This practical book provides an extremely comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand treatment of the entire GSM network and the signaling methods of its terrestrial interfaces. You learn how to analyze network problems, what measurements you have to take to solve them, and where in a scenario you will find the desired information or parameter. The book introduces you to all the interfaces between the GSM subsystems, starting with the Abis- and Air- Interface and continuing on to VLR's, HLR's and MSC's within the Network Switching Subsystem (NSS). You learn about the various signaling standards or methods used in GSM, including TCAP and MAP and how to apply this knowledge when working with GSM networks.

A special feature of the book is its extensive glossary that explains abbreviations, terms, parameters, counters, and messages frequently encountered when working with GSM. In addition, it features numerous figures, tables, lists, statistical formulas, real-life examples, and everyday comparisons to give you a detailed reference that's quick to use and easy to understand. You get A-to-Z coverage of dozens of topics, including:

>Signaling standards like LAPD, LAPDm, SS7, SCCP, TCAP — GSM applications such as RR, MM, CC, MAP — and all the protocols used in GSM such as LAPD, ISUP, MAP, TCAP, SS7, SCCP, BSSAP, and more

>The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and Home Location Register (HLR)

>The OSI reference model and its applicability to GSM

>Failure resolution both in the lab and on site

>Measurements required to analyze network problems — and the dependencies of failure messages

This detailedbook is a practical handbook for engineers involved with all aspects of the GSM infrastructure — from research and development ( to installation, operation, and on-site management ( to technical support, maintenance, and testing. It is also a comprehensive self-study guide for engineers, other technical professionals, and university-level students with a basic knowledge of telecommunications who want to learn about the complex signaling architectures employed in GSM networks.