Radio Access Network

A crucial element of a mobile communication system, the radio access network (RAN) uses radio waves to link mobile devices to the core network. In addition to creating and maintaining communication links, it is in charge of controlling the radio resources and ensuring connectivity to the core network.

The physical and logical parts of the RAN that cooperate to give mobile devices wireless connectivity are referred to as the RAN architecture. A RAN’s architecture typically consists of a number of elements, including:

1. The Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) manages voice and data traffic switching between the mobile network and the fixed network.
2. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN): This entity is in charge of facilitating communication between the mobile network and the internet or other external networks.
3. The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is in charge of controlling mobile device mobility and locating them inside the network.
4. Base Transceiver Station (BTS) or Radio Base Station (RBS): The physical device is the one that has direct wireless communication with mobile devices. Signals are sent and received to and from the mobile devices by it.
5. Radio Network Controller (RNC): This device is in charge of directing and overseeing RBS/BTSs. It manages duties like radio resource management, admission control, and cell handovers.
6. Node B: This node serves as the link between the main network and the RBS/BTS. Routing of packets, encryption, and decryption are among the duties it manages.