CHAPTER - 4

GSM TECHNOLOGY AND SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

Introduction

GSM, which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, is a standard for digital
cellular networks that was developed to enable mobile communication worldwide. It was first
introduced in the 1980s and has since become one of the most widely used technologies for
mobile communications.

GSM was designed to provide a reliable and efficient means of wireless communication for
voice calls and short messaging (SMS) services. It operates in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
frequency bands in most parts of the world, although it can also use the 850 MHz and 1900
MHz bands in some regions. This allows for compatibility and roaming capabilities across
different countries and mobile network operators.

Working of GSM

1. Network Architecture: GSM is based on a cellular network architecture where a

geographic region is divided into cells, each served by a base station. Each cell has a
specific frequency band allocated to it to avoid interference between neighbouring cells.
The base stations are interconnected through a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC), which
acts as the central hub for call routing and management.
2. Frequency Bands: GSM operates in various frequency bands depending on the region
and country. The most common frequency bands are 900 MHz and 1800 MHz in Europe,
Asia, and Africa, while 850 MHz and 1900 MHz are used in the Americas. These
frequency bands allow for efficient transmission of voice and data signals.
3. Multiple Access: GSM utilizes a combination of Frequency Division Multiple Access
(FDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) for multiple users to share the
same frequency band. FDMA separates the frequency band into multiple channels, while
TDMA further divides each channel into time slots, allowing multiple users to transmit
and receive signals simultaneously.
4. Voice and Data Services: GSM initially focused on providing voice services, enabling
users to make calls and send SMS (Short Message Service) text messages. However,
with the introduction of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data rates
for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM also became capable of providing data services,
including
internet access, email, and multimedia messaging.
5. Security: GSM incorporates several security features to protect user communications.
One of the most notable features is the use of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards,
which store user information and authenticate their access to the network. Encryption
algorithms, such as the A5/1 and A5/3, are employed to secure voice and data
transmissions over the air interface.
6. Roaming and Interoperability: GSM enables subscribers to roam seamlessly between
different operators and countries. This is facilitated by agreements between network
operators, allowing subscribers to use their mobile devices in different networks while
maintaining their phone numbers and accessing voice and data services.
7. Evolution: Over time, GSM has evolved to provide higher data rates and advanced
technologies. The introduction of 3G (UMTS) and 4G (LTE) technologies built upon
GSM's foundation to offer faster data speeds, improved network capacity, and enhanced
multimedia capabilities.
GSM has been widely adopted worldwide and serves as the foundation for many modern
cellular networks. While newer technologies like 5G are gaining prominence, GSM remains a
crucial component of the global mobile communications infrastructure.

GSM Architecture

The GSM system consists of several key components that work together to enable mobile
communication. Here are the major components of GSM:

Mobile Station (MS):

The Mobile Station refers to the mobile device used by the end user, such as a mobile
phone or a GSM-enabled device. It comprises three elements:

a. Mobile Equipment (ME): This refers to the physical device used by the user,
including the phone or data terminal.
b. Subscriber Identity Module (SIM): SIM is a smart card that stores user-specific
information like the subscriber's mobile number, authentication key, and other
data.
c. Mobile Identity Module (MIM): MIM is an optional module used for specific
applications like machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.
Base Station Subsystem (BSS):

The Base Station Subsystem consists of two key components:

d. Base Transceiver Station (BTS): BTS is responsible for transmitting and receiving radio
signals to and from mobile devices. It houses the antennas and radio transceivers and
handles functions like frequency hopping, encryption, and power control.

e. Base Station Controller (BSC): BSC manages multiple BTS units and handles tasks like
call setup, call termination, handover management, and allocation of radio resources. It
also manages signalling between the mobile station and the network.

Network Switching Subsystem (NSS):

The Network Switching Subsystem includes several components that facilitate the routing
and switching of calls and data within the GSM network. Key elements of the NSS include:

f. Mobile Switching Centre (MSC): MSC is the core component of the GSM network
responsible for call routing and management. It handles functions like call setup, call
termination, mobility management, and interconnection with other networks.
g. Home Location Register (HLR): HLR is a centralized database that stores subscriber
information, such as mobile numbers, services subscribed, and location information. It
is responsible for managing subscriber mobility and authentication.
h. Visitor Location Register (VLR): VLR is a database that temporarily stores subscriber
information when they are roaming outside their home network. It enables efficient call
routing and subscriber management in visited networks.
i. Authentication Centre (Auch): The Auch is responsible for authentication and
encryption functions. It stores authentication and encryption keys for subscribers and
ensures secure communication between the network and the mobile station.

j. Equipment Identity Register (EIR): The EIR maintains a list of valid and blocked
mobile devices based on their unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
numbers. It helps prevent the use of stolen or unauthorized devices on the network.

Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS):

The Operation and Support Subsystem consists of various network management components
that monitor and control the GSM network's operation. Key elements include:
 k. Network Management System (NMS): NMS provides centralized management and
control of the GSM network. It enables tasks such as configuration management,
performance monitoring, fault management, and security management.
l. Billing System: The billing system handles the charging and billing processes for GSM
services. It records call details, usage information, and applies tariffs to generate billing
records for subscribers.
m. Security and Authentication: GSM incorporates security measures like encryption and
authentication to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of communication.
Authentication algorithms and encryption keys are managed by the GSM network
components.
a. These components work together to establish and maintain mobile communication over
the GSM network. Mobile devices communicate with base stations, which in turn
connect to the core network components, enabling seamless voice calls, messaging, data
transfer, and other GSM services.

GSM Architecture:
Uplink and Downlink

In GSM, uplink and downlink refer to the transmission and reception of signals
between a mobile device (such as a cell phone) and a base station.

The uplink is the transmission path from the mobile device to the base station. It is
also known as the "reverse link" or "mobile-to-base" link. When you make a phone call or
send data from your mobile device, the signal is transmitted on the uplink to the nearest base
station. Thebase station receives the signal and forwards it to the network infrastructure for
further processing and routing.

The downlink, on the other hand, is the transmission path from the base station to the
 mobile device. It is also known as the "forward link" or "base-to-mobile" link. When you
receive a phone call or download data to your mobile device, the signal is transmitted from
the base station to your device on the downlink. The base station sends the signal over the air,
and your mobile device receives and decodes it for you to hear the call or access the data.

In GSM, the uplink and downlink typically operate on different frequency bands to
avoid interference. This is known as frequency division duplexing (FDD). The uplink and
downlink frequencies are separated to allow simultaneous transmission and reception,
enabling two-way communication between the mobile device and the network.

GSM is a 2G (second generation) technology, and newer mobile communication

technologies like 3G, 4G (LTE), and 5G have evolved with more advanced features and
capabilities. However, the concept of uplink and downlink remains fundamental in these
newer technologies as well.

TELEPHONE TOWER

Introduction

A telephone tower, also known as a cell tower or cellular tower, is a structure that facilitates
wireless communication by providing coverage for mobile phone networks.

A telephone tower, also known as a cell tower or cell site, is a structure that houses equipment
for wireless communication. These towers are a vital part of the modern telecommunications
infrastructure and play a crucial role in enabling mobile phone and data services.
The primary function of a telephone tower is to facilitate wireless communication by
transmitting and receiving signals between mobile devices, such as cell phones, and the
cellular network. They are designed to cover specific geographic areas known as cells, hence
the term "cell tower."

Primary components present in a telephone tower

1. Tower Structure: The tower itself is a tall structure designed to support the various
components needed for wireless communication. It is usually made of steel or
reinforced concrete and consists of multiple sections or levels.
2. Antennas: The antennas are the most visible components of a telephone tower. They are
mounted on the uppermost section of the tower and are responsible for transmitting and
receiving wireless signals. Different types of antennas may be present to support
different frequency bands or technologies.
3. Transceivers: Transceivers, also known as base transceiver stations (BTS), are
electronic devices that enable communication between mobile devices and the cellular
network. They receive signals from mobile phones and transmit them to the core
network, and vice versa.
4. Duplexers and Filters: Duplexers and filters are used to separate and combine different
frequency bands used for uplink (mobile to tower) and downlink (tower to mobile)
communication.
5. Feeders and Coaxial Cables: Feeders, typically coaxial cables, connect the antennas to
the transceivers. They carry the RF (radio frequency) signals between the antennas and
the equipment cabinets, minimizing signal loss and maintaining signal quality.
6. Power Supply and Backup: Telephone towers require a stable power supply to operate.
They are usually connected to the electrical grid, but they also have backup power
systems, such as diesel generators and batteries, to ensure uninterrupted operation
during power outages.
7. Monitoring and Control Equipment: Telephone towers are equipped with monitoring
and control systems to oversee their performance and manage network operations.
8. Lightning Protection: To protect the tower and its equipment from lightning strikes,
lightning rods or conductive grounding systems are installed. These help to dissipate
the electrical charge and direct it safely into the ground.
 Types of antennas present in telephone tower:

