GSM: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Cellular telephone network standard}} |
{{Short description|Cellular telephone network standard}} |
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{{Other uses}}{{Infobox company |
{{Other uses}} |
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{{Infobox company |
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| name = GSM |
| name = GSM |
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| logo_caption = The GSM logo is used to identify compatible devices and equipment. The dots symbolize three clients in the home network and one roaming client.<ref>{{cite web |
| logo_caption = The GSM logo is used to identify compatible devices and equipment. The dots symbolize three clients in the home network and one roaming client.<ref>{{cite web |
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|url-status = dead |
|url-status = dead |
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}}</ref> |
}}</ref> |
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| industry = |
| industry = [[Telecommunication]] |
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| founded = December 1991 |
| founded = {{start date and age|December 1991}} |
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| products = |
| products = Digital cellular networks |
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| website = {{ |
| website = {{URL|https://www.gsma.com/}} |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} |
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Subsequently, the [[3GPP]] developed third-generation ([[3G]]) [[UMTS]] standards, followed by the fourth-generation ([[4G]]) LTE Advanced and the fifth-generation [[5G]] standards, which do not form part of the ETSI GSM standard. |
Subsequently, the [[3GPP]] developed third-generation ([[3G]]) [[UMTS]] standards, followed by the fourth-generation ([[4G]]) LTE Advanced and the fifth-generation [[5G]] standards, which do not form part of the ETSI GSM standard. |
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Beginning in the late 2010s, various carriers worldwide [[#Discontinuation|started to shut down their GSM networks]]. |
Beginning in the late 2010s, various carriers worldwide [[#Discontinuation|started to shut down their GSM networks]]. Nevertheless, as a result of the network's widespread use, the acronym "GSM" is still used as a generic term for the plethora of ''G'' mobile phone technologies evolved from it. |
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== History == |
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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519093843/http://gsmworld.com/about-us/history.htm |archivedate=19 May 2011 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |quote=1982 Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM) is formed by the Confederation of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to design a pan-European mobile technology. |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=etsi_cellhist>{{cite web|url=http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/Technologies/Cellularhistory.aspx |title=Cellular History |year=2011 |work=etsi.org |publisher=European Telecommunications Standards Institute |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217044925/http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/Technologies/Cellularhistory.aspx |archivedate=17 February 2012 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |quote=The task was entrusted to a committee known as Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSMTM), aided by a "permanent nucleus" of technical support personnel, based in Paris. |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Initial European development=== |
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[[File:Dupuis Haug GSM around 1990.jpg|thumb|Thomas Haug (first GSM president) and Philippe Dupuis (second GSM president) during a GSM meeting in Belgium, April 1992]] |
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In 1983, work began to develop a European standard for digital cellular voice telecommunications when the [[European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations]] (CEPT) set up the ''Groupe Spécial Mobile'' (GSM) committee and later provided a permanent technical-support group based in [[Paris]]. Five years later, in 1987, 15 representatives from 13 European countries signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] in [[Copenhagen]] to develop and deploy a common cellular telephone system across Europe, and EU rules were passed to make GSM a mandatory standard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GSM (2nd Generation Mobiles) |url=http://www.cellular-news.com/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130070716/https://www.engagingwithcommunications.com/Technology/Mobiles/GSM/gsm.php |archive-date=2023-01-30 |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=Engaging with Communications}}</ref> The decision to develop a continental standard eventually resulted in a unified, open, standard-based network which was larger than that in the United States.<ref name=zdnet_birthday>{{cite web|url=http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/mobile-devices/2007/09/07/happy-20th-birthday-gsm-39289154/ |title=Happy 20th Birthday, GSM |author=Leader |date=7 September 2007 |work=zdnet.co.uk |publisher=CBS Interactive |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20110505004052/http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/mobile-devices/2007/09/07/happy-20th-birthday-gsm-39289154/ |archivedate=5 May 2011 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |quote=Before GSM, Europe had a disastrous mishmash of national analogue standards in phones and TV, designed to protect national industries but instead creating fragmented markets vulnerable to big guns from abroad. |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=etsi_gsm>{{cite web|url=http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/Technologies/gsm.aspx |title=GSM |year=2011 |work=etsi.org |publisher=European Telecommunications Standards Institute |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211060002/http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/technologies/gsm.aspx |archivedate=11 February 2012 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |quote=GSM was designed principally for voice telephony, but a range of bearer services was defined...allowing circuit-switched data connections at up to 9600 bits/s. |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=gsmworld_history>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsmworld.com/about-us/history.htm |title=History |year=2001 |work=gsmworld.com |publisher=GSM Association |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519093843/http://gsmworld.com/about-us/history.htm |archivedate=19 May 2011 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |quote=1982 Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM) is formed by the Confederation of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to design a pan-European mobile technology. |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=etsi_cellhist>{{cite web|url=http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/Technologies/Cellularhistory.aspx |title=Cellular History |year=2011 |work=etsi.org |publisher=European Telecommunications Standards Institute |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217044925/http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/Technologies/Cellularhistory.aspx |archivedate=17 February 2012 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |quote=The task was entrusted to a committee known as Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSMTM), aided by a "permanent nucleus" of technical support personnel, based in Paris. |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In February 1987 Europe produced the first agreed GSM Technical Specification. Ministers from the four big EU countries cemented their political support for GSM with the Bonn Declaration on Global Information Networks in May and the GSM [[memorandum of understanding|MoU]] was tabled for signature in September. The MoU drew in mobile operators from across Europe to pledge to invest in new GSM networks to an ambitious common date. |
In February 1987 Europe produced the first agreed GSM Technical Specification. Ministers from the four big EU countries cemented their political support for GSM with the Bonn Declaration on Global Information Networks in May and the GSM [[memorandum of understanding|MoU]] was tabled for signature in September. The MoU drew in mobile operators from across Europe to pledge to invest in new GSM networks to an ambitious common date. |
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In this short 38-week period the whole of Europe (countries and industries) had been brought behind GSM in a rare unity and speed guided by four public officials: Armin Silberhorn (Germany), Stephen Temple (UK), [[Philippe |
In this short 38-week period the whole of Europe (countries and industries) had been brought behind GSM in a rare unity and speed guided by four public officials: Armin Silberhorn (Germany), Stephen Temple (UK), [[Philippe Dupuis (engineer)|Philippe Dupuis]] (France), and Renzo Failli (Italy).<ref>{{cite web|title= Who created GSM?|date= 7 January 2007 |url= http://www.gsmhistory.com/created-gsm/ |publisher= Stephen Temple|accessdate= 7 April 2013 |
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|quote= Before GSM, Europe had a disastrous mishmash of national analogue standards in phones and TV, designed to protect national industries but instead creating fragmented markets vulnerable to big guns from abroad.}}</ref> In 1989 the Groupe Spécial Mobile committee was transferred from CEPT to the [[European Telecommunications Standards Institute]] (ETSI).<ref name="etsi_gsm"/><ref name="gsmworld_history"/><ref name="etsi_cellhist"/> |
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The IEEE/RSE awarded to [[Thomas Haug]] and [[Philippe Dupuis (engineer)|Philippe Dupuis]] the 2018 [[IEEE/RSE James Clerk Maxwell Medal|James Clerk Maxwell medal]] for their "leadership in the development of the first international mobile communications standard with subsequent evolution into worldwide smartphone data communication".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ieee-ukandireland.org/duke-of-cambridge-presents-maxwell-medals-to-gsm-developers/|title=Duke of Cambridge Presents Maxwell Medals to GSM Developers|publisher= IEEE United Kingdom and Ireland Section|date= 2018-09-01|access-date= 2020-12-10}}</ref> The GSM (2G) has evolved into 3G, 4G and 5G. |
