Introduction

WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) is the world’s leading 3G

technology. It introduces a new generation of telecommunication into the world
and changes the way people communicate forever providing mobile users with
data rates up to 2 Mbps. WCDMA is an ultra high-speed, ultra high-capacity
radio technology that generates and carries a new range of rich, fast, colorful
media that consumers will be able to access over their mobiles: color graphics,
video, animations, digital audio, Internet and e-mail.

Introduction
Background
There has been a tremendous growth in wireless communication technology
over the past decade. The significant increase in subscribers and traffic, new
bandwidth consuming applications such as gaming, music down loading and
video streaming places new demands on capacity. The answer to the capacity
demand is the provision of new spectrum and the development of the new
technology, the WCDMA.

WCDMA was developed in order to create a global standard for real time
multimedia services that ensured international roaming. With the support of
ITU (International Telecommunication Union) a specific spectrum was
allocated – 2GHz for 3G telecom systems. The work was later taken over by
the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), which is now the WCDMA
specification body with delegates from all over the world. Ericsson has for a
long time played a very active role in both ITU and 3GPP and is a major
contributor to WCDMA and the fulfillment of the vision of a global mobile
telecommunication system.
3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
The main standardization effort for 3rd generation systems is handled in the
3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). 3GPP is a collaboration between
regional standardization bodies as follows:

 European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)

 Wireless/Mobile Services and Systems technical subcommittee of the
USA’s Committee T1 (T1P1)
 Telecommunication Technology Committee, Japan (TTC)
 Association of Radio Industries and Businesses, Japan (ARIB)
 Telecommunications Technology Association, Korea (TTA)
 China Wireless Telecommunication Standard group (CWTS)

In 2000, the standardization of GSM was moved from the European

Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to the Third-generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) to ensure the integrity of the GSM/WCDMA
platform, thereby eliminating risks for incompatibility and inefficiency that might
have occurred had the standardization been carried out by separate groups.
3GPP is organized in Technical Specifications Group (TSG) as shown in the
figure below:

A fifth technical specifications group (TSG) called the GSM/EDGE Radio

Access Network (GERAN) has been added to 3GPP to accommodate this
work (Figure above). The main objective of the GERAN TSG is to align
GSM/EDGE and WCDMA services, mainly as relates to providing
conversational and streaming service classes. Best-effort and interactive
service classes will also be supported.

These efforts will result in a GERAN system architecture that employs a

common core network for WCDMA RAN and GERAN.
Introduction
WCDMA Evolution Path
WCDMA is a development from GSM and CDMA. The network structure is
based on GSM and the air interface on CDMA.

The GSM network shown in the figure below consists of the Core network and
the Radio Access Network. The end users are offered voice and low data
transmission services. The network provides the Control logic to setup,
maintain and release connections and the Connectivity capabilities that is the
establishment of through connections between the end user and the requested
service. The nodes are interconnected using mainly TDM techniques.

The traditional GSM network has been monolithic. The Monolithic Network
Architecture provides Network Control and Connectivity in a monolithic
implementation, that is, without any layering. This implies that Network Control
and Connectivity are tightly coupled and located in one physical node.
Introduction
WCDMA Evolution Path
The WCDMA consists of the Core Network, the Radio Access Network and the
Service Network. The backbone is ATM based but IP is also possible.

The WCDMA network is a layered network consisting of three layers:

 Connectivity layer consisting of MGWs (The Ericsson M-MGW is

named MGW throughout the WBL) and nodes to realize the mobile
packet backbone network
 Control Layer containing the logic to setup, maintain and terminate call
or service connections
 Service Layer containing all services the end user might have access
to.

Evolving from the monolithic GSM the WCDMA network architecture follows
the concept of layered network, according to 3GPP standards. The separation
into different network layers is visible on logical level, where new logical nodes
and new interfaces are introduced, as well as on physical implementation
where the logical node are being implemented on different physical
nodes/platforms, for example, MSC Server and MGW.
Introduction
WCDMA Evolution Path

GSM is used for second- and third-generation services since it evolves with
EDGE technology, and the existing core network evolves into a layered
architecture that supports GSM and WCDMA.
Introduction
WCDMA Evolution Path
The GSM Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and the WCDMA Radio Access
Network (RAN) are both connected to the GSM core network for providing a
radio connection to the UE. Hence, the technologies can share the same core
network.

