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1 What is GPRS ?

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VT ZZA Ed.10 P01

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

Page 1

1 What is GPRS ?
Session presentation

Objective: to be able to identify the technical


and commercial benefit of GPRS.

Program:
z 1.1 Definition
z 1.2 General architecture
z 1.3 Class of MS
z 1.4 GPRS Main Concepts
z 1.5 GPRS Benefits
z 1.6 EGPRS
z 1.7 Quality of Service profile
z 1.8 Services

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.1 Definition

Definition (3GPP TS 22.060)


z GPRS provides data transfer capabilities between a sending
entity and one or more receiving entities.
z These entities may be an MS or a Terminal Equipment, the
latter being attached either to a GPRS network or to an
external data network.
z The base station provides radio channel access for MSs to
the GPRS network.

3
PDN (Packet Data Network)
z IP networks = Internet (connectionless)

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.2 General architecture

PSTN

NSS

BSS
GPRS
Gb

PDN

Core Network
IP

IP / PPP
Gi

4
GPRS Core Network
The GPRS Core Network is also called GSS (GPRS Sub-System). It is an IP network, and therefore contains routers (machines
handling the packet switching function.)
Routing Function
Data transmission between GPRS Support Node (GSN), may occur across external data networks that provide their own internal
routing functions, for example X.25 [34], Frame Relay or ATM networks.
IP interworking
The GPRS Core Network supports interworking with networks based on the Internet protocol (IP). The GPRS Core Network may
provide compression of the TCP/IP header when an IP datagram is used within the context of a TCP connection.
X.25
X.25 PDP Type have been removed from the standard since R99.

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.3 Classes of MS

Class A
z Operates GPRS and other GSM services simultaneously.
Class B
z Monitors control channels for GSM GPRS and other GSM
services simultaneously,
z but can only operate one set of services at one time.
Class C
z Exclusively operates GPRS services.

5
Classes A and B
Require dual scanning by the mobile for both GSM and GPRS service requests. Class A or B mobiles are "attached"
simultaneously to both networks.
Class B
The exchange of packets is suspended to answer to an incoming GSM call (the GPRS subscriber is considered to be in the
"busy" or on hold" state).
The PDP contexts are still active on the SGSN side until the Purge_Timer elapses.
Class C
Exclusively operates GPRS services.

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.4 GPRS Main Concepts (1/4)

Use of radio resources in case of circuit switching


Access node
CS <->PS

Radio interface

Radio timeslot

GSM
network

PDN

CS

PS

Fixed bit rate (9.6 kb/s)


6
Drawbacks of CS for data services
z one radio channel at 9.6 kbit/s per user
z fixed bit rate => waste (in the case of discontinuous service) and limitation on bit rate

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.4 GPRS Main Concepts (2/4)

Use of radio resources in case of packet switching


Radio interface

Radio timeslot

GPRS
network

PDN
PS

PS

Variable bit rate


7
Benefits of Packet Switching
z Variable bit rate becomes possible
z One MS uses several RTSs. The maximum number of RTSs is given by the Operator (O&M parameters) and MS
capabilities (MS multislot class)
z One RTS is shared by several MSs. The maximum number of MSs per RTS is given by the Operator (O&M parameters)
and 3GPP specifications (limitation due to addressing availability)

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.4 GPRS Main Concepts (3/4)

Radio resource assigned according to requirement


z Radio resource shared between users
z Various radio channel coding schemes are specified to allow
bit rates from 9 to more than 150 kb/s per user
z High bit rates if several channels are assigned to one MS
z Low bit rates if one channel is shared by several MSs.
Optimized use of the radio resource
z Use of the radio resources only when data is transferred
z Uplink and downlink resources reserved separately

8
Radio resource sharing
The radio resources are shared by statistical multiplexing. As in GSM, no subscriber has their own permanent radio resource.
Bit rate
Maximum instantaneous bit rate provides 171,2 kb/s by the allocation of eight RTSs to one subscriber. The stated maximum bit
rates are different, because different coding schemes are used, which impacts the bit rate over a RTS. (see Annex)
Up link (UL) and downlink (DL)
It is possible to use a different bit rates in each transmission direction, whereas in CS (Circuit Switching) mode, there is a
maximum limit of 9.6 kb/s, in both directions and at all times.

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.4 GPRS Main Concepts (4/4)

Dynamic allocation and sharing of radio resources

GPRS network
Radio timeslot
Radio
Block

9
Caution: Animated slide that does not make sense if not in the slide-show mode.
Optimized use
A radio resource (set of Radio Blocks over one or several RTS) is allocated only when data is being transferred, by establishing
and releasing Temporary Block Flow (TBF), that can be presented as micro-connections, each time a data transfer has to be sent
over the radio interface.
Radio resource sharing
One TS can be shared by several MSs, by dynamic time multiplexing under control of the BSS.

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.5 The benefits of GPRS

GPRS benefits
z BSS hardware (included OMC-R) is re-used from GSM
z Smooth GPRS introduction
z Higher data throughput thanks to EGPRS (EDGE)
z Data transfers can billed by volume instead of time
z An MS can exchange data by GPRS in parallel with a
conventional GSM call (if MS Class A)

10
BSS is re-used
The same Radio Access Network is re-used, and a Packet Control Unit (PCU) function is implemented in the BSS.
Compared to the GSM BSS
z same frequency bands
z same TDMA frame structure
z same burst structure
z same frequency hopping laws
z ...

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.6 EGPRS

EGPRS is an enhancement of GPRS


z allows higher bit rates on the radio interface
z achieved by using
a new modulation (8-PSK)
and new coding schemes (MCS-1 to MCS-9) in the MS
and the BSS.
The same set of services provided by GPRS is available in
EGPRS.

11
Shared = in other words: "the radio resources are shared by statistical multiplexing". As in GSM, no subscriber has their own
permanent radio resource.
High or low bit rates = more than one time slot per MS or conversely, more than MS on the same TS (one TDMA frame occupies
4.615 ms and is divided into 8 TS or channels).
Maximum instantaneous bit rate provided = 171,2 kbps through the allocation of eight TSs to one subscriber. The stated
maximum bit rates are different (according to the BSS release), because different ways of encoding the data, or "coding
schemes", are used, which impacts the bit rate over a TS. (cf Annex)
Optimized use:refer to Radio resource allocation in the slides to come + radio resource management in the BSS Chapter.The
radio resource allocation is suitable for variable, bursty traffic (downloading Web pages).
Up link (UL) and downlink (DL): It is possible to use a different bandwidth (bit rate) in each transmission direction, whereas in CS
(circuit switching) mode, there is a maximum limit of 9,6 kbps, in both directions and at all times.
QoS: Henceforth, QoS parameters are part of subscription data, according to the wide range of services provided to a subscriber.

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.7 Quality of service profile

9 classes
19 classes

Peak throughput Class


the maximum data rate allowed to the user

Mean throughput Class


maximum data rate during a period

Reliability Class

5 classes
4 classes
3 classes

Throughput class

acknowledgement of packets

Delay Class
total delay measured between R or S point and Gi

Precedence Class
relative importance of service under congestion

12
Precedence class
According to the class, user data packet can be discarded during the transfer due to a congestion state.
3 classes are defined : any, normal, high
Delay class
The delay class depends on the operator network because a measurement is done between the R or S interface (between the
Mobile Terminal and the Terminal Equipment) and the Gi interface. For each operator, delay values are different so delay classes
are a reference not a strict value.
4 classes are defined : best effort, 1, 2, 3
Reliability class
The reliability means that user data packets are acknwoledged during the transfer. The reliability classes are defined according to
the acknowledgement or not of the packet.
5 classes are defined
Throughput class
The throughput class is defined by the 2 following parameters:
z Mean Throughput : 9 classes are defined (from best effort to 111 Kb/s)
z Peak Throughput : 19 classes are defined (from 8 Kb/s to 2048 Kb/s)

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
1.8 Services
Media

Always-on

Fun

Games (Hangman, Poker, )


Screen Saver
Ring Tone
Horoscope
Biorhythm

Directories
Mobile Office

Voice (!)
E-mail
Agenda
IntraNet/InterNet
Corporate Applications
Database Access

Yellow/White Pages
International Directories
Operator Services

Music
Transportation

Flight/train Schedule
reservation

Vertical application
Traffic Management
Automation
Mobile branches
Health

Downloading of
music files or
video clips

News
(general/specific)

International/National News
Local News
Sport News
Weather
Lottery Results
Finance News

Location services

Traffic Conditions
Itineraries
Nearest Restaurant,
Cinema, Chemist,
Parking;, ATM ...

M-commerce
Non physical

on-line Banking
Ticketing
Auction
Gambling.

Physical

on-line shopping
on-line food

13
Retrieval services
Provide the capability of accessing information stored in data base centers. The information is sent to the user on demand only.
An example of one such service in the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW).
Messaging services
Offer user-to-user communication between individual users via storage units with store-and-forward mailbox, and/or message
handling (e.g., information editing, processing and conversion) functions;
Conversational services
Provide bi-directional communication by means of real-time (no store-and-forward) end-to-end information transfer from user to
user. An example of such a service is the Internet's Telnet application;
Tele-action services
Characterized by low data-volume (short) transactions, for example credit card validations, lottery transactions, utility meter
readings and electronic monitoring and surveillance systems.
Distribution services
Characterized by the unidirectional flow of information from a given point in the network to other (multiple) locations. Examples
may include news, weather and traffic reports, as well as product or service advertisements;
Dispatching services
Characterized by the bi-directional flow of information from a given point in the network (dispatcher) and other (multiple) users.
Examples include taxi and public utility fleet services;
Conferencing services
Provide multi-directional communication by means of real-time (no store-and-forward) information transfer between multiple users.

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
Exercise

True or False ?

9 GPRS is a circuit switching technology


9 The GSS is an IP network
9 Data transfers are often conducted at

variable bit rates


9 With a class B mobile, a web page can be
downloaded while speaking
9 Billing by volume allows subscribers to be
permanently on line
Time allowed : 9 Several channels can be assigned to a MS
9 One channel is shared by several MSs
5 minutes

14

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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1 What is GPRS ?
Evaluation

Objective : to be able to identify the


technical and commercial benefit of
GPRS

Thank you for answering


the self-assessment
of the objectives sheet

15

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

Page 15

GPRS Operation

16

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VT ZZA Ed.10 P01

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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2 GPRS Operation
Session presentation

Objective: to be able to describe the organization of a


GPRS network architecture, interfaces and protocols.

