Mobile Telephony

1
 Module Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to explain:

The difference between basic and mobile telephony.

The call routing process.

The alternative technological platforms GSM and CDMA.

2
 History of Communication

Clay
Tablets
Pre Historic man

Red
Pony
Indians
3
 History of Communication

Postal Services

Telegraph
4
 History of Communication

Telephone
Telephone Networks

Wireless
Telegraphy
5
 What is Telephony?

The word 'telephony' comes from a Greek word meaning

'far sound'.

Transmitting voice or digital information between two

parties (the sender and the receiver) by using the
telephone or telephone-related technology.

Telephony can be categorized into:

Basic telephony
Mobile telephony

6
 Basic Telephony

Communication between two fixed points.

landline telephones

Communication over a fixed medium

The telephone lines

The sender and the receiver's physical location are fixed.

7
 Mobile Telephony

Mobile telephony using frequency re-use came into existence

during the 1960s.

Personal handheld cell phone invented by Dr. Martin Cooper

of Motorola in 1973.

GSM association formed in Europe in 1982.

o Initially called Group Special Mobile.
o Today known as Global System for Mobile
Communication.

8
 Mobile Telephony

The sender or the receiver does not have to be in one physical

location to be able to communicate.

No physical medium of communication.

Wireless transmission of voice and information.

9
 Mobile Platforms GSM
and CDMA

Mobile telephony primarily operates by transmission of

radio signals.

These signals are transmitted at different frequencies.

Based on the frequency usage and the mode of

transmission there are two technology platforms:
GSM

CDMA

12
 GSM

Initially called Group Special Mobile.

Now known as Global System for Mobile Communication.
GSM operates on 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 Mhz
frequencies.
GSM is a chip dependent technology.
- GSM handsets have to be loaded with a SIM card

13
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

The mobile station is what the customer uses to

communicate.

The mobile station consists of:

- The mobile handset

- The SIM card

14
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

SIM
The SIM card may be protected against unauthorized usage using
a PIN (Personal Identity Number).
The uniqueness of the GSM technology lies in the fact that users
must insert Subscriber Identity Module Cards (SIM-Cards) in their
handsets.
These SIM cards contain crucial information such as a phone
number and all billing co-ordinates and can store telephone
numbers.
This enables users to switch GSM handsets by simply pulling out
their SIM Card and inserting it into another device.

15
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

SIM
Subscriber Identification Module (19 digits)

E.g. 89 91 90 0206 01 014701 0 F where:

89 - Telecom ID
91 - Country Code
90 - Operator code for circle (92 is Mumbai, 90 is Maharashtra)
0206 - Year and Month of manufacturing
01 - Switch configuration code (09 is a dual Imsi sim)
014701 - Serial Number
0 - Check Digit

16
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

IMSI

Every SIM card contains an IMSI number that identifies the

user to the network along with other user and security
information.

This is a numeric string, where the first 3 digits represents

the country where the SIM is from, the next represents the
operator in that specific country. The other digits
represents the subscribers identity in his home-network.

17
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (15 digits)

E.g. 404 90 90 01 014701 (Maharashtra & Goa IMSI)

404 - GSM country code

90 - Operator code for circle
90 - HLR configuration code
01 - Switch configuration code
014701 - Serial Number

18
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

Similarity between Sim and IMSI

IMSI
Sim

89 91 90 0206 01 014701 0 F 404 90 90 01 014701

The 3 things common in the IMSI and SIM number are Switch
configuration code Operator code and Serial Number

19
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

PIN
Personal Identification Number (4 digits)

Default PIN : 1234

Number of tries = 3 (for Mumbai & Maharashtra)

After 3 wrong tries, PIN gets blocked

20
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

PUK
PIN Unblocking Key / Code (8 digits)

Number of tries = 10 (for Mumbai & Maharashtra)

After 10 wrong tries, SIM gets blocked

For Motorola Handsets insert code **05* before PUK is asked

21
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital

Network Number (MSISDN)

MSISDN is the subscriber's mobile number.

This is the number that the customer is usually aware of

and gives it to all his friends and contacts.