Furthermore, both GSM BSS and WCDMA RAN systems are based on the
principles of a cellular radio system. The GSM Base Station Controller (BSC)
corresponds to the WCDMA Radio Network Controller (RNC). The GSM Radio
Base Station (RBS) corresponds to the WCDMA RBS, and the A-interface of
GSM was the basis of the development of the Iu-interface of WCDMA, which
mainly differs in the inclusion of the new services offered by WCDMA.

The significant differences, apart from the lack of interface between the GSM
BSCs and an insufficiently specified GSM Abis-interface to provide multi-
vendor operability, are more of a systemic matter. The GSM system uses
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology with a lot of radio
functionality based on managing the timeslots. The WCDMA system on the
other hand uses CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) which means that both
the hardware and the control functions are different. Examples of WCDMA-
specific functions are fast power control and soft handover.
Introduction

WCDMA Concepts and Functions

Code Division Multiple Access and WCDMA

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a multiple access technology where
the users are separated by unique codes, which means that all users can use
the same frequency and transmit at the same time.

With the fast development in signal processing, it has become feasible to use
the technology for wireless communication, also referred to as WCDMA and
CDMA2000.
Introduction
WCDMA Concepts and Functions
In cdmaOne (Code Division Multiple Access as specified in IS-95) and
CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access as specified in IS 2000), a 1.25
MHz wide radio signal is multiplied by a spreading signal (which is a pseudo-
noise code sequence) with a higher rate than the data rate of the message.
Each information bit is thus represented by a sequence of “chips”. This gives a
considerable bandwidth expansion, as the chip rate is much higher than the
information rate.

The resultant signal appears as seemingly random, but if the intended

recipient has the right code, this process is reversed and the original signal is
extracted. Use of unique codes means that the same frequency is repeated in
all cells, which is commonly referred to as a frequency re-use of 1.

WCDMA is a step further in the CDMA technology. It uses a 5 MHz wide radio
signal and a chip rate of 3.84 Mcps, which is about three times higher than the
chip rate of CDMA2000 (1.22 Mcps).
Introduction

WCDMA Concepts and Functions

Each user has assigned a unique code used for coding his information
elements. The codes of different users are orthogonal i.e. they do not damage
each other so many user can be combined in the same carrier. For a mixed
service connection, each user (service) is optimized to its own specific
requirements (BER, maximum delay, throughput etc.). After orthogonal coding
the different users are multiplexed together onto one physical channel
(carrier).The carrier is the coded with the pseudo-noise code sequence that is
used to separate carriers.
Introduction

WCDMA Concepts and Functions

The main benefits of a wideband carrier with a higher chip rate are:

 Support for higher bit rates suitable for IP users

 Higher spectrum efficiency thanks to improved trunking efficiency. The
reusability pattern is 1:1, i.e. all carriers are can be used in all cells
 Higher QoS for the offered service classes

Introduction
WCDMA Concepts and Functions

Experience from second-generation systems like GSM and cdmaOne has

enabled improvements to be incorporated in WCDMA. Focus has also been
put on ensuring that as much as possible of WCDMA operators’ investments in
GSM equipment can be reused.

Examples are the re-use and evolution of the Core Network, the focus on co-
siting and the support of GSM handover. In order to use GSM handover the
subscribers need dual mode handsets.

Introduction
WCDMA Basic Architecture Concepts

In this section some fundamental views of the WCDMA Core, Radio Access
and Service Networks will be presented. This includes the WCDMA RAN
architecture itself, the radio interface protocol architecture, the Radio Access
Bearer concept and the role of the transport network in a WCDMA RAN.

