Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)

NSS
HLR
AUC
BTS

BSC
BTS

MSC/VLR

Basic GSM Network Structure

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Mobile Switching Center (MSC)

The primary node in a GSM network is the MSC. It is

the node which controls calls establishment.
establishment The
primary functions of an MSC include the following:
Switching and call routing to or from MS.
Charging.
Ch i
Service providinfng.
Control of connected BSCs.
Access to PSTN.
Provides the gateway functionality to other
networks.
One MSC controls more than one BSC.

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Mobile Switching Center (MSC)

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Types of the MSC

There are three types of the MSC, the difference just in the function.

VMSC: Visited MSC

GMSC: Gateway MSC
TMSC: Transit MSC

Visited Mobile Switching Center

Its function is to switch in the level of BSCs and it is combined with a VLR.

MSC/VLR

BSC

BSC

Transit Mobile Switching Center

Its function is to switch between the different
VMSC.
VMSC It is not combined with a VLR.
VLR

TMSC

VMSC

VMSC

Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC)

Its function is to connect the PLMN to the PSTN or to the

g in the country.
y
other PLMN existing

PSTN

Vodafone

M bi il GMSC
Mobinil

TMSC

VMSC

TMSC

VMSC

VMSC

VMSC

Home Location Register (HLR)

The HLR is a centralized network database that stores and

manages all mobile subscriptions belonging to a specific
operator.
operator
It acts as a permanent store for a persons subscription
information until that subscription is cancelled.
The primary functions of the HLR include:
Stores for each mobile subscriber:
Basic subscriber categories.
Supplementary services.
Current location.
Allowed/barred
All
d/b
d services.
i
Authentication data.
Subscription
p
database management
g
Controls the routing of mobile terminated calls and SMS

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Home Location Register (HLR)

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Visitor Location Register (VLR)

The role of a VLR in a GSM network is to act as a temporary

storage location for subscription information for MSs, which
are within a particular MSC service area.
area

Thus, there is one VLR for each MSC service area. This
means that the MSC does not have to contact the HLR (which
may be located in another country) every time the subscriber
uses a service or changes its status.

The VLR is always integrated with the MSC.

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Visitor Location Register (VLR)

For the duration when the MS is within one MSC service area, then
the VLR contains a complete copy of the necessary subscription
details, including the following information:
Identity numbers for the subscriber
Supplementary
S
l
t
service
i iinformation
f
ti ((e.g. D
Does th
the subscriber
b ib
has call waiting activated or not)
Activity of MS (e.g. idle or busy)
Current Location Area of MS

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Visitor Location Register (VLR)

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Authentication Center (AUC)

To protect GSM systems, the following security functions

have been defined:
Subscriber
S b ib authentication:
th ti ti
b performing
by
f
i authentication,
th ti ti
the network ensures that no unauthorized users can
access the network, including those that are attempting to
impersonate
p
others.

Radio information ciphering: the information sent between

the network and an MS is ciphered. An MS can only
decipher information intended for itit.

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Equipment Identification Register(EIR)

In order to block the stolen mobiles equipments; the EIR

equipment is used; also in case of the Mobile operator wants
to block a certain type of Mobile phones.

Example, In Turkey all the mobile phones bought from outside

Turkey are blocked and can not be used before paying fees.

The Mobile equipment is identified by a number called

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
(IMEI). This number is
uniquely identifies the MS worldwide.

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Equipment Identification Register (EIR)

Because the subscriber and equipment are separate in GSM, it

is necessary to have a separate authentication process for the
MS equipment.
The equipment identification procedure uses the identity of the
equipment itself (IMEI) to ensure that the MS terminal equipment
i valid.
is
lid

1. IMEI Request

4. Access/ Barring Data

2. IMEI

3. IMEI Check
EIR
MSC / VLR

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Equipment Identification Register (EIR)

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
6 Digits

2 Digits

6 Digits

TAC

FAC

SN

IMEI
TAC: Type Approval Code,
The first two digits are the
code for the country
approval
FAC: Final Assembly Code
SN: Serial Number

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Equipment Identification Register (EIR)

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Lecture 1

Interworking Function (IWF)

Interworking Function (IWF)

The IWF provides the function to enable the GSM system

to interface with the various
forms of public and private data networks currently
available.
il bl
The basic features of the IWF are listed below.
Data rate adaption.
P t
Protocol
l conversion.
i

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Echo Canceller (EC)

An EC is used on the PSTN side of the MSC for all voice

circuits. Echo control is required at the switch because the
inherent GSM system delay can cause an unacceptable echo
condition, even on short distance PSTN circuit connections.

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS)

The operation and Maintenance center (OMC) is connected to all equipment

(the GMSC, MSC, HLR, VLR, AUC, EIR and the BSC).

It can be viewed as a computerized monitoring center were staff can

monitor and control the network remotely.

MSC
OMC
LAN

HLR

BSC

SMSC

Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS)

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS)

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS)

Operations and maintenance center (OMC)

(OMC) is connected to all equipment in the switching system

and to the BSC. The implementation of OMC is called the
operation and support system (OSS). The OSS is the
functional entity from which the network operator monitors and
controls the system. The purpose of OSS is to offer the
customer cost-effective support
pp for centralized,, regional,
g
, and
local operational and maintenance activities that are required
for a GSM network. An important function of OSS is to provide
a network overview and support
pp the maintenance activities of
different operation and maintenance organizations

2006-01-24

Lecture 1

Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS)

2006-01-24

Lecture 1