Mobile Network Fundamentals
37 Questions
2 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a mobile network?

  • To transmit data only in urban areas
  • To provide internet access only
  • To enable communication between portable and fixed transceivers (correct)
  • To operate exclusively through satellite connections
  • What does GSM stand for in the context of mobile networks?

  • Global System for Mobile Communications (correct)
  • General System for Mobile Communication
  • Group Standard for Mobile connectivity
  • Geographic System of Mobile Communications
  • What technology did GSM replace?

  • LAN (Local Area Networks)
  • Third generation (3G) digital networks
  • Wi-Fi networks
  • Analog cellular networks (correct)
  • What organization developed the GSM standard?

    <p>European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a cell in the context of mobile networks?

    <p>A fixed-location transceiver that facilitates communication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the GSM standard when it was originally described?

    <p>To establish a digital and circuit-switched network (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a feature of GSM?

    <p>High bandwidth capacity on all channels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What resulted from the implementation of a continental standard for GSM?

    <p>A unified and open standard-based network (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the introduction of GPRS and EDGE impact mobile networks?

    <p>They allowed for packet data transmission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the evolution of mobile handsets post-GSM?

    <p>Increased network coverage and better voice quality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What identification role does the IMSI serve in mobile networks?

    <p>It identifies the subscriber within the network (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Unified Database Management (UDM) in 5G networks?

    <p>Manage and store user data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technology significantly improved spectrum efficiency in GSM?

    <p>Channel coding and interleaving (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data does the Visitor Location Register (VLR) primarily store?

    <p>IMSI of visitors not native to the network (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main benefits of using a SIM card in GSM networks?

    <p>It facilitates roaming across networks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) utilize VLR data?

    <p>To route calls around the network (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC)?

    <p>Managing Unified Database Management (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the MSC handle regarding SMS delivery?

    <p>Routing SMS to the handset from the SMSC (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the VLR assist with to ensure quick call setup for roaming visitors?

    <p>Local caching of IMSI data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of how the MSC manages operations?

    <p>It handles handovers between BSCs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of information does the MSC collect for billing purposes?

    <p>Call duration and SMS records (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does MSISDN stand for?

    <p>Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a Base Station Controller (BSC)?

    <p>Allocates radio channels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of frequency re-use in mobile networks?

    <p>To increase the capacity of the network in a limited frequency range (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main purposes of the SMSC (Short Message Service Centre)?

    <p>To replace pagers with GSM devices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the K value in cell configurations represent?

    <p>The pattern of frequency re-use in a network (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cell is typically used in sparsely populated or rural areas?

    <p>Macro Cell (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which node is responsible for managing the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)?

    <p>Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Home Location Register (HLR) play in mobile networks?

    <p>It stores details of each SIM and current roaming area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately reflects a common myth about mobile phones?

    <p>Mobile phones can unlock car doors remotely. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the UPLINK and DOWNLINK in base stations is correct?

    <p>UPLINK is usually at a higher frequency than DOWNLINK. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced by the mobile industry?

    <p>Regulating mobile phone battery life (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically true about the angular footprint of directional base station antennas?

    <p>It can vary based on the design and location of the base station. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unexpected outcome did SMS become recognized for?

    <p>Succeeding as a replacement for pagers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between GSM 900 and GSM 1800?

    <p>They utilize different frequency ranges but serve similar functionalities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do networks typically determine a mobile phone user's location?

    <p>Through triangulation with base stations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is driving the network growth of LTE?

    <p>Rising data demand from users (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Mobile Network

    A radio network divided into cells, covering a large geographical area. It enables communication between portable and fixed devices.

    GSM

    A mobile communication standard (2G) developed by ETSI to replace 1G analog networks.

    Cell Site/Base Station

    A fixed location transceiver in a mobile network.

    2G Network

    A digital mobile network standard, a successor to 1G analog networks.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    ETSI

    European Telecommunications Standards Institute, an organization that develops communication standards.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    MSISDN

    A unique number assigned to each mobile device, enabling communication and identification within the network.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Base Station

    A transceiver that transmits and receives signals within a cell in a mobile network, acting as a connection point between users and the core network.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cell

    A geographical area covered by a base station in a mobile network, where users can communicate with each other and the network.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Uplink

    The direction of communication from a mobile device to the base station.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Downlink

    The direction of communication from the base station to a mobile device.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Frequency Re-Use

    A technique used to maximize the use of available frequencies in a mobile network by reusing the same frequency bands in different cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pico Cell

    A small cell with limited coverage area, typically used in dense urban areas to enhance network capacity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    HLR (Home Location Register)

    A central database that stores subscriber information, including their current location, active services, and roaming status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    VLR (Visitor Location Register)

    A local cache in a mobile network that stores information about visitors, especially roamers, to expedite call setup.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    MSC (Mobile Switching Centre)

    The heart of a mobile network, responsible for routing calls between subscribers, handling handovers, and managing billing.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What data does the VLR store?

