Integration of intelligent network services into future GSM networks

This article introduces various difficulties and issues in the basic scenario of integrating intelligent networks (INs) and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). As an example, implementation of Universal Personal Telecommunications (UPT) is considered. This article does not offer a comprehensive analysis, but rather a tutorial view. The separation of cellular networks and IN is not well suited to provide common mobility-related services. The present signaling systems do not enable transfer of mobility-related parameters, such as the cell identity and international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI). A call connection to the service switching point must be set up every time IN services are used from the GSM network. The same information is stored in several network elements, and service creation and management are complex. With those disabilities in mind, two integration scenarios are introduced and their characteristics are compared. However, the aim is not to give detailed guidance for implementation, but rather to introduce different options and describe their most significant characteristics. It is important to be able to provide mobility-based information directly to the IN. Flexible integration calls for changes both in mobile exchanges and signalling systems. Mobile exchanges will be built with additional IN functionality and, in fact, future signalling systems will better carry mobility-related information. Mobility can be implemented with a rather small investment, provided that there are digital exchanges and transmission systems and the basic infrastructure has already been built. The required intelligence can be offered by using the existing Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or IN architecture