Introduction

GPRS in the BSS

Call Set Up
Call Handling
Call Release
Handling User Traffic Across the BSS
Cell Environments
Operations & Maintenance

Overview
The BSS provides radio coverage for GSM subscribers in a defined area. Its
principal role is to provide and support signalling and traffic channels between
mobile stations and the NSS.

The following figure shows the BSS within the PLMN, and its links to the
PSTN and the PSDN in a fixed network.

GGSN
Gateway GRPS Support Node
HLR
Home Location Register
MFS
Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server
NMC
Network Management Center
PSDN
Packet Switched Data Network
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network
SGSN
Serving GRPS Support Node
 Figure 1: BSS in the PLMN

EVOLIUM(TM) Radio Solutions

To respond to the swiftly evolving needs in BSSs, Alcatel offers the

EVOLIUM(TM) Radio Solutions.

The Alcatel EVOLIUM(TM) Radio Solutions includes the following BSS

equipment described in this document:

G2 BSC
G2 Transcoder
G2.5 Transcoder
BTS A9100
BTS A910
A935 MFS.

BTS G1 and BTS G2 are still supported by EVOLIUM.

Extended GSM Band (E-GSM)

The Alcatel BSS supports the E-GSM band. E-GSM consists of:

The 900 MHz primary band, called the P-GSM band. This uses 890-915
MHz for uplink, and 935-960 MHz for downlink.
The 900 MHz extended band, called the G1 band. This uses 880-890
MHz for uplink, and 925-935 MHz for downlink.

This corresponds to a total number of 174 addressable frequencies.

GSM 850

The GSM 850 MHz band has been introduced in the Release 1999 of the 3GPP
Standard in 1999 to allow operators to replace progressively the D-AMPS and
CDMA technologies that were using these frequencies. Besides certain Asian
countries, the GSM 850 MHz band concerns in particular the Latin American
countries where many operators already use in their network the GSM system
with the GSM 1900 MHz to extend or replace their D-AMPS existing network.
The term GSM 850 is used for any GSM system which operates in 824 MHz to
849 MHz band for the uplink direction and in the 869 MHz to 894 MHz band
for the downlink direction. The GSM 850 band is defined by 124 absolute radio
frequency channel numbers (ARFCN) among the 1024 ARFCNs available in
the GSM standard.

Frequency Band Configurations

The Alcatel BSS supports the following multiband network configurations:

 BSS with a mix of GSM 850 and GSM 1900 cells
BSS with a mix of GSM 850 and GSM 1800 cells
BSS with a mix of GSM 900 and GSM 1800 cells.

Refer also to Basic GSM System Specifications.

GPRS

GPRS, the solution chosen by European Telecommunication Standards Institute

to answer the demand for increased data transmission rates, is now available in
the Alcatel BSS. This means there are now two parallel systems in the PLMN:
circuit-switched transmission for voice, and packet-switched transmission for
data. For information on how GPRS functions within the BSS, see GPRS in the
BSS.

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Origin of GSM

The Groupe Speciale Mobile (taken over by ETSI in 1989) was formed to
define recommendations for a new cellular radio telephone system. It produced
recommendations for mobile services, radio transmission, network architecture
and interfaces between subsystems. The resulting cellular radio telephone
system is known as Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM.

The working group decided to base their system on digital transmission

technology. This provides greater reliability, higher traffic density, and better
quality than earlier analog methods. The original GSM recommendation
specifies a common frequency band around 900 MHz for mobile
communication. Systems using this band are referred to as GSM 900 systems.
To provide additional coverage in densely populated urban areas, a second band
around 1800 MHz/1900 MHz was reserved. This is referred to as GSM
1800/1900 and uses the same GSM standards operating at the higher frequency
range. The GSM 900 systems have been extended into the 900 MHz primary
band (P-GSM band) and the 900 MHz extension band (G1 band).

The GSM 850 MHz band has been introduced in the Release 1999 of the 3GPP
Standard in 1999 to allow operators to replace progressively the D-AMPS and
CDMA technologies that were using these frequencies. Besides certain Asian
countries, the GSM 850 MHz band concerns in particular the Latin American
countries where many operators already use in their network the GSM system
with the GSM 1900 MHz to extend or replace their D-AMPS existing network.

The Alcatel BSS supports the following multiband network configurations:

BSS with a mix of GSM 850 and GSM 1900 cells

BSS with a mix of GSM 850 and GSM 1800 cells
BSS with a mix of GSM 900 and GSM 1800 cells.

Any monoband network configuration involving one of the above frequency

bands is supported.

For more information about the BSS and the MFS, and their place in the
PLMN, refer to the:

BSS System Description

EVOLIUM A935 MFS Description

The basic system specifications for GSM networks are shown in the following
table.

Parameter Values

GSM 850 Frequency band
GSM 900 Frequency band
GSM 900 Extension Frequency
band
GSM 1800 Frequency band
GSM 1900 Frequency band
Duplex distance
Uplink: 824 MHz - 849 MHz
Downlink: 869 MHz - 894 MHz
Uplink: 890 MHz - 915 MHz
Downlink: 935 MHz - 960 MHz
Uplink: 880 MHz - 890 MHz
Downlink: 925 MHz - 935 MHz
Uplink: 1710 MHz - 1785 MHz
Downlink: 1805 MHz - 1880 MHz
Uplink: 1850 MHz - 1910 MHz
Downlink: 1930 MHz - 1990 MHz
GSM 900: 45 MHz
GSM 1800/1900: 95 MHz

Carrier separation 200 kHz

Modulation Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying

(GMSK)

Transmission rate 270 kbit/s

Access method Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)

Table 1: Basic GSM System Specifications

The benefits of the standardization of GSM technology, although originally

developed for the European market, have been recognized by network
operators and regulatory authorities around the world.

GSM provides the following advantages:

Standardization - International standards bring compatibility between systems

in different countries, enabling subscribers to use their mobile stations
wherever they go.

International Roaming - Roaming is no longer limited to areas covered

by cells of a given network operator. Calls can be processed and
charged to subscribers whether they call from their home network, or
from a network in another city or another country.
Consistent Quality - Due to improved radio resource control, digital
equalizing, encoding, and frequency hopping, mobile networks are able
to provide a consistent level of quality.
Call Security/Protection - Improved authentication and ciphering
techniques for all signalling and user data allow protected subscriber
 access to the network and ensure user confidentiality.

Introduction

BSS Functions
Functions are defined by the International Telecommunications Union and
European Telecommunication Standards Institute recommendations.

This section describes the BSS functions with a system-wide view; that is, how
the BSS functions work together within the system. Network elements and
functional units are indicated where applicable, but are not described. For more
information, refer to the specific network element description manuals, such as
the BTS Functional Description.

The BSS provides signalling and traffic channels between the mobile station
and the NSS. To ensure a high level of service to the subscribers, the BSS
offers the following functions:

Call Set Up
Call Handling
Call Release
Operations & Maintenance.

Call Set Up
Call Handling
Call Release
Operations & Maintenance

Introduction

BSS Components
There are three main units in the BSS:

The BTS, which provides the radio transmission and reception

functions for a cell
The BSC, which acts as the controller of the BSS. The BSC provides
control of the BTSs and their resources, and performs switching
functions within the BSS
The Transcoder, which performs rate adaptation and
encoding/decoding of speech and data between the MSC and the BSC.

The BSS shown in Figure 1 is supervised by the OMC-R. In a large network,

one or more high-level supervisors, such as NMCs, can exist to centralize
network management activities. The NMC has the authority to send directives
to the OMC-R.
 Base Station Controller
Base Transceiver Station
Transcoder And Transmission Function
The Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server
Multi-GPU per BSS
Introduction

Extended GSM
Two 10 MHz extended bands for GSM 900 in the range 880-890 MHz/925-
935 MHz have been specified as an option on a national basis. The reason for
this is mainly due to the lack of primary band frequencies in countries outside
Europe. The term "G1" is used for the extended band. The term "P-GSM" is
used for the primary band. The term "E-GSM" is used for the whole GSM-
900 frequency band, i.e. the primary band (890-915 MHz/935-960 MHz) plus
the extended band (880-890 MHz/925-935 MHz). This corresponds to 174
addressable carrier frequencies and leads to an increase of 40% against the
124 frequencies in the primary band.

