GPRS Intro PDF

MOBILE NETWORKS
Introduction to the GPRS
© All rights reserved. Passing on and copying of this

document, use and communication of its contents not
permitted without written authorization from Alcatel
Training manual
8 AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA 10
Edition 2004
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Note : Please print this document with comments pages
© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA 10 Page 0.2

Contents
1 What is GPRS ?
1.1 Definition 3
1.2 General architecture 4
1.3 MS Class 5
1.4 MS Multislot Class 6
1.5 GPRS Main Concepts 7
1.6 The benefits of GPRS 11
1.7 EGPRS 12
1.8 Quality of service profile 13
1.9 Services 14
2 GPRS Operation 17
2.1 Main Entities 19
2.2 MS Mobility Management States 24
2.3 MS Radio Resource Operating Modes 25
2.4 Basic procedures 26
2.5 Charging 37
2.6 Security 39
3 The Base Station Subsystem 44

3.1 3GPP Position 46
3.2 Alcatel’s Choice 47
3.3 Layered Model 48
3.4 Gb Interface 50
3.5 Radio Interface 52
4 Alcatel Solution 62
4.1 GPRS Network Overview 64
4.2 Alcatel 9135 MFS 65
4.3 Packet Switched Core Network 67
4.4 GPRS Network Management 69
4.5 Alcatel QoS offer 70
5 Annex and Glossary 75

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Self assessment of the objectives Contract number :
Course title :
Client (Company, centre) :
Language : English dates from : to :
Number of trainees : Location :
Surname, First name :
Did you meet the following objectives ?

Tick the corresponding box
Please, return this sheet to the trainer at the end of the training
Yes (or No (or
Instructional objectives Globally globally Comments
yes) no)
1 To be able to identify the benefits of GPRS
2 To be able to describe the organization of a

GPRS network, architecture, interfaces and
protocols.
3 To be able to describe the main data

interchange mechanisms on a GPRS
network
4 To be able to characterize the solution

offered by Alcatel


Self assessment of the objectives (continued)
Yes (or No (or

Instructional objectives Globally globally Comments
yes) no)
Other comments
Thank you for your answers to this questionnaire


1 What is GPRS ?
1
© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VT ZZA Ed.10
© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA Ed.10 Page 1

1 What is GPRS ?
Session presentation
▼ Objective: to be able to identify the technical

and commercial benefit of GPRS.
▼ Program:
l 1.1 Definition
l 1.2 General architecture
l 1.3 MS Class
l 1.4 MS Multislot Class
l 1.5 GPRS Main Concepts
l 1.6 GPRS Benefits
l 1.7 EGPRS
l 1.8 Quality of Service profile
l 1.9 Services

1 What is GPRS ?
1.1 Definition
▼ Definition (3GPP TS 22.060)

l GPRS provides data transfer capabilities between a sending
entity and one or more receiving entities.
l 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.
l The base station provides radio channel access for MSs to
the GPRS network.
▼ PDN (Packet Data Network)

l IP networks = Internet (connectionless)

1 What is GPRS ?
1.2 General architecture
A PSTN
NSS
BSS
GPRS PDN
Gb Core Network IP / PPP
IP
Gi
▼ 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.

1 What is GPRS ?
1.3 MS Class
▼ Class A
l Operates GPRS and other GSM services simultaneously.
▼ Class B
l Monitors control channels for GSM GPRS and other GSM
services simultaneously,
l but can only operate one set of services at one time.
▼ Class C
l Exclusively operates GPRS services.
▼ 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.

1.1 Service overview
1.4 MS multislot class
Multi-slot
Type Rx Tx Sum Ttb Tra Trb
class
1 1 1 1 2 2 4 2
2 1 2 1 3 2 3 1
3 1 2 2 3 2 3 1
4 1 3 1 4 1 3 1
5 1 2 2 4 1 3 1
6 1 3 2 4 1 3 1
7 1 3 3 4 1 3 1
8 1 4 1 5 1 2 1
9 1 3 2 5 1 2 1
10 1 4 2 5 1 2 1
11 1 4 3 5 1 2 1
12 1 4 4 5 1 2 1
13 2 3 3 NA 1 3 1
14 2 4 4 NA 1 3 1
15 2 5 5 NA 1 3 1
16 2 6 6 NA 1 2 1
17 2 7 7 NA 1 1 0
18 2 8 8 NA 0 0 0
19 to 29
1 x x NA
like 10
▼ MS type
l Type 1 are simplex MS, i.e. without duplexer: they are not able to transmit and receive at the same time
l Type 2 are duplex MS, i.e. with duplexer: they are able to transmit and receive at the same time
▼ Rx
l Maximum number of received timeslots that the MS can use per TDMA frame. The receive TS shall be allocated
within window of size Rx, but they need not be contiguous. For SIMPLEX MS, no transmit TS shall occur between
receive TS within a TDMA frame. This does not take into account measurement window (Mx).
▼ Tx
l Maximum number of transmitted timeslots that the MS can use per TDMA frame. The transmit TS shall be allocated
within window of size Tx, but they need not be contiguous. For SIMPLEX MS, no receive TS shall occur between
transmit TS within a TDMA frame.
▼ SUM
l Maximum number of transmit and receive timeslot (without Mx) per TDMA frame
▼ Meaning of Ttb, Tra et Trb changes regarding MS types.

l For SIMPLEX MS (type 1):
è Ttb Minimum time (in timeslot) necessary between Rx and Tx windows
è Tra Minimum time between the last Tx window and the first Rx window of next TDMA in order to be able to
open a measurement window
è Trb same as Tra without opening a measurement window
l For DUPLEX MS (type 2):
è Ttb Minimum time necessary between 2 Tx windows belonging to different frames
è Tra Minimum time necessary between 2 Rx windows belonging to different frames in order to be able to open
a measurement window
è Trb same as Tra without opening a measurement window

1 What is GPRS ?
1.5 GPRS Main Concepts (1/4)
▼ Use of radio resources in case of circuit switching

Radio interface Access node
CS <->PS
Radio timeslot
GSM
network PDN
CS PS
Fixed bit rate (9.6 kb/s)
▼ Drawbacks of CS for data services

l one radio channel at 9.6 kbit/s per user
l fixed bit rate => waste (in the case of discontinuous service) and limitation on bit rate

1 What is GPRS ?
▼ Use of radio resources in case of packet switching
Radio interface
Radio timeslot
GPRS PDN
network
PS
PS
Variable bit rate
▼ Benefits of Packet Switching

l Variable bit rate becomes possible
l One MS uses several RTSs. The maximum number of RTSs is given by the Operator (O&M parameters) and MS
capabilities (MS multislot class)
l 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)

1 What is GPRS ?
▼ Radio resource assigned according to requirement

l Radio resource shared between users
l Various radio channel coding schemes are specified to allow
bit rates from 9 to more than 150 kb/s per user
l High bit rates if several channels are assigned to one MS
l Low bit rates if one channel is shared by several MSs.
▼ Optimized use of the radio resource

l Use of the radio resources only when data is transferred
l Uplink and downlink resources reserved separately
▼ 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.

