GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE

COMMUNICATION

Report Submitted

by

FARHAAN SIDDIQUI (RA1611004030057)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION FROM SRM INSTITUTE

OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Acknowledgement

I would like to add a few heartfelt words for the people who were part of this training
report in numerous ways, People who gave unending support right from the stage
the training report idea were conceived. In particular I am extremely grateful to
BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED for providing me with an excellent
opportunity of under-going summer training for the duration of four weeks.
I express my effusive thanks to Mr. S. K. Pandey (S.D.E.) and the other
technical staff members. With their expert guidance and kind help this training
would have been a dis-tant dream.
I express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Kamal (J.T.O.) for providing me the
required infor-mation for completion my job.

FARHAAN SIDDIQUI

RA1611004030057

i
Figure 1: Certificate of Internship at BSNL

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures v

ABBREVIATIONS vi

1 INTRODUCTION vii
1.1 Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
1.2 About BSNL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
1.3 About GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
1.3.1 The Goals of GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
1.3.2 Specifications and Characteristics of GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

2 Evoltion of GSM x
2.1 History of GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
2.2 GSM Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
2.3 GSM Statistics in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

3 Description xii
3.1 GSM Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
3.2 HLR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
3.3 MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
3.4 AUC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
3.5 MSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
3.6 VLR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
3.7 BSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
3.8 BTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
3.9 BSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
3.10 SIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

iii
 3.11 OSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii
3.12 Authentication and Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
3.12.1 AUthentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
3.12.2 Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
3.12.3 Ciphering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
3.12.4 Ki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
3.12.5 RAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
3.12.6 Signed Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
3.12.7 A3 Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
3.12.8 A8 Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
3.12.9 Kc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
3.13 Mobile subscriber identities in GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
3.13.1 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI): . . . . . . . . xix
3.13.2 Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) . . . . . . . . . xx
3.13.3 Mobile Station ISDN Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
3.13.4 The Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN) . . . . . . . . . xx
3.13.5 International Mobile Equipment Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
3.14 GSM Frequency Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
3.14.1 Dual-Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
3.14.2 Tri-Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
3.14.3 Quad-Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
3.15 Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii
3.15.1 Increased Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii
3.15.2 Frequency Reuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii
3.16 Future Opportunities for GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii

4 Conclusion xxiv
 LIST OF FIGURES

1 Certificate of Internship at BSNL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

2.1 Global Mobile Net Additions 1Q 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

2.2 GSM Statistics in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

3.1 GSM Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

3.2 Mobile Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
3.3 Base Station System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
3.4 Base Transciever Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
3.5 Base Station Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
3.6 SIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

v
 ABBREVIATIONS

NITG National Institute of Technology Goa

HLR Home Location Register
MS Mobile Station
AUC Authentication Center
MSC Mobile Services Switching Center
VLR Visitor Location Register
BSS Base Station System
BTS Base Transceiver Station
BSC Base Station Controller
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
OSS Operation and Support System
RAND Random
SRES Signed Response
ME Mobile Equipment
IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
TMSI Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity
MSRN Mobile Station Roaming Number
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
HSCSD High Speed Circuit Switched Data
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication

vi
CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Motivation

Practical exposure for doing things makes a person conversant to the

technicalities in-volved in any job. In view of such benefits, imparting of
vocational training has been made an integral part of any academic structure.

1.2 About BSNL

˘´
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. Formed in oct. 2000, is worldâAZs 7th largest
telecommuni-cations company providing comprehensive range of telecom services in
India: wire line, CDMA mobile, GSM mobile, internet, broadband, carrier services.
Within a span it has become the one of the largest public sector unit in India.
BSNL is the only service provider, making focused efforts and planned initiatives to
˘
bridge the rural âASurban¸ digital divide ICT sector. In fact there is no telecom
oper-ator in the country to beat it reach with its wide network giving services I every
nook corner of country and operates across India except Delhi Mumbai. BSNL
cellular service cellone, has more than 20.7 million cellular customers, garnering 24

