CHAPTER -5-

Cellular Communication Networks and Systems

 5.1. Introduction
2

 The digital communication system described was originally used

by GSM as a circuit switched system.
 Circuit switched (CS) networks are based on regular cabled
telephony networks where a physical connection is as- signed by
switches between each end of the Point to Point communication.
 In GSM, circuit switched is physically made by assigning a fixed
time slot in every frame which is used for the entire connection.
 GSM was mainly developed for voice usage, but it provides slow
rate circuit switched data ser- vices (9.6Kbps) and a pager-like
service called SMS.
 GPRS(General Packet Radio Service) is established on the
platform of GSM and is an enhancement of GSM system.
 It is also known as the 2.5 Generation and a step toward the 3G.

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 Introduction, Cont. …
3

 GPRS provides a packet switching transmission mode.

 This feature allows an easy adoption to the bursty traffic generated by
Internet applications like e-mail, WWW and FTP.
 GPRS offers a maximum theoretical data transmission rate of 172.4kbps.
 The GPRS technology is to make it possible for GSM license holders to
share physical resources on a dynamic, flexible basis between packet
data services and other GSM services.
 GPRS provides synchronous and asynchronous interworking with X.25
networks, IP networks and other GPRS networks.
 The different types of bearer services described within GPRS are Point-
To-Point (PTP) and Point-To-Multipoint (PTM).
 Example:
o PTP is the access to the Internet
o PTM caters Traffic Information.

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 Introduction, Cont. …
4

 The increase of speed provided by Packet Switched (PS)

networks as GPRS enlarged the amount of data services on
mobile phones.
 The dynamic use of multiple time slots provided a way of not
wasting resources and the packet architecture allowed users to
connect to IP services such as the web (e-mail, ftp and http
protocols).
 The possibility of having a PTM connection also allowed more
services such as multiuser video-conferences or chatting.

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 5.2. GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communication)
5

 It is a 2G cellular standard developed to cater voice services and data

delivery using digital modulation.
 It is digital service in nature, i.e. speech and data services possible (SMS).

 International roaming is allowed.

GSM Services
1) Tele Services:
o It is the telecommunication services that enable voice communication via
mobile phones.
o The offered services includes mobile phones, emergency call, etc.
2) Bearer or Data Services:
o It is a various data services for information transfer between GSM and other
networks like PSTN, etc. at the rate of 300 to 9600 bps.
o The services offered includes SMS (166), fax, voicemail, electronic mail, etc.
3) Supplementary Services – this includes call barring (incoming and
outgoing calls), call forwarding, call hold, call waiting, conference (link
multiple calls together), etc. 2/5/2022
 5.2.1. GSM Addresses and Identifiers
6

 The Ethio Telecom carrier from Ethiopia is denoted by codes: 636 01

 The ISO standard code of Ethio Telecom is ET.
 All bands of the Ethio Telecom are display in MHz units.
 Ethio Telecom uses 2 GSM bands (900 & 1800), 1 UMTS bands
(2100), 1 and 0 CDMA bands (1800+).
1. International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI):
o It is unique identifier of every mobile equipment internationally.

o It is allocated by the equipment manufacturer and registered by

network operator in the Equipment Identity Register (EIR).
o Information about manufacturer and DOM (date of manufacturing)

o It is a maximum of 19 digit.

o Example: *#06# - to get your mobile IMEI

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 GSM Addresses and Identifiers, Cont. …
7

2. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI):

o It is a unique identifier which is stored in the SIM card and secured
by the operator.
o It uniquely identify each registered user (private to the operator).

o 3 digit Mobile Country Code (MCC) + 2 digit Mobile Network Code

(MNC) + 10 Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN).
o MNC + MSIN = NMSI (National Mobile Subscriber Identification).

o Example: 636 01 912345678 OR 310150123456789

 MCC: 636 310 USA
 MNC: 01 150 AT&T
 MSIN: 91-234-5678 123456789
o The combination of MCC and MNC is called Home Network Identity
(HNI)
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 GSM Addresses and Identifiers, Cont. …
8

3. Mobile Subscriber ISDN Number (MSISDN):

o It is a real telephone number as it is known to external
world (public) of a MS.
o Up to 3 digit Country Code (CC) + 2-3 digit National
Destination Code (NDC) + max 10 digit Subscriber
Number (SN).
o It is CC (3) + NVN (National Valid Number) (MSC (2) +
HLR (3) + SN (5))
o Example: +918369aaxxxx OR +251 46 aaxxxxx
 CC: +91 India +251 Ethiopia
 NDC: 8369 Kerela 46 South region
(Awassa, Shashamane)
 SN: aaxxxx aaxxxxx