WCDMA Service Network Architecture

The Ericsson Service Network is a new service creation and delivery solution,
designed to help operators and service providers to bring their Mobile Internet
services into a mass market. Based on the layered network architecture
principles the service network provides open protocols and Application
Programming Interfaces (APIs) that has been standardized by the Third
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

The figure here presents the Service Network position in the layered
architecture.

Introduction
WCDMA Basic Architecture Concepts

The Service Network is a network server-based solution that enables

seamless service delivery between the many different services and
applications, access methods, underlying technologies and user devices
based on IP-technology. The solution is ready for WCDMA and GSM General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS). The GSM/ GPRS and WCDMA networks offer
'always on' connectivity to the Mobile Internet, and has a defined evolution
path for 3G mobile communications.

From the Service Network point of view the core and access network are seen
as a bearer to access the end users.

For application developers and service providers the Service Network offers
open APIs, which allows developers to make and test applications and get
them out into the market quickly. The Service Network gives service providers
an environment where they can easily market their services to subscribers.

Introduction
WCDMA Basic Architecture Concepts

WCDMA Core Network Architecture

The move to a third-generation environment in the Core Network results in a
horizontally layered network that separates payload (voice and data),
transport, session control, and applications or services into three distinct layers
(networks) with open interfaces. This makes it possible to develop and expand
the layers independently of one another. It also allows for the unification of
transport technologies, such as IP, which brings telecommunications and data
networks together. The common Core Network is actually an evolved GSM
Core Network. The main purpose of the WCDMA Core Network is to handle
the call requests offering control logic to establish connection between the
Radio Access, the service network or the external networks based on the
requested QoS (Quality of Service). The Core Network consists of the
following domains:

 CS Domain (Telephony). It contains the nodes involved in voice call

cases and combined to provide complete mobile switching in GSM and
WCDMA networks
 PS Domain (Packet). The nodes in the packet domain are handling the
packet data calls. They provide functionality for entry level to large-
scale packet data networks for both GSM and WCDMA.
 Transport Domain. It provides transport services to voice and packet
data calls.
 Support Domain. The main function in Support Domain is the Lawful
Interception providing user information to the legal authorities.
 Multimedia Domain. It contains the Video Gateway, ViG and the IP
Multimedia, IPMM solutions.

Introduction
WCDMA Basic Architecture Concepts

Radio Access Network (RAN) Architecture

The main purpose of the WCDMA Radio Access Network is to provide a
connection between the UE and the Core Network and to isolate all the radio
issues from the Core Network. The WCDMA Radio Access Network consists of
two types of nodes:

 The Radio Base Station handles the radio transmission and reception
to/from the UE over the radio interface (Uu). It is controlled from the
Radio Network Controller via the Iub interface. One Radio Base Station
can handle one or more cells.
 The Radio Network Controller is the node that controls all WCDMA
Radio Access Network functions. It connects the WCDMA Radio
Access Network to the Core Network via the Iu interface.

Introduction
WCDMA Basic Architecture Concepts
Radio Access Bearer (RAB)
The main service offered by WCDMA RAN is the Radio Access Bearer (RAB).
A Radio Access Bearer (RAB) is the connection segment between the UE and
the Core Network. Its characteristics are different depending on what kind of
service/information to be transported.

The RAB carries the subscriber data between the UE and the Core Network. It
is composed of one or more Radio Access Bearers between the UE and the
Serving RNC, and one Iu bearer between the Serving RNC and the Core
Network.

3GPP has defined four different quality classes of:

 Conversational (used for e.g. voice telephony)

 Streaming (used for e.g. watching a video clip)
 Interactive (used for e.g. web surfing) – moderate delay
 Background (used for e.g. file transfer) – no delay requirement

Both the Conversational and Streaming RABs require a certain reservation of

resources in the network, and are primarily meant for real-time services. They
differ mainly in that the Streaming RAB tolerates a higher delay, appropriate for
one-way real-time services.

The Interactive and Background RABs are so called ‘best effort’, i.e. no
resources are reserved and the throughput depends on the load in the cell.
The only difference is that the Interactive RAB provides a priority mechanism.