BSNL has set up a world class multi-gigabit, multi-protocol convergent IP infrastruc-ture

that provides convergent services like voice, data and video through the same Back-bone

and broadband access network. At present there are 0.6 million Data one broadband

customers. The company has vast experience in Planning, Installation, network integra-tion

and Maintenance of Switching Transmission Networks and also has a world class ISO 9000

certified Telecom Training Institute. BSNL plans to expand its customer base from present

73 millions lines to 125 million lines and infrastructure investment plan to

the tune of Rs. 733 crores (US16:67million)inthenextthreeyears:T oday; BSNLisIndia 0
slargest 100 Billion. The company is planning an IPO with in 6 months to offload 10The
turnover, nationwide coverage, reach, comprehensive range of the telecom services and
the desire to excel has made BSNL the no. 1 telecom company of India.

1.3 About GSM

˘
GSM stands for âAŸGlobal Services for Mobile communication’ and is an open, digital cellular

technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services. GSM supports voice calls and

data transfer speeds of up to 9.6 kbit/s, together with the transmission of SMS (Short Message

Service). This technology is globally accepted and most popular among all countries. It is

started in Europe to integrate all countries with wireless commu-nication. Earlier each country in

Europe has its own standard for wireless communication ,so due to this a person cannot use the

same mobile in two different country and cannot even communicate with the same mobile in

different countries, so due to this fragmen-tation problem occurred. So to overcome this problem

European Union (EU) came with GSM technology that is accepted by whole continent and

standardized by ITU-T. It is a 2
˘´
G technology and worldâAZs first cellular technology and it is most popular 2G
technol-ogy. Today GSM operator has largest customer base. In India total cellular
operator have more than 550 million customers and GSM has more than 400
million customer bases alone. It is a second generation cellular standard developed
to cater voice services and data delivery using digital modulation.

1.3.1 The Goals of GSM

Improved spectrum efficiency

International roaming

Low-cost mobile sets and base

stations High-quality speech

Compatibility with ISDN and other telephone

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 Company services.

Support for new services

1.3.2 Specifications and Characteristics of GSM

˘ ˘
âAc´ Frequency band âAS¸ the frequency range specified for GSM is 1,850 to 1,990
MHz (mobile station to base station).
˘
Duplex distance âAS¸ the duplex distance is 80 MHz. Duplex distance is the distance
between the uplink and downlink frequencies. A channel has two frequencies, 80
MHz apart.
˘
Channel separation âAS¸ the separation between adjacent carrier frequencies. In
GSM, this is 200 kHz.
˘
Modulation âAS¸ Modulation is the process of sending a signal by changing the
characteristics of a carrier frequency. This is done in GSM via Gaussian minimum
shift keying (GMSK).
˘
Transmission rate âAS¸ GSM is a digital system with an over-the-air bit rate of 270
kbps.
˘
Access method âAS¸ GSM utilizes the time division multiple access (TDMA) con-
cept. TDMA is a technique in which several different calls may share the same
carrier. Each call is assigned a particular time slot.
˘
Speech coder âAS¸ GSM uses linear predictive coding (LPC). The purpose of LPC
is to reduce the bit rate. The LPC provides parameters for a filter that
mimics the vocal tract.

ix
CHAPTER 2

Evoltion of GSM

2.1 History of GSM

In 1982, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications administrations

(CEPT) created the Group Special Mobile (GSM) to develop a standard for a mobile tele-

phone system that could be used across Europe. In 1987, a memorandum of understand-

ing was signed by 13 countries to develop a common cellular telephone system across

Europe. Finally the system created by SINTEF led by Torleiv Maseng was selected. In

1989, GSM responsibility was transferred to the European Telecommunications Stan-dards

Institute (ETSI) and phase I of the GSM specifications were published in 1990. The first

GSM network was launched in 1991 by Radio linja in Finland with joint technical

infrastructure maintenance from Ericsson. By the end of 1993, over a million subscribers

were using GSM phone networks being operated by 70 carriers across 48 countries.