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=== First networks === |
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[[File:GSM-Telefone-1991.jpg|thumb|alt=Prototype GSM phones from 1991|Prototype GSM phones]] |
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In parallel [[France]] and [[Germany]] signed a joint development agreement in 1984 and were joined by [[Italy]] and the [[United Kingdom|UK]] in 1986. In 1986, the [[European Commission]] proposed reserving the 900 MHz spectrum band for GSM. It was long believed that the former [[Finland|Finnish]] prime minister [[Harri Holkeri]] made the world's first GSM call on 1 July 1991, calling [[Kaarina Suonio]] (deputy mayor of the city of [[Tampere]]) using a network built by [[Nokia Siemens Networks|Nokia and Siemens]] and [[mobile network operator|operated]] by [[Radiolinja]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.yle.fi/elavaarkisto/?s=s&g=1&ag=86&t=586&a=5126 |title= Maailman ensimmäinen GSM-puhelu |trans-title= World's first GSM call |date= 22 February 2008 |work= yle.fi |publisher= Yelisradio OY |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706064231/http://www.yle.fi/elavaarkisto/?s=s&g=1&ag=86&t=586&a=5126 |archivedate= 6 July 2011 |accessdate= 5 May 2011 |quote= Harri Holkeri made the first call on the Radiolinja (Elisa's subsidiary) network, at the opening ceremony in Helsinki on 07.01.1991. |url-status= dead}}</ref> In 2021 a former Nokia engineer [[Pekka Lonka]] revealed to {{lang|fi|[[Helsingin Sanomat]]}} making a test call just a couple of hours earlier. "World's first GSM call was actually made by me. I called Marjo Jousinen, in Salo.", Lonka informed.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hs.fi/visio/art-2000008075194.html |title= Ensimmäinen gsm-puhelu soitettiin 30 vuotta sitten |trans-title= World's first GSM call was made 30 years ago |date= 1 July 2021 |work= hs.fi |publisher= Helsingin Sanomat |accessdate= 11 October 2022 |quote= Tasan 30 vuotta sitten Esplanadin puistossa tehtiin historiaa. Kulisseissa vaikutti Nokian nykyinen toimitusjohtaja Pekka Lundmark. Hän uskoo, että seuraava murros kestää ainakin 10 vuotta. }}</ref> The following year saw the sending of the first [[short messaging service]] (SMS or "text message") message, and [[Vodafone UK]] and Telecom Finland signed the first international [[roaming]] agreement. |
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=== Enhancements === |
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Work began in 1991 to expand the GSM standard to the 1800 MHz frequency band and the first 1800 MHz network became operational in the UK by 1993, called and DCS 1800. Also that year, [[Telstra]] became the first network operator to deploy a GSM network outside Europe and the first practical hand-held GSM [[mobile phone]] became available. |
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In 1995 fax, data and SMS messaging services were launched commercially, the first 1900 MHz GSM network became operational in the United States and GSM subscribers worldwide exceeded 10 million. In the same year, the [[GSM Association]] formed. Pre-paid GSM SIM cards were launched in 1996 and worldwide GSM subscribers passed 100 million in 1998.<ref name=gsmworld_history /> |
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In 2000 the first commercial [[General Packet Radio Service]] (GPRS) services were launched and the first GPRS-compatible handsets became available for sale. In 2001, the first UMTS (W-CDMA) network was launched, a 3G technology that is not part of GSM. Worldwide GSM subscribers exceeded 500 million. In 2002, the first [[Multimedia Messaging Service]] (MMS) was introduced and the first GSM network in the 800 MHz frequency band became operational. [[Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution]] (EDGE) services first became operational in a network in 2003, and the number of worldwide GSM subscribers exceeded 1 billion in 2004.<ref name=gsmworld_history /> |
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By 2005 GSM networks accounted for more than 75% of the worldwide cellular network market, serving 1.5 billion subscribers. In 2005, the first [[HSDPA]]-capable network also became operational. The first [[HSUPA]] network launched in 2007. ([[High Speed Packet Access]] (HSPA) and its uplink and downlink versions are 3G technologies, not part of GSM.) Worldwide GSM subscribers exceeded three billion in 2008.<ref name=gsmworld_history /> |
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=== Adoption === |
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The [[GSM Association]] estimated in 2011 that technologies defined in the GSM standard served 80% of the mobile market, encompassing more than 5 billion people across more than 212 countries and territories, making GSM the most ubiquitous of the many standards for cellular networks.<ref name=gsma_stats>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsmworld.com/newsroom/market-data/market_data_summary.htm |title=GSM World statistics |year=2010 |work=gsmworld.com |publisher=GSM Association |accessdate=8 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521013451/http://www.gsmworld.com/newsroom/market-data/market_data_summary.htm |archivedate=21 May 2010 }}</ref> |
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GSM is a second-generation (2G) standard employing time-division multiple-access (TDMA) spectrum-sharing, issued by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). The GSM standard does not include the 3G [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System]] (UMTS), [[code-division multiple access]] (CDMA) technology, nor the 4G LTE [[orthogonal frequency-division multiple access]] (OFDMA) technology standards issued by the 3GPP.<ref>{{cite web|title= Mobile technologies GSM|url= http://www.etsi.org/technologies-clusters/technologies/mobile/gsm?highlight=YToxOntpOjA7czozOiJnc20iO30=|accessdate= 7 November 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140330060902/http://www.etsi.org/technologies-clusters/technologies/mobile/gsm?highlight=YToxOntpOjA7czozOiJnc20iO30=|archive-date= 30 March 2014|url-status= dead}}</ref> |
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GSM, for the first time, set a common standard for Europe for wireless networks. It was also adopted by many countries outside Europe. This allowed subscribers to use other GSM networks that have roaming agreements with each other. The common standard reduced research and development costs, since hardware and software could be sold with only minor adaptations for the local market.<ref>{{Cite book |author= Martin Sauter |title= From GSM to LTE-Advanced : An Introduction to Mobile Networks and Mobile Broadband |edition= Second |publisher= John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated |date= 23 June 2014 |isbn= 9781118861929 }}</ref> |
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=== Discontinuation === |
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{{See also|2G#Phase-out}} |
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[[Telstra]] in [[Australia]] shut down its 2G GSM network on 1 December 2016, the first mobile network operator to decommission a GSM network.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/12/02/telstra-switches-off-gsm-network/ |title=Telstra switches off GSM network |publisher=TeleGeography |date=2016-12-02 |accessdate=2016-12-02}}</ref> The second mobile provider to shut down its GSM network (on 1 January 2017) was [[AT&T Mobility]] from the [[United States]].<ref>[[bmobile]] in [[Trinidad and Tobago]] shut down its 2G GSM network in December 2017. |
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{{cite web |
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|url= https://www.business.att.com/content/other/2G-Sunset-FAQ_2016.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510144041/https://www.business.att.com/content/other/2G-Sunset-FAQ_2016.pdf |archive-date=2016-05-10 |url-status=live |
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|title= 2G Sunset |work= ATT Mobility |
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|accessdate= 10 August 2016 |
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}} |
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</ref> |
</ref> |
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[[Optus]] in [[Australia]] completed the shut down of its 2G GSM network on 1 August 2017, part of the Optus GSM network covering [[Western Australia]] and the [[Northern Territory]] had earlier in the year been shut down in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-08-01|title=Optus to complete 2G network turn off|url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2017/07/optus-to-complete-2g-network-turn-off |
[[Optus]] in [[Australia]] completed the shut down of its 2G GSM network on 1 August 2017, part of the Optus GSM network covering [[Western Australia]] and the [[Northern Territory]] had earlier in the year been shut down in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-08-01|title=Optus to complete 2G network turn off|url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2017/07/optus-to-complete-2g-network-turn-off|accessdate=2020-11-20|publisher=Optus}}</ref> |
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[[Singapore]] shut down 2G services entirely in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.m1.com.sg/AboutM1/NewsReleases/2017/2G%20services%20to%20cease%20on%201%20April%202017.aspx |title=Joint Media Release by IMDA, M1, Singtel & StarHub: 2G services to cease on 1 April 2017 |publisher=M1 |date=2017-03-27 |accessdate=2017-10-22}}</ref> |
[[Singapore]] shut down 2G services entirely in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.m1.com.sg/AboutM1/NewsReleases/2017/2G%20services%20to%20cease%20on%201%20April%202017.aspx |title=Joint Media Release by IMDA, M1, Singtel & StarHub: 2G services to cease on 1 April 2017 |publisher=M1 |date=2017-03-27 |accessdate=2017-10-22}}</ref> |
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== Technical details == |
