Customer Reviews

GSM Made SIMple

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The people who have ripped this book because it oversimplifies GSM technology are completely missing the point of the book. It isn't meant to be for the engineer-types. It is squarely aimed at the ground-level reader seeking to gain a little insight on how GSM networks and technology function. Relax a little before you invest in books people. Read the descriptions before you purchase! When I read the description of this book I see things such as, "...a book that proves you don't have to be an engineer to understand GSM," and "...explained in terms that any non telecommunications person can understand," and "You won't find any complex engineering diagrams...," and "A non-technical explanation of GSM," and "Written in non-engineering language," and "Great for sales and customer service staff." Seem pretty straight-forward to me. If you do happen to work in the sales and customer service area of a GSM service provider, I would recommend this book as a great place to lay the foundation of understanding of GSM networks. If you want to know more after reading the book, I would suggest talking with one of your company's RF engineers. I had the pleasure of being personally trained by George Lamb when I was working for Aerial Communications (before it was bought by VoiceStream/T-Mobile/Cingular). He was a great trainer for our sales staff and his infromation allowed us to explain to customers the benefits of this (then) emerging technology in easy to understand terms. Remember...SIMple - YES...Technical - NO!!!

Definitely is not for RF Engineers, his explanations are basic and short. It seems like a summary of newspapers and magazines condensed in a Book (explained in layman terms). I Don't recomend it if you want an initial approach to the GSM Access technology, and you are experienced in CDMA or IS-136 (Keep away from it). Don't even think about an Air Interface explanation or high level approach of things.

This is not your average book on Telecommunications which are normally written by technicans for technicans. This is an introduction for non-technicans or end users who are new to the technology. George has done an admirable job in simplifying a complex and deep area. The jokes in the book although obviously American originated keep you smiling as the pages keep turning..

The book featured in this time by George Lamb is a specially designed teaching tool in GSM. It contains all the basic knowledge you have to learn to get started in the very topic, the so-called Global System for Mobile Communications. The book begins with a clear and funny explanation of common terms and concepts used throughout the text, all this in order to prepare the reader for an exciting journey in the upcoming pages. The author divides the GSM system into five subsystems: Network Subsystem (NSS), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), Operations Subsystem (OSS), Operations and Maintenance Subsystem (OMC) and the Mobile Subsystem (MS). Each of them is explained in a simple but solid way that makes the reading something fruitful. Thereafter, George show us a great (but still non-technical) exposition about the calling process and the most popular services among the GSM community, namely, call waiting, call forwarding, short text messaging and so on. I had to learn about GSM for my career and this book helps me a lot, because it cans introduce you the GSM technology without prior telecommunications knowledge. At the time you finish the book, it will be easier to you to tackle a more difficult GSM book. On the other hand, if you already have a solid understanding in GSM, and you want to improve it of course, please look for a higher technical level text.

Ok, I might have been misled but I can't find any value in this book. The text on the cover says "...is comprehensive enough for the seasoned professional..." I say: "no way"

For instance, 30+ pages are a competly outdated list of cellular phones. This makes about 15% of the book.

The rest isn't that good as the other reviews states. The drawings might be fun, but they aren't relevant and do add any valuable information.

The other illustrations are of bad quality and almost impossible to read.

If you have used a GSM phone a couple of times, you does already know much of what is written in this book. As an European, where GSM is widespread, this book doesn't add much information for me. It may be so that it is more geared towards people in the Americas where you're more exposed to CDMA/TDMA/IS-136 and it is more relevant for you, but Europeans is well advised to buy another book.

A complete waste of money.

I agree with those that say this book is not technical. From what I read it was not intended to be. It speaks in SIMPLE terms to explain GSM to sales people and other non technical users.

I agree also agree that the book is not for those that have a lot of eperience with other ceullar technologies.

Take this book for what it is...an introduction for beginners and non technical people. If that is th spirit in which the book is purchased it is a great fit.

Ok, I might have been misled but I can't find any value in this book. The text on the cover says "...is comprehensive enough for the seasoned professional..." I say: "no way"

For instance, 30+ pages are a competly outdated list of cellular phones. This makes about 15% of the book.

The rest isn't that good as the other reviews states. The drawings might be fun, but they aren't relevant and do add any valuable information.

The other illustrations are of bad quality and almost impossible to read.

If you have used a GSM phone a couple of times, you does already know much of what is written in this book. As an European, where GSM is widespread, this book doesn't add much information for me. It may be so that it is more geared towards people in the Americas where you're more exposed to CDMA/TDMA/IS-136 and it is more relevant for you, but Europeans is well advised to buy another book.

A complete waste of money.

I have to say I cannot see any point to this book. It is so simple my mother could have written a more informative guide to GSM. My advice is to look elsewhere if you want to actually learn something about GSM.

This book is a very good introduction to how GSM works and is written specifically for non-engineers. I recommend this book if you work in the wireless telecoms industry in a non-technical role and want to know more about how GSM works.

The biggest downside to this book is that the section on handsets is now very out of date. Ignore these 40 pages or so however and the book is still a good primer for the non-technical reader.

Even though enjoyable to read, it does not get real insight on the topics of ineterest