The GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) mobile station consists of two main parts:
1. Mobile Equipment (ME):
- Description: The Mobile Equipment represents the physical device that the user carries, commonly known as the mobile phone or handset. It includes the hardware components necessary for communication, such as the display, keypad, microphone, speaker, and often additional features like cameras and sensors.
2. Subscriber Identity Module (SIM):
- Description: The Subscriber Identity Module, or SIM card, is a removable smart card that contains crucial information specific to the user. This information includes the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), a unique identifier for the subscriber, and the authentication key. The SIM card allows users to easily switch between different mobile devices while retaining their personal information and network identity.
These two components work in tandem within the mobile station to enable communication with the GSM network. The Mobile Equipment handles the physical communication hardware, while the Subscriber Identity Module stores user-specific information and plays a key role in authenticating the user on the network. Together, they form a functional and portable unit that allows users to access GSM services and communicate wirelessly.