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[[File:Gsm structures.svg|thumb|upright=1.6|The structure of a GSM network]] |
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{{Main|GSM services}} |
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=== Network structure === |
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The network is structured into several discrete sections: |
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* [[Base station subsystem]] – the base stations and their controllers |
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* [[Network and Switching Subsystem]] – the part of the network most similar to a fixed network, sometimes just called the "core network" |
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* [[GPRS Core Network]] – the optional part which allows packet-based Internet connections |
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* [[Operations support system]] (OSS) – network maintenance |
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=== Base-station subsystem === |
=== Base-station subsystem === |
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* [[femtocell|femto]], and |
* [[femtocell|femto]], and |
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* umbrella cells |
* umbrella cells |
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The coverage area of each cell varies according to the implementation environment. Macro cells can be regarded as cells where the [[base station|base-station]] [[antenna (electronics)|antenna]] is installed on a mast or a building above average rooftop level. Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average rooftop level; they are typically deployed in urban areas. Picocells are small cells whose coverage diameter is a few dozen meters; they are mainly used indoors. Femtocells are cells designed for use in residential or [[small business|small-business]] environments and connect to a [[telecommunications service provider]]'s network via a [[broadband internet|broadband-internet]] connection. Umbrella cells are used to cover shadowed regions of smaller cells and to fill in gaps in coverage between those cells. |
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Cell horizontal radius varies – depending on antenna height, [[antenna gain]], and [[propagation (disambiguation)|propagation]] conditions – from a couple of hundred meters to several tens of kilometers. The longest distance the GSM specification supports in practical use is {{convert|35|km|mi|0}}. There are also several implementations of the concept of an extended cell,<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/electronics/computer-electronics-manufacturing/6838169-1.html Motorola Demonstrates Long Range GSM Capability – 300% More Coverage With New Extended Cell]. {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120219003334/http://www.allbusiness.com/electronics/computer-electronics-manufacturing/6838169-1.html |date= 19 February 2012 }}</ref> where the cell radius could be double or even more, depending on the antenna system, the type of terrain, and the [[timing advance]]. |
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GSM supports indoor coverage – achievable by using an indoor picocell base station, or an [[Cellular repeater|indoor repeater]] with distributed indoor antennas fed through power splitters – to deliver the radio signals from an antenna outdoors to the separate indoor distributed antenna system. Picocells are typically deployed when significant call capacity is needed indoors, as in shopping centers or airports. However, this is not a prerequisite, since indoor coverage is also provided by in-building penetration of radio signals from any nearby cell. |
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==== GSM carrier frequencies ==== |
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{{Main|GSM frequency bands}} |
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GSM networks operate in a number of different [[carrier frequency]] ranges (separated into [[GSM frequency ranges]] for 2G and [[UMTS frequency bands]] for 3G), with most [[2G]] GSM networks operating in the 900 MHz or 1800 MHz bands. Where these bands were already allocated, the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands were used instead (for example in Canada and the United States). In rare cases the 400 and 450 MHz frequency bands are assigned in some countries because they were previously used for first-generation systems. |
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For comparison, most [[3G]] networks in Europe operate in the 2100 MHz frequency band. For more information on worldwide GSM frequency usage, see [[GSM frequency bands]]. |
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Regardless of the frequency selected by an operator, it is divided into [[time-division multiplexing|timeslots]] for individual phones. This allows eight full-rate or sixteen half-rate speech channels per [[radio frequency]]. These eight radio timeslots (or [[burst transmission|burst]] periods) are grouped into a [[Time-division multiple access|TDMA]] frame. Half-rate channels use alternate frames in the same timeslot. The channel data rate for all {{nowrap|8 channels}} is {{nowrap|270.833 kbit/s,}} and the frame duration is {{nowrap|4.615 ms.}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=GSM Frame Structure: Multiframe Superframe Hyperframe » Electronics Notes |url=https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/2g-gsm/frame-structure-superframe-hyperframe-multiframe.php |access-date=2023-02-09 |website=www.electronics-notes.com}}</ref> TDMA noise is interference that can be heard on speakers near a GSM phone using TDMA, audible as a buzzing sound.<ref>https://www.ti.com/lit/an/snaa033d/snaa033d.pdf</ref> |
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The transmission power in the handset is limited to a maximum of 2 watts in {{nowrap|GSM 850/900}} and {{nowrap|1 watt}} in {{nowrap|GSM 1800/1900}}. |
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==== Voice codecs ==== |
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GSM has used a variety of voice [[codec]]s to squeeze 3.1 kHz audio into between 7 and 13 kbit/s. Originally, two codecs, named after the types of data channel they were allocated, were used, called [[Half Rate]] (6.5 kbit/s) and [[Full Rate]] (13 kbit/s). These used a system based on [[linear predictive coding]] (LPC). In addition to being efficient with [[bitrate]]s, these codecs also made it easier to identify more important parts of the audio, allowing the air interface layer to prioritize and better protect these parts of the signal. GSM was further enhanced in 1997<ref> |
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{{cite web |
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| url= http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/06_series/06.51/0651-401.zip |
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| publisher= ETSI |title= GSM 06.51 version 4.0.1 |
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| date = December 1997 |
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| format= ZIP |accessdate= 5 September 2007 |
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}} |
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</ref> |
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with the [[enhanced full rate]] (EFR) codec, a 12.2 kbit/s codec that uses a full-rate channel. Finally, with the development of [[UMTS]], EFR was refactored into a variable-rate codec called [[Adaptive Multi-Rate|AMR-Narrowband]], which is high quality and robust against interference when used on full-rate channels, or less robust but still relatively high quality when used in good radio conditions on half-rate channel. |
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=== Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) === |
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[[File:Nano Sim.jpg|thumb|A nano sim used in mobile phones]] |
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One of the key features of GSM is the [[Subscriber Identity Module]], commonly known as a '''SIM card'''. The SIM is a detachable [[smart card]]<ref name=":0" /> containing a user's subscription information and phone book. This allows users to retain their information after switching handsets. Alternatively, users can change networks or network identities without switching handsets - simply by changing the SIM. |
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=== Phone locking === |
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Sometimes [[mobile network operator]]s restrict handsets that they sell for exclusive use in their own network. This is called [[SIM lock]]ing and is implemented by a software feature of the phone. A subscriber may usually contact the provider to remove the lock for a fee, utilize private services to remove the lock, or use software and websites to unlock the handset themselves. It is possible to hack past a phone locked by a network operator. |
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In some countries and regions (e.g. [[Brazil]] and [[Germany]]) all phones are sold unlocked due to the abundance of dual-SIM handsets and operators.<ref name="German_Unlock">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/technology/21iphone.html|title=iPhone Must Be Offered Without Contract Restrictions, German Court Rules|accessdate=2 February 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|year=2007|author=Victoria Shannon}}</ref> |
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==GSM security== |
==GSM security== |
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GSM was intended to be a secure wireless system. It has considered the user authentication using a [[pre-shared key]] and [[challenge–response authentication|challenge–response]], and over-the-air encryption. However, GSM is vulnerable to different types of attack, each of them aimed at a different part of the network.<ref>[http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=4756489 Solutions to the GSM Security Weaknesses], Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Next Generation Mobile Applications, Services, and Technologies (NGMAST2008), pp.576–581, Cardiff, UK, September 2008, {{arxiv|1002.3175}}</ref> |
