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GSM900
GSM -R
GSM1800
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 2+
GSM1900/24
GSM1900/30
BR5.5
SF10420 V2.1
Base Station Subsystem
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Long Descrip tion
BTS
BSC
LMT
TRAU
OMC-B
NMC
Tool Set
In General
Today a number of wireless data services are available, but none are as innovative as the data
service for GSM networks called General Packet Radio Service (GPRS).
GPRS refers to a high -speed packet data technology. The most important aspects of GPRS are:
Support of the world's leading Internet communications protocols, Internet Protocol (IP)
and X.25
Always online
Volume-based billing
Example
Packet data technology provides a seamless and immediate connection from a mobile PC
to the Internet or corporate Intranet allowing all existing Internet applications such as Email and Web browsing to operate smoothly without even nee ding to dial into an Internet
service provider via a fixed line (see Figure 1).
The advantage of a packet-based approach is that GPRS only uses the medium, in this case the
radio link, for the duration of time that data is being sent or received. This means that multiple us ers can share the same radio channel very efficiently. Since many applications have idle periods
during a session, with the packet data technology users will only pay for the amount of data they
actually transfer, and not the idle time. In fact, with GPRS, users could be "virtually" connected for
hours at a time and only incur modest connection charges.
fer), such as E-mail. But packet transmission is equally well-suited for large batch operations, and
other applications involving large file transfers.
Customer Benefits
GPRS is a service for both bursty and bulky data transfer. The main benefits for the operator are
as listed below:
optimized transfer media for frequent point -to-point transmission of small data volumes
reliability
scalability
integrated services, Operation and Management
verify the correct dimensioning of the GPRS network (for short- and long-term planning)
check the parameters of the GPRS network planning
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TASAGPRS - Number of attempted GPRS accesses per cell (1 counter, counter type: integer)
TASUGPRS - Number of successful GPRS accesses per cell (1 counter, counter type:
integer)
Resource reassignment
The BSS can change the radio resources of an existing GPRS connection. This change
can be an addition of uplink resources while downlink is running (concurrent TBF) or vice
versa. Handling concurrent TBF can result in an addition of PDCHs, ending a concurrent
TBF can result in the removal of PDCHs. The resource reassignment is carried out by a
message on PACCH. The measurements related to these reassignment procedures are:
NATPRRE - Number of attempted packet resource reassignment procedures per cell (1
counter, counter type: integer)
NSUPRRE - Number of successful GPRS accesses per cell (1 counter, counter type: integer)
Packet retransmission
In case a GPRS packet (i.e. Packet Data Unit PDU) is not received correctly (uplink by the
BSS or downlink by the mobile station), the sender is notified by a message. The sender
is then able to retransmit the failed PDUs. (There is no similar mechanism in circuitswitched connections.) The measurement for counting these retransmissions is:
NRETPDU - Number of retransmitted PDUs (uplink / downlink) (2 counters, count er type:
integer)
Paging
In GPRS, paging is possible in three different ways. It can be performed by using subchannels of CCCH, PCCCH or PACCH. The measurements related to paging are:
NATGPPAG - Number of attempted GPRS paging procedures (1 counter, counter type:
integer)
3/33
Allocated PDTCH
This measurement gives the mean numbe r of PDTCHs for a GPRS connection per cell.
(There is no analogous measurement for TCHs.)
MEALPDCO - Mean number of allocated PDTCHs per GPRS connection per cell (1
counter, counter type: calculated mean)
MAC header
RLC / MAC signaling block or RLC data block
4/33
PBCCH group:
Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH) to transmit sy stem information to
all mobile stations in a cell (downlink)
PCCCH group:
Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH) to initiate packet transfer or to answer to paging messages (uplink)
PTCH group:
-
Additional Business
New subscriber groups can be reached, since GPRS allows completely new applications. It
opens the way for the operator to participate in the tremendous growth of Internet -based services
(Internet access, establishing Intranets).
Furthermore, GPRS provides a means for new mobile applications and services (e.g. Telematic,
E-commerce, etc.)
Example:
For business users, GPRS enables a data connection with the office wherever they go, so
that they can have access to E-mail, the Internet, their files, faxes and other data wherever and whenever it is needed, giving them a competitive advantage and more flexible
lifestyles.
GPRS is expected to profoundly alter and improve the end -user experience of mobile data com puting, by making it possible and cost-effective to remain constantly connected, as well as to
send and receive data at much higher speeds than today.
GPRS will complement rather than replace the current data services available through today s
GSM digital cellular networks, such as circuit-switched data and Short Message Service (SMS).
Additional Revenue
Additional revenue may be obtained through new applications and new data subscribers.
Functionality
5/33
GPRS is an integral part of GSM Phase 2+. It provides a direct high -speed radio access to
Packet Switched Data Networks (PSDN). It defines four new Coding Schemes (CS1 to CS4; in
BR5.5, the BSS handles CS1 and CS2) and uses channel combining to enable higher data rates
and more network efficiency .
As a packet-oriented service, GPRS is suited for all applications requiring both bulky and bursty
data transfer. Thus, GPRS is an ideal solution for Internet applications, e.g. E-mail.
GPRS Features
The SBS design introducing GPRS, as implemented in the GPRS initial phase (BR5.5), took special care to:
In line with this concept GPRS offers the following feat ures:
New logical channel types
In GPRS, the physical radio resource is called Packet Data Channel (PDCH). A mobile station
may use more than one PDCH, and there is no exclusive use of a radio resource by a mobile
station. Up to 8 mobile stations may share one PDCH. This is implemented by the definition of
different logical channels, so-called Packet Data Traffic Channels (PDTCHs) in one PDCH.
Thus, in addition to the existing Traffic Channel (TCH) and Stand -alone Dedicated Control
Channel (SDCCH), GPRS introduces new logical channel types in the connection between
the mobile station and the BSS (Um interface):
Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH) to initiate packet transfer or to answer to paging messages (uplink)
6/33
Shared CCCH
There are no GPRS -dedicated control signaling channels, so that GPRS common control signaling packets access a CCCH in accordance with its mapping rules. This mechanism is
mandatory whenever a dedicated CCCH is not allocated.
The mes sages are carried in the LAPD related to the BTSE. The channel is routed via switching matrix to a PPLD where the LAPD protocol is processed. The extracted messages are
read by TDPC via Telephonic Bus from the PPLD Dual Port RAM. In the TDPC, the messages
are analyzed: GPRS -related messages are written by TDPC via Telephonic Bus to the Dual
Port RAM of the Peripheral Packet Control Unit (PPCU), where they are processed.
