NSS/Circuit Switch Core Training

Understanding MSC Number Analysis of GSM Network By Arjay K. Panganiban

Prerequisites
GSM/UMTS Basic knowledge SS7 Application Layer Protocols

What is Number Analysis?

GSM/UMTS refers to it as the treatment of the Core Network elements on numbering plans being requested/negotiated to establish services a network carrier provides. One of the most important functions of the Core Network. It is being done entirely in all elements e.g. (IN, SMSC/VAS, SGSN, HLR/AuC, MSC, EIR) On Circuit Switch Core it is used for call switching functions and mobility management.

Number Analysis Scenarios

MS MS call PSTN/other PLMN MS call MS PSTN/other PLMN call IN trigger services - Originating CAMEL Subscription Information (OCSI) - Terminating CAMEL Subscription Information (TCSI) Value Added Services - MO/MT SMS - Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) - Supplementary Service Code Trigger (RBT) - Announcement playing

MS MS Calls
HLR

SRI Request

Provide MSRN Request SGs/STPs Provide MSRN Response IAM ACM ANM MSC B Paging/Alerting

SRI Response

SETUP

MSC A

Hello..
09229221234

MS-MS Calls Signaling Messages

Setup contains the subscriber initiated dialed number SRI Request After MSC A checks the B number contained in the SETUP message, It checks how it will route the call. For this scenario, MSC A doesnt know yet where the B number is located/roaming. It asks the HLR for routing. SRI contains the B number in E164I standard or in international MSISDN format. It also contains the address of the calling MSC. PRN Request also known as provide MSRN request. HLR sends this request to MSC B for the latter to allocate a free MSRN number from its pool. This message contains the address of the calling MSC and the IMSI of the called number. MSRN - a directory number temporarily assigned to a mobile for a mobile terminated call.*** PRN Response MSC B has allocated a free MSRN and informs the HLR of that number. After the HLR receives the MSRN, it relays the information to MSC A thru SRI Response message. SRI Response This message could contain other data such as FTN, SS code trigger for RBT, call barring, call release due to absent subscriber etc. For the scenario discussed, It gives MSC A the MSRN allocated by MSC B. MSC A then analyzes the MSRN and routes the call to MSC B. Initial Address Message (IAM) - message to initiate a call connection between to switches. In this scenario, between two MSCs. IAM contains the point codes of both MSCs the calling and the called number by MSC A and other information as required. Address Complete Message (ACM) message sent by MSC B to MSC A informing the latter that the digits sent in the IAM message are valid and that a circuit connection has been established. Basically, when you here the RBT on your handset it means ACM was already sent by the called MSC to the calling MSC. ANM message sent by MSC B to MSC A informing the latter that the call has been established.

*** data from wikipedia

PSTN/other PLMN MS call

Switch of other PLMN/PSTN HLR

IAM ACM ANM

SRI Request SGs/STPs SRI Response IAM ACM

PRN Request

PRN Response

GMSC

ANM

VMSC

Paging/Alerting

Hello..

MS PSTN/other PLMN call

Hello
Switch of other PLMN/PSTN HLR

Paging/Alerting

IAM ACM ANM SGs/STPs IAM ACM GMSC ANM VMSC SETUP

CAP 2 IN trigger services - OCSI

IN

RRBE, ACH, Continue, Connect etc. IDP Invoke Req. Invoke Resp.

SETUP

MSC A

After the response of IN. MSC transactions are the same with normal postpaid transactions.

09229221234

Subscriber is prepaid

CAP 2 IN trigger services - TCSI

IN First SRI Response Contains the service key and SCP address the Called subscriber is assigned

RRBE, ACR, Continue, Connect etc. Invoke Resp. IDP Invoke Req. SRI Request

SRI Response

SETUP

MSC A

09229221234

After the response of IN. MSC transactions are the same with normal postpaid transactions.

MSC B

Subscriber is normal postpaid

Subscriber has special services triggered by MT Call

IN trigger signaling messages

IDP Initial Detection Point. Message sent by the MSC to the designated SCP addressed by the called GT and the service key found in the profile of sub in HLR. Service Key a unique service identifier in an SCP which can be used by the subscriber. RRBE Request Report BCSM event. Signaling Message by the SCP to the MSC for the latter to send a report before, during and after the call. ACH Apply Charging Report. Signaling message by the SCP to the MSC for charging of calls. ACR Message from MSC to SCP to give details on the transaction initiated by the subscriber Continue Message sent by the SCP informing the MSC to continue the call transaction. Connect Message sent by the SCP informing the MSC to continue the call except that the caller or called number has been modified.

SMSC Transaction Call Flow

VIZMIN
6 MSUs (720 Bytes)

NCR 1 MSU = 40 Bytes

SMS Delivery Notification

Original file courtesy of CNOD - VAS

RBT Service
RBT Switch HLR

The Caller listens to the customized RBT

IAM ACM ANM

B num= 501639229221234

SRI Request

Provide MSRN Request SGs/STPs Provide MSRN Response IAM ACM ANM MSC B Paging/Alerting

SRI Response (SS Code) MSC A

SETUP

09229221234

Thank You!