3G RNC

Radio Network Controller

Radio Network Controller (RNC) is an important network element in third-generation (3G) wireless networks. It is a component in access network and handles mobility management, link management, call processing and handover mechanisms. In carrying out such functions, the RNC has to accomplish a tough set of protocol processing activities at swift pace which should be reliable and result in expected performance. The RNC is the point of convergence for traffic accumulation, conversion, intelligent cell and packet processing and issues of cell coverage with hard and soft handoff. RNC links up with the Circuit Switched Core Network (CSCN) via Media Gateway (MGW) and also with the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) in the Packet Switched Core Network. RNC carries out conventional wireless voice communications functions such as traffic data collection, call connection control with mobile station, managing Node B transceiver stations, connection with Node B and Core Network (CN), packet scheduling, hand-over control, load control and outer loop power control and security functions. UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) comprises RNC and Node B. RNC performs the chief functions including system information broadcasting, cell resource allocation and radio resource management. The logical links between the network elements are referred to as interfaces. RNC and the Circuit Switched Core Network (CSCN) have an interface that is termed 'Iu-CS' and the interface between RNC and the Packet Switched Core Network is referred to as 'Iu-PS'. The interface between RNC and Node-B is 'Iub' and that between the RNCs in the same network is 'Iur'. 'Iu' interfaces conduct user traffic including voice and data and also control information. 'Iur' interface is essential chiefly in soft handovers. In a 3G network, one RNC is capable of controlling between 100 and 250 Node B base transceiver stations. Each such transceiver takes care of hundreds of user equipment devices. The basic function of RNC is carrying voice and data traffic across ATM or IP interfaces among the Node B transceiver stations under it and the backend core network. It carries out high-performance data plane and control plane functionality. The RNC provides flexible operation and maintenance through comprehensive Metadata Manipulation Language (MML) commands and user-friendly interface for fault management and configuration management. It also backs up remote maintenance through dial-up network and digital data network. Links: 3G Radio Network Controller Application Example: Radio Network Controller Radio Network Subsystem Application Part Radio Network Controller UMTS Radio Network Controller Content Team -- BSNL Portal -- Intelligroup Asia Pvt. Ltd. content@bsnl.co.in

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Multiplexer
A multiplexer is a communications device that combines or multiplexes many signals for conduction over a single medium. In a simple form, a multiplexer will have two signal inputs - one control input and one control output. One common example of a multiplexer is the input selector on a home music system. Multiplexers are used in the manufacture of digital semiconductors including CPUs and Graphic Controllers and in communications equipment. A telephone network is a big virtual multiplexer made up of many distinctly smaller multiplexers. It is just impossible to have direct link between one telephone and another telephone. Instead, the network multiplexes or 'muxes' individual telephones together on a tiny number of wires as calls are made. A 'demultiplexer' at the receiving end completes the process by segregating the multiplexed signals from a transmission line. Quite often, a multiplexer and a demultiplexer are put together on a single gadget that is capable of managing outgoing and incoming calls. There are many forms of multiplexers. Time-division multiplexers possess two signal inputs - one control input and one control output. But, instead of a control signal, they interchange between all feasible inputs at exact time intervals. By alternating in this manner, several inputs can share one output. This method is usually employed in long distance telephone lines. This enables many individual phone calls to be combined together without impacting the pace or quality of any of the individual calls. Time-division multiplexers are normally manufactured as semiconductor devices or chips. They may also be made as optical devices in fibre optic applications. Code-division multiplexers are more complex than time-division multiplexers. They were developed during World War II for coding purposes using mathematical techniques. Subsequently, they have been found to be useful in cellular networks. The term Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) refers to these semiconductor gadgets that work by allotting each input a specific complex mathematical code. Each of the inputs employs its code to the signal it receives and all the signals are sent to the output at the same time. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is the method used to augment the bandwidth capacity of fibre optic systems in telecommunication industries and Community Access Television (CATV). Multiplexers allow operators to increase their capacity and help them provide reliable service while improving their profitability.