Dedicated CCCH (PCCCH)
PCCCH is mapped in the multiframe of a PDCH. In this case the common control signaling is
carried on a logical channel dedicated to GPRS traffic.
The messages are carried in a TRAU frame of the 16 Kbps timeslot related to the physical
PDCH where the dedicated CCCH is mapped. The timeslot is routed via switching matrix directly to the PPCU, where the channel is processed.
To avoid GPRS signaling load on "normal" CCCHs, it is recommended to use PCCCHs as
soon as GPRS traffic increases, so that GPRS signaling traffic has no influence on normal
signaling and the overall traffic capacity is improved.
The advantages of using PCCCHs are straightforward:
On the air interface, CCCH performance for normal GSM traffic is not reduced because of
GPRS messaging.
On the Abis interface, the capacity of the LAPD link is not shared betwe en GSM and
GPRS traffic.
The TDPC does not waste real time to route GPRS messages toward PPCUs and to multiplex in LAPDs the messages received from the PPCUs.
The Telephonic Bus is relieved in both directions from the message exchange between
PPLD, PPCU and TDPC.
On the other hand, shared CCCHs are supported to provide the first access when no GPRS
channels are allocated.
Besides, shared CCCHs are the only way to allow Class B mobile stations attached to GPRS
to listen to their Circuit-Switched Paging chan nel on CCCH.
PDCH handling
PDCHs are the physical channels dedicated to GPRS packet data and signaling traffic. They
are organized in a multiframe structure carried by a timeslot (see Figure 2).
52 multiframe number
B0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
B11
x = idle frames
The radio blocks from B0 to B11 are allocated to PCCCHs and PTCHs according to the following rules:
1.
2.
3.
The blocks are put in a logical order according to the following list of blocks:
B0 B6 B3 B9 B1 B7 B4 B10 B2 B8 B5 B11
The BCCH indicates the PDCH containing the PBCCH. The PBCCH is allocated downlink
to the first block of the list. The next 1 to 3 blocks of the list can be allocated to additional
PBCCHs (the total PBCCH block number reported by BS_PBCCH_B LKS parameter,
broadcast in the first PBCCH).
Additional PDCHs containing PCCCHs are indicated in the PBCCH: On these PDCHs, the
first BS_PBCCH_BLKS blocks of the list are used for PDTCH or PACCH in the downlink.
7/33
4.
On any PDCH with PCCCHs the next BS_PAG_BLKS_RES (broadcast in PBCCH, from 0
to (12 - BS_PBCCH_BLKS)) blocks of the list are used downlink for PAGCH, PNCH,
PDTCH or PACCH.
5.
The remaining blocks of the ordered list can be used to carry PPCH, PAGCH, PNCH,
PDTCH or PACCH.
On the uplink of a PDCH containing PCCCHs, blocks can be used as PRACH, PDTCH or
PACCH (PRACH are identified by the Uplink State Flag USF=FREE).
6.
7.
Optionally, the first BS_PRACH_BLKS (broadcast in PBCCH) blocks of the list are used
only for RACHs.
8.
9.
On PDCHs not containing PCCCHs, all bloc ks can be used as PDTCH or PACCH.
In any case, the current usage of a block is indicated by the message type.
With this concept, the network dynamically allocates capacity from the common pool of all
radio resources depending on the number of GPRS mobile stations (MS), their data
amounts, multislot capabilities and requested Quality of Service (QoS).
An optimized radio resource management mechanism also allows the use of resources due to
the gaps between two consecutive circuit-switched connections.
Timeslot combining
Timeslot combining allows the use of applications which need more throughput than that
achieved by using one timeslot only, and enables the operator to speed up simultaneous data
transmission for several users. A maximum of 7 timeslots can be combined using a single
BCCH carrier or as well a maximum of 8 timeslots using other carriers than BCCH.
Timeslot combining supports all MS multislot classes from 1 up to 29.
Channel Coding CS1 and CS2 on PDTCH
The introduction of GPRS into the networks in GSM Phase 2+ requires a modification of current channel coding. Four channel coding schemes (CS1 to CS4) are specified.
For the first GPRS release, the CS1 and CS2 coding schemes are implemented. CS1 and
CS2 differ in the number of transmitted dat a bits.
(Please note that CS3 could add only 10 % performance both for throughput and spectrum ef ficiency, while CS4 works in specific radio environments only.)
CS1 implements the basic coding for the RLC / MAC data and control blocks. The maximum
net data throughput performed by CS1 is about 8 Kbps under good radio conditions and
changes slowly as function of the C/I ratio. CS2 provides a higher data throughput (a maximum net data throughput of 12 Kbps) in good radio environments, the changes are more dependent on the C/I ratio.
The initial coding scheme for downlink is based on a default value, which is anchored in the
data base of the BSC. This initial value can be handled by O&M commands, and the default
value is prescribed by the operator. The initial value in the database works per cell class.
Support of 11 data bit packet random access burst on PDCH
In the current GSM, the burst carrying the random access uplink message contains 8 information bits. Evaluations have shown that this limitation is a bottleneck.
8/33
To avoid this bottleneck, an 11 information bit random access uplink message has been defined. The new 11 bit random access request message allows more frequent one phase access instead of two phase access.
In the one phase access procedure, an immediate channel assignment message assigning a
suitable channel allocation follows directly after the random request message, whereas in a
two phase access procedure an additional signaling step is necessary to find a suitable cha nnel allocation.
The 11 information bit random access request message speeds up the call set -up and ther efore decreases the signaling load, which makes the GPRS call duration quite short in comparison to circuit-switched connections and, enables more frequent call set -ups.
Power Control
Power control is important for spectrum efficiency as well as for minimizing power consum ption in the mobile stations. In order to minimize the impact on the existing frequency plans
when introducing GPRS, the amount of interference power generated is kept at a minimum.
The present GSM radio interface supports uplink and downlink power control, based on received signal level and received signal quality measurements during continuous two -way connections. This mechanism is not applicable to the unbalanced bursty nature of data communications. Therefore, new power control mechanisms are introduced as standardized by ETSI,
which fulfill the GPRS requirements. In BR5.5, MS open loop power control will be supported.
