MaM (Mid-call assisted mobile switching centre server)

Mid-call assisted mobile switching center (MaM) is a server that is responsible for providing call control functionality in a mobile network. The server is designed to provide call control functionality for mobile devices, which means it handles call setup, routing, and tear down between mobile devices.

MaM is used to improve the performance of mobile networks by reducing the amount of signaling traffic that is generated during a call. This is achieved by allowing the server to take over the call control functions of the mobile device during a call. This allows the mobile device to conserve its battery and processing resources, which helps to improve the quality of the call.

The MaM server works by intercepting the signaling traffic that is sent between mobile devices during a call. The server then analyzes this traffic and makes decisions about how the call should be handled. For example, it may decide to route the call to a different network, or it may decide to switch the call to a different cell within the same network.

One of the key benefits of MaM is that it provides seamless call handover between different network technologies. For example, if a call is initiated on a 3G network and the user moves into an area with 4G coverage, the server can automatically switch the call to the 4G network without any interruption to the call. This is achieved by using a technique called circuit-switched fallback (CSFB), which allows the mobile device to switch between circuit-switched and packet-switched networks seamlessly.

MaM is also used to provide advanced call control features such as call waiting, call forwarding, and call transfer. These features are implemented by the server, which communicates with the mobile device using signaling messages. For example, if a call comes in while the user is already on a call, the server can send a message to the mobile device to indicate that there is another call waiting. The user can then choose to answer the new call or ignore it.

Another important feature of MaM is that it allows for intelligent call routing. This means that the server can analyze the signaling traffic to determine the best network path for the call. For example, if a call is being made to a number within the same network, the server may choose to route the call through a local switch instead of routing it through the core network. This helps to reduce the amount of traffic on the core network and improves the quality of the call.

MaM is also used to provide location-based services (LBS) such as GPS tracking and emergency services. The server can use the location information of the mobile device to provide these services. For example, if a user makes an emergency call, the server can use the location information to determine the nearest emergency services and route the call to them.

Overall, MaM is an essential component of mobile networks as it provides call control functionality and advanced features that improve the quality of the call. The server is designed to reduce the amount of signaling traffic generated during a call and to provide seamless call handover between different network technologies. MaM is also used to provide advanced call control features, location-based services, and intelligent call routing.