2.2 GSM Around the World

2.3 GSM Statistics in India

 [scale=
Figure 2.1: Global Mobile Net Additions 1Q 2010

Figure 2.2: GSM Statistics in India

xi
CHAPTER 3

Description

3.1 GSM Architecture

3.2 HLR

HLR is database, which holds very important information of subscribers. It is

mostly known for storing and managing information of subscribers. It contains
subscriber service profile, status of activities, information about locations and
permanent data of all sorts. When new connections are purchased, these
subscribers are registered in HLR of mobile phone companies.

3.3 MS

It consists of mobile equipment and SIM. At the time of manufacturing, an international

mobile equipment number (IMEI) is programmed in ME.A SIM is required to activate
the GSM services. A international mobile subscriber identification (IMEI) number is pro-
grammed along with security parameter and algorithm. The called number is not linked
to ME but to SIM.A SIM has following data stored in it. MSISDN (mobile subscriber
isdn) IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) - 15 digit number. TMSI (temporary
˘
mobile subscriber identity) âAS¸ 4 octets, allocated by VLR, continuously changed.IMEI
(international mobile equipment identity) unique, permanently assigned to MS.
Figure 3.1: GSM Architecture

Figure 3.2: Mobile Station

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3.4 AUC

AUC is small unit which handles the security end of the system. Its major task is to
˘´
authenticate and encrypt those parameters which verify userâAZs identification and hence
˘
enables the confidentiality of each call made by subscriber. Authentication center
âAS¸ AUC makes sure mobile operators are safe from different frauds most likely to
happen when hackers are looking for even smallest loop wholes in systems.

3.5 MSC

MSC is also important part of SS, it handles technical end of telephony. It is build to
˘´
perform switching functionality of the entire system. ItâAZs most important task is to
control the calls to and from other telephones, which means it controls calls from
same networks and calls from other networks. Toll ticketing, common channel
signaling, net-work interfacing etc are other tasks which MSC is responsible for.

3.6 VLR

VLR performs very dynamic tasks; it is database which stores temporary data regarding
subscribers which is needed by Mobile Services Switching Center-MSC VLR is directly
connected to MSC, when subscribe moves to different MSC location, Visitor location
˘
register âAS¸ VLR integrates to MSC of current location and requests the data about sub-
˘
scriber or Mobile station (MS) from the Home Location Register âASHLR¸.
When sub-scriber makes a call the Visitor location register-VLR will have
required information for making call already and it will not required to connect to
Home Register Location - HRL again.

xiv
 Figure 3.3: Base Station System

3.7 BSS

The base station system have very important role in mobile communication. BSS
are basically outdoor units which consist of iron rods and are usually of high length.
BSS are responsible for connecting subscribers (MS) to mobile networks. All the
communication is made in Radio transmission. The Base station System is further
divided in two systems. These two systems, they are BSC, and BTS.

3.8 BTS

Subscriber, MS (Mobile Station) or mobile phone connects to mobile network

through BTS; it handles communication using radio transmission with mobile
station. As name suggests, Base transceiver Station is the radio equipment which
receive and transmit voice data at the same time. BSC control group of BTSs.

3.9 BSC

The Base Station normally controls many cells; it registers subscribers, responsible for MS

handovers etc. It creates physical link between subscriber (MS) and BTS, then man-age

and controls functions of it. It performs the function of high quality switch by han-dover over

the MS to next BSC when MS goes out of the current range of BTS, it helps in

xv
 Figure 3.4: Base Transciever Station

Figure 3.5: Base Station Controller

connecting to next in range BTS to keep the connection alive within the network. It
also performs functions like cell configuration data, control radio frequency in BTS.

3.10 SIM

One of the key features of GSM is the Subscriber Identity Module, commonly known as a

SIM card. The SIM is a detachable smart card containing the user’s subscription

information and phone book. This allows the user to retain his or her information after

switching handsets. Alternatively, the user can also change operators while retaining the

xvi
 Figure 3.6: SIM

handset simply by changing the SIM.

3.11 OSS

OMC- Operations and maintenance center is designed to connect to equipment of

MSC-Mobile Switching Center and BSC-Base Station Controller. The
implementation of OMC is called OSS-The Operations and Support System.OSS
helps in mobile networks to mon-itor and control the complex systems. The basic
reason for developing operation and support system is to provide customers a cost
effective support and solutions. It helps in managing, centralizing, local and regional
operational activities required for GMS net-works.

xvii
3.12 Authentication and Encryption

3.12.1 AUthentication

Whenever a MS requests access to a network, the network must authenticate

the MS. Authentication verifies the identity and validity of the SIM card to the
network and ensures that the subscriber is authorized access to the network.