The algorithm is based on parameters configured by the customer. The specified algorithm
(GSM 5.08, Annex B) is implemented at the MS side as follows:
PMS = 0 CH - *(C+48)
PMS is the output power at the MS side.
0 equals 39 dbm for GSM 900 and 36 dbm for DCS 1800.
verify the correct dimensioning of the GPRS network (short - and long-term planning)
Performance Measurements
In order to check the GPRS network performance, new performance measurements have
been introduced. This set of measurements provides information on the following functional-
9/33
ities and can be used to verify and optimize the GPRS configuration parameters in the network:
Packet queuing
Used coding schemes
Possible Applications
One way the user can benefit from GPRS is by the packet nature of GPRS, which makes a
GPRS connection similar in many ways to a local area network (LAN) connection. Just as with a
LAN connection, once a GPRS mobile station registers with the network, it is ready to send and
receive packets.
Example:
A user with a lapt op computer could be working on a document without even thinking
about being connected, and then automatically receive new E -mail. The user could decide
to continue working on a document, then half an hour later read the E-mail message and
reply to it. All this time the user has had a network connection and not once had to dial in
(as s/he must today with circuit-switched connections). Furthermore, GPRS allows for simultaneous voice and data communication, so the user can still receive incoming calls or
make outgoing calls while in the midst of a data session.
Since there is almost no delay before sending data, GPRS is ideally suited for applications such
as extended communications sessions, E-mail communications, database queries, dispatch, and
stock updates to name just a few.
In addition, the high throughput of GPRS will overcome many obstacles in the use of graphical
Web-based applications in multimedia. For example, mobile users will have easy access to
graphically intensive Web-based map applications to get directions while traveling.
GPRS meets the needs of most data applications in a wide range. The following point -to-point
applications will be possible:
Entertainment
Mobile Office
Field sales / service
Point of sale
Electronic banking
Electronic cash
Messaging
Fleet management
Telemetry
10/33
Impacts on BSS
GPRS is based on the existing GSM network infra structure, i.e. it introduces an overlaying architecture on the existing one with the definition of new entities and new interfaces.
In the BSS, the Packet Control Unit (PCU) located in the BSC is a new network component for
the BSS. In addition, the Channel Codec Unit (CCU) is a new BTS extension, which is easily installed via software download.
In detail, GPRS has the following impacts on the BSS:
BSC
The GPRS network structure as standardized in SMG requires a new interface in the BSC towards the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) / Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), the
so-called Gb interface. This is caused by the fact that with the GPRS functionality packet oriented data transfer and new protocols have to be handled in the otherwise circuit-switched
BSS.
In the BSS, this new interface is implemented by so-called Peripheral Packet Control Unit
(PPCU) cards, which are plugged into the BSC rack as additional units. The PCU is scalable
in steps of 64 channels per PPCU and can handle a maximum of up to 128 GPRS channels
per BSC.
TRAU
In the BSS, no change of the TRAUs, neither in hardware nor in software, is necessary for the
use of GPRS.
BTS
In the BSS, GPRS requires no hardware upgrade at all for the BTSs: The GPRS -relevant
CCU components can be introduced by simple software download.
Therefore, upgrade of a complete network for GPRS capability does not require any service
staff at BTS sites, which constitutes an enormous advantage in terms of time, cost and manpower.
Implementation
GPRS includes certain BSS modifications:
linking of the BSS to the new GPRS Support Nodes (GSN) via the Gb interface, that is the
installation of a PCU
transmission of the packet data through the BSS
the new channel coding schemes, i.e. the implementation of the CCU
combining of physical channels to achieve high transmission rates via the Um radio interface
BSC
Due to the packet -oriented data transfer as well as the appropriate protocols that are now also
handled in the BSS, the GPRS network structure has been provided with a new interface to
the SGSN / GGSN. In the SBS, this interface is implemented with the PCU, i.e. PCU cards are
inserted into the BSC rack.
BTSE
No hardware modification is required for the BTSE. This way, GPRS is supplemented with the
CCU by simple software download.
TRAU
The TRAU requires neither hardware nor software changes.
LMT
The terminal assigned to the SBS for the local operation and maintenance of the SBS network
elements gets O&M functions added to manage the new HW and SW elements.
Entity
MS
TRAU
No impact
11/33
BSC
Must be extended by adding the PCU, which handles the GPRS protocol stack
and functions
BTS
OMC
LMT
Network Compatibility
One of the major aspects defining the GPRS standard was to minimize possible effects on the ex isting GSM network infrastructure.
With BR5.5, the effects could be reduced to the extension of only two network elements:
PCU for the BSS to reflect the new GPRS Gb interface onto the Abis interface, and the
Performance
Through the use of GPRS, the existing GSM network will be enhanced by packet data services.
These services rely on new network elements that will be particularly suited for specific packet
switching needs.
Since these new network elements are additionally assigned to the GSM network they will reli eve
the existing circuit-switched GSM data services. This will not only affect the traffic connections but
also the signaling channels.
Abis
Gb
CCU
BTS
CCU
CCU
BSC
P
C
U
SGSN
BTS
CCU
CCU
Mapping of GPRS data and signaling on the Abis interface towards the BTS
MAC and RLC layer handling
12/33
PDCH RLC Automatic Request (ARQ) functions (i.e. based on MS request ACK / NACK),
including buffering and re-transmission of RLC blocks
Layer 1 (Frame Relay) protocol support on the Gb interface toward SGSN via dedicated
link or embedded via Asub interface
Setup and release of GPRS resources on the Abis (Um) interface upon request
When the BTS receives a Packet Channel Request message in a (P)RACH, it computes the
TA and sends both the result and the request to the BSC in a PCU frame or in an LAPD mes sage. The relevant Packet Resource (Immediate) Assignment will notify the MS of the proper
TA.
After this initial TA estimation, the TA will be updated continuously by the BTS. The BTS is
able to control the TA of the MSs without the intervention of the BSC.
Broadcast information on PBCCH
If PBCCH exists, GPRS cell parameters will be broadcast on it.
Power Control
MS Power Control uplink is implemented.
Coding Scheme selection
The Coding Scheme applied in a cell is an O&M condition. CS-1 will always be used for
PACCH, PBCCH, PAGCH, PPCH, and PNCH.
The information about the Coding Scheme to be used is reported in the PCU frame.
Active MSs are associated dynamically with one Temporary Frame Identifier (TFI) and one
USF upon resource assignment. Downlink packets are accepted by an MS if the MS TFI and
the packet TFI match. The USF contained in downlink packets id entifies the MS allowed to
transmit in the relevant uplink packet.
