Cellular Architecture

Cellular architecture is constituted of the following −

• A network of cells each with a base station.

• A packet switched network for communication between the base stations and mobile switching centers.

• The public switched telephone network to connect subscribers to the wider telephony network

Cellular Configuration

In all cellular systems, land area is divided into a number of cells each with its radio service. In AMPS the area is large which in digital services, the area is much smaller.Conventionally cells are hexagonal in shape.Each cell uses a frequency range that is not used by its adjacent cells. However frequencies may be reused in non-adjacent cells.

At the centre of each cell is a base station through which mobile phones and other mobile devices transmit data and voice.

The following diagram represents the configuration.

Mobile Switching Centres

A mobile switching centre (MSC) is a network switching subsystem of a cellular phone system. It is also called mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). All base stations are connected to an MSC.

The functions of MSC are −

• Call set-up and release.

• Routing of calls and messages sent via SMS.

• Managing conference calls and calls on hold.

• Fax services.

• Billing

• Interfacing with other networks like public switched telephone network (PSTN) and Internet.