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Curriculum Objective:
Learn GSM development history;
Learn and master network structure of GSM system and functions &
principles of different portions;
Learn and be familiar with GSM wireless channel and protocol
Learn and be familiar with main service call process for GSM
i
Content
1 GSMOverview............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 GSM Basic Concepts ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1.1 History of the mobile communication.................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 GSM Definition...................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Services Supported by GSM System................................................................................................ 6
1.2.1 Telecom Services Provided by GSM...................................................................................... 6
1.2.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System......................................................................... 7
1.3 GSM Specification............................................................................................................................ 7
2 GSM Network Structure............................................................................................................................ 9
2.1 GSM Area Division Concepts........................................................................................................... 9
2.2 GSM composition ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Mobile Switching System (MSS).................................................................................................... 13
2.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)........................................................................................................ 14
2.5 Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS) ................................................................................ 14
2.6 Mobile Station (MS) ....................................................................................................................... 15
2.7 GSM System number ...................................................................................................................... 15
2.7.1 Mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN)....................................................................... 15
2.7.2 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) ................................................................. 16
2.7.3 Mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN) ...................................................................... 17
2.7.4 Handover number................................................................................................................. 17
2.7.5 Temporary mobile subscriber identification (TMSI)............................................................ 18
2.7.6 Location area Identification (LAI) ....................................................................................... 18
3 GSM Radio Channel ................................................................................................................................ 19
ii
3.1 GSM Working Frequency Band.......................................................................................................19
3.2 Structure of GSM Radio Frame.......................................................................................................21
3.3 Physical Channel and Logical Channel ...........................................................................................23
3.3.1 PhyCH Physical Channel......................................................................................................23
3.3.2 Logic channel........................................................................................................................23
3.3.3 Channel Combination ...........................................................................................................26
4 Basic Service and Signaling Process........................................................................................................33
4.1 Mobile subscriber state....................................................................................................................33
4.1.1 MS starts, network does "Attach" marks on it ......................................................................33
4.1.2 MS shutdowns, separated from network...............................................................................34
4.1.3 MS Busy ...............................................................................................................................34
4.2 Location Update...............................................................................................................................34
4.2.1 Location update at a MSC office ..........................................................................................34
4.2.2 Interoffice Location Update..................................................................................................35
4.3 Typical Call and Handover Process .................................................................................................36
4.3.1 Call between Mobile Subscribers .........................................................................................36
4.3.2 Inter-BSC Handover within MSC.........................................................................................37
4.3.3 Inter-MSC Handover ............................................................................................................38
4.4 Basic Signaling Process...................................................................................................................39
4.4.1 Location Update Process ......................................................................................................39
4.4.2 IMSI Detach Process ............................................................................................................41
4.4.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process.................................................42
4.4.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process...............................................44
4.4.5 Inter-cell Handover Flow......................................................................................................46
5 Voice Processing and Key Radio Technology .........................................................................................47
5.1 Voice Processing..............................................................................................................................47
iii
5.1.1 Basic Flow of Voice Processing ........................................................................................... 47
5.1.2 Voice Encoding .................................................................................................................... 48
5.1.3 Channel Encoding................................................................................................................ 48
5.1.4 Interleaving/deinterleaving................................................................................................... 49
5.1.5 Encryption/Decryption......................................................................................................... 52
5.1.6 Modulation/Demodulation ................................................................................................... 53
5.2 Diversity Receiving......................................................................................................................... 53
5.3 Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)................................................................................................ 55
5.4 Power Control ................................................................................................................................. 55
5.4.1 Basic Concepts of Power Control ........................................................................................ 55
5.4.2 GSM Power Control Process................................................................................................ 56
5.4.3 High-speed power control .................................................................................................... 58
5.5 Timing Advance .............................................................................................................................. 59
5.6 Frequency Hopping Technology ..................................................................................................... 60
6 GPRS and EDGE..................................................................................................................................... 63
6.1 Definition and Feature..................................................................................................................... 63
6.1.1 GPRS Definition .................................................................................................................. 63
6.1.2 GPRS Features ..................................................................................................................... 63
6.1.3 EDGE Definition.................................................................................................................. 64
6.1.4 EDGE Features..................................................................................................................... 64
6.2 Inheritance and Evolution ............................................................................................................... 66
6.3 GPRS Radio Channel...................................................................................................................... 67
6.3.1 GPRS Physical Channel ....................................................................................................... 67
6.3.2 GPRS Logic Channel ........................................................................................................... 68
6.3.3 Mapping of Logical Channel Combination in the Physical Channel ................................... 70
6.3.4 GPRS Channel Coding......................................................................................................... 75
iv
6.4 Terminal and Application.................................................................................................................78
1
1 GSMOverview
Knowledge points
This chapter mainly introduces some basic information for GSM, including GSM
development history, supported service type, specification, and system features.
1.1 GSM Basic Concepts
1.1.1 History of the mobile communication
The mobile communication was first used in military and some special fields in 1920's.
In 1940's, it began to be employed for civil use. The mobile communication really booms
in recent decade. The development of the mobile communication comprises the
following three phases:
The first generation (1G) mobile communication system
The second generation (2G) mobile communications system
The third generation (3G) mobile communications system
1. Starting from 1980's, the 1G analog mobile communication system adopts cellular
networking technology.
However, the 1G mobile communication system has the following disadvantages:
There is no common interface between systems.
It cannot keep up with the fast digitizing of the fixed network and provide digital
bearer services.
It cannot meet the demand for large capacity due to low frequency utilization.
It features poor security. The information being exchanged on the radio path may
be easily eavesdropped, and the subscriber account may be easily embezzled.
2. Due to the defects of analog systems, the digital mobile communication system
characterized by digital transmission, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA),
and narrowband Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) were developed in
GPRS EDGE Principles
1990's. That is the so-called 2G digital mobile communication system.
1) Compared with the 1G mobile communication system, the 2G mobile
communication system:
Provide high spectrum utilization and large system capacity.
Provide diversified services (voice services and low-rate circuit-switched data
services).
Enable automatic roaming.
Provide better voice quality.
Provide good security.
Can be interconnected with the ISDN and PSTN.
2) However, the 1G mobile communication system has the following disadvantages:
It can provide low-rate data services only and cannot support multi-media service.
For example, the Internet access speed of GSM MS can reach 9.6 Kbit/s
theoretically.
Different 2G mobile communication systems in the world use different
frequencies and cannot be compatible with each other, therefore, it is difficult to
implement global roaming.
Nowadays the Internet, E-business, and multi-media communication develop very rapidly.
Failing to provide strong support to data communication has already constrained the
development of 2G system. The demand for higher data rate and more diversified
services impels the evolution from 2G to 3G. Figure 1.1-1 shows the evolution process.
2
IS-95
CDMA
IS-2000
MC WCDMA
IS-95-B
ARIB
WCDMA
PDC
HSCSD
GPRS
GSM
IS-136
IS-136+
IS-136HS
UTRA
WCDMA
IMT-2000
2G 2.5G 3G
EDGE
UWC-136
2.75G
Figure 1.1-1 Evolution from 2G to 3G
1 0BGSMOverview
3
In Phase2 and Phase2+, two high-rate data service models are put forward for the GSM
system.
High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) based on high-speed data bit rate and
circuit switching
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) based on packet switched data
These two services are called 2.5G services. Adopting high-rate adaptive coding solution,
the GPRS provides the data rate up to 171 Kbit/s.
The Enhanced Data Rates For GSM Evolution (EDGE) developed by the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) adopts 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying)
modulation. It supports the rate up to 384 Kbit/s theoretically. The EDGE is more
advanced than the GPRS. However, it cannot provide the rate up to 2 Mbit/s as the 3G
system does. Therefore, it is called 2.75G technology.
The research of 3G theory, development of 3G technologies, and establishment of 3G
standards began in mid 1980s.
The International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) released by the
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) defines and describes 3G. It enables the
mobile data service and some fixed high-speed data services to use one or several radio
channels and fixed network platform to provide:
A global standard
IMT-2000 services, which are compatible with other fixed network services.
High quality
The use of common band in the world
Small terminals used in the world.
