GSM Common Channels
n Random Access Channel
initiate calls, send short messages, respond to paging
messages, initiate location updates
shared among all mobiles, use slotted Aloha
messages are short (87 bits) to fit into one burst
use random 5-bit sequence to distinguish messages
mobile transmits, wait for acknowledgement (including
5 bits and info about SDCCH for further signaling)
if two stations choose same sequence, transmit in same
interval, and one signal is stronger than the other: base
will acknowledge receipt, both handsets will tune to
same traffic channel (use call mgmt procedures)