[Asterisk-Users] Re: gsm picocells

[Steve Kennedy]

On Thu, Mar 23, 2006 at 01:48:16PM +0100, Tomislav Parina wrote:

> In article <441B979A.7010305 at datvoiz.com>, leo at datvoiz.com says...
> > I believe the OP wants to use GSM handsets as extensions, like running 
> > your own localized GSM network. That's not the same as using a GSM 
> > terminal to connect Asterisk to the cellular network.
> > IP Access makes such products.
> > http://www.ipaccess.com/products/nanoBTS.htm
> > But, I don't think it works for CDMA, only GSM.
> Can you tell me how mobile phone connects to nanoBTS? What SIM card do I have to use? Can I have mobile phone with SIM card of my GSM provider, and be connected with Asterisk and GSM network of mine provider simultaneously.

It's NOT that simple.

You get a nanoBTS and it needs to connect to an MSC (IP.Access also make
a MSC, though it will connect to others). An MSC is a mobile switching
centre, which is effectively a telco switch running SS7 protocols.

There also needs to be an HLR (home location register) which maintains
information about the mobile.

When in coverage of the nanoBTS you'd need to manually get your phone to
connect to a non-preferred network (i.e. to the network ID of the BTS)
or issue your own SIM.

The nanoBTS is just a small part of running a GSM network and is not
functional by itself.

If you did connect to the BTS, then it would send the call to the MSC
which would have to connect to a telephone network.

This would all be manual, if you want to do things with other GSM
networks you need roaming agreements etc (i.e. automatically handing
calls off between your regular GSM network and your own network), but
basically you're running a COMPLETE GSM network.

Depending on where you're based, there are also spectrum issues as to
run a BTS (i.e. GSM network) you need a license to operate in those
bands.

Steve

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