PCU RLC layer functions
Segmentation and re-assembly of LLC-PDUs into RLC data blocks
Backwards Error Corrections (BEC) procedures to allow selective re-transmission of uncorrectable errore d frames (Automatic Retransmission Request, ARQ)
The transfer of RLC data blocks can take place both in a reliable Acknowledged Mode and in
a faster Unacknowledged Mode. When the Acknowledged Mode is used, temporary / final
Packet ACK / NACK messages are transmitted on the PACCH to the remote peer to report the
status of the reception process. Transmitted RLC blocks are numbered through a Block Sequence Number (BSN).
Temporary Frame Identifier (TFI) management
In the PACKET DOWNLINK ASSIGNMENT message, the PCU assigns a TFI to an MS, the
assigned TFI identifying the Temporary Block Flow (TBF) on a direction. The same TFI value
may be used concurrently for TBFs in opposite directions. Upon reception of a final PACKET
13/33
ACKNOWLEDGMENT message from the MS (last data block received successfully), the TFI
may be used for other users.
PCU LLC layer functions
The PCU has the responsibility of relaying the LLC layer between the RLC and the BSSGP. A
buffering function is able to compensate LLC-PDU frame peaks.
In LLC, for every cell queues are allocated for 4 QoS priority levels and one queue for signaling (in BR5.5, no QoS classes are supported, the transmission is of "Best Effort" type).
PCU BSSGP layer functions
Bi-directional data flow control
One LLC-PDU is mapped in one UL-UNITDATA PDU and vice versa one DL-UNITDATA PDU
is mapped in one LLC-PDU.
14/33
for the duration of the entire connection, a resource on Gb is only assigned when active (wh ile
data are being sent or received).
The Gb interface is implemented as either a dedicated PCM link towards the SGSN or as an
embedded bundle of timeslots of the Asub interface, which are transparently routed via the
TRAU to the SGSN.
Figure 4 shows the protocol stack that is used for data transmission in the GPRS network.
Application
Um
Gb
Abis
IP/X.25/
CLNP
SNDCF
SNDCF
LLC
LLC
LLC Relay
RLC
GTP
RLC
MAC
MAC
new TRAU
frame
GSM RF
GSM RF
new TRAU
frame
BSSGP
BSSGP
L2'
Frame
Relay
Frame
Relay
L1'
MS
BSC/PCU
BTS
SGSN
Data packet
Data packet
Network Layer
LLC frame
Hdr
LLC Layer
RLC frame
Hdr
RLC/MAC
Layer
Burst
Burst
Burst
Burst
Burst
Burst
Burst
Physical Layer
Figure 5: Data Flow between several protocol layers on the MS and SGSN.
The layers carry out the following functions:
GSM RF
The GSM RF is the physical radio channel used to transfer packet data.
MAC
The Medium Access Control provides the access to the physical radio resources. It is respo nsible for the ph ysical allocation of a PDTCH.
RLC
The RLC layer provides a reliable link over the air interface that fits the block structure of the
physical channel. Therefore it segments and re-assembles the LLC frames. Additionally, it
performs sub -multiplexing to support more than one mobile station by one physical channel,
and channel combining to provide up to 8 physical channels to one mobile station.
LLC
The Logical Link Control (LLC) layer provides a logical connection between the mobile station
and the SGSN even if no physical connection is established. The physical connection is set up
by the RLC / MAC layer when there are data to be transmitted.
BSSGP
The BSSGP is used to transfer the LLC frames together with related information between the
SGSN and the PCU. Such information includes QoS and routing information.
SNDCF
The Sub-Network Dependent Convergence Function (SNDCF) performs the following tasks:
15/33
Encryption
Compression
Segmentation / re -assembling
Functional Description
GPRS provides the mobile subscribers with means for services like point -to-point data transfer. In
detail, these are:
High system availability because of an extensive and improved system maintenance concept and maintenance functions
Support of GSM security functions (authentication) for protection against misuse and fraud
Support of the acknowledged and unacknowledged logical link control operation mode,
which allows the usage of multi-purpose applications
For the operator, GPRS offers the following functionality:
High system availability because of an extensive and improved system maintenance concept and maintenance functions:
The consistency of data within the system is checked by audit programs which
will be running periodically or on demand. By detecting errors, the applications will be requested to correct the data and audit symptom data will be collected.
Collecting of symptom data in the case of error detection in software applica-
tions.
-
Support of two LLC modes (acknowledged and unacknowledged), hence the adaptati on
to different applications.
16/33
Implementation
PCU and CCU
The GPRS features within the BSS are implemented in two functional units:
The PCU located in the BSC provides resource allocation and protocol conversion between the BTS and the SGSN. The PCU acts (just like the BSC) as a statistical multiplexer and router (see Figure 6). It receives RLC packets from the Abis channel related to
more than one mobile station and packs them into LLC frames. These LLC frames are
then routed to the SGSN and vice versa together with other LLC frames coming from
other Abis channels.
The PCU is one unit composed of two cards named Peripheral Packet Control Unit (PPCU).
While the first card provides service, the second one is in cold standby.
Each BSC can include two PCU units. In this case, the traffic is divided statically to both units
by means of configuration settings.
The CCU performs channel coding functions and channel measurement functions.
PCU
The PCU is a functional unit within the BSC that provides resource allocation and protocol
conversion between the BTS and the SGSN. Looking at the protocol stack, the PCU is er sponsible for:
Radio Channel Management functions, e.g. power control, congestion control, broadcast
control information, etc.
PDCH RLC ARQ functions, including buffering and re -transmission of RLC blocks
LLC layer PDU segmentation into RLC blocks for downlink transmission
RLC layer PDU re-assembly into LLC blocks for uplink transmission
BSSGP protocol provides PCU SGSN communication in terms of BVCI (BSSGP Virtual
Connection Identifier)
Network Service functions provide PCU SGSN communication in terms of Virtual Channel (Network Service Virtual Channel NSVC)
CCU
The functions inside the CCU are:
Radio channel measurement functions, including received quality level, received signal
level and information related to timing advance
PCU Frame
PCU Frame
PCU Frame
PCU Frame
Frame Relay
PCU
LAPD
Abis
TDPC
Gb
BSC
SGSN
17/33
15 14 1 3 12 11 1 0 9
4 3 2 1 8 7 6
5 4
.
