MOBILE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER :

GSM uses number of descriptors to identify subscribers, equipment, and

fixed stations/areas. Many are temporary and used to maintain the
confidentiality of fixed identities.
There are basically numbers that identify the mobile subscriber, namely,
IMSI,
MSISDN
TMSI
MSRN
IMEI
IMSI ( International Mobile Subscriber Identity )
IMSI is assigned to each authorized GSM user. It consists of mobile country
code (MCC), mobile network code (MNC), and a PLMN unique mobile
subscriber identification number (MSIN).
The IMSI is not hardware-specific. Instead, it is maintained on a SIM by an
authorized subscriber and is the only absolute identity that a subscriber has
within the GSM system.
The IMSI consists of the MCC followed by NMSI and shall not exceed 15
digits.
GSM
IMSI

3 digits 3 digits Not more than 9 digits

MCC MNC MSIN
NMSI

IMSI : Not more than 15 digits

2
MCC- Mobile Country Code
Uniquely identifies the country of domicile of the mobile subscriber,
It consists of 3 digits
MNC – Mobile Network Code: It uniquely identifies the mobile subscriber. It
consists of 3 digits.
MSIN Mobile Identification Number: It uniquely identifies the mobile subscriber
within a GSM PLMN and not more than 9 digits. The first 3 digits identify the
logical HLR-id of the mobile subscriber.
NMSI – National Mobile station identity. The NMSI consists of the MNC followed
by the MSIN and is to be assigned by individual administration.
TMSI ( Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity )
The TMSI is a temporary identification number that is assigned by the serving
MSC/VLR combination.
The TMSI is mainly used for security reasons to avoid broadcasting the IMSI
over the RF air interface, thereby making it harder for eavesdroppers.
The TMSI is supposed to be changed on a per- call basis as recommended by
GSM specifications.
GSM
MSISDN

• Mobile Subscriber’s ISDN Number

• The MSISDN is registered in the telephone directory and used by the calling
party for dialing.

1 to 3 digits Variable Variable

CC NDC SN
N(S)N
MSISDN : not more than 15 digits
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CC- Country Code : The country code in which the VLR mobile is registered.
NDC- National Destination Code : For GSM application a NDC is allocated to
each GSM PLMN.
In some countries more than one NDC may be required for each GSM PLMN. The
CC and the NDC fields must provide the routing information to reach the HLR of
the mobile station
SN Subscriber Number.
N(S)N – National ( Significant) Number: Consists of NDC and SN
GSM
MSRN

• Mobile Subscriber’s Roaming Number

1 to 3 digits Variable Variable

CC NDC SN
N(S)N
MSRN : not more than 15 digits
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CC- Country Code : The country code in which the VLR mobile is registered.
NDC- National Destination Code : NDC of the visitor GSM PLMN or numbering
area.
SN Subscriber Number: It has to have an appropriate structure for the visited
area numbering plan.
N(S)N – National ( Significant) Number: Consists of NDC and SN
The MSRN is allocated temporary basis when the MS roams into another
numbering area. The MSRN number is used by HLR for routing calls to the MS.
It is assigned upon demand by HLR on a per- call basis.
MSRN for PSTN/ISDN routing shall have the same structure as international
ISDN numbers in the area in which the MSRN is allocated.
The HLR knows in what MSC/VLR service area the subscriber is located.
At the reception the MSRN, HLR sends to the GMSC, which can now route the
call to the MSC/VLR where the called subscriber is currently registered.
GSM
IMEI

• International Mobile Equipment Identity

• The IMEI is an unique code allocated to each mobile equipment. It is
checked in the EIR.
• IMEI check
 White List
 Grey List
 Black List