Is a telecom cell physical?

Interview
1

Q. Is a telecom cell physical?

a) No. Cell is a radio frequency.
b) Yes.
c) It is a logical configuration mapped to a physical sector.
d) Only physical if using massive MIMO.

Check šŸ”Ž

:arrow_right: Correct answer: Letter a.

In telecom, a cell is a logical radio configuration (frequency, PCI, etc.) used to serve users in a specific coverage area. While it is mapped to a physical antenna or sector, the cell itself is not physical ā€” it represents a radio frequency resource.

Q. Is a telecom cell physical?

a) :white_check_mark: No. Cell is a radio frequency.
ā†’ Correct. A cell is defined by radio parameters like frequency, bandwidth, and identifiers ā€” not a tangible object.

b) :x: Yes.
ā†’ Incorrect. The antenna or sector is physical, but the cell is a logical concept tied to it.

c) :x: It is a logical configuration mapped to a physical sector.
ā†’ Incorrect. While true in part, the cell itself remains logical ā€” its definition lies in radio settings, not hardware.

d) :x: Only physical if using massive MIMO.
ā†’ Incorrect. Massive MIMO enhances signal behavior, but does not make the cell itself physical.