Program:
z 2.1 Main Entities
z 2.2 MS Mobility Management States
z 2.3 MS Radio Resource Operating Modes
z 2.4 Basic Procedures
z 2.5 Charging
z 2.6 Security

17

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities

Overview

NSS
PSTN

MSC/VLR

BSS
with PCU

HLR

GPRS
Core Network
SGSN

Internet

GPRS IP
Backbone
GGSN

MS

DNS
DHCP

BG
NTP
18

PCU functions
z LLC PDU segmentation / re-assembly into RLC/MAC PDU
z PDCH scheduling (resource multiplexing)
z Channel access control (access requests and grants)
z ARQ function (RLC block Ack / Nak, buffering and retransmission of RLC blocks)
z Radio channel management (power control, congestion control, broadcast control information).
DNS (Domain Name Server) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Convergence Protocol)
NTP server (Network Time Protocol) for GSN synchronization. In general an NTP application does not run on a dedicated
server. The OMC-G can play this role.
HLR (Home Location Register) is involved in MS attachment to the GPRS network (authentication + services subscribed to)

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

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2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities

SGSN and GGSN


PLMN

GSS
IP network 1

SGSN1
BSS1
IP
backbone

BSS2

SGSN2

GGSN1

IP network 2

IP network 3
GGSN2

IP network 4

IP network 5
GGSN3
19
The SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) stores subscriber data:
z Subscription information
IMSI
one or more temporary identities (P-TMSI)
zero or more PDP addresses
z Location information
the cell or the RA where the MS is registered
the VLR number of the associated VLR (if the Gs interface is implemented)
the GGSN address of each GGSN for which an active PDP context exists
It also manages:
z the transfer and routing of user data packets from the GSS towards the BSS
z the mobility (GPRS attach/detach, data retrieval from the HLR, RA / Cell update)
z the authentication and encryption (Access control and security)
z the sessions (PDP context activation/deactivation)
z The transfer of charging data.
The GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) stores subscriber data received from the HLR and the SGSN:
z Subscription information
IMSI
zero or more PDP addresses
z Location information
the SGSN address of the SGSN where the MS is registered
It also manages:
z the allocation and use of dynamic @IP for MS,
z the tunneling and encryption of user data at Gi interface,
z the transfer of user data packets,
z the charging data.
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2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities

Servers
SGSN

GPRS IP Backbone
GGSN

DNS

DHCP
Name
IP
address

NTP
IP
address

20
DNS
z

Resolve a name into an IP address

Use in Mobility procedure

DHCP
z Provide dynamically IP addresses
z Split Users into pool of IP addresses
NTP
z Provide one time reference for all the network
z Have a very precise time reference
z Synchronization from satellite

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2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities

Border gateway
VPLMN IP
backbone

SGSN

GGSN

VPLMN

MS
BG
Inter-PLMN
network
BG
GGSN
SGSN

HPLMN IP backbone

PDN

HPLMN
21
Border Gateway functions
z Inter-PLMN routing and forwarding of user packets (IP router)
z

Security functions (firewall, access-list filtering)

Connection of two Border Gateways


Via a private or public IP network, through the Gp interface.
Choice of GGSN
If a subscriber wants to access an Intranet (PDN) in his home country, from the visited PLMN, the selected GGSN is the one from
the home PLMN
For Internet access a GGSN in the visited country could be used.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities

Interfaces
Um
Mobile
GPRS

BSS

MSC

Gs

Gb

SMSGMSC

HLR
Gd

Gr
Gc

SGSN
Gn
Signaling + data
Signaling

SGSN

GGSN

Gi

PDN

GPRS network

22
Signaling protocols
z MAP/TCAP/SCCP/MTP on Gr, Gd and Gc,
z GTP/UDP/IP on Gn,
z BSSAP+/SCCP/MTP on Gs,
z GMM/SM/LLC on Gb/Um.
Gc interface
Used for network-requested PDP contexts activation (GGSN asks the HLR for SGSN routing information).
Gs interface
Defines the Network Mode of Operation I (NMOI). It allows to perform LA + RA combined Location Update, and PS and CS
paging coordination (refer to ANNEX).
Gr interface
Exchange of subscription information at GPRS attachment phase
Additional interfaces
z Gf (to the EIR)
z Gd to deliver the SMS to the mobiles via the GPRS network (SGSN option and subscriber feature)

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2 GPRS Operation
2.2 MS Mobility Management States

MS MM states
Stand-by
READY timer expiry

PDU transmission

Ready
GPRS Attach

GPRS Detach

Idle

23
IDLE (GPRS) State
In GPRS IDLE state, the subscriber is not attached to GPRS mobility management. The MS and SGSN contexts hold no valid
location or routeing information for the subscriber. The subscriber-related mobility management procedures are not performed.
Data transmission to and from the mobile subscriber and the paging of the subscriber is not possible. The GPRS MS is seen as
not reachable in this case.
In order to establish MM contexts in the MS and the SGSN, the MS shall perform the GPRS Attach procedure.
STANDBY State
In STANDBY state, the subscriber is attached to GPRS mobility management. Pages for data or signalling information transfers
may be received. It is also possible to receive pages for the CS services via the SGSN. Data reception and transmission are not
possible in this state.
The MS performs GPRS Routeing Area (RA) and GPRS cell selection and re-selection locally. The MS executes mobility
management procedures to inform the SGSN when it has entered a new RA. The MS does not inform the SGSN on a change of
cell in the same RA. Therefore, the location information in the SGSN MM context contains only the GPRS RAI for MSs in
STANDBY state.
The MS may initiate activation or deactivation of PDP contexts while in STANDBY state. A PDP context shall be activated before
data can be transmitted or received for this PDP context.
READY State
In READY state, the SGSN MM context corresponds to the STANDBY MM context extended by location information for the
subscriber on the cell level. The MS performs mobility management procedures to provide the network with the actual selected
cell. GPRS cell selection and re-selection is done locally by the MS, or may optionally be controlled by the network.
An identifier of the cell, the Cell Global Identity including RAC and LAC, is included in the BSSGP header of the data packet from
the MS; see GSM 08.18 [21].
The MS may send and receive PDP PDUs in this state. The network initiates no GPRS pages for an MS in READY state. Pages
for other services may be done via the SGSN. The SGSN transfers downlink data to the BSS responsible for the subscriber's
actual GPRS cell.
The MS may activate or deactivate PDP contexts while in READY state.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.3 MS Radio Resource Operating Modes

MS RR operating modes vs MS MM states

RR

Packet
transfer mode

MM

Packet
idle mode
Ready

Packet
idle mode
Standby

24
Packet idle mode
In packet idle mode no Temporary Block Flow. Upper layers can require the transfer of a LLC PDU which, implicitly, may trigger
the establishment of TBF and transition to packet transfer mode.
While operating in packet idle mode, a mobile station belonging to GPRS MS class A may simultaneously enter the different RR
service modes. A mobile station belonging to either of GPRS MS class B or C leaves both packet idle mode and packet transfer
modes before entering dedicated mode, group receive mode or group transmit mode.
Packet transfer mode
In packet transfer mode, the mobile station is allocated radio resource providing a Temporary Block Flow on one or more physical
channels. Continuous transfer of one or more LLC PDUs is possible. Concurrent TBFs may be established in opposite directions.
Transfer of LLC PDUs in RLC acknowledged or RLC unacknowledged mode is provided.
When selecting a new cell, mobile station leaves the packet transfer mode, enters the packet idle mode where it switches to the
new cell, read the system information and may then resume to packet transfer mode in the new cell.
While operating in packet transfer mode, a mobile station belonging to GPRS MS class A may simultaneously enter the different
RR service modes. A mobile station belonging to either of GPRS MS class B or C leaves both packet idle mode and packet
transfer modes before entering dedicated mode, group receive mode or group transmit mode.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

MS high protocol layers


GMM/SM

SMS

IP
NSAPIi

SNDCP

LLC

TLLI

NSAPI

TLLI

NSAPI

Radio layers

25
SNDCP (Sub-Network Dependent Convergence Protocol)
Data compression, segmentation of large packets, recognition of PDP-PDU sessions (according to their NSAPI), inclusion of QoS
(use of SAPIs on the LLC link).
NSAPI (Network Service Access Point Identifier)
This is used for a particular MS to distinguish different PDP contexts (= sessions)
z by the PDP-type: X.25 or IP, or mainly by
z the APN to be reached, or by
z the required QoS.
LLC (Logical Link Control)
Provides a safe link, encrypted and independent of the physical bearer, independent to BSS brand.
TLLI (Temporary Logical Link Identity)
Identifies a logical link with the MS (one TLLI per MS)
GMM/SM (GPRS Mobility Management / Session Management)
MS-SGSN signaling protocol for Gprs Mobility Management/ Session Management
SMS (Short Message Service)

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

Transmission plane
Application

Application

IP

IP

IP

relay
SNDCP
LLC

UDP

UDP

(BSSGP)
Frame
relay

(BSSGP)

IP

IP

Frame
relay

L2

L2

Physical Physical
Layer
Layer

Physical
Layer

Physical
Layer

Physical
Layer

RLC

MAC

MAC

Physical
Layer
MS

LLC

relay

RLC

Um

GTP

GTP

SNDCP

BSS
(with PCU)

Gb

SGSN

Gn

L2 (MAC)

Physical
Layer

GGSN

Gi

26
GTP (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol) tunnels user data between GPRS Support Nodes in the backbone network. The GPRS
Tunnelling Protocol shall encapsulate all PDP PDUs.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) carries GTP PDUs for protocols that do not need a reliable data link (e.g., IP), and provides
protection against corrupted GTP PDUs.
IP (Internet Protocol) is the backbone network protocol used for routing user data and control signalling. The backbone network
may initially be based on the IPv4. Ultimately, IPv6 shall be used.
SNDCP (SubNetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol ) maps network-level characteristics onto the characteristics of the
underlying network.
LLC (Logical Link Control) provides a highly reliable ciphered logical link. LLC shall be independent of the underlying radio
interface protocols in order to allow introduction of alternative GPRS radio solutions with minimum changes to the NSS.
Relay. In the BSS, this function relays LLC PDUs between the Um and Gb interfaces. In the SGSN, this function relays PDP
PDUs between the Gb and Gn interfaces.
BSSGP (Base Station System GPRS Protocol) conveys routing and QoS-related information between the BSS and the SGSN.
BSSGP does not perform error correction.
(NS) Network Service transports BSSGP PDUs. NS is based on the Frame Relay connection between the BSS and the SGSN,
and may - multi-hop and traverse a network of Frame Relay switching nodes.
RLC/MAC (Radio Link Control / Medium Access Control). The Radio Link Control function provides a radio-solutiondependent reliable link. The Medium Access Control function controls the access signalling (request and grant) procedures for the
radio channel, and the mapping of LLC frames onto the GSM physical channel.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

HLR GPRS data


For each MS
NMC-NSS

IMSI  MSISDN
network access mode :

GPRS | NSS

| both

subscribed PDP contexts (maximum of n) :

MS

HLR
n times

PDP type :
IP | PPP
[PDP address (IP@) ]
Access point name (APN) or * (= wild card)
APN accessible through FPLMN-GGSN ?
QoS profile

HPLMN

etc ...

