Introduction

• Whole coverage area is divided into small cells

• Cell is a basic geographical unit of a cellular communication
• Mandatory that all cells must be symmetrical
• Cells are hexagonal to cover whole area
• Cluster is a group of cells
Important Abbreviations:
• Mobile Station (MS)
• Base Transceiver station ( BTS)
• Base Station controller ( BSC)
• Mobile switching center ( MSC)
• Home Location Register (HLR), Visitor Location Register (VLR), and the
Authentication Center (AuC)
• IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier)
• MSISDN (Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network)
• IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)*#06#
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is a standard for
cellular communication that was introduced in the 1980s and is still
widely used today. The architecture of GSM is divided into three main
components:
1. Mobile Station (MS) Mobile phone with sim
2. Base Station Subsystem (BSS) ( Base Transceiver stations (BTS) &
Base station controller (BSC)
3. Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS) Mobile switching centre
( MSC) and registers
1-Mobile Station (MS): This is the user's mobile phone or other device
that communicates with the cellular network. The MS consists of the
Mobile Equipment (ME) and the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
• The ME is the physical device, such as a phone or tablet, that contains
the necessary hardware to communicate with the network. The SIM is
a smart card that contains information about the user's account,
including their phone number and other identifying information
• Each mobile equipment has a number known as the International
Mobile Equipment Identity.
• *#06# for IMEI number
• When one speaks on mobile phone, the sound waves are converted
to electrical signal by microphone in the mobile phone. The electrical
signal is converted to electromagnetic waves ( EM waves/ radio
waves) by antenna
• These EM waves/ radio waves are sent to Base transceiver station
( also called base station or tower)
2-Base Station Subsystem (BSS): This component is responsible for
managing the communication between the MS and the network. The BSS is
made up of two main components: the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and
the Base Station Controller (BSC)
• When a call is setup, signal is sent to base transceiver station( BTS) from
mobile station
• The BTS is a radio transmitter and receiver that communicates with the
MS. Each BTS covers a specific geographic area, known as a cell. The BSC
is responsible for managing multiple BTSs and coordinating the
communication between the BTSs and the network. The BSC is also
responsible for handovers
• Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS):
• The NSS is made up of four main components: the Mobile Switching Center
(MSC), the Home Location Register (HLR), the Visitor Location Register (VLR),
and the Authentication Center (AuC).
The MSC is the central switching hub for the network, responsible for routing
calls and messages between the MS and the rest of the network
IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier) is a number of 14-15 digits
which identifies a mobile subscriber by their SIM card. It is made up of several
parts, including a country code, a network code, and an individual string of digits
identifying each particular card within the mobile network
IMSI number is available on the packet of sim card, when It is initially bought
from a store.
The HLR ( Home Location register) is a database that contains
information about all the subscribers in the network, including their
account information and current location so it keeps database of all the
users who resides in the same geographical area
The home location register stores information ranging from phone
numbers to current location of the subscriber. Some data contained in
the home location register include the mobile Station International
Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) and the
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) which is a unique
identifier of each subscriber identity module (SIM) and is the primary key
for each HLR record of each subscriber
The VLR ( Visitor Location register) is a database that contains
information about subscribers who are currently roaming in a specific
area so it keeps track of all the users who are visitors for that particular
geographical area
The AuC ( Authentication center) is responsible for authentication and
security, ensuring that only authorized users can access the network.
• Equipment Identity Register (EIR):
• The EIR is the entity that decides whether a given mobile equipment
may be allowed onto the network. Each mobile equipment has a
number known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity.
On a cellular network, MSISDN (Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network) is the
phone number which identifies a device during calls or data session
• When you make a call on your mobile, there needs to be an effective way of connecting you to
the right recipient, and that recipient needs a way of identifying you. The same applies to one
device linking up with another on an IoT network.
• This is where an MSISDN is crucial. It is the unique number that identifies a subscriber on a
network.
• The exact length of an MSISDN varies from country to country, depending on the numbering
procedures set by local regulatory bodies. Typically however, it is 14 or 15 digits long (15 is the
maximum). It is made up of three elements:
• Country Code (CC)
• National Destination Code (NDC)
• Subscriber Number (SN): This is the part that is unique to each subscriber.
• The main difference between an MSISDN and an IMSI is:
• The MSISDN is the full “phone number” for a device.
• The IMSI is basically a technical identifier, used by the network operator.
• Both of these numbers are types of identifiers; each performing a distinct role.
• The international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) is a 15-digit number that enables
the network operator to identify subscribers. It is stored on the SIM (subscriber identity
module). If a SIM is moved from a device, the IMSI moves with it. You cannot dial up an
IMSI. These numbers are used mostly by operators for network management purposes:
e.g. for checking the location of users
• MSISDNs are much more focused on facilitating connections between users and
devices. Unlike an IMSI, MSISDNs are not bound to a particular SIM. They can be
transferred from device to device and SIM to SIM
Operation subsystem (OSS)/operations and
maintenance center ( OMC)
• Administration and commercial operation (subscription, end
terminals, charging and billings and statistics)
• Security Management.
• Network configuration, Operation and Performance Management.
• Maintenance Tasks