All BCCH frequencies and SDCCH channels are entirely supported on the
GSM primary band. This allows for the support of both primary and extended
band mobiles in the same network.

E-GSM Mobile Station Recognition

From messages sent by the mobile station, the BSS determines if a mobile
supports the E-GSM band.

The mobile station is determined to be E-GSM if:

The FC bit of the Classmark 2 is set to 1 (regardless of the value of

the Band 2 bit of the Classmark 3) or
The FC bit of the Classmark 2 is set to 0, and the Band 2 bit of the
Classmark 3 is set to 1.

If the information is not available, the mobile station is considered as not

supporting the G1 band. The BSS never triggers a Classmark Interrogation
procedure to obtain the E-GSM ability of a mobile station.

E-GSM Management After Initial Determination

Once the E-GSM ability has been initially determined as described above, it
may happen that the mobile station radio characteristics change during a
transaction. If the BSC receives a classmark change message, it takes this
into account and updates the E-GSM ability according to the content of the
received message.

E-GSM Determination at Handover

In the case of internal handover, the E-GSM ability of a mobile station is

stored in the BSC memory. In the case of external incoming Handover, the
handover request message includes either Classmark 1 or Classmark 2 IE,
and optionally Classmark 3 IE. If Classmark 1 is present and Classmark 3 is
not present or Classmark 3 is present but does not contain the Band 2 bit, the
mobile station is not considered as E-GSM. If both Classmark 1 and
Classmark 3 are present, and Classmark 3 contains the Band 2 bit, the BSC
gets the E-GSM ability of the mobile station from the Classmark 3. If
Classmark 2 is present and Classmark 3 is not present, or Classmark 3 is
present but does not contain the Band 2 bit, the BSC gets the E-GSM ability
of the mobile station from the Classmark 2 ("FC" bit). If both Classmark 2
and Classmark 3 are present, the mobile station is seen as E-GSM:

If the FC bit of the Classmark 2 is set to 1 (whatever the value of the

band 2 bit of the Classmark 3)
If the FC bit of the Classmark 2 is set to 0 and the band 2 bit of the
Classmark 3 is set to 1.

After an incoming external handover, if a classmark change message has

been received from the mobile station, the BSC ignores any subsequent
classmark update message received from the MSC.

TCH Allocation

The allocation of G1 band channels can be done for Normal Assignment

(NASS), Internal Channel Change (ICC), or External Channel Change (ECC).
Each TRE has the capability to support the P-GSM or the E-GSM band. Each
TRX is configured as a P-GSM TRX or a G1 TRX. When a TCH is needed, if
it is for an E-GSM mobile station then a TCH belonging to the G1 TRX
subset is preferably chosen. If no resource is available in the G1 TRX subset,
the mobile station is allocated to the P-GSM TRX subset.

Introduction

External Components
The BSS communicates with three external components:

The NSS on the A Interface

The mobile station on the Air Interface
The OMC-R on the BSS/OMC-R Interface.

The following figure shows the logical position of the External Components.
 GGSN
Gateway GRPS Support Node
HLR
Home Location Register
MFS
Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server
NMC
Network Management Center
PSDN
Packet Switched Data Network
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network
SGSN
Serving GRPS Support Node

Figure 6: Logical Position of External Components Associated with BSS

Network Subsystem
Mobile Stations
Phase 2 Mobile Support in a Phase 1 Infrastructure
Operations and Maintenance Center-Radio

Network Management
Normally the OMC-R provides all the network management and control
functions required by the BSS. However, the management and control
functions are proprietary to the system supplier. In keeping with
International Telecommunications Union and European Telecommunication
Standards Institute recommendations, the Telecommunications Management
Network structure has been developed to standardize the Network
Management function. Network Management is compatible with all
equipment, even that of different manufacturers. Network Management is
controlled from one or several NMCs.
 Telecommunications Management Network
Q3 Interface

Introduction

BSS Telecommunications Layers

The telecommunications functions of a GSM network are split into layers.
These layers are split into two basic categories:

The Application layer is split into sub-layers, to control:

o Call Management
o Mobility Management
o Radio Resource Management.

The transmission layers which provide transmission between the various

components.

These transmission layers relate to the OSI layers, that is, the
Physical Layer (i.e. Layer 1) and the Data Layer (i.e. Layer 2). The
protocols used for these layers are standard.

The following figure shows the general distribution of the telecommunication

functions within a GSM network.

CM
Call Management
MM
Mobility Management
MS
Mobile Station
RRM
Radio Resource Management

Figure 9: General Telecommunication Layers within GSM

 Call Management
Mobility Management
Radio Resource Management
The A Interface
The Abis Interface
Satellite Links
The Air Interface

GPRS in the BSS

Overview
The success of GSM has taken place in parallel with the explosion of interest in
the Internet and related data services. Presently, data transmission over the air
interface is limited to 9.6 kb/s, too slow for use of graphics-intensive services
such as the World Wide Web and personal video conferencing. In addition, the
circuit-switched method used for data transmission makes inefficient use of
radio resources, which are under increasing pressure from the growth in GSM
subscribers and use.

The solution chosen by European Telecommunication Standards Institute for

the double challenge of increased demand for data service and pressure on radio
resources is called General Packet Radio Service. The European
Telecommunication Standards Institute recommendations establish a standard
for inserting an alternative transmission method for data in the PLMN: packet
switching instead of circuit switching.

The Alcatel GPRS solution follows the ETSI GSM phase 2+ recommendations
closely.

Packet Switching
GPRS Elements

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information

Messages
GPRS traffic uses the same radio resources as circuit-switched traffic, and is
carried on the same type of physical channel. When a physical channel is
allocated to carry packet logical channels (using TDMA frames, as does circuit-
switched traffic), it is called a Packet Data Channel, or PDCH.

Master Channels
Static Allocation
Dynamic Allocation
Multiple PCCCH
 Logical Channels
Virtual Channels
System Information Messages

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information Messages

Master Channels

Master Channels are packet channels that carry Packet Broadcast Control
Channel (PBCCH) only on the primary MPDCH, the Packet Common Control
Channel (PCCCH), the Packet Data Traffic Channel (PDTCH) and the Packet
Associated Control Channel (PACCH). They allow:

More performance packet services to be offered through:

o Enhanced cell reselection by using optimized cell reselection
criteria
o Optimized system information reception (the mobile station does
not interrupt its data transfer to acquire or refresh system
information from serving and neighbor cells)
o Faster TBF establishment (through dedicated PCCCH channels
and multislot TBF allocation in one phase).

GPRS signalling traffic to be placed on dedicated PCCCH channels.

To prevent CCCH channel congestion, and thus degradation of the

quality of the circuit-switched services, even at a low level of GPRS
traffic (e.g. cells where the signalling induced by the circuit-switched
services is already high, or cells at the border of a Location Area).
Multiple MPDCHs may be required in case of an increase in the GPRS
traffic in the cell.

There are two types of Master Channel:

GPRS Primary
GPRS Secondary

Primary Master Channels can be statically or dynamically allocated, secondary

Master Channels can only be dynamically allocated.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information Messages

Static Allocation
A dedicated O&M parameter allows the operator to configure the primary
MPDCH. Only a primary MPDCH can be configured for static allocation. The
primary MPDCH is permanently established in the cell even if there is no
GPRS traffic. This is of use if the operator wants the mobile station to perform
autonomous cell reselection based on the C31 and C32 parameters, or if the
paging load is high independent of the GPRS traffic.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information Messages

Dynamic Allocation

The number of MPDCHs needed in a cell may significantly change in a day

according to the GPRS traffic variation. Dynamic allocation of MPDCHs
avoids forcing the operator to permanently configure MPDCHs (and hence
GPRS radio slots), even when the GPRS traffic decreases.