27
PDP address
Almost always empty. The network then dynamically assigns (using a DHCP server) an IP address to the subscriber when he
activates his PDP context (seen later).
PDP contexts
Each PDP context can be considered as a BS (basic service = telephony, fax, etc). A PDP context is a dialog session with an
external IP network, identified with an APN. It is not always mandatory to subscribe (in the HLR) to PDP contexts, access to some
networks is free. For a user, the traffic of his different sessions will be recognized in the messages by the use of different
NSAPIs. A user can declare one of his PDP contexts as the default.
APN (Access Point Name)
The APN represents an IP network. An APN has two parts: the APN-Network Id (example: wanadoo.fr) and the APN-oper Id
(example: mnc...gprs)
z Examples of APN: wanadoo.fr.mnc001.mcc208.gprs,
z APN = * (wildcard) potentially authorizes the MS to activate any APN.
Valid APN
Boolean, if YES, indicates that this APN can be reached through the GGSN of the visited FPLMN.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

GPRS attachment

HLR

SS7
network

Update_loc_ack()

Insert_subs_data()
Update_loc_req()

Authent_info_req()

Authent_info_respq)

Attach-Request (IMSI)
PLMN

MS_authentication_procedure

SGSN

Attach_resp (P_TMSI)
Attach_complete ()

GPRS IP
backbone

GGSN

BSS

28
Attach Request.
z The attach_request message is placed in an LLC frame.
z The MS sends its IMSI.
Authentication
The SGSN gets the authentication triplets from the HLR:
z triplets request message
z triplets response message
The SGSN performs the authentication procedure with the MS:
z triplets request message
z triplets response message
Location Update
The SGSN performs the location_update procedure with the HLR:
z location_update request message
z the HLR transfers the MS_subscription data to the SGSN
z the HLR terminates the location_update procedure
Attach Complete
The SGSN terminates the attach_procedure with the MS :
z attach_accept message (with a new P_TMSI allocation)
z

attach_complete message (since a new P_TMSI has been allocated)

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

GPRS attachment
after a GPRS_Attach procedure

SGSN1

TLLI1

GGSN1

PDN1

GPRS IP
backbone

SGSN2

GPRS - CN

GGSN2

PDN2

LLC layer
29
Attached MS
After running the attach procedure, the MS is GPRS_attached:
z a logical connection is established between the MS and the SGSN
z connection established between the peer LLC layers in the MS and the SGSN
z this connection is identified by the TLLI (Temporary Logical Link Identity)
z this logical connection remains established until the MS detaches
z the MS can now access to GPRS services and is reachable for GPRS services

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2- GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic procedures

PDP context activation


DNS

DHCP

2
PLMN

Activate_PDP_req (PDN2)

TLLI1

SGSN

GGSN1

PDN1

GGSN2

PDN2

GPRS
backbone

Activate_PDP_resp(@IP_MS)
BSS

Create_PDP_req (PDN2) 3
5 Create_PDP_resp (@IP_MS)

GPRS Core Network

30
MS IP address
In case of IP PDP_type access with no additional mobile authentication procedure, the MS IP address is provided by the PLMN,
using either the subscription data, or the backbone DHCP server. No additional user authentication is needed on top of the GPRS
authentication mechanisms (i.e. using IMSI and authentication triplets)
PDP Context Activation
z MS requests for a PDP_context activation, providing the name of target Packet Data Network (PDN2 parameter).
z SGSN queries the backbone Name Server (here DNS) to identify the GGSN giving access to the Data Network PDN2
(here GGSN2).
z SGSN sends a Create_PDP message to the corresponding GGSN2, in order to setup a GTP tunnel.
z GGSN2 allocates an IP address to the MS (@IP_MS), using the backbone DHCP server.
z GGSN2 acknowledges the Create_PDP message to the SGSN, returning the @IP_MS allocated to the MS.
z SGSN acknowledges the Activate_PDP message to the MS, with the allocated @IP_MS.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

PDP context activation

Authentication and
accounting

DNS
RADIUS
2

PLMN

Activate_PDP_req (PDN1)

GGSN1

TLLI1

PDN1

GPRS
backbone

SGSN

Intranet/ISP

Activate_PDP_resp(@IP_MS)
GGSN2
BSS

Create_PDP_req (PDN1) 3

DHCP

6 Create_PDP_resp (@IP_MS)
Address allocation

GPRS Core Network

31
MS address
IP PDP_type access with mobile authentication via a RADIUS. The address allocation server (i.e. DHCP) and/or authentication
server (i.e. RADIUS) may be located within the PLMN or in the ISP/Intranet network. Non-transparent access is aimed for
corporate intranet access, where additional user authentication is often required.
PDP Context Activation
z The authentication data are piggybacked in the Protocol Configuration Options (PCO) field of the PDP context activation
messages and .
z , , same as for IP PDP_type in transparent access.
z GGSN performs the user authentication towards a RADIUS server.
z GGSN allocates an @IP to the MS using the intranet/ISP DHCP server.
z , same as for a PDP context in transparent access.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

PDP context activation


after PDP_context_activation procedures
after GPRS_Attach procedure

SGSN1

TID1=IMSI+ NSAPI1

TLLI1

GGSN1

PDN1

TID
2=
IM
SI+ IP
GPRS
NS
backbone
AP
I2

SGSN2

GPRS - CN
by the LLC layer

GGSN2

PDN2

by the GTP layer


32

User data transfer


In order to achieve a proper transfer of User Data, two main protocols are used: GTP (between GGSN and SGSN) and LLC
(between SGSN and MS), and two types of logical connections are established:
z MS <-> SGSN. Logical Link used for signaling and data transfer, created at GPRS attach (unique per MS), identified by a
TLLI value;
z SGSN <-> GGSN. Created with the activation of PDP context = when opening a session (several per MS), identified each
by a TID value.
TLLI (Temporary Logical Link Identity)
Identifies uniquely a MS attached to the GPRS core network (Standby or Ready state).
TID (Tunnel Identity)
Identifies a logical connection ("tunnel") between GGSN and SGSN (for each session of each MS). TID= IMSI+NSAPI.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

PDP context activation


after PDP_context_activation procedures
after GPRS_Attach procedure

SGSN1

ul/dl data_transfers

TID1=IMSI+ NSAPI1

TLLI1

GGSN1

PDN1

TID
2=
IM
SI+ IP
GPRS
NS
backbone
AP
I2

SGSN2

GPRS - CN
by the LLC layer

GGSN2

PDN2

by the GTP layer


33

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2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures

User data transfer


SGSN

GGSN
over the Gi interface

over the Gn interface

@ MS
@server

U-data

@ MS
@server

U-data

MS
U-data
within the MS

@server
@ MS

@ggsn
@sgsn

UDP
header

U-data

@ MS
@server
GTP
header

GTP
header
@server
@ MS

UDP
header

@sgsn
@ggsn

PDN

U-data
server
@server
@ MS

U-data

34
User data transfer
Data are transferred from header translation, then encapsulation in underlined protocol data unit.
At the GGSN, the IP address of the MS is used to retrieve a PDP context and therefore a TID and the address of the current
SGSN.
At the SGSN, the TID is used to work out the NSAPI and the IMSI (therefore the TLLI). If the MS is ready, no need for paging
because the MS is located to the exact cell.

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2 GPRS Operation
2.5 Charging

Charging process

CCBS
ftp

CG

MS

S_CDR

G_CDR
GTP

M_CDR

GPRS
backbone

BSS

SGSN

GPRS_Attach procedure

GGSN

PDN

PDP_context_activation and data transfers


35

CDR (Call Detail Record)


CDRs are used for subscriber charging, statistics and location purposes.
Three types of CDR are managed within the GPRS backbone:
z M-CDR related to the GPRS mobility of a mobile station
z S-CDR related to PDP-contexts activation and data transfers as seen by the SGSN
z G-CDR related to PDP-contexts activation and data transfers as seen by the GGSN
CDRs, generated by the xGSN, are then sent to the CG (Charging Gateway) :
z periodically,
z using reliable transfers (GTP over TCP)
The CG forwards those CDRs to external CCBS (Customer Care and Billing System)
CDR content
Here are the main information in the CDR :
z IMSI
z location information (LAC + RAC + Cell)
z APN
z PDP-context identifier
z PDP-context start time and duration
z negotiated QoS
z volume of data sent / received
z source and destination PDP addresses,
z .

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2 GPRS Operation
2.5 Charging

Charging process
VPLMN
backbone

SGSN

VPLMN

MS
CG

S-CDR

CCBS

BG

Inter-PLMN
network
BG
CCBS
CG

GGSN

HPLMN
backbone

HPLMN

PDN

G-CDR
36

Charging data collection for inter-PLMN charging


z Use of G_CDR and S-CDR as specified by GSM 12.15
z Inter-operator agreement to transfer between Billing Systems

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2 GPRS operation
2.6 Security
1- Secured network access
Authentication of MSs and confidentiality of
their identity
Possibility of encrypting user data
Possibility of verifying IMEI with an EIR (Gf)

2- Secured backbone IP network


Firewall = application-level filtering
Filtering by access lists (in the GGSNs)

GPRS Network
Public Internet

3- Secured intranet access


APN with mandatory subscription
APN with access lists
APN with tunneling on Gi (IPsec)

37
Authentication and confidentiality
As in GSM, by security triplets and the use of the TLLI/P_TMSI instead of the IMSI.
Encryption
The LLC frame is encrypted, so encryption from the MS to the SGSN and not just on Um.
Firewall
Filtering function installed on routers (ex: GGSN). Packets are rejected by filtering at application level (for example: in http, some
URLs are barred). Also makes it possible to hide the IP addresses of MSs and backbone entities from external hosts (Network
Address Translation function).
Access Lists (IP addresses lists)
A function of Cisco routers (and therefore of GGSNs). Each APN is linked to two lists of IP addresses to be checked during the
PDP context activation phase (calling address and called address in both UL and DL directions).
These lists are therefore used to protect access to the operator's backbone IP, but also to filter the access to external PDNs.
At the GGSN, some APNs can be declared "with mandatory subscription" (at the HLR) and therefore inaccessible to other MSs.
Tunneling
Several ways:
z by IPsec (Secured IP) = IP version in which the user data is encrypted (IP datagrams payload but not their header). Or by
Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)
z by PPTP (Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol). Refer to ANNEX for PPP Tunneling.

