networksGSM

networksGSM refers to mobile networks that use the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard as their radio access technology. Commonly described as 2G networks, networksGSM emerged in the 1990s and became a global platform for digital voice, SMS, and basic data services. The term denotes the network infrastructure built around GSM, independent of a specific operator or country.

Architecture: networksGSM comprises a radio access network (RAN) and a core network. The RAN includes base transceiver stations (BTS) connected to a base station controller (BSC). The core network contains a mobile switching center (MSC) for call processing, a home location register (HLR) and visitor location register (VLR) for subscriber data, an authentication center (AuC) for security, and an equipment identity register (EIR) for device identification. Signaling uses SS7 with MAP protocols, and data traffic is managed by the GPRS core with SGSN and GGSN where applicable.

Operation and services: GSM employs time-division multiple access (TDMA) on designated frequency bands (such as 900/1800 MHz in many regions and 850/1900 MHz in others). Security relies on a subscriber key Ki and authentication algorithms A3/A8; session keys are derived as Kc and encryption uses variants of A5. Services include voice calls, SMS, and data via GPRS and EDGE. Roaming is supported through standardized signaling and billing arrangements.

Evolution and legacy: networksGSM formed the basis for later generations (3G, 4G) and remains in use for voice and low-speed data in many regions. Operators often deploy UMTS or LTE alongside GSM, while some networks gradually phase out GSM. The architecture and concepts of networksGSM continue to influence modern mobile networks, particularly in roaming and subscriber management.