UOEL0717_ Wireless Communication &

Network
Unit III_GSM
Dr. Manasi Dixit
Professor, Dept of E&TC ENGINEERING
KIT’s College of Engineering (Autonomous),
Kolhapur
 UNIT III: DIGITAL CELLULAR NETWORKS
• CO1 List the basic fundamentals of wireless
communication. List Remembering
• CO2 Explain multiple access techniques to mobile
communication Apply Applying
• CO3 Explain mobile network. Explain Understanding
• UNIT III: DIGITAL CELLULAR NETWORKS
GSM architecture & interfaces
Signal processing in GSM,
Frame structure of GSM,
Channels used in GSM.
 Syllabus
• UNIT I : INTRODUCTION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION. Challenges in
wireless networking, Wireless communications standards Overview, evolution of
cellular system, Cellular system architecture & operation, Performance criteria.
Multiple access schemes for wireless communication -TDMA, FDMA, CDMA, SDMA
• UNIT II : WIRELESS NETWORK PLANNING AND OPERATION frequencies
management, channel assignments, frequency reuse, System capacity& its
improvement, Handoffs & its types, roaming, co channel & adjacent channel
interference
• UNIT III: DIGITAL CELLULAR NETWORKS GSM architecture& interfaces, signal
processing in GSM, frame structure of GSM, Channels used in GSM. 5
• UNIT IV : WIRELESS LAN TECHNOLOGY Overview, WLAN technologies, infrared
LANs, Spread Spectrum LANs Narrowband Microwave LANs IEEE 802.11-
Architecture, protocols, MAC layer .MAC frame, MAC management 5
• UNIT V : BLUETOOTH Overview, Radio specification, Base band specification, Link
manager specification, logical link control & adaptation protocol. 4
• UNIT VI : MOBILE DATA NETWORKS Introduction, Data oriented CDPD networks,
GPRS, Wireless Access Protocol : WAP architecture , Wireless Datagram ,Wireless
Transport layer security, wireless transaction ,Wireless Session ,Wireless Application
Environment,WML
 GSM OVERVIEW
• GSM
– formerly: Groupe Spéciale Mobile (founded 1982)
– now: Global System for Mobile Communication
– Pan-European standard (ETSI, European Telecommunications
Standardization Institute)
– simultaneous introduction of essential digital cellular services
in three phases (1991, 1994, 1996) by the European
telecommunication administrations, seamless roaming within
Europe possible
– today many providers all over the world use GSM (more than
130 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, America)
– Unique mobile subscribers surpassed 5.6 billion including
4.4 billion people who also used the mobile internet worldwide.
 GSM OVERVIEW
• GSM became the global standard for mobile
communications, achieving over 90% of
market share across the world.
• Today, the GSMA remains at the forefront of
facilitating protocols and standards in mobile
technology, from 4G and 5G, to 6G and what’s
next
 Roadmap
Things have changed a lot since the first generation of mobile
technology-----
• 1G era -briefcase-sized phones, short conversations between a
relatively small number of professional people.(1980)
• 2G -- mobile services SMS (1990)
• 3G world –SMS, MMS,mobile internet access (2000)
• 4G- Smart phones, app stores ,YouTube. (2010)
• 5G -- IoT and enterprises :by enabling new use cases like
connected vehicles, Augmented Reality and enhanced video and
gaming. Services such as e-health, connected vehicles ,traffic
systems and advanced mobile cloud gaming (2020)
• 6G -- networks are expected to be developed and released by
2025-2030
 Revolution of mobile networks over the various generations

• 1G: Voice calls:

– 1G refers to the first generation of wireless cellular technology and they
enabled communication between two supported devices using a wireless
network but lack of roaming support by the network.

