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Contents
Contents
1 Signaling Fundamentals...........................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Interface Overview ...........................................................................................................................................1-2
1.2 A Interface.........................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.2.2 Protocols on the A-Interface ...................................................................................................................1-3
1.3 Abis interface..................................................................................................................................................1-10
1.3.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................................1-10
1.3.2 Protocols on the Abis Interface.............................................................................................................1-13
1.4 Um Interface ...................................................................................................................................................1-19
1.4.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................................1-19
1.4.2 Layer 1 - Physical Layer.......................................................................................................................1-20
1.4.3 Layer 2 - Data Link Layer ....................................................................................................................1-21
1.4.4 L3...........................................................................................................................................................1-23
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Figures
Figures
Figure 1-1 GSM protocol stack .............................................................................................................................1-2
Figure 1-2 A-interface signaling protocol reference model..................................................................................1-3
Figure 1-3 Signaling message processing procedure............................................................................................1-5
Figure 1-4 Protocol model of Abis interface.......................................................................................................1-10
Figure 1-5 Structure of Abis interface.................................................................................................................1-12
Figure 1-6 Abis interface layer 2 logical links....................................................................................................1-13
Figure 1-7 Basic structure of management object ..............................................................................................1-17
Figure 1-8 Layered structure of Um interface ....................................................................................................1-20
Figure 1-9 Physical layer interface......................................................................................................................1-21
Figure 1-10 Um interface L3 protocol model .....................................................................................................1-25
Figure 1-11 Communication at RR .....................................................................................................................1-26
Figure 1-12 Communication at MM ...................................................................................................................1-27
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Tables
Tables
Table 1-1 Major functions of BSSAP....................................................................................................................1-8
Table 1-2 Management status ..............................................................................................................................1-18
Table 1-3 Operation status ...................................................................................................................................1-18
Table 1-4 Availability status ................................................................................................................................1-18
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Signaling Fundamentals
Description
1.2 A Interface
1.4 Um Interface
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A interface
A interface is a standard interface between the BSS and the MSC. The information transferred
on this interface includes MS management, BTS management, mobility management,
connection management, etc.
Abis interface
Abis interface defines the standard of communications between the BSC and the BTS in BSS.
It is used in remote interconnection mode. This interface supports all MS-oriented services,
and supports the control of BTS radio equipment and the allocation of radio frequencies.
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Um interface
Um interface is defined as the communication interface between MS and BTS, and is used
for the interworking between MS and the fixed part of the GSM system. The physical link is a
radio link. The information transferred on this interface includes the information of radio
resource management, mobility management, connection management, etc.
1.2 A Interface
1.2.1 Overview
The A interface lies between the BSC and the MSC. It is a standard interface in GSM
specifications, as it may involve the interworking between the equipment from different
manufactures. In the GSM system, SS7 is adopted on the A interface.
Physically, the A interface is the trunk circuit and trunk interface between the BSC and the
MSC. See Figure 1-2 for the A interface signaling protocol reference model.
Figure 1-2 A-interface signaling protocol reference model
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Message Routing
MRT (Message Routing) function is used at each signaling point to determine the
signaling link group and the signaling link to destination signaling point. The MRT part
implements the selection of message routes. In other words, by using the information
(DPC and SLS) contained in the route mark, it selects a signaling link for signaling
messages, so that the messages can be transferred to the DPC.
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z
----End
BSSAP
Step 1 Protocol overview
The BSSAP protocol, which serves as A-interface specification, describes two kinds of
messages, BSSMAP and DTAP message. BSSMAP messages are used for traffic flow
control, and are to be processed by the internal functional module of the A interface. For
DTAP messages, the A interface is merely equivalent to a transport channel, On BSS side,
DTAP messages are directly transferred to radio channels. On MSC subsystem side, DTAP
messages are transferred to the corresponding functional processing unit.
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BSSAP protocols are defined in ETSI GSM 08.08 and ETSI GSM 04.08 specifications.
Step 2 Typical message contents
DTAP messages
The DTAP messages can be divided into Mobile Management (MM) messages and Call
Control (CC) messages.