The RAB is characterized by certain Quality of Service (QoS) parameters,

such as bit rate and delay. The Core Network will select a RAB with
appropriate QoS based on the service request from the subscriber, and ask
the RNC to provide such a RAB.

Introduction
WCDMA Basic Architecture Concepts
Transport in WCDMA Radio Access Network
The WCDMA Radio Access Network nodes communicate with each other over
a transport network. The 3GPP specification provides a very clear split
between radio related (WCDMA) functionality and the transport technology,
meaning that there is no particular bias to any technology. The transport
network is initially based on ATM, but IP will soon be included as an option.

The platform used in all WCDMA RAN nodes is the Connectivity Packet
Platform, CPP, that is a flexible solution able to provide ATM and IP interfaces.

Introduction

Radio Interface Overview

The protocol stack of the radio interface between WCDMA Radio Access
Network and the UE consists of a number of protocol layers, each giving a
specific service to the next layer above. The main purpose with each layer is
as follows:

 Layer 3: Signaling to control the connection to the UE.

 Layer 2: If there is time for it, to retransmit packets, which have been
received in error.
 Layer 1: To transmit and receive data over the radio, including basic
protection against bit errors.

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview
L1
The Physical Layer (Layer 1) offers Transport Channels to the MAC layer.
There are different types of transport channels with different characteristics of
the transmission. Common transport channels can be shared by multiple
handsets. Dedicated transport channels (DCH) are assigned to only one UE at
a time.

The transmission functions of the physical layer include channel coding and
interleaving, multiplexing of transport channels, mapping to physical channels,
spreading, modulation and power amplification, with corresponding functions
for reception.

A frequency and a code characterize a physical channel.

WCDMA RAN nodes control and utilize the air interface by using the
standardized spectrum bands for full duplex connections. The spectrum
available for WCDMA/UMTS is not the same in all regions, as shown here.

The European Radio communications Committee (ERC) Decided 30 June

1997, among others, to designate the frequency bands 1900 - 1980 MHz,
2010 - 2025 MHz and 2110 - 2170 MHz to terrestrial UMTS applications.
Japan and Asia Pasific. The spectrum allocation in the Asian Pacific states will
be similar to those in Europe. Therefore, similar operator scenarios will appear,
as in Europe.

USA and North America. The situation is different in North America. The
introduction of PCS services and the auctioning led to a split into licenses of 2
x 15 MHz and 2 x 5 MHz up to 1990 MHz.

The specifications related to the spectrum and duplex techniques include two
modes: the FDD mode (Frequency Division Duplex) and the TDD mode (Time
Division Duplex). The FDD mode is the mainstream mode that operators are
now deploying in WCDMA. The TDD mode may eventually be deployed as
well, as a complement to the FDD mode.

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview
FDD and TDD modes are characterized as follows:

 FDD: Uplink and downlink transmission takes place in different

frequency bands, which are separated from each other by a duplex
distance. The duplex distance must sufficiently separate uplink and
downlink.
 TDD: A duplex method where uplink and downlink transmissions are
carried over the same radio frequency, by using synchronized time
intervals. In the TDD mode, time slots in a physical channel are divided
into a transmission and a reception part.

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview - L2
Layer 2 handles two protocols; The Medium Access Control (MAC) and the
Radio Link Control (RLC) protocols.

The Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol (Layer 2) offers logical channels
to the layers above. The logical channels are distinguished by the different
type of information they carry, and thus include the Dedicated Control Channel
(DCCH), Common Control Channel (CCCH), Dedicated Traffic Channel
(DTCH), Common Traffic Channel (CTCH), Broadcast Control Channel
(BCCH) and the Paging Control Channel (PCCH). The MAC layer performs
scheduling and mapping of logical channel data onto the transport channels
provided by the physical layer. Also, for common transport channels, the MAC
layer adds addressing information to distinguish data flows intended for
different handsets. One major difference to GSM is the possibility to
dynamically switch one logical channel (data flow) onto different transport
channel types, e.g. based on the activity of the subscriber. This is called
channel type switching.