2G: The analog system was now replaced by a much more advanced digital
technology for wireless transmission called the Global System for Mobile
communication (GSM).
– With digital underpinning, the 2G supported better quality voice calls and
data services such as short message service (SMS) and multimedia
messaging service (MMS).
– Besides, this mobile network enabled roaming facility, allowing users to
attend calls, and send and receive texts and multimedia content on the go.
– It later received internet support by way of GPRS (General Packet Radio
Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Evolution), but that alone wasn’t
enough for a generational shift.
Revolution of mobile networks over the various
generations
• 3G: Age of applications:
The third generation mobile network introduced high speed internet services, which
set the stage for smart phones and application ecosystems.
While 3G enabled the concept of mobile television, online radio services, and
emails on phones, it is video calling and mobile phone apps that really define the
3G era.
• 4G: Internet calling:
3G set the base for 4G, which is the current generation of the mobile network.
The concepts introduced by 3G such as high definition voice calls, video calls,
and other internet services become a reality in 4G.on account of a higher
data rate and advanced multimedia services that the mobile network supports.
Internet calling, or VoLTE (Voice over LTE), is one of the many advantages of the
4G mobile network.
It also enables voice over WiFi(VoWiFi) that allows voice calls in areas
with low or no network reception
 Revolution of mobile networks over the
various generations
• 5G : IoT and enterprises:
• The 5G network will operate in the millimeter-wave spectrum (30-300
GHz) which can send large amounts of data at very high speeds as the
frequency is very high, and it experiences little interference from
surrounding signals.
• For consumers, the network would deliver high internet speeds and would
likely play a crucial role in enabling technologies such as the metaverse.
• It used OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) and
millimeter wireless that enables a data rate of 20Mbps and a frequency
band of 2-8 GHz.
• It can be used for streaming high-quality videos, more accurate location
tracking, low-latency communication, and better ability for real-time
analytics.
 GSM Frequency Bands
Uplink Downlink
Equivalen Regional
(MHz) (MHz) Channel
SM band ƒ (MHz) t deployme
(mobile to (base to numbers
LTE band nts
base) mobile)

T-GSM- 380.2 – 390.2 –

380 dynamic None None
380[a] 389.8 399.8
T-GSM- 410.2 – 420.2 –
410 dynamic 87/88 None
410[a] 419.8 429.8
450.6 – 460.6 –
GSM-450 450 259–293 31/72/73 None
457.6 467.6
479.0 – 489.0 –
GSM-480 480 306–340 None None
486.0 496.0
698.2 – 728.2 –
GSM-710 710 dynamic 12 None
716.2 746.2
777.2 – 747.2 –
GSM-750 750 438–511 None None
792.2 762.2
T-GSM- 806.2 – 851.2 –
810 dynamic 27 None
810[a] 821.2 866.2
 GSM Frequency Bands
Downlink
Uplink (MHz) Equivale
(MHz) Channel Regional
SM band ƒ (MHz) (mobile to nt
(base to numbers deployments
base) LTE ban
mobile) d
GSM-
850 824.2 – 848.8 869.2 – 893.8 128–251 5 CALA,[b] NAR[c]
850
P-GSM- 8 None
900 890.0 – 915.0 935.0 – 960.0 1–124
900[d] (subset) deprecated
E-GSM- 0–124, APAC,[f] EMEA
900 880.0 – 915.0 925.0 – 960.0 8
900[e] 975–1023 [g]

APAC,[f] EMEA
R-GSM- 0–124, [g]
900 876.0 – 915.0 921.0 – 960.0 ?
900[h] 955–1023 used for
GSM-R
T-GSM-
900 870.4 – 876.0 915.4 – 921.0 dynamic None None
900[a]
DCS- 1710.2 – 1805.2 – APAC,[f] EMEA
1800 512–885 3
1800[i] 1784.8 1879.8 [g]