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 GSM Addresses and Identifiers, Cont. …
9

4. Location Area Identity (LAI)

o Each LA in a PLMN(Public Land Mobile Network) has its own
identifier called LAI which is structured hierarchically and unique.
o It consists of 3 digits of CC, 2 digits of MNC and maximum of 5
digits of Location Area Code (LAC).
o Example:
5. Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number (MSRN):
o It is a temporary ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) number
which is assigned to the subscriber when a subscriber is roaming in
another network.
o It is assigned by the local VLR(visitor location register) in charge of
the MS.
o Example:
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 GSM Addresses and Identifiers, Cont. …
10

6. Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI)

o It is used to keep the secrecy of the IMSI(international mobile
subscriber identity) while handoff.
o It is assigned by VLR.
7. Base Station Identification Code (BSIC):
o It is used to identify the base station in the environment.
o It is composed of NCC (Network Color Code of 3 bits) and BSC
(Base Station Code of 3 bits).

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 5.2.2. Architecture of GSM Network
11  a

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Fig. 5.1. GSM architecture
 Acronyms in the Architecture
12

 It performs call processing and subscriber related functions.

 They are like: oVLR – Visitor Location Register
o MSC – Mobile Switching Center oAuC – Authentication Center
o SIM - Subscriber Identity Module oEIR – Equipment Identity Register
o BSS – Base Station Subsystem oGMSC – Gateway MSC
o NSS – Network Switching Subsystem
oOSS – Operation and Support
o ME – Mobile Equipment
o BTS – Base Transceiver Station Subsystem
o BSC – Base Station Controller oPSTN – Public Switched Telephone
o HLR – Home Location Register Network
oISDN – Integrated Service Digital
Network
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oPSDN – Public Service Data
 GSM Service Area
13

 There are basically four service areas.

1) Location Area
2) Cell Service Area
1) MSC(Mobile Switching Center) Service Area
3) PLMN(Public Land Mobile Network) Service Area

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 1. Mobile Station Systems
14

Mobile Equipment (ME):

 Portable, vehicle mounted and hand-held devices.

 Uniquely identified by an IMEI.

 Offers services to the users.

 Voice and data transmission.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM):

 Smart card contains the IMSI.

 Allows users to send and receive calls and other subscribed

services.
 Protected by a password or PIN (Personal Identification
Number).
 Can be moved from phone to phone – contains key
information to activate the phone.
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 2. Radio Subsystem (BSS) in GSM
15

 It used to connect the MSs and NSS(Network Switching

Subsystem).
 It is the management center of radio network and is controlled
by a MSC.
 They communicate via Abis interface allowing operation
between components made by different suppliers.
 One MSC controls many radio subsystems.
 It consists of:
a) BSC – Base Station Controller
b) BTS – Base Transceiver Station

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 BSS, Cont. …
16

BSC(Base Station Controller)

 It manages resources of BTS.
 Switches traffic and signaling to / from BTSs and MSC.
 Connects terrestrial circuits and channel on air interface.
 Handles call setup.
 Assigns frequency and time slots for all MS in its area.
BTS(Base Transceiver Station)
 Maintains air interface and minimize transmission problems.
 Paging information, & ciphering.
 Houses the radio-transceivers that define a cell.
 Speech and data transmission from MS is recorded.

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Fig.5.3. BSC and BTS
architecture
 3. NSS(Network Switching Subsystem)
17

 Its main role is to manage the communications between the different

users such mobile users, ISDN( Integrated Service Digital Network)
users, etc.
 It carries out the switching functions.
 Manages communication between mobile phones and PSTN(Public
Switched Telephone Network).
 The architecture closely resembles a telephone exchange, but also
support mobility management (is used to track where the subscribers
are, allowing calls, SMS and other mobile phone services to be delivered
to them).
 It consists of:
a) MSC
b) HLR
c) VLR
d) AuC
e) EIR
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 NSS, Cont. …
18