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2 GPRS operation
Exercise (1/3)

True or False?

9 The GGSN read the header of user

packets arriving from the PDN


9 The GPRS HLR knows the location of
an MS to the nearest RA
9 With each web page downloaded, a
new PDP context must be activated
9 A CDR is generated for each packet
sent or received
Time allowed :
5 minutes

38

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2 GPRS operation
Exercise (2/3)

True or False ?

9 A CDR is generated for each packet

Time allowed :

sent or received
9 The Charging gateway provides a
single interface towards the billing
centers
9 No need for paging to send a packet to
a mobile in the "Ready" state
9 Attachment to the network does not
involve GGSN

5 minutes

39

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2 GPRS operation
Exercise (2/3)

What interfaces of the GPRS NSS does a


packet cross from a PDN to an MS?
Why is an RA smaller than an LA?

Time allowed :
5 minutes

40

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2 GPRS operation
Evaluation

Objective : to be able to describe the


organization of a GPRS network :
architecture, interfaces, protocols,

Thank you for answering


the self-assessment
of the objectives sheet

41

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Page 41

The Base Station Subsystem

42

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VT ZZA Ed.10 P01

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


Session presentation

Objectives :
z To be able to briefly describe the data
interchange mechanisms through the BSS
Program :
z 3.1 3GPP Position
z 3.2 Alcatels Choice
z 3.3 Layered Model
z 3.4 Gb Interface
z 3.5 Radio Interface

43

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.1 3GPP Position

PCU function
CCU
BTS

PCU

BSC

SGSN

CCU
Gb

Um

BSC
CCU

PCU

BTS

SGSN

CCU

Gb

CCU
BSC

BTS

PCU

CCU
Abis
CCU = Channel Control Unit
PCU = Packet Control Unit

SGSN

44
PCU functions
RLC and MAC layers: LLC frame transportation (segmentation/reassembly),
z Gb interface end point,
z network access functions (radio resource management),
z radio channel management (power control, congestion control, etc).
CCU functions
z encoding suited to radio channels,
z radio measurements (receive quality, signal level, "timing advance" management).

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.2 Alcatels Choice

PCU function

MFS

TRE

BSC

BTS

PCU

TRE
GSL

TRE
TRE

Abis

Um

PCU

PCU

BSC

BTS

MFS

SGSN

Gb

Ater
mux

= GPRS Signaling Links

45
The Multi BSS Fast packet Server (MFS):
z performs the GPRS Packet Control Unit (PCU) functions (3GPP 03.60 standard),
z manages the Gb interface with the GPRS & EGPRS core network,
z performs the Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC) functions,
z manages the SAGI interface with the A-GPS server.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.3 Layered Model

User plane
IP

SNDCP

SM

GMM SM

GMM

LLC

SNDCP

LLC
PCU

RLC
RLC

Frame
relay

Frame
relay

L2-GCH
L1-GCH

Physical
layer

Physical
layer

relay

MS

Physical L2-GCH
layer
L1-GCH

Um

BTS

BSSGP

BSS
GP

MAC

MAC
Physical
layer

relay

Abis/Ater

MFS

Gb

SGSN

46
For GPRS TRAFFIC, the BSS simply relays the LLC frames between the MS and the SGSN.
BSSGP = BSS Gprs Protocol. Functions:
z to relay LLC frame over the Gb, with no guarantee of integrity (relaying user data and GMM / SM messages : session,
RA_update and paging procedures). Conceals the FR layers for the LLC layer.
z SGSN-MFS signaling = management of Gb interface objects (flush, paging, resume suspend, LLC-discarded and other
procedures).
z cell-SGSN traffic management (identified by BssgpVCs): in particular cell update management (in the same RA): the
BSSGP header always indicates the current cell so if a "ready" MS moves into a new cell, then the SGSN stores this new
cell and sends all the unacknowledged LLC_PDUs to it (DL).
The concept of handover has no meaning in packet switching (GPRS). There is no "circuit" to re-establish!
RLC = Radio Link Control. (Provides a safe link for transporting LLC-PDUs in acknowledged or unacknowledged mode, LLC-PDU
segmentation into blocks and reassembly, management of TBF contexts. RLC depends on the physical bearer: data encoding,
error control and flow control suited to GSM channels.
MAC = Medium Access Control. Multiplexing of RLC frames onto PDCH (transfer of blocks over the different PDCHi). Including
traffic sharing over several TSs or, conversely, the use of one TS for several users.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.3 Layered Model

Signaling plane

BSCGP
BSCGP
L2-GSL
L1-GSL

L2-GSL
L1-GSL

RRM

RRM

relay

relay

physical
layer

MS

physical
layer

Um

BTS

Abis

BSC

Ater

MFS

Gb

47
BSCGP protocol
z administration interface of Radio Resource management :
(de)allocation of PDCH and MPDCH within a cell
activation / release of PDCH
z System control information:
BSC reset procedure
cell and GIC group state management
z Radio signalling :
GSM / GPRS paging,
GPRS access procedure
RMM protocol
z dynamic allocation of Radio Resources to a MS :
radio blocks from one or several PDCH
for uplink or downlink data transfers

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.4 Gb Interface

Managed entities
BSS side

GPRS Core Network side


BVCI=2
PCM
BC

BVCI=2
BVCI=1
BVCI=3

BSC1

NSVC1

BVCI=1

PCM
PVC
BC
NSE1

NSE1
PCM
BC

PCM
PVC
BC

NSVC2

BVCI=3

F.R
Network
PCM
BC

BVCI=5
BVCI=4
BVCI=6

BSC2

NSVC3

BVCI=5
BVCI=4

PCM
PVC
BC
NSE2

NSE2
PCM
BC

NSVC4

PCM
PVC
BC

BVCI=6

SGSN
48
For GPRS TRAFFIC, the BSS simply relays the LLC frames between the MS and the SGSN.
BSSGP = BSS Gprs Protocol. Functions:
z to relay LLC frame over the Gb, with no guarantee of integrity (relaying user data and GMM / SM messages : session,
RA_update and paging procedures). Conceals the FR layers for the LLC layer.
z SGSN-MFS signaling = management of Gb interface objects (flush, paging, resume suspend, LLC-discarded and other
procedures).
z cell-SGSN traffic management (identified by BssgpVCs): in particular cell update management (in the same RA): the
BSSGP header always indicates the current cell so if a "ready" MS moves into a new cell, then the SGSN stores this new
cell and sends all the unacknowledged LLC_PDUs to it (DL).
The concept of handover has no meaning in packet switching (GPRS). There is no "circuit" to re-establish!
RLC = Radio Link Control. (Provides a safe link for transporting LLC-PDUs in acknowledged or unacknowledged mode, LLC-PDU
segmentation into blocks and reassembly, management of TBF contexts. RLC depends on the physical bearer: data encoding,
error control and flow control suited to GSM channels.
MAC = Medium Access Control. Multiplexing of RLC frames onto PDCH (transfer of blocks over the different PDCHi). Including
traffic sharing over several TSs or, conversely, the use of one TS for several users.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.4 Gb Interface

Protocols
BSS side

GPRS Core Network side

BVCI=2
BVCI=1
BVCI=3

BSC1
BSS GPRS Protocol

BSS GPRS Protocol

(BSSGP)

BVC

Network Service Control

NSE

Network Service Control

(NSC)

NS-VC

(NSC)

Sub-Network Service

PVC

Sub-Network Service

(BSSGP)

BVCI=5
BVCI=4
BVCI=6

BSC2

(SNS)
Physical layer

(SNS)

BC
PCM

Packet Control Unit function


(PCU)

PCM

Physical layer

Frame Relay

SGSN

49
For GPRS TRAFFIC, the BSS simply relays the LLC frames between the MS and the SGSN.
BSSGP = BSS Gprs Protocol. Functions:
z to relay LLC frame over the Gb, with no guarantee of integrity (relaying user data and GMM / SM messages : session,
RA_update and paging procedures). Conceals the FR layers for the LLC layer.
z SGSN-MFS signaling = management of Gb interface objects (flush, paging, resume suspend, LLC-discarded and other
procedures).
z cell-SGSN traffic management (identified by BssgpVCs): in particular cell update management (in the same RA): the
BSSGP header always indicates the current cell so if a "ready" MS moves into a new cell, then the SGSN stores this new
cell and sends all the unacknowledged LLC_PDUs to it (DL).
The concept of handover has no meaning in packet switching (GPRS). There is no "circuit" to re-establish!
RLC = Radio Link Control. (Provides a safe link for transporting LLC-PDUs in acknowledged or unacknowledged mode, LLC-PDU
segmentation into blocks and reassembly, management of TBF contexts. RLC depends on the physical bearer: data encoding,
error control and flow control suited to GSM channels.
MAC = Medium Access Control. Multiplexing of RLC frames onto PDCH (transfer of blocks over the different PDCHi). Including
traffic sharing over several TSs or, conversely, the use of one TS for several users.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio Interface

EGPRS

GPRS

GPRS / EGPRS throughput

Coding Scheme

Modulation

Maximum rate
per PDCH (kb/s)

CS4

GMSK

21.4

CS3

GMSK

15.6

CS2

GMSK

13.4

CS1

GMSK

9.05

MCS9

8-PSK

59.2

MCS8

8-PSK

54.4

MCS7

8-PSK

44.8

MCS6

8-PSK

29.6 / 27.2*

MCS5

8-PSK

22.4

MCS4

GMSK

17.6

MCS3

GMSK

14.8 / 13.6*

MCS2

GMSK

11.2

MCS1

GMSK

8.8
* in case of padding

50

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The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio Interface

GMSK / 8-PSK modulations

Gross bit rate


per carrier

GMSK

270 kb/s GMSK


001

101

011

001

8-PSK

810 kb/s 8-PSK

51
Transmission and reception data flows are the same for GPRS and EGPRS, except for EGPRS MCS-9, MCS-8 and
where 4 normal bursts carry 2 RLC blocks (1 RLC block within 2 bursts for MCS-9 and MCS-8).