1 What is GPRS ?
▼ Dynamic allocation and sharing of radio resources
GPRS network
Radio timeslot
Radio
Block
10
▼ 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.

1 What is GPRS ?
1.6 The benefits of GPRS
▼ GPRS benefits
l BSS hardware (included OMC-R) is re-used from GSM
l Smooth GPRS introduction
l Higher data throughput thanks to EGPRS (EDGE)
l Data transfers can billed by volume instead of time
l An MS can exchange data by GPRS in parallel with a
conventional GSM call (if MS Class A)
11
▼ 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

l same frequency bands
l same TDMA frame structure
l same burst structure
l same frequency hopping laws
l ...

1 What is GPRS ?
1.7 EGPRS
▼ EGPRS is an enhancement of GPRS

l allows higher bit rates on the radio interface
l achieved by using
è a new modulation (8-PSK)
è 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.
12
▼ 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.

1 What is GPRS ?
1.8 Quality of service profile
Peak throughput Class

9 classes the maximum data rate allowed to the user
Throughput class
Mean throughput Class
19 classes maximum data rate during a period
Reliability Class
5 classes acknowledgement of packets
Delay Class
4 classes total delay measured between R or S point and Gi
Precedence Class
3 classes relative importance of service under congestion
13
▼ 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:
l Mean Throughput : 9 classes are defined (from best effort to 111 Kb/s)
l Peak Throughput : 19 classes are defined (from 8 Kb/s to 2048 Kb/s)

1 What is GPRS ?
1.9 Services
Always-on Media Fun

• Games (Hangman, Poker, …)
Directories • Screen Saver
• Yellow/White Pages • Ring Tone
Mobile Office • International Directories • Horoscope
• Operator Services • Biorhythm
• Voice (!)
• E-mail
• Agenda Music
• IntraNet/InterNet • Downloading of
• Corporate Applications Transportation music files or
• Database Access • Flight/train Schedule video clips
• reservation News
(general/specific)
• International/National News Location services
• Local News • Traffic Conditions
• Sport News • Itineraries
Vertical application • Weather • Nearest Restaurant,
•Traffic Management • Lottery Results Cinema, Chemist,
•Automation • Finance News… Parking;, ATM ...
•Mobile branches
•Health
M-commerce
Non physical
• on-line Banking Physical
• Ticketing • on-line shopping
• Auction • on-line food
• Gambling….
14
▼ 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.

1 What is GPRS ?
Exercise
è True or False ?
ü GPRS is a circuit switching technology

ü The GSS is an IP network
ü Data transfers are often conducted at
variable bit rates
ü With a class B mobile, a web page can be
downloaded while speaking
ü Billing by volume allows subscribers to be
permanently on line
Time allowed : ü Several channels can be assigned to a MS
5 minutes ü One channel is shared by several MSs
15

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
16

2 GPRS Operation
17

2 GPRS Operation
▼ Objective: to be able to describe the organization of a

GPRS network architecture, interfaces and protocols.
▼ Program:
l 2.1 Main Entities
l 2.2 MS Mobility Management States
l 2.3 MS Radio Resource Operating Modes
l 2.4 Basic Procedures
l 2.5 Charging
l 2.6 Security
18

2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities
▼ Overview NSS
PSTN
MSC/VLR
BSS HLR
with PCU
GPRS
Internet
Core Network
SGSN
GPRS IP
Backbone
GGSN
MS
DNS BG
DHCP
NTP
19
▼ PCU functions
l LLC PDU segmentation / re-assembly into RLC/MAC PDU
l PDCH scheduling (resource multiplexing)
l Channel access control (access requests and grants)
l ARQ function (RLC block Ack / Nak, buffering and retransmission of RLC blocks)
l 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)

2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities
▼ SGSN and GGSN

PLMN GSS
IP network 1
SGSN1
BSS1 GGSN1 IP network 2
IP
backbone
IP network 3
BSS2 SGSN2 GGSN2 IP network 4
IP network 5
GGSN3
20
▼ The SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) stores subscriber data:

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

2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities
▼ Servers
SGSN
GPRS IP Backbone
GGSN
DNS
DHCP NTP
Name
IP
IP address
address
21
▼ DNS
l Resolve a name into an IP address
l Use in Mobility procedure
▼ DHCP
l Provide dynamically IP addresses
l Split Users into pool of IP addresses
▼ NTP
l Provide one time reference for all the network
l Have a very precise time reference
l Synchronization from satellite

2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities
▼ Border gateway
SGSN VPLMN IP GGSN

backbone VPLMN
MS
BG
Inter-PLMN
network
BG
GGSN
SGSN HPLMN IP backbone PDN
HPLMN
22
▼ Border Gateway functions

l Inter-PLMN routing and forwarding of user packets (IP router)
l 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.

2 GPRS Operation
2.1 Main Entities
▼ Interfaces
SMS-
Um BSS A MSC HLR
GMSC
Gs
Mobile Gb Gr Gd
GPRS
Gc
SGSN
Gn
Gi
SGSN GGSN PDN
Signaling + data
Signaling GPRS network
23
▼ Signaling protocols
l MAP/TCAP/SCCP/MTP on Gr, Gd and Gc,
l GTP/UDP/IP on Gn,
l BSSAP+/SCCP/MTP on Gs,
l 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
l Gf (to the EIR)
l Gd to deliver the SMS to the mobiles via the GPRS network (SGSN option and subscriber feature)

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
24
▼ 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.

2 GPRS Operation
2.3 MS Radio Resource Operating Modes
▼ MS RR operating modes vs MS MM states
Packet Packet Packet

RR
transfer mode idle mode idle mode
MM Ready Standby
25
▼ 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.

2 GPRS operation
2.4 Basic procedures
▼ IP overview
http ftp smtp wap http ftp smtp wap
gtp
tcp 1 tcp 1
Routers
ip ip ip ip ip
SGSN IP network
GGSN
26

2 GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic Procedures
▼ MS high protocol layers
GMM/SM SMS IP
NSAPIi
SNDCP NSAPI
TLLI LLC TLLI NSAPI
Radio layers
27
▼ 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)
l by the PDP-type: X.25 or IP, or mainly by
l the APN to be reached, or by
l 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)

2 GPRS Operation
▼ Transmission plane
Application
Application
IP IP IP
relay
SNDCP GTP GTP
SNDCP
LLC LLC UDP UDP

relay L2 (MAC)
RLC RLC (BSSGP) (BSSGP) IP IP
Frame Frame
MAC MAC L2 L2
relay relay
Physical Physical Physical Physical Physical Physical Physical
Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer Layer
MS Um BSS Gb SGSN Gn GGSN Gi

(with PCU)
28
▼ 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-solution-
dependent 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.