MSC
 It is used for call-switching like any telephone exchange.
 The main functions of MSC:
1) Call Processing:
o It includes control of data/voice call setup, inter-BSS and inter-
MSC handovers and control of mobility management (subscriber
registration, validation and location updating).
2) Operations and Maintenance Support:
o It includes DB management, traffic metering and measurement,
and man-machine interface.
3) Internetwork Interworking:
o It is used to manage the interface between the GSM network and
the PSTN.
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 NSS, Cont. …
19

Types of MSC (Names)

 G-MSC (Gateway MSC)

o MSC that determines which V-MSC the subscriber being called is

currently located.
o It is a place where all incoming calls to a mobile are routed
through.
o Provides an interfaces with other network like PSTN.
 V-MSC (Visited MSC)
o MSC where a customer is currently located.
o The VLR associated with V-MSC will have the subscriber data.
 A-MSC (Anchor MSC)
o MSC from which a handover has been initiated.
 T-MSC (Target MSC)
o MSC towards which a handover takes place.
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 NSS, Cont. …
20

HLR(Home Location Register)

 It is permanent database for subscriber parameters.

 It stores information about each subscriber that belongs to it

MSC in permanent and temporary fashion.
 As soon as the mobile subscriber leaves it current local area,
the information in the HLR is updated.
 Its main functions (database contains) are

o Stores Subscriber ID (IMSI & MSISDN) and the current location

of subscriber
o Stores the subscriber status (registered / unregistered)
o Authentication key and authentication function.
o Mobile subscriber roaming number.
o Pre-paid/post-paid
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 NSS, Cont. …
21

VLR(Visitor Location Register)

 It is a temporary database which updates whenever new MS
enters its area, by HLR database.
 It provides local database for the subscriber wherever they are
physically located within a PLMN.
 It contains copy of most of the data stored in HLR.
 It contains:
o Stores the mobile status (free/busy/no answer)
o Stores the location area identity (LAI)
o Stores TMSI and MSRN
 It assigns TMSI to each MS entering the VLR.
 Controls mobile roaming in that area.
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 NSS, Cont. …
22

AuC (Authentication Center)

 It is a function to authenticate each SIM card that attempts to
connect to the GSM core network.
 It provides authentication and encryption parameters for
verification of subscriber identity.
 It ensures confidentiality of each cell.
 It protect network operators from frauds.
 It is associated with HLR.
 This process will usually take place each time the subscriber
“initializes” on the system.

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 NSS, Cont. …
23

EIR(Equipment Identity Register)

 It contain a centralized database for validating the IMEI.
 It contains three lists:
1) White List:
o It contains those IMEIs which are known to have been assigned
to valid MS equipment.
2) Black List:
o It contains IMEIs of MS which have been reported stolen or
which are to be denied service for some other reason.
3) Grey List:
o It contains IMEIs of MS which have problems (E.g. Faulty
software).
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 4. OSS(Operation and Support Subsystem)
24

 It is used to connect to the different components of the NSS and

to the BSC, in order to control and monitor the GSM system.
 It uses EIR to identify valid, invalid and malfunctioning
subscribers.
 It uses AuC for authentication of a subscriber. It helps to verify
user’s identity.
 It is also called NOC (Network Operations Center)
 It contains:
o Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC)
 It is used to control and monitor other network entities.
 It is also used for traffic monitoring, status report of network entities,
subscribers security management, and billing.

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 5. Other Network
25

 It contains:
o PSTN
o ISDN
o PSDN
o PLMN

PLMN
 It stands for “Public Land Mobile Network”.
 It the aggregate of the world’s circuit-switched telephone
networks that are operated by national, reginal, or local
telephony operators, providing infrastructure and services for
public.
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 PSTN
26

 It is a mesh network of lines, trunks, switches, etc. that connects

customer provided equipment (CPE) together to allow the CPE to
communicate together.
 It is originally designed to optimize the transmission of voice
services.

ISDN
 Stands for “Integrated Services Digital Network”.

 It is an all digital communications line that allows for the

transmission of voice, data, video and graphics, at very high speeds,
over standard communication lines.
 It provides a single, common interface with which to access digital
communications services that are required by varying devices, while
remaining transparent to the user.

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 PSDN
27

 It stands for “Public Switched Data Network”.

