An apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, by a node within a wireless network, a cell identifier (e.g., GCI and/or NCI) for a cell and an area identifier associated with an area for the cell, wherein a format of the cell identifier, including a length of a base station identifier included within the cell identifier, is associated with the area identifier, determine a length of the base station identifier based on the area identifier, and determine the base station identifier based on the length of the base station identifier.