Telecommunication

What is MSID (Mobile Station Identifier)

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— 1 min read


In the realm of cellular networks, MSID (Mobile Station Identifier) can have two potential interpretations depending on the specific technology:

1. MSID in Legacy Systems (like GSM):

In older cellular network technologies like GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), MSID stood for Mobile Station Identifier. This identifier played a crucial role in managing mobile stations (phones) within the network.

  • Function: The MSID served as a temporary identifier assigned to a mobile station upon entering a cell. This temporary ID was used for various network functions, including:
    • Paging: When the network needed to contact a specific mobile station, it could use the MSID to send targeted paging messages within the cell.
    • Location Tracking: By knowing the cell a mobile station was connected to and its assigned MSID, the network could estimate its approximate location. This was helpful for functionalities like emergency services.
    • Handover Management: During a handover (call transfer between cells), the MSID facilitated a smoother transition by identifying the mobile station involved and enabling the network to manage the handoff process effectively.
  • Assignment: The MSID was typically a temporary identifier assigned dynamically to the mobile station when it registered with the network upon entering a cell. This temporary ID remained valid until the mobile station left the cell or powered down.

2. MSID in Modern Systems (Terminology Usage Less Common):

In modern cellular networks like LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G NR (New Radio), the term MSID is less commonly used. However, some resources might still reference it as a synonym for:

  • Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI): In these networks, the TMSI serves a similar purpose to the MSID in legacy systems. It's a temporary identifier assigned to the mobile station upon entering a cell and used for various network functions like paging, location tracking (at a cell level), and handover management.

Key Points:

  • The prominence of MSID as a term has diminished in modern cellular networks, with TMSI or IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) being more widely used for identification purposes.
  • Understanding the context (network technology) is crucial when encountering the term MSID, as its meaning can vary depending on the generation of cellular network being discussed.

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