Mobile services 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 (AUC). The
AUC 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.
Equipment identity
register (EIR). The EIR database contains information on the identity
of mobile equipment to prevent calls from stolen, unauthorized or
defective mobile stations.
Message center (MXE). The MXE is a node
that provides integrated voice, fax, and data messaging.
Mobile service
node (MSN). The MSN is the node that handles the
mobile intelligent network (IN) services.
Gateway mobile services switching center
(GMSC). A gateway mobile services switching center (GMSC) is a
node used to interconnect two networks.
GSM interworking unit (GIWU).
The GIWU consists of both hardware and software that provides
an interface to various networks for data communications. Through the
GSM interworking unit (GIWU), users can alternate between speech and
data during the same call.
Other topics in our resources on GSM related to Switching System include:
