In GSM, the interface which connects BTS to BSC is called:
Abis
In the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network architecture, various components work together to provide mobile communication services. These components are interconnected through specific interfaces, each serving a unique purpose in facilitating communication and signaling.
GSM Network Overview
GSM is a global standard for mobile cellular communication. It defines the entire system from the mobile device to the core network. The GSM architecture is typically divided into three main subsystems:
- Mobile Station (MS): This is the mobile phone or user equipment.
- Base Station Subsystem (BSS): This manages the radio path between the mobile station and the Mobile Switching Center (MSC). The BSS consists of two main parts: the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the Base Station Controller (BSC).
- Network Switching Subsystem (NSS): This is the core network part, handling calls and connections. It includes the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Home Location Register (HLR), Visitor Location Register (VLR), Authentication Center (AUC), and Equipment Identity Register (EIR).
Interface Connecting BTS to BSC
The question specifically asks about the interface that connects the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) to the Base Station Controller (BSC) within the GSM network. Let's examine the options provided:
- BTS (Base Transceiver Station): The BTS is the equipment that handles the radio interface to the mobile station. It contains the transceivers, antennas, and all the necessary equipment for radio communication with the mobile phones within a cell.
- BSC (Base Station Controller): The BSC manages multiple BTSs. It controls radio resources, handles handover procedures between BTSs, performs power control, and handles various signaling functions related to the radio network.
The interface that connects the BTS and the BSC is known as the Abis interface. This interface carries traffic channels (voice and data) and signaling information between the BTS and BSC. It is crucial for efficient radio resource management and communication within the Base Station Subsystem.
| Interface Name | Connects Between | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Abis Interface | BTS and BSC | Carries traffic (voice/data) and signaling. Handles transcoding and rate adaptation for communication between the radio and wired parts of the network. |
| Um Interface | MS and BTS | The air interface. It is the radio link between the mobile station and the Base Transceiver Station. |
| A Interface | BSC and MSC | Carries signaling and traffic channels between the Base Station Controller and the Mobile Switching Center. |
| SS7 | Various network elements (e.g., MSC to MSC, HLR to VLR, BSC to MSC via A interface) | Signaling System No. 7 is a set of telephony signaling protocols used to set up most of the world's public switched telephone network (PSTN) calls. While it is used for signaling over interfaces like the A interface, it is a protocol suite, not a specific interface name for the BTS-BSC connection. |
Analyzing GSM Interface Options
- SS7: As explained, SS7 is a signaling protocol used across various parts of the network for call setup, routing, and other services. It's not the name of the interface directly connecting BTS to BSC.
- Abis: This is the correct interface name for the connection between the BTS and the BSC. It manages the communication and control functions required for radio resource management.
- Um: This is the air interface, which is the radio connection between the Mobile Station (MS) and the Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
- A: This is the interface between the Base Station Controller (BSC) and the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), carrying both traffic and signaling information.
Therefore, the interface which connects the BTS to the BSC is the Abis interface.
Important Questions from Satellite Communications
India’s first satellite was named after _______.
The area which receives a signal of useful strength from a satellite is known as the satellite's _______.
On 14 December 1988, the first transatlantic telephone cable to use optical fiber was ______.
When was PSLV first used in India?
A. 1980
B. 1987
C. 1994
D. 2000
- _________ is the handover from a satellite network to a terrestrial cellular network.
