TELECOMMUNICATION SWITCHING SYSTEMS LAB

Experiment No.
Date:_______________
Title Global System for Mobile Communication

Aim: To study AT commands

Apparatus:

Name of Instrument Specification/Range

Sigma Trainer GSM Trainer
CD Software Driver CD
Connectors Serial port connector

Theory:
THEORY OF GSM / GPRS

A simplified diagram of GSM/GPRS system is shown below. Major components of these

are explained as under.

1 GSM/GPRS Modem - Mobile

This is a GSM/GPRS modem either as separate module or builtin Hightech latest Mobile.

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2 GSM/GPRS network
This includes the base station through to the APN with all of the associated IP backbone,
etc. The network takes care of the mobility issues and getting data to the mobile station

3 APN (Access Point Name)

An APN is similar to a URL on the WWW; it is what the unit makes a GPRS call to
connect Internet. It is provided by ISP supplier. Most service providers have an Internet portal
which they connect a DHCP server to giving access to the internet

4 Internet
The Internet is the Internet, no explanation should be required.

Services on the GSM network

There are a number of services available via GSM such as:
Telephony
CSD (Circuit Switched Data, data transfer)
SMS (Short Message Service)
MMS (Multimedia Message Service)
FAX
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

AT commands

AT commands are used to control MODEMs. AT is the abbreviation for Attention. These commands come

from Hayes commands that were used by the Hayes smart modems. The Hayes commands started with AT to

indicate the attention from the MODEM. The dial up and wireless MODEMs (devices that involve machine to

machine communication) need AT commands to interact with a computer. These include the Hayes command

set as a subset, along with other extended AT commands.

AT commands with a GSM/GPRS MODEM or mobile phone can be used to access following information and

services:

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1. Information and configuration pertaining to mobile device or MODEM and SIM card.
2. SMS services.
3. MMS services.
4. Fax services.
5. Data and Voice link over mobile network.
The Hayes subset commands are called the basic commands and the commands specific to a GSM network are

called extended AT commands.

Types of AT Commands:

There are four types of AT commands:

1) Test commands - used to check whether a command is supported or not by the MODEM.

SYNTAX: AT<command name>=?

For example: ATD=?

2) Read command - used to get mobile phone or MODEM settings for an operation.

SYNTAX: AT<command name>?

For example: AT+CBC?

3) Set commands - used to modify mobile phone or MODEM settings for an operation.

SYNTAX: AT<command name>=value1, value2, , valueN

Some values in set commands can be optional.

For example: AT+CSCA=+9876543210, 120

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4) Execution commands - used to carry out an operation.

SYNTAX: AT<command name>=parameter1, parameter2, , parameterN

The read commands are not available to get value of last parameter assigned in execution commands because

parameters of execution commands are not stored.

For example: AT+CMSS=1,+ 9876543210, 120

Explanation of commonly used AT commands:

1) AT - This command is used to check communication between the module and the computer.

For example,
AT
OK
The command returns a result code OK if the computer (serial port) and module are connected properly. If any

of module or SIM is not working, it would return a result code ERROR.

2) +CMGF - This command is used to set the SMS mode. Either text or PDU mode can be selected by

assigning 1 or 0 in the command.

SYNTAX: AT+CMGF=<mode>
0: for PDU mode
1: for text mode

The text mode of SMS is easier to operate but it allows limited features of SMS. The PDU (protocol data

unit) allows more access to SMS services but the operator requires bit level knowledge of TPDUs. The headers

and body of SMS are accessed in hex format in PDU mode so it allows availing more features.

For example,
AT+CMGF=1
OK

3) +CMGW - This command is used to store message in the SIM.

SYNTAX: AT+CMGW= Phone number> Message to be stored Ctrl+z

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As one types AT+CMGW and phone number, > sign appears on next line where one can type the message.

Multiple line messages can be typed in this case. This is why the message is terminated by providing a Ctrl+z

combination. As Ctrl+z is pressed, the following information response is displayed on the screen.

+CMGW: Number on which message has been stored

4) +CMGS - This command is used to send a SMS message to a phone number.

SYNTAX: AT+CMGS= serial number of message to be send.

As the command AT+CMGS and serial number of message are entered, SMS is sent to the particular SIM.

For example,
AT+CMGS=1
OK

5) ATD - This command is used to dial or call a number.