MCS-7,

Radio blocks are transported on the air interface (Um) over 4 consecutive normal bursts of the TDMA frame.
The GMSK normal burst is composed of 156.25 symbols (1 bit for 1 symbol):
6 tail symbols,
26 training sequence symbols,
114 encrypted symbols,
2 stealing flags (2 symbols),
8.25 guard period (symbols).
z For GMSK, the radio blocks are transported by 114 x 4 = 456 symbols.
The 8-PSK normal burst is composed of 156.25 symbols (3 bits for 1 symbol):
6 tail symbols,
26 training sequence symbols,
116 encrypted symbols (there is stealing flags),
8.25 guard period (symbols).
z For 8-PSK, the radio blocks are transported by 116 x 4 = 456 symbols.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio interface

TDMA frame and GPRS physical channels


TDMA frame 0

fi

TDMA1

TDMA51

Multi-frame (52)

0 to 3

47 to 50

TS0

51

Block0

PDCH0

Block11

10

11

8 physical
channels
PDCH7

52
One TDMA frame = eight TSs, each of 156.25 bits (!). The structure of the bits forms a "burst". One TDMA frame = 4.615 ms. One
52 multi-frame = 52 * 4.615 = 240 ms
The succession of TSi on a frequency fi forms a channel (UL or DL).
A channel used for GPRS is called a Packet Data CHannel.
Division into blocks: One block = four TS of the same rank on 4 consecutive TDMA frames. This is the radio resource allocation
unit. One block = four TS of 156.25 bits = 625 bits.
In each cell, CS Adaptation according to the radio environment is part of the QoS. It is based on the received signal strength and
its BER. CS3 and CS4 will be available with the B8 BSS release.
Note: A physical channel on a frequency fi in practice includes two frequencies: fi DL and fi UL.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio interface

GPRS channels
Um

Abis
BTS

Channel
Coding

Radio blocks
PDTCH 1

AterMux
BSC

MFS
(PCU)

RLC/MAC PDU

Gb
SGSN

LLC PDUs
(1600 bytes max)

EGCH 1

11

PDTCH n

EGCH n

11

Radio blocks
GMSK: 456 symbols
8-PSK: 464 symbols
53
EGCH
The BSC connects several Abis terrestrial channels (from 1 to 5) to several Atermux terrestrial channels (from 1 to 5) upon
request from the MFS.
This connection is called a EGCH channel, which is controlled by the GCH layer in the BTS and in the MFS.
An EGCH is made up of a pool of GCH (from 1 to 5) ): One main GCH and a pool of auxiliary GCH.
(GCH uses the basic 16k Abis nibble)

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio interface

Master and Slave PDCHs

PDCH

MPDCH

PBCCH
PCCCH = PPCH + PAGCH + PRACH
PTCH = PDTCH + PACCH

SPDCH

PTCH = PDTCH + PACCH

54
For each cell, it is possible to define the MINIMUM and MAXIMUM number of channels reserved for GPRS + the maximum
number of channels reserved for GPRS in case of high traffic load (when the BSC sends "Load indication" to the MFS through
BSCGP protocol).
There are two types of PDCH : MPDCH and SPDCH
z MPDCH = Master PDCH = PBCCH + PCCCH (PPCH + PAGCH + PRACH) -> carries GPRS signaling and system
information.
z SPDCH = Slave PDCH -> carries the user traffic.
Benefits of the Master Channel :
z Preserves CCCH capacity for speech services
z Higher GPRS signaling capacity, in line with GPRS traffic growth
z Differentiated cell re-selection strategy between GPRS and non GPRS MS. When GPRS attached, a MS listen to PSI
broadcast on PBCCH. It allows a finer tuning of GPRS re-selection algorithms, for example in hierarchical networks (C31
and C32 criteria). Otherwise, MS applies the basic Cell-reselection as in GSM Idle-Mode using the C1 and C2 GSM
criteria

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio interface

UL transfer
start
of TBF1

end of
TBF1

MS

TBF2

TBF3

network

TBF4

fULi

time
Packet Channel Request
Packet Resource Assignment
(list of PDCHi, token=T,TFIk)

MFS

MS starts listening to all DL blocks token value on the allocated PDCHi


DL PDCHi
N

TFIk

TFIk

TFIk

TFIk

TFIk

TFIk

in block b
token =T ?
Y

SEND on block b+1 (TFIk)

UL PDCHi

55
This slide demonstrate that the radio resources (blocks) are used only when data need to be transferred (LLC-PDU) : dynamic
radio resource allocation. As a matter of fact, an MS shall specify its radio resource request at initiation of each TBF for a better
optimization of radio resource & MS capabilities.
A TBF (the blue shape) comprises one or more consecutive LLC-PDUs.
Temporary (Block) Flow Identity = TLLI + sequential number, used by the network to recognize data from different MSs. Identifies
uniquely a TBF in one direction within a cell.
z The blocks are dynamically allocated upon the use of a token (Uplink State Flag) allocated to the MS at TBF
establishment. Any DL block includes a USF in the header.
z The mobile "listens" to the PDCHi assigned, when block b (in DL) contains USF = T, the MS shall send one PDTCH in UL
on block b+1 on the UL PDCHi.
The theoretical maximum of 160 kbit/s is given for one MS which would have 8 PDCHs of 21.4 kbit/s each. Those MS are yet to
be available on the market place.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


3.5 Radio interface

DL transfer
SGSN

MFS

MS PDU

PS Paging

Paging Request ("packet")


Packet Paging Response

UL TBF: refer to
previous slide

Packet Resource Assignment


(list(PDCHj),TFIz)
MS starts listening to all DL blocks TFI value on the allocated PDCHj

DL PDCHj

N
in block b, TFI=TFIz ?
Y

The MS consumes the content of block b


56
In DL, each time an LLC-PDU is received, if there is no TBF in progress, it is essential to establish" one.
To respond to the paging, the MS needs to send a "paging response" to the SGSN (GMM) encapsulated in an LLC_PDU. This
response is carried by an UL TBF.
Upon reception of the Paging response, the SGSN can send the DL PDU (LLC frame) to the MS through the MFS.
The MFS shall establish a DL TBF with the MS.
DL TBF: each block of the DL TBF are identified by the DL TFI = TFIz
After completion of the TBF establishment phase, the MS listen to all the DL blocks on the allocated PDCHs and keeps the blocks
tagged with the TFIz.

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


Exercise (1/2)

True or False?

9 The SGSN is linked to the BSS by an

interface based on the Frame Relay


protocol
9 For each cell, the number of channels
which can be used for GPRS traffic
is operator-configurable
9 If a user packet is lost at the Gb interface,
it can be recovered using
frame relay protocol mechanisms
Time allowed : 9 The LLC protocol is independent of the
type of BSS employed
5 minutes

57

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


Exercise (2/2)

True or False?

9 In a cell, a TRX can carry eight PDCHs


9 One PDCH can be allocated in its entirety

to a single user
9 If necessary, blocks on different PDCHs
can be allocated to a single user
9 The NSEI is the identifier used by the
SGSN to indicate the destination cell of a
LLC frame to the MFS
9 The same quantity of PVCs is declared on
Time allowed :
the MFS and SGSN sides
5 minutes

58

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3 The Base Station Subsystem


Evaluation

Objective : To be able to briefly


describe the data interchange
mechanisms through the BSS

Thank you for answering


the self-assessment
of the objectives sheet

59

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Page 59

Alcatel Solution

60

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4 Alcatel Solution
Session presentation

Objectives: to be able to characterize the solution


offered by Alcatel
Program:
z 4.1 GPRS Network Overview
z 4.2 Alcatel 9135 MFS
z 4.3 Packet Switched Core Network
z 4.4 GPRS Network Management
z 4.5 Alcatel QoS Offer

61

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.1 GPRS Network Overview
HLR
B
T
S

BSS1

MSC

SCP

Radio subsystem
BSC
RADIUS
server

B
T
S

B
T
S

B
T
S

GPRS Core Network

GGSN1

BSS2

A9135
MFS

Firewall server

SGSN

Intranet

BSC

Access router

external
DNS

BSS-BSC

GGSN2

GPRS IP
backbone

Frame
Relay
network

B
T
S

B
T
S

GSM/GPRS common servers

SMS-C

SGSN
A9135
MFS

NTP server
Charging
Gateway

PLMN
DNS/DHCP server

Internet
Border
Gateway
Inter-PLMN
backbone

62
Within the radio subsystem :
z Existing Alcatel BTS and BSC from GSM are reused for GPRS :
no need of hardware change to provide GPRS features
need just software upgrade
z The GSM-BSS now includes a proprietary equipment :
Alcatel A9135 = MFS (Multi BSS Fast packet Server)
which deals with the GPRS PCU functions

Within the GPRS Core Network :


z the SGSN is a telecom node developped by Alcatel
z the GGSN is a CISCO IP router with additional GPRS-dedicated software.
z The border gateway is a CISCO IP router
z the DNS/DHCP, RADIUS, NTP and firewall servers are standard IT components
z the Charging Gateway is an Alcatel component based on HP platform

The HLR, MSC, SCP and SMS-C are reused from the GSM-NSS

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.2 Alcatel 9135 MFS

Functional architecture
Control Subsystem

OMC-R

Ethernet LANs
B
T
S

BSC1
GPU 1

B
T
S

GPU 2
B
T
S
B
T
S

SGSN
GPU x
BSC2
GPU y

A-ter interface

Telecom Subsystem

Gb interface
63

The duplex "Control subsystem" (two DS10 in active/standby mode, with 2 shared disks) :
z

controls the telecom subsystem (initialization, supervision, defence)

provides the management interface (OMC-R or local maintenance terminal)

The Telecom subsystem is composed of GPU boards :


1.

GPRS Processing Unit (GPU).

2.

Each GPU board performs the PCU functions towards the BSC and the SGSN
16 PCM ports per GPU board
some PCM ports connected to the BSS, the other to the SGSN

There are two different configurations regarding the support of BSC by the GPU boards :
z

only one GPU board supporting each BSC (in the B6.2 release)

multiple GPU boards supporting each BSC (from the B7 release)

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.2 Alcatel 9135 MFS

Rack layout
11 BSXTU
BSXTU
11
11 GPU
GPU (+1)
(+1)
maxi
maxi

11 BSXTU
BSXTU
11
11 GPU
GPU (+1)
(+1)
maxi
maxi

22 DS
DS 10
10
Control
Control
sub-rack
sub-rack

22 or
or 44
Switches
Switches
33 COM
COM 3300
3300
++ IOLAN
IOLAN module
module

64

The "Control sub-rack" part is duplex (two DS10 in active/standby modes).

each BSXTU sub-rack contains a maximum of 12 JBGPU boards.


