A radio access network (RAN) is part of a mobile telecommunication system. It implements a radio access technology.

Conceptually, it resides between a devices such as a mobile phone, a computer, or any remotely controlled machine and provides connection with its core network (CN). Depending on the standard mobile phone and other wireless connected devices are varyingly known as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, mobile station (MS), etc.. RAN functionality is typically provided by a silicon chip residing in both the core network as well as the user equipments. See the following diagram:

CN / / RAN / \ UE UE \ \ RAN / \ UE UE

Radio access network types:

GRAN - GSM radio access network GERAN - essentially the same as GRAN but specifying the inclusion of EDGE packet radio services UTRAN - UMTS radio access network

It is also possible for a single handset/phone to be simultaneously connected to multiple radio access networks. Handsets capable of this are sometimes called dual-mode handsets. For instance it is common for handsets to support both GSM and UMTS (a.k.a. "3G") radio access technologies. Such devices seamlessly transfer an ongoing call between different radio access networks without the user noticing any disruption in service.

Core network: A core network is the central part of a telecommunication network that
provides various services to customers who are connected by the access network. One of the main functions is to route telephone calls across the PSTN.

Primary functions
Core networks typically providing the following functionality: 1. Aggregation: The highest level of aggregation in a service provider network. 2. Authentication: The function to decide whether the user requesting a service from the telecom network is authorized to do so within this network or not. 3. Call Control/Switching: switching functionality may decide based on the "called number" that the call be routed towards a subscriber within this operator's network or with Number Portability more prevalent to another operator's network. 4. Charging: Two common types of charging mechanisms found in present day networks are prepaid charging and postpaid charging. See Automatic Message Accounting 5. Service Invocation: Core network performs the task of service invocation for its subscribers. Service invocation may happen based on some explicit action (e.g. call transfer) by user or implicitly (call waiting). 6. Gateways: Gateways shall be present in the core network to access other networks. Gateway functionality is dependent on the type of network it interfaces with.