3.12.2 Encryption

In GSM, encryption refers to the process of creating authentication and

ciphering crypto variables using a special key and an encryption algorithm.

3.12.3 Ciphering

3.12.4 Ki

The Ki is the individual subscriber authentication key. It is a 128-bit number that

is paired with an IMSI when the SIM card is created. The Ki is only stored on the
SIM card and at the Authentication Center (AuC). The Ki should never be
transmitted across the network on any link.

3.12.5 RAND

The RAND is a random 128-bit number that is generated by the Auc when the
network requests to authenticate a subscriber. The RAND is used to generate
the Signed Response (SRES) and Kc crypto variables.

xviii
3.12.6 Signed Response

The SRES is a 32-bit crypto variable used in the authentication process. The
MS is challenged by being given the RAND by the network; the SRES is the
expected correct response. The SRES is never passed on the Um (Air)
interface. It is kept at the MSC/VLR, which performs the authentication check.

3.12.7 A3 Algorithm

The A3 algorithm computes a 32-bit Signed Response (SRES). The Ki and

RAND are inputted into the A3 algorithm and the result is the 32-bit SRES. The
A3 algorithm resides on the SIM card and at the AuC.

3.12.8 A8 Algorithm

The A8 algorithm computes a 64-bit ciphering key (Kc). The Ki and the RAND
are inputted into the A8 algorithm and the result is the 64-bit Kc. The A8
algorithm resides on the ISM card and at the AuC.

3.12.9 Kc

The Kc is the 64-bit ciphering key that is used in the A5 encryption algorithm to
encipher and decipher the data that is being transmitted on the Um interface.

3.13 Mobile subscriber identities in GSM

3.13.1 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI):

An IMSI is assigned to each authorized GSM user. It consists of a mobile country code

(MCC), mobile network code (MNC) (to identify the PLMN), and a PLMN unique mobile

xix
subscriber identification number (MSIN). The IMSI is the only absolute identity
that a subscriber has within the GSM system. The IMSI consists of the MCC
followed by the MNC and MSIN and shall not exceed 15 digits.

3.13.2 Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI)

A TMSI is a MSC-VLR specific alias that is designed to maintain user confidentiality. It

is assigned only after successful subscriber authentication. The correlation of a TMSI to
˘´
an IMSI only occurs during a mobile subscriberâAZs initial transaction with an
MSC (for example, location updating). Under certain condition (such as traffic
system disruption and malfunctioning of the system), the MSC can direct
individual TMSIs to provide the MSC with their IMSI.

3.13.3 Mobile Station ISDN Number

The MS international number must be dialed after the international prefix in order to
obtain a mobile subscriber in another country. The MSISDN numbers is composed
of the country code (CC) followed by the National Destination Code (NDC),
Subscriber Number (SN), which shall not exceed 15 digits. Here too the first two
digits of the SN identify the HLR where the mobile subscriber is administrated.

3.13.4 The Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN)

The MSRN is allocated on temporary basis when the MS roams into another numbering

area. The MSRN number is used by the HLR for rerouting calls to the MS. It is assigned

upon demand by the HLR on a per-call basis. The MSRN for PSTN/ISDN routing shall have

the same structure as international ISDN numbers in the area in which the MSRN is

allocated. The HLR knows in what MSC/VLR service area the subscriber is located. At the

reception of the MSRN, HLR sends it to the GMSC, which can now route the call to the

MSC/VLR exchange where the called subscriber is currently registered.

xx
3.13.5 International Mobile Equipment Identity

The IMEI is the unique identity of the equipment used by a subscriber by each
PLMN and is used to determine authorized (white), unauthorized (black), and
malfunctioning (gray) GSM hardware. In conjunction with the IMSI, it is used to
ensure that only authorized users are granted access to the system.