GSM was intended to be a secure wireless system. It has considered the user authentication using a [[pre-shared key]] and [[challenge–response authentication|challenge–response]], and over-the-air encryption. However, GSM is vulnerable to different types of attack, each of them aimed at a different part of the network.<ref>[http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=4756489 Solutions to the GSM Security Weaknesses], Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Next Generation Mobile Applications, Services, and Technologies (NGMAST2008), pp.576–581, Cardiff, UK, September 2008, {{arxiv|1002.3175}}</ref> |
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Research findings indicate that GSM faces susceptibility to hacking by [[Script kiddie|script kiddies]], a term referring to inexperienced individuals utilizing readily available hardware and software. The vulnerability arises from the accessibility of tools such as a DVB-T TV tuner, posing a threat to both mobile and network users. Despite the term "script kiddies" implying a lack of sophisticated skills, the consequences of their attacks on GSM can be severe, impacting the functionality of [[Cellular network|cellular networks]]. Given that GSM continues to be the main source of cellular technology in numerous countries, its susceptibility to potential threats from malicious attacks is one that needs to be addressed.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Ntantogian |first1=Christoforos |title=Attacking GSM Networks as a Script Kiddie Using Commodity Hardware and Software |date=2015 |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-22906-5_6 |work=Trust, Privacy and Security in Digital Business |volume=9264 |pages=73–86 |editor-last=Fischer-Hübner |editor-first=Simone |access-date=2023-12-14 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-22906-5_6 |isbn=978-3-319-22905-8 |last2=Valtas |first2=Grigoris |last3=Kapetanakis |first3=Nikos |last4=Lalagiannis |first4=Faidon |last5=Karopoulos |first5=Georgios |last6=Xenakis |first6=Christos |editor2-last=Lambrinoudakis |editor2-first=Costas |editor3-last=López |editor3-first=Javier}}</ref> |
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The development of [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]] introduced an optional [[Universal Subscriber Identity Module]] (USIM), that uses a longer authentication key to give greater security, as well as mutually authenticating the network and the user, whereas GSM only authenticates the user to the network (and not vice versa). The security model therefore offers confidentiality and authentication, but limited authorization capabilities, and no [[non-repudiation]]. |
The development of [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]] introduced an optional [[Universal Subscriber Identity Module]] (USIM), that uses a longer authentication key to give greater security, as well as mutually authenticating the network and the user, whereas GSM only authenticates the user to the network (and not vice versa). The security model therefore offers confidentiality and authentication, but limited authorization capabilities, and no [[non-repudiation]]. |
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GSM uses several cryptographic algorithms for security. The [[A5/1]], [[A5/2]], and [[A5/3]] [[stream cipher]]s are used for ensuring over-the-air voice privacy. A5/1 was developed first and is a stronger algorithm used within Europe and the United States; A5/2 is weaker and used in other countries. Serious weaknesses have been found in both algorithms: it is possible to break A5/2 in real-time with a [[ciphertext-only attack]], and in January 2007, The Hacker's Choice started the A5/1 cracking project with plans to use [[FPGA]]s that allow A5/1 to be broken with a [[rainbow table]] attack.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/7227619/Cracking-a5-THC-Wiki|title=The A5/1 Cracking Project|via=Scribd|accessdate=3 November 2011}}</ref> The system supports multiple algorithms so operators may replace that cipher with a stronger one. |
GSM uses several cryptographic algorithms for security. The [[A5/1]], [[A5/2]], and [[A5/3]] [[stream cipher]]s are used for ensuring over-the-air voice privacy. A5/1 was developed first and is a stronger algorithm used within Europe and the United States; A5/2 is weaker and used in other countries. Serious weaknesses have been found in both algorithms: it is possible to break A5/2 in real-time with a [[ciphertext-only attack]], and in January 2007, The Hacker's Choice started the A5/1 cracking project with plans to use [[FPGA]]s that allow A5/1 to be broken with a [[rainbow table]] attack.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/7227619/Cracking-a5-THC-Wiki|title=The A5/1 Cracking Project|via=Scribd|accessdate=3 November 2011}}</ref> The system supports multiple algorithms so operators may replace that cipher with a stronger one. |
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Since 2000, different efforts have been made in order to crack the A5 encryption algorithms. Both A5/1 and A5/2 algorithms have been broken, and their cryptanalysis has been revealed in the literature. As an example, [[Karsten Nohl]] developed a number of [[rainbow table]]s (static values which reduce the time needed to carry out an attack) and have found new sources for [[known plaintext attack]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/technology/29hack.html|title=Cellphone Encryption Code Is Divulged|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Kevin J. O'Brien|date=28 December 2009}}</ref> He said that it is possible to build "a full GSM interceptor...from open-source components" but that they had not done so because of legal concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reflextor.com/trac/a51 |title=A5/1 Cracking Project |accessdate=30 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225000805/http://reflextor.com/trac/a51/ |archivedate=25 December 2009 }}</ref> Nohl claimed that he was able to intercept voice and text conversations by impersonating another user to listen to [[voicemail]], make calls, or send text messages using a seven-year-old [[Motorola]] cellphone and decryption software available for free online.<ref> |
Since 2000, different efforts have been made in order to crack the A5 encryption algorithms. Both A5/1 and A5/2 algorithms have been broken, and their [[cryptanalysis]] has been revealed in the literature. As an example, [[Karsten Nohl]] developed a number of [[rainbow table]]s (static values which reduce the time needed to carry out an attack) and have found new sources for [[known plaintext attack]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/technology/29hack.html|title=Cellphone Encryption Code Is Divulged|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Kevin J. O'Brien|date=28 December 2009}}</ref> He said that it is possible to build "a full GSM interceptor{{nbsp}}... from open-source components" but that they had not done so because of legal concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reflextor.com/trac/a51 |title=A5/1 Cracking Project |accessdate=30 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225000805/http://reflextor.com/trac/a51/ |archivedate=25 December 2009 }}</ref> Nohl claimed that he was able to intercept voice and text conversations by impersonating another user to listen to [[voicemail]], make calls, or send text messages using a seven-year-old [[Motorola]] cellphone and decryption software available for free online.<ref> |
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{{cite web |
{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-gsm-unsafe-expert.html |
|url=http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-gsm-unsafe-expert.html |
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The researchers revealed flaws in the commonly used GEA/1 and GEA/2 (standing for GPRS Encryption Algorithms 1 and 2) ciphers and published the open-source "gprsdecode" software for [[Packet analyzer|sniffing]] GPRS networks. They also noted that some carriers do not encrypt the data (i.e., using GEA/0) in order to detect the use of traffic or protocols they do not like (e.g., [[Skype]]), leaving customers unprotected. GEA/3 seems to remain relatively hard to break and is said to be in use on some more modern networks. If used with [[Subscriber Identity Module|USIM]] to prevent connections to fake base stations and [[downgrade attack]]s, users will be protected in the medium term, though migration to 128-bit GEA/4 is still recommended. |
The researchers revealed flaws in the commonly used GEA/1 and GEA/2 (standing for GPRS Encryption Algorithms 1 and 2) ciphers and published the open-source "gprsdecode" software for [[Packet analyzer|sniffing]] GPRS networks. They also noted that some carriers do not encrypt the data (i.e., using GEA/0) in order to detect the use of traffic or protocols they do not like (e.g., [[Skype]]), leaving customers unprotected. GEA/3 seems to remain relatively hard to break and is said to be in use on some more modern networks. If used with [[Subscriber Identity Module|USIM]] to prevent connections to fake base stations and [[downgrade attack]]s, users will be protected in the medium term, though migration to 128-bit GEA/4 is still recommended. |
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The first public cryptanalysis of GEA/1 and GEA/2 (also written GEA-1 and GEA-2) was done in 2021. It concluded that although using a 64-bit key, the GEA-1 algorithm actually provides only 40 bits of security, due to a relationship between two parts of the algorithm. The researchers found that this relationship was very unlikely to have happened if it |
The first public cryptanalysis of GEA/1 and GEA/2 (also written GEA-1 and GEA-2) was done in 2021. It concluded that although using a 64-bit key, the GEA-1 algorithm actually provides only 40 bits of security, due to a relationship between two parts of the algorithm. The researchers found that this relationship was very unlikely to have happened if it was not intentional. This may have been done in order to satisfy European controls on export of cryptographic programs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bombshell Report Finds Phone Network Encryption Was Deliberately Weakened|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/4avnan/bombshell-report-finds-phone-network-encryption-was-deliberately-weakened|date=Jun 12, 2021|website=www.vice.com|author=Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |display-authors=etal|last1=Christof Beierle |title=Advances in Cryptology – EUROCRYPT 2021 |chapter=Cryptanalysis of the GPRS Encryption Algorithms GEA-1 and GEA-2 |series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science |date=Jun 18, 2021 |volume=12697 |pages=155–183 |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-77886-6_6 |isbn=978-3-030-77885-9 |s2cid=235452714 |url=https://eprint.iacr.org/2021/819.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616151111/https://eprint.iacr.org/2021/819.pdf |archive-date=2021-06-16 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Matthew Sparks |title=Flaw in old mobile phone encryption code could be used for snooping|journal=New Scientist |date=Jun 17, 2021 |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2281423-flaw-in-old-mobile-phone-encryption-code-could-be-used-for-snooping/}}</ref> |
