HLR stands for Home Location Register. It is a central database in a mobile network that stores details of every mobile subscriber that is authorized to use the network. The HLR contains essential information such as the subscriber’s phone number, the associated SIM card, and subscription details like service plans, active status, and roaming information. It is a key component in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks, where it helps in identifying and authenticating subscribers and routing calls and text messages.
What is the purpose of HLR?
The primary purpose of the HLR is to manage and store data related to the subscribers of a mobile network. This includes maintaining records of their service profiles, which define the services they are allowed to access, and tracking their location in the network. By keeping track of the subscriber’s current location, the HLR enables the network to correctly route incoming calls, messages, and data sessions to the right location. It also plays a crucial role in the authentication process, ensuring that only authorized subscribers can access the network’s services.
The full meaning of HLR in basic technology is Home Location Register. It is a core component of GSM and other cellular networks. It is a database that contains the details of each subscriber, their service profile, and their current location within the network. The HLR works in conjunction with other network components to provide seamless mobile communication and services to users as they move across different geographic areas or even different networks while roaming.
The HLR (Home Location Register) and VLR (Visitor Location Register) are two critical databases used in GSM networks. The HLR stores permanent subscriber information, including their service profile, current location, and billing details. The VLR, on the other hand, temporarily holds data about subscribers currently located in the area covered by the VLR. When a subscriber roams into a new location, their information is transferred from the HLR to the corresponding VLR, allowing the network to provide services without needing to constantly query the HLR.
HLR works by storing and managing the data necessary for identifying and authenticating subscribers in a mobile network. When a subscriber switches on their mobile device, it connects to the nearest network tower, which communicates with the HLR to verify the subscriber’s identity and service entitlements. If the subscriber is authorized, the HLR updates their location in the network and directs calls and messages to them accordingly. The HLR also interacts with other network elements, such as the VLR, to ensure that subscribers can access services seamlessly while roaming.