- 1 Evolution of Mobile Cellular Networks
- 2 Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
- 3 General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
- 4 Personal Communications Services (PCSs)
- 5 Wireless LANs (WLANS)
- 6 Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
- 7 IMT2000
- 8 IS-95, cdmaOne and cdma2000 Evolution
- 9 Organization of this Book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
1.2 Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
GSM is commonly referred to as the second-generation mobile cellular system. GSM has its own set of communication protocols, interfaces, and functional entities. It is capable of supporting roaming, and carrying speech and data traffic.
The GSM network architecture (see Figure 1.2) comprises several base transceiver stations (BTS), which are clustered and connected to a base station controller (BSC). Several BSCs are then connected to an MSC. The MSC has access to several databases, including the visiting location register (VLR), home location register (HLR), and equipment identity register (EIR). It is responsible for establishing, managing, and clearing connections, as well as routing calls to the proper radio cell. It supports call rerouting at times of mobility. A gateway MSC provides an interface to the public telephone network.
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Figure 1.2. The network architecture of GSM.
The HLR provides identity information about a GSM user, its home subscription base, and service profiles. It also keeps track of mobile users registered within its home area that may have roamed to other areas. The VLR stores information about subscribers visiting a particular area within the control of a specific MSC.
Table 1.1. The IMSI in GSM
|
Mobile Country Code |
|
Mobile Network Code |
|
Mobile Subscriber Identification Code |
The authentication center (AC) is used to protect subscribers from unauthorized access. It checks and authenticates when a user powers up and registers with the network. The EIR is used for equipment registration so that the hardware in use can be identified. Hence if a device is stolen, service access can be denied by the network. Also, if a device has not been previously approved by the network vendor (perhaps subject to the payment of fees by the user), EIR checks can prevent the device from accessing the network.
In GSM, each mobile device is uniquely identified by an IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity). It identifies the country in which the mobile system resides, the mobile network, and the mobile subscriber. The IMSI is stored on a subscriber identity module (SIM), which can exist in the form of a plug-in module or an insertable card. With a SIM, a user can practically use any mobile phone to access network services.