 It is a switched communications network similar to the public
telephone network except that it is designed for transferring
data only.
 Transports data from source to destination through a network
of intermediate switching nodes and transmission links.
 Its components are:
o End stations
o Switching nodes
o Transmission links.
 It provides value added network like error control, enhanced
connection reliability, dynamic routing, failure protection, etc.
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 GSM Protocols Air Interface
28

 Um Interface:
o It is an air interface for GSM mobile telephone standard.
o It is the interface between the MS and the BTS.
 Abis Interface:
o It is an interface linking the BSC and a BTS, and it has not been
standardized.
o It allows the control of the radio equipment and radio frequency
allocation in the BTS.
 A Interface:
o It is an air interface which is used to provide communication between
the BSS and the MSC.
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 GSM Operation
29  a

Fig. 5.4. GSM operations

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 Call Routing
30

 Call originating from MS.

Call termination to MS.
Outgoing Call
1. MS sends dialed number to BSS.
2. BSS sends dialed number to MSC.
3, 4. MSC checks VLR if MS is allowed the requested
service. If so, MSC asks BSS to allocate resources for
call.
5. MSC routes the call to GMSC.
6. GMSC routes the call to local exchange of called
user.
7, 8, 9, 10. Answer back (ring back) tone is routed from
called user to MS via GMSC, MSC, BSS.

Fig. 5.5. GSM outgoing

call routing
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 Call Routing, Cont. …
31

Incoming Call
1. Calling a GSM subscribers
2. Forwarding call to GSMC.
3. Signal Setup to HLR.
4, 5. Request MSRN from VLR.
6. Forward responsible MSC to GMSC.
7. Forward Call to current MSC.
8, 9. Get current status of MS.
10, 11. Paging of MS.
12, 13. MS answers.
14. 15. Security checks.
16, 17. Setup connection.
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Fig. 5.6. GSM incoming call routing
 Security in GSM
32

 On air interface, GSM uses encryption and TMSI(Temporary

Mobile Subscriber Identities) instead of IMSI.
 SIM is provided 4-8 digit PIN to validate the ownership of
SIM.
 3 algorithms are specified.
1) A3 algorithm for authentication
2) A5 algorithm for encryption
3) A8 algorithm for key generation
Applications of GSM
 Mobile Telephony

 GSM-R (Railway)

 Telemetry System (Fleet Management, Automatic Meter

Reading, Toll Collection, etc.)
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 5.3. GPRS (General Packet for Radio Service)
33

 It is a packet based communication service for mobile devices

that allows data to be sent and received across a mobile
telephone network.
 It is a new bearer service for GSM that greatly improves and
simplifies wireless access to packet data networks.
 It applies packet radio principal to transfer data packets in an
efficient way between MS and packet data network.
 It is a 2.5G.
 It is a Packet Switched Data.

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 Benefits of GPRS
34

 New data services

 High speed (data rates 14.4 – 115 kbps).
 Efficient use of radio bandwidth (statistical multiplexing).
 Circuit switching and packet switching can be used in parallel.
 Constant connectivity.

Statistical Multiplexing

Fig. 5.7. Statistical

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multiplexing
 GPRS Services
35
 It offered end-to-end packet switched data transfer.
 Bearer Services:
o PTP (Point to Point service (CLNS mode)) (CLNS – Connectionless
Network Service)
o PTM (Point –to- Multipoint service (CONS mode)) (CONS –
Connection Oriented NS)
 PTM-M (Multicast service)
 PTM-G (Group Call Service)
 Supplementary Services:
o SMS, CFU (Call Forwarding Unconditionally), tele action, access to
database, ….
o CFNRc (Call Forwarding on Mobile Subscriber on unreachable).
o CUG (Closed User Group) – mobile subscriber’s who can make and
receive calls from any member associated within the group.
 QoS:
o Service precedence, reliability, delay, throughput, …
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 GPRS Terminal
36
Class A:
 MS supports simultaneous operation of GPRS and GSM services
(SMS, Voice).
Class B:
 MS able register with the network for both GPRS and GSM
services simultaneously.
 It can only use one of the two services at a given time.
 During GSM service (voice call or SMS), GPRS suspended, and
then resumed automatically after the GSM service has concluded.
 Most GPRS mobile devices.
Class C:
 MS can attach for either GPRS or GSM services.
 Must be switched manually between one or the other service.

