Mobile Communications

GSM Network Connectivity

7 GSM NETWORK CONNECTIVITY

STRUCTURE 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVE:OVERVIEW BTS-BSC CONNECTIVITY BSC-MSC CONNECTIVITY CONNECTIVITY OF OTHER NODES:GSM INTERFACES SUMMERY REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READINGS

7.1

INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with connectivity of various GSM nodes.

7.2

OBJECTIVE:After reading this unit, you should be able to understand: Connectivity of BTS-BSC Connectivity of BSC-MSC and other nodes GSM Interfaces

7.3

OVERVIEW

Connectivity among various nodes is shown in figure-1. MS (mobile station) communicate to BTS over Um(air interface). It communicates to BTS via antenna placed over tower. Generally three antennas are place over tower to cover one cell in city. Each antenna provides its services in one particular sector. To provide coverage over roads/highway generally two back to back antennas radiate in two sectors.

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Mobile Communications

GSM Network Connectivity

NMS

HLR

AuC

PSTN ISDN

B T S

S CP
MSC/ VLR
EIR

S MP

Data Network s

Un

Transcoder
B T S

BSC

Application Server (Content Provider)

Billing Server

Fig : 1 7.4

Architecture of the GSM network

BTS-BSC CONNECTIVITY

Antennas are connected to duplexer unit of BTS via feeder cables. Two feeder cables (main & diversity) are feed to duplexer.

BTSs are connected with BSC via PCM cable, OFC, IP, satellite or microwave. 7.4.1 DECISION ON MEDIA B/W BTS-BSC

Microwave Link is used where line of sight radio path is available. Leased Line (Copper Cable or Fiber Optic) used where the distance between the BSC and BTS is too great for microwave. Satellite Link is used where Previous two methods are not possible BTS & BSC may be interconnected with simple PCM cable if they are situated collocated. If the distance between two is less then 100m, then also PCM cable can be used to connect the both. Microwave is suitable for hilly, inaccessible and difficult terrain areas & its deployment is also quick. It can provide both TDM & IP Connectivity. But it support maximum STM-1 system & it is less reliable as compare to physical connectivity. Also fading & interference are few drawbacks of microwave connectivity.

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Mobile Communications

GSM Network Connectivity

With the help of Minilink up to 16 PCMs can be utilized with 15 & 18 Ghz. Satellite connectivity can be better option to service remote areas. It also takes less time to deploy. Terrestrial build-outs can take years to plan and implement. BTS-BSC connectivity in areas of minor interest can be provided by it. These can include small isolated centers such as tourist resorts, islands, mines, oil exploration sites, hydro-electric facilities, etc. 7.4.2 CHAINING OF BTSS

Generally one PCM is sufficient to connect a BTS with BSC (up to 4+4+4 configuration). BTS can also be chained. One BTS me be connected with BSC and rest BTSs may be connected to BSC via master BTS. This may save the media but reduce reliability.

BSC BSC

Figure-2 Chaining of BTSs

7.5

BSC-MSC CONNECTIVITY

BSCs are connected with MSC via E1. BSC works on 16kbps while MSC perform
64Kbps switching , thats why a transcoder is placed between BSC & MSC that convert 16kbps to 64 Kbps and vice versa.

BSC

Transcoder

MSC

Figure-3 BSC-MSC connectivity through transcoder It can be viewed in figure-3 that one PCM is feed to transcoder from BSC side and transcoder output four PCMs that are feed to MSC. CCS-7 signaling is used between BSC & MSC while LAP-D (link access protocol on channel D ) is used between BSC & transcoder. Transcoder is transparent to CCS-7 BSNL Online Awareness Programme For Restricted Circulation Page 3 of 5

Mobile Communications

GSM Network Connectivity

signaling between BSC & MSC. Now a days TFO (transcoder free operation) BSCs are also used.

7.6

CONNECTIVITY OF OTHER NODES:-

MSCs are connected with gateway MSC/ other MSCs via E1 for inter MSC communication. It may also connect to other PSTN switches for communication with land line subscribers. Generally in one PLMN(public land mobile network) all MSCs are connected with GMS and inter PLMN traffic is handle via GMSC.

MSC A

MSC 1

MSC B

GMSC

GMSC

MSC 2

MSC Z

MSC n

PLMN-A

PLMN-B

Figure-4 Connectivity among PLMNs VLR is generally integrated in MSC and it communicates with HLR via E1. Signaling between MSC & HLR is CCS-7. SCP (service control point) is node to control IN services (mostly pre paid calls). It is with MSC/VLR and provides call control functionality. Camel protocol (CAP) is used between MSC/VLR and SCP. Billing server is connected with MSCs/GMSC and process CDRs transferred by these nodes. Integrated customer care, billing and accounting platform (B&CCS) is used to support a wide range of GSM Services like GPRs, WAP, IN Services. NMS (Network management sub system) is a centralized node and connected with BSCs, MSCs and HLRs etc. It provides centralized management of these nodes and can generate network quality report.

7.7

GSM INTERFACES

Following are the specified interfaces: BSNL Online Awareness Programme For Restricted Circulation Page 4 of 5

Mobile Communications Um A Abis Ater/(Asub) B C D E F G : : : : : : : : : : MS - BTS (air or radio interface) MSC BSC BSC BTS (proprietary interface) BSC TRAU (proprietary interface) MSC VLR MSC HLR HLR VLR MSC MSC MSC EIR VLR - VLR.

GSM Network Connectivity

7.8

SUMMERY

Antennas are connected to duplexer unit of BTS via feeder cables. Two feeder cables (main & diversity) are feed to duplexer. Microwave, lease line or satellite connectivity can be provided between BTS and BSC. BTSs can be connected in chain also, but it reduces the reliability. BSCs are connected with MSC via E1. BSC works on 16kbps while MSC perform 64Kbps switching , thats why a transcoder is placed between BSC & MSC that convert 16kbps to 64 Kbps and vice versa. MSCs are connected with gateway MSC/ other MSCs via E1 for inter MSC communication.

7.9

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READINGS

www.etsi.org www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM GSM Architecture, Protocols and Services by Gorg Eberspachers.

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