GPRS Primary Master Channel

A primary Master Channel can be dynamically allocated as soon as there is

GPRS traffic in a cell. This feature can be enabled on a per cell basis. If there is
no GPRS traffic, the primary Master Channel is released in this cell.

The GPRS Primary Master Channel is a Packet Data Channel (PDCH) carrying
the Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH) to broadcast GPRS system
information in the cell and the Packet Common Control Channel (PCCCH)
providing GPRS specific control channels.

The Primary MPDCH is dynamically allocated by the BSS upon occurrence of

any GPRS traffic in the cell (receipt of either a downlink LLC PDU, or a
channel request from a mobile station with any establishment cause). The
primary MPDCH is dynamically de-allocated when no GPRS traffic is detected
during a given period (typically a few minutes). This minimizes the TCU load
(and also the CCCH load).

When there is a GPRS Primary Master Channel in a cell, the Alcatel BSS
broadcasts its channel description on the BCCH. Mobile stations can monitor
the broadcast and thus receive all GPRS specific system information pertaining
to the cell. The Primary Master Channel is mandatory when the Optimized
access on CCCH feature is not used. There may be at most one Primary Master
Channel in a cell.

The Primary Master Channel feature allows the operator to set a primary Master
Channel and to benefit from the following advantages, on a per cell basis:

More complete GPRS system information to be broadcast which

enhances the overall performance of the network. For example, the
permanent broadcast of C31 and C32 criteria enhances the cell
reselection for all GPRS attached mobile stations.
Better performance in a GPRS network by reducing the load on CCCH.
Shortened access time for multislot mobile stations.
A faster paging cycle.
 A higher radio resource efficiency due to the flexibility in the mapping
of logical channels onto the physical channels.

GPRS Secondary Master Channel

The GPRS Secondary Master Channel is a Packet Data Channel (PDCH)

carrying the Packet Common Control Channel (PCCCH) providing GPRS
specific control channels. In addition to the Primary Master Channel, one or
several Secondary Master Channels can be allocated in the cell. This feature
enables automatic dynamic allocation and release of secondary Master
Channels based on common signalling traffic load estimates. This dynamically
adapts the GPRS signalling capacity of the cell to the traffic demand. The
secondary master PDCH are always dynamically established or released in the
cell, regardless of whether the Primary Master Channel is statically or
dynamically allocated. The feature provides the operator with the following
improvements:

Increase the GPRS signalling capacity as the traffic load increases in the
cell.
Avoids the need to reserve static radio resources to match the maximum
traffic demand.
Configuration of the allocation and de-allocation algorithm thresholds is
performed automatically by the BSS.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information Messages

Multiple PCCCH

To allow for an increase in GPRS traffic and its associated signaling, and
advanced servises (e.g. network controlled cell reselection, GPRS in multiband
networks, traffic load management), more than one MPDCH is required. A
secondary MPDCH is required to handle the increase in signaling.

The following logical channels can be dynamically multiplexed on one

MPDCH:

PBCCH
PCCCH
PDTCH
PACCH.

The MPDCH carrying the PBCCH is called the primary Master PDCH. The
PBCCH carrier is indicated on the BCCH (in the SI13 message). Up to 16
MPDCH can be allocated in a cell (one primary MPCCH, 15 secondary
MPDCH). The additional MPDCH are called secondary Master PDCH.

When the primary MPDCH is activated, the BSC broadcasts the SI 13 message
with the radio configuration of the PBCCH. When the primary MPDCH is
deactivated (always decided by the MFS even following a fault, e.g. TRX
recovery impacting the MPDCH), the SI 13 message no longer contains a
PBCCH description. Paging and assignment messages are routed either on
CCCH or PCCCH according to the presence or not of the MPDCH.

To summarize, if the primary MPDCH is on slots 0 to 3, the secondary MPDCH

can be located at any slot position. If primary MPDCH is on slot k (k = 4 to 7),
secondary MPDCH shall be on slot n with n > k - 4; in such case, the lower k is,
the highest flexibility is to allocate a secondary MPDCH.

The following table describes the parameters that can be defined by the
operator.

Parameter Name Definition Type Mandatory Rules

Coded on 2 bits: if:
BS_PBCCH_BLKS Number
00=Block BS_PBCCH_BLKS=1 then
B0 used PSI_REPEAT_PERIOD > 3.
for
PBCCH if:
01=Block
B0 and B6 BS_PBCC H_BLKS > 1
used for then
PBCCH PSI_REPEAT_PERIOD >
10=Block 4/BS_PBCC H_BLKS.
B0, B6,
and B3
used for
PBCCH

11=Block
B0, B6,
B3, and B9
used for
PBCCH
BS_PAG_BLKS
Number of blocks Number None.
_RES allocated to the
PAGCH or
PDTCH or
PACCH per 52
multiframe.
BS_PRACH_
Number of static Number BS_PRACH_BLKS <=
BLKS prach blocks. BS_PRACH_BLKS_MAX
BS_PRACK_ BS_PRACH_BLKS_MAX
Number of Number >= BS_PRACH_BLKS
BLKS_MAX dynamic prach
blocks. S/(16 * BS_PRAC
H_BLKS_ MAX) >
round_trip_delay.
 GPRS in the BSS
GPRS Channels and System Information
Messages

Logical Channels

The types of logical channels which can be carried on a PDCH are:

Packet traffic channel

Packet Timing Advance Control Channel

Packet Traffic Channel

This channel is analogous to a circuit-switched traffic channel, and is used for

user data transmission and its associated signaling. It has two sub-channels:

Packet Data Traffic Channel which contains the user data traffic
Packet Associated Control Channel (bi-directional) which contains the
signalling information.

If multiple PDTCHs are assigned to one mobile station, the PACCH is always
allocated on one of the PDCHs on which PDTCHs are allocated.

The function of these sub channels is analogous to their circuit-switched

counterparts.

Packet Timing Advance Control Channel

This bi-directional channel is used for maintaining a continuous timing advance

update mechanism.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information Messages

Logical Channels

The types of logical channels which can be carried on a PDCH are:

 Packet traffic channel
Packet Timing Advance Control Channel

Packet Traffic Channel

This channel is analogous to a circuit-switched traffic channel, and is used for

user data transmission and its associated signaling. It has two sub-channels:

Packet Data Traffic Channel which contains the user data traffic
Packet Associated Control Channel (bi-directional) which contains the
signalling information.

If multiple PDTCHs are assigned to one mobile station, the PACCH is always
allocated on one of the PDCHs on which PDTCHs are allocated.

The function of these sub channels is analogous to their circuit-switched

counterparts.

Packet Timing Advance Control Channel

This bi-directional channel is used for maintaining a continuous timing advance

update mechanism.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Channels and System Information Messages

System Information Messages

GPRS system information messages, like their GSM counterparts, transmit

information about the cell to the mobile station. GSM BCCH messages, shown
in Table 1, are also used in GPRS. GPRS also uses the additional message
shown in the following table.

Message Channel Information

SI 13 BCCH The SI 13 message is sent on the BCCH and contains all the
necessary information required for GPRS. It also indicates
the presence and the location of the PBCCH in the serving
cell. The SI13 message is broadcast only if GPRS is
supported in the cell.

Table 2: GPRS System Information Message

Also, when an MPDCH exists, the messages shown in the following table are
used.

Message Channel Information

 The PSI 1 message is sent on the PBCCH and gives
PSI 1 PBCCH information on:

Cell selection
Control of the PRACH
Description of the control channels
Description of power control parameters.

To reduce the possibility that a mobile station involved in a

data transfer has to reread the PBCCH, the PSI 1 message
is also broadcast on PACCH/D of a MS in packet transfer
mode:

When one of the packet system information

messages has been modified

Every T_PSI_PACCH seconds.