Telephone towers typically have a variety of antennas to support different

communication technologies and frequencies. Here are some common types of antennas you
may find on a telephone tower:

1. Omni-Directional Antennas: These antennas radiate and receive signals in all directions
equally. They are often used for providing coverage over a wide area.
2. Sector Antennas: These antennas have a narrower radiation pattern and cover a specific
sector or angle. Multiple sector antennas are usually installed on a tower to provide
coverage in different directions.
3. Yagi-Uda Antennas: Also known as Yagi antennas or simply Yagi’s, these antennas
consist of multiple elements and are commonly used for long-range point-to-point
communication. They have high gain and directionality.
4. Parabolic Dish Antennas: These antennas use a large curved dish reflector to focus
signals in a specific direction. They are commonly used for point-to-point
communication over long distances, such as microwave links.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATION:
In general terms, a satellite is a smaller object that revolves around a larger object in
space. For example, moon is a natural satellite of earth.
We know that Communication refers to the exchange (sharing) of information between
two or more entities, through any medium or channel. In other words, it is nothing but sending,
receiving and processing of information.
If the communication takes place between any two earth stations through a satellite, then
it is called as satellite communication. In this communication, electromagnetic waves are used
as carrier signals. These signals carry the information such as voice, audio, video or any other
data between ground and space and vice-versa.
Soviet Union had launched the world's first artificial satellite named, Sputnik 1 in 1957. Nearly
after 18 years, India also launched the artificial satellite named, Aryabhata in 1975.
NEED OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
The following two kinds of propagation are used earlier for communication up to some
distance.
 Ground wave propagation − Ground wave propagation is suitable for frequencies up to
30MHz. This method of communication makes use of the troposphere conditions of the
earth.
 Sky wave propagation − The suitable bandwidth for this type of communication is
broadly between 30–40 MHz and it makes use of the ionosphere properties of the
earth.
The maximum hop or the station distance is limited to 1500KM only in both ground wave
propagation and sky wave propagation. Satellite communication overcomes this limitation. In
this method, satellites provide communication for long distances, which is well beyond the line
of sight.
Since the satellites locate at certain height above earth, the communication takes place between
any two earth stations easily via satellite. So, it overcomes the limitation of communication
between two earth stations due to earth’s curvature.
HOW A SATELLITE WORKS:
A satellite is a body that moves around another body in a particular path. A communication
satellite is nothing but a microwave repeater station in space. It is helpful in
telecommunications, radio and television along with internet applications.
A repeater is a circuit, which increases the strength of the received signal and then transmits it.
But, this repeater works as a transponder. That means, it changes the frequency band of the
transmitted signal from the received one.
The frequency with which, the signal is sent into the space is called as Uplink frequency.
Similarly, the frequency with which, the signal is sent by the transponder is called as Downlink
frequency. The following figure illustrates this concept clearly.

The transmission of signal from first earth station to satellite through a channel is called as
uplink. Similarly, the transmission of signal from satellite to second earth station through
a channel is called as downlink.
Uplink frequency is the frequency at which, the first earth station is communicating with
satellite. The satellite transponder converts this signal into another frequency and sends it down
to the second earth station. This frequency is called as Downlink frequency. In similar way,
second earth station can also communicate with the first one.
The process of satellite communication begins at an earth station. Here, an installation is
designed to transmit and receive signals from a satellite in an orbit around the earth. Earth
stations send the information to satellites in the form of high powered, high frequency (GHz
range) signals.
The satellites receive and retransmit the signals back to earth where they are received by other
earth stations in the coverage area of the satellite. Satellite's footprint is the area which receives
a signal of useful strength from the satellite.

PROS AND CONS OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION:

Following are the advantages of using satellite communication:
 Area of coverage is more than that of terrestrial systems
 Each and every corner of the earth can be covered
 Transmission cost is independent of coverage area
 More bandwidth and broadcasting possibilites

Following are the disadvantages of using satellite communication −

 Launching of satellites into orbits is a costly process.
 Propagation delay of satellite systems is more than that of conventional
terrestrial systems.
 Difficult to provide repairing activities if any problem occurs in a satellite system.
 Free space loss is more
 There can be congestion of frequencies.

APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION:

Satellite communication plays a vital role in our daily life. Following are the applications of
satellite communication −
 Radio broadcasting and voice communications
 TV broadcasting such as Direct To Home (DTH)
 Internet applications such as providing Internet connection for data transfer,
GPS applications, Internet surfing, etc.
 Military applications and navigations
 Remote sensing applications
 Weather condition monitoring & Forecasting.