Home > Technical Articles > What is the formula for Cell ID (ECI) in LTE networks?

What is the formula for Cell ID (ECI) in LTE networks?


In LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, the formula for Cell ID (ECI - E-UTRAN Cell Identity) calculation is as follows:

ECI = (28 x eNodeB ID) + Physical Cell ID

Where:

  • eNodeB ID: It represents the unique identification number assigned to each eNodeB (base station) in the LTE network. The eNodeB ID is a 20-bit value.
  • Physical Cell ID: It denotes the physical layer identifier of a specific cell within an eNodeB. The Physical Cell ID is a 3-bit value, ranging from 0 to 503.

By combining the eNodeB ID and Physical Cell ID, the ECI is determined. The ECI is a unique identifier for a specific cell within the LTE network, allowing mobile devices to identify and connect to a particular cell.

For example, if the eNodeB ID is 12345678 and the Cell ID is 90, then the ECI would be 256 x 12345678 + 90 = 314159689.

The ECI is used by the network to identify cells and to route traffic between cells. It is also used by devices to identify the cell they are connected to

Note: The calculation mentioned above assumes that the Physical Cell ID values range from 0 to 503, which is the case in most LTE deployments. However, in some cases, different ranges or patterns may be used, so it's essential to consider the specific implementation details of the LTE network in question.

Cell ID (ECI - E-UTRAN Cell Identity)

In LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, Cell ID (ECI - E-UTRAN Cell Identity) is a unique identifier assigned to each cell within the network. It helps identify and differentiate individual cells, allowing mobile devices to connect to a specific cell for communication.

The Cell ID (ECI) consists of two components: the eNodeB ID and the Physical Cell ID.

  1. eNodeB ID:
  • Each eNodeB (Evolved Node B), also known as a base station, in the LTE network is assigned a unique eNodeB ID.
  • The eNodeB ID is a 20-bit value that uniquely identifies a specific base station within the network.
  1. Physical Cell ID:
  • The Physical Cell ID is a 3-bit value that represents the physical layer identifier of a specific cell within an eNodeB.
  • In LTE networks, cells are divided into different sectors, and each sector is assigned a unique Physical Cell ID.
  • The Physical Cell ID ranges from 0 to 503, allowing for up to 504 unique cells within a single eNodeB.

The Cell ID (ECI) is determined by combining the eNodeB ID and the Physical Cell ID. It is a 32-bit value that uniquely identifies a specific cell within the LTE network. Mobile devices use the Cell ID (ECI) to establish and maintain communication with the desired cell for call setup, data transfer, and other network-related operations.

It's important to note that the Cell ID (ECI) is specific to LTE networks and may differ in other cellular network technologies such as 3G or 2G. Additionally, the Cell ID (ECI) can be used for network management and optimization purposes, allowing operators to monitor and analyze the performance of individual cells within the network.