GSM Modem

5.2.2.
GSM Modem
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is a standard developed by the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to describe protocols for second generation
(2G) digital cellular networks use by mobile phones. It is the default global standard for
mobile communication with over 90% global market and is available in over 219 countries
and territories. This ubiquity means that subscribers can use their phones throughout the
world, enabled by international roaming arrangements between mobile network
operators. GSM differs from its predecessor technologies in that both signalling and speech
channels are digital. This also facilitates the wide-spread implementation of data
communication applications into the system. The GSM standard has been an advantage
to both consumers, who may benefit from the ability to roam and switch carriers without
replacing phones, and also to network operators, who can choose equipment from many
GSM equipment vendors. GSM also pioneered low-cost implementation of the short
message service (SMS), also called text messaging, which has since been supported on other
mobile phone standards as well.
GSM Specifications
Frequency: 900 MHz or 1800 MHz (Some countries in the Americas including Canada and
the United States use the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands, 400 and 450 MHz
frequency bands are assigned in some countries, notably Scandinavia)
Modulation: Modulation is a form of change process where we change the input

information into a suitable format for the transmission medium. We also changed the
information by demodulating the signal at the receiving end. The GSM uses Gaussian
Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) modulation method.
Access Methods: Because radio spectrum is a limited resource shared by all users, a method
must be devised to divide up the bandwidth among as many users as possible. GSM
chose a combination of TDMA/FDMA as its method. The FDMA part involves the division
by frequency of the total 25 MHz bandwidth into 124 carrier frequencies of 200 kHz
bandwidth. One or more carrier frequencies are then assigned to each BS. Each of
these carrier frequencies is then divided in time, using a TDMA scheme, into eight
time slots. One time slot is used for transmission by the mobile and one for
reception. They are separated in time so that the mobile unit does not receive and transmit at
the same time.
Transmission Rate: The total symbol rate for GSM at 1 bit per symbol in GMSK
produces270.833 K symbols/second. The gross transmission rate of the time slot is 22.8
Kbps.
Frequency Band: The uplink frequency range specified for GSM is 933 - 960 MHz (basic
900 MHz band only). The downlink frequency band 890 - 915 MHz (basic 900 MHz band
only).
Channel Spacing: This indicates separation between adjacent carrier frequencies. In GSM,
this is 200 kHz.
Speech Coding: GSM uses linear predictive coding (LPC). The purpose of LPC is to reduce
the bit rate. The LPC provides parameters for a filter that mimics the vocal tract. The signal
passes through this filter, leaving behind a residual signal. Speech is encoded at 13 kbps.
Duplex Distance: The duplex distance is 80 MHz Duplex distance is the distance between
the uplink and downlink frequencies. A channel has two frequencies, 80 MHz apart.
Fig 5.5. GSM modem
Architecture of the GSM Network
In a GSM network, the user terminal is called a mobile station. A mobile station is made up
of a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card allowing the user to be uniquely identified and a
mobile terminal.
The terminals (devices) are identified by a unique 15-digit identification number

called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Each SIM card also has a unique (and
secret) identification number called IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). This
code can be protected using a 4-digit key called a PIN code.
The SIM card therefore allows each user to be identified independently of the terminal used
during communication with a base station. Communications occur through a radio link (air
interface) between a mobile station and a base station.
Fig 5.6. GSM Architecture
All the base stations of a cellular network are connected to a base station controller (BSC)
which is responsible for managing distribution of the resources. The system consisting of the
base station controller and its connected base stations is called the Base Station
Subsystem (BSS).Finally, the base station controllers are themselves physically connected to
the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC), managed by the telephone network operator, which
connects them to the public telephone network and the Internet. The MSC belongs to
a Network Station Subsystem (NSS), which is responsible for managing user identities, their
location and establishment of communications with other subscribers. The MSC is generally
connected to databases that provide additional functions:
 The Home Location Register (HLR) is a database containing information (geographic

position, administrative information etc.) of the subscribers registered in the area of the
switch (MSC).
 The Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a database containing information of users other

than the local subscribers. The VLR retrieves the data of a new user from the HLR of the
user's subscriber zone. The data is maintained as long as the user is in the zone and is deleted
when the user leaves or after a long period of inactivity (terminal off).
 The Equipment Identify Register (EIR) is a database listing the mobile terminals.

 The Authentication Centre (AUC) is responsible for verifying user identities.
 The cellular network formed in this way is designed to support mobility via management
of handovers (movements from one cell to another).
Introduction to AT commands
AT commands are instructions used to control a modem. AT is the abbreviation of Attention.

Every command line starts with "AT" or "at". That's the reason, modem commands are called
AT commands. Many of the commands that are used to control wired dial-up modems.
Tabel.5.2. AT Commands of GSM
COMMANDS DESCRIPTION
A/ Re-Issue Last AT Command
ATA Answer Incoming Call
ATH Disconnect Existing Connection
AT+CMGD Delete SMS Message
AT+CMGF Select Message Format
AT+CMGL List of SMS Message
AT+CMGR Read the SMS Message
AT+CMGS Send SMS Message
AT+CNMI How Modem Will Response When A SMS is Received
AT+CPIN? To Check SIM is Ready
AT+CREG? Network Register

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5.2.2.

Modulation: Modulation is a form of change process where we change the input

Fig 5.5. GSM modem

Architecture of the GSM Network

The terminals (devices) are identified by a unique 15-digit identification number

Fig 5.6. GSM Architecture

 The Home Location Register (HLR) is a database containing information (geographic

 The Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a database containing information of users other

 The Equipment Identify Register (EIR) is a database listing the mobile terminals.

AT commands are instructions used to control a modem. AT is the abbreviation of Attention.

Tabel.5.2. AT Commands of GSM

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