Control Plane

The control plane houses a number of network servers and databases of different types (MSC Server, SGSN Server, HLR, Auc, EIR etc). These servers are responsible for handling subscriber data, security, mobility management, setup and release of calls and sessions, requested by the end users, circuit mode supplementary services and similar functions. The network servers communicate among themselves and with other network elements by means of standard layer 3 protocols such as the following, Iu “Mobility Management”, Iu “Call/Session control”, ISUP, MAP etc. The MSC and the SGSN servers can also determine which MGW functions and resources are required by the call/session and control these functions and resources in the MGW by means of the H.248 gateway protocol.