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# Network Simulation
#public access
#private access (full or partial)
# public access so far, but very likely private access with next version
# From 2G-GSM to 3GPP R5  
# From GSM Ph2+ R96 to 3GPP R9  
# GSM Ph2+ R96 Release Contents  
# GSM Ph2+ R97 Release Contents  
# GSM Ph2+ R98 Release Contents  
# 3GPP R3 (R99) Release Contents  
# 3GPP R4 Release Contents  
# 3GPP R5 Release Contents  
# 3GPP R6 Release Contents  
# 3GPP R7 Release Contents  
# 3GPP R8 Release Contents  
# 3GPP R9 Release Contents  

3GPP Network Architecture
Evolution: from 2G-GSM to 3G-UMTS R5

The evolution of the Mobile Networks is shown in this series of pictures. Click on "2G GSM", then on "Next" for some form of slide show.
Top Prev Next   2G GSM 2.5G GPRS 3G UMTS R3 3G UMTS R4 3G UMTS R5

Top Prev Next   2G GSM 2.5G GPRS 3G UMTS R3 3G UMTS R4 3G UMTS R5

GPRS introduces packet switching into the GSM core network and enables access to packet data networks.
Top Prev Next   2G GSM 2.5G GPRS 3G UMTS R3 3G UMTS R4 3G UMTS R5

With Release 3 (aka UMTS Phase 1) a new radio access network called UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) is introduced, based on W-CDMA (instead of TDMA/FDMA) air interface transmission.
Top Prev Next   2G GSM 2.5G GPRS 3G UMTS R3 3G UMTS R4 3G UMTS R5

With Release 4, the MSC functionality is split into two entities:
  • The MSC Server, which provides the control functions
  • The Media Gateway (MGW) which provides the bearer switching functions and, if necessary, the conversion fonctions between two different formats. A single MSC Server can control multiple MGWs.
Top Prev Next   2G GSM 2.5G GPRS 3G UMTS R3 3G UMTS R4 3G UMTS R5

Last update: January 26, 2010 
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