For example, if a cell phone number (MSISDN) is

919818112345, its break up will be as following:

9198 181 12345

CC NDC SN

22
 Mobile Telephony the Nuts and Bolts

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)

(15 Digits)

It is the serial number of the GSM phone.

It is fixed in the phone and cannot be changed.

Short code is * # 06 #

23
 The Airtel 32K SIM

More memory Up to 250 numbers

Inbuilt SIM browser - Up to 30 SMS

Ringtones and downloads

Complete menu available on SIM

Personalized menu
Only on screen information information does not go to inbox
Scrolling screen with WAP-like functionality

24
 Airtel 32K SIM FAQs

What is the 32K SIM card OR what is 32K OR what is

32K expressway?
32K is a new SIM card launched by Airtel that enhances the
memory space and allows easy access to SMS services.

How do I access the Airtel services on 32K SIM card?

Pls. go to the SIM menu, scroll to locate Airtel services. Click Ok
& a menu is displayed listing several SMS services viz. India
times, Ringers, Cricket etc.

What are the benefits of 32K sim card?

Benefits are enhanced SIM phone memory of 250 numbers &
increased Inbox capacity of 30 messages, besides a Start up
menu.

25
 Airtel 32K SIM FAQs

What is start up menu?

It is a drop down menu having the following Airtel services on 32K
SIM.

How is it different from an 8K SIM or a 16K SIM?

8K and 16K have a lower memory capacity (150 numbers & 15
messages). It does not have the additional features of the 32K SIM.

What is the cost for changing the SIM?

The cost is the same as that of a normal SIM change rates i.e. Rs.
X/-

What are the charges for using the SMS services on

the 32K SIM?
The charges are same as that of a normal SMS i.e. Rs. X/- /
message sent.

26
 Airtel 32K SIM FAQs

Where can I get the new SIM card?

You can visit any of the exclusive Airtel connects to get the new
32K SIM.

How much time would it take to change the SIM

card?
Phone book transfer: 15 20 mins
DP5 services (menu based): 12 24 hrs

What happens to my memory?

All the Airtel connects are equipped with a doctor SIM and the
executive there would ensure that the memory is transferred onto
the new SIM card.

Does my phone number remain the same?

Yes, your phone number remains the same.
27
 Airtel 32K SIM FAQs

Why do I get messages in the inbox from 779?

The messages sent by 779 are the subscription update messages,
which are sent to the subscriber when he/she attempts to
download or delete any service.

What does the message Please wait the browser

busy executing your previous request mean?
The average response time for any request made by the
subscriber is 12 15 secs.
The warning message is displayed if the user attempts to make a
request when the previous request is being processed.

28
 Airtel 32K SIM FAQs

What do I do if the services give Time out

on connection as the response?
Please check the Internet connection. Time out on
connection is an error given if the content provider is not
reachable through Internet. Pls. try again after some time.

Is the 32K available on Magic?

No, it is only available on a post-paid connection.

29
 Airtel 32K SIM FAQs

What are the advantages of the 32K SIM card?

Enhanced SIM memory from 150 phone numbers to 250 phone numbers and message
storage capacity from 15 SMS to 30 SMS.

You dont have to remember keywords or numbers to receive services. Just go to SIM
menu/ Airtel services, select any service and you will receive the response. You will
also spend less time & money on SMS, as the menu is already available on the SIM
card.

The response that you receive will not enter your inbox but will reside on your screen.
Therefore, you dont have to enter your mailbox to read the message or delete it.

You also have the choice to delete any service that you dont want and also download
any new service that Airtel would launch from Whats New.

30
 Mobile Telephony
the Nuts and Bolts

The mobile telephony system consists of two components:

The mobile station

The transmission system

31
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

Each city is divided into adjacent hexagonal cells.

Cell66
Cell
Cell11
Cell Cell33
Cell
Cell22
Cell
Cell44
Cell
Cell55
Cell
Cell77
Cell

32
Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

33
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

Each hexagonal cell has a Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

A BTS consists of a tower and an enclosure containing radio

equipment.
It receives radio signals from the subscribers' phones.

34
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts
When a BTS reaches full capacity, it can no longer take calls. (exact
figure for full capacity required)

The call has to be switched to another BTS with available capacity.

