The (GSM) HLR-advantages and challenges

The GSM standard is one of the first network architectures to make use of the potential of a centralized, stand-alone network database containing subscriber data that can be queried and copied to remote databases at subscriber mobility (roaming). Such a database within GSM is referred to as the HLR (home location register). There is an inherent conflict in the fact that subscriber mobility and network services will call for a substantial transaction processing load on the HLR and at the same time network operators and service designers focus on utilizing network architectures with centralized information databases to create even more sophisticated network services for the mobile subscriber. This will increase HLR capacity needs and transaction loads even further. A number of examples are outlined. Similar issues are valid for IN-based network architectures in general, but the trend is most clearly detected for mobile networks currently utilizing IN-like network architectures