2 GPRS Operation
▼ HLR GPRS data

For each MS
NMC-NSS
➝IMSI ✚ MSISDN
➙ network access mode : GPRS | NSS | both
➙ subscribed « PDP contexts » (maximum of n) :
• PDP type : IP | PPP

MS HLR • [PDP address (IP@) ]
• Access point name (APN) or * (= wild card)
n times
• APN accessible through FPLMN-GGSN ?
• QoS profile
HPLMN
• etc ...
29
▼ 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)
l Examples of APN: wanadoo.fr.mnc001.mcc208.gprs,
l 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.

2 GPRS Operation
▼ GPRS attachment
HLR
Authent_info_respq)
➁ ⑤
Update_loc_ack()
Insert_subs_data()
Authent_info_req()
Update_loc_req()
SS7
network
⑦
➂ ⑥
Attach-Request (IMSI) ➀
PLMN
MS_authentication_procedure ➃ GGSN
SGSN GPRS IP
backbone
⑧ Attach_resp (P_TMSI)
Attach_complete () ⑨
BSS
30
▼ Attach Request.
l The attach_request message is placed in an LLC frame. ①
l The MS sends its IMSI.
▼ Authentication
The SGSN gets the “authentication triplets” from the HLR:
l triplets request message ②
l triplets response message ③
The SGSN performs the “authentication procedure” with the MS: ④
l triplets request message ②
l triplets response message ③
▼ Location Update
The SGSN performs the “location_update procedure” with the HLR:
l location_update request message ⑤
l the HLR transfers the MS_subscription data to the SGSN ⑥
l the HLR terminates the location_update procedure ⑦
▼ Attach Complete
The SGSN terminates the attach_procedure with the MS :
l attach_accept message ⑧ (with a new P_TMSI allocation)
l attach_complete message ⑨ (since a new P_TMSI has been allocated)

2 GPRS Operation
▼ GPRS attachment
① after a GPRS_Attach procedure
SGSN1
TLLI1 PDN1
GGSN1
GPRS IP
backbone
SGSN2
GGSN2 PDN2
GPRS - CN
LLC layer
31
▼ Attached MS
After running the attach procedure, the MS is “GPRS_attached”:
l a logical connection is established between the MS and the SGSN
l connection established between the peer LLC layers in the MS and the SGSN
l this connection is identified by the TLLI (Temporary Logical Link Identity)
l this logical connection remains established until the MS detaches
l the MS can now access to GPRS services and is reachable for GPRS services

2- GPRS Operation
2.4 Basic procedures
▼ PDP context activation

DNS DHCP
GGSN1
PLMN Activate_PDP_req (PDN2) ➀ 4 PDN1
TLLI1 SGSN GPRS

backbone
⑥ Activate_PDP_resp(@IP_MS)
GGSN2
PDN2
BSS
Create_PDP_req (PDN2) 3
5 Create_PDP_resp (@IP_MS)
GPRS Core Network
32
▼ 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

l ➀ MS requests for a PDP_context activation, providing the name of target Packet Data Network (PDN2 parameter).
l ➁ SGSN queries the backbone Name Server (here DNS) to identify the GGSN giving access to the Data Network
PDN2 (here GGSN2).
l ➂ SGSN sends a Create_PDP message to the corresponding GGSN2, in order to setup a GTP tunnel.
l ➃ GGSN2 allocates an IP address to the MS (@IP_MS), using the backbone DHCP server.
l ➄ GGSN2 acknowledges the Create_PDP message to the SGSN, returning the @IP_MS allocated to the MS.
l ➅ SGSN acknowledges the Activate_PDP message to the MS, with the allocated @IP_MS.

2 GPRS Operation
▼ PDP context activation Authentication and

accounting
DNS
RADIUS
GGSN1
PLMN Activate_PDP_req (PDN1) ➀
4
PDN1
TLLI1 SGSN GPRS
backbone Intranet/ISP
⑦ Activate_PDP_resp(@IP_MS)
GGSN2
BSS
Create_PDP_req (PDN1) 3 DHCP
5
6 Create_PDP_resp (@IP_MS)
Address allocation
GPRS Core Network
33
▼ 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

l The authentication data are piggybacked in the Protocol Configuration Options (PCO) field of the PDP context
activation messages ➀ and ➆.
l ➀ , ➁ , ➂ same as for IP PDP_type in transparent access.
l ➃ GGSN performs the user authentication towards a RADIUS server.
l ➄ GGSN allocates an @IP to the MS using the intranet/ISP DHCP server.
l ➅, ➆ same as for a PDP context in transparent access.

2 GPRS Operation

② after PDP_context_activation procedures
① after GPRS_Attach procedure
SGSN1
TID1=IMSI+ NSAPI1
TLLI1 PDN1
GGSN1
TID
2=
IM
SI+ IP
GPRS
NS
backbone AP
I2
SGSN2
GGSN2 PDN2
GPRS - CN
by the LLC layer by the GTP layer
34
▼ 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:
l MS <-> SGSN. Logical Link used for signaling and data transfer, created at GPRS attach (unique per MS), identified
by a TLLI value;
l 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.

2 GPRS Operation

② after PDP_context_activation procedures
① after GPRS_Attach procedure ③ ul/dl data_transfers
SGSN1
TID1=IMSI+ NSAPI1
TLLI1 PDN1
GGSN1
TID
2=
IM
SI+ IP
GPRS
NS
backbone AP
I2
SGSN2
GGSN2 PDN2
GPRS - CN
by the LLC layer by the GTP layer
35

2 GPRS Operation

SGSN GGSN
over the Gi interface
over the Gn interface
U-data @ MS @ MS
U-data
@server @server
MS
U-data @ MS GTP UDP @sgsn
@server PDN
header header @ggsn
within the MS
@ggsn UDP GTP @server U-data
@sgsn header header @ MS
server
@server U-data @server U-data

@ MS @ MS
36

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.

2 GPRS Operation
2.5 Charging
▼ Charging process CCBS
ftp
MS CG
S_CDR G_CDR
M_CDR GTP’
GPRS
backbone
PDN
SGSN GGSN
BSS
① GPRS_Attach procedure ② PDP_context_activation and data transfers
37
▼ CDR (Call Detail Record)

CDRs are used for subscriber charging, statistics and location purposes.
Three types of CDR are managed within the GPRS backbone:
l M-CDR related to the GPRS mobility of a mobile station
l S-CDR related to PDP-contexts activation and data transfers as seen by the SGSN
l 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) :
l periodically,
l 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 :
l IMSI
l location information (LAC + RAC + Cell)
l APN
l PDP-context identifier
l PDP-context start time and duration
l negotiated QoS
l volume of data sent / received
l source and destination PDP addresses,
l ….