This is done by a Base Station Controller (BSC).

The BSC controls the routing of calls to BTSs.

35
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts
The BSC routes the call to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC).

The MSC performs the following functions:

AUC Authentication Center
HLR Home Location Register
VLR Visitor Location Register
CDR - Call Detail Record

36
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

AUC the AUC authenticates the caller

whether the caller is a valid subscriber

whether the caller has call credit

whether the call should be barred e.g. the caller might

have barred ISD calls.

if the caller does not have call credit, the call is

terminated at the AUC itself

37
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

HLR the HLR check is performed by the MSC.

HLR the MSC identifies the location of the caller within

the home network.

38
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

VLR the VLR check is performed by the MSC.

VLR the MSC identifies the location of the caller outside

the home network i.e. when the customer is roaming.

Based on HLR and VLR check the call rate is decided.

39
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

CDR the CDR records the details of incoming and

outgoing calls.
whether the call is local/STD/ISD.
whether one or both parties are roaming.
the duration of the call.

This information is passed on to the billing system.

40
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts

If the receiver is on a mobile number:

The call is routed to the receiver from the caller's MSC.

41
 Mobile Telephony the
Nuts and Bolts
If the receiver is on a landline number:

The call is routed to the landline service provider's

exchange from the caller's MSC.

From the exchange, the call is routed to the receiver.

42
 Call Routing

Airtel to Airtel
Airtel to non-Airtel
Airtel to landline Local
Airtel to Landline STD/ISD

FORWARD
FORWARD

43
 Airtel to Airtel
9890045678
Airtel MSC
BSC

BSC

BACK
BACK
9890087654
44
 Airtel to non - Airtel
9890045678 Airtel MSC

BSC

Non - Airtel MSC

BSC
9822045678

BACK
BACK
45
 Airtel to Landline - Local
9890045678 BSC
Airtel MSC

PSTN
Local
Exchange

BACK
BACK
26225957
46
 Airtel to Landline STD/ISD

9890045678
Airtel MSC
BSC

TAX /
GATEWAY

PSTN
Local
Exchange
BACK
BACK 03325742368
1-800-23682558
47
 Situation 1

A person is traveling from area X to area Y within the city.

While traveling he is speaking over his mobile phone.

Suddenly, his signal starts becoming weak.

A minute later the signal strength picks up.

48
49
 Situation 2
A person is travelling from area X to area Y within the city.

While travelling he is speaking over his mobile phone.

Suddenly, his signal starts becoming weak.

A minute later the signal dies for an instant and the caller
is disconnected.

50
51
x
What is the difference between the two situations?

52
 Handover

Handover is the process by which the call is switched from

one base station to another.

This happens when

the caller is moving

the base station is overloaded with call traffic

53
 Handover

When the caller is moving away from a BTS, the signal

weakens.

When the call has to be transferred from one BTS to

another in a neighboring cell:

The receiving BTS may have free capacity and the

signal again picks up.
The call is transferred successfully across cells.

54
 Handover

When the caller is moving away from a BTS, the signal

weakens.

When the call has to be transferred from one BTS to

another in a neighboring cell:

The receiving BTS may not have free capacity and the
signal dies.
The call is then dropped.

55
 Call Drop
When an active call drops it is called as a call drop.
This is a call that is abnormally terminated, i.e. released by
neither the caller nor the called party.

Cell B

Cell A
Cell C

If Cell C is congested and handover is not possible

the Call continues to stay connected to the Serving cell
till the signal quality deteriorates and finally drops

56
 Call Drop

Reasons for Dropping on traffic channel:

Interference (Bad quality on the serving cell)
low signal strength (Increases Indoor Complaints)
No handover definitions
Faulty hardware

Cell B

Cell A
Cell C

57
 Call Congestion
This is when a call attempt is not allocated a traffic channel
due to non-availability of channels.

(Could be because of high offered traffic, circuit outage,

blocked TRUs etc.)

