The UMTS utilises the same well-known architecture that has been used by all main second generation
systems and even by some first-generation systems. The reference list contains
the related 3GPP specifications.
The UMTS consists of a number of logical network elements that each has a defined functionality. In the standards, network elements are defined at the logical level, but this quite often results in a similar physical implementation, especially since there are a number of open interfaces (for an interface to be ‘open’, the requirement is that it has been defined to such a detailed level that the equipment at the endpoints can be from two different manufacturers). The network elements can be grouped based on similar functionality, or based on which sub-network they belong to.
Functionally, the network elements are grouped into the Radio Access Network (RAN; UMTS Terrestrial RAN (UTRAN)) that handles all radio-related functionality, and the Core Network (CN), which is responsible for switching and routing calls and data connections to external networks. To complete the system, the User Equipment (UE) that interfaces with the user and the radio interface is defined.
A UMTS system consists of three major subsystems:
Also read What is Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)?
The UMTS consists of a number of logical network elements that each has a defined functionality. In the standards, network elements are defined at the logical level, but this quite often results in a similar physical implementation, especially since there are a number of open interfaces (for an interface to be ‘open’, the requirement is that it has been defined to such a detailed level that the equipment at the endpoints can be from two different manufacturers). The network elements can be grouped based on similar functionality, or based on which sub-network they belong to.
Functionally, the network elements are grouped into the Radio Access Network (RAN; UMTS Terrestrial RAN (UTRAN)) that handles all radio-related functionality, and the Core Network (CN), which is responsible for switching and routing calls and data connections to external networks. To complete the system, the User Equipment (UE) that interfaces with the user and the radio interface is defined.
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| UMTS Network Architecture |
A UMTS system consists of three major subsystems:
- User Equipment (UE) - May be a mobile, a fixed station, a data terminal, etc. includes a USIM, which contains all of a user's subscription information.
- Access Network - Include all of the radio equipment necessary for accessing the network.
- Core Network - Includes all of the switching and routing capability for connecting to either the PSTN or a Packet Data Network, for mobility and subscriber location management and authentication services.
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