What Is the Camel Protocol?

The Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) protocol is a network feature that allows the GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) operator to provide the same services across different vendor networks and equipment as though the user was in his home network.

Features

The CAMEL protocol supports these mobile-calling operator-provided services: originating and terminating phone calls, charging features, pre-paid minute usage, and personal subscriber options such as voicemail prompts, recorded messages and ringtones.

Function

The CAMEL protocol ensures that if the caller accesses another mobile operator's towers or equipment, his services remain the same as if the caller accessed his own operator's towers or equipment. And, the minutes used and the services rendered will only be billed once by the caller's own operator. This network system applies to GSM operators all over the globe.

Exceptions

The CAMEL protocol does not apply to Emergency Setup. If a mobile user dials 911 while roaming, the CAMEL protocol is disabled. This ensures that the caller is routed to the local emergency response system and not to services in his home calling area.

References

• Customised Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic (CAMEL), Paulius Meskauskas, University of Helsinki
• Search Mobile Computing; Definitions, GSM

Resources

• Mobiledia.com; Glossary, Roaming