    The VLR stores the IMSI of visitors (users who are not native to the network) and other relevant information for call setup. This is crucial to quickly connect calls for roaming users.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does the MSC route calls?

    The MSC uses information from the VLR to route calls to the correct subscriber. It also manages handovers between base stations (cell towers) as a user moves.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are Tracking Area Updates (TAUs)?

    TAUs are messages sent by the HLR periodically to connected devices, informing them about their current network location. This helps maintain accurate location information for subscribers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why are handovers important?

    Handovers ensure smooth transitions between base stations as a user moves, preventing call drops and maintaining connection quality. The MSC manages these handovers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    GSM Drivers

    The major reasons for the GSM standard's development include addressing the lack of interoperability between different technologies and protocols, simplifying the complexity for equipment manufacturers, and enabling a unified, open, and standard-based network.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    GSM Features

    Key features of the GSM standard include improved spectrum efficiency due to new technologies, consistent voice quality regardless of signal strength, security through authentication and encryption, and support for roaming and SIM cards.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    2.5G Packet Data

    This generation of GSM technology introduced GPRS and EDGE for faster data transmission, reaching speeds up to 64 kbps. It enabled early mobile internet access and multimedia messaging.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mobile Handset Evolution

    The development of mobile handsets progressed from basic voice calls to include SMS, data capabilities, multimedia features, and eventually sophisticated operating systems and apps. This evolution was driven by technological advancements and growing user demands.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Temporary Data

    Mobile networks store temporary data about a user's current location and other information required for seamless communication and service provisioning.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Open Interfaces

    GSM's open interface design allows for compatibility and interoperability between different components and manufacturers, promoting competition and innovation within the mobile industry.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a BSC?

    A Base Station Controller manages multiple Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) in a GSM network. It allocates radio channels, handles handovers between BTSs, and ensures seamless communication as a mobile phone moves across cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What does a BTS do?

    A Base Transceiver Station (BTS) is the physical radio base station, responsible for wireless communication in a GSM network. It receives signals from mobile phones, transmits signals to them, and handles the transceiver functions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the SMSC?

    The Short Message Service Centre (SMSC) handles text messages (SMS) in a GSM network. It stores messages, facilitates delivery, and ensures messages reach their intended recipients.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are GGSN and SGSN?

    The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) and Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) are crucial for data communication in a GSM network. GGSN connects the network to external data networks like the internet, while SGSN manages data services within the network.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Triangulation in Mobile Phones

    Mobile phone location is determined using triangulation. By monitoring its signal strength from multiple cell towers, the network can pinpoint the phone's approximate location.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mobile Phone Myths

    Many misconceptions exist surrounding mobile phones, such as their ability to influence car doors, hospital equipment, or cause fires. These claims are largely debunked, and scientific evidence suggests no direct causal links.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mobile Growth

    The mobile phone market has grown exponentially, with a dramatic increase in smartphone usage and data consumption. This growth continues to drive network development and technology advancements.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Challenges in Mobile Industry

    The mobile industry faces various challenges, such as handling increasing data demands, diversifying applications, managing consumer confusion with different tariffs, and competing with VoIP services like Skype.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    International & Access Foundation Programmes

    • The presentation covers computer science modules, specifically focusing on networks.
    • The presentation topics include modern digital networks and mobile networks.
    • Modern mobile networks include data transmission, security (encryption), authentication, voice traffic, reliable, trusted, secure, private, and networking aspects like operating systems and network intelligence (routing).

    GSM 5G: The Backbone of IoT

    • Enhanced mobile broadband is a key component of GSM 5G for IoT
    • Non-SIM devices, smart phones, homes, enterprises, and venues (fixed, mobile, wireless), 4K/8k UHD, virtual/augmented reality are examples of applications.
    • Massive machine communication is another crucial area.
    • Smart buildings, logistics, tracking, fleet management, smart meters, smart agriculture, and capillary networks are part of this.
    • Critical machine-type communication includes traffic safety and control, remote manufacturing, and industrial applications/control.

    Mobile Networks

    • Mobile networks (or cellular networks) function as a radio network across land areas.
    • These networks consist of multiple fixed-location transceivers, called cell sites or base stations.
    • Collectively, these stations create radio coverage over a significant geographical area.
    • This allows a wide range of portable devices (e.g., mobile phones, pagers) to communicate with each other and fixed lines via the base stations.

