Cell site

Cell site

The location where the wireless antenna and network communications equipment is placed. A cell site consists of a transmitter/receiver, antenna tower, transmission radios and radio controllers. A cell site is operated by a Wireless Service Provider (WSP) (Cingular)

The local cellular tower and radio antenna (including the radios, controller, switch interconnect, etc.) that handles communication with subscribers in a particular area or cell. A cellular network is made up of many cell sites, all connected back to the switch via landline or microwave. (Motorola)

A cell site is a site where antennas and electronic communications equipment are placed to create a cell in a cellular network for the use of mobile phones. A cell site is comprised of an antenna tower (or antennas mounted on an elevated structure, such as a building), transmitter/receivers transceivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, a GPS receiver for timing, regular and backup electrical power sources, and sheltering.

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)

Cell

Cell - The basic geographic unit of a cellular system. Also, the basis for the generic industry term: "cellular." A city or county is divided into smaller "cells," each of which is equipped with a low-powered radio transmitter/receiver. The cells can vary in size depending upon terrain, capacity demands, etc. By controlling the transmission power, the radio frequencies assigned to one cell can be limited to the boundaries of that cell. When a wireless phone moves from one cell toward another, a computer at the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) monitors the movement and at the proper time, transfers or hands off the phone call to the new cell and another radio frequency. The handoff is performed so quickly that it is not noticeable to the callers. (Cingular)

The geographic area encompassing the signal range from one base station (a site containing a radio transmitter/receiver and network communication equipment). Wireless transmission networks are comprised of many hexagonal, overlapping cell sites to efficiently use radio spectrum for wireless transmissions. Also, the basis for the term "cellular phone." (Nokia)