.
2 1 0 1
5 4 3 2 1 0
8
.
.
5 4 3
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
0 1 0 0
1 0 2 1 0 1
DK 40
IXLT
UBEX
SN16
TDPC
MEMT
MPCC
MPCC
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
MEMT
TDPC
SN16
UBEX
IXLT
DK 40
DK 40
IXLT
UBEX
SN16
TDPC
MEMT
.0
1 0
MPCC
MPCC
0 1 0 0
MEMT
TDPC
SN16
UBEX
IXLT
DK 40
PWRS
8 7 6
PLLH
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPCC
PPCC
LICDS
LICD
LICD
PLLH
PWRS
PWRS
PLLH
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPCC
PPCC
LICDS
LICD
LICD
PLLH
PWRS
.
.
EPWR
EPWR
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
Removed
PPCU 1
LICDS
LICD
LICD
LICD
LICD
EPWR
EPWR
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
LICDS
LICD
LICD
LICD
LICD
.
.
PPCU 1
Removed
Removed
PPCU 0
Removed
Removed
PPCU 0
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
PPLD
8 7 6
.
.
LICD
LICD
LICD
LICD
LICD
LICD
.
.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
.
.
.
.
Figure 7: The BSC module without GPRS (left) and ready for GPRS (right)
18/33
PPCC 0
PPCC 1
PPLD 0
PPLD 1
PPLD 3
PPLD 4
PPLD 5
PPLD 6
PPLD 7
PPLD 8
PPLD 9
PPLD 10
PPLD 11
PPLD 12
PPLD 13
PPLD 14
PPCC 0
PPCC 1
PPLD 0
PPLD 1
PPLD 3
PPLD 4
PPLD 5
PPLD 6
LICD 0
PPLD 2
SN
LICD 8
LICD 0
PPLD 2
SN
LICD 8
PPLD 7
PPLD 8
PPLD 9
PPLD 10
PPLD 11
PPLD 12
PPLD 13
PPLD 14
PCU 0
PPCC 0
PPCC 1
PPLD 0
PPLD 1
PPLD 2
PPLD 3
PPLD 4
PPLD 5
PPLD 6
LICD 0
SN
LICD 8
PPLD 7
PPLD 8
PPLD 9
PPLD 10
PCU 1
PPLD 11
PPLD 12
PPLD 13
PPLD 14
PCU 0
Table 2 shows the capacity reduction in terms of LAPD channels with GPRS introduction, both for
the SN16 and SN64 network cards.
Card
No. of PCU
SN 16
112
or
80
SN 64
48
19/33
Channel Configuration
The packet data logical channels are mapped onto the physical channels that are dedicated to
packet data. The physical channel dedicated to packet data traffic is called PDCH.
For GPRS, three types of channels have to be considered:
Packet Data Traffic Channel (PDTCH)
Load sharing
The load sharing function distributes the NSDU traffic among the available (i.e. unblocked)
NSVCs.
NSVC management
A blocking procedure is used by an NS entity to inform an NS peer entity when an NSVC becomes unavailable for NS user traffic. An unblocking procedure is used for the reverse operation. A reset procedure is used between peer NS entities in order to set an NSVC to a determined state, after events resulting in possibly inconsistent states of the NSVC on both sides of
the Gb interface. A test procedure is used to check whether an NSVC is operating properly between peer NS entities.
When the Sub-Network Service entity detects that an NSVC becomes unavailable (e.g. DLCI failure detection) or when the NSVC becomes available again (e.g. DLCI failure recovery), the Network Service Control entity is informed.
Quality of Service
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GSM 03.60 currently specifies five different attributes within the QoS profile associated with each
PDP context. These attributes are:
Precedence class
Delay class
Reliability class
Peak throughput class
Precedence class
Peak throughput
LLC-PDU lifetime
Taking into account the available radio resources and the multislot capabilities of the mobile station, the PCU decides if and how the requested QoS may be satisfied. This means that the core
algorithm of the PCU would try to satisfy the requested QoS by acting on many factors , for example changing the coding scheme on the air interface (CS2 has more transfer capacity than CS1),
allocating more radio resources (capacity on demand), reshuffling subscribers in the available
PDCHs according to the mobile station multislot capabilities, delay of the subscriber according to
the subscriber priority, etc.
In the first phase of GPRS, the QoS supported is the so-called Best Effort. This means that the
PCU main scheduler queues the mobile stations requests without considering the QoS attributes.
PCCCH and PBCCH Channel Allocation
To introduce GPRS in the GSM network, new channel types have been specified. The PBCCH
works like a secondary BCCH in the supporting GPRS cell. The PCCCH works like a secondary
CCCH in the supporting GPRS cell. Both the PBCCH and PCCCH are recognized only by mobile
stations supporting GPRS.
These two channel types are allocated on the BCCH carrier, and no hopping is admitted for these
channels in the SBS.
To create these channels means to create a semi -permanent connection between the Abis 16
Kbps channels and one 16 Kbps PDT in one PCU.
These channel types can be handled by adding a new parameter to the CHAN creation command
in order to specify the combination used for the GPRS channel.
The PBCCH or PCCCH creat ion can be allowed only if the PTPPKF object is created. The PDT is
selected automatically by the system.
Since, from the BTS point of view, these channels are managed in a completely different way
than the other common control channels, the BTS is notified of the creation of these channels.
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Create Channel
PBCCH/PCCCH
No
Request Network
Connection
between A bis /PDT
Yes
Send Data Base
to PCU
PTPPKF
Created
No
Yes
Choose PDT on
serving PCU
PDT
Available
CREATE
NACK
Request to send
System Information
to TL3RD
No
CREATE
NACK
Yes
same MAIO
adjacent timeslot number
22/33
The first three rules must be observed during configuration, which means that all TCHs on the
BCCH carrier must abide by the same hopping law and the same training sequence code. The
fourth law is observed dynamically for the timeslot selection. If a request for a new PDCH comes
from the PCU, the TL3RD tries to allocate a new PDCH adjacent to the previous one. In the case
of no free timeslots adjacent to the busy one, the adjacent timeslots are in a stable call state, and
there is at least one free channel in the cell, a forced intracell handover is initiated in order to
move the call camped in the adjacent timeslot to another one (see Figure 10) using the same rule
as the HSCSD. It must be taken into account that HSCSD calls cannot be forced. Because the intracell handover procedure doesn't need more than 0.4 sec., no packet queuing notification is
sent to the PCU software in order to keep the channel allocation in the standby state.
