MAP

The GSM MAP (Mobile Application Part) stack is a critical part of the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network architecture. It is a protocol layer used for communication between different elements in the GSM network, specifically for signaling and handling mobile applications such as call control, location management, and text messaging. It operates as part of the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) protocol, which is used in traditional telecommunication networks.

Key Functions of GSM MAP:

• Call routing and control: The GSM MAP stack helps in routing and controlling calls by ensuring that calls are correctly directed to the right mobile station (MS) and facilitates communication between mobile devices and network components. This includes functions like call setup, termination, and handover between cells and base stations.
• Mobile subscriber location management: It supports location updates and location-based services. The MAP stack helps in tracking the location of mobile users as they move across different geographic areas (e.g., cell towers, areas of service). This feature is important for functions like roaming and emergency services.
• Short message service (SMS): GSM MAP enables the transmission of SMS messages (both sending and receiving text messages). The protocol handles the delivery and forwarding of messages between SMS centers (SMSC) and mobile devices.
• Authentication and security: The MAP stack plays a role in authentication of users and secure communication between the mobile device and the network. It helps ensure that a user is authorized to access the network and services, especially in roaming scenarios.
• Mobility management: It facilitates mobility management functions like subscriber registration and handover. This allows users to maintain service continuity as they move between different regions, while also ensuring that the network can identify and manage mobile users.
• Billing and charging: The MAP stack handles accounting and billing information, especially in roaming or service usage scenarios. This ensures that charges are accurately processed based on usage data and services consumed by the mobile user.
• Interworking with other networks: GSM MAP is essential for interworking between GSM and other telecommunication networks (e.g., PSTN, ISDN, or even newer technologies like 3G, 4G). This ensures seamless connectivity for voice and data services across different network types.

Applications of GSM MAP:

• Roaming: The MAP stack ensures that users can continue to make calls, send texts, and use data while they are in a different geographical location or when traveling across different mobile networks.
• Emergency services: It is used for location-based services like emergency call routing (e.g., E911 in the US), helping pinpoint a user’s location during an emergency.
  SMS Services: Enabling text messaging, SMS-based services like banking, customer notifications, and marketing are possible thanks to GSM MAP.

By abstracting the complexities of GSM-MAP, Slicce makes it easier for developers to create powerful, telecom-backed applications quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re building a location-based service, SMS management platform, or any other GSM-related service, Slicce makes the development process smoother and more accessible.