific coverage zones. Site data and RF modeling tools help design a layout that meets coverage and capacity goals.

Network integration

CBRS radios connect directly to your switching and routing infrastructure. Meter works with existing enterprise routers, firewalls, and segmentation policies to ensure clean integration.

SIM provisioning

Each device joins the network using SIM-based authentication. Meter provisions SIMs remotely and assigns the correct access rules to every profile.

Backhaul provisioning

Meter Connect supplies the backhaul circuit for each site. Teams can use fiber or wireless internet based on what's available at the location.

Meter Cellular delivers reliable indoor coverage without relying on public carriers. You stay in control of the network and skip the complexity of managing CBRS alone.

Frequently asked questions

How is a CBRS small cell different from Wi-Fi access points?

A CBRS small cell uses licensed or shared cellular spectrum with SIM-based authentication. A Wi-Fi access point uses unlicensed spectrum and verifies devices through MAC addresses or WPA.

Do CBRS small cells support 5G service?

CBRS small cells can support both LTE and 5G, depending on the core and device compatibility.

How much does it cost to deploy a CBRS network?

CBRS network costs depend on the number of radios, SIMs, SAS access, and backhaul. Meter Cellular prices deployments by site or square footage.

Does CBRS require licensed spectrum for enterprise use?

You do not need licensed spectrum to use CBRS. Most enterprise networks run on the GAA tier, and a SAS manages spectrum use under shared rules.

What’s the difference between DAS and CBRS?

DAS extends public carrier signals through distributed antennas. CBRS creates a private cellular network that the business owns and controls.

Is CBRS secure enough for enterprise IoT?

CBRS meets enterprise IoT security needs through SIM-based encryption, traffic isolation, and network slicing.

How far does a CBRS small cell signal reach?

CBRS small cells typically cover 300 to 1,000 feet indoors. Outdoor range can extend several thousand feet, depending on terrain and placement.

What type of backhaul do CBRS small cells use?

CBRS small cells use fiber or dedicated wireless backhaul to connect to the core network.

How does Meter Connect help with CBRS planning and deployment?

Meter Connect supplies the backhaul circuit used for site connectivity. Meter Cellular handles planning, installation, SIM provisioning, and integration.

Deploy indoor CBRS networks with Meter Cellular 

Meter Cellular helps enterprises deploy CBRS small cell networks that deliver strong indoor coverage, secure access, and predictable performance. The team handles planning, RF modeling, SIM provisioning, and on-site deployment across every location.

Every device connects through a SIM-based profile with enterprise-specific policies. Radios integrate with existing routers, switches, and firewalls without disrupting other network layers.

Plus, you can expand Meter Cellular with Meter’s complete enterprise networking solution that blends design, hardware, software, and support.

Features you can expect from Cellular:

• Simplified deployment: Meter handles everything from site surveys to installation and activation.
• Quick installation: The process is much faster than traditional DAS, taking just 6 to 8 weeks.
• Reliable coverage: Neutral-host CBRS gives strong signals and removes dead zones for steady, carrier-grade service.
• Multi-carrier support: One setup works with major carriers, keeping employees and visitors connected.
• Dashboard monitoring: The upcoming Meter dashboard integration, planned for Q1-Q2 next year, will display cellular APs, their status, and connected devices
• Compliance and security: The system supports E911 compliance for accurate emergency service access.

Adding Cellular to your vertically integrated network plan or purchasing it separately means strong, high-quality indoor cell coverage that grows with your business.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.