SYNTAX: ATD<Phone number>(Enter)

For example,
ATD123456789

6) ATA - This command is used to answer a call. An incoming call is indicated by a message RING

which is repeated for every ring of the call. When the call ends NO CARRIER is displayed on the screen.

SYNTAX: ATA(Enter)

As ATA followed by enter key is pressed, incoming call is answered.

For example,
RING
RING
ATA

7) ATH - This command is used to disconnect remote user link with the GSM module.

SYNTAX: ATH (Enter)

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List of AT commands:

The AT commands for both, GSM module and the mobile phone, are listed below. Some of these commands

may not be supported by all the GSM modules available. Also there might be some commands which wont be

supported by some mobile handsets.

Testing:

Command Description
AT Checking communication between the module and
computer.

Call control :
Command Description
ATA Answer command
ATD Dial command
ATH Hang up call
ATL Monitor speaker loudness
ATM Monitor speaker mode
ATO Go on-line
ATP Set pulse dial as default
ATT Set tone dial as default
AT+CSTA Select type of address
AT+CRC Cellular result codes

Data card Control :

Command Description
ATI Identification
ATS Select an S-register
ATZ Recall stored profile
AT&F Restore factory settings
AT&V View active configuration
AT&W Store parameters in given profile
AT&Y Select Set as power up option
AT+CLCK Facility lock command
AT+COLP Connected line identification presentation
AT+GCAP Request complete capabilities list
AT+GMI Request manufacturer identification
AT+GMM Request model identification
AT+GMR Request revision identification
AT+GSN Request product serial number identification (IMEI)

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Phone control :
Command Description
AT+CBC Battery charge
AT+CGMI Request manufacturer identification
AT+CGMM Request model identification
AT+CGMR Request revision identification
AT+CGSN Request product serial number identification
AT+CMEE Report mobile equipment error
AT+CPAS Phone activity status
AT+CPBF Find phone book entries
AT+CPBR Read phone book entry
AT+CPBS Select phone book memory storage
AT+CPBW Write phone book entry
AT+CSCS Select TE character set
AT+CSQ Signal quality

Computer data interface :

Command Description
ATE Command Echo
ATQ Result code suppression
ATV Define response format
ATX Response range selection
AT&C Define DCD usage
AT&D Define DTR usage
AT&K Select flow control
AT&Q Define communications mode option
AT&S Define DSR option
AT+ICF DTE-DCE character framing
AT+IFC DTE-DCE Local flow control
AT+IPR Fixed DTE rate

Service :
Command Description
AT+CLIP Calling line identification presentation
AT+CR Service reporting control
AT+DR Data compression reporting
AT+ILRR DTE-DCE local rate reporting

Network Communication parameter :

Command Description
ATB Communications standard option
AT+CBST Select bearer service type
AT+CEER Extended error report
AT+CRLP Radio link protocol
AT+DS Data compression
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Miscellaneous :
Command Description
A/ Re-execute command line
AT? Command help
AT*C Start SMS interpreter
AT*T Enter SMS block mode protocol
AT*V Activate V.25bis mode
AT*NOKIATEST Test command
AT+CESP Enter SMS block mode protocol

SMS Text mode :

Command Description
AT+CSMS Select message service
AT+CPMS Preferred message storage
AT+CMGF Message format
AT+CSCA Service centre address
AT+CSMP Set text mode parameters
AT+CSDH Show text mode parameters
AT+CSCB Select cell broadcast message types
AT+CSAS Save settings
AT+CRES Restore settings
AT+CNMI New message indications to TE
AT+CMGL List messages
AT+CMGR Read message
AT+CMGS Send message
AT+CMSS Send message from storage
AT+CMGW Write message to memory
AT+CMGD Delete message

SMS PDU mode :

Command Description
AT+CMGL List Messages
AT+CMGR Read message
AT+CMGS Send message
AT+CMGW Write message to memory

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Procedure:

Part(A) Running AT commands using falcom software

1. Connect COM1 cable from COM1 socket of trainer to COM1 socket of Computer
2. Insert SIM Card in SIM Card Holder
3. Run Falcom Test software V8.0.07 from Desktop Icon or from Start Menu.
If there is any error, push Reset switch to rest initial conditions or Press INIT on the Menu.
4. Keep mouse pointer at Black command display area and press Right Button of Mouse.
5. AT Commands Menu will be displayed with OK. Erase OK and type Any AT command as required.
6. To disconnect the call, type ATH command.
7. Run various AT Commands as given in AT-Commands manual.
Part(B) Voice call using falcom software
1. Run Falcom Test software V8.0.07
2. Click on Voice-Call Tab.
3. Enter Telephone No and press Handset icon. (STD Code + Local No) or Mobile Number.
Call will be established with called number.
Talk with called number by handset.

