LU (Location update)

Location Update (LU) is a process that takes place in a mobile network when a mobile device moves from one location area to another. Location Update is a crucial function in mobile networks as it enables the network to track the location of the mobile device and route incoming calls and messages to the appropriate location. In this article, we will explain what Location Update is, how it works, and its importance in mobile networks.

What is Location Update?

Location Update is a process that takes place when a mobile device moves from one location area to another. A location area is a geographical area defined in the mobile network where a group of cell towers are used to provide mobile coverage. The mobile device periodically sends a Location Update message to the network to inform the network of its current location.

Location Update message contains important information such as the identity of the mobile device, the current location of the device, and the availability status of the device. The network uses this information to keep track of the location of the device and to route incoming calls and messages to the appropriate location.

How does Location Update work?

Location Update process involves the mobile device, the Base Station (BS), the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), and the Home Location Register (HLR). When a mobile device moves from one location area to another, it sends a Location Update message to the BS.

The BS then forwards the Location Update message to the MSC. The MSC is responsible for tracking the location of the mobile device and routing incoming calls and messages to the appropriate location. The MSC uses the information in the Location Update message to update its database with the current location of the mobile device.

The MSC also sends a message to the HLR to inform it of the new location of the mobile device. The HLR is a central database that contains information about all the mobile devices in the network. The HLR uses this information to route incoming calls and messages to the appropriate location.

Importance of Location Update

Location Update is an important function in mobile networks as it enables the network to track the location of the mobile device and route incoming calls and messages to the appropriate location. This ensures that the mobile device can receive incoming calls and messages regardless of its location.

Location Update also helps to conserve network resources by ensuring that only active devices are tracked by the network. When a mobile device is inactive or switched off, it does not send Location Update messages to the network. This means that the network does not need to keep track of its location, which helps to conserve network resources.

Location Update also enables the network to support advanced features such as location-based services. Location-based services use the location of the mobile device to provide services such as location-based advertising, navigation, and emergency services.

Location Update also helps to ensure network security. By tracking the location of mobile devices, the network can detect and prevent fraudulent activities such as SIM card cloning, which involves duplicating a SIM card and using it in a different device to make unauthorized calls and messages.

Conclusion

Location Update is a crucial function in mobile networks as it enables the network to track the location of the mobile device and route incoming calls and messages to the appropriate location. The Location Update process involves the mobile device, the BS, the MSC, and the HLR. Location Update helps to conserve network resources, supports advanced features such as location-based services, and ensures network security. There are different types of Location Update procedures that can be used in mobile networks. The most common types are Periodic Location Update and Location Area Update.