2 GPRS Operation
2.5 Charging
▼ Charging process
SGSN VPLMN
backbone VPLMN
MS
BG
S-CDR CG CCBS
Inter-PLMN
network
BG
CCBS
HPLMN GGSN
CG backbone
PDN
HPLMN G-CDR
38
▼ Charging data collection for inter-PLMN charging

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

2 GPRS operation
2.6 Security
1- Secured network access

• Authentication of MSs and confidentiality of
their identity 2- Secured backbone IP network
• Possibility of encrypting user data Firewall = application-level filtering
• Possibility of verifying IMEI with an EIR (Gf) 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)
39
▼ 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:
l 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)
l by PPTP (Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol). Refer to ANNEX for PPP Tunneling.

2 GPRS operation
Exercise (1/3)
è True or False?
ü The GGSN read the header of user

packets arriving from the PDN
ü The GPRS HLR knows the location of
an MS to the nearest RA
ü With each web page downloaded, a
new PDP context must be activated
ü A CDR is generated for each packet
sent or received
Time allowed :
5 minutes
40

2 GPRS operation
Exercise (2/3)
è True or False ?
ü A CDR is generated for each packet

sent or received
ü The Charging gateway provides a
single interface towards the billing
centers
ü No need for paging to send a packet to
a mobile in the "Ready" state
ü Attachment to the network does not
involve GGSN
Time allowed :
5 minutes
41

2 GPRS operation
Exercise (2/3)
è What interfaces of the GPRS NSS does a

packet cross from a PDN to an MS?
è Why is an RA smaller than an LA?
Time allowed :
5 minutes
42

2 GPRS operation
Evaluation
▼ Objective : to be able to describe the

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

the self-assessment
43

3 The Base Station Subsystem
44

▼ Objectives :
l To be able to briefly describe the data
interchange mechanisms through the BSS
▼ Program :
l 3.1 3GPP Position
l 3.2 Alcatel’s Choice
l 3.3 Layered Model
l 3.4 Gb Interface
l 3.5 Radio Interface
45

3.1 3GPP Position
▼ PCU function
CCU
PCU BSC SGSN
BTS
CCU
Gb
Um
BSC
CCU SGSN
BTS PCU
CCU
CCU Gb
BTS BSC PCU
CCU
Abis
CCU = Channel Control Unit SGSN
PCU = Packet Control Unit
46
▼ PCU functions
RLC and MAC layers: LLC frame transportation (segmentation/reassembly),
l Gb interface end point,
l network access functions (radio resource management),
l radio channel management (power control, congestion control, etc).
▼ CCU functions
l encoding suited to radio channels,
l radio measurements (receive quality, signal level, "timing advance" management).

3.2 Alcatel’s Choice
▼ PCU function
MFS
TRE
BTS BSC
PCU
TRE SGSN
MFS
GSL PCU
Gb
PCU
TRE BSC
BTS
TRE Ater
Abis
mux
Um
= GPRS Signaling Links
47
▼ The Multi BSS Fast packet Server (MFS):

l performs the GPRS Packet Control Unit (PCU) functions (3GPP 03.60 standard),
l manages the Gb interface with the GPRS & EGPRS core network,
l performs the Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC) functions,
l manages the SAGI interface with the A-GPS server.

3.3 Layered Model
▼ User plane
IP
SNDCP SM GMM GMM SM SNDCP
LLC LLC
PCU
RLC BSSGP
relay BSS
RLC GP
MAC Frame Frame
MAC relay relay
relay
Physical L2-GCH Physical Physical
Physical L2-GCH
layer layer L1-GCH L1-GCH layer layer
MS BTS MFS Gb SGSN

Um Abis/Ater
48
▼ For GPRS TRAFFIC, the BSS simply relays the LLC frames between the MS and the SGSN.
▼ BSSGP = BSS Gprs Protocol. Functions:
l 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.
l SGSN-MFS signaling = management of Gb interface objects (flush, paging, resume suspend, LLC-discarded and
other procedures).
l 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.

3.3 Layered Model
▼ Signaling plane
BSCGP
BSCGP
L2-GSL L2-GSL
L1-GSL L1-GSL
RRM RRM
relay relay
physical physical
layer layer
Gb
MS Um BTS Abis BSC Ater MFS
49
▼ BSCGP protocol
l administration interface of Radio Resource management :
è (de)allocation of PDCH and MPDCH within a cell
è activation / release of PDCH
l System control information:
è BSC reset procedure
è cell and GIC group state management
l Radio signalling :
è GSM / GPRS paging,
è GPRS access procedure
▼ RMM protocol
l dynamic allocation of Radio Resources to a MS :
è radio blocks from one or several PDCH
è for uplink or downlink data transfers

3.4 Gb Interface
▼ Managed entities
BSS side GPRS Core Network side
BVCI=2
BVCI=2 PCM
BC NSVC1 PCM
PVC
BC BVCI=1
BVCI=1
BSC1 NSE1 NSE1
BVCI=3
PCM
BC NSVC2 PCM
PVC
BC
BVCI=3
F.R
Network
BVCI=5
BVCI=5 PCM
BC NSVC3 PCM
PVC
BC BVCI=4
BVCI=4
BSC2 NSE2 NSE2
BVCI=6
PCM
BC NSVC4 PCM
PVC
BC
BVCI=6
SGSN
50
other procedures).

3.4 Gb Interface
▼ Protocols
BSS side GPRS Core Network side
BVCI=2
BVCI=1
BVCI=3
BSC1
BSS GPRS Protocol BSS GPRS Protocol

BVC
(BSSGP) (BSSGP)
BVCI=5
BVCI=4 BSC2 NSE

BVCI=6 Network Service Control Network Service Control
(NSC) NS-VC (NSC)
Sub-Network Service PVC Sub-Network Service

(SNS) (SNS)
BC
Physical layer PCM PCM
Physical layer
Packet Control Unit function

Frame Relay SGSN
(PCU)
51
other procedures).

3.5 Radio Interface
▼ GPRS / EGPRS throughput
Maximum rate
Coding Scheme Modulation
per PDCH (kb/s)
CS4 GMSK 21.4
GPRS
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*
EGPRS
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
52

The Base Station Subsystem
3.5 Radio Interface
▼ GMSK / 8-PSK modulations
Gross bit rate

1 0 1 1 per carrier
GMSK
270 kb/s GMSK
001 101 011 001

8-PSK
810 kb/s 8-PSK
53
▼ Transmission and reception data flows are the same for GPRS and EGPRS, except for EGPRS MCS-9, MCS-8 and MCS-
7, where 4 normal bursts carry 2 RLC blocks (1 RLC block within 2 bursts for MCS-9 and MCS-8).
▼ 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):
è 6 tail symbols,
è 26 training sequence symbols,
è 114 encrypted symbols,
è 2 stealing flags (2 symbols),
è 8.25 guard period (symbols).
l 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):
è 6 tail symbols,
è 26 training sequence symbols,
è 116 encrypted symbols (there is stealing flags),
è 8.25 guard period (symbols).
l For 8-PSK, the radio blocks are transported by 116 x 4 = 456 symbols.