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Circuit-to-packet conversion
Circuit-to-packet conversion (C2P) is complete network upgrade. Circuit switches have been designed for voice traffic. They are being replaced by economical packet softswitches carrier-class servers, which control voice phone calls over circuit and packet-switched networks and access gateways which are capable of handling multimedia traffic. Variations in the architectural and element design between packet switches and circuit switches make a lot of difference in terms of physical space needed and for the related DC power systems. Packet switches comprise a set of separate electronic elements that may or may not be grouped together. It is the mainframe nature of a circuit switch that determines the precise space and power needs. Designing packet switches is a flexible process. The servers and gateways that the switch is made of can be customised for different environments and host/remote configurations. Softswitches take over the functions of call processing in the host and access gateways take the place of remote switches, leading to the termination of the lines. A softswitch node consists of many servers managing various functions including call processing. A softswitch application in an organisation occupies much less space and consumes less power as compared to an equivalent circuit switch. Packet switching results in a very efficient replacement of the circuit switches and enables providers to meet the demands of customers, while taking care of the growth in the capacity. A packet network makes it possible for voice, data and video traffic to be transformed into smaller packets and sends them along the same path at the same time, which results in a more efficient use of the network. The conversion involves the combining of three separate networks into a single, converged network for voice, data and private-line services. The technology deployed in packet networks provides greater reliability and the complete range of services of voice and data networks and places the provider in a strong position for Internet Protocol (IP) applications. When packet networks and network intelligence are brought together, they open up new possibilities. Integrating voice and data onto a single network has brought about new services for the carrier to deploy, but these are not just a by-product of the move to a packet network. In most of the instances, these new services are the basic reason for initiating the conversion to packet networks. Packet networks can be used to provide voice connection at places where there is an IP network. The circuit-to-packet transformation involves replacing Class 5 (access level) switches with softswitches and gateways. Softswitches are regarded as the brains of the packet networks. With these conversions, the telephone network will be changed into something entirely different from what it is today.

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Access Gateway
With the demand for wireless services increasing, it becomes essential for mobile operators to deploy, upgrade and manage an extensive range of voice and data services efficiently in an economical manner. The service providers are further strained by the different network build-out strategies after consolidations in the industry and by the price and transmission and management equipment. There is a need to integrate the functionality of the various devices and augment revenues, while bringing down capital and recurring transmission costs and improving wireless backhaul network management. Access Gateway is the solution that takes care of all these. An Access Gateway is a link between a telephony network and other networks such as the Internet. With the importance of Internet on the rise, Access Gateways assume greater importance as components of Access Mediation. Access Mediation is the method of analysing and curbing signalling traffic between networks, resources and users by segregating Signalling System 7 (SS7) traffic. This process makes it possible for carriers to check each signalling message passing through the network. Each message is examined carefully against the carriers policy to decide whether to allow or deny or transform the message traffic. Access Mediation instruments are generally used to reduce the risks associated with the extensive interconnection and network convergence by offering revenue assurance, advanced signalling security and prevention of fraud. An Access Gateway permits networks based on diverse signalling protocols to get interconnected. For instance, the mergers of telephone companies have generated the necessity to interconnect networks based on different signalling specifications. Wireless networks based on GSM have to interconnect with networks based on IS-41 the network standard that permits all switches to exchange information about subscribers. The protocol conversion necessary to interconnect such networks is provided by the Access Gateway. Additionally, providers are deploying TCP/IP-based networks instead of SS7 for specific signalling. The TCP/IP-based networks are utilised to interconnect distant networks, which is a cost-effective solution. An Access Gateway provides desktop access experience similar to that the users have within the network, thereby minimising training and support. Moreover, an Access Gateway automatically provides reconnection to applications and documents when users move to another location and device and thus enhances productivity. Through an Access Gateway, users can get secure access to any application, resource, voice or data including Web applications and telephony services using VoIP softphones, among others. There is no need to customise any application. Access Gateway provides reinforced data security.

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Organisations can conveniently furnish desk-like access to their remote users from anywhere without additional expenditure and the cumbersome process of installing, updating and backing up client software on each of the devices. It is swift, smooth and economical to deploy and manage Access Gateways.

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