PCS- 1850.2 – 1930.2 –

1900 512–810 2 CALA,[b] NAR[c]
1900[j] 1909.8 1989.8
Revolution of mobile networks over the various
generations
 GSM Overview
• GSM utilizes a cellular network, meaning that cell phones connect to it by searching for cells in the
immediate vicinity. There are five different cell sizes in a GSM network:
• macro
• micro
• pico
• femto,
• umbrella cells
• The coverage area of each cell varies according to the implementation environment. Macro cells can be
regarded as cells where the base-station antenna is installed on a mast or a building above average rooftop
level. Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average rooftop level; they are typically deployed in
urban areas. Picocells are small cells whose coverage diameter is a few dozen meters; they are mainly used
indoors. Femtocells are cells designed for use in residential or small-business environments and connect to a
telecommunications service provider 's network via a broadband-internet connection. Umbrella cells are used
to cover shadowed regions of smaller cells and to fill in gaps in coverage between those cells.
• Cell horizontal radius varies – depending on antenna height, antenna gain, and propagation conditions –
from a couple of hundred meters to several tens of kilometers. The longest distance the GSM specification
supports in practical use is 35 kilometres (22 mi). There are also several implementations of the concept of
an extended cell,[22] where the cell radius could be double or even more, depending on the antenna system,
the type of terrain, and the timing advance.
• GSM supports indoor coverage – achievable by using an indoor picocell base station, or an indoor repeater
with distributed indoor antennas fed through power splitters – to deliver the radio signals from an antenna
outdoors to the separate indoor distributed antenna system. Picocells are typically deployed when significant
call capacity is needed indoors, as in shopping centers or airports. However, this is not a prerequisite, since
indoor coverage is also provided by in-building penetration of radio signals from any nearby cell.
 GSM SubSystems
GSM architecture is mainly divided into three
Subsystems
1. Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
2. Network & Switching Subsystem (NSS)
3. Operations & Support Subsystem (OSS)
Mobile Station sometimes included in BSS
GSM Network Architecture
 Simplified GSM Architecture

• H • AUC
L
R

• A
-
• B
bi • T • MS • PSTN
• S
s • A- C C
• Um • C
• I/ ter
I/ F F • I/F

• M
S • B
T
S • VLR • EIR
 Mobile Station (MS)
The MS consists of two parts
1. Mobile Equipment (ME)
2. Subscriber Identity module (SIM)
SIM Card Handset Battery
Global GSM Mobility
battery
Card
The Smart Card to use

+ + f153454

GSM
 The SIM-Card Functions
µ SIM-Card
25 mm X 15 mm
Microchip with stored user information
Credit Card Size
• Global GSM Mobility
• Card
• The Smart Card to use

Permanent data:
- Unique mobile subscriber identity
through IMSI number, • GSM
-Authentication parameter Ki,
-Authentication algorithm A3, Contains: - IMSI
-Generating encryption key Kc
algorithm A8. Removable data:
- Temporary Mobile Subscriber
Number,
Subscriber knows
- Location Area Identification.
- Called party number = MS-ISDN
- PIN
Subscriber Identity module Cntd….
The SIM contains several pieces of information:
1. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
2. Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI)
3. Location Area Identity (LAI)
4. Subscriber Authentication Key (Ki)
5. Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital
Network (MSISDN)
The SIM is capable of storing additional information
such as accumulated call charges.
The SIM also executes the Authentication Algorithm.
23
 Mobile Equipment (ME)
• The ME is the only part of the GSM network which the subscriber will really
see.
• There are three main types of ME, these are listed below:
1. Vehicle Mounted 2. Portable Mobile Unit 3. Hand portable Unit
• Trends for MS are:
– Hands-free (2 W + booster 5 W).
– Increasing autonomy:
• - idle mode: 40 hours to 140 hours,
• - communication mode: 4 hours to 15 hours,
– Supplementary features (e.g. display of calling number).
– Additional features (e.g. voice recognition).
– Connection with terminals for data transmission:
• - Modem on PCMCIA board for Laptop PC.
• - Modem integrated.
– Dual-band terminal (GSM 900/1800 MHz).
– Radio organizer (Nokia 9000).
– Versatile terminal (under JAVA softwares): fax, internet, pager, organizer.
24
 Trends in Mobile Station

Booster
2W 5W Dual-band
Hands-free Data 900-1800
Pocket 2W 8W 900-1900

PC
Fax Organizer Java
Subscriber Identity module (SIM)
 The SIM is a card which plugs into the ME.
 This card identifies the MS subscriber and also provides other
information regarding the services that subscriber should receive.
 The SIM card, and the high degree of inbuilt system security,
provides protection of the subscriber’s information and protection
of networks against fraudulent access.
 The SIM can be protected by use of Personal Identity Number
(PIN) password, similar to bank/credit charge cards, to prevent
unauthorized use of the card.
 SIM cards are designed to be difficult to duplicate.
 By making a distinction between the subscriber identity and the
ME identity, GSM can route calls and perform billing based on
the identity of the ‘subscriber’ rather than the equipment or its
location. 27
 Subscriber Identification

IMSI MS - ISDN

Mobile Station -
International Mobile Subscriber Identity
Nature Integrated Services Digital Network Nb