In the case of channel locking (PBCCH, PCCCH, and PDTCH) the PDT and the corresponding
radio channels are released to the idle state.
BCCH
TS 0
BCCH
TS 0
BCCH
TS 0
Other
Channels
BCCH
TS 0
Figure 10: PDTCH multislot strategy allocation when a new PDTCH is requested for
the same MS and no adjacent PDTs adjacent to the one in use are free
A maximum of 8 PDCHs can be allocated for each cell; this parameter can be set by an O&M
command for each PTPPKF (object PTPPKF, parameter GMANPAL).
The PCU tries to schedule the MS with its maximum TS usage depending on MS multislot class.
If there is no PDTCH allocated in one cell and the MS needs to establish a TBF, the PCU must allocate the maximum number of TSs supported by the MS, if there is at least one TS free on the
cell the TBF is accepted; otherwise the TBF is rejected. If another MS needs to setup a TBF and
the number of TSs supp orted are the same or less than those used by the previous MS, the new
mobile is allocated to the already allocated TS. If the MS requires more TSs then additional re quests are sent to the TDPC in order to satisfy the maximum MS capacity and the MS is shared
between the already existing TS and the new time slot.
In the case of an incoming CS (Circuit Switch) call (Normal Assignment or External Incoming HO,
single slot) the following algorithm applies to the cell having no free channel:
If the incoming CS call finds the cell congested, the first thing attempted is to preempt one
vulnerable CS call.
If preemption cannot be started for whatever reason (feature not enabled, the incoming
CS call has a PCI set to 0, ...) a directed retry is started.
If not even the directed retry can be started (because the feature is not enabled or the feature is enabled but the BTS is sending a condition for an Intercell HO message without a
cell list) GPRS preemption is attempted. The GPRS TS having the highest TS number
(except some very special cases that only occur when the incoming CS call is half rate
23/33
If the incoming CS call finds the cell congested, the first thing attempted is to preempt one
vulnerable CS call.
If preemption cannot be started for whatever reason (feature not enabled, incoming CS
call having the PCI set to 0, ...) then a directed retry is started.
If not even the directed retry can be started (because the feature is not enabled) GPRS
preemption is attempted. The GPRS TS to be preempted is selected choosing the one
with the highest TS number of GPRS assigned TSs (except some very special cases that
occurs when the incoming CS call is Half Rate and GPRS TSs are mixed
FULL_RATE_ONLY or FULL_AND_HALF).
If not even the directed retry can be started (feature enabled but the BTS sending condition is for an intercell HO without a cell) it is assigned to a normal phase 2 data call (if
necessary the GPRS preemption is started for this call).
If the GPRS preemption cannot be started because no GPRS TS are available (or because of very special cases due to Half Rate CS), the queuing procedure is started.
The following behavior applies to normal assignments or external incoming HOs; no GPRS preemption is executed in the case of CS internal intercell/intracell HOs because the BTS, when the
HO is not managed, repeats the HO indication (same rule used in the existing CS preemption).
System Information Management
SIs are regularly broadcast by the network on the BCCH and the busy TCH. SI broadcasts can be
grouped in 6 classes as described in GSM 04.07 based on the information they contain. On
the basis of this information, the mobile station is able to decide whether and how it may gain ac cess to the network via the current cell.
With the introduction of GPRS, the SI 3 and 4 rest octets are modified, while SI 13 is added. In
addition, if the PBCCH is allocated to the cell, new System Information called Packet System Information (PSI), required by GPRS, is broadcast on this new logical channel.
All mobile stations camping in a GPRS -supporting service cell in which PCCH is allocated, listen
to the PSI instead of to the traditional SIs. A GPRS mobile station reading the PCCH can receive
non-GPRS paging incoming from the network, because on this GPRS broadcast channel traditional SI is also sent to guarantee this event.
When a mobile station moves to a new cell, it switches to the BCCH. The mobile station listens to
the SIs 3, 4, 7 or 8. If the cell does not support GPRS, the mobile station cannot perform packet
access to the network. If the cell supports GPRS, the mobile station reads SI 13. A mobile station
that h as read SI 13 but without first having read SIs 3, 4, 7 or 8 may assume that the current cell
supports GPRS service.
System Information 3 and 4
These messages are broadcast on the BCCH. They contain new additional information about
supporting GPRS service in the cell.
System Information 13
This message is broadcast on the BCCH only if GPRS is supported in the cell. It indicates:
Here, the mobile station is not allowed to initiate packet access until it has obtained SI 1.
The availability of SI 13 is sent on the BCCH using the SIs 3, 4 and, if sent, 7 or 8.
24/33
25/33
04.60 and GSM 05.02). Paging for GPRS is performed in the Routing Area (RA) instead of in the LA
as in standard GSM (A RA is defined for a GPRS cell and represents a cluster of cells; it is contained
in an LA). Moreover, if a mobile station is in transfer mode, it can be paged in the cell where it is
camping.
GPRS-Paging Using Paging Sub-channel on the CCCH
This type of paging is used to send paging information to mobile stations in idle mode and in
packet idle mode if the PCCCH is not active in the cell. Three types of paging messages can
be broadcast on this channel:
as described in GSM 04.07. Paging request messages can include more than one mobile station, as well as priority levels related to the mobile station identification.
For GPRS, just as for the well-known standard GSM service, a paging channel in combination
with DRX can also be organized. If a mobile station chooses to use the DRX mode (as indicated in Classmark), it indicates to the network to which additional paging groups it listens,
which allows acceptable access delay and/or acceptable battery consumption and/or the QoS
needed by the application.
A mobile station using DRX is only required to monitor the PCH blocks belonging to its paging
group in the same way as in GSM 05.02.
A mobile station not using DRX is required to monitor every PCH block on the same CCCH as
for DRX.
Paging reorganization is supported in the same way as for circuit-switched GSM.
The internal network message flow is as follows:
The SGSN, knowing how to use the DRX, sends a paging message to all PCUs supporting the proper RA. This message includes the information whethe r or not the DRX is used
and, through the SPLIT_PG_CYCLE parameter, if the enhanced DRX mechanism is
used.
The PCU forwards the PACKET PAGING REQUEST message combined with the er quested paging parameters over the internal interface to the BSC.
