The technical details of the Mobile Terminal (MT), which plays a crucial role in mobile communication systems:
- Definition and Components:
- The Mobile Terminal (MT), also known as the Mobile Station (MS), is a portable electronic device that enables users to communicate, access information, and perform various tasks while on the move.
- In 2G systems like GSM, the term “Mobile Station” is used, whereas in 3G systems, it is referred to as User Equipment (UE).
- The MT/MS consists of several components:
- Mobile Termination (MT):
- Offers common functions such as:
- Radio transmission and handover: Facilitates communication with the network.
- Speech encoding and decoding: Converts voice signals for transmission.
- Error detection and correction: Ensures reliable data transfer.
- Signalling: Handles communication with the network for call setup, location updates, etc.
- Access to the SIM: Interacts with the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
- The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) code is attached to the MT.
- Equivalent to the network termination of an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) access.
- Offers common functions such as:
- Terminal Equipment (TE):
- Any device connected to the MT that offers services to the user.
- Does not contain functions specific to GSM.
- Terminal Adapter (TA):
- Provides access to the MT as if it were an ISDN network termination with extended capabilities.
- Communication between the TE and MT over the TA occurs using AT commands.
- Subscriber Identity Module (SIM):
- A removable subscriber identification token storing the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and other data.
- Unique key shared with the mobile network operator.
- In a mobile phone, the MT, TA, and TE are often enclosed in the same case, although their functions may be performed by distinct processors.
- Mobile Termination (MT):
- GSM-Specific Details:
- In GSM, the MT is composed of the four main components mentioned above.
- The application processor serves as the TE, while the baseband processor serves as the MT. Communication between both processors occurs over a bus using AT commands, facilitated by the TA.
- Evolution and Modern Usage:
- As mobile technology has evolved, the concept of the MT/MS has expanded to include smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.
- These devices not only handle voice communication but also provide internet access, multimedia capabilities, and various applications.