Introduction Of GSM

Introduction Of GSM

History of Wireless Communication

At the beginning of the 1980's it was realized that the European countries were using many different, incompatible mobile phone systems. At the same time, the needs for telecommunication services were remarkably increased. Due to this, CEPT founded a group to specify a common mobile system for Western Europe. This group was named “Group Specials Mobile” and the system name GSM arose.

The origins of mobile communications followed quickly behind the invention of radio in the late 1800's. The first applications of Mobile radio were related to the navigation and safety of ships at sea. As radio concepts developed, so did it’s use as a Communications tool. The major milestones in the development of wireless communications are summarized in the following. This abbreviation has since been interpreted in other ways, but the most common expression nowadays is Global System for Mobile communications.

During the time the GSM system was being specified, it was foreseen that national telecommunication monopolies would be disbanded. This development set some requirements concerning the GSM system specifications and these requirements are built into the specifications as follows.

1.      There should be several network operators in each country. This would lead to competition in tariffs and service provisioning and it was assumed to be the best way to ensure the rapid expansion of the GSM system; the prices of the equipment would fall and the users would find the cost of calls reducing.

2.      The GSM system must be an open system, meaning that it should contain well-defined interfaces between different system parts. This enables the equipment from several manufacturers to coexist and hence improves the cost efficiency of the system from the operator's point of view.

    3.  GSM networks must be built without causing any major changes to the already existing Public            Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN).

Advantages of GSM

      Due to the requirements set for the GSM system, many advantages will be achieved.These advantages can be summarized as follows:

1.      GSM uses radio frequencies efficiently, and due to the digital radio path, the system tolerates more inter-cell disturbances.

2.      The average quality of speech achieved is better than in analogue cellular systems.

3.      Data transmission is supported throughout the GSM system.

4.      Speech is encrypted and subscriber information security is guaranteed.

5.      Due to the ISDN compatibility, new services are offered compared to the analogue systems.

6                 6.       International roaming is technically possible within all countries using the GSM system.