The BSC calculates the proper paging group and forwards, per LAPD connection, the
PACKET PAGING REQUEST messages to the paging queues inside the BTS. Additionally, the BSC evaluates all needed DRX parameters which have to be broadcast on the
BCCH.
The BTS queues all PACKET PAGING REQUEST messages and sends them, sorted by
first-in first-out, on the PCHs in the CCCH multiframe.
The SGSN, knowing how to use the DRX, sends a paging message to all PCUs located in
the proper RA. This message includes the information whether or not the DRX is used
and, through the SPLIT_PG_CYCLE parameter, if the enhanced DRX mechanism is
used.
The PCU calculates the proper paging group and adds all PACKET PAGING REQUEST
messages on its paging gro up queues. Additionally, the PCU evaluates all needed DRX
parameters which have to be broadcast on the PBCCH.
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The PCU includes the PACKET PAGING REQUEST messages into the RLC / MAC
blocks and schedules the messages into the PDCH multiframes which contain h
te
PCCCH. The RLC / MAC blocks are transferred via TRAU frames to the BTS, which
transmits the PACKET REQUEST message immediately.
ignore to read the paging and continue the current speech call, or
put on hold the current conversation, switch to GPRS as long as data are transferred and,
afterwards, switch back to non -GPRS mode to retrieve the first call.
27/33
RA is known, the TDPC scans the list of the cells belonging to the addressed RA and sends a
paging message on the PCH channel to each of them.
The addressed mobile station reads the paging message and can decide whether to
stop the conversation and start normal procedures for this case,
ignore to read the paging and continue the current speech call, or
put on hold the current conversation, switch to GPRS as long as data a re transferred and,
afterwards, switch back to non -GPRS mode to retrieve the first call.
In the one phase access, the PACKET C HANNEL REQUEST is answered by the network with
the PACKET I MMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT reserving the resources on PDCH(s) for uplink transfer
of a number of radio blocks. This reservation is carried out according to the information on
the requested res ources that is comprised in the PACKET CHANNEL REQUEST. On the
RACH, there is only one cause value available for denoting GPRS and the network can
only assign uplink resources on 1 or 2 PDCH(s) or two different priorities. One phase access on PCCCH and CCCH is used in the case of paging response, cell update, and MM
procedure, as well as in all cases where the MS need not send more information than the
MS class and priority.
In the two phase access, the PACKET CHANNEL REQUEST is answered with the PACKET
I MMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT which reserves the uplink resources for transmitting the PACKET
RESOURCE R EQUEST. The PACKET R ESOURCE REQUEST message carries the complete description of the requested resources for the uplink transfer. This message is already sent
on the assigned PDCH(s) in the PACKET ASSOCIATED C ONTROL C HANNEL (PACCH). This
channel is a transparent link between the mobile station and the PCU. If the number of
PDCH(s) in the cell needs to be increased, the PCU requests additional channels from the
BSC. Afterwards, the PCU responds on the PACCH with the PACKET R ESOURCE
ASSIGNMENT reserving resources for the uplink transfer. Two phase access on PCCCH
and CCCH is used in the case of data transfer in unacknowledged mode as well as in all
cases described for one phase access when additional information needs to be carried in
the access phase.
The mobile station is always able to override the one phase access by sending the PACKET
RESOURCE REQUEST on the assigned resource to initiate the two phase access.
The PACKET I MMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message includes the Timing Advance (TA) and Power Control (PC) information.
If there is no response to the PACKET C HANNEL R EQUEST within a pre-defined time period, the mobile station initiates a retry after a random back-off algorithm as defined in the existing GSM.
28/33
The mobile station request may also be rejected via a PACKET ACCESS REJECT message on the
same PCCCH on which the channel requests were received.
Currently, more PACKET C HANNEL REQUESTS can be received than can be served within a certain
time limit. To handle this, the PCU sends a PACKET QUEUING NOTIFICATION to the mobile station.
The message is transferred as an internal message from the PCU to the BSC and per LAPD to
the BTS, and is then sent on the AGCH to the mobile station. The notification includes information
that the PACKET C HANNEL REQUEST message has been received correctly and a PACKET
IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT may be sent later. The PACKET QUEUING NOTIFICATION can be concatenated with the PACKET I MMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT to another mobile station in the same downlink radio block. If the TA information becomes inaccurate for a mobile station, the PACKET POLLING can
be used to estimate the new TA before issuing the PACKET I MMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT. Therefore, the
PCU decides to send a message to the BSC and per LAPD to the BTS, and then sends the
PACKET POLLING on the PCH. The mobile station responds with a PACKET POLLING R ESPONSE
message, which is encoded in an access burst.
When the mobile station initiates the transmission of a C HANNEL R EQUEST message, it ignores the
PAGING REQUEST messages. A mobile station belonging to class A or B continues to monitor its
paging subchannel on the CCCH if it is a GPRS mobile station class B, then it can decide
whether or not to abort the ac cess procedure.
Uplink Access on the CCCH
A mobile station initiates a packet transfer by sending a PACKET CHANNEL R EQUEST on the RACH
(8 information bits). The BTS decodes the burst and sends the contents combined with meas urement information per LAPD link to the BSC. The TDPC, as the manager of the radio re sources, activates a PDTCH in the cell, if not active, and sends its identity to the PCU (including
the cell ID). In case the GPRS resource is not enough, the PCU will ask for an additional PDTCH.
After successful channel activation at the BTS, the BSC switches a connection (via SN -16) between the PCU and the PDTCH(s) and delivers the PDTCH ID(s) to the PCU, which reserve the
TFI and one or more USFs. The established PDCH(s), the TFI and the USF(s) are then included
in the PACKET UPLINK ASSIGNMENT to the mobile station via LAPD on the AGCH.
Uplink Access on the PCCCH
A mobile station initiates a packet transfer by sending a PACKET CHANNEL REQUEST on the
PRACH. The PRACH can be more or less dynamically a llocated on block basis (four consecutive
bursts) by the PCU. Therefore, the PCU needs to inform the receiver of the BTS that uplink capacity is provided on the uplink for sending PACKET C HANNEL R EQUESTS.
On the PRACH, more efficient new 11 information bit access bursts can be used. Therefore, the
BTS needs an O&M command with the information which kinds of access burst have to be decoded on all PDCH(s) in the cell. The mobile station gets the information on the network capability for receiving the new access burst type by a specific broadcast message. The extra three bits
enhance the information contents to make one phase access more probable. The BTS decodes
the burst and sends the contents together with the measurement information per TRAU frame to
the PCU.
