2G/3G/4G

GSM/UMTS/LTE

Packet Core Network

Introduction
Date : 13/12/2013

Guillaume BRQUIGNY

France Telecom Group restricted

 Agenda:

Introduction & Reminders

Mobile Networks.Today.& 3GPP
Mobile Networks.History & Evolution
Packet Core Overview
2G (GSM) / 3G (UMTS) Packet Core
4G (LTE) Packet Core
Generics mobile networks mechanisms (3GPP R8)
Main Identities & Principles
Procedures

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Introduction & Reminders

Mobile Network
.History and Evolution

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Mobile Networks Architecture Overview (1/2)

PSTN
2G
e.g.: GSM
Circuit Core

3G
e.g.: UMTS
UE
Packet Core

4G Internet
e.g.: LTE

User part Access part Core part Service part

(Radio)
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Mobile Networks Architecture Overview (2/2)

PSTN
2G
e.g.: GSM
Circuit Core
example voice over 2G

3G
e.g.: UMTS
UE
Packet Core
example data over 3G
4G Internet
e.g.: LTE

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Introduction & Reminders

Mobile Network
.History and Evolution

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 HLR (Home Location Register)
first, there was the GSM (2G) AUC (Authentication Centre)
EIR (Equipment Identity Register)
MSC (Mobile switching Centre)
VLR (Visitor Location Register)

CS CN
2G Circuit Switched Core Network

UE
100%
Circuit-Switched

100%
Voice

12 kb/s
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first, there was the GSM (2G)
then, 3GPP Release 97 introduced the GPRS (2,5G) for data

GPRS
UE

EDGE
GPRS
Packet Core

12 kb/s 170 kb/s

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first, there was the GSM (2G)
then, 3GPP Release 97 introduced the GPRS (2,5G) for data

SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node)

GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node)

UE

12 kb/s 170 kb/s

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first, there was the GSM (2G)
then, 3GPP Release 97 introduced the GPRS (2,5G) for data
next Release 99 (R3 & R4) introduced the UMTS (3G)

UE

3G

12 kb/s 170 kb/s 384 kb/s

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first, there was the GSM (2G)
then, 3GPP Release 97 introduced the GPRS (2,5G) for data
next Release 99 introduced the UMTS (3G)
and R5, R6, R7 introduced: radio improvements (HSPA) & IMS.

CS CN
GERAN
MGW MGW
Circuit-switched network
(PSTN, )
BSC MSC server GMSC
VLR server
BTS

UE HLR HSS
UTRAN
HSPA SGSN
IMS
RNC

GGSN
NodeB
3GDT
PS CN Packet-switched
network (Internet, )

Access network Core network

12 kb/s 170 kb/s 384 kb/s 42 Mb/s 11 Mb/s
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first, there was the GSM (2G)
then, 3GPP Release 97 introduces the GPRS (2,5G) for data
next Release 99 (R3 & R4) introduced the UMTS (3G)
and R5, R6, R7 introduced: radio improvements (3G+) & IMS.
and R8 introduced: radio improvements (LTE) & multi-access core network (EPC).

GERAN
CS CN
BSC MGW MGW
Circuit-switched network
BTS
(PSTN, )
UTRAN MSC server GMSC
VLR server

RNC
UE NodeB

eUTRAN
IMS
LTE EPC
eNodeB
SAE
Packet-switched
3GPP or not All other Accesses network (Internet, )

Access network Core network

12 kb/s 170 kb/s 384 kb/s 42 Mb/s 11 Mb/s 100 Mb/s 50 Mb/s
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 Mobile Networks.History & Evolution Summary

pre-R8 beyond R8
R8

GSM (2,G) GPRS (2,5G) EDGE (2,5G) UMTS (3G) LTE (4G)

PSCN (GPRS Backbone) EPC

12 kb/s 170 kb/s 384 kb/s 42 Mb/s 11 Mb/s 100 Mb/s 50 Mb/s

3GPP R8 is now the specification release as reference for Mobile Networks

Packet Core pre-R8 => PSCN. Packet Switched Core Network

3GPP TS 23.060: General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Service description
http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/html-info/23060.htm

