RTUComputer ScienceYr 2022 · Sem 82022

Q3Mobile Computing

Question

2 marks

What is the role of an HLR and VLR in GSM?

Answer

The HLR is the permanent central database holding the subscriber's absolute master profile. The VLR is a temporary, volatile local database that mathematically tracks roaming users in a specific geographic zone.

When a user from New York (HLR) lands in London, the London VLR violently intercepts the phone. The VLR queries the NY HLR to authenticate the SIM, downloads a temporary copy of the user's cryptographic keys, and handles all local call routing until the user leaves London.

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