The GPRS traffic of one BSC can be handled by several GPUs (up to six are foreseen from the same MFS rack)
In B7, a full MFS contains from 4 to 22 BSS (BSC), due to multi-GPU feature
z
z

One JBGPU board (= 1 PCU) offers 480 PDCH. Two uses of JBGPUs :
1.

4 BSS per MFS: 2* (1 BSS / 6 GPU)+(1 BSS / 5 GPU)


22 BSS per MFS: 22*(1 BSS/GPU)

One JBGPU for each BSC, (Ater interface), so one MFS serves a maximum of 22 BSCs.

2.

With 240 PDCH per GPU, a BSC can offer up to 6*240 = 1440 PDCH

3.

To be connected to the FR network (Gb interface).

Fast ethernet Switches (100 Mb/s) made by 3COM: 2 or 4 (as needed) to build LANs to which are connected
z

the Nectar stations (DS10)

GPU boards

printers and craft terminals (for local management, the terminal is called IMT = Installation & Maintenance Terminal)

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.3 Packet Switched Core Network

SGSN architecture

Gr

CCS
CCSN7
N7

DS10

DS10

CCS
CCSN7
N7

SGSN router

towards

SS7

towards
IP
backbones

DS10

GPU

DS10

Pilot servers

GPU
DS10

E1

GPU
towards

Gb

SGSN server

LSN

DS10

LAN/IO
65

The SGSN main functions are processed by DS10 Nectar servers, other hardware equipments performing the physical interfaces
towards the networks accessed by the SGSN :
z BSS network (Gb = E1 or Frame Relay) via GPU boards,
z SS7 networks (Gs, Gr, Gd, Gc, Gf, SCP) via CMIC couplers,
z GPRS IP backbone(s) (Gn, Gp, Ga, GIN, OMC) via Cisco 7206. routers
The equipments are gathered around two duplicated LAN at 10/100 Mbits/s:
z LSN (Local Sub Network) = 2 fast Ethernet switches :
communication between DS10 servers,
communication between GPU boards and DS10 servers,
communication between ETI boards and the DS10 servers.

z LAN I/O (Local Area Network for Input/Output) = 2 fast Ethernet switches :
communication through IP/Ethernet between the DS10 servers and the SGSN routers

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.3 Packet Switched Core Network

Compacted configuration racks


second rack

first rack

third rack
NTS150
NTS150

NTP Server

CCS N7
LAN Gi Gp
GPU

Non-pilot
servers

NS500
NS500

Firewall Server

KVM Switch
Screen Keyboard

pilot
servers

SGSN/GGSN
routers

BG, Access Router

external DNS

LSN Ethernet

LANIO/Gn

switches

switches

PLMN
DNS/DHCP

66

The E configuration is the smallest one available. It can be software-blocked to 25K, 50K or 75 K MM contexts. Above, the
configuration with co-located GGSN.
zEquipment
zCMIC couplers
zGPU boards
zGb PCM links
zDS10 servers
zShared Disks
zRouters

Quantity
2 to 4
2 to 6
Up to 96
4 (2 Pilots et 2 non Pilots with SS7 adapter)
2x18 Gbytes
2 or 3

G configuration is the largest one available.


zEquipment
zCMIC couplers
zGPU boards
zGb PCM links
zDS10 servers
zShared Disks
zRouters

Quantity
2 to 4
8
128
12 to 14 (2 Pilots, 10 to 12 Non Pilots with SS7 adapter)
2x18 Gbytes
2 or 3

Power Supply:
z48V DC by a Top Rack Unit inside Each rack (GPU sub-rack, Fans, CMIC sub-rack, SGSN router).
z230V AC in Direct Link for each Non Pilot DS10, secured link for the Pilot DS10, Fast Ethernet Switches and RS232
concentrators.
The GPU redundancy functionality is not provided in Release 2

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.4 GPRS Network Management

Dedicated OMCs
BSC1

B
T
S
B
T
S

Radio part

B
T
S

BSC2

OMC
-R
MFS

NMC
Q3

SGSN

Core Network part


OMC
-G

DNS/DHCP

NTP

BG
GGSN

Charging
Gateway
67

OMC-R: Called Alcatel 1353 RA = management of the radio subsystem :


z Alcatel 9135 MFS.
z BSCs and associated BTSs
OMC-G : called ALMA 1364 GPRS = management of the Core Network :
z

the SGSN server

the SGSN router

the GGSN.

z The Charging Gateway (alarm supervision)


z the DNS/DHCP server (supervision)
z the GPRS network level (APN and Routing Areas)

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.5 Alcatel QoS offer

R97/98 QoS compliance


ETSI R97/98 QoS attributes
Delay class

Mean throughput
class

Precedence class

Alcatel Offer
Resulting QoS class

(4) Best Effort

any

any

Best-Effort

1, 2 or 3

(3) Low priority

any

Best-Effort

1, 2 or 3

Normal, High priority

Best Effort

Best-Effort

1, 2 or 3

(2) Normal priority

specified, except BE

Normal

1, 2 or 3

(1) High priority

specified, except BE

Premium

Reliability class:

as required by the MS

68

These QoS attributes are associated with a PDP context performed by a R97/98 MS
The five QoS parameters of the standard define more than 60 combinations ! Which is too much and leeds to simplification :
z Too complex to implement,
z Many of the combinations have no meaning!
z The standard "allows" more simple QoS implementations.
- = any value.
In bold, the main criterion for definition of the resulting QoS.
Best effort = inexpensive, comparable to the Internet (no commitment). Ideal for foraging on the internet.
Normal:

Comparable to an intranet.

Premium:

Expensive, high performance.

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4 Alcatel Solution
4.5 Alcatel QoS offer

R97/98 QoS mapping into R99 QoS

R99 Traffic class

Traffic handling priority

conversational

R97/98 Bearer QoS class

Premium

streaming

Premium

interactive

Premium

interactive

Normal

interactive

Normal

background

Best Effort

69

The mapping of R97/98 QoS attributes to R99 QoS is applicable in the following cases :
hand-over of PDP context from GPRS R97/R98 SGSN to GPRS R99 or UMTS SGSN
when a R99 MS performs a PDP context activation in a R99 SGSN with a R97/98 GGSN
when the SGSN has received R97/98 QoS subscribed profile, but the MS is R99
The mapping of R99 QoS attributes to R97/98 QoS is applicable in the following cases :
PDP context is handed-over from GPRS R99 to R97/R98
when a R99 MS performs a PDP context activation in a R99 SGSN while the GGSN is R97/98
when the SGSN sends user data to the BSS for a R99 MS
when the SGSN has received R99 QoS subscribed profile but the MS is R97/98
in the new SGSN, during an inter-SGSN RA_update procedure, or inter-system change, on receipt of the R99 QoS
attributes from the old SGSN

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4 Alcatel Solution
Exercise (1/2)

True or False?

9 Implementing GPRS in the BSS simply

Time allowed :

entails adding A9135 MFS servers


9 The GGSN is an IP router developed by
Cisco with GPRS-dedicated software
9 The SGSN server is an Alcatel proprietary
equipment based on IT devices
9 The DNS/DHCP servers used in the
GPRS Core Network are IT standard
servers

5 minutes

70

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4 Alcatel Solution
Exercise (2/2)

True or False?

9 GPRS Core Network equipments are

managed from an OMC- G


9 GPRS radio subsystem (BSS) equipments
are managed from an OMC-R
9 Alcatel GPRS network handles
simultaneously the UMTS QoS classes
(R99 QoS parameters) and the GPRS
QoS profiles (R97/98 QoS attributes)
Time allowed :
5 minutes

71

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4 Alcatel Solution
Evaluation

Objective : to be able to characterize


the solution offered by Alcatel

Thank you for answering


the self-assessment
of the objectives sheet

72

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Page 72

Annex and Glossary

73

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5 Annex
Coding Schemes : CS1 -> CS4

Channel rate (kbps)

20

CS4
CS3

15

CS2
10

CS1

5
0
0

10

20

30

C/I (dBm)

74
The data rate on a PDCH depends on the coding scheme :
z for CS-1: PDCH data rate = 9.05 kbit/s (poor radio conditions or BSS signaling)
z for CS-2: PDCH data rate = 13.4 kbit/s (better radio conditions)
z for CS-3: PDCH data rate = 15.6 kbit/s
z for CS-4: PDCH data rate = 21.4 kbit/s.
The system selects automatically the best coding scheme :
z the data rate is set according to the current C/l.
z maximum data rate (160 kbit/s) only possible with CS4 on 8 parallel channels

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5 Annex
GPRS compared to other technologies

2 Mbps

Bit rate

384 Kbps
160 Kbps
64 Kbps
9.6 Kbps
Technology
CS data - SMS, 9.6Kbps
HSCSD
GPRS
EDGE
UMTS
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

75
SMS : With GPRS, the 160-character barrier for short messages will be able to be broken (when SMS over GPRS is
implemented).
High Speed Circuit-Switched Data : This still involves circuit switching, meaning that, with a continuous use of radio resources, so
billed by time. HSCSD is based on the assignment of several traffic channels (TCH) to a single MS to offer a higher bit rate.
HSCSD is suited for services requiring a minimum bandwidth guaranteed.
EDGE : (Enhanced data rates for GSM evolution) is a technology previously developed by Ericsson, based on TDMA and offering
a maximum theoretical speed of 384 kbit/s (8 channels, each 48 kbit/s, using a new modulation scheme: 8-PSK, eight-phase shift
keying, instead of GMSK for GSM and GPRS).
EDGE-specific MTs are required! The BSS remains the same, except for the implementation of EDGE TRX (Evolium product
line).
Alcatel will offer EDGE from release B8 onwards. This is an important step towards UMTS
UMTS : requires a new Radio Access Network based on W-CDMA technology.
The UMTS standard is part of the Third Generation (3G). Together with CDMA 2000 and other systems, they form a set of ITU
radio access technologies standardized by IMT 2000.