3.5 Radio interface
▼ TDMA frame and GPRS physical channels
TDMA frame 0 TDMA1 TDMA51

fi 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Multi-frame (52)
0 to 3
47 to 50
TS0 51
Block0 Block11
PDCH0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
8 physical
channels
PDCH7
54
▼ 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.

3.5 Radio interface
▼ GPRS channels
Um Abis AterMux Gb
MFS
BTS BSC SGSN
(PCU)
Channel
Coding LLC PDUs
Radio blocks RLC/MAC PDU (1600 bytes max)
PDTCH 1 EGCH 1
0 11
PDTCH n EGCH n
0 11
Radio blocks
GMSK: 456 symbols
8-PSK: 464 symbols
55
▼ 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)

3.5 Radio interface
▼ Master and Slave PDCHs
PDCH
PBCCH
PCCCH = PPCH + PAGCH + PRACH
MPDCH
PTCH = PDTCH + PACCH
SPDCH PTCH = PDTCH + PACCH
56
▼ 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
l MPDCH = Master PDCH = PBCCH + PCCCH (PPCH + PAGCH + PRACH) -> carries GPRS signaling and system
information.
l SPDCH = Slave PDCH -> carries the user traffic.
▼ Benefits of the Master Channel :
l Preserves CCCH capacity for speech services
l Higher GPRS signaling capacity, in line with GPRS traffic growth
l 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

3.5 Radio interface
▼ UL transfer
start
of TBF1 end of
TBF1
MS network
TBF2 TBF3
TBF4
fULi time
Packet Channel Request
Packet Resource Assignment MFS

(list of PDCHi, token=T,TFIk)
MS starts listening to all DL blocks token value on the allocated PDCHi
DL PDCHi Ø Ø T T Ø T Ø T T T Ø
in block b
N token =T ?
Y
SEND on block b+1 (TFIk)
UL PDCHi ? Ø Ø TFIk TFIk Ø TFIk Ø TFIk TFIk TFIk
57
▼ 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.
l 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.
l 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.

3.5 Radio interface
▼ DL transfer
MFS SGSN MS PDU
Paging Request ("packet") PS Paging
UL TBF: refer to Packet Paging Response

previous slide
Packet Resource Assignment

(list(PDCHj),TFIz)
MS starts listening to all DL blocks TFI value on the allocated PDCHj
DL PDCHj Ø Ø Z Z Ø Z Ø Z Z
N
in block b, TFI=TFIz ?
Y
The MS consumes the content of block b
58
▼ 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.

Exercise (1/2)
è True or False?
ü The SGSN is linked to the BSS by an

interface based on the Frame Relay
protocol
ü For each cell, the number of channels
which can be used for GPRS traffic
is operator-configurable
ü If a user packet is lost at the Gb interface,
it can be recovered using
frame relay protocol mechanisms
Time allowed : ü The LLC protocol is independent of the
5 minutes type of BSS employed
59

Exercise (2/2)
è True or False?
ü In a cell, a TRX can carry eight PDCHs

ü One PDCH can be allocated in its entirety
to a single user
ü If necessary, blocks on different PDCHs
can be allocated to a single user
ü The NSEI is the identifier used by the
SGSN to indicate the destination cell of a
LLC frame to the MFS
Time allowed :
ü The same quantity of PVCs is declared on
the MFS and SGSN sides
5 minutes
60

Evaluation
▼ Objective : To be able to briefly

describe the data interchange
mechanisms through the BSS

the self-assessment
61

4 Alcatel Solution
62

4 Alcatel Solution
▼ Objectives: to be able to characterize the solution

offered by Alcatel
▼ Program:
l 4.1 GPRS Network Overview
l 4.2 Alcatel 9135 MFS
l 4.3 Packet Switched Core Network
l 4.4 GPRS Network Management
l 4.5 Alcatel QoS Offer
63

4 Alcatel Solution
4.1 GPRS Network Overview
HLR
MSC SCP SMS-C GSM/GPRS common servers
BSS1
B Radio subsystem
T
S BSC
GPRS Core Network
RADIUS
B server
T
S
GGSN1
A9135
SGSN Firewall server
BSS2 MFS
B Intranet
T
S BSC GGSN2
GPRS IP Access router
B Frame
T
backbone
Relay
S
network
external Internet
BSS-- DNS Border
B SGSN Gateway
T
S BSC A9135 NTP server
MFS Inter-PLMN
B
T backbone
S Charging PLMN
Gateway DNS/DHCP server
64
▼ Within the radio subsystem :
l Existing Alcatel BTS and BSC from GSM are reused for GPRS :
è no need of hardware change to provide GPRS features

è need just software upgrade
l The GSM-BSS now includes a proprietary equipment :
è Alcatel A9135 = MFS (Multi BSS Fast packet Server)

è which deals with the GPRS PCU functions
▼ Within the GPRS Core Network :
l the SGSN is a telecom node developped by Alcatel

l the GGSN is a CISCO IP router with additional GPRS-dedicated software.
l The border gateway is a CISCO IP router
l the DNS/DHCP, RADIUS, NTP and firewall servers are standard IT components
l the Charging Gateway is an Alcatel component based on HP platform
▼ The HLR, MSC, SCP and SMS-C are reused from the GSM-NSS

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
SGSN
B GPU x
T
S BSC2
B GPU y
T
S
A-ter interface Telecom Subsystem Gb interface
65
▼ The duplex "Control subsystem" (two DS10 in active/standby mode, with 2 shared disks) :
l controls the “telecom subsystem” (initialization, supervision, defence)

l provides the management interface (OMC-R or local maintenance terminal)
▼ The “Telecom subsystem” is composed of GPU boards :
l GPRS Processing Unit (GPU).

l Each GPU board performs the PCU functions towards the BSC and the SGSN
è 16 PCM ports per GPU board

è 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 :
l only one GPU board supporting each BSC (in the B6.2 release)
l multiple GPU boards supporting each BSC (from the B7 release)

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
66
▼ 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
l 4 BSS per MFS: 2* (1 BSS / 6 GPU)+(1 BSS / 5 GPU)
l 22 BSS per MFS: 22*(1 BSS/GPU)
▼ One JBGPU board (= 1 PCU) offers 480 PDCH. Two uses of JBGPUs :
l One JBGPU for each BSC, (Ater interface), so one MFS serves a maximum of 22 BSCs.
l With 240 PDCH per GPU, a BSC can offer up to 6*240 = 1440 PDCH
l 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
l the Nectar stations (DS10)
l GPU boards
l printers and craft terminals (for local management, the terminal is called IMT = Installation & Maintenance
Terminal)