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== Standards information == |
== Standards information == |
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The original GSM implementations from 1991 may now be entirely free of patent encumbrances, however patent freedom is not certain due to the United States' "first to invent" system that was in place until 2012. The "first to invent" system, coupled with "patent term adjustment" can extend the life of a U.S. patent far beyond 20 years from its priority date. It is unclear at this time whether [[OpenBTS]] will be able to implement features of that initial specification without limit. As patents subsequently expire, however, those features can be added into the open-source version. {{as of|2011}}, there have been no lawsuits against users of OpenBTS over GSM use.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} |
The original GSM implementations from 1991 may now be entirely free of patent encumbrances, however patent freedom is not certain due to the United States' "first to invent" system that was in place until 2012. The "first to invent" system, coupled with "patent term adjustment" can extend the life of a U.S. patent far beyond 20 years from its priority date. It is unclear at this time whether [[OpenBTS]] will be able to implement features of that initial specification without limit. As patents subsequently expire, however, those features can be added into the open-source version. {{as of|2011}}, there have been no lawsuits against users of OpenBTS over GSM use.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} |
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== See also == |
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<!-- New links in alphabetical order please --> |
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=== Base-station subsystem === |
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{{div col|colwidth=30em}} |
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{{Main|Base station subsystem}} |
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* [[Cellular network]] |
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[[File:Kathrein antenna.jpg|thumb|150px|GSM [[cell site]] antennas in the [[Deutsches Museum]], [[Munich]], [[Germany]]]] |
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* [[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution]] (EDGE) |
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* [[Call forwarding#Mobile (cell) phones|GSM forwarding standard features codes]] – list of call forward codes working with all operators and phones |
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GSM utilizes a [[cellular network]], meaning that [[cell phone]]s connect to it by searching for cells in the immediate vicinity. There are five different cell sizes in a GSM network: |
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* [[GSM frequency bands]] |
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* [[ |
* [[GSM modem]] |
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* [[ |
* [[GSM services]] |
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* [[ |
** [[Cell Broadcast]] |
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* [[ |
** [[GSM localization]] |
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** [[Multimedia Messaging Service]] (MMS) |
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* umbrella cells |
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** [[NITZ]] Network Identity and Time Zone |
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** [[Wireless Application Protocol]] (WAP) |
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* [[GSM-R]] (GSM-Railway) |
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* [[Unstructured Supplementary Service Data|GSM USSD codes]] – Unstructured Supplementary Service Data: list of all standard GSM codes for network and SIM related functions |
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* [[Handoff]] |
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* [[High-Speed Downlink Packet Access]] (HSDPA) |
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* [[International Mobile Equipment Identity]] (IMEI) |
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* [[International Mobile Subscriber Identity]] (IMSI) |
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* [[LTE (telecommunication)|Long Term Evolution]] (LTE) |
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* [[MSISDN]] Mobile Subscriber ISDN Number |
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* [[Nordic Mobile Telephone]] (NMT) |
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* [[ORFS]] |
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* [[Personal communications network]] (PCN) |
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* [[RTP audio video profile]] |
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* [[Network simulation|Simulation of GSM networks]] |
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* Standards |
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** [[Comparison of mobile phone standards]] |
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** [[GEO-Mobile Radio Interface]] |
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** [[GSM 02.07]] – Cellphone features |
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** [[GSM 03.48]] – Security mechanisms for the SIM application toolkit |
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** [[Intelligent Network]] |
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** [[Parlay X]] |
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** [[RRLP]] – Radio Resource Location Protocol |
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* [[Um interface]] |
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* [[Visitors Location Register]] (VLR) |
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{{Div col end}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gsm}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gsm}} |
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[[Category:ETSI]] |
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[[Category:Telecommunications-related introductions in 1991]]<!-- Year first GSM network was launched--> |
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[[Category:GSM standard]] |
[[Category:GSM standard]] |
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[[Category:Telecommunications-related introductions in 1991]]<!-- Year first GSM network was launched--> |
Revision as of 03:18, 4 July 2024
![]() The GSM logo is used to identify compatible devices and equipment. The dots symbolize three clients in the home network and one roaming client.[1] | |
Industry | Telecommunication |
---|---|
Founded | December 1991 |
Successor | 3G ![]() |
Products | Digital cellular networks |
Website | www |
The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is a standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to describe the protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks used by mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets. GSM is also a trade mark owned by the GSM Association.[2] GSM may also refer to the Full Rate voice codec.[3]
It was first implemented in Finland in December 1991.[4] By the mid-2010s, it became a global standard for mobile communications achieving over 90% market share, and operating in over 193 countries and territories.[5]
2G networks developed as a replacement for first generation (1G) analog cellular networks. The GSM standard originally described a digital, circuit-switched network optimized for full duplex voice telephony. This expanded over time to include data communications, first by circuit-switched transport, then by packet data transport via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE).
Subsequently, the 3GPP developed third-generation (3G) UMTS standards, followed by the fourth-generation (4G) LTE Advanced and the fifth-generation 5G standards, which do not form part of the ETSI GSM standard.
Beginning in the late 2010s, various carriers worldwide started to shut down their GSM networks. Nevertheless, as a result of the network's widespread use, the acronym "GSM" is still used as a generic term for the plethora of G mobile phone technologies evolved from it.
History
Initial European development
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Dupuis_Haug_GSM_around_1990.jpg/220px-Dupuis_Haug_GSM_around_1990.jpg)
In 1983, work began to develop a European standard for digital cellular voice telecommunications when the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) set up the Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) committee and later provided a permanent technical-support group based in Paris. Five years later, in 1987, 15 representatives from 13 European countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Copenhagen to develop and deploy a common cellular telephone system across Europe, and EU rules were passed to make GSM a mandatory standard.[6] The decision to develop a continental standard eventually resulted in a unified, open, standard-based network which was larger than that in the United States.[7][8][9][10]
In February 1987 Europe produced the first agreed GSM Technical Specification. Ministers from the four big EU countries cemented their political support for GSM with the Bonn Declaration on Global Information Networks in May and the GSM MoU was tabled for signature in September. The MoU drew in mobile operators from across Europe to pledge to invest in new GSM networks to an ambitious common date.