Packet Core R8 => EPC Evolved Packet Core

3GPP TS 23.401: EPC architecture focusing on 3GPP access with GTP-based S5/S8
http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/html-info/23401.htm

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Packet Core Overview

PSCN
. Packet Switched Core Network

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 Pre-R8 Architecture:

PSCN functional entities mandatory

SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node: HLR Home Local Register:
A control entity for 2G/3G users authentication (Gr) & A control entities for users
mobility management (Iu/Gb) Authorization, Authentication and
Localization (Gr)
Bearer (PDP) management function (Gn)
Introduced with GSM and CSCN GTPv1
Lawful Interception GTPv1
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding (Gb/Iu if no (3G DT option)
Iu/Gn-UP (3GDT))

HLR MAP

Gr

GERAN Gb Gn
IP services
IuPS SGSN Gn-CP AF network
Gi
UE GGSN
UTRAN Gn Iu/ Gn-UP

GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node:

A user plane entity, anchoring 2G/3G accesses (Gn), and
managing and terminating bearers (PDP)
Edge gateway to PDN Accesses (Gi)
Bearer management function (IP address allocation)
Lawful Interception
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding
Charging & Policy Enforcement (Gx, etc.)

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 Pre-R8 Architecture:

PSCN functional entities optional

PCRF - Policy Control & Charging
Rule Function:
A control entity providing the
operators charging and QoS
policies .

GTPv1
GTPv1
(3G DT option)

Diameter
PCRF
HLR
MAP

Gx
Gr Rx

GERAN Gb Gn
SGSN IP services
IuPS Gn-CP AF network
SGi
UE GGSN
UTRAN Gn Iu/ Gn-UP

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Packet Core Overview

EPC
. Evolved Packet Core

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 R8 Architecture:

EPC functional entities mandatory HSS Home Subscriber Subsystem:

SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node: control entity providing exactly the same
control entity providing exactly the same functions than in preR8 but enhanced functions than the HLR (see preR8) but
in order to support using new EPC interfaces based on Diameter and GTPv2 enhanced in order to support using new
EPC interfaces based on Diameter
for 2G/3G users authentication (S6d) & mobility management (Iu/Gb)
users Authorization, Authentication and
Bearer management function (S4) Localization (S6a/S6d)
Lawful Interception note the HSS was introduced with IMS
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding (Gb/Iu if no S12 (3GDT)) MME - Mobility Management Entity:
A control entity for LTE users
authentication (S6a) & LTE mobility
GERAN Gb
GTP
management (S1-MME/S10)
S6d
SGSN
IuPS HSS GTP or (P)MIP Inter CN node signaling for mobility
Diameter between 3GPP access networks
UTRAN S6a (S3)
S12
S3 S4 Bearer management functions (S11)

UE MME
S1-MME
S11 Serving S5 PDN IP services
E-UTRAN S10 AF network
Gateway Gateway
SGi
S1-U

SGW - Serving Gateway: PGW PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway:

A user plane entity, anchoring LTE (S1-U) and
other 3GPP accesses (S12)
Bearer management function (S11/S4)
Terminates 3GPP/LTE access bearers
Lawful Interception
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding
Packet Core Introduction
A user plane entity, anchoring 3GPP (S5) and non-3GPP
accesses (S2x) and terminating bearers
Edge gateway to PDN Accesses (SGi)
Bearer management function (IP address allocation)
Lawful Interception
Charging & Policy Enforcement (Gx, etc.)
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 R8 Architecture:

EPC functional entities optionalbut recommended

GTP
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
S6d Diameter
IuPS SGSN HSS
PCRF
UTRAN S6a
S3 S4
S12
Gx
Rx

UE MME
S1-MME

S11 Serving S5 PDN IP services

E-UTRAN
Gateway Gateway AF network
S10 SGi
S1-U

PCRF - Policy Control & Charging Rule

Function:
A control entity providing the
operators charging and QoS
policies.

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Generics mobile networks mechanisms (3GPP Release 8))

Main Identities & Principles

User and Terminal ids
Data over Mobile Network
Mobility Management

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 Main identities

IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): is a private id identifying the SIM card. It is made of:
subscriber country id (Mobile Country Code, e.g.: 226 for Romania),
subscriber operator id (Mobile Network Code, e.g.: 10 for Orange), and
subscriber number (Mobile Subscriber Identification Number).

