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High-level Architecture Introduction of Mobile Cellular Networks from 2G to 5G


Here is an old tutorial explaining high level mobile network architecture, starting from GSM and then looking at GPRS, UMTS, LTE & 5G. Slides and video below



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  1. Obaid Saleem24 August 2019 at 22:37

    This is a very nice and easy description of technology evolution.

    Can you please help understand why USSD is not part of the 4G (EPC) and 5G (NGCN)? Will USSD get obsolete as the mobile networks phase out 2G and 3G? Would it not be challenging, considering that mobile banking as an evolving service is highly dependent on USSD? Thanks

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    1. Zahid Ghadialy25 August 2019 at 06:22

      There is an equivalent feature in LTE called USSI. Unfortunately it's not been implemented by many networks.

      Delete
  2. Obaid Saleem25 August 2019 at 09:09

    Thank you Zahid. Why is that so? I am trying to evaluate from a third party perspective, whether investing in new USSD gateways is worth undertaking, or is it at a risk of obsolesce?

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    Replies
    1. Zahid Ghadialy26 August 2019 at 05:49

      Depends on which part of the world. Areas where 2G and/or 3G will be around (like Sub-Saharan Africa) will continue using USSD. Western world now uses Apps to do the same things.

      Delete

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