Global roaming.
Multi-media services and terminals
Higher frequency utilization
Flexibility for the development to the next generation.
High-speed hierarchical data rate.
Rate up to 2 Mbit/s in fixed environment
GPRS EDGE Principles
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Rate up to 384 Kbit/s in pedestrian environment.
Rate up to 144 Kbit/s for vehicle mounted stations.
Currently, instead of driven by pure technology, the communication technology is
developing into the mode featuring the combination and interoperability of services and
technology. It is estimated that the largest and the most profound change in the coming
five to ten years is the strategic transition from voice services to data services from the
aspect of market application and service demand. This change will deeply influence the
development trend of the communication technology.
Some researchers and telecom operators describe the fourth-generation (4G) mobile
communication system as a new world better than 3G, which can provide many
unimaginable applications. The 4G system can provide over 100 Mbit/s data transmission
rate, which is 10,000 times of the current MSs and 50 times of 3G MSs. The 4G MSs can
provide high-performance multi-media contents. Through ID application, the 4G MS can
serve as a personal identification device. It can also receive high-resolution movies and
TV programs, acing as the bridge of combined broadcast and new telecommunication
infrastructure. In addition, some services, such as 4G wireless instant connection, are less
charged than 3G services.
1.1.2 GSM Definition
Originally, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) was the standard made
for the communication system working at 900 MHz in Europe. Because the analog
communication system has limited capability in expansion, the GSM is developed on the
demand for capacity expansion and has achieved global success. GSM has become the
wireless communication standard widely accepted in the world.
The development process of the GSM is as follows:
1982: The Group Special Mobile (GSM) was set up in the Conference of
European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to develop the 2G mobile
communication system.
1986: Eight proposals put forward by European countries after massive research
and experiments were accepted in Paris, and on-site experiments were performed.
After on-site test, demonstration, and comparison, the GSM member countries
have reached an agreement that the digital system adopts narrowband Time
1 0BGSMOverview
5
Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Regular Pulse Excitation-Long Term
Prediction (RPE-LTP), voice coding, and Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying
(GMSK) modulation.
Eighteen European countries reached GSM Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU).
GSM took effect.
1991: The first GSM network was deployed in Europe.
1992: The GSM standard was frozen.
1993: The major part of the GSM phase II standard was completed.
1994: A new research phase (Phase 2+) was added to further improve the
GSM as the platform of mobile data services.
In the stage of GSM Phase II+, the GPRS service is introduced to provide subscribers
with end-to-end mobile data service based on packet switching. To support the GPRS, the
GSM introduces two new equipment: Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). The SGSN provides similar functions as the
MSC. It accomplishes GPRS channel assignment, mobility management, encryption, and
charging. GGSN mainly provides various interconnection interfaces to support the
interconnection among external PDNs like Internet and X.25 and other PLMNs. By
setting up a GPRS backbone network with the above two new types of equipment and the
existing transmission networks (ATM or frame relay network) and modifying the existing
GSM network, the operator can easily provide both circuit and packet services and make
effective use of the radio resources and the terrestrial network resources.
EGPRS is a solution for the evolution from GPRS to UMTS. It is gradually introduced to
the GSM network to provide higher data transmission rate. Compared with GPRS,
EGPRS mainly features new modulation and coding, supports 8PSK modulation and
303% GMSK payload, and provides higher bit rate and frequency spectrum efficiency.
EGPRS also supports 9 coding schemes from MCS-1 to MCS-9 and about 3 times of
GPRS bit rate. With EGPRS, network operators can utilize existing wireless network
equipment to the maximum extent, and provide subscribers with individual multimedia
communication services before the 3G mobile network is put into commercial use. The
EGPRS can be introduced without adding GPRS network equipment. It brings little
impact on the GSM core network and network applications, but mainly affects the BSS
GPRS EDGE Principles
6
system.
1.2 Services Supported by GSM System
1.2.1 Telecom Services Provided by GSM
1. Circuit Services
1) Voice service
Full-rate voice service
Half-rate voice service
Enhanced full-rate voice service
2) Data Services
14.4Kbit/s full-rate data service
9.6Kbit/s full-rate data service
4.8Kbit/s full-rate data service
2.4Kbit/s full-rate data service
2 SMS services (support Chinese short messages)
1) Point-to-point short message service
Point-to-point short message service with the mobile user serving as called
Point-to-point short message service with the mobile user serving as caller
2) Cell Broadcast Short Message
Cell broadcast service originated from the SMS center or the OMC-R.
3 Packet Services
1) GPRS service
2) EDGE Service
At present, the point-to-point interactive telecom services are supported, including
Access to the database: Allocate service to users as needed, e.g. Internet, and
provide storing and forwarding, as well as information processing for user-to-user
communications.
1 0BGSMOverview
7
Session service: Provide bi-directional user-to-user and port-to-port real time
information communication, e.g. Internet Telnet service.
Tele-action service: Applicable to small-volume data processing services, credit
card confirmations, lottery transactions, electronic monitoring, remote meter
reading (water, electricity and gas), monitoring systems, and so on.
1.2.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System
GSM supplementary services are diversified, including:
Call Forwarding Unconditional: forward all incoming calls to the number specified by
the subscriber.
Barring: barring of outgoing/coming calls.
Call Waiting: When a call is connected for a subscriber, indication of a new coming call
is given to the subscriber. The subscriber can accept, reject or ignore the waiting call.
Call Hold: A subscriber can suspend the connected call to do other things.
Multiparty Service: A simultaneous communication with up to six parties is allowed.
Closed User Group: The subscribers of CUG are restricted from outgoing and incoming
calls, but they can normally communicate with each other.
Hot Billing: The network generates an instant call billing message from the billing
manager. It is applicable to leased phone service, including all kinds of call modes. Bills
are generated and presented to the subscriber immediately after the call is ended.
1.3 GSM Specification
GSM critieria was issued and compiled by ETSI.
ETSI divided it into many phases, established Special Mobile Group (SMG) that takes
responsibility for relevant GSM criteria.
GSM criteria only contain detailed specification for its functions and interfaces, no
regulations for hardware. This is to reduce design restriction and enable various operators
can buy equipment from different manufacturers.
Technical specification for GSM system can be divided into 12 chapters:
1. Overview
GPRS EDGE Principles
8
2. Service
3. Network
4. MS-BS interface and protocol
5. Physcial layer at radio path
6. Voice coding specification
7. MS terminal adapter
8. BS-MSC interface
9. Network interconnection
10. Service interconnection
11. Recognized equipment and model specification
12. Operation and maintenance
2 GSM Network Structure
Knowledge points
This section introduces network structure of GSM system and basic functions of
various NEs.
2.1 GSM Area Division Concepts
In the GSM system, due to the mobility of users, the location information is a very
crucial parameter, which can be presented in the way as shown in Figure 2.1-1.
Figure 2.1-1 Relationship between Areas in GSM
The smallest area in the GSM network is the area covered by a BTS (all-direction
antenna) or a sector antenna, and it is the cell.
Several cells can compose a location area that can be set by the network operators. A
location area can be associated with one or more BSCs but belongs to one MSC.
Location area information is stored in MSC/VLR of the system and the LAI is used for
location area identification.
To confirm the position of the mobile station, the region covered by each GSM PLMN is
divided into several LAs. One LA can contain one or several cells. The network will store
the LA of each mobile station as location information for paging the mobile station. The
paging of the mobile station is made by paging all the cells in the location area where the
9
GPRS EDGE Principles
mobile station is located. In the planning of the network, it is paramount to divide
location areas. In the division of location areas, on the premise that no excessively high
call load occurs, try to minimize the number of location updates.
When an MS moves into another location area, it will find that the received LAI differs
from the original one stored in the SIM card and then registers the new one. This process
is location update process that is initiated by the MS.
The MSC service area is the area overlapped by all the cells under it. It can be one or
several location areas.
PLMN service area is composed of one or multiple MSC service areas and each country
may have one or several of them. For example, the national GSM mobile communication
network code of China Mobile is represented by 00, while that of China Unicom is
represented by 01.
