USSD - Mobile Banking

USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Services Data 

Have you ever typed a code starting with an asterisk (*), number set, and hash (#) on your mobile?

If yes, then, knowingly or unknowingly, you have already been using USSD service. USSD is a communication protocol used to send text messages between a mobile phone and applications running on the network. It is a messaging service used in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks similar to SMS, where it sends data utilizing the signaling channel. However, unlike SMS which follows a store-and-forward oriented message transaction; USSD provides session-based connections. Because of its real-time and instant messaging service capability, USSD service is up to seven times faster and much cheaper than SMS for two-way transactions. It is a technology unique to GSM networks and is the standard for transmitting information over GSM Signaling Channels. USSD is as similar to speaking to someone on a phone as SMS is to sending a letter.

NEED FOR USSD

USSD is a highly cost effective and fast technology and is seven times faster in operating speed than SMS. USSD has several advantages as a bearer technology, such as:

1. USSD provides a cost-effective and flexible mechanism for offering various interactive and non-interactive mobile services to a wide subscriber base.
2. USSD supports menu-based applications facilitating more user interactions.
3. USSD is neither a phone-based nor a SIM-based feature. It works on almost all GSM mobile phones (from old handsets to new smartphones)
4. With USSD, messages can even be initiated during calls, allowing simultaneous voice and data communication.
5. USSD allows faster communication between users and network applications because messages are sent directly to the receiver allowing an instant response.
6. USSD services available on the home network are also accessible while roaming. Unlike SMS, there are no charges for this.

ADVANTAGES OF USSD

USSD is a highly cost effective and fast technology and is seven times faster in operating speed than SMS. USSD has several advantages as a bearer technology, such as:

1. Cost efficient - Significantly less investment is required in the network as USSD uses existing SS7 protocols.
2. Fast and responsive – Real-time and instant messaging service capability allows operators to provide easy to use, responsive and fast menu-driven content provision services.
3. Interactive navigation – USSD is increasingly being adopted to develop interactive applications like mobile chatting, roaming with prepaid service, callback service, prepaid recharge, mobile banking, etc. 
4. Reduced marketing cost – Operators can use USSD as a cost-effective way to cross-and up-sell additional services.

ELEMENTS OF USSD MOBILE NETWORK
 

 The mobile network comprises components that carry data messages between the handset and the  corresponding USSD application. Figure 2 explains the elements of the mobile network and the communication protocols they use. USSD services reside as applications in the mobile network. These applications can reside in MSC, VLR, HLR, or an independent application server that is connected through a USSD Gateway (using SMPP). If a USSD message is not destined for an application in the MSC, VLR, or HLR, a USSD handler in these nodes routes the message to the USSD Gateway using the MAP protocol based on the service code. The gateway interprets the code and routes it to the specific USSD application server to fetch the necessary information requested by the user. In response, the application sends the relevant information to the USSD Gateway, which in turn converts the message to MAP format, and then sends to the mobile terminal. Applications under the mobile operator’s control will typically reside in the GSM network (MSC, VLR, HLR), while third-party applications may reside elsewhere such as on the internet. The application can also be a hyperlink to an internet site or information stored locally in the Service Application System. In a mobile-initiated service request, a session is created between the network and the mobile terminal. This session is used for all information transfers and must be released before another session can be started. Additionally, an application in the network (residing in the MSC, VLR, HLR, or external application server) may at any time send a message to a mobile terminal. This can be a request for  information or a notification. Again, the session must be released upon completion.

 

Figure 3 shows the message flow for a network-initiated (HLR, VLR, and MSC) USSD request for a single operation.

Figure 6 shows the message flow for a mobile-initiated USSD request that failed at MSC, VLR, and HLR. It also depicts a case where an MS clears the transaction before it receives a response to the initiated USSD request.

Data security with SMS banking

SMS service is deemed to be the least secured of the technologies suggested for mobile banking because of the number of points where the SMS data is available to others in a clear or unencrypted format. The diagram below shows the entities involved across the GSM channel in SMS banking.