Similar to ISDN,
Conformity with E212
Conformity with E164/E213

Identify a PLMN Identify the subscriber National Significant Mobile Number

worldwide of a PLMN

MCC MNC MSIN CC NDC SN

Format H1 H2 x x x ......... x x x M1 M2 xx xx xx xx

Country
Mobile Mobile Mobile Subscriber National Mobile Subscriber
Code
Meaning Country Network Ident. Nb
(where Destination (national definition)
Code Code H1 H2 = Identity of HLR Code * M1 M2 = nbr of logical HLR
subscription
within the home PLMN
has been made)

Nb. digits 3 2 max 10 1 to 3 2 to 4 total max 15

* This code does not identify a geographical area

but an operator
• The International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
is the primary identification of the subscriber within
the GSM network and is permanently assigned to
him.

• The Mobile Subscriber ISDN Number (MSISDN) is

the number that the calling party dials in order to
reach the GSM subscriber. It is used by the land
networks to route calls toward an appropriate GSM
network. MSISDN is stored in HLR.
• The GSM standard originally described a
digital, circuit-switched network optimized for
full duplex voice telephony. This expanded
over time to include data communications,
first by circuit-switched transport, then by
packet data transport via
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
(EDGE).
 BSS
The Base Station Subsystem (BSS) section of the 2G GSM network architecture that is
fundamentally associated with communicating with the mobiles on the network.
It consists of two elements:

Base Transceiver Station (BTS):

• The BTS used in a GSM network comprises the radio transmitter receivers, and
their associated antennas that transmit and receive to directly communicate with
the mobiles.
• The BTS communicates with the mobiles and the interface between the two is
known as the Um interface with its associated protocols.

Base Station Controller (BSC):

• The BSC forms the next stage back into the GSM network. It controls a
group of BTSs, and is often co-located with one of the BTSs in its group.
• It manages the radio resources and controls items such as handover
within the group of BTSs, allocates channels and the like.
• It communicates with the BTSs over what is termed the Abis interface.
 BSS Architecture
MSC
Radio
TCU Interface
A Interface
S2000H&L
NSS BTS

Ater Interface
Public Telephone Network

Abis Interface S8000 MS

BSC Outdoor
OMC-R BTS

Radio
Interface

OMN Interface

S8000
Indoor
Sun
StorEdge A5000

BSS BTS
MS
 BTS-BSC
• The BTS and the BSC communicate across the specified Abis interface, enabling
operations between components that are made by different suppliers. The radio
components of a BSS may consist of four to seven or nine cells. A BSS may have one or
more base stations. The BSS uses the Abis interface between the BTS and the BSC. A
separate high-speed line (T1 or E1) is then connected from the BSS to the Mobile MSC.
The Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
• The BTS houses the radio transceivers that define a cell and handles the radio link
protocols with the MS. In a large urban area, a large number of BTSs may be deployed.
• The BTS corresponds to the transceivers and antennas used in each cell of the network.
A BTS is usually placed in the center of a cell. Its transmitting power defines the size of
a cell. Each BTS has between 1 and 16 transceivers, depending on the density of users in
the cell. Each BTS serves as a single cell. It also includes the following functions:
• Encoding, encrypting, multiplexing, modulating, and feeding the RF signals to the
antenna
• Transcoding and rate adaptation
• Time and frequency synchronizing
• Voice through full- or half-rate services
• Decoding, decrypting, and equalizing received signals
• Random access detection ,Timing advances
• Uplink channel measurements
• The BTS provides the air interface connection
with the MS.
• It also has a limited amount of Control
functionality which reduces the amount of
traffic passing between the BTS and BSC.
• Where the BSC and BTS are both shown to
control a function, the control is divided
between the two, or may be located wholly at
one.
 The Base Station Controller (BSC)
• The BSC manages the radio resources for one or more BTSs. It handles radio
channel setup, frequency hopping, and handovers. The BSC is the
connection between the mobile and the MSC. The BSC also translates the 13
Kbps voice channel used over the radio link to the standard 64 Kbps channel
used by the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSDN) or ISDN.
• It assigns and releases frequencies and time slots for the MS. The BSC also
handles intercell handover. It controls the power transmission of the BSS and
MS in its area. The function of the BSC is to allocate the necessary time slots
between the BTS and the MSC. It is a switching device that handles the radio
resources. Additional functions include:
• Control of frequency hopping
• Performing traffic concentration to reduce the number of lines from the
MSC
• Providing an interface to the Operations and Maintenance Center for the
BSS
• Reallocation of frequencies among BTSs
• Time and frequency synchronization
• Power management
 the BSC provides the control for the BSS.
 Any operational information required by the BTS will be
received via the BSC.
 Likewise any information required about the BTS (by the
OMC for example) will be obtained by the BSC.
 The BSC incorporates a digital switching matrix, which it
uses to connect the radio channels on the air interface with
the terrestrial circuits from the MSC.
 The BSC switching matrix also allows the BSC to perform
“handovers” between radio channels on BTSs, under its
control, without involving the MSC.
39
 BSC General Architecture and Functions
- Radio Resource management BSC
for its BTSs
- Intercell hand-over Processing X.25
Unit controller
O&M
- Allocation of channels for
communication
- Reallocation of frequencies
Switching
among BTSs
matrix
- Time and frequency
synchronization to BTSs
- Controls frequency hopping