GSM service area contains the PLMNs of countries all over the world.
2.2 GSM composition
The GSM communication system consists mainly of three parts: mobile switching
sub-system (MSS), base-station sub-system (BSS) and mobile station (MS), as shown in
Figure 2.2-1.
10
IBM
IBM
BSS MSS
MS
MS
PSTN
PLMN
Um A
Figure 2.2-1 GSM System Composition
Mobile Switching Subsystem (MSS)
Fulfills message exchanging, user information management, call connection and number
management functions.
Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
2 1BGSM Network Structure
The BSS is controlled by MSC in a certain wireless coverage and communicates with the
MS. It implements channel allocation, user access and paging, and information
transmission functions.
Mobile Station (MS)
MS which is the mobile equipment of the GSM system consists of two parts: mobile
terminal and customer ID card (SIM card). The mobile terminal is nothing but a
handset, which performs such functions as voice coding, channel coding, information
encryption, information modulation and demodulation, information transmission and
receiving.
Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS)
Also including the operation and maintenance subsystem (OMS), the GSM system
manages and monitors the entire GSM network. It implements the functions like
monitoring, status reporting and fault diagnosis of all the component functions within the
GSM network.
Position of GSM digital mobile communication network in BSS is as shown in Figure
2.2-2.
MSC/VLR PSTN
11
BSCn
BTS
MS
MSC/VLR
SGSN
SMC
HLR/AUC
EIR
PLMN
GGSN
GGSN
PDN
TE
Abis
BSC1
BTS
MS
Um
Abis
A
Gb
Figure 2.2-2 Position of the BSS in the GSM Network
The BSS provides a bridge between the fixed part and the wireless part in the PLMN
network, connects the MS for communications directly via the wireless interface and
GPRS EDGE Principles
connects the MSC of MSS.
Figure 2.2-3 shows the basic GSM network structure.
BSC TRAU MSC/VLR
SMC
GMSC
AUC
12
IWF
HLR
PSTN
ISDN
PDN
BTS
MS
EIR
BTS
MS
Figure 2.2-3 GSM Network Structure
The meaning of each name is as follows:
MS: Mobile Station
BTS: Base Transceiver Station
BSC: Base Station Controller
TRAU: Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit
IWF: Interworking Function
EIR: Equipment Identity Register
MSC: Mobile Switching Center
VLR: Visitor Location Register
GMSC: Gateway MSC
HLR: HOME Location Register
AUC: Authentication Center
2 1BGSM Network Structure
13
SMC: Short Message Center
PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network
ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network
PDN: Public Data Networks
A GSM digital mobile communication system is composed of the Mobile Switching
System (MSS), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), Operation Maintenance Sub-system
(OMS) and Mobile Station (MS). The following introduces the functions of each part.
2.3 Mobile Switching System (MSS)
NSS performs switching function and database for management of user data , mobility
and security.
The MSS consists of such entities as the mobile switching center (MSC), home location
register (HLR), visitor location register (VLR), equipment identity register (EIR),
authentication center (AUC) and short message center (SMC).
MSC: As the core of the GSM, the MSC implements the switching function, that
is, accomplishes the communication connection between the PLMN subscribers
and the subscribers in other networks. It implements the functions such as the
paging access of PLMN subscribers, channel assignment, call connection, traffic
control, billing, and base station management. It provides interfaces to other
functional entities, interfaces with other networks, and interfaces for connecting
with other MSCs.
HLR: The central database of the system. It stores all subscriber-related
information, including roaming authority, basic services, supplementary services
and current location information. It provides routing information for MSC for the
purpose of call setup. An HLR may cover multiple MSCs or even the whole
mobile network.
VLR: VLR stores information of all subscribers in the coverage, and provides
conditions for establishing call connections for the registered mobile subscribers.
As a dynamic database, the VLR must exchange large volume of data with the
HLR to ensure data validity. When a subscriber leaves the controlling area of a
VLR, it registers in another VLR. The original VLR deletes the temporary records
GPRS EDGE Principles
14
of that subscriber. The VLR is always integrated with the MSC physically.
AUC: A strictly protected database that stores subscriber authentication
information and encryption parameters. The AUC and HLR are integrated
physically.
EIR: Stores parameters related to the mobile station equipment. It can identify,
monitor and block the mobile equipment, to prevent unauthorized mobile
equipment from gaining access to the network.
2.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
BSS serves as a bridge between the NSS and MS. It performs wireless channel
management and wireless transceiving. The BSS includes the Base Station Controller
(BSC) and Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
BSC: Located between the MSC and the BTSs, the BSC controls and manages one
or several BTS. It accomplishes radio channel assignment, BTS and MS transmit
power control, and inter-cell handover. The BSC is also a small switch that
converges the local network via A interface and connects with the MSC.
As a wireless transceiving equipment controlled by the BSC in the BSS, the BTS
is in charge of radio transmission and implements wired-related wireless
conversion, radio diversity, radio channel encryption, and hopping. The BTS is
connected with the BSC through Abis interface, and connected with the MS
through Um interface.
In addition, the BSS also comprises the TRAU. Located between the BSC and the MSC,
the TRAU performs the conversion between 16 Kbit/s RPE-LTP codes and 64 Kbit/s A
law PCM codes.
2.5 Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS)
The OMS refers to the operation & maintenance part of the GSM system. All functional
units in the GSM system can be connected to the OMS via respective networks. The
OMS performs such functions as monitoring various functional units in the GSM
network, issuing status report, and diagnosing faults.
The OMS consists of two parts: Operation & Maintenance Center System (OMC-S)
and OMC-Radio (OMC-R). The OMC-S serves the NSS, while the OMC-R serves the
2 1BGSM Network Structure
BSS.
2.6 Mobile Station (MS)
As the subscriber equipment in the GSM, the MS can be vehicle installed or hand
portable. The MS consists of mobile terminals and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
card.
The mobile terminal is in charge of voice signal processing and radio transceiving.
The SIM stores all information required for identifying a subscriber and security
information, preventing unauthorized user access. A mobile terminal can not gain
access to the GSM network without an SIM card.
2.7 GSM System number
2.7.1 Mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN)
MSISDN number is the number dialed by caller while calling certain subscriber in
digital public terrain celluar mobile communication network. Its number
comprises of:
State No. Home valid ISDN number
Home Mobile ISDN number
China code number is 86.
The structure for valide ISDN number in China is:
15
GPRS EDGE Principles
N1N2N3
Mobile servi ce number
H1H2H3
HLR ID
ABCD
Mobile number
Home valid ISDN number
Domestic valid ISDN number is a number with 10 digits.
1. Mobile service access number (N1N2N3)
To identify different mobile systems, mobile service access number is 135-139 for
current post and telecom; 130 for China Unicom.
2. HLR identification number (H1H2H3)
H1H2 in HLR identification number is allocated uniformly by state; H3 is
assigned by different provinces. One HLR can contain one or more H1H2H3
numbers.
3. Mobile subscriber number (ABCD)
ABCD is mobile suscriber number in each HLR, automatically assigned by
different HLRs.
2.7.2 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
IMSI is the only one number to identify a mobile subscriber in PLMN, composed of 15
digits.
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2 1BGSM Network Structure
MCC MNC MSIN
International mobile number
Home mobile number
MCC = mobile country code, composed of 3 digits, to uniquely identify the country for
mobile subscriber. China is 460.
MNC = mobile network code, composed of 2 digits, to uniquely identify the mobile
network for mobile subscriber. GSM PLMN network is 00 for post and telecom ministry,
and that for China Unicom is 01.
MSINMobile subscriber identification number, a number with 10 digits, such as
H1H2H39XXXXXX. Where, H1H2H3 is same as H1H2H3 in MSISDN; 9 represents
GSM900MHZ; XXXXXX is subscriber number.
IMSI is used to all signaling in GSM mobile communication network, saved in HLR,
VLR and SIM card.
2.7.3 Mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN)
MSRN is a number that is assigned to mobile subscriber temporarily by VLR based on
HLR request each time calling mobile subscriber, its aim is to route again. This number
can be used by and relased to other subscribers after conneciton.
