GSM Reference Model - 2G

Framework for 2G Mobile Network Architecture.

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GSM (Groupe Special Mobile) has published the underlying model and standards for digital cellular communications; the basis of the first 2G digital mobile phone network. This network is a circuit switched network and primarily designed for voice communication. It uses narrow band Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) to provide the voice component. SMS is also provided, by using one of the control channels to send a short message to another subscriber. In terms of data, the GSM model does not really address the issue and any data connection is achieved using dial-up. Thus the phone will dial into the data network and send the data using the same channel as they would a voice call.

This model was developed in the early 1970's. It provides a circuit switched network dividing each 200khz channel into 8 timeslots. The 2G system works at 900/1800MHz. Even for modern 4G phones it is possible for them to drop into the 2G network if the 4G phone system is not available.

The GSM network comprises 4 sub-systems :

  • Mobile Station - this is the mobile phone that connects to the network to send or receive phone calls.
  • Base Station sub-system
  • Network Switching System
  • Operational Support System provided by the Operational Maintenance Centre. this deals with aspects such as billing and statistics; security management including the provision of access to the authorities where requested; overall network performance and mangement.