GSM Networks

GSM Network Overview

:Access Network
Base Station Subsystem

:Core Network
GSM CS network

HLR

BSC

BTS

Mobile

VLR

MSC

BTS

Slide 5

Abis

AuC

SS7

Station

Um

EIR

PSTN

GSM Network Protocols

Slide 29

GSM Signaling Protocols

Layer 1 (physical layer)
Uses many channel structures
Layer 2 (data link layer)
Across Um interface uses LAPDm (a slight
modification of LAPD protocol used in ISDN)
Across Abis uses LAPD
Across A interface, uses MTP and SCCP of SS7
SAPI=0 Identifies radio signaling procedures
Layer 3 is sub-divided into 3 sub-layers
Slide 30

Layer 3 Signaling Protocols

RR: Radio Resources Management
Establishment, maintenance, and termination of radio channels
that allow point-to-point dialogue between network and mobile
stations; including cell selection and handover procedures
MM: Mobility Management
Manages location updating, registration, security and
authentication procedures
CM: Connection Management
Handles general call control, similar to CCITT Recommendation
Q.931, and provides supplementary services & Short Message
Services (SMS)

Slide 31

Handover
Four types of handovers:
Channels (time slots) in same cell
Between cells within same BSC
Between BSCs, within same MSC
Between MSCs
BTS

BTS
BTS

BTS

BTS

BTS
BTS

BSC

BTS
BTS

BTS

BSC

MSC

Slide 32

BTS

BTS
BTS

BTS

BSC

BSC

MSC

MAP (Mobile Application Part)

SS7 top layer protocol
Responsible for signaling between different entities
in network, such as between HLR and VLR
MAP specification is complex
Several variants for the big manufacturers (Ericsson,
Motorola )

Slide 33

Summary
GSM is the dominant cellular technology today
GSM offers high quality voice with advanced services
GSM is the stepping-stone to 3G networks

Slide 35