The Radio Link Control (RLC) protocol (Layer 2) operates in one of three
modes: transparent, unacknowledged or acknowledged mode. It performs
segmentation/re-assembly functions and, in acknowledged mode, provides an
assured mode delivery service by use of retransmission. RLC provides a
service both for the RRC signaling (the Signaling Radio Bearer) and for the
user data transfer (the Radio Access Bearer)

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview
L3
The Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol (Layer 3) provides control of the
UE from the RNC. It includes functions to control radio bearers, physical
channels, mapping of the different channel types, handover, measurement and
other mobility procedures. Because of the flexibility of the WCDMA radio
interface, this is a fairly complex protocol.

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview
Radio Network Functionality
For optimal operation of a complete wireless system i.e. from UE to Radio
Access Network (RAN) several functions are needed to control the radio
network and the many handsets using it. All functions described in this section,
except for Handover to GSM, are essential and therefore necessary for a
WCDMA system.
Power control
The power control regulates the transmit power of the terminal and base
station, which results in less interference and allows more users on the same
carrier. Transmit power regulation thus provides more capacity in the network.

With a frequency re-use of 1, it is very important to have efficient power control

in order to keep the interference at a minimum. For each subscriber service
the aim is that the base station shall receive the same power level from all
handsets in the cell regardless of distance from the base station. If the power
level from one UE is higher than needed, the quality will be excessive, taking a
disproportionate share of the resources and generating unnecessary
interference with the other subscribers in the network. On the other hand, if
power levels are too low this will result in poor quality.

In order to keep the received power at a suitable level, WCDMA has a fast
power control that updates power levels 1500 times every second. By doing
that the rapid change in the radio channel is handled. To ensure good
performance, power control is implemented in both the up-link and the down-
link, which means that both the output powers of the UE and the base station
are frequently updated.

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview
Power control also gives rise to a phenomenon called “cell breathing”. This is
the trade-off between coverage and capacity, which means that the size of the
cell varies depending on the traffic load. When the number of subscribers in
the cell is low (low load), good quality can be achieved even at a long distance
from the base station. On the other hand, when the number of users in the cell
is high, the large number of subscribers generates a high interference level
and subscribers have to get closer to the base station to achieve good quality.

Introduction
Radio Interface Overview
Soft and softer handover
With soft handover functionality the UE can communicate simultaneously with
two or more cells in two or more base stations. This flexibility in keeping the
connection open to more than one base station results in fewer lost calls,
which is very important to the operator.
To achieve good system performance with a frequency re-use of 1 and power
control, soft and softer handover is required. Soft and softer handover enables
the UE to maintain the continuity and quality of the connection while moving
from one cell to another. During soft or softer handover, the UE will
momentarily adjust its power to the base station that requires the smallest
amount of transmit power and the preferred cell may change very rapidly.

The difference between soft and softer handover is that during soft handover,
the UE is connected to multiple cells at different base stations, while during
softer handover, the UE is connected to multiple cells at the same base
station. A drawback with soft handover is that it requires additional hardware
resources on the network side, as the UE has multiple connections. In a well-
designed radio network, 30–40 % of the users will be in soft or softer
handover.

Introduction

Radio Interface Overview

WCDMA to GSM Handover (inter-system handover)

When WCDMA was standardized a key aspect was to ensure that existing
investments could be re-used as much as possible. One example is handover
between the new (WCDMA) network and the existing (GSM) network, which
can be triggered by coverage, capacity or service requirements.

Handover from WCDMA to GSM, for coverage reasons, is initially expected to

be very important since operators are expected to deploy WCDMA gradually
within their existing GSM network. When a subscriber moves out of the
WCDMA coverage area, a handover to GSM has to be conducted in order to
keep the connection. Handover between GSM and WCDMA can also have a
positive effect on capacity through the possibility of load sharing. If for example
the numbers of subscribers in the GSM network is close to the capacity limit in
one area, handover of some subscribers to the WCDMA network can be
performed.