4 Alcatel Solution
4.3 Packet Switched Core Network
▼ SGSN architecture
CCS
CCSN7
N7 DS10
Gr
DS10 towards
CCS
CCSN7
N7 IP
SGSN router
towards backbones
SS7
DS10
GPU DS10
Pilot servers
GPU
DS10
E1
GPU
towards LSN DS10
Gb SGSN server LAN/IO
67
▼ The SGSN main functions are processed by DS10 Nectar servers, other hardware equipments performing the physical
interfaces towards the networks accessed by the SGSN :
l BSS network (Gb = E1 or Frame Relay) via GPU boards,

l SS7 networks (Gs, Gr, Gd, Gc, Gf, SCP) via CMIC couplers,
l 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:
l LSN (Local Sub Network) = 2 fast Ethernet switches :

è communication between DS10 servers,
è communication between GPU boards and DS10 servers,
è communication between ETI boards and the DS10 servers.
l LAN I/O (Local Area Network for Input/Output) = 2 fast Ethernet switches :
è communication through IP/Ethernet between the DS10 servers and the SGSN routers

4 Alcatel Solution
4.3 Packet Switched Core Network
▼ Compacted configuration racks

first rack second rack third rack
NTS150
NTS150
NTP Server
CCS N7
LAN Gi Gp
NS500
GPU Non-pilot Firewall Server
NS500
servers
KVM Switch
Screen Keyboard
pilot BG, Access Router

SGSN/GGSN
servers routers
external DNS
PLMN
LSN Ethernet DNS/DHCP
LANIO/Gn
switches switches
68
▼ 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.
lEquipment Quantity
lCMIC couplers 2 to 4
lGPU boards 2 to 6
lGb PCM links Up to 96
lDS10 servers 4 (2 Pilots et 2 non Pilots with SS7 adapter)
lShared Disks 2x18 Gbytes
lRouters 2 or 3
▼ G configuration is the largest one available.
lEquipment Quantity
lCMIC couplers 2 to 4
lGPU boards 8
lGb PCM links 128
lDS10 servers 12 to 14 (2 Pilots, 10 to 12 Non Pilots with SS7 adapter)
lShared Disks 2x18 Gbytes
lRouters 2 or 3
▼ Power Supply:
l48V DC by a Top Rack Unit inside Each rack (GPU sub-rack, Fans, CMIC sub-rack, SGSN router).
l230V 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

4 Alcatel Solution
4.4 GPRS Network Management
▼ Dedicated OMCs B
T
BSC1 S
B
T
Radio part S
BSC2 B
T
OMC S
-R
MFS
NMC
Q3
SGSN
Core Network part
OMC
-G
Charging
DNS/DHCP NTP BG Gateway
GGSN
69
▼ OMC-R: Called Alcatel 1353 RA = management of the radio subsystem :
l Alcatel 9135 MFS.

l BSCs and associated BTSs
▼ OMC-G : called ALMA 1364 GPRS = management of the Core Network :
l the SGSN server

l the SGSN router
l the GGSN.
l The Charging Gateway (alarm supervision)
l the DNS/DHCP server (supervision)
l the GPRS network level (APN and Routing Areas)

4 Alcatel Solution
4.5 Alcatel QoS offer
▼ R97/98 QoS compliance
ETSI R’97/98 QoS attributes Alcatel Offer
Delay class Precedence class Mean throughput Resulting QoS class

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
70
▼ 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 :
l Too complex to implement,

l Many of the combinations have no meaning!
l The standard "allows" more simple QoS implementations.
è “-” = any value.

è 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.

4 Alcatel Solution
4.5 Alcatel QoS offer
▼ R97/98 QoS mapping into R99 QoS
R99 Traffic class Traffic handling priority R97/98 Bearer QoS class
conversational - Premium
streaming - Premium
interactive 1 Premium
interactive 2 Normal
interactive 3 Normal
background - Best Effort
71
▼ The mapping of R97/98 QoS attributes to R99 QoS is applicable in the following cases :
m hand-over of PDP context from GPRS R97/R98 SGSN to GPRS R99 or UMTS SGSN
m when a R99 MS performs a PDP context activation in a R99 SGSN with a R97/98 GGSN
m 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 :
m PDP context is handed-over from GPRS R99 to R97/R98
m when a R99 MS performs a PDP context activation in a R99 SGSN while the GGSN is R97/98
m when the SGSN sends user data to the BSS for a R99 MS
m when the SGSN has received R99 QoS subscribed profile but the MS is R97/98
m 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

4 Alcatel Solution
Exercise (1/2)
è True or False?
ü Implementing GPRS in the BSS simply

entails adding A9135 MFS servers
ü The GGSN is an IP router developed by
Cisco with GPRS-dedicated software
ü The SGSN server is an Alcatel proprietary
equipment based on IT devices
ü The DNS/DHCP servers used in the
GPRS Core Network are IT standard
servers
Time allowed :
5 minutes
72

4 Alcatel Solution
Exercise (2/2)
è True or False?
ü GPRS Core Network equipments are

managed from an OMC- G
ü GPRS radio subsystem (BSS) equipments
are managed from an OMC-R
ü 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
73

4 Alcatel Solution
Evaluation
▼ Objective : to be able to characterize

the solution offered by Alcatel

the self-assessment
74

5 Annex and Glossary
75

5 Annex
Coding Schemes : CS1 -> CS4
20 CS4
Channel rate (kbps)
CS3
15
CS2
10
CS1
0
0 10 20 30 C/I (dBm)
76
▼ The data rate on a PDCH depends on the coding scheme :
l for CS-1: PDCH data rate = 9.05 kbit/s (poor radio conditions or BSS signaling)
l for CS-2: PDCH data rate = 13.4 kbit/s (better radio conditions)
l for CS-3: PDCH data rate = 15.6 kbit/s
l for CS-4: PDCH data rate = 21.4 kbit/s.
▼ The system selects automatically the best coding scheme :
l the data rate is set according to the current C/l.

l maximum data rate (160 kbit/s) only possible with CS4 on 8 parallel channels

5 Annex
GPRS compared to other technologies
Bit rate 2 Mbps

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
77
▼ 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.

5 Annex
Network Mode of Operation I with Master Channel
CCCH
PCCCH
A
MSC/VLR
BSS Gs
(a)
PACCH
SGSN
(b) Um 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
78
▼ 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 :
l 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:
l 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.

5 Annex
GMM - Combined GPRS and NSS attach with Gs (1)
SGSN HLR
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
79
▼ "Attach" the MS switches on (GMM protocol):

l 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:

l to supply the security triplets
l to check roaming restrictions (or ODB)
l to store the address of the current SGSN
l to initiate the deletion of data from the old SGSN
l to send subscriber data to the SGSN
▼ "Detach" proceeds as follow:

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

5 Annex
GMM - Combined GPRS and NSS attach with Gs (2)
SGSN MSC/VLR HLR
Location_Update_req (IMSI, LAI)
Update_ location (IMSI, @VLR)
IMSI ↔ current VLR
Insert_subscriber_data
Update_location_ack
Location_Update_accept
80
▼ 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)..