MSISDN (Mobile Station International ISDN Number <> Mobile Station International Subscriber Data
Number): is a public id identifying the user subscription in the network (e.g.: phone number:
+40.7.xx.xx.xx.xx)

IMEI (International Mobile station Equipment Identity): identifies the terminal.

TMSI (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) is a temporary id, indentifying each mobile in the network
and correlating an allocated TMSI with the IMSI of the MS to which it is allocated. This id is used in
order to avoid to have to send too often the IMSI over the network for security issues.
Within the SGSN, the mobile shall be identified by the P-TMSI (Packet-TMSI)
Within the MME, the mobile shall be identified by the M-TMSI (MME-TMSI).
Note: within the MSC/VLR, the mobile shall be identified by the TMSI (TMSI)

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 Data over Mobile Network. principle
1 Bearer = IP sub-session between UE and PGW used to carry data traffic. It is
associated to one APN and one QoS.
This IP tunnel is transported by 2 GTP tunnels (identified by 4 Tunnel Endpoint ID)

UE SGSN/MME PGW
Data flows

S3 or S11
APN
RAN SGSN/SGW
RAB TEID TEID TEID TEID
( Bearer-id ) IP@
( Bearer-id )
IP@ Iu or S1 S4 or S5
( Bearer-id ) (for Gb , no RAB no TEID, LLC connection
from UE to SGSN)
Bearer (IP@, Bearer-id, QoS, APN)
1 IP session can carry one or more bearers (see APN: Access Point Name identifies the
default/dedicated bearer and primary/secondary external network or services that the user
PDP Context ) wants to connect. It may be considered as
a gate present on GGSN.
All the information about a UE store and exchange
through the network are named Context. The bearer The APN is composed of two parts as follows:
information regarding a UE are named Bearer Contexts The APN Network Identifier; this defines to which external network the
GGSN is connected and optionally a requested service by the
or PDP Contexts. MS. This part of the APN is mandatory.
The APN Operator Identifier; this defines in which PLMN GPRS
backbone the GGSN is located. This part of the APN is optional.

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 Mobility Managementconcept
Mobility management is the way for a mobile network to track the location of the user till he is connected to
the network.
Concepts:
cells and xA (x Area):
attachment and location (MM Context)

Mobile network is a cell based network. the

coverage is divided into several areas which are
sets of cells.
xA (xArea): shortcut for RA (Routing Area) in 2G/3G
and TA (Tracking Area) in LTE, is a set of one or
several cells. The MME/SGSN controls a service
area containing several xAs.
Note: A RA is a subset of one (and only one)
Location Area (LA).

In order to be located the UE must be attached to

the network (location must be often updated when
the UE moves). This is the role of the MME/SGSN.
When a MME/SGSN has registered a UE, all the
information stored about this UE are named
Context. The mobility information regarding a UE
are named MM Context.

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Generics mobile networks mechanisms (3GPP Release 8))

3 main 3GPP R8 Procedures:

1. Attachof user to the network: for user authentication, authorization & localization
2. Activationof an IP Session for a user: for user data flow bearing
3. Mobilityof a user: for user location tracking

/!\ Warning: in LTE, Attach always includes IP session activation, vs. in 2G/3G
Attach may or not include activation.

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 1. Attach Procedures

Attach IMSI
Detach
Purge (optional)
Attach TMSI: named Attach P-TMSI in 2G/3G and Attach GUTI (M-TMSI) in LTE

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 1.a Attach IMSI Procedure
1. Attach Request 2. Authentication
(IMSI 1; e.g.: 226 10 xxx xxx) (IMSI 1; e.g.: 226 10 xxx xxx)
3. Update Location Request
5. Attach Accept
(TMSI 1, xAi 1)
MME/SGSN (IMSI 1; e.g.: 226 10 xxx xxx) HSS/HLR
6. Attach Complete
1 4. Update Location Accept
(Subscriber Data:
MSISDN 1; e.g.: +40.7.xx.xxx.xxx;
APN Subscribed;
UE QoS)
IMSI1

