Mobile networks work closely with mobile devices over highly standardised air interfaces and connect to fixed telephone networks and the internet to provide voice, messaging and a wide range of services carried on their mobile packet data channels.
Currently in Australia there are three major network operators Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. The History pages on this site shows how this came to be. Each of the operators today run networks covering 2nd 3rd and 4th generation technologies GSM/GPRS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+/LTE.
You can see information on the technologies deployed in Australian cellular networks and the standards which define them in the Technologies and Standards pages on this site.
Mobile networks comprise:
- Radio access network
- Core network and systems
- Operations support systems
- Content and applications delivery systems
Radio Access Networks
The radio access networks provide the connectivity from the mobile user equipment UE to the network. They employ transmission links derived on point to point radio or fibre (and in very rare cases satellite) to connect to the radio controllers (BSC Base Sation Controllers for GSM/GPRS/EDGE and RNC Radio Network Controllers for UMTS). The radio controllers in turn connect to the core network.The radio controllers manage the radio resources and schedule the use of the shared channels as well as managing call set up and hand-off of calls and data sessions between base stations. For LTE the functions of the radio controller are by and large delegated to the base station.
The core network provides the switching, control and management of the network. It provides core mobile features such as:
- Security encryption of call set and and transmission
- Equipment identity and management
- Call barring and diversion
- Location and roaming enablement
- Voice switching and trancoding for voice calls to fixed and other mobile networks
- Data routing and packet connection to data networks
- SMS and MMS service management
- Lawful interception capability
- Number portability capability
- IP Multimedia System IMS
Operations Support Systems
The operations systems support the operation of the mobile network and provide mobile services and operations capability including:
- Customer billing and service activation
- Over the air management of mobiles
- SIM card issue and control
- Customer service
- Wholesale and reseller billing and control
- Prepaid service
- Voice Messaging
- Video telephony and conferencing
- Delivery of content services like streaming video and audio, ringtones
- Location based services
- Network management, operations and maintenance
Content and Applications
In the earlier days of mobile communications the mobile content delivery and interaction was limited due to the mobile’s screen and keyboard size as well as speed and reliability of the mobile data networks. In the past 10 years mobile content and applications have taken off as a result of the roll out of 3G mobile networks with their fast packet channels and leaps in capability of mobile devices. This has resulted in the emergence of a vibrant mobile content ecosystem.
Today there is a complex web of companies from huge corporations down to individual small businesses involved in the provision of information, services and applications to mobiles. These include:
- Applications developers
- Apps stores
- Mobile applications development platform providers
- Government and private mobile information and content generators
- Mobile device manufacturers
- Mobile browser providers
- Mobile component manufactures
- Mobile operating systems developers
- VoIP providers
- Messaging providers
- Social networks providers
- Mobile banking and payment providers
- Broadcasters and Publishers
- Mapping and location based service providers
- Streaming audio and video service providers
- Online and retail shopping providers and enablers
- Search providers
- Mobile marketing and advertising agencies
- Cloud service providerstions of the radio controller are by and large delegated to the base station.
"Great overview of how mobile networks work! It’s fascinating how they integrate with fixed networks to deliver such seamless service. For those looking to dive deeper into costs and options, it’s worth considering to request Telecommunications quotes. It can help you compare services and find the best fit for your needs."
ReplyDelete