Its structure is 1390M1M2M3ABC. M1M2M3 is MSC number, and M1M2 is same as
H1H2 in MSISDN number.
ABC code is 000~499.
2.7.4 Handover number
HON is a number temporarily assigned to mobile subscriber by target MSC/VLR, to
select route during interoffice handover.
This number is a part of MSRN number, only used during interoffice handover for
mobile subscriber. It can be released to and used by other subscribers after connection. Its
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GPRS EDGE Principles
18
structure is 1390M1M2M3ABC. M1M2M3 is MSC number, and M1M2 is same as
H1H2 in MSISDN number.
ABC code is 500~999.
2.7.5 Temporary mobile subscriber identification (TMSI)
TMSI is to provide security for IMSI, which is temporarily assigned to visited mobile
subscriber identification number by VLR. As a 4 bytes BCD code, it only can be used
locally and assigned by different MSC/VLR.
2.7.6 Location area Identification (LAI)
LAI is used to identify location area, its structure as follows:
MCC+MNC+LAC
Where: MCC and MNC are same as that of IMSI.
LAC is location area code, to uniquely identify each location area in China's digital
PLMN. As a 2 bytes hexadecimal BCD code, represented as L1L2L3L4 (range is
0000~FFFF, which can define 65536 different location areas.)
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3 GSM Radio Channel
Knowledge points
This section introduces GSM radio frame, channel concept, division & function for
different channels, mapping combination mechanism between channels.
3.1 GSM Working Frequency Band
1. Working frequency
Currently, the GSM communication system works at 900MHz, extended 900MHz
and 1800MHz. 1900MHz band is adopted in some countries.
1) 900MHz frequency
Uplinking (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range:
890MHz~915MHz
Downlining (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range:
935MHz~960MHz
2) Extended 900MHz band
Uplinking (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range: 880
MHz~915 MHz
Downlining (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range: 925
MHz~960 MHz
3) 1,800MHz frequency
Uplinking (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range:
1710MHz~1785MHz
Downlining (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range:
1805MHz~1880MHz
4) 1,900MHz frequency
Uplinking (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range:
GPRS EDGE Principles
20
1850MHz~1910MHz
Downlining (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range:
1930MHz~1990MHz
2. Channel interval
The interval between two adjacent channels in any band is 200kHz.
3. Channel configuration
All channels are configured with the same interval.
1) 900MHz frequency
The channel numbers are in the range of 1~124. There are 124 frequency bands in
all.
The relationship between the channel numbers and frequency band nominal
central frequency is illustrated as follows:
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 X n (MHz), uplink
Fd (n) = Fu (n) + 45 (MHz), downlink
Where, 1 =< n =< 124, n is a frequency sequence, or an Absolute Radio Frequency
Channel Number (ARFCN).
2) Extended 900MHz band
The channel numbers are in the range of 0~124 and 975~1023. There are 174
frequency bands in all.
The relationship between the channel numbers and frequency band nominal
central frequency is illustrated as follows:
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 n (MHz), 0 =< n =< 124
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 (n-1024) (MHz), 975 =< n =< 1023
Fd (n)=Fu (n) + 45 (MHz)
3) 1,800MHz frequency
The channel numbers are in the range of 512~885. There are 374 frequency bands
in all.
The relationship between the channel numbers and frequency band nominal
3 2BGSM Radio Channel
21
central frequency is illustrated as follows:
Fu (n)=1710.2 + 0.2 (n-512) (MHz)
Fd (n)=Fu (n) + 95 (MHz)
512 n 885
4) 1,900MHz frequency
The channel numbers are in the range of 512~811. There are 300 frequency bands
in all.
The relationship between the channel numbers and frequency band nominal
central frequency is illustrated as follows:
Fu (n)=1850.2 + 0.2 (n-512) (MHz)
Fd (n)=Fu (n) + 80 (MHz)
512 n 811
4 Duplex transceiving interval
1) 900MHz frequency
The duplex transceiving interval is 45MHz.
2) Extended 900MHz band
The duplex transceiving interval is 45MHz.
3) 1,800MHz frequency
The duplex transceiving interval is 95MHz.
4) 1,900MHz frequency
The duplex transceiving interval is 80MHz.
3.2 Structure of GSM Radio Frame
There are five layers for structure of GSM radio frame, that is, timeslot, TDMA frame,
multiframe, super frame, and hyper frame.
1. Timeslot is the basic unit of physical channel.
2. TDMA frame is composed of 8 timeslots, a basic unti to occupy carrier
bandwidth, that is, each carrier has 8 timeslots.
GPRS EDGE Principles
3. Multiframe has the following two types:
1) Multiframe composed of 26 TDMA frames. This kind of multiframe is used to
TCH, SACCH, and FACCH.
2) Multiframe composed of 51 TDMA frames. This kind of multiframe is used to
BCCH, CCCH and SDCCH.
4. Super frame is a continous 51X26 TDMA frame, composed of 51 multiframes
with 26 frames or 26 multiframes with 51 frames.
5. Hyper frame is composed of 2048 super frames.
Figure 3.2-1 lists the schematic diagram of hierarchical frame structure in GSM system.
Figure 3.2-1 Hierarchical frame structure in GSM system
TDMA frame is compiled cycly with the period of 3hrs 28mins 53s 760ms
(204851268BP or 20485126 TDMA frames). A hyper frame contains 20485126
TDMA frames. Each hyper frame can be divided into 2048 super frames, each super
frame is 5126 TDMA frames sequence (6.12s). Each super frame is composed of
multiframes. Multiframe can be divided into two types.
Multiframe with 26 frames: it contains 26 TDMA frames (268BP), with duraiton of
120ms. 51 multiframes form a super frame. This kind of multiframe is used to carry TCH
(and SACCH plus FACCH).
Multiframe with 51 frames: it contains 51 TDMA frames (518BP), with duraiton of
22
3 2BGSM Radio Channel
23
3060/13ms. 26 multiframes form a super frame. This kind of multiframe is used to BCH
and CCCH.
3.3 Physical Channel and Logical Channel
3.3.1 PhyCH Physical Channel
TDMA indicates it is divided into 8 time segements by time on each carrier for GSM900,
each timeslot segement is called as a timeslot.This kind of timeslot is called as channel,
or physical channel. A TDMA frame comprises of successive 8 timeslots on a carrier, that
is, one carrier can provide 8 physical channels on a carrier for GSM.
3.3.2 Logic channel
If you consider each timeslot of TDMA frame as physical channel, the content
transmitted in physical channel is logical channel. Logic channel indicates the control
logic channel or voice, data logic channel assigned in 8 timeslots for TDMA for different
control signals and voice or data services.
The transmitted information on physical channel in GSM digital system is the pulse
string composed of about 100 modulated bits, called as burst pulse sequence - Burst.
Carry different logic channels in different Burst information formats.
The logical channels fall into common channels and dedicated channels. Figure
3.3-1shows the logical channels defined by the GSM.
GPRS EDGE Principles
Figure 3.3-1 GSM Logic Channel
3.3.2.1 Common Channel
The common channel means the broadcast control channel to transfer broadcast messages
from the BTS to MS, and the common control channel to transfer the bidirectional
signals required to set up connections between the Mobile-Service Switching Center
(MSC) and MS.
1. Broadcast Channel
BCHs are unidirectional channels from the base station to the MS. The BCHs
comprises:
Frequency correction channel (FCCH): Transmits the information used to correct
the MS frequency. The MS receives the frequency correction information through
the FCCH and corrects its time base frequency.
Synchronization channel (SCH): Transmits frame synchronization (TDMA frame
number) information and Base Station Identity Code (BSIC) to MSs.
Broadcast control channel (BCCH): Broadcasts general information to BTSs. For
example, broadcast the local cell and neighboring cell information, and
synchronization (time and frequency) information on this channel. The MSs listen
to the BCCH periodically to obtain the information transmitted on it, such as the
24
3 2BGSM Radio Channel
25
Local Area Identity, List of Neighboring Cell, frequency table used in the local
cell, cell identity, power control indication, intermittent transmission permission,
access control, and CBCH description. The BCCH carrier is transmitted by the
base station at the fixed power, and its signal strength is measured by all the MSs.