In this short 38-week period the whole of Europe (countries and industries) had been brought behind GSM in a rare unity and speed guided by four public officials: Armin Silberhorn (Germany), Stephen Temple (UK), Philippe Dupuis (France), and Renzo Failli (Italy).[11] In 1989 the Groupe Spécial Mobile committee was transferred from CEPT to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).[8][9][10] The IEEE/RSE awarded to Thomas Haug and Philippe Dupuis the 2018 James Clerk Maxwell medal for their "leadership in the development of the first international mobile communications standard with subsequent evolution into worldwide smartphone data communication".[12] The GSM (2G) has evolved into 3G, 4G and 5G.
First networks
![Prototype GSM phones from 1991](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/GSM-Telefone-1991.jpg/220px-GSM-Telefone-1991.jpg)
In parallel France and Germany signed a joint development agreement in 1984 and were joined by Italy and the UK in 1986. In 1986, the European Commission proposed reserving the 900 MHz spectrum band for GSM. It was long believed that the former Finnish prime minister Harri Holkeri made the world's first GSM call on 1 July 1991, calling Kaarina Suonio (deputy mayor of the city of Tampere) using a network built by Nokia and Siemens and operated by Radiolinja.[13] In 2021 a former Nokia engineer Pekka Lonka revealed to Helsingin Sanomat making a test call just a couple of hours earlier. "World's first GSM call was actually made by me. I called Marjo Jousinen, in Salo.", Lonka informed.[14] The following year saw the sending of the first short messaging service (SMS or "text message") message, and Vodafone UK and Telecom Finland signed the first international roaming agreement.
Enhancements
Work began in 1991 to expand the GSM standard to the 1800 MHz frequency band and the first 1800 MHz network became operational in the UK by 1993, called and DCS 1800. Also that year, Telstra became the first network operator to deploy a GSM network outside Europe and the first practical hand-held GSM mobile phone became available.
In 1995 fax, data and SMS messaging services were launched commercially, the first 1900 MHz GSM network became operational in the United States and GSM subscribers worldwide exceeded 10 million. In the same year, the GSM Association formed. Pre-paid GSM SIM cards were launched in 1996 and worldwide GSM subscribers passed 100 million in 1998.[9]
In 2000 the first commercial General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) services were launched and the first GPRS-compatible handsets became available for sale. In 2001, the first UMTS (W-CDMA) network was launched, a 3G technology that is not part of GSM. Worldwide GSM subscribers exceeded 500 million. In 2002, the first Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) was introduced and the first GSM network in the 800 MHz frequency band became operational. Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) services first became operational in a network in 2003, and the number of worldwide GSM subscribers exceeded 1 billion in 2004.[9]
By 2005 GSM networks accounted for more than 75% of the worldwide cellular network market, serving 1.5 billion subscribers. In 2005, the first HSDPA-capable network also became operational. The first HSUPA network launched in 2007. (High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and its uplink and downlink versions are 3G technologies, not part of GSM.) Worldwide GSM subscribers exceeded three billion in 2008.[9]
Adoption
The GSM Association estimated in 2011 that technologies defined in the GSM standard served 80% of the mobile market, encompassing more than 5 billion people across more than 212 countries and territories, making GSM the most ubiquitous of the many standards for cellular networks.[15]
GSM is a second-generation (2G) standard employing time-division multiple-access (TDMA) spectrum-sharing, issued by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). The GSM standard does not include the 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), code-division multiple access (CDMA) technology, nor the 4G LTE orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) technology standards issued by the 3GPP.[16]
GSM, for the first time, set a common standard for Europe for wireless networks. It was also adopted by many countries outside Europe. This allowed subscribers to use other GSM networks that have roaming agreements with each other. The common standard reduced research and development costs, since hardware and software could be sold with only minor adaptations for the local market.[17]
Discontinuation
Telstra in Australia shut down its 2G GSM network on 1 December 2016, the first mobile network operator to decommission a GSM network.[18] The second mobile provider to shut down its GSM network (on 1 January 2017) was AT&T Mobility from the United States.[19] Optus in Australia completed the shut down of its 2G GSM network on 1 August 2017, part of the Optus GSM network covering Western Australia and the Northern Territory had earlier in the year been shut down in April 2017.[20] Singapore shut down 2G services entirely in April 2017.[21]
Technical details
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Gsm_structures.svg/350px-Gsm_structures.svg.png)
Network structure
The network is structured into several discrete sections:
- Base station subsystem – the base stations and their controllers
- Network and Switching Subsystem – the part of the network most similar to a fixed network, sometimes just called the "core network"
- GPRS Core Network – the optional part which allows packet-based Internet connections
- Operations support system (OSS) – network maintenance
Base-station subsystem
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Kathrein_antenna.jpg/150px-Kathrein_antenna.jpg)
GSM utilizes a cellular network, meaning that cell phones connect to it by searching for cells in the immediate vicinity. There are five different cell sizes in a GSM network:
The coverage area of each cell varies according to the implementation environment. Macro cells can be regarded as cells where the base-station antenna is installed on a mast or a building above average rooftop level. Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average rooftop level; they are typically deployed in urban areas. Picocells are small cells whose coverage diameter is a few dozen meters; they are mainly used indoors. Femtocells are cells designed for use in residential or small-business environments and connect to a telecommunications service provider's network via a broadband-internet connection. Umbrella cells are used to cover shadowed regions of smaller cells and to fill in gaps in coverage between those cells.
Cell horizontal radius varies – depending on antenna height, antenna gain, and propagation conditions – from a couple of hundred meters to several tens of kilometers. The longest distance the GSM specification supports in practical use is 35 kilometres (22 mi). There are also several implementations of the concept of an extended cell,[22] where the cell radius could be double or even more, depending on the antenna system, the type of terrain, and the timing advance.
GSM supports indoor coverage – achievable by using an indoor picocell base station, or an indoor repeater with distributed indoor antennas fed through power splitters – to deliver the radio signals from an antenna outdoors to the separate indoor distributed antenna system. Picocells are typically deployed when significant call capacity is needed indoors, as in shopping centers or airports. However, this is not a prerequisite, since indoor coverage is also provided by in-building penetration of radio signals from any nearby cell.
GSM carrier frequencies
GSM networks operate in a number of different carrier frequency ranges (separated into GSM frequency ranges for 2G and UMTS frequency bands for 3G), with most 2G GSM networks operating in the 900 MHz or 1800 MHz bands. Where these bands were already allocated, the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands were used instead (for example in Canada and the United States). In rare cases the 400 and 450 MHz frequency bands are assigned in some countries because they were previously used for first-generation systems.
For comparison, most 3G networks in Europe operate in the 2100 MHz frequency band. For more information on worldwide GSM frequency usage, see GSM frequency bands.
Regardless of the frequency selected by an operator, it is divided into timeslots for individual phones. This allows eight full-rate or sixteen half-rate speech channels per radio frequency. These eight radio timeslots (or burst periods) are grouped into a TDMA frame. Half-rate channels use alternate frames in the same timeslot. The channel data rate for all 8 channels is 270.833 kbit/s, and the frame duration is 4.615 ms.[23] TDMA noise is interference that can be heard on speakers near a GSM phone using TDMA, audible as a buzzing sound.[24]
The transmission power in the handset is limited to a maximum of 2 watts in GSM 850/900 and 1 watt in GSM 1800/1900.
