Electronic Communications 3

Assessment 1
90 minutes
ANSWER ANY 100 Marks worth of questions
1. List the four types of GSM systems used globally as well as the frequency bands in which
they operate.
[12]
2. Use a diagram to show the different ways of evolution for GSM systems.
[17]
3. Use a diagram to differentiate between, uni-directional, omni-directional and sectored cell
phone coverage patterns.
[6]
4. Describe each of the following and where/when each of the following would be used:
a. Micro cells
b. Umbrella cell
c. Concentric cells
[6]
5. Explain how a mobile receiving two beacons at the same frequency can discriminate the two
signals.
[4]
6. Name, and describe, the four methods GSM systems use to improve spectrum efficiency and
mobile battery life.
[20]
7. In the following diagram, explain the function of OSS, BSS , MS and NSS and what they
interface to.
[12]


8. Which of the device/devices in the following diagram are responsible for logical channel
management, and which ones/one is responsible for physical channel management?
[4]


9. Explain the function/purpose of the MSC, VLR, HLR and AuC in the following diagram.
[16]



10. In the following diagram, where are the following functions managed?
a. Packet Segmentation
b. Power Control
c. GPRS Mobility
d. Charging
[8]


11. Describe the purpose and function of the TRAU in the following diagram.
[2]


12. In the following diagram, describe the each of the states a mobile can be in. Make specific
mention of VLR, HLR and TMSI.
[10]


13. Complete the following table by entering COMMON ACCESS CHANNEL, DEDICATED TRAFFIC
CHANNEL, COMMON BROADCAST CHANNEL or DEDICATED SIGNALLING CHANNEL in the
appropriate spaces at a, b, c and d. Simply write down the answers next to a-d in your
answer book.
[8]


a b c d
14. In the following diagram add the correct labels in the RED areas a-f:
[12]


15. Use a table in your answer book to indicate on which physical channel each of the following
functions are performed:
[18]



a
b
f
c
e
d
16. Describe what is happening at 1,2,3,4 and 5:
[15]

17. Describe how power control is performed by the BSS and MS and what the purpose of
power control is.
[20]
18. Describe two ways in which the GSM network deals with Raleigh Fading.
[6]
19. What is meant when it is said that a MS supports DTX? What is required for DTX to operate?
[10]
20. Describe some of the benefits both to the subscriber and the operator of AMR.
[12]
END