GSM Overview
4-Day Course

This course will provide the participant with a broad and clear understanding of the GSM system. It also acts as a base for other studies in radio and wireless systems architectures and applications. The main functions of each device (node) on a GSM network will be studied with specific emphasis on the relevance to the overall system. The course will give the participant a clear distinction between the ETSI standards and the implementations by the various suppliers.

The GSM overview is a natural starting point in the overall wireless program. This course will introduce the systems, components and rationale for use to the newly employed staff member.

 Chapter 1 - GSM Introduction
History of Cellular analog
Transition to digital
What is GSM
What are the overall standards affecting the deployment
Who are the major players in the GSM standards and implementations
What is the basis of the GSM radio propagation

 Chapter 2 - GSM Architecture
Node description
Nodes and architectures
Function of each node
Architecture based on OSI model
Interfaces outlined
Identity Numbers (IMSI and SIM)

 Chapter 3 - Radio Theory
Frequencies allocated
Air interfaces (A and Abis)
Access methods (FDMA, TDMA and CDMA)
TDMA concept
GSM frame and operation
Mapping
Bursts
Logical channels
Distances
Problems in cellular (i.e. shadowing, multipath fading, ISI, timing issues)
Delay, C/I
GSM solutions
Speech coding
Channel coding
Interleaving
Timing alignment
Burst formats

 Chapter 4 - Cell Planning
The process
Cell types (macro- Micro - selective and umbrella)
Frequency planning

 Chapter 5 - Mobile Station and Equipment
The handset
Smart card applications
Content and function of the SIM
The call set-up process
The cell distances and capabilities

 Chapter 6 - Base Stations
Function
BSS
BTS
BS Controllers
Operation
Transmission and TRAU

 Chapter 7 - Switching Systems
Function of and build out of MSC
GMSC
HLR/VLR/EIR
SMS-C
Authentication
Ciphering
Circuit switched data in GSM

 Chapter 8 - SMS Data Transfer
Function of the SMS
Purpose
Indicators
Length of Messages
Speed

 Chapter 9 - Location Updating
Registration
Location
Call setup
Call handover
Updates
Frequency

 Chapter 10 - Channels
Forward Channels
Reverse Channels
Data Channels
Paging Channels
Control Channels

Call us at 1-800-322-2202 for more information about our instructor-led training.