Inter-frequency handover (intra-system handover)

The need for inter-frequency handover occurs in high capacity areas where
multiple 5 MHz WCDMA carriers are deployed. Inter-frequency handover,
which is handover between WCDMA carriers on different frequencies, has
many similarities with GSM handover.

Channel type switching

In WCDMA there are different types of channels that can be used to carry data
in order to maximize the total traffic throughput. The two most basic ones are
common channels and dedicated channels. Channel type switching
functionality is used to move subscribers between the common and the
dedicated channel, depending on how much information the subscriber needs
to transmit.
The dedicated channel is used when there is much information to transmit,
such as a voice conversation or downloading a web page. It utilizes the radio
resources efficiently as it supports both power control and soft handover.

The common channel, on the other hand, is less spectrum efficient. One
benefit is that the common channel reduces delays as many subscribers can
share the same resource. Hence it is the preferred channel for the transfer of
very limited information.

Admission control

As there is a very clear trade-off between coverage and capacity in WCDMA

systems, the admission control functionality is used to avoid system overload
and to provide the planned coverage. When a new subscriber seeks access to
the network, admission control estimates the network load and based on the
new expected load, the subscriber is either admitted or blocked out. By this the
operator can maximize the network usage within a set of network quality
levels, i.e. levels depending on what kind of service/information the subscriber
wants to use.

Congestion control

Even though an efficient admission control is used, overload may still occur,
which is mainly caused by subscribers moving from one area to another area.
If overload occurs, four different actions can be taken. First, congestion control
is activated and reduces the bit rate of non real-time applications, to resolve
the overload. Second, if the reduced bit rate activity is not sufficient, the
congestion control triggers the inter- or intra-frequency handover, which moves
some sub-white paper scribers to less loaded frequencies. Third, handover of
some subscribers to GSM and forth action is to discontinue connections, and
thus protect the quality of the remaining connections.

WCDMA Sub-Networks
The network reference model for WCDMA is shown above. Several Domains
(sub-networks) and interfaces are defined utilizing the offered functions. The
interfaces are shown in the sub-networks, which are discussed further on.
WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

Introduction
Core Network Circuit-Switched domain (CNCS) comprises the core nodes and
functionality related to circuit-switched speech and data calls within WCDMA
mobile networks. Both monolithic and layered architecture are supported in
current releases of WCDMA. The Core Network Circuit-Switched domain
consists of following nodes:

 Media Gateway (MGW)

 Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
 Transit Switching Center (TSC)
 Signaling Transfer Point (STP)
 Operation Support System (OSS-RC)

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

MGW
Media Gateway is responsible for connectivity when layered architecture is
used.
The MGW handles payload processing, traffic and signaling interworking
between networks.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

The user traffic function generates a trough connection path by bridging the
termination points of the interconnected nodes.
The signaling interworking is handled by the Signaling Gateway Function that
is integrated in the MGW.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

The MGW contains codecs and echo cancellers in order to process the
payload and make the originating and terminating sides compatible. It contains
also announcement devices, tone generating devices and call conference
devices used to send announcements to the end users, tones to
interconnected nodes and interconnect the users in a call conferences when
needed. The figure here shows the media processing and the through
connection.

The WCDMA adapted User Equipment (UE) are using AMR coding in speech
connections.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

Ericsson’s MGW is an application based on a platform called Connectivity

Packet Platform, CPP. The CPP platform uses a multi-processor control
system built on commercial processors and real time operating system with
telecom and robustness additions. The internal transport system uses
subracks and is suitable for ATM, STM and IP networks solutions. All these
CPP features are inherited to the MGW application.
WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

MSC
MSC is responsible for:

 setting up
 routing
 controlling
 terminating
It also manages the collection of information for charging and accounting and
handles the requests for Supplementary Services.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

The MSC (Server or combined) contains the logic to perform inter and intra-
MSC handovers.
WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

MSC is available in various configurations adapted to the operators needs.

