In the architecture of a cellular network, the radio network (or air interface) is the set of wireless links carrying digital data between mobile telephones and the fixed network infrastructure of a communications service provider. At the heart of the radio network is the base station controller (BSC).
The base station controller is a telecommunications network element located within the radio access network (RAN). It acts as an intermediary between base stations (BSs) and the core network (CN), and is responsible for controlling and managing the radio resources within a particular area.
The BSC is a key component of the cellular network architecture, and plays a crucial role in the delivery of wireless services. It is responsible for a number of important functions, including:
- Coordinating the operation of base stations
- Assigning radio channels and allocating bandwidth to mobile devices
- Monitoring the performance of base stations and detecting faults
- Handling handovers between base stations
- Providing authentication and security for mobile devices
The BSC is also responsible for managing the mobility of mobile devices as they move between cells. When a mobile device moves from one cell to another, the BSC is responsible for updating the location information in the core network and ensuring that the device continues to receive service without interruption.
The BSC is a complex and sophisticated piece of equipment, and its design and implementation are critical to the overall performance of a cellular network.