Base Station Subsystem
(BSS)
Description
Understanding Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
There are many little working parts that come together to help you place a call, send a text, surf the web on your phone etc. Among these components is the Base Station Subsystem or simply BSS. This post will then go into explaining BSS, what it does, how it does it, its components and importance in very basic terms.
What is the Base Station Subsystem (BSS)?
This is a system which is necessary in working of a mobile network. It connects your cell phone to the internet or to the larger phone network.
The BSS is the portion of the network that manages the radio interface between the user’s telephone set and the network.
It’s kinda like that phone connecting to the main network allowing for communication back and forth voice, messages, or data.
Components of BSS
The Base Station Subsystem consists of generally two components:
1. Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
This is the equipment placed on the top of buildings or on mobile towers.
These have antennas and radios through which mobile phones send out and receive wireless signals.
The mobile phone is communicating over the radio with BTS, which coordinates/controls the set of radio channels.
BTS is referred to as the cell. Hence, the mobile system networks are often termed cellular networks.
2. The Base Station Controller (BSC)
It acts like an administrator for quite a few BTS units.
It takes up the functions of managing the radio channels, which are being used by many BTSs.
This includes call establishment, call handoff, and power control of the BTS.
It also interfaces the BTS with the MSC, which contains the major portion of a mobile network.
Role of BSS:
When you are either receiving or making a data call on your mobile:
- Your mobile speaks to the nearest BTS over the air by using radio frequency.
- BTS sends your signal to the BSC.
- BSC takes care of the request, allocates resources, and sends it back to the core network.
- Core network sends your call and/or data to the person you are communicating with.
- Similarly, when someone tries calling you, signal goes as BSC-Core Network-BSC-BTS-your phone.
BSC manages the handover process during mobility, i.e., when a call is in progress, and ensures that the call is neither terminated nor disconnected while moving from one BTS to another. In other words, it allows a transition from one BTS to another without having to drop the call.
Why is BSS Important?
Base Station Subsystem is very important because:
- It efficiently handles communication over the air.
- Many BTS units work under it to provide optimum coverage.
- It assures high quality calls by controlling handovers and radio resources.
- Power consumption and interference are minimized.
Otherwise, one cannot guarantee the continuous and proper connection of a mobile phone to the cellular network through BSS components alone.
Different Mobile Network Technologies Where Only Base Station Subsystem Is Used
Primarily utilized in 2G and 3G networks, BSS has been updated to accommodate the following technologies:
- Control and management of radio communication in 2G (the technology used is GSM) networks
- The idea remains the same in 3G networks, although it is associated with other systems to offer improved data services. The architecture differs between 4G and 5G, yet their function remains the same control of radio communication often with more sophisticated systems.
Summary:
Base Station Subsystem (BSS) an important part of mobile networks. Consists of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Base Station Controllers (BSC).
BSS. The PBX links your phone, wo hardware, to the core network. BBS provides call setup, handovers, radio communication, and network resources. The Base Station Subsystem ensures there is a good quality of enabling mobile communication BSS. In conclusion, the Base Station Subsystem is quite handy for mobile wireless communication
BSS works in the background so that connection is available whenever a customer places a call or uses mobile internet.