ECGI (E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier) is a unique identifier assigned to a cell within the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network. It plays a crucial role in cell identification and helps devices locate and connect to the correct cell within the network.
ECGI is composed of two parts: PLMN ID and ECI. PLMN ID is the Public Land Mobile Network Identifier, which consists of MCC (Mobile Country Code) and MNC (Mobile Network Code). ECI is the E-UTRAN Cell Identifier, which consists of eNB ID (eNodeB Identifier) and Cell ID. ECGI is usually represented in hexadecimal format, such as 262-01-0001-00000001, where 262 is the MCC, 01 is the MNC, 0001 is the eNB ID, and 00000001 is the Cell ID.
ECGI is relevant for LTE networks because it provides a global and unique identification of each cell, which is essential for various network functions and operations, such as:
• Cell selection and reselection: ECGI allows the UE (User Equipment) to identify and select the most suitable cell to camp on, based on the signal quality and the network availability. ECGI also allows the UE to reselect another cell when the current cell becomes unsuitable or unavailable.
• Handover: ECGI allows the network to perform seamless handover of the UE from one cell to another, without interrupting the ongoing service. ECGI enables the source and target cells to exchange the necessary information and coordinate the handover process.
• Location management: ECGI allows the network to track and update the location of the UE, which is important for routing and delivering the incoming calls and messages. ECGI enables the network to store and retrieve the location information of the UE in the databases, such as the MME (Mobility Management Entity) and the HSS (Home Subscriber Server).
• Network optimization: ECGI allows the network to monitor and analyze the performance and quality of each cell, which is important for optimizing the network resources and improving the user experience. ECGI enables the network to collect and process the statistics and measurements of each cell, such as the traffic load, the interference level, the BLER (Block Error Rate), and the RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power).
Therefore, ECGI is a significant parameter for LTE networks, and it should be carefully assigned and managed to ensure the optimal operation and performance of the network.