Cell Splitting

Cell Splitting

The process of creating more coverage and capacity in a wireless system by having more than one cell site cover a particular amount of geography. Each cell site covers a smaller area, with lower power MHz and thus offers the ability to reuse frequencies more times in a larger geographic coverage area, such as a city or MTA. (Cingular)

When a cell's (phone call) volume regularly exceeds its capacity (56 radio channels maximum) and blockage becomes a problem, the cell is split into two or more smaller cells. The radio frequencies are then reassigned, and transmission power is reduced. Cell splitting is a way to increase the capacity of a system. A new cell site must be constructed when a cell is split. (Motorola)