What is GLMC

GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center) is a telecom node that provides the functionality required to support location-based services (LBS). A single Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) can have multiple GMLCs. This functionality is integrated through SIGTRAN for 2G/3G, and through DIAMETER for 4G and LTE networks. 

GMLC can be integrated with LBS to locate any user that is connected to the network at a given time. It can provide network services and authorized third parties with standardized subscriber location information access. 

The GMLC may request routing information from the HLR (Home Location register) or HSS (Home Subscriber Server). After performing registration authorization, it sends positioning requests to either the VMSC (Visited Mobile Switching Centre), SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) MSC (Mobile Switching Centre) Server or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and receives final location estimates from the corresponding network node. 

Some GMLC real time applications can include the usage of location services in smart weather reporting. GMLC can also improve advertisements by pushing area related advertisements. It can also help telecom companies to generate mobile alerts when a user is in a specific area or to introduce tracking e.g., fleet tracking. The location information can also be of prime importance to LEAs, emergency situations such as medical help, accidental reporting etc.