A CDMA network consists of the following components:
Mobile station. The
CDMA mobile station (or mobile phone) communicates with other parts
of the system through the base-station system.
Base station (BS). The
base station (BS) handles the radio interface to the mobile
station. The base station is the radio equipment (transceivers and
antennas)
Base station controller (BSC). The BSC provides the control functions
and physical links between the MSC and BTS. It provides
functions such as handover, cell configuration data and control of
RF power levels in base transceiver stations. A number of
BSCs are served by a MSC.
Mobile switching center (MSC).
The MSC performs the telephony switching functions of the system.
It also performs such functions as toll ticketing, network interfacing,
common channel signalling, and others.
Home location register (HLR). The
HLR database is used for storage and management of subscriptions.
The home location register stores permanent data about subscribers, including
a subscriber's service profile, location information, and activity status.
Visitor
location register (VLR). The VLR database contains temporary information about
subscribers that is needed by the mobile services switching center
(MSC) in order to service visiting subscribers. When a mobile
station roams into a new mobile services switching center (MSC)
area, the visitor location register (VLR) connected to that MSC
will request data about the mobile station from the HLR,
reducing the need for interrogation of the home location register
(HLR).
Authentication center (AC). The AC provides authentication and encryption
parameters that verify the user's identity and ensure the confidentiality
of each call. The authentication center (AUC) also protects network
operators from fraud.
Operation and administration (OAM). The OAM is
the functional entity from which the network operator monitors and
controls the system. The purpose of operation and support system
is to offer support for centralized, regional, and local operational
and maintenance activities that are required for a CDMA network.
Other topics in our resources on CDMA related to CDMA Architecture include:
