GPRS/EGPRS Cell Reselection

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

Purpose of GPRS Cell Selection

To be able to access the system from anywhere in
the network
To be able to register its current location to the
network
To support the GPRS MS with information about
the structure of the network
To enable the MS to choose the most suitable cell
to camp on, based on signal strength
03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

Transfer delays at GPRS Cell Reselection

Radio link outage/Application outage
DL TBF
packet transfer
Cell A

Monitoring
SI/PSI
Cell B

New cell detected

with higher signal
strength
Filter applied
(>= 5 sec)

Cell/RA
Update
Cell B

BTS continues
to send to
MS in Cell A

DL TBF
packet transfer
Cell B

BTS continues
to send to
MS in Cell B

Retransmission of LLC frames

not acknowledged in Cell A
Time

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

Concepts

MS model

GPRS Mobility Management (MM) States:

IDLE
Idle State
Standby state
GPRS Attach
Ready State
READY
Ready Timer Expiry
or
Force to STANDBY

STANDBY
03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

Packet Idle and Transfer Mode

Packet Idle Mode:
The MS is not allocated any radio resources on a packet data
physical channel.
It listens to the PBCCH and PCCCH or, if those are not provided by
the network, to the BCCH and the CCCH.

Packet transfer mode:

The MS is allocated radio resources on one or more packet data
physical channels for the transfer of LLC PDUs.
The MS is prepared to transfer LLC PDUs on packet data physical
channels.

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

GPRS Cell Selection

For Circuit Switched MSs
MS selects cell (idle mode)
BSC selects cell (active mode - locating)
For GPRS capable MSs
MS selects cell in both packet idle and packet transfer
mode
Note: Cell selection is performed by the BSC for a GPRS MS while in CS
active mode.
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GSM Radio Network Features

GPRS Cell Re-Selection

GPRS cell reselection is performed if (at least) one
criterion below is fulfilled
1. C1<0 in serving cell
2. N-cell considered better than s-cell
3. S-cell becomes barred
4. DL signalling failure

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

GPRS Cell Re-Selection

Initial cell selection according to C1-criterion

Cell reselection:
If no PBCCH in s-cell: according to C1/C2
if PBCCH in s-cell: according to C1/C31/C32

Note: Initial PLMN selection will differ between a single RAT MS and a multi
RAT MS. Inter system cell reselection for multi RAT MS is described in GSM
UMTS, Cell Reselection and Handover.

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

No PBCCH in Serving Cell

MSs use the same BA list as CS MSs use in Idle mode
C1 = RLA_C - ACCMIN - max( CCHPWR - P,0)
C2 = C1 + CRO - TO H( PT - T) for PT <> 31,
C2 = C1 - CRO for PT = 31.
H(x) = 0 for x < 0
H(x) = 1 for x >= 0
where x = PT - T.

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GSM Radio Network Features

No PBCCH in Serving Cell

In GPRS Ready state or if the neighbor is in a different RA:
C2(n) must exceed C2(s) with at least CRH for 5 seconds

If a cell reselection has occurred within 15 seconds ago:

C2(n) must exceed C2(s) with at least 5 dB for 5 seconds

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

GPRS/EGPRS specific cell plan

GPRS BA list

HCS threshold
GPRS reselect offset

GSM coverage

GPRS coverage
PSCELLPLAN will allow a GPRS/EGPRS specific cell plan adapted to GPRS/EGPRS
specific conditions:
- GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET, PRIORITY_CLASS and HCS_THR parameters can be
set independently from the CS parameters
- Specific GPRS/EGPRS BA list
03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell

The MS selects the most suitable cell to camp on by
calculating the value of C1, C31 and C32 for the serving
cell and neighboring cells

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell BA List

PSCELLPLAN=0: MSs use the BA (GPRS/EGPRS) list
PSCELLPLAN=1: Only cells with GPRSVALID=YES included in BA
(GPRS/EGPRS) list