5 Annex
GMM - RA update Inter-SGSN (1)
new old
SGSN2 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
81
▼ 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.

5 Annex
GMM - RA update Inter-SGSN (2)
new old HLR

SGSN SGSN
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
82
▼ 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).

5 Annex
SMS-MT on GPRS -Gd interface-
HLR SMS-SC
SGSN 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
83
▼ 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:
l MS IMSI-attached only: VMSC@
l MS GPRS-attached only: SGSN@
l MS both IMSI and GPRS attached:
è SMS-GMSC does not support GPRS: One address returned according to MS preference option.
è 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.

5 Annex
"Mobile User Activity" Procedure
SGSN HLR SMS_GMSC
GPRS_Attach_request
If MNRG=1
Ready_for_SM (IMSI)
MNRG ← 0
Alert_Service_Center
Alert_Service_Center_ack
84
▼ 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).

5 Annex
SM - PDP context activation review
- @ MS + IP/X25
NSAPI1 + PDP context1 - APN
IMSI ↔TLLI - QoS
NSAPI2 + PDP context2
IMSI ↔TLLI + current RA (NSAPI1 + PDP context1 + @ of GGSN1)

SGSN + subscription data (NSAPI2 + PDP context2 + @ of GGSN2)
GGSN1 IMSI ↔ @ current SGSN TID1 + PDP context1
HLR IMSI ↔ @ current SGSN
85
▼ 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”

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
DLCIm =p
DLCIp
DLC
DLCI=0 (Sig) =m
I
Frame
DLCIb
Relay
DLCIa
PVC
PVC
access line
86
▼ 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

l local availability of the FR link ("Link Integrity Verification” procedure)
l end-to-end availability of each user's PVC ("Full Status Report" procedure)
▼ Security (redundancy): the user to the right has 2 access lines.

5 Annex
The Gb interface - physical layer
PCU1
BSSGP
BSSGP
NSC BC1 = TSa, TSb,...
Frame
Relay BC2 = TSu, TSv,…
SNS NSC
BCa = all TS
Physical
layer SNS
PCMa
Physical
BSSGP PCM1
Frame layer
NSC Relay PCMb
SGSN
Gb BCb
SNS
Physical
Gb
layer PCM2
BC3 = TSi, TSj,… PCM
PCU2 BC4 = TSx, TSy,… Bearer Channel
87
▼ 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

l N time slots on one PCM link
l 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.

5 Annex
The Gb interface - SubNetwork Service layer
PCU1
BSSGP
BSSGP
Frame Relay NSC
BC1
SNS DLCIm BCa NSC
Physical PVC1 DLCIp
layer
Frame SNS
PVC2 Relay DLCIr
BSSGP Physical
PVC3 PVC4 layer
NSC
DLCIo Gb SGSN
SNS
Gb
Physical BC4 PVC
layer Bearer Channel
PCU2
88
▼ 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:

l firstly because a PVC is used for traffic with a given BSC (and therefore several BSCs means several PVCs)
l 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.

5 Annex
The Gb interface - Network Service Control layer
PCU1
BSSGP
NS-VCI= 11
NSC
BSC1 BSSGP
NSEI=x
SNS
NS-VCI=12
Physical
layer Frame NSC
Relay
BSSGP NS-VCI=13
SNS
NSC NSEI=y Physical

BSC2 NS-VCI=14 layer
SNS
Physical Gb Gb SGSN
layer
PCU2 NS-VC
NSE
89
▼ The Network Service Control layer is used:

l To transport BSSGP frames between MFS and SGSN
l 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.
l 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 = ΣNS-
VCs dedicated to the packet traffic for one BSC. NSEI is information included in the messages between SGSN and MFS.

5 Annex
The Gb interface - BSS GPRS Protocol
BVCI=i PCU1
BVCI=j
BVCI=k
BSC1 BVC
I=i, B
NSC V CI=j,
BVC
I =k
SNS
Physical BSSGP
layer
p
V CI=
n, B
VCI=
, B NSC
BVCI=m I=m
B VC
BVCI=n SNS
BSC2
NSC Physical
BVCI=p
layer
SNS
Physical
cell layer SGSN
BVC PCU2 Gb
NSE
90
▼ BVC = BSSGP Virtual Connection.

l One BVC for each cell (Point-To-Point BVC) to identify traffic to a particular cell within a NSE.
l 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:

l to relay LLC frame (one LLC frame encapsulated into one BSSGP frame) and offer QoS over the Gb
l BVC management = management of packet traffic flow for a cell (DL flow control mechanisms, BVC supervision
procedures, etc)
l MFS-SGSN signaling for LLC relay management and MS mobility management

5 Annex
R97/98 QoS attributes
Precedence Precedence Name Interpretation
1 High priority Service commitments shall be maintained ahead of precedence classes 2 and 3.
2 Normal priority Service commitments shall be maintained ahead of precedence class 3.
3 Low priority Service commitments shall be maintained after precedence classes 1 and 2.
R e lia b ilit y G TP M ode L L C F ra m e L L C D a ta R L C B lo c k T r a f f ic T y p e

C la s s M ode P r o t e c t io n M ode
1 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 N o n re a l-tim e tra ffic ,
e r ro r-s e n s itiv e
a p p lic a tio n th a t c a n n o t
c o p e w ith d a ta lo s s .
2 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 N o n re a l-tim e tra ffic ,
a p p lic a tio n th a t c a n
c o p e w ith in fre q u e n t
d a ta lo s s .
3 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 N o n re a l-tim e tra ffic ,
a p p lic a tio n th 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 .
4 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 R e a l-tim e tra ffic , e rr o r -
s e n s itiv e a p p lic a tio n th a t
c a n c o p e w ith d a ta lo s s .
5 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 ro te c te d U n a c k n o w le d g e d R e a l-tim e tra ffic , e rr o r
n o n -s e n s itiv e a p p lic a tio n
th a t c a n c o p e w ith d a ta
lo s s .
91
Peak Throughput Class Peak Throughput in octets per second

1 Up to 1 000 (8 kbit/s).
2 Up to 2 000 (16 kbit/s).
3 Up to 4 000 (32 kbit/s).
4 Up to 8 000 (64 kbit/s).
5 Up to 16 000 (128 kbit/s).
6 Up to 32 000 (256 kbit/s).
7 Up to 64 000 (512 kbit/s).
8 Up to 128 000 (1 024 kbit/s).
9 Up to 256 000 (2 048 kbit/s).
Mean Throughput Class Mean Throughput in octets per hour

1 100 (~0.22 bit/s).
2 200 (~0.44 bit/s).
3 500 (~1.11 bit/s).
4 1 000 (~2.2 bit/s).
5 2 000 (~4.4 bit/s).
6 5 000 (~11.1 bit/s).
7 10 000 (~22 bit/s).
8 20 000 (~44 bit/s).
9 50 000 (~111 bit/s).
10 100 000 (~0.22 kbit/s).
11 200 000 (~0.44 kbit/s).
12 500 000 (~1.11 kbit/s).
13 1 000 000 (~2.2 kbit/s).
14 2 000 000 (~4.4 kbit/s).
15 5 000 000 (~11.1 kbit/s).
16 10 000 000 (~22 kbit/s).
17 20 000 000 (~44 kbit/s).
18 50 000 000 (~111 kbit/s).
31 Best effort.

