Basic gsm call flow :::

Mobile calls, which feature a preliminary phase for routing the call to the Visited MSC, involving a temporary number called the temporary roaming number or MSRN (Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number), allocated by the VLR of the area the mobile is visiting. To understand this new situation, we will use the example of a call from a PSTN subscriber to a mobile via its directory number (MS-ISDN), the number assigned in its home PLMN and which begins with Country Code (CC) and operator code (NDC). By analyzing these fields, the PSTN is able to route the call to the "Gateway" MSC of the called mobile's home PLMN which is the point of access nearest to the caller. The GMSC has the tables it needs to interpret the next two digits (M1M2) which tell it which HLR contains the data concerning the subscriber. The GMSC then sends an MAP message to the HLR to locate the subscriber. The HLR has information that

enables it to map the MS ISDN - IMSI and broadly locate each subscriber: it knows which VLR the user is currently connected to. The HLR then in turn queries the VLR concerned (MAP message). At this stage, the VLR concerned takes from a pool of directory numbers, the first digits of which include the code of the visited MSC, an "MSRN" number which will then be assigned to the visiting mobile. This temporary number is returned to the HLR which in turn returns it to the GMSC. The GMSC can then use this number to reroute the MT call by extending it to the visited MSC (over conventional speech circuits). When the visited MSC has been reached, the associated VLR provides the MSRN IMSI - TMSI mapping data. The MSRN can then be released (having been used for only a few seconds), and the TMSI can be used for "paging". Having completed the preliminary call routing phase, the rest of the typical procedure for a mobile terminated call is very like that of a mobile originating call except for the "paging" and the direction of the messages exchanged. The RR connection set-up phase is triggered by the arrival of the signal from the caller's network containing the MSRN. The first step is to page the subscriber within the Location Area where he is assumed to be, using "Paging request" messages broadcast to all the BTSs of that area and containing the paged mobile's TMSI. On recognizing that it is being paged, the mobile sends the network an access request in just the same way as for a mobile originating call and a channel (normally signalling channel SDCCH) is assigned to the mobile. The service indication that follows is this time a "paging result" instead of the "CM service request" that applies in an MO call. This acknowledges the "paging" request. After authentication and switching to ciphering mode, both of which are performed in the same way as for an MO call, the "Set Up" message is this time sent by the network to the mobile. Next come the traffic resource assignment, call confirmation ("alerting") and call acceptance ("connect") phases, differing from an MO call only in the direction of the messages and in the fact that the mobile is this time the called end.