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 5.3.1. Changes in Radio Subsystem for GPRS
37

 GPRS architecture is the same as GSM except a few hardware

modifications:
o GPRS includes GSNs
 SGSN: Serving GPRS Support Node
 GGSN: Gateway GPRS Support Node

o GPRS register

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 GSM Extended to GPRS Architecture
38  a

Fig. 5.8. The extended architecture of GSM to GPRS

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 GPRS Architecture
39  a

Fig. 5.9. The GPRS architecture with its interfaces

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 5.3.2. GPRS Interfaces
40  Gb – connects BSC with SGSN.
 Gn – SGSN – SGSN/GGSN (in the same network).
 Gp – SGSN – GGSN (in different networks).
 Gf – for equipment querying at registering time.
 Gi – connects PLMNs with external Packet Data Networks
(PDNs)
 Gr – to exchange user profile between HLR and SGSN.
 Gs – to exchange database between SGSN and MSC.
 Gd – interface between SMS and GPRS.

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 SGSN
41  Delivers data packets to MS and vice-versa.

 Detect and register new GPRS MS in its serving area.

 Packet routing, transfer and mobility management.

 Authentication, maintaining user profile.

 Its location register stores location info and user profiles.

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 GGSN
42  Interfaces GPRS backbone network & external packet data
networks.
 Converts GPRS packets from SGSN to the PDP format.

 Converts PDP addresses change to GSM addresses of the

destination user.
 Sores the current SGSN address and profile of the user in its
location register.
 Perform authentication.

 Mana-to-many relations among SGSN and GGSNs.

GPRS Register:
 It is integrated with GSM-HLR.

 Maintains the GPRS subscriber data and routing information.

 Stores current SGSN address.

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 GPRS Protocols
43  GPRS Mobility Management (GMM)
o Handles roaming, authentication, and selection of encryptions
algorithms.
 GPRS Tunnel Protocol (GTP)
o It tunnels the protocol data units between GSNs.
o It is a group of IP-based communication protocols used to carry
general packet radio service within a GPRS networks.
 Base Station System GPRS Protocol (BSSGP)
o Processes routing and QoS information

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 5.3.3. GPRS Procedures
44  When a MS needs to signal its presence to the network in
order to access to GPRS services, it performs an IMSI attach
procedure for GPRS services.
 During this procedure a MM context is created between the
MS and the SGSN.
 There are two types GPRS procedure. They are
 GPRS Attach:
o The user is registered in SGSN, after authentication check from
HLR.
o SGSN assigns P-TMSI to MS.
 GPRS Detach:
o Disconnection of MS from GPRS network.
o It can be initiated by MS or by network ( SGSN or HLR).

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 State Model of GPRS to MS
45  a

MS can be in any 1 of the

3 states depending on the
traffic amount
1. Idle – MS isn’t GPRS
service.
2. Ready – performing
GPRS attach, MS gets
into READY state.
3. Standby – when MS
doesn’t send any
Fig. 5.10. The state model of the GPRS packets for longer
period
to MS WCMC Lecture Note, Year: 2018-19 of time.
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o Ready timer
 5.3.4. Data Service in GPRS
46  There are two main services of GPRS.
o SMS and MMS
SMS
 SMS is originally designed for GSM.
 In GPRS, SMS is achieved 30 messages per minute.
 In GSM only 6 to 10 messages achieved.
MMS
 It is an extension to SMS.
 It is a communication technology that allows users to exchange
multimedia communications between capable mobile phones and
other devices like images, audio, and video clips.
 To send or receive an MMS message, the phone makes a GPRS
connection (to a GPRS APN).

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 Data Service in GPRS, Cont.
47
…It then usually connects to the MMSC for sending/ receiving

messages through a WAP proxy/gateway.
 It uses SMS and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) over
HTTP protocol.
 WAP uses WML and WAP gateway.
 There are four (4) protocol of MMS.
1. MM1 – is used between a mobile device and the MMSC
messaging server.
2. MM3 – is used between an MMSC and other messaging systems.
3. MM4 –is used to interconnect MMSCs.
4. MM7 – is used to allow VASP applications to send and receive
MMS messages via an MMSC.

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 GPRS Applications
48  Web browsing
 Corporate and Internet Email
 Vehicle Positioning
 Remote LAN Access
 Home Automation
 Document Sharing / Collaborative Working
 FTP
 Telnet
 Chat
 GPS
 Video

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 Summary
49  GSM has been the catalyst in the tremendous shift in traffic
volume from fixed network to mobile networks.
 GPRS cost is less than circuit-switched services since
communication channels are being used on a shared basis and
also the packets are need-based rather than dedicated to only
one user.

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