5 Glossary of abbreviations used
A to L
▼ ALMAP: ALcatel MAnagement Platform ▼ DLCI= Data Link Connection Identifier
▼ APN: Access Point Name ▼ DNS: Domain Name System
▼ AS: Alpha Server (Compaq) ▼ EDGE: Enhanced Data rates for GSM
▼ BG: Border Gateway Evolution
▼ BSC: Base Station Controller ▼ FUMO : Frame Unit Module
▼ BSS: Base Station Subsystem ▼ FR: Frame Relay
▼ BSCGP: BSC-GPRS Protocol ▼ GPRS: General Packet Radio Service
▼ BSSGP: BSS-GPRS Protocol ▼ GGSN: Gateway GSN
▼ BVCI: BSSGP Virtual Connection Identifier ▼ GMM: GPRS Mobility Management
▼ CCBS: Customer Care and Billing Center ▼ GR: GPRS Register
▼ CCU: Channel Codec Unit ▼ GSL: GPRS Signaling Link
▼ CDR: Call Detail Record ▼ GSM: Global System for Mobile
communication
▼ CG: Charging Gateway ▼ GSN: GPRS Support Node
▼ CS: Circuit Switching ▼ GSS: GPRS Sub-System
▼ DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ▼ GTP: GPRS Tunneling Protocol
▼ DL: Down Link ▼ HLR: Home Location Register
▼ HSCSD: High Speed Circuit-Switching Data
92

M to R
▼ IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity ▼ NSS: Network Sub-System
▼ IP: Internet Protocol ▼ NS-VC: Network Service- Virtual Circuit
▼ ISDN : Integrated Service Digital Network ▼ NTP: Network Time Protocol
▼ ISP: Internet Service Provider ▼ DB : On Demand Bandwidth
▼ LAN: Local Area Network ▼ OMC: Operation & Maintenance Center
▼ LLC: Logical Link Control ▼ OS: Operation System
▼ MAC: Medium Access Control ▼ PAGCH: Packet- Access Grant Channel
▼ MFS: Multi-Bsc Fast packet Server ▼ PCCCH: Packet- Common Control
▼ MNRG: Mobile Not Reachable for Gprs CHannel
▼ MS: Mobile Station ▼ PCO: Protocol Configuration Options
▼ MSC: Mobile Switching Center ▼ PCU: Packet Control Unit
▼ MT: Mobile Terminal ▼ PDCH: Packet Data CHannel
▼ NDL : ▼ PDN: Packet Data Network
▼ NE: Network Element ▼ PDP: Packet Data Protocol (IP or X25)
▼ NMC: Network Management Center ▼ PDU: Protocol Data Unit
▼ NNM: Network Node Manager ▼ PPCH: Packet- Paging CHannel
▼ NRPA : Network Requested PDP Context Activation ▼ PRACH: Packet- Random Access
CHannel
▼ NSAPI: Network Service Access Point Identifier
▼ PS: Packet Switching
▼ NSC: Network Service Control layer
▼ NSEI: Network Service Entity Identifier
93

R to Z
▼ P-TMSI: Packet- Temporary Mobile Subscriber ▼SNMP: Simple Network Management

Identity Protocol
▼ PVC: Permanent Virtual Circuit ▼SNS: Sub-Network Service layer
▼ P-VLR: Packet- Visitors Location Register ▼TBF: Temporary Block Flow
▼ QoS: Quality of Service ▼TC: Trans Coder
▼ RA: Routing Area ▼TCH: Traffic CHannel
▼ RIP : Routing Information Protocol ▼TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
▼ RLC: Radio Link Control ▼TDMA: Time-Division Multiplexing Access
▼ RADIUS: Remote Authentication Dial In Use Service▼TFI: Temporary block Flow Identifier
▼ RRDTUF : Roaming Restriction Data Towards ▼TID: Tunnel IDentity
Unknown Foreign PLMN ▼TLLI: Temporary Logical Link Identity
▼ RRM: Radio Resource Management ▼TMN: Telecommunication Management
▼ RSZ : Regional Subscription Zone Protocol
▼ SGSN: Serving GSN ▼TS: Time Slot
▼ SM: Session Management | Short Message ▼UDP: User Datagram protocol
▼ SMS: Short Message Service ▼UL: Up Link
▼ SMS-C: SMS-Center ▼UMTS: Universal Mobile Transmission
▼ SNDCP: Sub Network-Dependent Convergence System
Protocol ▼WAP: Wireless Application Protocol
▼ WAN: Wide Area Network
94

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 (GSM 10.18) O&M in GPRS
▼ TS 101 393 (GSM 12.15) GPRS charging
95
▼ New ETSI standard designations:

l EN = ETSI Standard
l TS = Technical Specification
l TR = Technical Report
l TS and TR are less constraining than a true standard (EN).
▼ The designation GSM xx.xx remains valid.

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MOBILE NETWORKS

Introduction to the GPRS

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Note : Please print this document with comments pages

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3 The Base Station Subsystem 44

5 Annex and Glossary 75

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Did you meet the following objectives ?

1 To be able to identify the benefits of GPRS

2 To be able to describe the organization of a

3 To be able to describe the main data

4 To be able to characterize the solution

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Yes (or No (or

Thank you for your answers to this questionnaire

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© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA Ed.10 Page 1

▼ Objective: to be able to identify the technical

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▼ Definition (3GPP TS 22.060)

▼ PDN (Packet Data Network)

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▼ GPRS Core Network

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▼ Meaning of Ttb, Tra et Trb changes regarding MS types.

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▼ Use of radio resources in case of circuit switching

Fixed bit rate (9.6 kb/s)

▼ Drawbacks of CS for data services

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▼ Use of radio resources in case of packet switching

Variable bit rate

▼ Benefits of Packet Switching

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▼ Radio resource assigned according to requirement

▼ Optimized use of the radio resource

▼ Radio resource sharing

▼ Up link (UL) and downlink (DL)

© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA Ed.10 Page 9

▼ Dynamic allocation and sharing of radio resources

▼ Radio resource sharing

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▼ Compared to the GSM BSS

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▼ EGPRS is an enhancement of GPRS

▼ The same set of services provided by GPRS is available in

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Peak throughput Class

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Always-on Media Fun

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ü GPRS is a circuit switching technology

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▼ Objective : to be able to identify the

Thank you for answering

© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA Ed.10 Page 16

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▼ Objective: to be able to describe the organization of a

© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA Ed.10 Page 18

© Alcatel University - 8AS 90164 0001 VH ZZA Ed.10 Page 19