3.14 GSM Frequency Bands

There are three different frequency bands on which mobile phones are usually
operates and these are Dual Band, Tri-Band and Quad Band.

3.14.1 Dual-Band

Dual frequency band operates on 900MHz and 1800 MHz, that means mobile
phone that supports dual band can be operated anywhere in the world where 900
MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies are used. Dual Band GSM networks usually found
in all continents Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America.

3.14.2 Tri-Band

Three frequencies are supported in Tri Band, these frequencies are 900 MHz,

1800MHz and 1900 MHz Tri band is also supported all around the world these days.

3.14.3 Quad-Band

Quad Band supports four frequencies which are 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz ,
1900 MHz Quad band also enables GSM phones to road almost anywhere in the
world. All countries support GSM networks hence make communication possible.

xxi
3.15 Key Features

3.15.1 Increased Capacity

It provides better channel capacity than analog system. It provides 25KHZ per user,
that means eight conversation per 200KHZ channel pair(a channel pair consists of
a forward channel and a reverse channel). Channel coding and modulation
provided to enhance the channel capacity and from this 12 DB is achieved as a
channel to interference ratio(C/I ration), as compare to 18db of analog system.

3.15.2 Frequency Reuse

GSM has a advantage of frequency reuse pattern from which same frequency can
be used in different cells. Normally 124 carriers are provided by the GSM system
and if we multiply it with the 7 time slots used for traffic than we get 868 numbers of
calls can be made and that is very less in number. so to overcome this problem
same RF carrier is used for several conversation in different cells and for this there
is regular pattern is defined. The pattern to be used depends on the traffic
requirement and spectrum availability. Some typical patter are 4/12 , 7/21 etc.

3.16 Future Opportunities for GSM

2nd Generation

GSM -9.6 Kbps (data rate)

2.5 Generation ( Future of GSM)

HSCSD (High Speed ckt Switched data)

Data rate : 76.8 Kbps (9.6 x 8 kbps)

GPRS (General Packet Radio

service) Data rate: 14.4 - 115.2 Kbps

EDGE (Enhanced data rate for GSM Evolution)

xxii
 Data rate: 547.2 Kbps

(max) 3 Generation

WCDMA(Wide band CDMA)

˘
Data rate : 0.348 âAS¸ 2.0 Mbps

xxiii
CHAPTER 4

Conclusion

During the period of Evolution of mobile communication technologies various systems were

introduced and deployed to achieve standardization in mobile industry, but all the efforts

were failed. Multiple issues were sustained like incompatibility of systems, de-velopment of

digital radio frequency. That is, when GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication)

Technology was introduced and problems like standardization, incom-patibility etc were

overcame. TDMA solution was chosen in 1987, it is narrowband sys-tem and TDMA

standards for Time Division Multiple access. In 1991 in Finland. GSM based mobile phones

are operated on TDMA Systems, in TDMA single radio frequency is offered to users with

any interference. After all these years, GSM is now the largest mobile communication

technology worldwide, all manufacturers of Mobile phones de-velop their products based on

GSM, and all mobile companies provide their subscribers GSM networks. GSM technology

facilitates with high speed integrated data, voice data, fax, mail, voice mail and mostly used

SMS feature. GSM also make sure that all the com-munication made between networks are

secured and protected from intruders and frauds.

.SM actually brought the concept of being Mobile way beyond the limits. It
enabled us to communicate across the continents.

GSM supports multiple frequency levels like 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz 1900MHz

frequency is used in North America where as 1800MHz is used in other parts of the world.

Different frequency bands are used by different mobile phone operators. Moreover, there are

over 700 GSM networks available in the world operating in their respective countries and

providing international roaming services courtesy GSM technology. There are over 2 billion

GSM subscribers in the world. Countries which are using GSM networks on larger scales are

Russia, United States, India. Giver the above facts and very good voice quality, support useful

services and standards, delivered by GSM, it is expected that GSM shall remain the prominent

technology for offering the mobile telephony.

 REFERENCES

[1] www.gsmworld.com

[2] www.gsacom.com

[3] www.whytelecom.com

[4] www.wikipedia.com

xxv