4. When call is over disconnect call by running following AT Command.

ATH- Hang up Command.

Part(C) SMS using falcom software

1. Run Falcom Test software V8.0.07 as per Chapter 4.
2. Click on SMS Tab.
3. Click on read CSCA. This will read SMS message center number and will be displayed. You may enter
Service-Center-Number manually also.
4. Go back to SMS menu. Type mobile number to send SMS. Enter SMS text in SMS window or send
default Test-SMS. Click - Send SMS. SMS will send.

Part(D) Internet using gprs

After you have inserted the SIM card and the modem is ready for use, you can establish an Internet
connection through a Windows dial-up session. Note that your wireless provider will charge you for data usage.

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Configure Windows Dial-up Networking

Internet access can be setup in Windows Dial-Up Networking (DUN) of the computer that the wireless modem
is serving.

1. Set Access Point Name (APN)

In order for your GPRS wireless modem to connect to your providers network, you must tell the modem the
Access Point Name (APN) to which it will connect.
The APN is a server name that your account is setup on with your provider.
Your APN will be given to you by your ISP provider as under.
Idea GPRS
APN internet
Dial up Number Phone No. *99***1#
ISP Idea
Vodafone GPRS
APN www
Dial up Number Phone No. *99#
ISP

2. Create Dial Up Networking for GPRS Internet connection:-

1. Go to Control Panel - Network Connections.
Select Create a new connection. Click Next.
2. Select Connect to the Internet. Click Next.
3. Set up my connection manually. Click Next.
4. Connect using a dial-up modem. Click Next.

5. Enter a name of ISP as GPRS. Click Next.

6. Enter Phone Number to Dial *99***1#. Click Next.
7. In Internet Account Information page, leave user name and password as blank. Click Next.
8. Windows will finish new connection. Click Finish.
9. Windows will show dialup menu. Exit it by clicking cancel.
10. Thus Dialup Network GPRS is added in network connections to connect to internet using
GPRS modem.

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Part(E) Running AT commands using hyper terminal

1. Connect COM1 cable from COM1 socket of trainer to COM1 socket of Computer.
2. Insert SIM Card in SIM Card Holder
3. Select HyperTerminal as under.
Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal.
4. Start the HyperTerminal program and assign any name for a new session e.g. C1. Click OK.
5. Select COM1 port in connect using menu. Click OK.
6. In COM1 properties Menu, Select as under.
Bit Per second -9600, Data Bits- 8, Parity - None, Stop Bits- 1, Flow Control - Hardware.
Click OK.
7. On the terminal screen, type AT to check the OK response from the modem
8. This confirms that GSM/GPRS Modem is OK.
9. Now use any command as per next practicals for Voice Call, SMS or any other AT
Commands.
10. Exit the current session with saving connection name so that next time you can open
HyperTerminal session directly.
VOICE CALL USING HYPER TERMINAL
1. Run HyperTerminal
2. Open Old saved session C1 or New session.
Run following AT commands by typing them.
Meaning of AT command is shown in brackets in right side of Command.
Responses are in Blue colour.
3. AT+SPEAKER=1 (To make Speaker ON)
OK
4. Enter Telephone No with following AT command. (STD Code + Local No) or Mobile Number.
Then dial the number ending with semicolon. ADT
ATD9824001168;(Note: Dont forget the semicolon;at the end.This stands for voice calls)
OK (Communication established)
5. Call will be established with called number.
Talk with called number by handset.

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6. To Hang up, Type

ATH
OK

SMS USING HYPER TERMINAL

1. Run HyperTerminal
2. Open Old saved session C1 or New session.
Run following AT commands by typing them.
Meaning of AT command is shown in brackets in right side of Command.
Responses are in Blue colour.
3. Type AT Command AT+CMGS="Telephone Number" (Press Enter)
> will be displayed. Type SMS message and press Control + Z.
The modem may respond with +CMGS: < > OK and SMS will be delivered.
4. Suppose we want to send SMS How are you to mobile number 9824001168. Following is sequence.

5. AT+CMGS=9824001168 Press Enter

> How are you Press Control + Z.
+CMGS: 252 251 is SMS Count. It can be any number

Result and conclusion:

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