A customer initiates a transaction by sending an SMS to the bank using the bank’s SMS short code. The SMS is stored on the handset and is available to anyone who looks at the customer’s phone; hence, making it unsecure at the very first step. The SMS then passes through the encrypted GSM communication channel through the base stations and terminates at the mobile network operator’s SMSC. There, it is typically stored in an unencrypted form, making it unsecure at also the second step. The SMSC passes the message onto the bank’s wireless application processor or mobile banking processor (which may be a third party), where it is stored either in encrypted or unencrypted form. The third party then passes the message to the bank across an encrypted fixed line to the bank, where it is typically stored in a secured environment. In all, there are three highly susceptive points of exposure during the transaction where the data is stored, making the SMS service far less secure.

Data security with USSD banking

Unlike SMS, USSD message is not stored on customers’ mobile, making it secure at the first level. USSD opens a single session between the device and the supporting application at the network operator/processor/bank.

The data is also encrypted at the USSD gateway sitting at the network operator/processor/bank, preventing any misuse of the data. This makes it secure at the second step. The end-to-end transaction flow occurs across the encrypted GSM communication layer while the subscriber identity is also hidden. Hence, USSD service is safer than to SMS and other GSM technologies. However, there is one risk. If the GSM encryption (which is used to carry the data within the communication layer by secured means) is broken, the data can be accessed–which can actually happen with all GSM technologies (e.g., SMS, USSD, etc.). To avoid this, the GSM encryption needs to be made more robust, much like how internet banking has evolved over the years. Excluding this generic threat, USSD appears to be the most suited technology for mobile banking application.

I have referred the above information from a white paper published by Aricent Inc. You can find more information on the topic by referring to this link http://www.aricent.com/sites/www.aricent.com/files/pdf/Aricent_WhitePaper_USSD_0911.pdf.

Xperia Neo V IceCreamSandwich Review

   Updated my Xperia Neo V to Android 4.0.4 IceCream Sandwich, and would like to post the reviews about the same.........

 - Starting with the UI, I must say that the new UI is awesome, its very very swift and there is remarkable improvement in the agility of the screen flow.

 - There are small changes like the ones related to the font and appearance of icons is very crisp and clear which make it look even more graceful.

 - Browser has undergone impressive changes too. Different browser window management is made very simple now, navigation between the tabs has become very easy, also there is option provided in the menu wherein you can request the original desktop site in case the mobile website is offered.

 - The Notifications area has underwent a complete makeover with the much missing addition of settings menu. Now controlling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Data On/Off has become much easier.

 - I always missed the functionality of creating groups in Contacts, but with ICS its there. You can create groups in the new ICS Contacts application,  the new dial pad is very elegant and while dialling the number it will auto search in the existing contacts.

 - There are new better Ring tones and Notification tones.

 - The Power Off/On is quicker than GingerBread.

 - The Gallery app is not much revamped but I feel the performance IS. Swiping through pictures is much faster than before, the images load very quickly and before I forget to mention, also add the Screen Orientation which is improved as well.

   There are many more minute and major changes made with the new ICS which you will notice only after updating. I have just presented my views on the update. Overall I am satisfied wth the performance of ICS and love it.

   I had waited for long to update my phone, because I did not find any good or useful reviews.Hope this review helps someone awaiting to update his phone.

South African Voyage

        Hello Everyone.......................Lots and Lots of Time, so am back here again .......... :P

       This time am here to describe my venture to South Africa, yes I had been to South Africa in June for a project work, and must tell you it was an amazing experience. First time in my life I was out of home and directly got a chance to go out of the country. Am a travel freak, I like travelling very much and so the opportunity came in as a pleasant surprise for me.

       The trip was a mixed bag of feelings for me, initially I was very excited about it, but as the date of travel came closer I was getting a bit nervous, after all I was travelling alone for the first time in my life that too to a foreign nation and it is rumoured (not completely true) that South Africa is not a safe place. Yes the crime rate in South Africa was high, but that is the thing of the past now. The Law and order is good enough presently and much safer than before.

      The Client I had to work for was located in Johannesburg. My flight was at 2:35 am from Mumbai International Airport. I left my place at 5 pm to reach the Airport well before time. My parents had come to see me off, as I started to go inside the Terminal for check In my mother felt uneasy and so did I, she was continuously telling me to take care of myself, somehow I didn't feel happy, all the excitement I had before had zeroed down, after all there is nothing important in this world more than your parents. I went inside did my check In and all security checks and finally approached the Gate where the flight was supposed to attach. At around 2.20 a.m. I got on board and to my surprise I had a window seat, but bad luck, a guy asked me to exchange and I agreed (don't know why).