Voice codecs
GSM has used a variety of voice codecs to squeeze 3.1 kHz audio into between 7 and 13 kbit/s. Originally, two codecs, named after the types of data channel they were allocated, were used, called Half Rate (6.5 kbit/s) and Full Rate (13 kbit/s). These used a system based on linear predictive coding (LPC). In addition to being efficient with bitrates, these codecs also made it easier to identify more important parts of the audio, allowing the air interface layer to prioritize and better protect these parts of the signal. GSM was further enhanced in 1997[25] with the enhanced full rate (EFR) codec, a 12.2 kbit/s codec that uses a full-rate channel. Finally, with the development of UMTS, EFR was refactored into a variable-rate codec called AMR-Narrowband, which is high quality and robust against interference when used on full-rate channels, or less robust but still relatively high quality when used in good radio conditions on half-rate channel.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Nano_Sim.jpg/220px-Nano_Sim.jpg)
One of the key features of GSM is the Subscriber Identity Module, commonly known as a SIM card. The SIM is a detachable smart card[2] containing a user's subscription information and phone book. This allows users to retain their information after switching handsets. Alternatively, users can change networks or network identities without switching handsets - simply by changing the SIM.
Phone locking
Sometimes mobile network operators restrict handsets that they sell for exclusive use in their own network. This is called SIM locking and is implemented by a software feature of the phone. A subscriber may usually contact the provider to remove the lock for a fee, utilize private services to remove the lock, or use software and websites to unlock the handset themselves. It is possible to hack past a phone locked by a network operator.
In some countries and regions (e.g. Brazil and Germany) all phones are sold unlocked due to the abundance of dual-SIM handsets and operators.[26]
GSM security
GSM was intended to be a secure wireless system. It has considered the user authentication using a pre-shared key and challenge–response, and over-the-air encryption. However, GSM is vulnerable to different types of attack, each of them aimed at a different part of the network.[27]
Research findings indicate that GSM faces susceptibility to hacking by script kiddies, a term referring to inexperienced individuals utilizing readily available hardware and software. The vulnerability arises from the accessibility of tools such as a DVB-T TV tuner, posing a threat to both mobile and network users. Despite the term "script kiddies" implying a lack of sophisticated skills, the consequences of their attacks on GSM can be severe, impacting the functionality of cellular networks. Given that GSM continues to be the main source of cellular technology in numerous countries, its susceptibility to potential threats from malicious attacks is one that needs to be addressed.[28]
The development of UMTS introduced an optional Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), that uses a longer authentication key to give greater security, as well as mutually authenticating the network and the user, whereas GSM only authenticates the user to the network (and not vice versa). The security model therefore offers confidentiality and authentication, but limited authorization capabilities, and no non-repudiation.
GSM uses several cryptographic algorithms for security. The A5/1, A5/2, and A5/3 stream ciphers are used for ensuring over-the-air voice privacy. A5/1 was developed first and is a stronger algorithm used within Europe and the United States; A5/2 is weaker and used in other countries. Serious weaknesses have been found in both algorithms: it is possible to break A5/2 in real-time with a ciphertext-only attack, and in January 2007, The Hacker's Choice started the A5/1 cracking project with plans to use FPGAs that allow A5/1 to be broken with a rainbow table attack.[29] The system supports multiple algorithms so operators may replace that cipher with a stronger one.
Since 2000, different efforts have been made in order to crack the A5 encryption algorithms. Both A5/1 and A5/2 algorithms have been broken, and their cryptanalysis has been revealed in the literature. As an example, Karsten Nohl developed a number of rainbow tables (static values which reduce the time needed to carry out an attack) and have found new sources for known plaintext attacks.[30] He said that it is possible to build "a full GSM interceptor ... from open-source components" but that they had not done so because of legal concerns.[31] Nohl claimed that he was able to intercept voice and text conversations by impersonating another user to listen to voicemail, make calls, or send text messages using a seven-year-old Motorola cellphone and decryption software available for free online.[32]
GSM uses General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) for data transmissions like browsing the web. The most commonly deployed GPRS ciphers were publicly broken in 2011.[33]
The researchers revealed flaws in the commonly used GEA/1 and GEA/2 (standing for GPRS Encryption Algorithms 1 and 2) ciphers and published the open-source "gprsdecode" software for sniffing GPRS networks. They also noted that some carriers do not encrypt the data (i.e., using GEA/0) in order to detect the use of traffic or protocols they do not like (e.g., Skype), leaving customers unprotected. GEA/3 seems to remain relatively hard to break and is said to be in use on some more modern networks. If used with USIM to prevent connections to fake base stations and downgrade attacks, users will be protected in the medium term, though migration to 128-bit GEA/4 is still recommended.
The first public cryptanalysis of GEA/1 and GEA/2 (also written GEA-1 and GEA-2) was done in 2021. It concluded that although using a 64-bit key, the GEA-1 algorithm actually provides only 40 bits of security, due to a relationship between two parts of the algorithm. The researchers found that this relationship was very unlikely to have happened if it was not intentional. This may have been done in order to satisfy European controls on export of cryptographic programs.[34][35][36]
Standards information
The GSM systems and services are described in a set of standards governed by ETSI, where a full list is maintained.[37]
GSM open-source software
Several open-source software projects exist that provide certain GSM features:[38]
- gsmd daemon by Openmoko[39]
- OpenBTS develops a Base transceiver station
- The GSM Software Project aims to build a GSM analyzer for less than $1,000[40]
- OsmocomBB developers intend to replace the proprietary baseband GSM stack with a free software implementation[41]
- YateBTS develops a Base transceiver station[42]
Issues with patents and open source
Patents remain a problem for any open-source GSM implementation, because it is not possible for GNU or any other free software distributor to guarantee immunity from all lawsuits by the patent holders against the users. Furthermore, new features are being added to the standard all the time which means they have patent protection for a number of years.[citation needed]
The original GSM implementations from 1991 may now be entirely free of patent encumbrances, however patent freedom is not certain due to the United States' "first to invent" system that was in place until 2012. The "first to invent" system, coupled with "patent term adjustment" can extend the life of a U.S. patent far beyond 20 years from its priority date. It is unclear at this time whether OpenBTS will be able to implement features of that initial specification without limit. As patents subsequently expire, however, those features can be added into the open-source version. As of 2011[update], there have been no lawsuits against users of OpenBTS over GSM use.[citation needed]
See also
- Cellular network
- Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)
- GSM forwarding standard features codes – list of call forward codes working with all operators and phones
- GSM frequency bands
- GSM modem
- GSM services
- Cell Broadcast
- GSM localization
- Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
- NITZ Network Identity and Time Zone
- Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
- GSM-R (GSM-Railway)
- GSM USSD codes – Unstructured Supplementary Service Data: list of all standard GSM codes for network and SIM related functions
- Handoff
- High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)
- International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
- International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
- Long Term Evolution (LTE)
- MSISDN Mobile Subscriber ISDN Number
- Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT)
- ORFS
- Personal communications network (PCN)
- RTP audio video profile
- Simulation of GSM networks
- Standards
- Comparison of mobile phone standards
- GEO-Mobile Radio Interface
- GSM 02.07 – Cellphone features
- GSM 03.48 – Security mechanisms for the SIM application toolkit
- Intelligent Network
- Parlay X
- RRLP – Radio Resource Location Protocol
- Um interface
- Visitors Location Register (VLR)
References
- ^ Sauter, Martin (21 November 2013). "The GSM Logo: The Mystery of the 4 Dots Solved". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
[...] here's what [Yngve Zetterstrom, rapporteur of the Marketing and Planning (MP) group of the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding group, later to become the GSM Association (GSMA)) in 1989] had to say to solve the mystery: '[The dots symbolize] three [clients] in the home network and one roaming client.' There you go, an answer from the prime source!
