How a mobile network works

This lesson introduces the workings of a mobile network, explaining how smartphones, tablets, and other devices communicate via radio signals. It describes the role of the base transceiver station (BTS), which transmits and receives signals between mobile devices and the operator’s network.

The lesson then explains the concept of a “cell“—the geographic area covered by a base station—and clarifies why coverage varies depending on the operator, distance from the antenna, obstacles, frequencies used, and network congestion.

Finally, the lesson introduces roaming, frequency bands, and mobile standards such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, along with the key features of 5G: higher speeds, low latency, increased capacity, and support for advanced applications.

Bibliography

Primary sources

3GPP. About 3GPP.

3GPP. Specifications & Technologies.

3GPP. TS 23.501 — System Architecture for the 5G System.

3GPP. TS 38.300 — NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2.

ITU-R. Minimum Technical Performance Requirements for IMT-2020 Radio Interface(s).

ETSI. Mobile Standards Group — GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G NR.

ITU-R. Recommendation ITU-R M.2083 — IMT Vision: Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2020 and beyond.

3GPP. TS 38.913 — Study on Scenarios and Requirements for Next Generation Access Technologies.

ITU. Radio Regulations.

ITU-R. IMT frequency arrangements.

AGCOM. Piano nazionale di assegnazione delle frequenze.

3GPP. TS 23.122 — Non-Access-Stratum functions related to Mobile Station in idle mode.

GSMA. Permanent Reference Documents — Roaming.

Secondary sources

Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.

Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. Computer Networks. Pearson.

Stallings, W. Wireless Communications & Networks. Pearson.

Rappaport, T. S. Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice. Pearson.

Dahlman, E., Parkvall, S., & Sköld, J. 5G NR: The Next Generation Wireless Access Technology. Academic Press.

Holma, H., Toskala, A., & Nakamura, T. 5G Technology: 3GPP New Radio. Wiley.

Mishra, A. R. Fundamentals of Cellular Network Planning and Optimisation. Wiley.

Agrawal, D. P., & Zeng, Q.-A. Introduction to Wireless and Mobile Systems. Cengage.

Index

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