[Asterisk-Users] Re: gsm picocells

[Leo Ann Boon]

Steve,

Excellent explanation.

In a nutshell, it might be better to just use a phone that can 
automatically switch between GSM and WiFi. Of course, that's limited to 
handful of handsets.


Steve Kennedy wrote:

>On Thu, Mar 23, 2006 at 01:48:16PM +0100, Tomislav Parina wrote:
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>>In article <441B979A.7010305 at datvoiz.com>, leo at datvoiz.com says...
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>>>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.
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>
>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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