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5 Annex
Network Mode of Operation I with Master Channel

CCCH
PCCCH

MSC/VLR

BSS

Gs

(a)

Um

(b)

PACCH

SGSN
Gb

CS paging for GPRS-attached MS in idle state (a), or in data transfer state (b)
CS paging for non GPRS-attached MS
GPRS paging

76
In this mode, the Gs interface is present in the core network. As far as GPRS-attached MS are concerned, the BSS receives both
GPRS and circuit-switched paging messages from the Gb interface.
There is paging co-ordination because all paging messages towards GPRS-attached mobile stations are sent either on the Master
Channel, if present, or on the CCCH otherwise.
In addition, whilst involved in a packet data transfer the GPRS mobiles receive the circuit-switched paging messages via the
GPRS traffic channel currently used.
NMO II :
z There is neither Gs interface nor Master Channel. There Paging coordination over the CCCH of GSM. Also, GPRS Mobile
Stations operating in Class B may lose CS Paging message if they are not able to monitor CCCH at the same time.
NMO III:
z In this mode, there is no Paging coordination because Gs interface is not present while the Master Channel is. Therefore,
CS Paging is transmitted over CCCH when PS Paging is transmitted over PCCCH. Class C Mobile are not able to
manage both type of channels.

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5 Annex
GMM - Combined GPRS and NSS attach with Gs (1)

HLR

SGSN
Attach_request (IMSI)
Triplet request
Authentication

Update_location
IMSI current SGSN
Insert_subscriber_data

Update_location_ack
IMSI TLLI + current RA + subscription data

Attach_accept (TLLI)
MS TLLI
77
"Attach" the MS switches on (GMM protocol):
z MS sends his previous P_TMSI, otherwise a random one. The attach_request message is placed in an LLC frame with its
old TLLI if its exists, or a randomly chosen TLLI if not.
TLLI: This is allocated to the subscriber on his attachment to the network. In reality, the SGSN allocates the MS a P-TMSI, from
which the MS and the SGSN itself derive the TLLI.
The functions of the HLR:
z to supply the security triplets
z

to check roaming restrictions (or ODB)

to store the address of the current SGSN

to initiate the deletion of data from the old SGSN

to send subscriber data to the SGSN

"Detach" proceeds as follow:


z MS to SGSN: Detach request
z SGSN to GGSN: Delete PDP context then Acknowledge
z SGSN to MS: detach accept

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5 Annex
GMM - Combined GPRS and NSS attach with Gs (2)

SGSN

HLR

MSC/VLR

Location_Update_req (IMSI, LAI)


Update_ location (IMSI, @VLR)
IMSI current VLR
Insert_subscriber_data
Update_location_ack
Location_Update_accept

78
Location-Update-request: The SGSN determines the MSC/VLR based on the RA where the subscriber is located.
At the HLR: If the MS was declared in another MSC, the HLR sends it a Cancel_Location before doing ISD to the new MSC.
Attach-accept: In practice, the SGSN sends the MS the P-TMSI (and not the TLLI) and the V-TMSI (TMSI of the VLR), designated
TMSI here.
Once this combined-attach is done, the MS can make combined LA/RA update procedures (see GSM 03.60)..

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5 Annex
GMM - RA update Inter-SGSN (1)

new

SGSN2

old

SGSN

GGSN

Routing_Area_update_req (RA1)
SGSN_context_req (RA1, TLLI, @SGSN2)
SGSN_context_resp (MM_ctxt, PDP_ctxt)
SGSN_context_ack
transfer of stored packets

Update_PDP_context_req (TID, @SGSN2)


Update_PDP _context_resp
79
RA1: This is the mobile's previous RA
The New SGSN retrieves the IP address of the old SGSN from RA1, after request to the DNS which translate RA1 into IP @ of
SGSN1.
SGSN_context_req:To obtain any PDP contexts and the MM contexts (IMSI, RA, cell, IMEI, etc) = all the data stored in the old
SGSN concerning the MS, including the address of the GGSN related to each PDP context activated.
SGSN_ctxt _ack: This message is sent only if the subscriber has PDP contexts activated. Used to inform the old SGSN that
receives and stores datagrams for the MS.
Update_PDP_context_req: Mainly to inform the GGSN of the address of the new current SGSN for this MS. Thus, any new packet
arriving from the PDP network is routed to the new SGSN.
This operation is carried out in parallel with the retrieval of the old SGSN packets, and not afterwards as the figure above seems
to indicate.

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5 Annex
GMM - RA update Inter-SGSN (2)

new

old

SGSN

SGSN

HLR

Update_location (IMSI, @SGSN2)


cancel_location (IMSI)
cancel_location_ack
insert_subscriber_data (+ack)
Update_location_ack
Routing_Area_update_accept (TLLI)
Routing_Area_update_complete
80
ISD: = ISD (IMSI, GPRS subscription data).
The tunnel (SGSN-GGSN) moves with the subscriber: The GGSN is always the same and the SGSN is variable (same TID).
RA update accept: The SGSN allocates the subscriber a P-TMSI or TLLI, as mentioned (derived from the P-TMSI).

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5 Annex
SMS-MT on GPRS -Gd interface-

HLR

SGSN

SMS-SC

SMS-GMSC

SM transfer
SRI_for_SM ([GPRS supported])
SRI_for_SM_res (MSC@ and/or SGSN@)
forward_SM (SM)
SM transfer

forward_SM_res
report

report

81
Gd: This is the SGSN SMS-GMSC interface.
The HLR must include the option F_GPRS_002 "Support of SMS-MT over GPRS" to enable transmission of SMs to the MSs
(which have this subscription option) via GPRS.
SRI: If the SMS-GMSC supports GPRS, it tells the HLR so.
SRI-res: The HLR sends back the following addresses:
z MS IMSI-attached only: VMSC@
z MS GPRS-attached only: SGSN@
z MS both IMSI and GPRS attached:
SMS-GMSC does not support GPRS: One address returned according to MS preference option.
SMS-GMSC supports GPRS: Both addresses returned. The SMS-GMSC first performs transfer through NSS or
GSS according to an option. If the transfer to the MS fails (Forward-SM-res), the SMS-GMSC repeats the attempt
through the second network.
If the delivery through the GSS fails, the HLR sets the MNRG flag and stores the address of the SMS-GMSC.

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5 Annex
"Mobile User Activity" Procedure

SGSN

HLR

SMS_GMSC

GPRS_Attach_request

If MNRG=1
MNRG 0

Ready_for_SM (IMSI)
Alert_Service_Center
Alert_Service_Center_ack

82
Mobile user activity procedure: When the MS is reattached, the HLR indicates this to the SMS-GMSC (conventional GSM
"alerting" procedure) and to all the GGSNs which had tried in vain to activate PDP contexts to this MS.
The SGSN sends Ready-for-SM to the HLR before sending the update location message.
The SMS-GMSC obviously alerts the SMSC which makes a new attempt to deliver the SM to the mobile (as in the previous slide).

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5 Annex
SM - PDP context activation review

IMSI TLLI

SGSN

NSAPI1 + PDP context1


NSAPI2 + PDP context2

- @ MS + IP/X25
- APN
- QoS

IMSI TLLI + current RA

(NSAPI1 + PDP context1 + @ of GGSN1)

+ subscription data

(NSAPI2 + PDP context2 + @ of GGSN2)

GGSN1

IMSI @ current SGSN

HLR

IMSI @ current SGSN

TID1 + PDP context1

83
The SGSN even knows the current cell, if the mobile is in the ready state by looking at the routing over the Gb interface of the
PDU originated by the MS. For further explanation, please refer to the sub-chapter The Base Station Sub-System, The Gb
interface

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5 Annex
The Gb interface - Frame Relay overview
User connected to the frame relay network through a synchronous access line
Based on semi-permanent connection, PVC
A PVC is identified on each end by a local connection identity : DLCI
possible control of data loss (use of CRC)
User to network signaling is carried by a specific PVC tagged with the DLCI0

access line
PVC

DLCI
=p

DLCIm

DLC
I
=m

DLCI=0 (Sig)

DLCIa

Frame
Relay
PVC

DLCIp

DLCIb

PVC
access line

84
Access Line = any synchronous line would do.
On a FR access line, there can be a large number of PVCs (Permanent Virtual Circuits), identified each by a DLCI, (Data Link
Connection Identifier), different on each side + a PVC for signaling (DLCI=0).
Data Loss: all frames have a CRC field used to determine if the data (payload) is correct or not. The network discards any frame
with an erroneous payload.
user-to-network signaling is to check the
z local availability of the FR link ("Link Integrity Verification procedure)
z end-to-end availability of each user's PVC ("Full Status Report" procedure)
Security (redundancy): the user to the right has 2 access lines.

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5 Annex
The Gb interface - physical layer
PCU1
BSSGP
Frame
Relay

BSSGP

NSC

BC1 = TSa, TSb,...


BC2 = TSu, TSv,

SNS

NSC
BCa = all TS

Physical
layer

SNS
PCMa

BSSGP

PCM1

Frame
Relay

NSC

PCMb

Gb

SNS
Physical
layer

Physical
layer
SGSN
BCb

Gb
PCM2

PCU2

BC3 = TSi, TSj,


BC4 = TSx, TSy,

PCM
Bearer Channel

85
Physical layer = PCM links from the JBGPU boards.
It is best to connect the MFS and the SGSN to the FR network by two PCM links for added protection.
Bearer Channel: This is N x 64 kbit/s over a 2048 kbit/s link
z N time slots on one PCM link
z FR access line.
SGSN end, a BC can recover all the TSs of the PCM link to have the fastest possible access to the FR network.
MFS end, on a BC, only one PVC will be declared (option chosen by Alcatel for simplicity). Therefore, for security: two BCs per
BSC, each on a different PCM link (see next slides).
If no FR network, the declarations of the physical and SNS layers must be the same at both ends.

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5 Annex
The Gb interface - SubNetwork Service layer

PCU1
BSSGP
Frame Relay

NSC

BSSGP
BC1
DLCIm

SNS
Physical
layer

PVC2

Frame
Relay

PVC3

NSC

BC4

SNS
DLCIr

PVC4
DLCIo

SNS
Physical
layer

DLCIp

PVC1

BSSGP

NSC

BCa

Gb

Physical
layer

Gb

SGSN
PVC

Bearer Channel

PCU2

86
The FR layer is part of the layer 2 in OSI model = Sub-Network Service layer (2.1). On top of this layer, and for telecom and
quality of service purposes was added the Network Service Control layer (2.2).
The "Bearer Channel" object of GPRS corresponds to the notion of FR access line. On a BC, there can be several PVCs
(Permanent Virtual Circuits), each identified by a DLCI, which may be different at each end.
Alcatel has set the limit on the BSS (MFS) side, to one PVC per BC.
Several PVCs are needed:
z firstly because a PVC is used for traffic with a given BSC (and therefore several BSCs means several PVCs)
z secondly to provide security at Frame Relay level by introducing redundancy
There is also, on each BC, a virtual link (with DLCI=0) for signaling with the FR switch.