S/PGW
EPC 1

MME/SGSN
2

eNB/RNC S/PGW
2
Under 2G or 3G coverage the UE attaches to SGSN
Under LTE coverage the UE attaches to MME

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 1.a Attach IMSI Results

UE is attached UE is located
MME/SGSN 1 HSS/HLR
TMSI 1=IMSI 1
IMSI 1 => xA1 IMSI 1 => MME/SGSN1

UE
TMSI 1
S/PGW 1
EPC

MME/SGSN
2

eNB/RNC S/PGW 2

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 1.b Detach Procedure

1. Detach Request
(TMSI 1)
MME/SGSN HSS/HLR
2. Detach Accept 1 IMSI 1 => MME/SGSN 1
TMSI 1=IMSI 1
UE
TMSI 1
S/PGW
EPC 1

MME/SGSN
2
eNB/RNC S/PGW
2

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 1.b Detach Results

UE is detached
MME/SGSN
1
HSS/HLR
TMSI 1=IMSI 1
IMSI 1 = MME/SGSN1

UE
TMSI 1
S/PGW
1

MME/SGSN
2
eNB/RNC
S/PGW
2
Even if the UE is detached the
MME/SGSN and the HSS/HLR may
keep for some time the information
related to the detached UE
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 1.c Purge Procedure

UE is detached
MME/SGSN
1. Purge
1 (IMSI 1; e.g.: 226 10 xxx xxx) HSS/HLR
TMSI 1= IMSI 1 IMSI 1 => MME/SGSN1

UE
TMSI 1
S/PGW
EPC 1

MME/SGSN
2
eNB/RNC S/PGW
2

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1.d Attach TMSI Procedure
UE is detached

1. Attach Request
(TMSI 1)
MME/SGSN
5. Attach Accept
(xAi) 1 HSS/HLR
TMSI 1=IMSI 1
UE 6. Attach Complete IMSI 1 => xA1
IMSI 1 => MME/SGSN1

S/PGW
1
EPC

MME/SGSN
2
eNB/RNC
S/PGW
2

Under 2G or 3G coverage the UE achieves P-TMSI Attach (TMSI=P-TMSI), the UE attaches to SGSN
Under LTE coverage the UE achieves GUTI Attach (TMSI=GUTI), the UE attaches to MME
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 1.d Attach TMSI Results = 1.a Attach IMSI Results

MME/SGSN
UE is attached 1 UE is located
TMSI 1=IMSI 1 HSS/HLR
IMSI 1 => xA1
IMSI 1 => MME/SGSN1

UE
TMSI 1

S/PGW 1
EPC

MME/SGSN
2

eNB/RNC
S/PGW 2

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 2. Activation Procedures

IP Session establishment for default data flows:

Default Bearer Activation by the UE procedure

Under 2G or 3G coverage the UE activates to SGSN a PDP Context (Primary)
Under LTE coverage the UE activates to MME a PDN Connectivity (Default Bearer)

Dedicated bearer for dedicated data flow (e.g.: requiring specific QoS)

Dedicated Bearer Activation by the NW procedure

Under PCRF information the S/PGW take the decision to activate a dedicated bearer for this new service

Under 2G or 3G coverage the SGSN requests the UE to activate a Secondary PDP Context
Under LTE coverage the MME activates to the UE a Dedicated Bearer

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 2a. Default Bearer Activation by the UE (IP Session Activation) - Procedure
DNS
1. LTE: Activate PDN Connectivity Rq / APN 1 S/PGW 1
1. 2G/3G: Activate PDP context Rq APN 2 S/PGW 2
(Bearer-id (LTE) /NSAPI (2G/3G), APN 2, QoS, )

6. LTE: Activate PDN Connectivity Rp / MME/SGSN

6.2G/3G: Activate PDP context Rp
(IP@, QoS ) 1
7. LTE: Activate PDN Connectivity Complete
TMSI 1 S/PGW Internet
UE () 1 APN 1
TMSI 1
4. Create Session Rq
(Bearer-id,NSAPI APN 2, PCRF
5. Create Session Rp IP@, QoS )
(Bearer id, IP@, QoS )
4. IP-CAN Session Creation
(QoS and Charging rules)