The PSI 2 message is sent on the PBCCH in several
PSI 2 PBCCH instances (up to 8) in order to give information on:

Reference frequency lists

Cell allocation
GPRS mobile allocations
PCCCH channel description
Non GPRS cell options applicable to circuit
switched access
Cell identification.

If the PSI 2 message is modified, the new PSI 2 message is

also broadcast on PACCH/D of a mobile station that is in
packet transfer mode.
The PSI 3/3bis messages are sent on PBCCH in several
PSI PBCCH instances (up to 16) in order to give information on:
3/3bis
BCCH allocation in the neighbor cells: The list of
BCCH frequencies is then called the BA(GPRS)
list.
Cell selection parameters for the serving cell and
the neighbor cells.
Localized Service Area (LSA) identification of the
serving cell and of the neighbor cells for the SoLSA
feature.

Up to 32 neighbor cells can be defined by the PSI 3/3bis

messages. In order to reduce the number of PSI3/3bis
instances, the coding of the PSI3/3bis messages is
optimized by compressing the redundant parameters.

PSI 8 PBCCH The PSI 8 message is optionally sent on the PBCCH to give
information on the configuration of the cell broadcast
channel (CBCH).
 Table 3: GPRS System Information Messages Used with MPDCH

GPRS Interfaces
New interfaces have been introduced for GPRS needs. These interfaces link the
MFS and the SGSN, the BTS, and the BSC.

The Gb Interface
The BSCGP Interface
The GCH Interface
GPRS in the BSS
GPRS Interfaces

The Gb Interface

The Gb interface uses frame relay techniques to link the PCU function of the
MFS and the SGSN. Physically, it can be routed in a variety of ways:

A direct connection between the MFS and the SGSN

Via a public Frame Relay Data Network
Via the MSC
Via the Ater Mux interface through the Transcoder to the MSC. In this
case it carries a combination of packet-switched and circuit-switched
traffic and signalling.

Combinations of these methods are also possible. See Figure 13 for the position
of the Gb interface in the system.

The Gb interface provides end-to-end signaling between the MFS and the
SGSN, and serves as the BSS-GPRS backbone. Its principal functions are
shown in the following table.

Function Description

Network services Transfer of BSSGP-PDUs between BSS and SGSN

 Allocation and load sharing of PDUs among Virtual
Channels

Access to intermediate Frame Relay Data Network

BSS-GPRS Protocol Radio resource information

services
Quality of Service Information
Routing information

Transfer of LLC-PDUs between the BSS and the

SGSN

Suspend and Resume procedures for class B mobile

stations

Table 4: Gb Interface Functions

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Interfaces

The BSCGP Interface

The BSCGP interface provides communication between the BSC and the MFS
(see Figure 13). The BSC GPRS Protocol controls two LAPDs connections (for
redundancy) using 64 kb/s time slots. The following information is carried on
the BSCGP Interface:

Function Description

Common radio signaling Circuit-switched and packet-switched paging (MFS

to BSC)

Channel Requests from BSC to MFS

Uplink and downlink channel assignment (MFS to

BSC)

GPRS radio resource Allocation/de-allocation of resources (MFS to BSC)

management
Release indication (BSC to MFS)
 Load indication: this limits the allocation for GPRS
traffic (BSC to MFS)

Table 5: BSCGP Interface Functions

The common radio signaling functions of the BSCGP are handled

on the GPRS Signaling Link, which is carried inside the Ater
interface.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Interfaces

The GCH Interface

The GCH interface provides a synchronous connection between the MFS and
the BTS, using 16 kb/s time slots. The GCH links pass transparently through the
BSC (see Figure 13). Its functions are as follows:

Transfer of PDUs between MFS and BTS (thus packet data is not
directly handled by the BSC but passes transparently through it on the
GCH interface)
Synchronization with the radio interface at GCH link establishment
Correction of clock drifts between Abis and BTS clocks.

The protocol for the GCH interface uses two layers:

L1-GCH layer

L1-GCH is the physical layer based on ITU-T recommendations G.703.

The L1-GCH layer utilizes digital transmission at a rate of 2048 kbit/s
with a frame of 32 x 64 kbit/s time slots. An L1-GCH channel has a
transmission rate of 16 kbit/s.

L2-GCH layer

L2-GCH is the data link layer which is an Alcatel proprietary protocol.

This layer is in charge of the data transfer of the GCH frames between
the MFS and the BTS.

The L2-GCH layer offers a service of data transport for the RLC/MAC
layers located in the MFS. Its main functions are:

o GCH link establishment and release

o Synchronization with the radio interface
o RLC/MAC PDUs transfer.
For more information on GSM transmission, refer to Call Set Up.

GPRS in the BSS

GPRS Network Functions

This section describes various GPRS-specific network functions necessary for
successful packet data transfer. This includes paging, cell reselection, error
checking and reestablishment, as well as radio power control and link
measurement.

MAC and RLC Functions

Since multiple mobile stations can be competing for the same physical
resource(s), an arbitration procedure is necessary. This is provided by the
Medium Access Control function.

The MAC function operates between the MFS and the mobile station, and
works in conjunction with the Radio Link Control function. Radio Link Control
defines the procedures for retransmission of unsuccessfully delivered data
blocks (error correction) and for the disassembly and reassembly of PDUs.

Temporary Block Flow

When PDUs need to be transferred between the MFS and the mobile station, a
temporary point-to-point physical connection is set up to support the
unidirectional transfer of PDUs on one or more PDCHs. This connection is
called a Temporary Block Flow.

A Temporary Block Flow is maintained only for the duration of the data
transfer. The Temporary Block Flow is allocated radio resources on one or more
PDCHs and comprises a number of RLC/MAC blocks carrying one or more
PDUs.

A typical user session in which data is exchanged bi-directionally requires the

establishment of one Temporary Block Flow in each direction, and the path of
each Temporary Block Flow can be different.

Mobility Management
Paging
Radio Power Control and Radio Link Measurement
GPRS in the BSS

Resource Management
In order to provide flexibility to the operator in managing the use of resources
by circuit-switched and packet-switched traffic, resources are shared between
the MFS and the BSC. Use of these resources by one system or the other can be
controlled by a variety of parameters to meet operators' needs. The MFS and
BSC co-ordinate resource management over the BSCGP interface.

In GPRS, resource management refers principally to the allocation of Packet

Data Channels. PDCHs are dynamically allocated according to user-settable
criteria.

When a Temporary Block Flow request is made, resources are allocated on one
or more PDCH for the transfer of PDUs. The allocation process takes place as
follows:

1. A TBF establishment request is received (through a (Packet) Channel

request for the uplink, or through a downlink LLC PDU for the
downlink)
2. The number of PDCHs is determined with the:
o Mobile station multislot class. This is not always known in the
uplink case.
o O&M parameter ( MAX_PDCH_PER_TBF). This defines the
maximum number of PDCHs which can be allocated per TBF.
3. If the requested number of PDCHs is not available, a request to establish
a TBF is sent to the BSC.
4. PDCHs are allocated to the TBF

Time Slot Allocation

Frequency Hopping
PCM Link Sharing
Resource Reallocation

GPRS in the BSS

Traffic Load Management

Traffic load conditions affect PDCH allocation, as described in Congestion
Control. A PDCH can have one of four possible states, as shown in the
following table.

State Explanation

Empty No established TBFs.

Active At least one established TBF and the total number of established
TBFs is smaller than a defined threshold (O&M Parameter
N_TBF_PER_PDCH).

Busy The number of established TBFs is greater than or equal to O&M

Parameter N_TBF_PER_PDCH but smaller than the maximum
allowed (O&M Parameter MAX_UL/DL_TBF_PDCH).
Full The number of established TBFs is equal to the maximum set by
O&M Parameter MAX_UL/DL_TBF_PDCH.

