CBC – Cell Broadcast Center
Overview
Celltick's Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) is a field-proven server enabling efficient mass distribution of local information to mobile subscribers via cell broadcast, while not taxing network resources. Integrated with LiveScreen Media, CBC is also available as a stand-alone product for transmitting one-way text and binary messages in real time. Handling communications with various base station controllers (BSCs) and supporting most BSC vendors, CBC works well with multi-BSC vendor networks.
Equipped with a set of APIs for connecting to any source or cell broadcast entity (CBE), as well as an intuitive, user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), CBC is used by local authorities and organizations for various purposes. Typical utilization of the server includes sending emergency-warning messages, providing location-specific cell info services, and transmitting voice tariff information in different areas to subscribers. Supporting most GSM and UMTS mobile phones, and featuring automatic and manual editing capabilities, CBC does not impact network resources and is overload-proof. As a result, the server remains totally stable even when mobile networks are congested with traffic.
Components
CBC is comprised of a number of components highlighted by a system administration client, message management module and cell info module.
System Administration Client: The system administration client configures the CBC so that it can work properly with each operator's network. Designed to create and broadcast text messages, automatic alarms, queries and predefined filterable reports, the client manages all of the CBC's hardware, software, messages and authorizations, while continuously monitoring its day-to-day operations.
Message Management Module: Part of the system administration client, this module is a CBE that offers broad functionality such as writing messages, scheduling new messages, determining message repetition rates, and canceling current messages.
Cell Info Module: This module enables the transmission of cell information (e.g. cell name) to a dedicated location on the idle screen of a mobile device. Broadcast over channel 50, a channel dedicated by the GSM standard for such a purpose, cell information messages are displayed as part of the mobile screen's background, and are automatically refreshed when roaming between cells.
Advantages
- Mass reach: By utilizing cell broadcast technology, CBC efficiently distributes information to a large number of subscribers
- Emergency messaging: CBC enables local bodies to integrate with an operator's system, and effectively deliver one-way, real-time emergency messaging
- Cell info: CBC enables operators to display real-time, local cell information, such as current location, to the subscriber