    GSM

    • GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) originated as Groupe Spécial Mobile.
    • GSM is a standard developed by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) for 2nd generation (2G) digital cellular networks.
    • It replaced 1G analogue cellular networks and was intended to optimize and implement full duplex voice telephony.

    Drivers for GSM

    • Uncoordinated mix of technologies and protocols
    • Lack of interoperability within subscriber equipment
    • Increased complexity for equipment manufacturers
    • Resulted in a unified, open, standard-based network larger than that in the United States, now adopted worldwide.

    Features of GSM

    • Spectrum efficiency (improved due to new modulator and demodulator, coding, and interleaving).
    • Voice quality (consistent in coverage based on signal strength).
    • Security (authentications and encryption).
    • Open interfaces (open air interface).
    • Roaming (via SIM and IMSI functionality).

    GSM Timeline

    • Detailed GSM specifications completed in various timelines.
    • First GSM call made in Finland through Radiolinja.
    • Numerous commercial services were created (like GPRS) in various timelines.
    • GSM surpassed 2 billion customers in different years.
    • Significant coverage of GSM networks is achieved globally.
    • Key dates and milestones in GSM development are listed.

    Evolution of Mobile Phones

    • The presentation chronologically details the evolution of mobile phones, including eras like the brick era, candy bar era, feature phone era, and the smart phone era.
    • Each phase shows how mobile technology evolved over time regarding voice calls only, voice calls+ SMS, size, cost, GSM network coverage, and voice quality.
    • The development roadmap also highlights new technologies like data, WAP, multimedia messaging (MMS), cameras, and increased coverage, as well as the mass adoption phase of smartphone technology.

    5G

    • Ultra-low energy (battery life).
    • Ultra-low complexity (bit per second).
    • Deep coverage (across challenging locations).
    • Massive Internet of Things (IoT).
    • Mission-critical control (using high reliability).
    • Ultra-low latency (sub-millisecond response time).
    • Ultra-high density (1 million nodes per km²).
    • Extreme capacity (10 Tbps per km²).
    • Extreme data rates (Gbps and beyond) and user mobility (500 km/h).
    • Deep awareness (optimized discovery and analysis)

    The Mobile Handset

    • IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity Number.
    • IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity Number.

    The Base Stations

    • Coverage of area with three sectorized BTSs (Base Transceiver Stations), each covering a segment of 120 degrees.
    • Directional angular footprint (not parallel to the ground).
    • Uplink and downlink frequencies (e.g., 890 MHz, 915 MHz, 935 MHz, 960 MHz).

    Cells

    • Limited frequency range (like GSM 900 and GSM 1800).
    • Solution for frequency re-use.
    • Various cell types (pico, micro, macro).

    Cell Planning

    • Different cell types (rural, suburban, highway, town).
    • Mobile coverage is considered for various geographic areas.
    • Maps are used for real-world cell planning.

    GSM Topology

    • Diagram of various nodes.
    • Descriptions regarding various entities.
    • Detailed explanations about how each system component works.

    Text Messaging (SMSC)

    • How the SMS (Short Message Service Centre) is utilized within the GSM network.

    Data Nodes

    • Diagram to illustrate the flow data through different nodes in GSM networks (e.g., signaling or packet data.)
    • Entities like GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) and SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node).

    Evolution of GSM (Layers)

    • Diagram shows multi-layered aspect of GSM technologies from 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies.

    5G Connecting the Community

    • Innovative applications for using 5G.
    • Specific examples of applications in various domains.

    5G Integration with 4G

    • Diagram indicates how 5G works alongside 4G networks
    • Control data flows (as well as user data) between 4G and 5G networks.

    Myths & Facts about Mobile Phones

    • Misconceptions and corrected truths on the impact mobile phones on various aspects (e.g., petroleum statics, car door unlocking, aircraft use, consumer network familiarity, and hospital equipment).

    Triangulation Using Mobile Phones

    • Principle used by mobile networks for pinpointing location. (Triangulation method using cell towers.)

    Mobile Growth

    • Trends and statistics regarding mobile usage growth.
    • Data visualization on average monthly smartphone traffic, with year-on-year statistics showing annual digital growth in different aspects (e.g., total population, unique mobile users, internet users, and active social media users.)
    • Correlation between smartphone usage by screening size and data consumption.

    Mobile Industry Challenges

    • Specific problems in the mobile industry, such as terminal variety, monetizing applications, multiple tariff plans, confusion, and market saturation.

    Any Questions?

    • Closing question to initiate further discussion/clarification.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Network Architecture PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers essential concepts related to mobile networks, including their primary functions and key standards such as GSM. Test your knowledge about the technology that underpins modern mobile communication. Perfect for students or anyone interested in telecommunications.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser