How do mobile networks use phone numbers for call routing and SMS?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 5:22 am
Mobile networks leverage phone numbers as the primary identifier to facilitate both voice call routing and SMS delivery, relying on a complex interplay of network elements and databases. The unique nature of a phone number (specifically, the MSISDN - Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number) allows the network to precisely locate the subscriber and establish communication.
How Mobile Networks Use Phone Numbers for Call Routing:
When a mobile user makes or receives a call, the bosnia and herzegovina number database phone number drives a sophisticated routing process:
Mobile Originated Call (Outgoing Call):
User Dials: The caller dials the recipient's phone number.
Mobile Station (MS) to Base Station System (BSS): The caller's mobile phone (MS) sends the dialed digits to the nearest Base Station System (BSS), which comprises the Base Transceiver Station (BTS - the cell tower) and the Base Station Controller (BSC).
BSS to Mobile Switching Center (MSC): The BSS forwards the call request to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), which is the central switching element in a mobile network (like a telephone exchange for mobile phones).
MSC Query to HLR/VLR (for Caller Authentication): The MSC checks its Visitor Location Register (VLR) and potentially the Home Location Register (HLR) to authenticate the caller, verify their subscription, and ensure they have permission to make the call.
MSC Routing Decision: Based on the dialed phone number, the MSC determines the next hop.
If the recipient is within the same MSC's service area, the MSC attempts to connect the call internally.
If the recipient is in another MSC.
How Mobile Networks Use Phone Numbers for Call Routing:
When a mobile user makes or receives a call, the bosnia and herzegovina number database phone number drives a sophisticated routing process:
Mobile Originated Call (Outgoing Call):
User Dials: The caller dials the recipient's phone number.
Mobile Station (MS) to Base Station System (BSS): The caller's mobile phone (MS) sends the dialed digits to the nearest Base Station System (BSS), which comprises the Base Transceiver Station (BTS - the cell tower) and the Base Station Controller (BSC).
BSS to Mobile Switching Center (MSC): The BSS forwards the call request to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), which is the central switching element in a mobile network (like a telephone exchange for mobile phones).
MSC Query to HLR/VLR (for Caller Authentication): The MSC checks its Visitor Location Register (VLR) and potentially the Home Location Register (HLR) to authenticate the caller, verify their subscription, and ensure they have permission to make the call.
MSC Routing Decision: Based on the dialed phone number, the MSC determines the next hop.
If the recipient is within the same MSC's service area, the MSC attempts to connect the call internally.
If the recipient is in another MSC.