If additional PDCH(s) need to be allocated in the cell, the PCU requests channel(s) from the BSC,
which manages the common pool of radio resources between GPRS and circuit-switched connections. Therefore a priority and preemption mechanism is necessary. A circuit-switched call is
given priority over a GPRS call. Whenever a new GPRS call is set up and no timeslot is available
on the BCCH, an intracell handover is made for the circuit-switched call. If no space is available,
a directed retry is carried out. If this does not work either, the existing GPRS calls are downgraded (e.g. 2 timeslots on one timeslot). If this fails, too, the call is rejected.
For a new circuit-switched call, an intracell handover is first carried out on existing circuitswitched calls. If this does not work, a cell selection/re -selection is carried out for the existing
GPRS calls. Then, the other GPRS calls are downgraded as described above. As last option, a
GPRS call may be disconnected (circuit-switched prioritized over GPRS).
Afterwards, the PCU assigns a PDCH(s) to the mobile station. This assignment is an RLC block
which is transferred with the help of a TRAU frame from the PCU to the BTS and is then sent on
the PAGCH.
29/33
As described in the above section, two different access methods are possible. But since more
code points are available on the PRACH (11 bit AB is used) there is less need for the two phase
access.
If there is no response to the PACKET C HANNEL REQUEST within a pre-defined period, the mobile
station initiates a retry after a random back-off time defined by the GPRS specific back -off algorithm.
The mobile station request may also be rejected via a PACKET ACCESS REJECT message on the
same PCCCH on which the channel request was received.
More PACKET CHANNEL REQUESTS can be received than can be served within a certain time limit.
To handle this, the PCU sends an RLC block called PACKET Q UEUING NOTIFICATION via TRAU
frame to the BTS and then on the PAGCH to the mobile station. The notification includes the information that the PACKET CHANNEL R EQUEST message has been received correctly and a PACKET
IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT may be sent later. If the TA information becomes inaccurate for the mobile
station, an RLC block called PACKET POLLING is sent on the PPCH to the mobile stat ion. The mobile station responds with a PACKET POLLING R ESPONSE message, which is encoded in an access
burst.
30/33
Performance Measurements.
These O&M functions for GPRS will be available from the OMC -B (via the existing O interface
and the BSCs) as well as from the LMT.
With the introduction of GPRS, the netwo rk provider is able to:
Verify the correct dimensioning of the GPRS network (for short - and long-term planning)
Objects
The following new objects have been modeled and can be accessed via O&M commands:
FRL (Frame Relay Link) object
This is a functional object representing the physical link connection on the Gb interface.
NSVC (Network Servi ce Virtual Connection) object
This is a functional object representing the end-to-end communication between the BSS and
the SGSN.
This is a functional object representing the direct physical connection between the BSC and
the SGSN. This line carries 32 timeslots of 64 Kbps that can handle a maximum of 31 FRLs.
PCU (Packet Control Unit) object
This is a functional object representing a PCU designed to implement GPRS in the SBS.
31/33
Each PCU is able to handle a maximum of 64 PDTs on the Abis interface and a maximum of
16 FRLs on the Gb interface. The number of PDTs and the number of FRLs can be selected
when creating the PCU object.
One level of addressing is provided for the PCU: the PCU number (range: 0 to 1). The PCU
can be considered "Enabled" when one super-ordinate PPCU is providing service.
All attributes that are common for all subordinated objects (FRL, NSVC, PTPPKF) are inserted
on the PCU object in order to avoid duplicate data and keep it easier to configure GPRS on
the SBS. According to this idea, both PPCU cards are implicitly handled, from the configuration point of view, acting on the PCU functional object, i.e. the creation of the PCU implies the
creation of the pair of cards and the deletion of the PCU implies the deletion of both cards.
This way, it is possible to manage all the hierarchy acting on the single PCU object instead of
two cards.
PPCU (Peripheral Packet Control Unit) object
This is an equipment object representing the new card designed to implement the PCU unit.
The PPCU objects are provided in redundant configuration (active / cold standby) for each
PCU. Each card is able to handle a maximum of 2 Mbps of data transmission split in two
parts: Abis and Gb interface. The throughput in both interfaces can be selected via configuration commands on the PCU objects.
Two levels of addressing are provided for the PPCU. The first is the PCU number (range: 0 to
1), the second one is the PPCU copy (range: 0 to 1). The PPCU can be considered " Enabled"
only after the software has been loaded correctly.
The PPCU object cannot be created or deleted directly by the operator, but it is implicitly
equipped during the creation of the PCU object and deleted with the PCU deletion.
PTPPKF (Point-to-point Packet Function) object
This is a functional object representing the presence of GPRS in a specific cell. The state of
this object allows or refuses the service in the cell. The state of the PTPPKF object can be affected by a BTS state change, a specific command on the object, or by a state change on the
NSVC object.
Commands
Table 3 gives an overview of all commands allowed ("Yes") or not allowed ("No") for each new
GPRS-specific object introduced in the SBS system.
Configuration command
Object CREATE DELETE
SET
GET
FRL
Yes
Yes
NSVC
Yes
PCMG
Yes
PCU
State command
LOCK
UNLOCK SWITCH
GET
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
PPCU
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
PTPPKF
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
32/33
Interworking / Dependencies
With the features of the GPRS, there is interworking with:
The hardware for GSN
Point-to-point service (GPRS is the basis for point -to-point)
Restraint of O&M functions of the current release (BR5.5) with concern of the following features
that are available in complete O&M functions within the next release (BR6.0):
Prerequisites
The prerequisites required for BR5.5 have been limited to the following two items:
PCU, added to the BSC,
CCU, added to the BTS (by software download).
The following is required:
BSC must support the Gb interface according the respective ETSI standard
Recommendations
Relevant GSM recommendations
GSM No. (ETSI TS)
02.60,
03.60, 03.64,
04.07, 04.60,
05.01, 05.02, 05.08
Remarks
BR5.5 features the following restrictions with respect to the standard:
No support of BTS downlink power control at carriers used for GPRS channels
In the PCU, no segmentation and re -assembling is foreseen and there is no flow control
mechanism for uplink queues.
Summary
The new GPRS enables customers to develop new business opportunities as evolutionary steps
towards UMTS. An investment in Siemens GPRS hardware today, is a step in the right direction
towards the third generation of mobile communications and new UMTS networks.
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