MME /SGSN
2 S/PGW
eNB/RNC Intranet
2 APN 2

Under 2G or 3G coverage the UE activates to SGSN a PDP Context (Primary)

Under LTE coverage the UE activates to MME a PDN Connectivity (Default Bearer)
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 2a. Default Bearer Activation by the UE (IP Session Activation) - Results

MME/SGSN
1
TMSI 1
MME/SGSN EPC
2
S/PGW
Bearer #1
1 APN 1
Internet
{ @ IP = 'x' ; QoS = 'a' ; Bearer-id= 1 }

S/PGW
2
UE

APN 2 Service 1
eNB/RNC

Intranet
Intranet

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 2b. Dedicated Bearer Activation by the NW - Procedure
4. LTE: Bearer Setup Rq /
4. 2G/3G: Request Secondary PDP Ctxt Activation
(Bearer-id (LTE), LBI (LTE), Linked SAPI (2G/3G), QoS )
5. LTE: Bearer Setup Rp /
MME/SGSN
5. 2G/3G: Activate Secondary PDP Ctxt Proc. 1
(Bearer-id (LTE), NSAPI (2G/3G), Linked SAPI (2G/3G), TMSI 1
QoS )
3. Create Bearer Rq PCRF
MME/SGSN (IMSI, LBI, QoS, TFT)
2
2. IP-CAN Session Modification
6. Create Bearer Rp ()
UE (Bearer ID, )

1. Application service Info

S/PGW ()
Bearer #1 2
{ @ IP = 'x' ; QoS = 'a' ; Bearer-id= 1 }
Intranet

eNB/RNC
APN 2 Service 1

Service 2
Under PCRF information the S/PGW take the decision to activate a dedicated bearer for this new service

Under 2G or 3G coverage the SGSN requests the UE to activate a Secondary PDP Context
Intranet
Under LTE coverage the MME activates to UE a Dedicated Bearer

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 2b. Dedicated Bearer Activation by the NW - Results

MME/SGSN
1
TMSI 1
MME/SGSN EPC
2
S/PGW
Bearer #1
1 APN 1
Internet
{ @ IP = 'x' ; QoS = 'a' ; Bearer-id= 1 }

S/PGW
2
UE
Bearer #2 APN 2 Service 1
{ @ IP = 'x' ; QoS = 'b' ; berarer id= 2; TFT }

eNB/RNC
Service 2
Intranet
Based on filters the UE and S/PGW is capable to map the service flows on Intranet
the relevant Bearer

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 3. Mobility Procedures

Idle mode: the user is moving but DOES NOT achieve traffic:
service continuity and packe forwarding is NOT requested

=> xArea* update

Active mode: the user is moving and is achieving traffic:
service continuity and packet forwarding is requested

=> Handover
*Warning: xArea does not exist from 3GPP perspective and stand for RA or TA. It has been defined in
this document for pedagogic purpose.

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 3a. xArea update (RA update in 2G/3G or TA update in LTE with MME/SGSN change) - Procedure

4.b Cancel Location

MME /SGSN HSS/HLR

1
TMSI 1 = IMSI1
IMSI 1 = MME/SGSN1
IMSI 1 = MME/SGSN2
IMSI 1=> xAi 1

UE
TMSI 1 4.a Update Location
2. Context Rq/Rp
(TMSI 1)
S/PGW
1
1. xA Update Request
(old xAi, TMSI 1) 3.b Delete Session
5. xA Update Accept MME/SGSN 3.a Create Session
(TMSI 2, new xAi)
6. xA Update Complete
2
TMSI 2 = IMSI 1
IMSI 1=> xAi 2 S/PGW
eNB/RNC
TMSI 2
2

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 3b. Handover (LTE) Procedure 1/2 Preparation Phase

eNB
1 MME HSS
1. HO Required
(source) () 1
GUTI 1
IMSI 1 = MME 1

UE
GUTI 1

2. Forward Relocation R
6. HO Command
()
S/PGW
()
1

eNB 5. HO Rq
() MME 3.a Create Session
2
(target)
5a. HO Rq Ack
2
GUTI 2
S/PGW
2

Service 1

Intranet
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 3b. Handover (LTE) Procedure 2/2 Execution Phase