The time for which no resource is available is counted as

Congestion (Secs)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

All cells handling calls

Any fresh attempt will be blocked and the

congestion timer will start 58
GSM Terminologies

59
 Traffic
What is traffic ?

Traffic describes the use that is made of the network

resource, i.e. calls arriving and calls in progress.

Traffic is carried on a channel or a timeslot within a cell. The

unit of measurement of traffic intensity in a network is the
Erlang.

An erlang can be defined as the average number of calls in

progress over a period of time,
viz. when one channel is busy for 1 hour it generates 1
Eh of traffic.

60
 Traffic Utilization

Traffic Utilization is the ratio of traffic that is offered to a

resource and its designed capacity.

The utilization becomes > 100%, when cells carry traffic

greater than their design capacity:
(it results in increased blocking/ congestion)

61
 Interference

Interference: when a radio channel being used by a cell is

degraded by unwanted signals from other sources
(neighbouring cells).

Leads to Subscriber perception of Call clipping and finally

increase in call drops.

62
Typical Network Problems

63
Poor Coverage
(Indoor/ Call
Outdoor) Congestion

NETWORK PROBLEMS

Call Drop Voice clipping

64
 Poor Coverage

Indoor Outdoor

Deep Indoor

First wall Open Area

penetration coverage
coverage
Second wall Basement
penetration Coverage
coverage

65
 Solutions for Coverage Problems

Coverage Type Solutions

Indoor coverage -New sector/ Minimeg

antenna
-Antenna tilts

Deep Indoor coverage -New site /Booster

-New sector/Personal
antenna

Outdoor coverage New Site

66
 CALL DROPS

Lack of
Bad Quality
coverage
Congestion

Call drop due to Call drop due

bad quality to lack/loss of
accompanied coverage
with speech cuts Call drop due to
&voice breaks congestion
No network message
flashes
67
 Solutions for Call Drops

CAUSE FOR CALL DROPS SOLUTION

Bad Quality Optimization ,new site in area

Congestion Capacity Augmentation, Multi

Band cells

Lack of coverage New site , repeater

68
 High Rise Buildings Network Problems

Latching to neighboring network-

subscriber latches to the neighboring network.

Solution-
In-building site / manual selection to Airtel network

Clipping and Call drop-Voice clipping followed by call

drop at full signal strength.

Solution-
Optimization or in-building site.

69
CDMA Technology

70
 CDMA

Code Division Multiple Access

CDMA operates within a frequency band.
CDMA is not a chip dependent technology.
The connection is configured on the handset.

71
 GSM vs CDMA

GSM CDMA
GSM is the most widely used CDMA is less widely used. In
platform across 192 India, Reliance, MTNL, BSNL,
countries. and Tata Telecom provide
CDMA.

The user can easily switch This is not possible since the
across service providers by technology is configured in the
changing the SIM. handset by the service provider.

The user can easily change There is no SIM card. The

handsets by inserting the technology is configured with
SIM in a new handset. the handset.

72
 GSM vs CDMA

GSM CDMA
GSM offers seamless International roaming is a
roaming facilities. problem in CDMA.

GSM operates on 900, 1800 CDMA operates on 800 and

and 1900 MHz. 1900 MHZ.

73
In brief

74
 Mobile Related

MSISDN Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network

MO Mobile Originating
MT Mobile Terminating
Single Band Handset supporting any one GSM frequency i.e.
Handset either 900 MHz or 1800 MHz or 1900 MHz
Dual Band Handset supporting any 2 GSM frequencies (900 &
Handset 1800, 1800 & 1900, 900 & 1900)
Tri Band
Handset Handset supporting all 3 GSM frequencies

SIM Subscriber Identification Module (19 digits)

International Mobile Equipment Identity (15 digits)

IMEI Short code is * # 06 #

75
 Mobile Related

IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity (15 digits)

Personal Identification Number (4 digits)

Default PIN is 4 digits (1234)
PIN
Number of tries = 3 (for Mumbai & Maharashtra). After 3
wrong tries, the PIN gets blocked.
PIN Unblocking Key / Code (8 digits)
Number of tries = 10 (for Mumbai & Maharashtra). After 10
PUK
wrong tries, SIM gets blocked. For Motorola Handsets insert
code **05* before PUK is asked.

76