INTRODUCTION: The basic subsystems of the GSM architecture are: BSS (Base Station Subsystem) NSS (Network and

and Switching Subsystem) OSS (Operational SubSystem)

The MS, BSS, NSS form the operational part of GSM system. The operational part provides transmission paths and establishes them. The NSS includes the main switching functions of GSM, databases required for the subscribers and mobility management. Its main role is to manage the communications between GSM and other network users. Within NSS the switching functions required for the MSs located in an MSC area are performed by the MSC.

FUNCTIONS OF MSC:

The MSC monitors the mobility of its subscribers and manages necessary resources required to handle and update the location registration procedures and to carry out the handover functions. [ Note:Home Location Register (HLR): database recording the current location of each mobile that belongs to the MSC Visitor Location Register (VLR): database recording the cell of visiting mobiles. When a roaming MS enters an MSC area, the MSC informs the associated VLR about the MS ; the MS goes through a registration procedure.] The MSC is involved in the internetworking functions to communicate with other networks such as PSTN and ISDN. The interworking functions of the MSC depend upon the type of the network to which it is connected and the type of service to be performed. It also performs the call routing and control and echo control functions. MSC coordinates the activities of all base stations. It supervises channel assignment strategies

MSC Supervises Channel Assignment Strategies Fixed Channel Assignments Each cell is allocated a predetermined set of voice channels. If all the channels in that cell are occupied, the call is blocked, and the subscriber does not receive service. Variation includes a borrowing strategy: a cell is allowed to borrow channels from a neighboring cell if all its own channels are occupied. Dynamic Channel Assignments Voice channels are not allocated to different cells permanently. Each time a call request is made, the serving base station requests a channel from the MSC. The switch then allocates a channel to the requested call based on a decision algorithm taking into account different factors: frequency re-use of candidate channel and cost factors. Dynamic channel assignment is more complex (real time), but reduces likelihood of blocking.

HOW A CALL IS MADE?

When cell phone is ON, it scans group of FCC to determine the one with the strongest signal, and then monitors that channel Call from landline to cell phone When telephone call is places to a mobile user, MSC dispatches request to all BS BS broadcast MIN (Mobile Identification Number) as a paging message over all FCC Mobile receives this message, and responds by identifying itself over RCC The BS receives the acknowledgement and informs the MSC of the handshake MSC instruct BS to move the call to an unused voice channel pair (FVC & RVC) BS signals mobile to change frequencies to an unused voice channel pair Another data message (alert) is transmitted over FVC to instruct the mobile to ring instructing the mobile user to answer the call Once call is in progress, MSC adjusts the transmitted power of the mobile and changes the channel of mobile unit and BS to maintain call quality as user moves in and out of range of each BS. This is called a handoff. Call from cell phone to Landline When a mobile originates a call, a request is sent on the RCC to the BS In this request the mobile transmits its MIN, ESN (Electronic Serial Number), and MIN of the called party The mobile also transmits SCM (Station Class Mark) which indicates what is the maximum transmitter power level for the user BS receives this data and sends it to the MSC MSC validates the request and makes connection to the called party through the PSTN MSC instructs BS and mobile user to move to an unused voice channel pair