IMSI

What is IMSI?

IMSI is an important part of the Mobile Identification Number (MIN) and Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) system used for identifying mobile users. It is used to verify the user’s identity on a cellular network, and to identify the user’s home network. It also helps the network to determine the best way to route calls to the user’s device. 

The IMSI is sent to the cellular network when the user registers with the network and is used for the duration of the user’s time on the network. The IMSI is also used for billing and other network-related operations. If a mobile user changes their SIM card, the IMSI will also change.

The IMSI is contained in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) inside the phone and is sent by phone to the needed mobile network.

All IMSI numbers consist of two parts: the initial part contains six digits in the North American standard and five digits in the European standard. It recognizes the user’s GSM network operator in a particular country. The second part is allocated by the network operator to uniquely distinguish the subscriber.

The IMSI is a significant part of the Home Location Register (HLR) lookup operation as it is needed to recognize to which network a mobile number belongs and that’s why the process is sometimes called IMSI Lookup in addition to HLR Lookup or Number Lookup.

How does it work? 

When a mobile user connects to a cellular network, their IMSI is sent to the network. The network matches the IMSI with the user’s profile, which contains information such as their name, address, and phone number. The network will then authenticate the user and allow them to access the network. 

Once the authentication process is complete, the network will assign the user a temporary identifier, referred to as a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI). The TMSI is used to identify the user on the network until they disconnect. The TMSI is also used to encrypt the user’s data while they are connected to the network.