BA (GPRS/EGPRS) list - all cells that are defined as internal neighbour cells and
have GPRS/EGPRS support active + external neighbour cells, regardless if they
support GPRS/EGPRS or not

GPRSVALID is set per neighbour relation

PSCELLPLAN is set per BSC, 0=OFF,1=ON

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell - Mapping of parameters

PSCELLPLAN=OFF
GPRS parameters are automatically mapped from existing locating
parameters
PSCELLPLAN=ON
GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET
PRIORITY_CLASS
HCS_THR

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

mapped from PROFFSET

mapped from PLAYER
mapped from PHCSTHR

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell - Mapping of parameters

PSCELLPLAN = 1 and PLAYER=1-8
PLAYER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

PRIORITY_CLASS
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

PSCELLPLAN = 0 or PLAYER=MAPPED
HCSBAND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

PRIORITY_CLASS
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Mappings when serving AND neighbouring cells have a PBCCH

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell - Mapping of parameters

PSCELLPLAN=1 and PLAYER=1-8
PRIORITY_CLASS(s) = 8 - PLAYER(s)
PRIORITY_CLASS(n) = 8 - max(PLAYER(s) , PLAYER(n) )

PSCELLPLAN=0 or PLAYER=MAPPED
PRIORITY_CLASS(s) = 8 - HCSBAND(s)
PRIORITY_CLASS(n) = 8 - max(HCSBAND(s) , HCSBAND(n) )
Mappings when ONLY the serving cell has a PBCCH

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell - Mapping of parameters

Mapping of penalty time and temporary offset
Both C32 and C2 use the same parameter algorithm for the temporary
negative offset, while penalty time setting in C2 (20 sec./step) differs from
penalty time settings in C32 (10 sec./steps).
GPRS_TEMPORARY_OFFSET = TO
GPRS_PENALTY_TIME = PT if PT <= 15
GPRS_PENALTY_TIME = 31 if PT > 15
Note: TO and PT above refers to CS parameters. Values are bitmapped
representations of the penalty time.

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell - Cell reselection

Finding the best cell:

S = The set of all cells with C31>=0

P = The subset of S consisting of all cells in S with the

highest value of GPRS_PRIORITY_CLASS
i S is empty:
The cell with highest C32 among all cells, is best
ii) S is non-empty:
The cell with highest C32 in P, is best
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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell Criterion C1 & C31

C1=RLA_P -GPRS_RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN-max(GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH- P,0)
C31(s) = RLA_P(s) - HCS_THR(s)
C31(n) = RLA_P(n) - HCS_THR(n) - TO(n) L(n)
PSCELLPLAN=1:
HCS_THR(s) = PHCSTHR(s) - LAYERHYST(s)
HCS_THR(n) = PHCSTHR(n) + LAYERHYST(n)
PSCELLPLAN=0 or PHCSTHR=MAPPED for serving cell or neighbour cell
HCS_THR(s) = HCSBANDTHR(1...8) - HCSBANDHYST(1...8)
HCS_THR(n) = HCSBANDTHR(1...8) + HCSBANDHYST(1...8)

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell Criterion C31

L(n) = 0 if PRIORITY_CLASS(n) = PRIORITY_CLASS(s)
L(n) = 1 if PRIORITY_CLASS(n) <> PRIORITY_CLASS(s)
TO(n) = GPRS_TEMPORARY_OFFSET(n) H(GPRS_PENALTY_TIME(n) - T(n))

H(x) = 0 for x < 0

H(x) = 1 for x >= 0

where x = GPRS_PENALTY_TIME(n) - T(n)

GPRS_TEMPORARY_ OFFSET = TO
GPRS_PENALTY_TIME = PT if PT <= 15
GPRS_PENALTY_TIME = 31 if PT > 15

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

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GSM Radio Network Features

PBCCH in Serving Cell Criterion C32

C32(s) = C1(s)
C32(n) = C1(n) + GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET(n) - TO(n) (1- L(n))