Table 8: PDCH Traffic Load States

Additional O&M parameters are available to define a condition of "high

load" traffic in the BSC. When traffic exceeds the threshold defining "high
load", the following occurs:

1. The maximum number of PDCHs allowed is lower than under

normal load conditions. This maximum is set by the parameter
MAX_PDCH_HIGH_LOAD. This corresponds to the reception of a
high load BSC notification. There are two phases involved:
o A "soft pre-emption" where exceeding PDCHs are marked
and cannot support new TBFs. The timer T_PDCH_Pre
emption is started.
o A "fast pre-emption" phase is entered when the timer
T_PDCH_Preemption expires. When this occurs, the
remaining TBFs on marked PDCHs are released.
2. The MFS de-allocates PDCHs as soon as they become empty until
the new, lower threshold is reached.
3. When normal load conditions resume, the MFS can then reallocate
additional resources up to the limit defined for its PDCH group. This
is set by the parameter MAX_PDCH_GROUP.

This is the process that takes place during the phase marked "High BSC
Load", shown in the figure below. The figure shows a typical sequence
illustrating the PDCH allocation procedure. Numbers in bold refer to the
steps above.

GPRS
General Packet Radio Service
MS
Mobile Station
PDCH
Packet Data Channel
 Figure 14: GPRS Traffic Load Management
Congestion Control
Smooth PDCH Traffic Adaption to Cell Load Variation
GPRS Overload Control
Delayed Downlink TBF Release

GPRS in the BSS

Data Transmission
This section describes the actual process for GPRS data transmission, and
explains Attach/Detach procedures, Packet Data Protocol Context
Activation/De-activation, and mobile-originated and mobile-terminated data
transfer.

GPRS Attach
Packet Data Protocol Context Activation
Data Transfer
Packet Data Protocol Context De-activation
GPRS Suspend
GPRS Resume
GPRS Detach

GPRS in the BSS

Resource Management
In order to provide flexibility to the operator in managing the use of
resources by circuit-switched and packet-switched traffic, resources are
shared between the MFS and the BSC. Use of these resources by one system
or the other can be controlled by a variety of parameters to meet operators'
needs. The MFS and BSC co-ordinate resource management over the
BSCGP interface.

In GPRS, resource management refers principally to the allocation of Packet

Data Channels. PDCHs are dynamically allocated according to user-settable
criteria.

When a Temporary Block Flow request is made, resources are allocated on

one or more PDCH for the transfer of PDUs. The allocation process takes
place as follows:

1. A TBF establishment request is received (through a (Packet)

Channel request for the uplink, or through a downlink LLC PDU for
the downlink)
2. The number of PDCHs is determined with the:
o Mobile station multislot class. This is not always known in
the uplink case.
 o O&M parameter ( MAX_PDCH_PER_TBF). This defines the
maximum number of PDCHs which can be allocated per
TBF.
3. If the requested number of PDCHs is not available, a request to
establish a TBF is sent to the BSC.
4. PDCHs are allocated to the TBF

Time Slot Allocation

Frequency Hopping
PCM Link Sharing
Resource Reallocation
GPRS in the BSS

Resource Management
In order to provide flexibility to the operator in managing the use of
resources by circuit-switched and packet-switched traffic, resources are
shared between the MFS and the BSC. Use of these resources by one system
or the other can be controlled by a variety of parameters to meet operators'
needs. The MFS and BSC co-ordinate resource management over the
BSCGP interface.

In GPRS, resource management refers principally to the allocation of Packet

Data Channels. PDCHs are dynamically allocated according to user-settable
criteria.

When a Temporary Block Flow request is made, resources are allocated on

one or more PDCH for the transfer of PDUs. The allocation process takes
place as follows:

1. A TBF establishment request is received (through a (Packet)

Channel request for the uplink, or through a downlink LLC PDU for
the downlink)
2. The number of PDCHs is determined with the:
o Mobile station multislot class. This is not always known in
the uplink case.
o O&M parameter ( MAX_PDCH_PER_TBF). This defines the
maximum number of PDCHs which can be allocated per
TBF.
3. If the requested number of PDCHs is not available, a request to
establish a TBF is sent to the BSC.
4. PDCHs are allocated to the TBF

Time Slot Allocation

Frequency Hopping
PCM Link Sharing
Resource Reallocation

GPRS in the BSS

Traffic Load Management
Traffic load conditions affect PDCH allocation, as described in Congestion
Control. A PDCH can have one of four possible states, as shown in the
following table.

State Explanation

Empty No established TBFs.

Active At least one established TBF and the total number of established TBFs is
smaller than a defined threshold (O&M Parameter
N_TBF_PER_PDCH).

Busy The number of established TBFs is greater than or equal to O&M

Parameter N_TBF_PER_PDCH but smaller than the maximum allowed
(O&M Parameter MAX_UL/DL_TBF_PDCH).

Full The number of established TBFs is equal to the maximum set by O&M
Parameter MAX_UL/DL_TBF_PDCH.

Table 8: PDCH Traffic Load States

Additional O&M parameters are available to define a condition of "high load"

traffic in the BSC. When traffic exceeds the threshold defining "high load", the
following occurs:

1. The maximum number of PDCHs allowed is lower than under normal

load conditions. This maximum is set by the parameter
MAX_PDCH_HIGH_LOAD. This corresponds to the reception of a high
load BSC notification. There are two phases involved:
o A "soft pre-emption" where exceeding PDCHs are marked and
cannot support new TBFs. The timer T_PDCH_Preemption
is started.
o A "fast pre-emption" phase is entered when the timer
T_PDCH_Preemption expires. When this occurs, the
remaining TBFs on marked PDCHs are released.
2. The MFS de-allocates PDCHs as soon as they become empty until the
new, lower threshold is reached.
3. When normal load conditions resume, the MFS can then reallocate
additional resources up to the limit defined for its PDCH group. This is
set by the parameter MAX_PDCH_GROUP.

This is the process that takes place during the phase marked "High BSC Load",
shown in the figure below. The figure shows a typical sequence illustrating the
PDCH allocation procedure. Numbers in bold refer to the steps above.
 GPRS
General Packet Radio Service
MS
Mobile Station
PDCH
Packet Data Channel

Figure 14: GPRS Traffic Load Management

Congestion Control
Smooth PDCH Traffic Adaption to Cell Load Variation
GPRS Overload Control
Delayed Downlink TBF Release

GPRS in the BSS

Data Transmission
This section describes the actual process for GPRS data transmission, and
explains Attach/Detach procedures, Packet Data Protocol Context
Activation/De-activation, and mobile-originated and mobile-terminated data
transfer.

GPRS Attach
Packet Data Protocol Context Activation
Data Transfer
Packet Data Protocol Context De-activation
GPRS Suspend
GPRS Resume
GPRS Detach

Call Set Up

Overview
Call set up is required to establish communication between a mobile station and
the NSS. The NSS is responsible for establishing the connection with the
correspondent. Different types of calls require different teleservices. These
teleservices are defined in the GSM specifications. The type of teleservice and
bearer service to be used is negotiated before the normal assignment procedure.
See Normal Assignment for more information.

Call Types

The following table shows the three basic types of call:

Type of Call Description

Mobility These calls, e.g. location update, are used by the system to
Management gather mobile station information. The exchanges are protocol
Calls messages only; therefore, only a signalling channel is used.
Figure 7 illustrates the location update procedure.

Service Calls These calls, e.g. SMS and SS calls, pass small amounts of
information. Therefore, only a signalling channel is used.

User Traffic These calls, e.g. speech or data calls to a correspondent, can
Calls pass large amounts of information. Therefore they require
greater bandwidth than a signalling channel. These calls use
traffic channels.

Table 9: Types of Calls

The channels used for calls are the SDCCH for signalling and the traffic channel
for user traffic (see The Air Interface for more information). These channels are
associated with FACCH/SACCH. An SDCCH is always assigned for call set up,
even if a traffic channel is later required for the call.

The role of the BSS in call set up is to assign the correct channel for the call, and
to provide and manage a communications path between the mobile station and
the MSC.