PCM PCM
controller controller

To Network
BTS A interface SubSystem
Abis interface
• BSC architecture mainly involves a processor unit, a switching matrix,
and trunk control units (PCM and X.25).
• Note that through the Processing Unit and the X.25 controller, the BSC
downloads new software releases from the O&M Center. In turn, all
data of interest to the O&M is buffered and forwarded to the O&M
Center when being asked or transmitted periodically.
• The Base Station Controller (BSC) is connected to the Mobile Switching
Center on one side and to the BTSs on the other.
• Functions performed by a BSC are:
– performs the Radio Resource (RR, explained below) management for the cells
under its control. It assign and release frequencies for all MSs in its own area,
– performs the Intercell hand-over for MSs moving between BTSs in its control,
– reallocates frequencies to the BTSs in its area to meet locally heavy demands
during peak hours or on special events,
– controls the power transmission of both BTSs and MSs in its area,
– provides the time and frequency synchronization reference signals, broadcast
for each BTS.
 BTS General Architecture and Functions
BTS

- Interface between Antennas Antenna

Transmission coupler
and TRXs of each cell

Duplexer
COUPLING SYSTEM

- Encodes, encrypts, modulates, feeds Reception coupler

the RF signal to the antenna
- Decrypts and equalizes the signal
then demodulates TRX
- Mobile call detection (Transceiver-Receiver)
- Uplink channel measurements
- Timing advance
- Frequency hopping BCF
(Base Common Functions)
Abis
interface

BSC - Multiplexes speech and user's data channels to BSC.

- Multiplexes signaling channels to BSC.
BSS Configurations

• The maximum number

of BTSs which may be
controlled by one BSC is
not specified by GSM.
•The BTSs and BSC may
either be located at the
same cell site “co-
located”, or located at
different sites “Remote”.
•Another BSS
configuration is the daisy
chain.
•Problem- transmission
delay through the chain.
43
46
Authentication Centre(AUC)
The AuC is a protected database that contains the secret key also contained in the
user's SIM card.
It is used for authentication and for ciphering on the radio
channel.
SMS Gateway(SMS-G)
• The SMS-G or SMS gateway is the term that is used to collectively describe
the two Short Message Services Gateways defined in the GSM standards.
• The two gateways handle messages directed in different directions. The
SMS-GMSC (Short Message Service Gateway Mobile Switching Centre) is for
short messages being sent to an ME.
• The SMS-IWMSC (Short Message Service Inter-Working Mobile Switching
Centre) is used for short messages originated with a mobile on that network.
Transcoder/ Rate adapter Unit (TRAU)
• Depending on the relative cost of transmission plan, there is some benefit in having
the Transcoder/ Rate adapter Unit (TRAU) at the Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
location.
• Moreover, in that case, the TRAU is still considered functionally as a part of the Base
Station SubSystem (BSS).
• The TRAU is a device that takes 13 kbps speech (or data) multiplexes and two of them,
to convert into standard 64 kbps data:
– within the BTS, the 13 kbps speech (or data) are brought up to level of 16 kbps by
inserting additional synchronizing data to make up the difference between a 13
kbps speech or lower data rate,
– the TRAU converts the 13 kbps speech into 64 kbps T1 µ-law or E1 A-law PCM
time slots,
– furthermore the TRAU routes the users' data stream to a suitable device that
inter-works with the recipient modem.

