GSM NETWORK OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The global system for mobile communications (GSM) is a
set of recommendations and specifications for a digital
cellular telephone network (known as a Public Land
Mobile Network, or PLMN). These recommendations
ensure the compatibility of equipment from different GSM
manufacturers, and interconnectivity between different
administrations, including operations across international
boundaries.

THE GSM NETWORK

The GSM network is comprised of the following components:
Network Elements
The GSM network incorporates a number of network elements to
support mobile equipment. They are listed and described in the
GSM network elements section of this chapter.
GSM subsystems
In addition, the network includes subsystems that are not formally
recognized as network elements but are necessary for network
operation. These are described in the GSM subsystems (nonnetwork elements) section of this chapter.
Standardized Interfaces
GSM specifies standards for interfaces between network elements,
which ensure the connectivity of GSM equipment from different
manufacturers. These are listed in the Standardized interfaces
section of this chapter.

THE GSM NETWORK - CONTINUED

Network Protocols
For most of the network communications on these interfaces,
internationally recognized communications protocols have
been used
These are identified in the Network protocols section of this
chapter.
GSM Frequencies
The frequency allocations for GSM 900, Extended GSM and
Digital Communications Systems are identified in the GSM
frequencies section of this chapter.

DIGITAL NETWORKS
GSM networks are digital and can cater for high system
capacities. They are consistent with the world wide
digitization of the telephone network, and are an extension
of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), using a
digital radio interface between the cellular network and the
mobile subscriber equipment.

INCREASED CAPACITY
The GSM system provides a greater subscriber capacity than
analogue systems. GSM allows 25 kHz. Per user, that is, eight
conversations per 200kHz. Channel pair (a pair comprising one
transmit channel and one receive channel). Digital channel
coding and the modulation used makes the signal resistant to
interference from the cells where the same frequencies are reused (co-channel interference); a Carrier to Interference Ratio
(C/I) level of 9 dB is achieved, as opposed to the 18 dB typical
with analogue cellular. This allows increased geographic reuse
by permitting a reduction in the number of cells in the reuse
pattern. Since this number is directly controlled by the amount of
interference, the radio transmission design can deliver
acceptable performance.

CGI : CELL GLOBAL IDENTITY

LAI
MCC

MNC

LAC

CGI

MCC = Mobile Country Code

MNC = Mobile Network Code
LAC = Location Area Code
CI
= Cell Identity

CI

MSISDN

CC

98

NDC
XXX

SN
12345

CC = Country Code
NDC = National Destination Code
SN = Subscriber Number

MSISDN
The Mobile Subscriber ISDN (MSISDN) number is the
telephone number of the MS. This is the number a calling
party dials to reach the subscriber. It is used by the land
network to route calls towards the MSC.

IMSI
IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) Network
Identity Unique To A Sim.

MCC

MNC

MSIN

404

XX

12345..10

SIM = Subscriber Identity Module

MCC = Mobile Country Code
MNC = Mobile Network Code
MSIN = Mobile Subscriber Identity Number

IMEI
IMEI : Serial number unique to each mobile

TAC
6

FAC
2

SNR

SP

IMEI = International Mobile Equipment Identity

TAC = Type Approval Code
FAC = Final Assembly Code
SNR = Serial Number
SP = Spare

SUBSCRIBER IDENTIFICATION
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
Just the IMEI identifies the mobile equipment, other numbers are used to
identify the mobile subscriber. Different subscriber identities are used in
different phases of call setup. The International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI) is the primary identity of the subscriber within the mobile network
and is permanently assigned to that subscriber.
Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI)
The GSM system can also assign a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity
(TMSI). After the subscribers IMSI has been initialized on the system, the
TMSI can be used for sending backward and forward across the network
to identify the subscriber. The system automatically changes the TMSI at
regular intervals, thus protecting the subscriber from being identified by
someone attempting to monitor the radio channels. The TMSI is a local
number and is always transmitted with the Local numbers and is always
transmitted with the Location Area Identification (LAI) to avoid ambiguities.

SUBSCRIBER IDENTIFICATION
MODULE (SIM)
By making a distinction between the subscriber identity and the
mobile equipment identity, a GSM PLMN can route calls and
perform billing based on the identity of the subscriber rather
than the mobile equipment being used. This can be done using
a removable Subscriber Information Module (SIM). A smart
card is one possible implementation of a SIM module.
IMSI. This is transmitted at initialization of the mobile equipment.
TMSI This is updated periodically by the PLMN
MSISDN This is made up of a country code, a national code and
a subscriber number.
Location Area Identity (LAI) This identified the current location
of the subscriber.
Subscriber Authentication Key (KI) This is used to
authenticate the SIM.

EQUIPMENT IDENTITY NUMBER

International Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI)
Each MS is identified by an International Mobile station
Equipment Identity (IMEI) number which is permanently
stored in the mobile equipment. On request, the MS sends
this number over the signalling channel to the MSC. The
IMEI can be used to identify MS,s that are reported stolen
or operating incorrectly.
Equipment Identity Register ( EIR )
A listing of the allowed IMEI is maintained by the PLMNs
in the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) to validate the
mobile equipment.