mobile networking

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of Macro Cells?

Usually located in sparsely populated or rural areas (correct)

Requires complex network planning

Operates at a higher frequency range than Micro Cells

Designed for dense urban areas

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

Stores temporary subscriber identities

Performs handovers between different cell types

Stores details of each SIM and provides access to GSM services (correct)

Manages cell frequency allocations

Which statement accurately describes the Visitor Location Register (VLR)?

Temporarily stores information for active subscribers in specific areas (correct)

Acts as a permanent database for all subscribers

It is not connected to the Home Location Register

Is only used in 3G networks

What is the primary purpose of frequency re-use in cell networks?

Allows for the same frequency to be used in neighboring cells without interference Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is specifically designed for high-density urban environments?

Pico Cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between 4G and 5G network architectures?

5G integrates a much wider range of devices and applications Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of cell types is most ideal for a diverse and densely populated urban area?

Micro Cells and Pico Cells Signup and view all the answers

In the context of network planning, which scenario would best describe the implementation of a VLR?

A temporary area where a significant event is taking place, necessitating rapid subscriber info management Signup and view all the answers

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

Handles handovers between Base Transceiver Stations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the Short Message Service Centre (SMSC)?

It was designed primarily to replace physical pagers. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant challenge the mobile industry faces related to terminal types?

Planning for many different terminal types Signup and view all the answers

What role do the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) and Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) play in mobile networks?

They handle data packets in GPRS. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following myths about mobile phones is true?

Mobile phones must be turned off on planes due to navigation interference. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the rise of VoIP applications in the mobile industry?

Loss of voice revenue Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mobile network growth, what is a key driver for the expansion of LTE networks?

Growing data demand from users Signup and view all the answers

What does the BSC primarily control in a GSM network topology?

Radio channel allocation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Visitor Location Register (VLR)?

To cache information about visitors not native to the network Signup and view all the answers

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

To route calls around the network Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym HLR stand for and what is its main role?

Home Location Register; it stores the call routing information Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT associated with the operation of the MSC?

Maintaining records of call durations Signup and view all the answers

In the context of call setup in a 5G network, what role does Unified Database Management (UDM) play?

It performs data management and storage for connected devices Signup and view all the answers

What information does the MSC primarily use to optimize call routing?

The Cell ID and VLR data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of Tracking Area Updates (TAUs)?

A procedure for periodic location updates of connected devices Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary network planning strategy in the context of modern mobile networks like 5G?

Integrating database management with call routing systems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

International & Access Foundation Programmes

The programmes cover computer science modules.
The specific module presented is Semester I, Part 7.
The module focuses on Networks: Modern Digital Networks and Mobile Networks.

Modern Mobile Networks

Key aspects include data transmission, security (encryption), authentication, reliable and trusted communication, operating systems, network intelligence (routing), messaging.

GSM 5G: The Backbone of IoT

Enhanced mobile broadband is a feature of this technology.
Non-SIM devices, smart phones, homes, businesses, venues, and broadcasting are examples of common usage.
Uses for the technology include 4K/8K UHD, broadcasting, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), smart buildings, logistics, smart meters, and capillary networks among others.
Critical machine-type communication is in this technology.
Traffic safety and control, and remote manufacturing are also use cases.
Industrial applications and control can also benefit from this technology.

Mobile Networks

A mobile network (cellular network) is a radio network across land areas, subdivided into "cells".
Mobile networks use fixed location transceivers called cell sites or base stations.
These stations communicate over wider geographic areas, enabling mobile devices to communicate with each other and fixed phones.
Portable devices such as mobile phones, pagers use the network to connect.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

GSM is a global system for mobile communications initially intended as Groupe Spécial Mobile.
It's a standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
It defines technologies for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks.
GSM evolved as a replacement for the first-generation (1G) analogue cellular networks.
The GSM standard describes a digital, circuit-switched network optimized for two-way voice telephone conversations.

Drivers for GSM

Uncoordinated mix of technologies and protocols
No interoperability of subscriber equipment
Increased complexity for equipment manufacturers

GSM Features

Spectrum efficiency is improved through new technologies. Specifically, modulation and demodulation, coding, and interleaving. They result in greater efficiency in the use of radio frequencies.
The same quality of voice calls is maintained across varying signal strengths.
Authentication and encryption are features of the security component.
Open interfaces enable more interoperability.
Roaming is possible via SIM and IMSI.