• It is worth noting that:

– four traffic channels are multiplexed on a 64 kbps PCM circuit at the Ater
interface,
– one T1 trunk carries up to 92 traffic and control channels,
– one E1 trunk carries up to 120 traffic and control channels.
TRAU Architecture and Functions
Converts the 13 kbps GSM speech frame either Routes the users' data stream
into a 64 kbps T1 PCM µ-law or into an E1 PCM A-law to suitable Inter-working function

TRAU
Transcoder
Controller

T1 trunk
up to 92 user's
and T1 trunk = up to
control channels Transcoder
24 user's channels

A
Ater
External PCM
BSC MSC
Interface
interface
interface

E1 trunk
up to 120 user's E1 trunk = up to
channels 31 user's channels
Transcoder (XCDR)
• The 64 kbit/s PCM circuits from the MSC, if
transmitted on the air interface without
modification, would occupy an excessive amount
of radio bandwidth.
• The Transcoder is to convert the speech or data
output from the MSC into the form suitable for
transmission over the air interface.
• The required bandwidth is therefore reduced by
processing the 64 kbit/s circuits so that the
amount of information required to transmit
digitized voice falls to a gross rate of 16 kbit/s.
50
Transcoder (XCDR) Cntd….
• The transcoding function may be located at the MSC, BSC,
or BTS.
• The content of the 16 kbit/s data depends on the coding
algorithm used.
• There are two speech coding algorithms available.
• The Full Rate speech algorithm is supported by all mobiles
and networks.
• It produces 13 kbit/s of coded speech data plus 3 kbit/s of
control data known as TRAU data (Transcoder Rate
Adaptation Unit).
• TRAU only used by BTS and discarded (not transmitted on
air interface)
51
Transcoder (XCDR) Cntd….
• the 13 kbit/s of speech data is processed at the BTS
to form a gross rate of 22.8 kbit/s on the air
interface which includes forward error correction.
• In the uplink direction the BTS adds in TRAU data
which will be used by the transcoder.
• Enhanced Full Rate is an improved speech coding
algorithm and is only supported by Phase 2+
mobiles.
• It produces 12.2 kbit/s from each 64 kbit/s PCM
channel and TRAU data of 3.8 kbits/s
52
53
 Networking Switching Subsystem(NSS)
The GSM system architecture contains a variety of
different elements, and is often termed the core
network. It is essentially a data network with a
various entities that provide the main control and
interfacing for the whole mobile network. The major
elements within the core network include:
 Network Switching System (NSS)
• The Network Switching System includes the main
switching functions of the GSM network.
• It also contains the databases required for subscriber data
and mobility management.
• The components of the Network Switching System are
listed below:
1. Mobile Services Switching Centre – MSC
2. Home Location Register – HLR
3. Visitor Location Register – VLR
4. Equipment Identity Register – EIR
5. Authentication Centre – AUC
6. Interworking Function – IWF
7. Echo Canceller – EC 55
 NSS Architecture
Site 1 Site 2
AUC
H

HLR
BSS D D BSS
VLR VLR
G-interface
B-interface B-interface
C-interface
A-interface MSC A-interface
GMSC

Other GSM, Other GSM,

PSTN, ISDN E-interface PSTN, ISDN

F F

E EIR
E
IWF IWF

Billing SMS-SC Billing

Server Server
Mobile Switching Centre (MSC)

 MSC is the heart of the system, controlling the

Switching & Billing.
 The MSC can carry out different functions depending
upon its position in the network.
 When provides interface between PSTN & BSS in GSM
network then known as a Gateway MSC
 provides service to MSs located within a defined
geographic coverage area.
 The network typically contains more than one MSC.
 One MSC is capable of supporting a regional capital
with approximately one million inhabitants.