The MM messages consist of messages related to authentication, CM service request,
identification request, IMSI detach, location update, MM state, TMSI re-allocation, etc.
The call control messages consist of alerting, call proceeding, connection, setup, modification,
release, disconnection, notification, state query, DTMF startup messages, etc.
BSSMAP messages
The BSSMAP messages can be divided into connectionless and connection-oriented
messages.
z
While MS sends the Access Request message on the RACH, BSS allocates a dedicated
radio resource (DCCH or TCH) to MS. After the L2 connection is set up on the SDCCH
(or FACCH) where resources are allocated, BSS starts the connection setup.
When MSC decides to execute an external handover (the target BSS might be the
original BSS), it must reserve a new DCCH or TCH from the target BSS. In this scenario,
MSC starts the connection setup.
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The BSSAP protocol implements the functional flow as shown in Table 1-1 using the
connection and connectionless messages.
Table 1-1 Major functions of BSSAP
Serial
number
Function
Description
Assign
Block/Unblock
Resource
Indication
Reset
Handover
Request
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Serial
number
Function
Description
Handover
Resource
Allocation
Handover
Procedure
Release of
Radio
Resources and
Terrestrial
Resources
Paging
10
Flow Control
11
Classmark
Update
12
Cipher Mode
Control
13
Queuing
Indication
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Serial
number
Function
Description
14
Load
Indication
Protocol Model
The protocol model of the Abis interface is shown in Figure 1-4.
Figure 1-4 Protocol model of Abis interface
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Layer 1 of the Abis interface is a physical link which receives data from and transmits
data to the transport layer based on the bottom layer driver of the hardware.
The layer 2 protocol of the Abis interface is based on the LAPD. LAPD addresses TRX
(or BCF) through TEI, and uses different logical links for message transfer. RSL is to
transfer traffic management messages. OML is to transfer network management
messages. L2ML is to transfer L2 management messages.
RR (Radio Resource Management) messages are mapped onto the BSSAP (BSS
Application Part) in BSC. In BTS, most of RR messages are handled as transparent
messages. However, some of them have to be interpreted and executed by BTS (for
example, cipher, random access, paging and assignment), these messages are processed
by the BTSM (BTS Management) entities in BSC and BTS.
Single TRX.
Multiple TRXs are connected with the BSC via a common physical connection.
Multiple TRXs are connected with the BSC via different physical connections.
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TRX (Transceiver) is the functional entity that supports 8 physical channels that belong
to the same TDMA frame, which is defined in the PLMN.
The BCF (Base Control Function) is the functional entity that performs common control
functions including BTS initialization, software loading, channel configuration,
operation and maintenance.
There are two types of channels at the Abis interface, which are:
z
Traffic channels with the rates of 8kbit/s, 16kbit/s and 64kbit/s respectively, carrying
speech or data from radio channels.
Different Terminal Equipment Identifiers (TEI) are assigned to get unique addresses of TRXs.
Three separate logical links are defined with each TEI (as shown in Figure 1-6).
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RSL: Radio Signaling Link used to support traffic management procedures, one for each
TRX.
OML: Operation & Maintenance Link used to support network management procedures,
one for each SITE.
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connection endpoint identifier as seen from layer 3 and by a data link connection identifier
(DLCI) as seen from the data link layer.
For information exchange between two or more layer 3 entities, an association must be
established between the layer 3 entities in the data link layer using a data link layer protocol.
The communication between data link layer entities is governed by a peer-to-peer protocol
specific to the layer. Messages at the data link layer are transferred between entities at layer 2
through physical layer. Inter-layer service request is implemented with service primitive.
Step 2 Function
The purpose of LAPD is to realize reliable end-to-end information transfer between layer 3
entities through the user-network interface by using the D-channel. To be specific, LAPD
supports:
z
Multiple L3 entities.
Delimits, locates and transmits transparently frames so that a string of bits transmitted on
the D channel in the form of frames can be identified.
Implements sequence control to keep the order of the frames that pass the data link
connections.
Checks the transmission errors, format errors and operation errors in the data link
connections.
Makes recovery based on the detected transmission errors, format errors and operation
errors.
Flow control.
Data link layer provides the means for information transfer between multiple combinations of
data link connection points. The information may be transferred through point-to-point data
link connections or via broadcast data link connections.
----End
Implementing part of the radio resource management functions under the control of
BSC.
The traffic management message is divided into the transparent and non-transparent
messages,
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The non-transparent message refers to the messages processed and structured by the
BTS.
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The traffic management messages can also be divided into four groups in terms of functions,
which are:
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Radio link layer management message, used for the management of the data link layer
on the radio channel.
Dedicated channel management message used for the management of dedicated channels
(SDCCH and TCH).
Common control channel management message used for the management of common
control channels.
Transparency and group of the message is determined by the message discriminator at the
header of the message.
Step 1 Radio link layer management procedures
Radio link layer management procedures include:
z
Link establishment indication procedure: BTS uses this procedure to indicate to BSC the
success of setting up multi-frame link originated by the subscriber. BSC establishes a
link from MSC to SCCP through the indication.
Link establishment request procedure: This procedure is used by BSC to request the
establishment of a link layer connection in multi-frame mode on the radio channel.
Link release indication procedure: This procedure is used by BTS to indicate to BSC that
a link layer connection on the radio channel has been released at the initiative of an MS.
Link release request procedure: This procedure is used by BSC to request the release of a
link layer connection on the radio channel.
Link error indication procedure: Through this procedure BTS indicates BSC incase of
any abnormality in the radio link layer.
Channel activation procedure: This procedure is used to activate a channel at BTS for an
MS which later will be commanded to this channel by an Immediate Assignment, an
Assignment Command, an Additional Assignment or a Handover Command message.
Handover detection procedure: This procedure is used between the target BTS and BSC
to detect the accessing of the MS being handed over.
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z
Start of encryption procedure: This procedure is used to start encryption according to the
procedure defined in Technical Specification GSM 04.08.
Deactivate SACCH procedure: This procedure is used by BSC to deactivate the SACCH
at BTS according to the Channel Release procedure defined in Technical Specification
GSM 04.08.
Radio channel release procedure: This procedure is used by BSC to release a radio
channel that is no longer needed.
MS power control procedure: This procedure is used by BSS to set the MS power level
or the parameters required by TRX. MS power control decision must be implemented in
BSC, and as an optional procedure in BTS.
BTS Transmission power control procedure: This procedure used between BSC and BTS
to set the TRX transmission power level or the parameters required by TRX. The BTS
transmission power control decision should be implemented in BSC, or in BTS.
Connection failure procedure: This procedure is used by BTS to indicate to BSC that an
active connection has been broken.
Physical context request procedure: This is an optional procedure which allows the BSC
to obtain information on the "physical context" of a radio channel just prior to a channel
change.
SACCH information modification procedure: BSC uses this procedure to instruct BTS to
change the information (system information) filled in a specific SACCH channel.
Immediate assignment procedure: When a mobile station accesses BTS, BSC uses this
procedure to assign a dedicated channel for the mobile station immediately.
Delete indication procedure: This procedure is used by BTS to indicate that due to
overload on the AGCH, an Immediate Assign Command has been deleted.
CCCH load indication procedure: This procedure is used by BTS to inform BSC the load
on a designate CCCH. Indication period is also set by OM.
Short message cell broadcast procedure: Short Message Service Cell Broadcast messages
are sent to BTS as SMS Broadcast Request messages.
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SACCH filling information modify procedure: This procedure is used by BSC to indicate
to BTS the new information to be used as filling information on SACCHs.
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Radio resources indication procedure: This procedure is used to inform BSC on the
interference levels on idle channels of a TRX.
Flow control procedure: This procedure is defined to give some degree of flow control. It
can be used for TRX processor overload, downlink CCCH overload and AGCH
overload.
Error reporting procedure: This procedure is used by BTS to report detected downlink
message errors, which cannot be reported by any other procedure.
