MO Mobile Originating (call)

Introduction

Mobile Originating (MO) call is a type of mobile phone call that is initiated by the caller from their mobile device. In this type of call, the user dials a phone number or selects a contact from their phonebook and makes a call. The MO call is then sent through the mobile network to the destination phone, where it is received and answered by the recipient.

In this article, we will explore the technical and operational aspects of MO calls, including the signaling and routing processes involved in connecting an MO call, the different types of MO calls, and the challenges and limitations associated with MO calls.

Technical Overview

The process of making an MO call involves several technical steps. When a user initiates an MO call, their phone sends a request to the nearest base station or cell tower, which in turn forwards the request to the mobile switching center (MSC). The MSC is responsible for managing and routing calls between different mobile devices and networks.

The MSC then sends a request to the home location register (HLR) to identify the location of the called party. The HLR is a database that stores information about each subscriber's home network, current location, and service profile. The HLR checks the location of the called party and sends the information back to the MSC.

Once the MSC knows the location of the called party, it sends a request to the visited location register (VLR) to determine if the called party is currently located in the same area as the caller. The VLR is a database that stores information about subscribers who are currently roaming in a particular location. If the called party is in the same area, the VLR sends the information back to the MSC.

If the called party is not in the same area, the MSC sends a request to the gateway MSC (GMSC) to connect the call to the called party's home network. The GMSC is responsible for routing calls between different networks, such as when a subscriber is roaming outside of their home network.

The GMSC sends the request to the called party's home MSC, which then sends a request to the HLR to obtain the current location of the called party. The HLR sends the information back to the called party's home MSC, which then forwards the call to the visited MSC where the called party is located.

The visited MSC then sends a paging request to the cell site or base station in the area where the called party is located. The cell site or base station broadcasts a paging message to all mobile devices in the area, instructing them to search for the incoming call. If the called party's phone is turned on and within range, it will receive the paging message and respond with a message indicating that it is ready to receive the call.

Once the called party's phone responds, the visited MSC sets up a connection between the two devices, and the call is established.

Types of MO Calls

There are several types of MO calls, including voice calls, video calls, and data calls. Voice calls are the most common type of MO call and are used for traditional phone conversations between two or more parties.

Video calls, on the other hand, allow users to see and hear each other in real-time, making them an increasingly popular alternative to voice calls. Data calls, which include text messaging, multimedia messaging, and internet browsing, are used for transmitting non-voice data between mobile devices.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the widespread use of MO calls, there are several challenges and limitations associated with this technology. One of the primary challenges is network congestion, which can occur when there are too many users trying to access the network at the same time. When the network becomes congested, MO calls may be delayed or dropped, leading to frustration for users and decreased call quality.

Another challenge is network coverage, particularly in areas with poor or no network coverage. When a mobile device is unable to connect to a network, MO calls cannot be initiated or received. This is particularly problematic in rural or remote areas where network coverage is limited.

Additionally, the quality of MO calls can be affected by a variety of factors, including distance from the nearest cell tower, network congestion, and interference from other devices or environmental factors. Poor call quality can lead to misunderstandings or frustration for users, particularly in important or emergency situations.

Conclusion

Mobile Originating calls are a fundamental component of mobile phone technology, allowing users to connect with others in real-time from virtually anywhere in the world. While MO calls are relatively straightforward from a user perspective, the technical and operational processes involved in routing and connecting calls are complex and require the coordination of multiple systems and networks.

Despite the challenges and limitations associated with MO calls, they remain an essential tool for communication and are likely to continue to play a significant role in the way we connect with others in the years to come. As mobile technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see new and innovative features added to MO calls, further enhancing their utility and convenience for users.