2. Common Control Channel
The CCCHs are point-to-multipoint bi-directional channels between the base
station and the MS. including
Paging channel (PCH): Broadcasts the paging messages from the base station to
the MS. It is a downlink channel.
Random access channel (RACH): The MS sends information to the base station
through this channel when accessing the network at random. The information sent
includes the response to the paging message of the base station and the access of
mobile-originated call. The MS also applies for a stand-alone dedicated control
channel (SDCCH) from the base station through this channel. The RACH is a
uplink channel.
Access grant channel: The base station sends the assigned SDCCH to the MS that
accesses the network successfully through this channel. The AGCH is a downlink
channel.
3.3.2.2 Dedicated Channel (DCH)
Dedicated channels are the traffic channels that transmit voices and data. Some dedicated
channels are used for the purpose of control.
1. Dedicated Control Channel
The DCCHs are point-to-point bi-directional channels between the base station
and the MS. The DCCHs include:
Stand-alone dedicated control channel (SDCCH): Transmits the signaling and
channel information between the base station and the MS, such as the
authentication and registration signaling messages. During the establishment of a
call, the SDCCH supports bi-directional data transmission and the transfer of short
messages.
Slow associated control channel (SACCH): Through this channel, the base station
sends the power control message and frame adjustment message to the MS, and
GPRS EDGE Principles
26
receives signal strength report and link quality report from the MS.
Fast associated control channel (FACCH): Transmits inter-cell handover signaling
messages between the base station and the MS.
2. Traffic Channel
The TCHs transmit voice and data services. According to the switching mode, the
TCHs can be divided into circuit-switched channels and data-switched channels.
According to the transmit rate, the TCHs can be divided into full-rate channels and
half-rate channels. The rate of the GSM full-rate channels is 13 Kbit/s, and that of
the GSM half-rate channels is 6.5 Kbit/s. In addition, the enhanced full-rate
channel has the same rate as the full-rate channels, which is 13 Kbit/s. However, it
has better compressed coding scheme than the full-rate channels. That is why the
enhanced full-rate channel provides better voice quality.
3.3.3 Channel Combination
In practice, logic channels of different types are usually mapped to the same physical
channel, which is called channel combination.
Followings are nine channel combinations of GSM:
1. Full-rate traffic channel (TCHFull): TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/TF;
2. Half-rate traffic channel (TCHHalf): TCH/H (0, 1) + FACCH/H(0, 1) +
SACCH/TH (0, 1);
3. Half-rate1 traffic channel (TCHHalf2): TCH/H (0, 0) + FACCH/H (0, 1)
+SACCH/TH (0, 1) + TCH/H (1, 1);
4. Individual dedicated control channel SDCCH: SDCCH/8 (0, , 7) + SACCH/C8
(0, , 7);
5. Main broadcast control channel (MainBCCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH;
6. Combined broadcast control channel (BCCHCombined): FCCH + SCH + BCCH
+ CCCH + SDCCH/4 (0, ,3) + SACCH/C4 (0, , 3);
7. Broadcast channel (BCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH;
8. Cell broadcast channel (BCCHwithCBCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH +
3 2BGSM Radio Channel
27
SDCCH/4 (0, , 3) + SACCH/C4 (0, , 3) + CBCH;
9. Slow dedicated control channel (SDCCHwithCBCH): SDCCH + SACCH +
CBCH.
Among the above channel combinations, CCCH = PCH + RACH + AGCH. CBCH: Only
downlink channels are aCBCH: Only downlink channels are available, carrying cell
broadcast information and sharing the physical channel with SDCCH.
Each cell broadcasts an FCCH and an SCH. The basic combination in downlink includes
an FCCH, an SCH, a BCCH and a CCCH (PCH+AGCH), allocated strictly to TN0 of
BCCH carrier configured for a cell, as shown in Figure 3.3-1.
S F B C
R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
51
S F C C S F C C S F C C I
R R R R R R R R R R
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0 A1 A2 A3
S F C C
R R R R R R R R R R
I I I
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4 A5 A6 A7 I I I
A1 A2 A3 I I I
A5 A6 A7 I I I
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4
S F B C S F C C S F D0 D1 S F D2 D3 I S F A0 A1
S F B C S F C C S F D0 D1 S F D2 D3 I S F A2 A3
D3
D3
R R
R R
A2 A3
A0 A1
D2
D2
S F
S F
D0 D1
D0 D1
R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
FFCCH SSCH
BBCCH CCCCHCCCH=PCH+AGCH+RACH
RRACH DSDCCH
ASACCH/C Iidle
8 SDCCH/8
8 SDCCH/8
BCCH+CCCH
+4SDCCH/4
BCCH+CCCH
+4SDCCH/4
(a) FCCH+SCH+BCCH+CCCH
(b) SDCCH/8(0,...,7)+SACCH/C8(0,...,7)
(c) FCCH+SCH+CCCH+SDCCH/4(0,...,3)+SACCH/C4(0,...,3)
BCCH+CCCH
BCCH+CCCH
Figure 3.3-1 51-frame Channel Structure
For the half-rate voice channel combination, each timeslot has two half-rate sub-channels
and corresponding SACCH, with 26TDMA frames as the multi-frame. The frame
structure is shown in Figure 3.3-2.
H
0
H
0
S
1
S
0
H
1
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
0
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
H
1
26
Figure 3.3-2 Structure of Half-rate Voice Channel
GPRS EDGE Principles
3.3.3.1 Channel Mapping
Obviously, the logical channels in the GSM are much more than the eight physical
channels that a GSM carrier can provide. If each logical channel is configured with a
physical channel, the eight physical channels provided by a carrier are not enough. In
such case, extra carriers must be added. However, the communication in this way is not
highly effective. The way to solve this problem is to multiplex the CCCH, that is,
multiplex the CCCH on one or two physical channels.
In GSM, the mapping relationship between the physical channel and the logical channel
is set up as follows:
One base station (BS) has N carriers, and each carrier has eight timeslots. Carriers are
defined as f0, f1, f2, For the downlink, the numbering begins with the 0th timeslot
(TS0) of f0. TS0 is used only to mapping the control channel. f0 is also called the
broadcasting control channel (BCCH). Figure 3.3-3 shows the multiplexing relationship
of BCCH and CCCH on TS0.
Figure 3.3-3 Multiplexing of BCCH and CCCH on TS0
The BCCH and CCCH occupy 51 TS0s in total. Though only the TS0 of each frame is
occupied, the length is 51 TDMA frames in terms of time. As a multiframe, its end is
marked by the appearance of an idle frame. After the idle frame, a new multiframe starts
from F and S. Repetition in this constitutes the multiframe structure of TDMA.
When there is no paging or call access, the BS always transmits f0 on. This enables the
MS to detect the signal strength of the BS and to determine which cell to use.
28
3 2BGSM Radio Channel
For the uplink, the TS0 on f0 does not include the above channels. It is used only for the
access of the MS; that is, it is used in the uplink as the RACH. Figure 3.3-4 shows the
TS0 of 51 consecutive TDMA frames.
Figure 3.3-4 Multiplexing of RACH on TS0
The BCCH, FCCH, SCH, PCH, AGCH and RACH are all mapped to the TS0. The
RACH is mapped to the uplink, and the rest are mapped to the downlink.
The TS1 on f0 is used to map the dedicated control channel to the physical channel.
Figure 3.3-5 shows the mapping relationship.
Figure 3.3-5 Multiplexing of SDCCH and SACCH on TS1 (Downlink)
Since the bit rate in call setup and registration is quite low, eight dedicated control
channels can be placed on one timeslot to improve the multiplexing ratio of the timeslot.
The SDCCH and SACCH have 102 timeslots in total, that is, 102 time division
multiplexing (TDM) frames.
29
GPRS EDGE Principles
The DX (D0, D1, ) of the SDCCH is used only when the MS sets up a call. When the
MS transfers to the TCH and the subscriber starts the conversation or the release is
registered, the DX is used in other MSs.
The AX (A0, A1, ) of the SACCH is mainly used to transfer unimportant control
information such as wireless measurement data.
