Q11Mobile Computing
Question
Explain the architecture of GSM in detail.
Answer
GSM architecture consists of the Mobile Station (MS), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), and Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS).
The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) architecture comprises three main subsystems. First, the Mobile Station (MS), which consists of the mobile equipment (the phone) and the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). Second, the Base Station Subsystem (BSS), which handles the radio link with the MS and includes the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the Base Station Controller (BSC). Third, the Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS), which performs call routing and mobility management. The NSS includes the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Home Location Register (HLR), Visitor Location Register (VLR), Authentication Center (AuC), and Equipment Identity Register (EIR).