Training Solutions

Exploring the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

From the conception of GSM to the long term evolution of UMTS, the SIM card has been an integrated part of several mobile network standards. The SIM continues to play a decisive role in the global expansion of the GSM by facilitating roaming for billions of users. It grew from the simple idea of separating the user identity from the physical wireless device. As such, the SIM not only provides portability of end-user specific information like the phone book, but also functions as a standardized point of control and security from the network perspective. This course takes a thorough look at the SIM and the role it plays in the GSM-based wireless networks.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Describe the motivation and technical background for the usage of SIM cards
• Find information in the 3GPP specifications for answering questions about the SIM and further study
• List the physical and electrical characteristics of the SIM and explain the differences between different SIM flavors (e.g 2G vs 3G)
• Describe all the specified functionalities in 2G and 3G SIMs, such as security algorithms and keys
• Name the information stored on the SIM and describe the file structure on the SIM
• Describe the SIM provisioning concept
• Walk through the basic call setup procedure in a GSM/GPRS/UMTS network and identify the role of the SIM in the call setup process
• Describe the role of the SIM in facilitating authentication and security and sketch failure scenarios during these security procedures
• Sketch the basics interaction between the mobile equipment and the SIM card
• Describe Over-the-Air (OTA) control of the SIM card and give examples of its usage in today’s networks
• Describe the function of the SIM application toolkit and how it can be used for value-added services

Intended Audience

This course is intended for anybody interested in understanding the SIM card and its role in the 3GPP-based wireless networks.

Suggested Prerequisites

• Familiarity with wireless network operations is beneficial. Prior knowledge of GSM/GPRS or UMTS is not essential but recommended.

Course Length

1 Day Instructor Led

Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets

1. What is the SIM?
1.1. Phase 1, 2, 2+(GSM)
1.2. SIM card flavors (3G, RUIM, ISIM, LTE)
1.3. SIM standardization in 3GPP

2. Physical Characteristics
2.1. UICC/smart card standard
2.2. Physical and electrical Characteristics
2.3. SIM-ME interface
2.4. Memory size and type

3. What is in the SIM Card?
3.1. The SIM file structure
3.2. GSM directory
3.3. Telecom directory
3.4. Elementary fields

4. OTA Provisioning
4.1. What can be changed Over-the-Air?
4.2. SMS and OTA
4.3. OTA Procedure and Signaling

5. SIM and Network Selection
5.1. SIM’s role in idle mode
5.2. User identities
5.3. Network selection
5.4. Preferred and forbidden PLMN list
5.5. Location and routing area update
5.6. What can go wrong and where?

6. SIM’s Role at Call-Setup
6.1. Call setup signaling in GSM/GPRS/UMTS
6.2. Security and authentication procedures
6.3. Security signaling procedure in GSM
6.4. Security procedures in UMTS
6.5. What can go wrong and where?

7. SIM Application Toolkit and Other Related Topics
7.1. Introduction to SAT
7.2. SAT commands
7.3. SAT by examples
7.4. SAT benefits and limitations
7.5. SIM and Java card

CATALOG

Download our course catalog!

2010 Catalog,
pdf format (7.8 MB)