1.

MOBILE STATION
A Mobile Station (MS) is used by a mobile subscriber to communicate with the cellular
system. Manufacturers of mobile stations offer a variety of designs and features to meet
the needs of different markets. Several types of mobile stations exist, each allowing the
subscriber to make and receive calls. The range or coverage area of a mobile station
depends on, the output power of the mobile station. Different types of mobile stations
have different output power capabilities and therefore, different ranges. For example,
hand-held telephones have a lower output power, (resulting in a shorter range), than a car
installed phone with roof mounted antenna.
A Mobile Station consists of two main elements:
 The mobile equipment or terminal.
 The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
Unlike other standards, in GSM the subscriber is separated from the mobile terminal.
Each subscriber’s information is stored as a “smart card” SIM. The SIM can be plugged
into any GSM mobile terminal. This brings the advantages of security and portability for
subscribers.
 The Terminal
Mobile units are classified according to the amount of power that they transmit. Three
classes of mobile units are available.
1. The Class I mobile unit can output up to 3 watts of power. This is the most
powerful mobile unit with the greatest range. The Class I mobile unit is called
a vehicle-mounted mobile unit. It is permanently mounted in a car and has an
antenna attached to the car roof.
2. The Class II mobile unit can output up to 1.2 watts of power. This is called a
transportable mobile unit because it is stored in a bag that can be carried from
place to place.
3. The Class III mobile unit can output up to 0.5 watts of power. This is called a
portable mobile unit because the equipment is contained in a unit small
enough to be held in one hand and easily carried from place to place.