Call Set Up Phases

The following table shows the phases involved in call set up:

Phase Composition
 Paging (for mobile terminated calls only) informs the mobile
Radio and Link station that it is being called.
Establishment
If attach_detach_allowed is activated, the mobile
station IMSI_detach message can eliminate the need for
paging. See IMSI Attach-Detach.

Immediate assignment procedure allocates a resource to the

mobile station and establishes a Radio signalling
Linkbetween the BSS and the mobile station.

A interface connection, to assign an SCCP signalling

channel between the BSC and MSC

Assignment of a switching path through the BSC.

Classmark handling
Authentication
and Ciphering Authentication

Ciphering.
Teleservice/bearer service negotiation
Normal
assignment Channel allocation

Physical context procedure

Assigning a traffic channel, if required

Connecting the call.

Table 10: Call Set Up Phases

The phases are described in Mobile Originated Call and Mobile Term

Call Set Up

Overview
Call set up is required to establish communication between a mobile station and
the NSS. The NSS is responsible for establishing the connection with the
correspondent. Different types of calls require different teleservices. These
teleservices are defined in the GSM specifications. The type of teleservice and
bearer service to be used is negotiated before the normal assignment procedure.
See Normal Assignment for more information.

Call Types
The following table shows the three basic types of call:

Type of Call Description

Mobility These calls, e.g. location update, are used by the system to
Management gather mobile station information. The exchanges are protocol
Calls messages only; therefore, only a signalling channel is used.
Figure 7 illustrates the location update procedure.

Service Calls These calls, e.g. SMS and SS calls, pass small amounts of
information. Therefore, only a signalling channel is used.

User Traffic These calls, e.g. speech or data calls to a correspondent, can
Calls pass large amounts of information. Therefore they require
greater bandwidth than a signalling channel. These calls use
traffic channels.

Table 9: Types of Calls

The channels used for calls are the SDCCH for signalling and the traffic channel
for user traffic (see The Air Interface for more information). These channels are
associated with FACCH/SACCH. An SDCCH is always assigned for call set up,
even if a traffic channel is later required for the call.

The role of the BSS in call set up is to assign the correct channel for the call, and
to provide and manage a communications path between the mobile station and
the MSC.

Call Set Up Phases

The following table shows the phases involved in call set up:

Phase Composition
Paging (for mobile terminated calls only) informs the mobile
Radio and Link station that it is being called.
Establishment
If attach_detach_allowed is activated, the mobile
station IMSI_detach message can eliminate the need for
paging. See IMSI Attach-Detach.

Immediate assignment procedure allocates a resource to the

mobile station and establishes a Radio signalling
Linkbetween the BSS and the mobile station.

A interface connection, to assign an SCCP signalling

channel between the BSC and MSC
 Assignment of a switching path through the BSC.
Classmark handling
Authentication
and Ciphering Authentication

Ciphering.
Teleservice/bearer service negotiation
Normal
assignment Channel allocation

Physical context procedure

Assigning a traffic channel, if required

Connecting the call.

Table 10: Call Set Up Phases

The phases are described in Mobile Originated Call and Mobile Terminated Call.

Call Set Up

Mobile Terminated Call

A call from the NSS to a mobile station can be either a call routed through the
NSS from a calling party, or it can be initiated by the NSS for mobility
management.

A mobile terminated call set up follows the same basic procedures as a mobile
originated call. This section describes only those procedures which are different.
The following figure shows radio and link establishment for a mobile-terminated
call.
 IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity
MS
Mobile station
PCH
Paging Channel
RACH
Random Access Channel
TMSI
Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity

Figure 34: Radio and Link Establishment for Mobile Terminated Call
Radio and Link Establishment
Authentication and Ciphering
Normal Assignment
IMSI Attach-Detach

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Call Set Up

Paging
Paging is the procedure by which the network contacts a mobile station. For
example, if the network needs to inform the mobile station of an incoming call, it
pages the mobile station to prompt it to request a channel. After the immediate
assign procedure, the service_request message from the mobile station indicates
that the connection is in response to a paging message.

Paging messages are sent on the CCCH. The downlink CCCH carries the AGCH
and the PCH.

The PCH is divided into sub-channels, each corresponding to a paging group. To

save the mobile station from monitoring every occurrence of the PCH, each
mobile station is assigned a paging group calculated from the IMSI. Each mobile
station calculates its paging group and monitors only that PCH sub-channel. This
saves mobile station battery power.
The number of paging groups and the CCCH organization varies for each
configuration. The mobile station knows the CCCH organization from the
information passed on the BCCH ( sys_info 3).

The AGCH sends the immediate_assignment message to the mobile station. A

number of blocks can be reserved for the AGCH using the BS_AG_BLKS_RES
parameter. If this parameter is set to 0, then the immediate_assignment message
is sent on the PCH. The following figure shows a TDMA frame with nine CCCH
blocks, three of which are reserved for the AGCH and the rest are for the PCH.
The parameter to reserve these blocks is set to BS_AG_BLKS_RES = 3.

AGCH
Access Grant Channel
CCCH
Common Control Channel
PCH
Paging Channel
TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access

Figure 36: CCCH with Three Blocks Reserved for AGCH

In the example shown in the figure above, BS_AG_BLKS_RES is set to three.

Every occurrence of the TDMA frame cycle carrying the CCCH has three
AGCHs and six PCHs. However, more than six paging groups can be defined by
assigning a different group of six PCHs to a number of TDMA multiframe
cycles. This is specified using the parameter BS_PA_MFRMS, as shown in the
following figure.
 AGCH
Access Grant Channel
PGR
Paging Group
PCH
Paging Channel
TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access

Figure 37: Four TDMA Frame Cycles Providing 24 Paging Sub-channels

Paging Control
Discontinuous Reception

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Call Set Up

Congestion
To prevent an assignment_request or an external handover_request message
being rejected, the BSS allows queueing of traffic channel requests. Congestion
occurs when all traffic channels are busy for a particular cell and the message
arrives at the BSC. Queueing is allowed if indicated by the MSC in the request
message.

Queueing
In-queue
Pre-emption

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Call Set Up

Classmark Handling
The mobile station classmark contains information about the mobile station type
and capabilities. This information is used by the BSS when implementing
procedures that affect a mobile station, such as:

Handover
Power Control
Ciphering
Overload Control
Location Updating.

Mobile stations of different types have different capabilities within the network.
It is essential that the network recognizes the mobile station classmark when
initiating procedures for a specific mobile station.
There are three entities that provide classmark handling as shown in the
following table.

Entity Classmark Handling

BSS Performed by the BSC, which is responsible for collecting the

classmark data needed to perform procedures on the mobile station.

MSC Indicates the mobile station classmark data to the BSC for MSC-
initiated procedures.

Mobile The BSS is informed of any classmark changes and information is

station sent on request from the BSS.

Table 13: Classmark Handling

The BSS can receive mobile station classmark information from both
the MSC and the mobile station. The information from the mobile
station overrides information from the MSC.
Classmark IE
Classmark Updating
Location Updating with Classmark Procedure

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Call Set Up

Authentication
The authentication procedure ensures that the subscriber identification (IMSI,
TMSI) and the IMEI are valid. The system behavior for non-valid identifications
is at the discretion of the Network Operator. The procedure also validates the Ki
value in the mobile station, and sends the RAND which is used to calculate the
ciphering key.

IMSI/TMSI

When the subscriber accesses the network for the first time, the subscription is
identified by the IMSI sent in the location_updating_request message. When
the NSS has performed authentication and set the ciphering mode, the VLR
assigns a TMSI, in an encrypted format over the Air interface.

The next time the subscriber connects to the system, it uses the TMSI as its
identification. If the mobile station has changed location area, it includes the old
Location Area Identity. The new VLR interrogates the old VLR for the
authentication information (IMSI and Ki value). The new VLR then assigns a
new TMSI. This is shown in the figure below.

New TMSIs can be assigned by the serving VLR at any time. The subscriber
identity is secure because the TMSI is always ciphered and changed regularly.

IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity
Ki
Individual Subscriber Authentication Key
LAI
Location Area Identity
TMSI
Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity
VLR
Visitor Location Register

Figure 40: Location Update with Mobile Station Sending Location Area Identity
of Previous VLR

Authentication Procedure

The authentication procedure is initiated by the NSS. It sends an

authentication_request message to the mobile station and sets a guard timer.
This message contains:

Parameters for the mobile station to calculate the response

A ciphering key sequence number.

The ciphering key is calculated from the authentication Key value assigned to the
IMSI or TMSI and the value RAND.

The mobile station responds using the RAND and the value authentication Key
assigned to its TMSI or IMSI.
For mobile station originated calls, the mobile station uses:

The TMSI, if available

The IMSI, if no TMSI is assigned.

For mobile station terminated calls, the mobile station uses the TMSI or IMSI as
requested in the paging message from the network.

For emergency calls, the mobile station uses:

The TMSI, if available

The IMSI, if no TMSI is assigned
The IMEI, if there is no TMSI or IMSI. This can happen when there is no
SIM in the mobile station.

When the mobile station sends the authentication_response message, the NSS
stops its guard timer and validates the response.

If the mobile station response is not valid, the network response depends on
whether the TMSI or IMSI was used:

If the TMSI was used, the network can request that the mobile station
sends its IMSI.
If this is a valid IMSI, but is different from the IMSI that the network
associated with the TMSI, the authentication procedure is restarted with
the correct parameters.
If the IMSI is invalid, the network sends an authentication_reject
message to the mobile station.

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Call Set Up

Ciphering
Ciphering is supported in the Alcatel 900/1800 BSS to protect information
transmitted on the Air interface. This includes:

Subscriber information such as the IMSI

User data
SMS and SS data
Information such as called and calling party numbers.

Ciphering protects the information by using encryption. There are three different
ciphering modes, the use of which depends on the mobile station classmark and
the capability of the BTS. These modes are:

Encryption using algorithm A5/1

Encryption using algorithm A5/2
 No encryption.

The two encryption algorithms are defined in GSM. If either is to be used, both
the mobile station and BTS must have the same encryption capability.

Mobile Station Capability

The mobile station ciphering capability depends on whether it is a phase 1

mobile station, a phase 1 extended mobile station, or a phase 2 mobile station.
The following table shows the different mobile station ciphering capabilities.

Mobile Station Type Capability

Phase 1 No encryption and A5/1

Phase 1 Extended No encryption and A5/1 and A5/2

No encryption
Phase 2
No encryption and A5/1

No encryption and A5/2

No encryption and A5/1 and A5/2

Table 15: Mobile Station Ciphering Capabilities

Only phase 2 mobile stations can turn off ciphering or change the ciphering mode
during a channel change procedure such as a handover.

The ciphering capability of a mobile station is signalled to the BSS in the mobile
station classmark.

BSS Capability

The Alcatel 900/1800 BSS supports both uniform ciphering network

configurations and mixed ciphering network configurations.

A cell can be configured to support one of the following:

No encryption
No encryption and the A5/1 algorithm
No encryption and the A5/2 algorithm.

A uniform ciphering network configuration is where all cells have the same
ciphering capability.

A mixed ciphering network configuration is where the cells have different

ciphering capabilities.
 Ciphering Keys
Ciphering Procedure

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Call Set Up

Tandem Free Operation

Tandem Free Operation (TFO) provides a better voice quality by avoiding
unnecessary successive coding and decoding operations in the case of mobile to
mobile calls. The importance of TFO is always increasing, as the percentage of
mobile to mobile calls increases with the number of subscribers. Taking the
example of a call involving two mobile stations, mobile station 1 and mobile
station 2:

With TFO feature, the same codec will be used on both BSS, this will improve
the speech quality of mobile-to-mobile calls, and particularly when using the
half-rate codec.

Without TFO

One GSM coding and decoding scheme (codec), is used between mobile
station 1 and Transcoder 1, then A/[micro ] law coding is used (at 64
kbit/s) between the two Transcoders and finally one GSM codec is used
between Transcoder 2 and mobile station 2. This means a loss of quality
for the speech call.

With TFO

The intermediate transcoding realized by the two involved Transcoders is

avoided. The same codec is used on both BSS. This improves the speech
quality of mobile-to-mobile calls, particularly when using the half-rate
codec. This allows the wide use of the half-rate codec, with a good level
of speech quality, in order to save resources in BSS.

The TFO procedure can be applied whenever the two mobile stations use the
same codec. To satisfy this condition, after TCH allocation, the two BSS
negotiate at each side a common codec (full-rate, half-rate or enhanced full-rate),
by using an in-band protocol in the speech frame. The following figure shows an
example of TFO call establishment.
 PCM
Pulse Code Modulation
TC
Transcoder
TFO
Tandem Free Operation
TRAU
Transcoder Rate Adaptation Unit

Figure 42: Example of TFO Establishment

Referring to the figure above, the call establishment scenario is as follows:

1. At call establishment, the BSC sends to the BTS the channel activation
message, containing information related to TFO.
2. TRAU frames are exchanged between the BTS and the Transcoder. PCM
samples are exchanged between TRAUs. One TRAU frame is stolen from
the BTS by the Transcoder, to send TFO configuration information (in the
con_req message).
3. As soon as the TRAUs have received the information that the TFO is
enabled in the con_req message, (and also the TFO configuration
information), they send the tfo_req message, within PCM speech
samples, to indicate that the TRAUs are TFO-capable. Meanwhile, the
TFAUs acknowledge the con_req message to the BTS with the dl_ack
indication.
4. The TRAUs acknowledge that the tfo_req message has been received by
sending a tfo_ack indication.
5. The same codecs are then used on both sides. The TRAUs can exchange
TFO frames.
6. The BTS are made aware of the exchange of TFO frames with the tfo_on
indication. The BSC is informed via a tfo_report message on the Abis
interface.

The Alcatel TFO implementation is fully compliant with the GSM standard and
additionally provides:

As an operator s choice, the Alcatel BSS is able to force the distant BSS
(Alcatel or not) to overcome ETSI codec choice rules, in order to
 optimize voice quality and load management. This mechanism is patented
by Alcatel.
Codec optimization, to take into account that the two mobile stations may
use the same codec, but a better codec is available on both parts.

TFO Functional Architecture

TFO Optimization and Management

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Call Handling

Overview
An obvious requirement for the effective management of calls in the BSS is to
provide the following:

Maximum perceived signal quality with minimum perceived interference

Call continuity regardless of changes in propagation conditions or change
of location of the mobile station.

Given that spectrum is limited, this must be accomplished with maximum

resource reuse. Another important factor for the customer (and the operator as
well) is power efficiency to reduce overall power consumption and prolong the
autonomy of the mobile station under battery operation.

The supervision of calls in progress is provided by the Call Handling function.

Call Handling, with associated features, implements needed changes in the
required teleservice to maintain call quality and continuity.

Call Handling functions and features include:

In-Call Modification
Frequency Hopping
Discontinuous Transmission
Radio Power Control
Handover
Overload Control
Call re-establishment by the mobile station.

3BK 20572
Call Handling

In-Call Modification
In-call modification allows the teleservice to be changed during a call.
This means that a call does not have to be cleared, and a new call
established, if more than one teleservice is to be used.

The different types of in-call modification are:

Alternate between speech and a transparent data service

Alternate between speech and a non-transparent data service
Change from speech to a transparent data service
Change from speech to a non-transparent data service
Alternate between speech and transparent fax group 3
Alternate between speech and non-transparent fax group 3
Data rate change for transparent fax group 3
Data rate change for non-transparent fax group 3.

Calls requiring a change of service have to negotiate a 'dual-service'

before the normal assignment procedure. This is indicated in the set_up
message, which is described in Call Set Up.

Changing the data rate of a fax call is not a true in-call

modification procedure, as the teleservice is not changed (no
dual-service negotiation).