The TS1 on the uplink f0 and that on the downlink f0 have the same structure. They have
an offset in time, however, which means simultaneous bidirectional connection for an
MS. Figure 3.3-6 shows the multiplexing of the SDCCH and SACCH on the TS1 of the
uplink f0.
Figure 3.3-6 Multiplexing of SDCCH and SACCH on TS1 (Uplink)
The uplink and downlink TS0 and TS1 on f0 are used by the logical control channel,
while the remaining six physical channel TS2 to TS7 are used by the TCH.
Figure 3.3-7 shows the mapping from the TCH from the physical channel.
30
3 2BGSM Radio Channel
Figure 3.3-7 Multiplexing of TCH
Figure 3.3-7 only gives the TDM relationship of TS2. In this figure, T stands for the TCH,
which is used to transmit voice or data; A for the SACCH, which is used to transfer
control commands such as the command to change the output power; I for Idle, which
does not contain any information but is used in measurement. TS2 conducts TDM with
26 timeslots as a cycle. The idle timeslot serves as the beginning or end of a repeating
sequence.
The structure of the TCH of the uplink is completely the same as that of the TCH of the
downlink. The only difference is an offset in time, which is three timeslots. That is, the
TS2 of the uplink and that of the downlink do not appear simultaneously, which means
that it is not necessary for the MS to conduct sending and receiving simultaneously.
Figure 3.3-8shows the offset between the uplink and downlink of the TCH.
Figure 3.3-8 Uplink and Downlink Offset of TCH
From the above description, it can be concluded that on f0:
31
GPRS EDGE Principles
32
TS0: a logical control channel, with repeat cycle of 51 timeslots.
TS1: a logical control channel, with repeat cycle of 102 timeslots.
TS2: a logical service channel, with repeat cycle of 26 timeslots.
TS3 to TS7: logical traffic channels, with repeat cycle of 26 timeslots.
The TS0 to TS7 of other f0 ~ fN are all traffic channels.
The channel configuration adopted by ZTE for common cells is as follows:
Number of carrier frequencies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of control channels 1 2 2 2 3 3 3
Number of service channels 7 14 22 30 37 45 53
33
4 Basic Service and Signaling Process
Knowledge points
This section introduces GSM terminal start, position register/update, service call and
handover service implementation and signaling interaction process.
4.1 Mobile subscriber state
4.1.1 MS starts, network does " Attach" marks on it
That is, commonly used IMSI attachment, divided into the following three cases:
1. If MS is started firstly: no LAI in SIM card, MS transmits "location update
request" message to MSC, inform GSM system this is a new subscriber in this
location area. MSC transmits "location update request" to HLR based on IMSI
number sent by this subscriber, HLR records MSC number that sends request, and
corresponding VLR number, and send MSC "location update acceptance" message.
Up to now, MSC considers the MS is activated, do attachement mark on
corresponding IMSI for this subscriber, then send "location update validation"
message to MS, and SIM card of this MS records this location area identification.
2. If MS is not firstly started, but start after shutdown, LAI accepted by MS is not
consistent with original LAI in its SIM card, MS immediately sends "location
update request" to MSC, VLR shall judge whether original LAI is the original
location in service area.
If judgement is affirmative, MSC only requires change original LAI code in user
SIM card to new LAI code.
If it is negative, MSC sends "location update request" to HLR based on the
information in IMSI number for this subscriber, HLR records the MSC number to
send request into database, then return "location update acceptance". MSC does
"attachment" mark for user IMSI, and send "location update acknowledgement"
message to MS, and MS changes original LAI code in SIM card to new LAI code.
When MS starts again, the received LAI is consistent with that saved in original
GPRS EDGE Principles
34
SIM card: at this time, VLR does "attachment" mark for this subscriber.
4.1.2 MS shutdowns, separated from network.
After MS powers off, MS sends separation processing request to MSC, MSC informs
VLR to do "separation" marks for this MS on corresponding IMSI after receiving the
request. At this time, HLR doesn't get the notification that this subscriber has detach from
the network. When this subscriber is paged, HLR requests MSRN from visitor
MSC/VLR, and then VLR informs HLR this subscriber's MS power off.
4.1.3 MS Busy
At this time, assign a service channel to transmit voice or data for this MS, and label this
subscriber as "busy" on subscriber ISDN.
4.2 Location Update
When an MS moves into another location area, it will find that the received LAI differs
from the original one stored in the SIM card and then registers the new one. This process
is location update process that is initiated by the MS. There are two cases for location
update:
1. Location area of MS is changed, but still at same MSC office;
2. MS transfers from one MSC office to the other MSC office.
4.2.1 Location update at a MSC office
If location is updated at a MSC office, HLR doesn't participate in location update process.
Location update at same office is as shown in
Figure 4.2-1:
4 3BBasic Service and Signaling Process
2
BSC
1
3 4
MSC/VLR
LAI
M
S
1
LAI
M
2
S
Figure 4.2-1 Location Update at Same MSC Office
C office is simple, falling into the following four steps:
to current
SC).
he data for this MS, changes the LAI to current LAI, then sends a
respons
BSC s
current
4.2.2 Interoffice Location Up
W
locatio
in Figu
d during description, BSC and MSC are called as BSC1 and BSC2,
specific steps as follows:
2. r MSC office, if MS founds current LAI
Location update at same MS
When MS roams to a new location area, it is found received LAI is not consistent with
that saved in SIM card through analysis, then a location update request is sent
base station controller (B
If BSC receives location update request from MS, it sends a location update request to
MSC/VLR.
VLR modifies t
e message to BSC.
ends a response message to MS, and MS changes LAI saved in its SIM card to
LAI. So the location update process at same MSC office is completed.
date
hen mobile subscriber roams from a MSC office to the other, you shall do interoffice
n update. At this time, HLR shall participate in location update process, as shown
re 4.2-2:
1. Location update between different MSCs is more complicated than that at same
MSC. To more conveinient description, original MSC office for subscriber is
MSC1, roamed MSC office is MSC2. In the figure, BSC is omitted, but it also will
be mentione
When mobile subscriber roams to the othe
35
GPRS EDGE Principles
is not consistent with that saved in SIM card, it sends location update request to
BSC2, and BSC2 sends a location update request to MSC2.
When 3. not the
ber is
4. ds some
5. MSC/VLR2 sends a location update acknowledgement message to MS through
BSC2, after MS receives it, the MS changes LAI saved in its SIM card to current
LAI.
6. HLR takes charge of sending message to MSC/VLR1, and informs VLR1 to delete
the data about this subscriber.
3 1
4
MSC/VLR2 receives location update request, it founds there is
ation update request to HLR that the subscri
registered.
HLR sends a location update acknowledgement to MSC/VLR2, and sen
data about this subscriber to MSC/VLR2.
information about this subscriber (a roaming subscriber from other MSC) in
current MSC, so it sends a loc
5
MSC/VLR1 M
S
2
HLR
36
M
S
MSC/VLR2
Figure 4.2-2 Location update between different MSCs
L
each lo date, authentication shall be done for this subscriber.
4.3 Typical Call a
4.3.1 Call between M
M 2
belongs to HLR/AUC.
ocation update process is as above steps 1-5. Herein, we will specially propose: before
cation up
nd Handover Process
obile Subscribers
S1 services between MSC1/VLR1, MS2 service between MSC2/VLR2, and MS
4 3BBasic Service and Signaling Process
1. MS1 of caller subscriber dials MS2 number, and informs MSC1 thro
S2, finds th
onging to MS2, and sends route request to HLR;
HLR queries current location information of MS2, enables MS2 ser
route information, that is, MSRN; submit MSRN to HLR
HLR sends MSRN to caller MSC1;
MSC1 establishes call with MSC2 based on MSRN;
ugh BS
e HLR
bel
3. ving to
;
5.
6.