57
MSC’s Functionalities

• Call Processing
1. control of data/voice call setup
2. inter-BSS and inter-MSC handovers
3. control of mobility management (subscriber validation and
location).
• Operations and Maintenance Support
1. database management
2. traffic metering and measurement
3. A Man–machine interface.
• Internetwork Interworking
1. Interface between the GSM network and the PSTN.
• Billing
1. Collects call billing data. 58
 Home Location Register
HLR
Subscriber
Management
Center Permanent records
- MSISDN
- IMSI, MSISDN
- Subscriber's service provision
prepaid/postpaid , Rsoaming
restrictions,
Supplementray services

Temporary records
- VLR address
- Ciphering items
(Kc, Sres, Rand)
 Home Location Register (HLR)
 The HLR is the master database which contains each
user’s service profile.
 Various identification numbers and addresses are
stored, as well as authentication parameters.
 The data it contains is remotely accessed by all the
MSCs and the VLRs in the network.
 Although the network may contain more than one
HLR, there is only one database record per
subscriber .
 The subscriber data may be accessed by either the
IMSI or the MSISDN number. 60
 VLR
• Temporary database which updates whenever new MS enters its
area by HLR database
• Controls those mobiles roaming in its area and it also reduces
the number of queries to HLR
• Database contains IMSI, TMSI, MSISDN, MSRN, Locations Area,
Authentication key
 VLR is a temporary database for all user currently located in the
system including roamers & non-roamers.
 The data exists for only as long as the subscriber is “active” in
the particular area covered by the VLR.
 The VLR database will therefore contain some duplicate data as
well as more precise data relevant to the subscriber.
 This function eliminates the need for excessive and time-
consuming references to the “home” HLR database
 Visitor Location Register
VLR
LA1
Permanent records
- IMSI
- Subscriber’s service provision

LA3
LA2 Temporary records
- Ciphering items
(Kc, Sres, Rand)
- LAI - TMSI

LA4
Visitor Location Register Cntd….
The additional data stored in the VLR is listed
below:
1. Mobile status (busy/free/no answer etc.).
2. Location Area Identity (LAI).
3. Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI).
4. Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN).
• MSC updates VLR with HLR information.
• Each MSC has VLR which resides with the MSC
& each G-MSC has a HLR which usually resides
with the G-MSC
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Equipment Identity Register

EIR

Black list
(barred ME)
IMEI

White list
(valid ME)
Mobile
Equipment Gray list
(faulty ME)
 Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

• The EIR contains a centralized database for

validating the IMEI.
• This database is concerned solely with MS
equipment and not with the subscriber who is
using it to make or receive a call.
• The EIR database consists of lists of IMEIs (or
ranges of IMEIs) organized as follows:
1. White List
2. Black List
3. Grey List
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Equipment Identity Register Cntd….

66
 Authentication Center

AUC

Ciphering Triplets
Ki RAND 5

HLR Request

Security SRES, Kc, RAND

A3, A8 algorithms
IMSI

AUC provides
 Authentication Centre (AuC)
• The AuC is a processor system that performs
the “authentication” function.
• It is normally co-located with the HLR as it
will be required to continuously access and
update, as necessary, the system subscriber
records.
• The authentication process will usually take
place each time the subscriber “initializes” on.

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 AUC
• The Authetication Center (AUC) is a database that contains
the secret authentication key Ki of each subscriber and
generates security related parameters to protect the network
operator and subscribers against fraud.
• The same Ki is to be found in the subscribers SIM card and is
used to generate these ciphering items named triplets:
– a RANDom number RAND,
– a Signature RESponse SRES, using A3 algorithm,
– a ciphering Key Kc, using A8 algorithm and computed each
time authentication is performed.
• Software keys Kc and SRES are never passed over the air
interface.
• The two algorithms A3 and A8 are operator dependent.
• For security reason AUC has often an internal interface with
the HLR. However this is a choice of implementation, it is up
to HLR to start security algorithms located in AUC.
 Advantages Of GSM
 Communication
-Mobile, Wireless communication support for voice and data services
 Total mobility
-International access, Chip-card enables use os access point of different
providers
 Worldwide connectivity
-One number the network handles every location
 High capacity
-better frequency efficiency, Smaller cells, More customer per cells.
 High transmission quality
-High audio quality and reliability for wireless,Uninterrupted phone calls
at higher speeds(e.g.,from cars,trains)
 Disadvantages of GSM

• Dropped and missed calls

• Less efficiency
• Security Issues
 Applications of GSM
• Mobile telephony
• GSM-R
• Telemetry System
-Fleet management
-Automatic meter reading
-Toll collection
-Remote control and fault reporting of DG sets
• Value Added Services