Macrocell
Encyclopedia
A macrocell is a cell in a mobile phone network that provides radio coverage served by a high power cellular
base station (tower). Generally, macrocells provide coverage larger than microcell
. The antennas for macrocells are mounted on ground-based masts, rooftops and other existing structures, at a height that provides a clear view over the surrounding buildings and terrain. Macrocell base stations have power outputs of typically tens of watts.
is used in a densely populated urban area. Picocell
s are for areas even smaller than microcells. An example of usage would be a large office, a mall, or train station. Currently the smallest area of coverage can be implemented with a femtocell
: used in homes or small offices.
Mobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
base station (tower). Generally, macrocells provide coverage larger than microcell
Microcell
A microcell is a cell in a mobile phone network served by a low power cellular base station , covering a limited area such as a mall, a hotel, or a transportation hub. A microcell is usually larger than a picocell, though the distinction is not always clear...
. The antennas for macrocells are mounted on ground-based masts, rooftops and other existing structures, at a height that provides a clear view over the surrounding buildings and terrain. Macrocell base stations have power outputs of typically tens of watts.
Scale
The term macrocell is used to describe the widest range of cell sizes. Macrocells are found in rural areas or along highways. Over a smaller cell area, a microcellMicrocell
A microcell is a cell in a mobile phone network served by a low power cellular base station , covering a limited area such as a mall, a hotel, or a transportation hub. A microcell is usually larger than a picocell, though the distinction is not always clear...
is used in a densely populated urban area. Picocell
Picocell
A picocell is a small cellular basestation typically covering a small area, such as in-building , or more recently in-aircraft...
s are for areas even smaller than microcells. An example of usage would be a large office, a mall, or train station. Currently the smallest area of coverage can be implemented with a femtocell
Femtocell
In telecommunications, a femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in a home or small business. It connects to the service provider’s network via broadband ; current designs typically support 2 to 4 active mobile phones in a residential setting, and 8 to 16 active...
: used in homes or small offices.
See also
- Cellular networkCellular networkA cellular network is a radio network distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver known as a cell site or base station. When joined together these cells provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area...
- FemtocellFemtocellIn telecommunications, a femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in a home or small business. It connects to the service provider’s network via broadband ; current designs typically support 2 to 4 active mobile phones in a residential setting, and 8 to 16 active...
- GSM
- MicrocellMicrocellA microcell is a cell in a mobile phone network served by a low power cellular base station , covering a limited area such as a mall, a hotel, or a transportation hub. A microcell is usually larger than a picocell, though the distinction is not always clear...
- PicocellPicocellA picocell is a small cellular basestation typically covering a small area, such as in-building , or more recently in-aircraft...
- Small CellsSmall CellsSmall Cells are low-powered radio access nodes that operate in licensed and unlicensed spectrum that have a range of 10 meter to 200 meters, compared to a mobile Macrocell which might have a range of a few kilometres. With mobile operators struggling to support the growth in mobile data traffic,...