- ^ a b "GSM BRANDS Trademark of GSM Sales LLC - Registration Number 5523328 - Serial Number 87703883 :: Justia Trademarks". trademarks.justia.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ "GSM Audio Codec: Vocoder: AMR, CELP etc .. » Electronics Notes". www.electronics-notes.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ Anton A. Huurdeman, The Worldwide History of Telecommunications, John Wiley & Sons, 31 July 2003, page 529
- ^ "GSM Global system for Mobile Communications". 4G Americas. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
- ^ "GSM (2nd Generation Mobiles)". Engaging with Communications. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
- ^ Leader (7 September 2007). "Happy 20th Birthday, GSM". zdnet.co.uk. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 5 May 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
Before GSM, Europe had a disastrous mishmash of national analogue standards in phones and TV, designed to protect national industries but instead creating fragmented markets vulnerable to big guns from abroad.
- ^ a b "GSM". etsi.org. European Telecommunications Standards Institute. 2011. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
GSM was designed principally for voice telephony, but a range of bearer services was defined...allowing circuit-switched data connections at up to 9600 bits/s.
- ^ a b c d e "History". gsmworld.com. GSM Association. 2001. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
1982 Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM) is formed by the Confederation of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to design a pan-European mobile technology.
- ^ a b "Cellular History". etsi.org. European Telecommunications Standards Institute. 2011. Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
The task was entrusted to a committee known as Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSMTM), aided by a "permanent nucleus" of technical support personnel, based in Paris.
- ^ "Who created GSM?". Stephen Temple. 7 January 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
Before GSM, Europe had a disastrous mishmash of national analogue standards in phones and TV, designed to protect national industries but instead creating fragmented markets vulnerable to big guns from abroad.
- ^ "Duke of Cambridge Presents Maxwell Medals to GSM Developers". IEEE United Kingdom and Ireland Section. 1 September 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
- ^ "Maailman ensimmäinen GSM-puhelu" [World's first GSM call]. yle.fi. Yelisradio OY. 22 February 2008. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
Harri Holkeri made the first call on the Radiolinja (Elisa's subsidiary) network, at the opening ceremony in Helsinki on 07.01.1991.
- ^ "Ensimmäinen gsm-puhelu soitettiin 30 vuotta sitten" [World's first GSM call was made 30 years ago]. hs.fi. Helsingin Sanomat. 1 July 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
Tasan 30 vuotta sitten Esplanadin puistossa tehtiin historiaa. Kulisseissa vaikutti Nokian nykyinen toimitusjohtaja Pekka Lundmark. Hän uskoo, että seuraava murros kestää ainakin 10 vuotta.
- ^ "GSM World statistics". gsmworld.com. GSM Association. 2010. Archived from the original on 21 May 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2010.
- ^ "Mobile technologies GSM". Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
- ^ Martin Sauter (23 June 2014). From GSM to LTE-Advanced : An Introduction to Mobile Networks and Mobile Broadband (Second ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. ISBN 9781118861929.
- ^ "Telstra switches off GSM network". TeleGeography. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
- ^ bmobile in Trinidad and Tobago shut down its 2G GSM network in December 2017. "2G Sunset" (PDF). ATT Mobility. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
- ^ "Optus to complete 2G network turn off". Optus. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^ "Joint Media Release by IMDA, M1, Singtel & StarHub: 2G services to cease on 1 April 2017". M1. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
- ^ Motorola Demonstrates Long Range GSM Capability – 300% More Coverage With New Extended Cell. Archived 19 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "GSM Frame Structure: Multiframe Superframe Hyperframe » Electronics Notes". www.electronics-notes.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- ^ https://www.ti.com/lit/an/snaa033d/snaa033d.pdf
- ^ "GSM 06.51 version 4.0.1" (ZIP). ETSI. December 1997. Retrieved 5 September 2007.
- ^ Victoria Shannon (2007). "iPhone Must Be Offered Without Contract Restrictions, German Court Rules". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
- ^ Solutions to the GSM Security Weaknesses, Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Next Generation Mobile Applications, Services, and Technologies (NGMAST2008), pp.576–581, Cardiff, UK, September 2008, arXiv:1002.3175
- ^ Ntantogian, Christoforos; Valtas, Grigoris; Kapetanakis, Nikos; Lalagiannis, Faidon; Karopoulos, Georgios; Xenakis, Christos (2015), Fischer-Hübner, Simone; Lambrinoudakis, Costas; López, Javier (eds.), "Attacking GSM Networks as a Script Kiddie Using Commodity Hardware and Software", Trust, Privacy and Security in Digital Business, vol. 9264, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 73–86, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-22906-5_6, ISBN 978-3-319-22905-8, retrieved 14 December 2023
- ^ Steve. "The A5/1 Cracking Project". Retrieved 3 November 2011 – via Scribd.
- ^ Kevin J. O'Brien (28 December 2009). "Cellphone Encryption Code Is Divulged". The New York Times.
- ^ "A5/1 Cracking Project". Archived from the original on 25 December 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
- ^
Owano, Nancy (27 December 2011). "GSM phones -- call them unsafe, says security expert". Archived from the original on 3 January 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
Nohl said that he was able to intercept voice and text conversations by impersonating another user to listen to their voice mails or make calls or send text messages. Even more troubling was that he was able to pull this off using a seven-year-old Motorola cellphone and decryption software available free off the Internet.
- ^ "Codebreaker Karsten Nohl: Why Your Phone Is Insecure By Design". Forbes.com. 12 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
- ^ Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai (12 June 2021). "Bombshell Report Finds Phone Network Encryption Was Deliberately Weakened". www.vice.com.
- ^ Christof Beierle; et al. (18 June 2021). "Cryptanalysis of the GPRS Encryption Algorithms GEA-1 and GEA-2". Advances in Cryptology – EUROCRYPT 2021 (PDF). Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Vol. 12697. pp. 155–183. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-77886-6_6. ISBN 978-3-030-77885-9. S2CID 235452714. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 June 2021.
- ^ Matthew Sparks (17 June 2021). "Flaw in old mobile phone encryption code could be used for snooping". New Scientist.
- ^ "GSM UMTS 3GPP Numbering Cross Reference". ETSI. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
- ^ Donald, Ene; Favour, Osagie Nosa (October 2016). "Analysing GSM Insecurity". International Journal of Research & Scientific Innovation. 3 (10): 10. ISSN 2321-2705. S2CID 212468467.
- ^ "Gsmd – Openmoko". Wiki.openmoko.org. 8 February 2010. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
- ^ "The Hacker's Choice Wiki". Archived from the original on 15 August 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
- ^ "OsmocomBB". Bb.osmocom.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
- ^ "YateBTS". Legba Inc. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
Further reading
- Redl, Siegmund M.; Weber, Matthias K.; Oliphant, Malcolm W (February 1995). An Introduction to GSM. Artech House. ISBN 978-0-89006-785-7.
- Redl, Siegmund M.; Weber, Matthias K.; Oliphant, Malcolm W (April 1998). GSM and Personal Communications Handbook. Artech House Mobile Communications Library. Artech House. ISBN 978-0-89006-957-8.
- Hillebrand, Friedhelm, ed. (December 2001). GSM and UMTS, The Creation of Global Mobile Communications. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-84322-2.
- Mouly, Michel; Pautet, Marie-Bernardette (June 2002). The GSM System for Mobile Communications. Telecom Publishing. ISBN 978-0-945592-15-0.
- Salgues, Salgues B. (April 1997). Les télécoms mobiles GSM DCS. Hermes (2nd ed.). Hermes Sciences Publications. ISBN 978-2866016067.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- GSM Association—Official industry trade group representing GSM network operators worldwide
- 3GPP—3G GSM standards development group
- LTE-3GPP.info: online GSM messages decoder fully supporting all 3GPP releases from early GSM to latest 5G