7.b Cancel Location

eNB
1 8. UE Context Release MME HSS
(source) 1 IMSI 1 = MME 1
IMSI 1 = MME 2
GUTI 1
UE
GUTI 1 7.a Update Location
3. Forward Relocation Complete
()
S/PGW
1
1. HO Confirm
() 6. Delete Session
eNB 2. HO Notify
() MME 4. Modify Bearer
2
(target) 2
5. TA update GUTI 2 S/PGW
2
Data Buffering

Service 1

Intranet
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 Multumesc

questions?

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 Annexes

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 Orange Romania

GPRS Protocols Control Plan

SM SM
/ GMM / GMM

LLC LLC GTP GTP

RLC RLC BSSGP BSSGP UDP/IP UDP/IP

MAC MAC NS NS L2 L2

L1 RF L1 RF L1 L1 L1 L1

Um Gb Gn Gi
BSS SGSN GGSN
MS

User-Plan
Appli Appli

PDP
IP IP

SNDCP SNDCP GTP GTP

IP IP
LLC LLC
UDP/IP UDP/IP
RLC RLC BSSGP BSSGP

MAC MAC NS NS L2 L2 L2 L2

L1 RF L1 RF L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1
 Orange Romania

UMTS Protocols
Control Plan

SM SM
/ GMM / GMM
RANAP RANAP
RRC RRC GTP-C GTP-C
SCCP SCCP

RLC RLC Sig. Bearer Sig. Bearer UDP/IP UDP/IP

MAC MAC
L2 L2 L2 L2
L1 RF L1 RF L1 L1 L1 L1

Uu Iu-PS Gn Gi
UTRAN SGSN GGSN
UE

User-Plan
Appli Appli
PDP
IP IP

PDCP PDCP GTP-U GTP-U GTP-U GTP-U

IP IP

RLC RLC UDP/IP UDP/IP UDP/IP UDP/IP

MAC MAC
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
L1 RF L1 RF L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1
 Orange Romania

LTE Protocols
Control Plan
EMM/ EMM/

ECM/ ECM/

ESM ESM

RRC RRC S1-AP S1-AP

PDCP PDCP SCTP SCTP GTPv2-C GTPv2-C

RLC RLC IP IP UDP/IP UDP/IP

MAC MAC
L2 L2 L2 L2
L1 RF L1 RF L1 L1 L1 L1

LTE-Uu S1-MME S11 SGi

E-UTRAN MME SGW/PGW
UE

User-Plan
Appli Appli
bearer
IP IP

PDCP PDCP GTPv1-U GTPv1-U GTP1-U GTPv1-U

IP IP

RLC RLC UDP/IP UDP/IP UDP/IP UDP/IP

MAC MAC
L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2
L1 RF L1 RF L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1
 Tracking the UE

Cell update is the means by which a

MS informs the network of its current
cell location.
Intra-routing update is the procedure
used when a MS changes RA and
remains
serviced by the same SGSN.
Inter-routing update is the procedure
used when the entry of a MS to a new
RA
triggers a change of X area.

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EPC Architecture:

Main new functional entities introduced in R8

GTP
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
S6d HSS
Diameter
IuPS SGSN
PCRF
S6a
UTRAN SWx
S3 S4
S12
Gx
3GPP Rx
AAA server
MME
S1-MME S6b

S11 S5 PDN
Serving PDN
E-UTRAN AF (IP services network)
S10 Gateway Gateway SGi
S1-U

STa SWm
UE
Trusted S2b
non-3GPP
IP access S2a
SWa
MME - Mobility Management Entity
SGW - Serving Gateway
Untrusted
non-3GPP ePDG
IP access
SWn
PGW - PDN* Gateway
(*Packet Data Network)

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EPC Architecture:

Main new functional entities introduced in R8: MME

GTP
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
S6d HSS
Diameter
IuPS SGSN
PCRF
S6a
UTRAN SWx
S3 S4
S12
Gx
3GPP Rx
AAA server
MME
S1-MME S6b

