Cell site
From Free net encyclopedia
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 sites are connected via T1s (leased line or microwave) and T3s (leased line, microwave, or optical fiber) to a base station controller (BSC) at the mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). The base station controller is connected to a telephone switch, which is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Synonyms for "cell site" include base station, cell tower (although many cell site antennas are not mounted on towers), and mobile phone mast (British English).
A controversial issue is whether there is a correlation between radio transmission and the risk of cancer. Safety regulations exist to protect the public from extensive exposure to radio waves emitted by cell sites.