EDGE Basics, Version 1.5 T.O.

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5 EGPRS Procedures

























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5 EGPRS Procedures ....................................................... 1
5.1 (E)GPRS Signalling Messages..................................................3
5.2 EGPRS Data Transfer (1/5) ........................................................4
































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5.1 (E)GPRS Signalling Messages




In EGPRS, signaling procedures and the corresponding messages from and to
SGSN are the same as for GPRS. They can be transmitted on A-bis as in GPRS
according to supplier-specific decisions using different formats:
ordinary LAPD TRX signaling channels
PCU frames
PDTCH / PACCH as 16 kbps PCU frames
derivative of TRAU frames used for carrying RLC/MAC frames (data and
signaling) and some "inband" PCU-BTS signaling bits in the PCU frame
overhead.
Beside this, the packet signaling channels like Packet Paging Channel or Packet
Access Grant Channel can also be used in the Air Interface, as they have been used
in GPRS networks. By means of these channels, a higher signaling load on the Air
Interface can be supported.









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5.2 EGPRS Data Transfer (1/5)




Difference to standard GPRS is that more traffic channels have to be allocated in a
dynamic way according to EDGE link adaptation function.






















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5.2 EGPRS Data Transfer (2/5)




Standard GPRS RR procedure, the CHANNEL ACTIVATION message, is used in
EGPRS to tell the BTS how many sub-time slots are being used. Let us have a closer
look at the associated actions occurring with this message.




















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5.2 EGPRS Data Transfer (3/5)




First, the BSC looks for the number of additional A-bis PCM Sub-Timselots from the
dynamic A-bis resource cluster and connects them with the corresponding PCU
Timeslot on the Gb interface. The BSC informs the PCU about the packet resource
upgrade and sends a GPRS CHANNEL ACTIVATION message to the BTS including
TCH and A-bis PCM Timeslot information. PCU schedules the use of PDTCHs
shared by multiple MSs.
It should be noted that 16 kbps sub-Timeslots belonging to the dynamic A-bis
resource cluster can be allocated to different MSs or TCHs or TRXs or BTSs in
succeeding PCU frames. The BTS acknowledges activation with the GPRS
CHANNEL ACTIVATION ACKNOWLEDGE message. Finally, the A-bis BTS-PCU
synchronization procedure starts after the GPRS CHANNEL ACTIVATION
procedure.












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5.2 EGPRS Data Transfer (4/5)




One GPRS territory upgrade can generate several GPRS channel activation
procedures. The BTS can reject the GPRS channel activation using the GPRS
CHANNEL ACTIVATION NACK message.





















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5.2 EGPRS Data Transfer (5/5)





Packet resource downgrade procedure works in the same way using CHANNEL
RELEASE MESSAGES and its acknowledgement.