S11 S5 IP services
Serving PDN
E-UTRAN AF network
S10 Gateway Gateway SGi
S1-U

STa SWm
UE
Trusted S2b
non-3GPP
IP access S2a
SWa MME - Mobility Management Entity:
Untrusted A control entity for LTE users
ePDG
authentication (S6a) & LTE mobility
non-3GPP
IP access
SWn
management (S1-MME/S10)
Inter CN node signaling for mobility
between 3GPP access networks (S3)
Bearer management functions (S11)

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EPC Architecture:

Main new functional entities introduced in R8: SGW

GTP
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
S6d HSS
Diameter
IuPS SGSN
PCRF
S6a
UTRAN SWx
S3 S4
S12
Gx
3GPP Rx
AAA server
MME
S1-MME S6b

S11 S5 IP services
Serving PDN
E-UTRAN AF network
S10 Gateway Gateway SGi
S1-U SWm

STa
UE
Trusted S2b
non-3GPP
IP access S2a
SWa SGW - Serving Gateway:
Untrusted A user plane entity, anchoring LTE (S1-
ePDG
U) and other 3GPP accesses (S12)
non-3GPP
IP access
SWn
Bearer management function (S11/S4)
Terminates 3GPP/LTE access bearers
Lawful Interception
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding

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EPC Architecture:

Main new functional entities introduced in R8: PGW

GTP
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
S6d HSS
Diameter
IuPS SGSN
PCRF
S6a
UTRAN SWx
S3 S4
S12
Gx
3GPP Rx
AAA server
MME
S1-MME S6b

S11 S5 IP services
Serving PDN
E-UTRAN AF network
S10 Gateway Gateway SGi
S1-U SWm

STa
UE
S2b PGW PDN (Packet Data Network)
Trusted
non-3GPP Gateway:
IP access S2a
SWa
A user plane entity, anchoring 3GPP
(S5) and non-3GPP accesses (S2x) and
Untrusted terminating bearers
non-3GPP ePDG
IP access
SWn Edge gateway to PDN Accesses (SGi)
Bearer management function (IP
address allocation)
Lawful Interception
Charging & Policy Enforcement (Gx,
etc.)
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 EPC Architecture:

Pre-R8 functional entities improved for EPC interworking

SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node: HSS Home Subscriber PCRF - Policy Control & Charging
Subsystem: Rule Function:
A control entity for 2G/3G users authentication (S6d) &
mobility management (Iu/Gb) Introduces by IMS A control entity providing the
operators policies with
Bearer management function (S4) Includes HLR charging and QoS per-SAE
Lawful Interception A control entities for users AAA bearer.
and localization
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding (Gb/Iu if no S12
(3GDT))
GTP
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
S6d HSS
SGSN- Diameter
IuPS
preR8
PCRF
S6a
UTRAN SWx
S3 S4
S12
Gx
3GPP Rx
AAA server
UE MME
S1-MME S6b

S11 Serving S5 PDN IP services

E-UTRAN
Gateway Gateway AF network
S10 SGi
S1-U SWm

STa

S2b
Trusted ePDG evolved Packet Data Gateway
non-3GPP
IP access S2a Includes Multi-access SeGW (Security
SWa Gateway)
A control (users authentication and bearer
Untrusted
non-3GPP ePDG management) and user plane entity for
IP access
SWn
untrusted non-3GPP

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 EPC Architecture:

interworking without impact on legacy entities (SGSN Pre-R8 )

GTPv1/v2
GERAN Gb GTP or (P)MIP
Gr HSS/HLR
SGSN- Diameter
IuPS MAP
preR8
PCRF GTPv1
S6a
UTRAN
Gn
Gn
IuPS/Gn Gx
(3GDT) Rx

UE
MME
S1-MME
S11 S5 IP services
Serving PDN
E-UTRAN AF network
S10 Gateway Gateway SGi
S1-U

preR8-SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node:

A control entity for 2G/3G users
authentication (Gr) & mobility management
(Iu/Gb)
Bearer management function (Gn)
Lawful Interception
Packet buffering, routing and forwarding (Gb
and Iu if no 3GDT)

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 Support of 2G/3G access and mobility

2G

3G

inter-RAT
mobility

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