----End
Managed objects
There are four types of management objects: site, cell, carrier and channel. The basic
structure is illustrated in Figure 1-7.
Object addressing
Addressing of network management messages is realized by means of managed object
types and cases. For each object case in BTS there is a complete L2 connection
description. The setup of the first connection uses one (semi-) permanent default TEI.
Subsequent connections use the TEIs provided when setting up TEI procedures. Object
cases can also use layer 3 addresses. The mixed use of layer 2 and layer 3 addressing
enables one BTS site to have one or multiple physical links.
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Description
Locked
BSC has disconnected all calls through this managed object, and no new calls
can be connected to this object.
Shut down
New services can not be connected to this managed object, but those existing
calls will be maintained.
Unlocked
Description
Disabled
Enabled
Description
ln test
Failed
The source/object is not working due to some internal error. Its operational
state is disabled.
Power off
Off line
Dependency
Degraded
Not Installed
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For a specific object, if a certain basic procedure is not completed, the system will not start its
subsequent basic procedures. When there is no response to the formatted operation and
maintenance message from the peer layer 3 before L3 timeout, the basic procedure is regarded
as not completed. When the previous basic procedure has not received any response (ACK
or NACK) before layer 3 timeout, then no subsequent basic procedure is sent to this object
case. The default timeout for layer 3 is 10s. If part of an original message is not understood or
supported, the whole message is discarded. A ACK message returned by the object indicates
affirm response, it is used to notify the message sender that the command has been executed
or will be executed. A NACK message returned by the object indicates disaffirm response, it
is used to notify the message sender that the command executed unsuccessfully and the
corresponding failure cause.
There are mainly the following types of basic procedures:
z
Other procedure
----End
1.4 Um Interface
Um interface (air interface or radio interface) is defined as the communication interface
between MS and BSS. It is for the communication between MS and the fixed part of GSM. Its
physical link is the radio link. The information transmitted via this interface include radio
resource management, mobility management and connection management.
1.4.1 Overview
In a GSM network, MS is connected through radio channels to the fixed network so that
communication services can be routed to the specific destination. To realize the inter-working
between MS and BSS, it is necessary to standardize the transmission of the signals on the
radio channel. The norm concerning the signal transmission on the radio channel is the radio
interface, or Um interface.
The Um interface is specified by the following features:
z
MS-BSS protocols
Performance characteristics
Service characteristics.
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The first layer is the physical layer at the bottom. It defines the radio access capabilities of
GSM, and provides basic radio channels for information transfer on higher layer.
The layer 2 is the data link layer using the LAPDm protocol. It defines various data
transmission structures, and controls data transmission.
The layer 3 is the highest layer. It includes various messages and programs, and controls
services. It includes three sub-layers, which are Radio Resources management (RR), Mobility
Management (MM), and Connection Management (CM).
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Access capability: the physical layer provides a series of limited logical channels for
transmission service. The logical channel is multiplexed on the physical channel. There
exist 8 physical channels on each TRX. Through data configuration, logical channels are
mapped to physical channels.
Error code detection: Physical layer provides error protection transmission, including
error detection and correction.
Ciphering: Use the selected encrypt algorithm to transmit bit sequence encrypted.
The Dm channel is a generic term for all the signaling channels at the Um interface in the GSM system.
For instance, the Dm channel can either be PCH or BCCH.
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z
Exercises sequence control to maintain the order of frames that pass DLC.
Flow control.
Contention resolution when establishing a data link after an access request has been
made on the RACH.
Unacknowledged mode:
In unacknowledged mode, layer 3 information is transmitted in Unnumbered Information
(UI) frames. At the data link layer, the UI frames are not acknowledged. Flow control
mechanisms and error recovery mechanisms are not defined. Unacknowledged operation
is applicable to different types of control channels except for RACH.
Acknowledged mode:
In acknowledged mode, layer 3 information is transmitted in Unnumbered Information
(UI) frames. The data link layer acknowledges the transmitted I frame. Error recovery
procedures based on retransmission of unacknowledged frames are specified. In case of
errors, which cannot be corrected by the data link layer, a report is issued to the layer 3
entity. Flow control procedures are also defined. Acknowledged operation is applicable
to DCCH.