PSCELLPLAN=1
GPRS_RESELECT_ OFFSET <-> PROFFSET - KHYST or PROFFSET - LOHYST

PSCELLPLAN=0 or PROFFSET=MAPPED
GPRS_RESELECT_ OFFSET <-> KOFFSET(ns) - KHYST(ns) or OFFSET(ns) LOHYST(ns)

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GSM Radio Network Features

Algorithm
Update RLA

yes

Calculate C1,
C31, C32

Is there an PBCCH
in the cell?
Is C1<0 for serving
cell or is there a
better cell?

yes
Select cell with highest yes Are there any cells
PRIORITY_CLASS and
with C310
highest C32.

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

no

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select/reselect cell
according to idle
mode behavior

no

no

Select the cell

with highest
C32

GSM Radio Network Features

Cell change during packet transfer

1. When performing a cell change ("Handover") during a
packet transfer the MS will start to read the System
Information in the new cell while still hanging on the old
cell.
2. The MS makes an access in the new cell and sends a cell
update message.
3. The SGSN receives the cell update information and
discovers that there was already an ongoing packet
transfer.
4. After assigning new resources in the new cell to the MS,
the packet transfer is restarted.
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GSM Radio Network Features

Network Assisted Cell Change (NACC)

Tp (kbps)

Time (s)
0

10

20

30

40

50

Reduces interruptions from 3-4s down to below 1s

Will enhance end-user experience of GPRS/EGPRS in
e.g. trains etc
Only applicable for intra-BSC case and requires 3GPP
release 4 terminal
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GSM Radio Network Features

Network Assisted Cell Change

4.Packet Cell
Data for
Target Cell

3.Pre-allocate
resources in
new cell

BSC

2. Stop sending
more data to MS

SGSN

1.Target cells
BCCH & BSIC

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GSM Radio Network Features

Main controlling parameters

NETWORK_CONTROL_ORDER is set to zero and indicates to the GPRS/EGPRS MS that it shall
perform autonomous cell reselection.
GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH is the maximum TX power level a GPRS/EGPRS MS may use when
accessing the system.
GPRS_RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN is the minimum received level at the GPRS/EGPRS MS required for
accessing the system.
GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET applies an offset and hysteresis to the C32 reselection criterion.
PRIORITY_CLASS is the HCS priority for that cell.
HCS_THR is the HCS signal strength threshold for that cell. It is possible to set an hysteresis between
HCS bands for the CS domain. By mapping HCS_THR on the CS HCS parameters, a hysteresis
corridor can be achieved for GPRS/EGPRS as well.
GPRS_TEMPORARY_OFFSET applies a negative offset to C32 for all neighbouring cells for the
duration of the penalty time.
GPRS_PENALTY_TIME gives the duration for which the temporary offset is applied.

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GSM Radio Network Features

Parameters used for GPRS/EGPRS BA list, NACC and

mapping to main controlling parameters
PSCELLPLAN this parameter activates or deactivates support for Packet Specific Cell Plan per BSC. When
support for Packet Specific Cell Plan is activated the operator can use the parameters GPRSVALID, PLAYER,
PHCSTHR and PROFFSET.
GPRSVALID defines if a certain defined neighbour cell shall be included in the BA (GPRS/EGPRS) list or not.
GPRSVALID is defined as a cell to cell relation.
PROFFSET is used to displace cell borders that are defined by equal signal strength. This parameter is
mapped to the GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET. It is defined as a cell to cell relation and is an anti-symmetrical
relation parameter.
PLAYER defines to which GPRS/EGPRS layer the cell belongs i.e. which priority the cell has. GPRS/EGPRS
layer 1 has highest priority. It is set per cell.
PHCSTHR is the signal strength threshold that needs to be fulfilled by a cell in order to be prioritized by HCS.
It is set per cell.
NACCACT switches NACC on/off and it is set per BSC.