      As the flight took off, the view below was superb, Mumbai was glittering in lights and the whole Marine drive appeared exceptional. Then, it was nine and half hours of journey to reach JNB's Tango International Airport. An hour or so later the dinner was served after having that everyone went into deep slumber including me. South Africa is 3.5 hours behind India, at about 6 a.m. South African local time, the breakfast was served and finally the flight landed at Tambo International Airport at 8.30 a.m. I forgot to mention there were 15 other guys from our company who were travelling with me, we all got together after collecting the baggage, I got some South African currency from the exchange counters available. There was a man standing with our company's name at the arrival, there were 2 vans for our disposal, we got into the vans and went to company's office. It was cold and the breeze was making it more prominent.

      After completing all the formalities at company's office, I was left at my accommodation, it was a guest house, not bad though but it was very lonely. Everything was so quiet and very new for me, I went in and got ready, I had to report at the client's place the same day, fortunately it was nearby from my accommodation. Despite it being nearby I could not go there walking because it's not recommended here to walk alone. Somehow reached the office premises and started the searching the person and the building whom I had to report. Amidst a jungle of similar looking buildings it proved a nightmare for me to search the correct building where I had to report. After reaching the office I met the team whom I had to work with and got acquainted with them. Hence forth the work flowed smoothly with no major issues.

      The main issues I faced were not not technical or related to my work, but were related to my accommodation. Commuting to the office daily I faced a lot of problems since I had no car of my own, second thing I did not like was the silence, it was killing me, I just didn't not like the place without a second thought. I complained about the issues I faced to the accommodation team, but there was no positive reply. I kept on mailing them and left no stone unturned. At the same time I was missing my family very badly, I used to be all alone after returning to my room from office, the loneliness accompanied with nostalgia was making me feel like crying. I had a chat with my manager regarding change in accommodation but still no result.

      Finally after a week of turmoil, I unofficially went to my friend's room which was located in an upmarket place. I started staying there without any official consent and I felt a little better, here at least I could see a few people moving on the road along with lots of cars. The new place was fun, I made new friends over there who were very very helpful unlike ..................
I along with my roommate and his one more friend used to cook dinner together, I did not know to cook anything but wasn't a problem, I used to just wash and cut the vegetables and put rice in oven for cooking rest everything was handled by the other 2. Later after a few days I tried my luck at making chapatis and I was successful to a great extent ....:)

     I stayed in JNB for a month, it was a great experience for me. Although the initial week was gruesome,  the latter weeks I enjoyed visiting a few places. Among the places I visited were Sharjah Restaurant(Woodmead mall), Fortesburg, Monte Casino............I liked South Africa and I wanted to stay for some more time, but had to return as my work had finished. The people there are very very polite and very hard working. Given a chance I would like to visit the place again....................Goodbye.

A Ray of Hope............

          Ahhhhhhhhhh.....................after a long long time am back to my blog, almost after a year ............... don't have a reason to explain why I stayed away from my blog for so long. But yes can tell you why am here today writing this post. It is because of 2 guys who came to my house on the Friday that just passed by.

          In the hustle n bustle of city life where people don't have time for their loved ones, 2 working professionals came to my place on Friday. They had taken leave from work especially and going door to door asking for donations. Fortunately I was there at home that day and had a chance to meet them.

           They asked to come in and I allowed, they sat and started explaining the donations they were asking for.........it was Help Age India. A very old organization working towards the betterment of elderly people. They take care of people who have been left by their children to suffer the misery of this cruel world.
They showed me pamphlets demonstrating their initiative. It had so many great things they were doing for the elderly, they provided shelter, medical aid, created opportunities for them to work and earn their living. Their brochure can be viewed here http://www.helpageindia.org/pdf/Organizational-Brochure.pdf .

         I don't know why but while they were explaining all this this I felt very nice, it was a feeling of awesomeness that someone was caring and working for someone with whom they had no blood relation, that too in a city where people don't care for others. These guys were putting together a great display of Humanity, and it is not that only the 2 of them were there, they were a group working together for a Noble cause. The most impressive thing I thought was that they are getting nothing out of all this, no personal benefits at all.

        You should actually go and visit their site http://www.helpageindia.org/about-us.php and consider helping them............It is indeed A Ray of Hope in this selfish world of today............