VLR stands for Visitor Location Register, and HLR stands for Home Location Register. These are both crucial databases in a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network. The HLR is a permanent database that stores details about subscribers who are registered with the network. It contains information such as the subscriber’s phone number, service plans, and current location. The VLR, on the other hand, is a temporary database that stores information about subscribers who are currently within the jurisdiction of a particular Mobile Switching Center (MSC) but are not permanently registered there. This usually happens when a subscriber is roaming away from their home network.
What is VLR used for?
The VLR is used to temporarily store and manage subscriber information while they are roaming within a particular region. When a subscriber moves into a new area served by a different MSC, their information is copied from the HLR to the corresponding VLR. This allows the network to provide services such as call routing, SMS delivery, and data sessions without constantly querying the HLR, which would be inefficient. The VLR ensures that the subscriber’s information is readily available for the duration of their stay in the area, enabling seamless communication and service delivery.
HLR stands for Home Location Register. It is a central database in a GSM network that stores information about all subscribers who are authorized to use the network. The HLR contains vital details such as the subscriber’s phone number, service plan, authentication information, and current location. It is responsible for managing and maintaining this information, ensuring that subscribers can access the services they are entitled to, whether they are at home or roaming in another network’s area.
The VLR database is a temporary repository that holds information about subscribers who are currently located in a specific geographic area but are not permanent members of the local network. This information includes the subscriber’s mobile number, the services they are allowed to access, and their current location within the area. The VLR database interacts closely with the HLR to update subscriber information when they move into a new region and helps in routing calls, messages, and data sessions while the subscriber is in that area.
The concept of “my VLR” refers to the specific Visitor Location Register that is currently managing your subscriber information when you are roaming outside your home network area. This VLR temporarily stores your information, such as your mobile number and service entitlements, while you are in a particular location. The specific VLR managing your data will depend on your current geographic location and the Mobile Switching Center that serves that area. As you move between different regions, your information may be transferred from one VLR to another to ensure continuous service.