7. MSC2/VLR2 sends paging message to called subscriber MS2;
8. MSC2/VLR2 founds MS2 subscriber can receive message;
9. Establish call between MSC2 and MSC1;
10. After MSC1 sends connection signal to caller MS1, MS1 can talk with MS2.
Figure 4.3-1 is call process.
system;
2. MSC1 analyzes phone number of called subscriber's M
MSC2/VLR2, and requests route information to MSC2/VLR2;
4. MSC2/VLR2 assigns
4.3.2 Inter-BSC
indicates radio channel for mobile subscriber is transferred from
current BSS to the other BSS under same MSC.
Figure 4.3-1 Call process
Handover within MSC
Intra-MSC handover
37
GPRS EDGE Principles
38
Whole handover process is finished by same MSC, MSC shall issue handover request for
y
ion, so when MS
munication at original connection. Only if the handover is
finished, MSC can release original connection and provide communication for MS on
n o
4.3.3 Inter-MSC Han
In M
a MSC
Inter-M tual assortion from MSC-A and MSC-B/VLR. MSC-A
as b
Inter-M
1. BSS-A is not satisfied with MS radio channel quality and check adjacent location
on;
lished from MSC-A to MSC-B
4. equest response. MSC-B sends handover request response to
5. SC-A and MSC-B based on handover
e handover number;
C-A;
new BSS, enables new BSS ready for access; after new BSS responds to handover
request, MSC informs MS to handover through original BSS; when MS is successfull
connected in new BSS, MSC takes charge of establishment of new connection.
Before whole handover is finished, MSC shall keep previous connect
handover fails, you can do com
ew c nnection.
dover
ter- SC handover indicates when mobile subscriber is communicating, he moves from
to the other MSC in BSS coverage, so handover occurs to keep communication.
SC handover requires mu
mo ile subscriber controller for handover ends until call is released.
SC handover process:
information, considers suitable adjacent LAI as target information and requires
MSC-A control handover by handover requirement informati
2. MSC-A analyzes handover requirement message, founds target belongs to MSC-B
coverage range, and requests BSS-B prepare for MS connection through MSC-B,
that is, handover request;
3. After MSC-B receives handover requests from MSC-A, it requires VLR consider
handover number as the address information estab
circuit;
BSS-B switchs r
MSC-A, in which handover number is informed to MSC-A;
MSC-A selects TUP route between M
number in handover request response, and sends original address message to
MSC-B. Called number is th
6. MSC-B/VLR receives original address message to acknowledge handover number,
and returns address complete message to MS
4 3BBasic Service and Signaling Process
7. complete message, it indicates MS handover
through BSS-A;
8. MS connects BSS-B, BSS-B informs MSC-AMS it has been successf
connected to BSS-B through MSC-B;
9. Channel is successfully established between MS and BSS-B, and MSC-B inf
MSC-A finishes handover;
10. MSC-B finishes conenction and inform MSC-A communication is successful
established, and handover succeeds (TUP).
Figure 4.3-2 is handover process.
After MSC-A receives address
ully
orms
ly
BSS-A
MSC-A
VLR
MSC-B
VLR
BSS-B
2
4
5
6
8
10
1
7
2
4
8
9
9
7
MS
MS
Access
Figure 4.3-2 Handover process
4.4 Basic Signaling Process
4.4.1 Location Update Process
Figure 4.4-1 shows the location update process of the MS.
39
GPRS EDGE Principles
RLC
RLSD
DT1
CH REL
CH REL
DT1
Clear COM
DT1
Clear CMD
DT1
CH REL
CH REL
CREF
CR
IMSI DETACH
EST IND
UA
SABM
IMM ASS
IMM ASS CMD
CH ACT ACK
CH ACT
CH RQD
BTS BSC MSC MS
CH REQ
Figure 4.4-2 IMSI Detach Process
To power off a mobile phone, an SDCCH channel should be established first. Then a
power-off message is sent to the MSC over SDCCH (IMSI DETACH). Upon receiving
the message, the MSC releases the SDCCH.
GPRS EDGE Principles
42
4.4.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process
Figure 4.4-3 shows the mobile-originated call and the called party on-hook process.
When a mobile subscriber originates a call, the SDCCH is established first, and then a
request for the TCH is sent through the SDCCH to the MSC.
4 3BBasic Service and Signaling Process
RF CH REL ACK
RF CH REL
RLC
RLSD
CH REL
DISC
UA
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
REL IND
DEACT SACCH
DR
CH REL
EST IND
43
ASS COM
DT 1
ASS COM
DT 1:ASS REQ
DT 1
CIPH M ODE CM D
CH ACT ACK
CH ACT
PHY CONT CONF
UA
SABM
PHY CONT REQ
DR
ASS CM D
ASS CM D
DT 1
Clear COM
DT 1
Clear CM D
DT 1
CM SERV REQ
EST IND
UA
SABM
IM M ASS
IM M ASS CM D
CH ACT ACK
CH ACT
CH RQD
BT S BSC M SC M S
CH REQ
DTAP:SET UP
DTAP:CALL PROC
DI
ASS COM
DTAP
Alert ing
DTAP
Connect
DTAP
Connect ACK
DTAP
Disconnect
DTAP
Release
DTAP
Release COM
DTAP:CM SERV ACCP
Figure 4.4-3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process
The MSC sends an Assignment Request message to the BSC. After receiving the
message, the BSC sends an IMM ASS CMD message to the MS. The MS establishes a
GPRS EDGE Principles
44
TCH with the BTS. The BTS sends a channel establishment indication, completes
immediate assignment, and release the SDCCH.
The MSC sends a ring-back tone to the mobile phone over the established TCH. A call
session is set up by connection establishment and connection confirmation.
When the called hooks on, the MSC sends a disconnection message to the mobile phone.
Then the mobile phone releases the TCH and the MSC replies with a release
acknowledgement to complete the TCH release process.
4.4.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process
Figure 4.4-4 shows the mobile-terminated call and the calling party on-hook process.
To call a mobile phone, the MSC initiates a paging message to the mobile phone, which
establishes an SDCCH upon receiving the paging message. Then the SDCCH is released
after a TCH has been established. The call setup is accomplished over the TCH.
When the call is ended, the TCH is to be released.
4 3BBasic Service and Signaling Process
UDT
PAG
PAG CM D
PAG REQ
RF CH REL ACK
RF CH REL
RLC
RLSD
CH REL
DISC
UA
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
REL IND
DEACT SACCH
DR
CH REL
EST IND
ASS COM
DT 1ASS COM
DT 1:ASS REQ
DT 1CIPH M ODE CM D
CH ACT ACK
CH ACT
PHY CONT CONF
UA
SABM
PHY CONT REQ
DRASS CM D
ASS CM D
DT 1
Clear COM
DT 1
Clear CM D
DT 1
PAG RES
EST IND
UA
SABM
IM M ASS
IM M ASS CM D
CH ACT ACK
CH ACT
CH RQD
CH REQ
DTAP:SET UP
DTAP:CALL CONF
DIASS COM
DTAP
Alert ing
DTAPConnect
DTAPConnect ACK
DTAPDisconnect
DTAPRelease
DTAP
Release COM
BSC M SC BT S M S
Figure 4.4-4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process
45
GPRS EDGE Principles
4.4.5 Inter-cell Handover Flow
Figure 4.4-5 illustrates the inter-cell handover flow.
Based on the measurement reports originated from the mobile phone continuously, the
BSC judges whether it is necessary to perform handover.
When intra-cell handover is necessary, the mobile phone is located in the source cell
BTS1. The BSC activates a TCH in the target cell BTS2, and sends a handover command
to the mobile phone. The mobile phone is switched to the TCH in BTS2 and completes
the handover process.
As the intra-cell handover is completed, the BSC informs the MSC of the event and
releases the TCH in the source cell.
MEAS REP
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
46
DT1
HO PERF
HO CMD
RF CH REL ACK
RF CH REL
DI
HO COM
EST IND
HO DET
MS BTS1 BTS2 BSC MSC
MEAS RES
DR
HO CMD
HO ACCESS
PHY INFO
SABM
UA
HO COM
Figure 4.4-5 Inter-cell Handover Process
5 Voice Processing and Key Radio
Technology
Knowledge points
This section describes basic voice processing for GSM, and several key radio
enhanced technologies.