The MSC/VLR is a configuration of MSC that handles call control and user
plane for circuit-based services. It includes the following logical nodes:

 MSC/MGW. This is combined node including a MSC Server function

and a MGW function
 MSC Server
 Other options that may be included are HLR (including AUC and FNR
as options)
 GMSC that is an MSC capable to interwork with external networks.
 Transit Switching Centre, TSC
 Signaling Transfer Point, STP

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

OSS-RC
OSS-RC is Ericsson’s sub-network manager, supporting centralized operation
and maintenance of the radio access as well as the core networks of both
GSM and WCDMA systems. OSS-RC is a solid step toward a completely
integrated OSS-RC solution to support the Core Network and Radio Access
Network for both the GSM & WCDMA Standards.
WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

CS Domain Architecture
Core Network Circuit Switched domain, CNCS, as a part of WCDMA/GSM
system, is schematically shown in the following figure:
The Monolithic Network Architecture provides Network Control and
Connectivity in a monolithic implementation, that is, without any layering. This
implies that Network Control and Connectivity are tightly coupled and located
in one physical node. Both WCDMA access, based on ATM transmission
technology, as well as traditional GSM access, based on TDM transmission,
are implemented. The figure above shows logical relations between nodes
within CNCS and towards other part of the CN.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK CIRCUIT-SWITCHED DOMAIN

The split CNCS domain architecture follows the concept of layered network
architecture, according to 3GPP standards, where the core network is divided
into the two following different network layers:

 Network Control Layer

 Connectivity Layer

This separation is visible on logical level, where new logical nodes and new
interfaces are introduced, as well as on physical implementation where the
logical node are being implemented on different physical nodes/platforms, for
example, MSC Server and MGW. WCDMA mobile access and CN are mainly
using ATM transmission technology but IP is also possible.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK PACKET-SWITCHED DOMAIN

Introduction
Core Network Packet-Switched (CNPS) comprises the core nodes and
functionality related to packet-switched data calls within WCDMA mobile
networks.

The following nodes are in the scope of CNPS:

 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)

 Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)
 Operation Support System (OSS-RC)

The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and the Gateway GPRS Support
Node (GGSN) are the main network elements in the GPRS part of the core
network. Operation and maintenance of a node is typically performed from a
management client with the node as a server, for example, from the node
management terminal.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK PACKET-SWITCHED DOMAIN

SGSN
The SGSN is a primary control node in the WCDMA Core Network providing
mobility and session control for the UE. The mobility function makes it possible
for the UE to move in the GPRS serving area by activating routing area
updates and handovers whenever required. The SGSN establishes a logical
link towards the UE and a session towards the Internet. It also enables the
UEs to access all network services.

The SGSN contains the control logic to establish links and forward incoming
and outgoing IP packets addressed to/from an UE that is attached within the
SGSN service area. The WCDMA traffic is routed to SGSN and UE via RNC.

The SGSN serves all WCDMA subscribers that are physically located within
the geographical area, SGSN service area. An SGSN performs functions in
packet calls, similar to those an MSC performs for speech.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK PACKET-SWITCHED DOMAIN

GGSN
The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) is the gateway between mobile
radio core network and other packet data networks, such as the Internet,
corporate intranets, and private data networks.

In this role, the GGSN is responsible for session management within the
mobile network, as well as for encapsulation and de-encapsulation of bearer
traffic sent to and from Serving GPRS Support Nodes (SGSNs).

From the external IP network’s point of view, the GGSN acts as a router for the
IP addresses of all subscribers served by the GSM/WCDMA network. Routing
to the correct SGSN and protocol conversion is also provided by the GGSN.

The GGSN in the current release of the GSM/WCDMA networks are using on
J20 platform. This is a new one that has redundant routing engines, redundant
switch system boards, redundant power supplies, and redundant cooling fans,
which significantly offer increased reliability. Moreover, the J20 GGSN offers
complete fault tolerance and as well, an exceptional software stability ensured
by separated routing engine and forwarding engines.

WCDMA Sub-Networks

CORE NETWORK PACKET-SWITCHED DOMAIN

CNPS Domain Architecture

The packet switched domain complies to 3GPP standards but is not split. The
SGSN controls the logical connections with the UE and the sessions towards
the IP network.