Mobility and security management in the GSM system and some proposed future improvements

Important aspects of mobility and security in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) system are discussed in this paper. Mobility management functions are broadly categorized into three groups: a) mobile turned on, b) mobile turned off, and c) mobile in conversation. The paper first outlines the mobile synchronization sequence followed by its mobility functions: mobile identification, authentication, international mobile station identity attach/detach, and its location update. The important role of security in the GSM system is fully explored, including authentication, encryption, and positive identification of mobile equipment before the user is provided with the service. The future of mobility management, with respect to subscriber identification module roaming, intersystem roaming, advancement in mobile service, and its impact on data base requirements, is covered in subsequent paragraphs.