5.1 Voice Processing
5.1.1 Basic Flow of Voice Processing
In the GSM system, the MS processes voice signals on wireless interfaces as shown in
Figure 5.1-1.
Figure 5.1-1 Voice Processing in the GSM System
The process of sending voice signals is as follows: for analog voice signals, first make
A/D conversion before doing voice coding to output 13Kbit/s digital voice signals. To
control errors in the process of transmission, channel coding and interleaving processing
shall be conducted on digital voice signals, which are then encrypted according to the
input/output bit stream of 1:1. These bits are grouped into 8 1/2 burst pulse sequences
(corresponding to voice signals/20ms segment) before they are transmitted at about
270Kbit/s in the appropriate timeslots.
The voice signals are received following the steps below: Each radio signal transmitted
by the BTS is demodulated first, followed by burst demultiplexing and decryption. When
every eight 1/2 bursts are received completely, the bursts are de-interleaved and
47
GPRS EDGE Principles
48
assembled into a 456-bit message. Then come the steps of channel decoding, checking
and correcting errors in the transmission. Finally, the bitstreams generated by the decoder
are decoded, and converted to analog voices.
5.1.2 Voice Encoding
This section, taking example for full-rate voice encoding, explains the voice encoding
process in the GSM system.
The current GSM system adopts the 13kb/s voice encoding scheme, called regular pulse
excitation-long term prediction (RPE-LTP). This scheme is designed to guarantee error-free
voice quality close to that in the fixed telephone network.
It divides the voice into several 20ms voice blocks, and samples the voice blocks by
8kHz to get 160 samples. Then it quantitates the sample values to generate 16-bit digital
voice signals, and a 128kbit/s data stream is produced consequently. As it is unable to
transmit the data stream over the wireless channels due to its high-speed bit rate, it must
be compressed by using a decoder. A full-rate decoder compresses the voice block into
260bit, and produces a source encoding rate of 13kbit/s. Other procedures of signal
processing such as channel encoding are performed next.
On the BTS end, the 13kbit/s source bit rate can be recovered. However, for the purpose of
transmission on Abis interface at a rate of 16kbit/s, additional 3kbit/s signals should be added,
to control the TC operation remotely. On the TC end, 13kbit/s to 64kbit/s conversion is to be
made to adapt to the 64kbit/s rate on the A interface.
5.1.3 Channel Encoding
Then, channel coding will be conducted on the 260bit data block. Channel coding is used
to improve the transmission quality and overcome bad influences on signals caused by
various interferences.
Special redundancy technology is used in channel encoding. Redundant bits are inserted
at the transmitting end according to some specific rules, and are used in the decoding
process at the receiving end to detect bit errors and correct them to recover the original
message.
Two encoding schemes are available in the GSM system: Convolutional code and packet
code. In practice, they are used in combination.
Convolutional code: compiles k information bits into n bits. Both k and n are very small
5 4BVoice Processing and Key Radio Technology
so that they are suitable for transmission in a serial port manner. Besides they also show
very little delay. The coded n code elements are not only related to k information code
elements of this packet, but also to information code elements in the preceding (N-1),
where N is called constraint length. Convolutional code is generally expressed as (n, k,
N). The error-correction capability in convolution encoding grows stronger with the rise
of N, while the error probability decreases exponentially as N rises. The convolutional
code is used to correct errors, and is effective in this purpose when the decoder works
with the maximum likelihood estimate mode.
Packet code: This is a kind of chopping cyclic code, which obtains the redundancy digits
by increasing the exclusive-OR algorithm of information bits and mapping the k input
redundancy information digits onto n output binary cells (n>k) through exclusive-OR
algorithm. The packet code is mainly used for detecting and correcting errors in groups.
It is generally used in combination with the convolutional code.
5.1.4 Interleaving/deinterleaving
Burst errors in wireless communication often results from long-time attenuation. Channel
coding alone is inadequate for error detection and correction. The interleaving
technology is adopted in the channels to better solve the error problems.
By interleaving technology, the continuous bits in an information block are segmented
and transmitted individually according to certain rules. That is to say, the original
continuous blocks become discontinuous ones in transmission, and form a group of
interwoven message blocks, which are to be recovered (via de-interleaving) into the
original information blocks at the receiving end. It is as shown in Figure 5.1-2.
49
GPRS EDGE Principles
50
Figure 5.1-2 Interleaving Technology
With the interleaving technology, if a certain message block is lost during transmission,
actually only part of each information block is missing after being recovered instead of
the whole information block, thus making it easier to recover the lost message by taking
advantage of the encoding technology.
In the GSM, different coding and interleaving modes are used in different types of
channels. See Table 5.1-1 for details.
Table 5.1-1 Coding and Interweaving of Circuit Logical Channels
Code
Channel Type
Input
Rate
kbit/s
Input
Code
Block
bits
Check Bit Tail Bit
Convolutional
code rate
Output
Code
Block bits
Interleaving Depth
Ia 13 50 Parity check, 3
Ib 13 132
4 1/2
1)
TCH/
FS:
II 13 78
456 On eight 1/2 bursts
Ia 5.6 22 Parity check, 3
Ib 5.6 73
6 1/3
TCH/HS
II 5.6 17
228 On four 1/2 bursts
TCH/F9.6:
TCH/H4.8:
12
6
240 4
1/2, one bit is
removed from
every 15 bits
456
Combine on 22 unequal
bursts
TCH/F4.8: 6 120 32 1/3 456
Combine on 22 unequal
bursts
TCH/F2.4: 3.6 72 4 1/6 456 On eight 1/2 bursts
TCH/H2.4: 3.6 144 8 1/3 456
Combine on 22 unequal
bursts
SCH 25 Parity check, 10 4 1/2 78
Combine on one SB
burst
RACH 8 Parity check, 6 4 1/2 36
Combine on one AB
burst
FACCH: 184 Packet code, 40 4 1/2 456 On eight 1/2 bursts
SACCH:
BCCH
SDCCH
AGCH
????
184 Packet code, 40 4 1/2 456 On four whole bursts
5 4BVoice Processing and Key Radio Technology
51
Note: The voice input rate on TCH/FS is 13 Kbit/s, that is, each speech frame lasts 20 ms
and contains 260 bits. According to the interference of different bits on voice, the 260
bits are divided into I category (182 bits in total) and II category (78 bits in total). The I
category is further divided into Ia and Ib. The Ia bits are very important bits. If any of
them is incorrect, the subscriber will hear a loud noise in 20 ms voice interval. There are
50 Ia bits and 132 Ib bits. That is, the 260 bits in a speech frame (20 ms) is { d(0), d(1),...,
d(181), d(182), ..., d(259)}. The part with a single line is I category, and that with a
double-line is II category. It is similar to the TCH/HS.
Table 5.1-1 gives the coding and interleaving adopted in different types of transmission.
The first column lists the channels and the related transmission mode. The Input Code
Block column gives the size of the data block (bits) before channel coding. The Output
Code Block column gives the size of the data block (bits) after channel coding. In Code,
the parameters are listed in the same sequence as the coding sequence. The tail bit is "0".
The decoding is in the reverse order.
Following is description of channel coding and interweaving, taking voice
communication for example.
In the GSM, the voice input rate on TCH/FS is 13kb/s, that is, 260 bits are transmitted
every 20ms. The 260 bits are protected by means of segmented coding.
Among the 260 bits, 182 bits adopts 1/2 convolutional coding, and the remaining 78 bits
are not protected. Among the 182 bits, 50 bits are performed with parity check and then
with 1/2 convolutional coding. Three information bits are added. Those 50 bits are called
Ia bits. The other 132 bits, called Ib bits, are performed with 1/2 convolutional coding
directly.
Figure 5.1-3 shows the interleaving algorithm of voice signals on TCH/F. After channel
coding, 456 bits are carried in every 20ms. Those bits are divided into eight groups, with
the 57 bits in each group carried in different burst pulses (eight BPs in total). To
maximize irrelevancy between the bit sequences, the bits should be arranged as described
in Table 5.1-2.
GPRS EDGE Principles
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
456bits
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
456bits
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
456bits
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
456bits
57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A