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GSM Radio Network Features

Parameters for special adjustments

GPRS_CELL_RESELECT_HYSTERESIS is an additional hysteresis applied to the C32 value for neighbour
cells in Ready state for cells in the same RA.
RA_RESELECT_HYSTERESIS is an additional hysteresis applied to the C32 value in stand by or ready state
for cells in different RAs.
C32_QUAL is a flag indicating an exception rule for GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET. If the parameter
C32_QUAL is set, the GPRS/EGPRS MS only applies a positive GPRS_RESELECT_OFFSET to the
neighbouring cell with the highest RLA_P value of those cells for which C32 are compared. This resolves
potential merry-go-round effects.
C31_HYST is a flag that, if set, indicates that GPRS_CELL_RESELECT_HYSTERESIS shall also be
subtracted from the C31 value for neighbouring cells in the same RA as the serving cell.

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GSM Radio Network Features

Main controlling parameters and there mapping relation to

other parameters
GPRS/EGPRS Parameter

Mapped on BSC command parameter

NETWORK_CONTROL_O
RDER

GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_
CCH (800/900)

CCHPWR

GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_
CCH (1800/1900)

CCHPWR

GPRS_RXLEV_
ACCESS_MIN

ACCMIN

GPRS_RESELECT_
OFFSET
PRIORITY_CLASS

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

Default
value
0

Value
range

Unit

fixed

13 - 43

dBm

4 - 30

dBm

-110

-110 -47

dBm

PROFFSET - KHYST or PROFFSET - LHYST

or KOFFSET - KHYST or OFFSET - LOHYST
or CRO (s) and CRO (n)

-52 - 48

PLAYER or HCSBAND

0-7

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dB

GSM Radio Network Features

Main controlling parameters and there mapping

relation to other parameters
GPRS/EGPRS Parameter

Mapped on BSC command parameter

HCS_THR

PHCSTHR and LAYERHYST or HCSBANDTHR and

HCSBANDHYST

GPRS_TEMPORARY_
OFFSET

TO

GPRS_PENALTY_TIME

PT

GPRS_CELL_RESELECT_H
YSTERESIS
RA_RESELECT_
HYSTERESIS

CRH

D Value
e range
f-110 a
-48
u
0
0l
infinity
t
v0 10 a 320
l
0
fixed
u
e
40 - 14

C32_QUAL

fixed

C31_HYST

fixed

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dB
m
dB
s
dB
dB

GSM Radio Network Features

Parameters used for GPRS/EGPRS BA list, NACC and

mapping to main controlling parameters
GPRS/EGPRS Parameter

Default value

PSCELLPLAN

Recommend
ed value

Value range

Unit

0 (OFF)

0,1

GPRSVALID

YES

YES, NO

PROFFSET

MAPPED

MAPPED, -52, -48,..., -12, -10,...,

12, 16, ...,48 dB

dB

PLAYER

MAPPED

MAPPED, 1 to 8

dBm

PHCSTHR

MAPPED

MAPPED, -48 to -110

dB

NACCACT

0 (OFF)

0, 1

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GSM Radio Network Features

Mapping of GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH for

GSM 800/900
CCHPWR
GPRS_MS_TXPWR_
dBm
(dBm)
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

MAX_CCH
19 - 31
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
2
2

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5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
39
39

GSM Radio Network Features

Mapping of GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH for

GSM 1800/1900
CCHPWR GPRS_MS_TXPWR_
dBm
(dBm)
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
-

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MAX_CCH
15 - 28
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
31
30
29

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0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36

GSM Radio Network Features

Mapping of GPRS_RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN(s+n) on
ACCMIN

03813-LZU 108 3704 Uae Rev D

ACCMIN
(dBm)

GPRS_RXLEV_
ACCESS_MIN

dBm

-47
-48
-49
-50
-51
-52
...
-108
-109
-110

63
62
61
60
59
58
...
2
1
0

-47
-48
-49
-50
-51
-52
...
-108
-109
-110

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GSM Radio Network Features