Core Network can be divided into three types :
- Home Network Domain; Represent the core network functions that are conducted at a permanent location, regardless of the location of the user’s access point.
- Transit Network Domain; Located on the communication path between the serving network domain and remote party
- Serving Netwok Domain; Part of core network where the access user is connected. Usually its responsible for routing calls, transfom user’s data information from source to destination, and have an ability to interact with home domain to cater the user’s information.
Interface connects access network domain to core network domain called Iu-interface. Access network domain provides mechanism for user to connect to the core. Which means, this access network having indirect contact with the user equipment and core network domain equipment. Access network domain usually called UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network). This is kinda like traditional BSS (Base Station Subsystem) but the different is, this UTRAN commonly referred to as 3G Mobile Network.
User Equipment Domain is divided into two groups, USIM (User Service Identity Module) Domain and Mobile Equipment Domain. The USIM contains data and procedures which unambiguously and securely identify itself. These functions are typically embedded in a stand alone smart card. Mobile Equipment Domain is divided again into 2 parts, Termination Equipment (TE) and Mobile Termination (MT). TE is usually known as PC, while MT is handset.
As the time goes by, you'll realize what exactly is each part of this core network domain based on its function and definition. We'll talk about this core network domain specifically in my next posts.