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5 Annex
The Gb interface - Network Service Control layer
PCU1
BSSGP
BSC1

NSC

NS-VCI= 11
NSEI=x

SNS
Physical
layer

BSSGP

NS-VCI=12
Frame
Relay

NS-VCI=14

SNS
Physical
layer

NSC

NS-VCI=13

NSC
BSC2

BSSGP

Gb

SNS
Physical
layer

NSEI=y
Gb

SGSN

PCU2

NS-VC
NSE

87
The Network Service Control layer is used:
z To transport BSSGP frames between MFS and SGSN
z To manage FR virtual circuits (offering in particular a common identifier for the PVCs: these are the NS-VCs (Network
Service layer - Virtual Circuit) thanks to a range of standard procedures : (un)block, reset and test.
z To share dynamically the UL/DL traffic (BSC to SGSN) over the existing NS-VCs of the same NSE
Multiplexing scheme: 1 NS-VC = 1 PVC.
NSE = Network Service Entity, identified by its NSEI, representing the packet traffic to/from a given BSC. The NSE = NS-VCs
dedicated to the packet traffic for one BSC. NSEI is information included in the messages between SGSN and MFS.

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5 Annex
The Gb interface - BSS GPRS Protocol
PCU1

BVCI=i
BVCI=j

BSC1

BVCI=k

NSC

BVC
I=

i, BV

CI=j
,B

SNS

VCI=
k

BSSGP

Physical
layer

BVCI=m

BV

m
CI=

C
, BV

, BV
I= n

CI=

BVCI=n

SNS

BSC2

BVCI=p

NSC

NSC

Physical
layer

SNS
cell

Physical
layer

BVC

PCU2

SGSN

Gb

NSE
88
BVC = BSSGP Virtual Connection.
z One BVC for each cell (Point-To-Point BVC) to identify traffic to a particular cell within a NSE.
z One BVC-SIG (identified by BVCI0 : the fine black line) for signaling with the BSC (one per NSE).
The standard also provides for BVC-PTMs. Not implemented.
NSEI and BVCI are information items included in all messages between SGSN and MFS. This information must be consistent on
either sides of the Gb interface.
Review of the role of the BSSGP:
z to relay LLC frame (one LLC frame encapsulated into one BSSGP frame) and offer QoS over the Gb
z BVC management = management of packet traffic flow for a cell (DL flow control mechanisms, BVC supervision
procedures, etc)
z MFS-SGSN signaling for LLC relay management and MS mobility management

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5 Annex
R97/98 QoS attributes
Precedence

R e lia b il it y
C la s s

Precedence Name

Interpretation

High priority

Normal priority

Service commitments shall be maintained ahead of precedence class 3.

Low priority

Service commitments shall be maintained after precedence classes 1 and 2.

GTP M ode

Service commitments shall be maintained ahead of precedence classes 2 and 3.

L L C F ra m e
M ode

L L C D a ta
P r o t e c t io n

R L C B lo c k
M ode

A c k n o w le d g e d

A c k n o w le d g e d

P ro te c te d

A c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

A c k n o w le d g e d

P ro te c te d

A c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

P ro te c te d

A c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

P ro te c te d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

U n p r o te c te d

U n a c k n o w le d g e d

T r a f f ic T y p e
N o n r e a l-tim e tra ffic ,
e r ro r- s e n s itiv e
a p p lic a tio n t h a t c a n n o t
c o p e w ith d a ta lo s s .
N o n r e a l-tim e tra ffic ,
e r ro r- s e n s itiv e
a p p lic a tio n t h a t c a n
c o p e w ith in f re q u e n t
d a ta lo s s .
N o n r e a l-tim e tra ffic ,
e r ro r- s e n s itiv e
a p p lic a tio n t h a t c a n
c o p e w ith d a ta lo s s ,
G M M /S M , a n d S M S .
R e a l-t im e tr a f fic , e rr o r s e n s it iv e a p p lic a t io n th a t
c a n c o p e w it h d a ta lo s s .
R e a l-t im e tr a f fic , e rr o r
n o n - s e n s itiv e a p p lic a t io n
th a t c a n c o p e w ith d a ta
lo s s .

89

Peak Throughput Class


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Peak Throughput in octets per second


Up to 1 000 (8 kbit/s).
Up to 2 000 (16 kbit/s).
Up to 4 000 (32 kbit/s).
Up to 8 000 (64 kbit/s).
Up to 16 000 (128 kbit/s).
Up to 32 000 (256 kbit/s).
Up to 64 000 (512 kbit/s).
Up to 128 000 (1 024 kbit/s).
Up to 256 000 (2 048 kbit/s).

Mean Throughput Class


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
31

Alcatel University - 8AS 90200 1322 VH ZZA Ed.10 P01

Mean Throughput in octets per hour


100 (~0.22 bit/s).
200 (~0.44 bit/s).
500 (~1.11 bit/s).
1 000 (~2.2 bit/s).
2 000 (~4.4 bit/s).
5 000 (~11.1 bit/s).
10 000 (~22 bit/s).
20 000 (~44 bit/s).
50 000 (~111 bit/s).
100 000 (~0.22 kbit/s).
200 000 (~0.44 kbit/s).
500 000 (~1.11 kbit/s).
1 000 000 (~2.2 kbit/s).
2 000 000 (~4.4 kbit/s).
5 000 000 (~11.1 kbit/s).
10 000 000 (~22 kbit/s).
20 000 000 (~44 kbit/s).
50 000 000 (~111 kbit/s).
Best effort.

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5 Glossary of abbreviations used


A to L

ALMAP: ALcatel MAnagement Platform


APN: Access Point Name
AS: Alpha Server (Compaq)
BG: Border Gateway
BSC: Base Station Controller
BSS: Base Station Subsystem
BSCGP: BSC-GPRS Protocol
BSSGP: BSS-GPRS Protocol
BVCI: BSSGP Virtual Connection Identifier
CCBS: Customer Care and Billing Center
CCU: Channel Codec Unit
CDR: Call Detail Record
CG: Charging Gateway
CS: Circuit Switching
DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DL: Down Link

DLCI= Data Link Connection Identifier


DNS: Domain Name System
EDGE: Enhanced Data rates for GSM
Evolution
FUMO : Frame Unit Module
FR: Frame Relay
GPRS: General Packet Radio Service
GGSN: Gateway GSN
GMM: GPRS Mobility Management
GR: GPRS Register
GSL: GPRS Signaling Link
GSM: Global System for Mobile
communication
GSN: GPRS Support Node
GSS: GPRS Sub-System
GTP: GPRS Tunneling Protocol
HLR: Home Location Register
HSCSD: High Speed Circuit-Switching Data

90

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5 Glossary of abbreviations used


M to R

IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity


IP: Internet Protocol
ISDN : Integrated Service Digital Network
ISP: Internet Service Provider
LAN: Local Area Network
LLC: Logical Link Control
MAC: Medium Access Control
MFS: Multi-Bsc Fast packet Server
MNRG: Mobile Not Reachable for Gprs
MS: Mobile Station
MSC: Mobile Switching Center
MT: Mobile Terminal
NDL :
NE: Network Element
NMC: Network Management Center
NNM: Network Node Manager
NRPA : Network Requested PDP Context Activation
NSAPI: Network Service Access Point Identifier
NSC: Network Service Control layer
NSEI: Network Service Entity Identifier

NSS: Network Sub-System


NS-VC: Network Service- Virtual Circuit
NTP: Network Time Protocol
DB : On Demand Bandwidth
OMC: Operation & Maintenance Center
OS: Operation System
PAGCH: Packet- Access Grant Channel
PCCCH: Packet- Common Control
CHannel
PCO: Protocol Configuration Options
PCU: Packet Control Unit
PDCH: Packet Data CHannel
PDN: Packet Data Network
PDP: Packet Data Protocol (IP or X25)
PDU: Protocol Data Unit
PPCH: Packet- Paging CHannel
PRACH: Packet- Random Access
CHannel
PS: Packet Switching

91

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5 Glossary of abbreviations used


R to Z

P-TMSI: Packet- Temporary Mobile Subscriber


Identity

PVC: Permanent Virtual Circuit

P-VLR: Packet- Visitors Location Register

QoS: Quality of Service

RA: Routing Area

RIP : Routing Information Protocol

RLC: Radio Link Control


RADIUS: Remote Authentication Dial In Use Service

RRDTUF : Roaming Restriction Data Towards


Unknown Foreign PLMN

RRM: Radio Resource Management

RSZ : Regional Subscription Zone

SGSN: Serving GSN

SM: Session Management | Short Message

SMS: Short Message Service

SMS-C: SMS-Center
SNDCP: Sub Network-Dependent Convergence

Protocol

SNMP: Simple Network Management


Protocol
SNS: Sub-Network Service layer
TBF: Temporary Block Flow
TC: Trans Coder
TCH: Traffic CHannel
TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
TDMA: Time-Division Multiplexing Access
TFI: Temporary block Flow Identifier
TID: Tunnel IDentity
TLLI: Temporary Logical Link Identity
TMN: Telecommunication Management
Protocol
TS: Time Slot
UDP: User Datagram protocol
UL: Up Link
UMTS: Universal Mobile Transmission
System
WAP: Wireless Application Protocol
WAN: Wide Area Network
92

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5 Main GPRS Standards


EN 301 344 (GSM 03.60) GPRS Service description stage 2
TS 101 350 (GSM 03.64)

Overall description of the GPRS radio interface, stage 2

GSM 04.60

GPRS MS-BSS interface. RLC/MAC protocols

TS 101 351 (GSM 04.64)

MS-SGSN Logical Link Control layer

TS 101 297 (GSM 04.65)

MS-SGSN Sub-Network-Dependent Convergence Protocol layer

TS 101 356 (GSM 07.60)

MS supporting GPRS

GSM 08.18

BSS-SGSN BSS GPRS Protocol (BSSGP)

EN 301 347 (GSM 09.60) GPRS Tuneling Protocol (GTP) across the Gn and Gp interface

TS 101 348 (GSM 09.61)

GPRS inter-working between PLMN and PDN

TR 10.18

O&M in GPRS

TS 101 393 (GSM 12.15)

(GSM 10.18)

GPRS charging

93
New ETSI standard designations:
z EN = ETSI Standard
z TS = Technical Specification
z TR = Technical Report
z TS and TR are less constraining than a true standard (EN).
The designation GSM xx.xx remains valid.

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Page 93

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