Information transfer on the BCCH: The BCCH exists only in the network to MS
direction and is used for broadcasting radio sub-system information to MSs. Only the
acknowledged mode can be adopted on the BCCH.
Information transfer on the PCH + AGCH: These channels exist only in the network to
MS direction. On the PCH + AGCH only unacknowledged operation is possible.
Local end release, i.e. without exchange of commands/responses, initiated and controlled
by layer 3.
----End
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1.4.4 L3
Introduction
The signaling layer 3 of the Um interface provides the functions to establish, maintain and
terminate circuit-switched connections across a GSM PLMN and other networks to which the
GSM PLMN is connected. It provides the necessary supporting functions related to
supplementary services control and short messages service control. Furthermore it includes
the functions necessary for mobility management and radio resource management.
The layer 3 entity consists of many functional program blocks. These program blocks transfer
message units carrying various kinds of information among all layer 3 entities and between
layer 3 and neighboring layers. The objectives of the layer 3 are to provide the means for:
z
The establishment, operation and release of a dedicated radio channel connection (RR).
L3 Structure
As have already introduced, the three sub-layers of layer 3 are further discussed here: Among
them, The CM sub-layer (the highest sub-layer) is composed of three functional entities: Call
Control (CC), Short Message Service support (SMS) and Supplementary Service support (SS).
In total, there are five functional entities consisted in the layer 3 radio interface. Below is the
brief introduction to these entities:
z
Mobility Management (MM) deals with the all necessary functions of mobile features
to support mobile subscribers. It notifies the network when the mobile station is activated
and deactivated, or the location area is changed. It is also responsible for the security of
activated radio channels.
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z
SMS performs all necessary functions to support point-to-point short message services.
In addition, other functions are contained in layer 3 which are related to the transport of
messages, e.g. multiplexing and splitting. Those functions are defined in the Radio Resource
Management and Mobility Management. They have the task to route the messages according
to the protocol discriminator (PD) and transaction identifier (TI) which are part of the
message header.
The MM routing function route the messages of the CM entities and the messages of the MM
entity of its own sublayer towards the service access point of RR, and multiplex them in case
of parallel transactions. The routing function of Radio Resource Management shall distribute
the messages to be sent according to their protocol discriminator (PD) and the actual channel
configuration.
The messages provided at the different service access points of layer 2 are split by the RR
routing function according to the protocol discriminator (PD). If PD equals to RR, this
message will be transferred to RR at the local sub-layer. Other messages are provided to MM
via the access point RR-SAP. The routing function of MM passes the messages according to
the protocol discriminator (PD) and the transaction identifier (TI) towards the MM entity or
towards the CM entities via the various MM-SAP's.
Figure 1-10 illustrates the protocol model of L3 signaling.
The RR sub-layer at the bottom receives services provided by layer 2 through various service
access points (i.e., various types of channels) of layer 2, and provides services via RR-SAP to
the MM sub-layer. The MM sub-layer provides services to the three entities (CC, SS and SMS)
on the CM sub-layer through different service access points MMCC-SAP, MMSS-SAP and
MMSMS-SAP respectively, provides register services to the higher layer through
MMREG-SAP service access points. The 3 independent entities on the CM sub-layer provide
services to higher layers through MNCC-SAP, MNSS-SAP and MNSMS-SAP respectively.
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Service Characteristics
Step 1 Services provided by layer 3 on the MS side
z
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z
on the network side Call Control Services, including call establishment, call maintaining,
call termination and call related supplementary service support.
Step 3 Inter-layer services between the mobile station and network side
z
Services provided by Radio Resource Management entity (Refer to Figure 1-11). These
services are provided to MM via RR-SAP. They are used for establishing control channel
connections, establishing traffic channel connections, ciphering mode indication,
releasing control channel connections, and control-data transfer.
Services provided by mobility management entities (MM) (Refer to Figure 1-12). These
services support call control, supplementary services and short messages services of
connection management entities.
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