GSM Trials and Completion

Trials of digital, radio transmission schemes were performed in different countries to evaluate speech encoders.
Completed detailed GSM specifications and infrastructure building.
First GSM call occurred in Finland.
Commercial services and GPRS launched.
95% of global nations had GSM service.
The technology went beyond two billion subscribers.

Evolution of Mobile Phones

Mobile phones evolved from voice-only, large and expensive handsets, to compact, cheap, intelligent devices with better voice quality, SMS, and data capabilities.
Each era has a distinctive appearance (Brick Era, Candy Bar Era, Feature Phone Era, and Smart Phone Era).

5G

5G has features like ultra-low energy (over 10 years of battery life), ultra-low complexity allowing tens of bits per second, ultra-high density of up to 1 million nodes per kilometer, and extreme capacity handling 10 terabits per kilometer and extensive data rates exceeding 100 megabits per second.
It offers deep coverage for all areas, even challenging locations.
Strong security features such as trusted health-focused and financial technology is included.
High reliability, ultra-low latency (near real-time for remote control).
Extreme user mobility is possible, handling 500 km/h, and deep awareness for discovery, optimisation, and user experience.

The Mobile Handset

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity Number) is a unique identifier for each mobile device.
IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity Number) is a unique subscriber identification.
This also has a MSISDN (Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number), which is the subscriber's mobile number.

The Base Stations

Coverage areas are divided into sectors (typically 120 degrees).
Multi-BTS (Base Transceiver Stations) provide coverage for an area.
Uplink and Downlink radio frequencies are used to enable communication.
Base stations (BTSs) use transceivers to communicate with handsets.
They include antennas and power amplifiers.

Cells

Limited frequencies and overlapping regions are used in Cellular network design
Frequency reuse is a technique used to utilize the limited frequency range.
The technique is described with hexagonal patterns to illustrate how overlapping regions allow several BTSs to cover the area while avoiding interference.
Cell planning includes using macro, micro, and pico cells to better cover populated and sparsely populated and rural areas.

GSM Topology

Networks have several components (SDP, SCP, SMSC, MSC, VLR, AuC, HLR, FNR, GMS, and BSC).
These components provide support for data transmission, security, and other features.
Base Station Controllers (BSC) control multiple Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) which handles the wireless communication.
BTS's have multiple transceivers which enable wireless communication, power amplifiers, and antennas.

SMS

Short Message Service Centre (SMSC) enables short text messaging (simple 160 characters).
SMS is based on ETSI standards (03.40) is designed for paging systems.
This allowed pagers to be replaced with mobile phones.

Data Nodes

Several components help with sending data (SDP, SCP, SMSC, MSC, VLR, AuC, HLR, FNR, GMS, BSC, and GGSN, SGSN).
Gateway GPRS Support Node and Serving GPRS Support Node (GGSN and SGSN) handle data transfer to/from mobile and landlines.

Evolution (Generation Layers)

Mobile phone generations have different capabilities
This shows the different components supporting 2G to 4G, from the standpoint of providing data services and communication features to the user.

5G Connecting the Community

The 5G framework includes areas focused on community development via smart homes, education, healthcare, energy, and virtual reality to smart cars.

5G Integration with 4G

5G technology is integrated with the existing 4G macro system
5G technology is integrated to add better mobile coverage in dense areas, and rural and highway areas are also improved.

Myths & Facts about Mobile Phones

Mobile Phones do not cause petrol static
Mobile phones cannot unlock a car remotely.
Mobile phones do not affect airplane navigation.
Networks do not know the location even if the phone is off
Mobile phones do not affect hospital equipment.

Triangulation Using Mobile Phones

Triangulation is the method used to locate a mobile phone based on the signals from radio-based base stations
The location of a phone is based on the overlapping signal region from three nearby base stations.

Mobile Growth

Global mobile phone usage has increased dramatically (in terms of traffic and users).
Smartphone growth is prominent and in expanding markets.

Statistics

Worldwide mobile phone data usage statistics (2015-2026, monthly smartphone traffic in exabytes, mobile growth, and smartphone ownership percentages) are presented.

The Mobile Industry Challenges

Planning for mobile devices has variety.
Applications increase and require monetization. Mobile tariff confusion exist, leading to poor user reception.
Market saturation exists and VoIP revenues decline.
4G data demands increased network growth.

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