The main difference between the in-call modification procedure and a

change of data rate for fax are as follows:

The in-call modification procedure is triggered by a message

from the mobile station
The data rate change for fax is triggered by in-band signalling
from the fax machine to the MSC.

Both procedures use existing resources, therefore no new resources need

to be allocated. All full-rate traffic channels can be used for speech or
data at any of the defined data rates.

Both procedures use the mode 'modify procedure' to change the

transmission mode. This is basically a normal assignment procedure but
instead of a new channel being assigned, a new mode is assigned.

In-Call Modification Procedure

Circuit-switched Group 3 Fax Data Rate Change
Error Handling

3BK 20572 AAAA TQZZA Ed.04

AAAA TQZZA Ed.04
Call Handling

In-Call Modification
In-call modification allows the teleservice to be changed during a call.
This means that a call does not have to be cleared, and a new call
established, if more than one teleservice is to be used.

The different types of in-call modification are:

Alternate between speech and a transparent data service

Alternate between speech and a non-transparent data service
Change from speech to a transparent data service
Change from speech to a non-transparent data service
Alternate between speech and transparent fax group 3
Alternate between speech and non-transparent fax group 3
Data rate change for transparent fax group 3
Data rate change for non-transparent fax group 3.

Calls requiring a change of service have to negotiate a 'dual-service'

before the normal assignment procedure. This is indicated in the set_up
message, which is described in Call Set Up.

Changing the data rate of a fax call is not a true in-call

modification procedure, as the teleservice is not changed (no
dual-service negotiation).

The main difference between the in-call modification procedure and a

change of data rate for fax are as follows:

The in-call modification procedure is triggered by a message

from the mobile station
The data rate change for fax is triggered by in-band signalling
from the fax machine to the MSC.

Both procedures use existing resources, therefore no new resources need

to be allocated. All full-rate traffic channels can be used for speech or
data at any of the defined data rates.

Both procedures use the mode 'modify procedure' to change the

transmission mode. This is basically a normal assignment procedure but
instead of a new channel being assigned, a new mode is assigned.

In-Call Modification Procedure

Circuit-switched Group 3 Fax Data Rate Change
Error Handling

3BK 20572 AAAA TQZZA Ed.04

Call Handling
Discontinuous Transmission
Discontinuous Transmission and VAD work together to decrease the
average transmission time on a channel. By transmitting only when
actual speech is present, the system reduces the interference level
generated by the network in both the uplink and downlink directions and
saves power.

In tandem with Frequency Hopping, this improves spectrum efficiency

without jeopardizing the quality of the telephony service.

Speech Transmission
BSS Discontinuous Transmission Towards Mobile Station
Mobile Station Discontinuous Transmission Towards BSS

3BK 20572 AAAA TQZZA Ed.04

Call Handling

Radio Power Control

Radio Power Control operates independently, but in a coordinated
manner with Handover to provide reliable service to the user.

Both directions of the radio link between the mobile station and the BTS
are subject to continuous power adjustments. The power adjustment of
the BTS and the mobile station are under the control of the BSC (see
Radio Measurements). RPC improves spectrum efficiency by limiting
intra-system interference. It also increases the autonomy of the mobile
station by saving battery power.

The reasons for changing the mobile station power level are:

Uplink power level too high or too low

Uplink link quality too low, or using power resources beyond
quality requirements of the call.

Similarly, the reasons for changing the BTS power control are:

Downlink power level too high or too low

Downlink link quality too low, or using power resources beyond
quality requirements of the call.

BTS Radio Power Control

Mobile Station Radio Power Control
Radio Link Measurements
Power Control Decision and Handover
Change Power Levels
 3BK 20572 AAAA TQZZA Ed.04

Call Handling

Handover
A handover changes an active call from one channel to another channel. The new
channel can be in the same cell or another cell. The types of handover are:

Internal
External
Directed retry
o Internal
o External.

Incoming emergency
Fast traffic
UMTS to GSM

Handovers ensure a high level of call quality. They are performed when the BSS
detects that the call quality has dropped below a defined level, and the call can be
better supported by a different channel.

The call quality can drop due to problems in the cell, such as an interface or an
equipment problem. Call quality can also be affected simply because the mobile
station has moved to an area where the radio coverage from another cell is better.

The BSS detects the need for a handover by:

Measuring the Air interface channel quality, mobile station and BTS
power outputs and the timing advance
Using an algorithm to see if the received information conforms to the
criteria for handover
Selecting a more suitable channel from a list of target cells and their
available channels.

If the BSS decides that a handover is required, the exact sequence of events
depends on the type of handover to be performed. In all cases:

A new channel is assigned, ready to support the call

The mobile station moves over to the new channel
On successful completion of the handover, the system clears the resources
for the old channel.
Internal

Internal handovers take place between cells controlled by the same BSC. This
can include channel changes within the same cell. More details about these
handover cases is given in Target Cell Evaluation.

External

External Handovers take place between cells controlled by different BSC's.

These can be under control of the same MSC or of different MSCs. See Target
Cell Evaluation for more details about these handover cases.

Directed Retry

Handovers can also be performed when there is congestion in a cell. If

congestion exists, the traffic channel assignment can be queued. For more
information about congestion management, refer to Congestion.

If there is no available traffic channel for the normal assignment procedure, a

Directed Retry can be performed. A Directed Retry is an attempt to assign a
mobile station to a traffic channel in a cell other than the serving cell.

There are two types of Directed Retry:

An Internal Directed Retry without queueing attempts to handover the

call to a traffic channel of a neighbor cell controlled by the same BSC.
An External Directed Retry attempts to handover the queued call to a
traffic channel of a neighbor cell which is controlled by a different BSC.

Secured Incoming

The ability to keep free resources in a cell for incoming emergency and power
budget handovers is provided on a cell basis. When the resource threshold is
reached, assignments and other handover types are handled as if the cell was
completely congested. Once such a request is queued, a directed retry can be
performed as usual. The free resources can also be accessed in the case of a full-
rate to half-rate handover in the case of AMR calls, because it allows half a
resource (full-rate to half-rate) to be freed from the cell point of view. The feature
improves the quality of service, as it helps to limit the number of lost calls.

Fast Traffic

The fast traffic handover searches in the whole cell for a mobile which can
perform a handover to a not loaded neighbor cell if the received signal level of
the BCCH is good enough. It is much more efficient than the forced directed
retry when the overlap of adjacent cells is reduced, e.g., in the case of single
layer networks, or for deep indoor coverage (if the umbrella cell does not overlap
totally the microcells).

UMTS to GSM

For circuit-switched services, the BSS supports handover from UMTS to GSM.
The handover from GSM to UMTS is not supported in this release of the BSS. A
hard handover is performed from the UTRAN to the GSM BSS between a
UMTS core network and a 2G MSC. This handover is regarded by the BSS as a
GSM inter-BSS hand over. The signalling procedures, from the BSS point of
view, rely almost on the normal GSM procedures.

For packet-switched services, the current 3GPP standard does not allow handover
with channel preparation. Therefore, the UMTS mobile station receives the 2G
radio resource cell change order Information Element from the UTRAN in the
Inter System handover message. The UMTS mobile station then performs an
access request in the GPRS cell. Therefore, from a BSS point of view, the UMTS
mobile station is regarded as a 2G mobile station when it indicates that it has
selected a GSM cell.

Radio Measurements
Handover Detection
Target Cell Evaluation
Synchronous and Asynchronous Handover

3BK 20572 AAAA TQZZA Ed.04

Call Handling

Overload Control
A lot of telecommunications signalling is required for the BSS to support
communication between mobile stations in the cells under its control and the
MSC. Telecommunication processors in the BTS or BSC can become
overloaded. To avoid a sudden loss of communication when a processor becomes
saturated, the BSS controls the load on these processors in the following steps:

1. Taking local action to reduce the load.

2. Taking global BSS action to further reduce the load.

The telecommunications processors of the MSC can also become

overloaded. However, MSC overload control is not the domain of the
BSS.
BTS Overload
BSC Overload

Call
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