GPRS Overview Manual: GSM Network Release 9.0

GPRS Overview Manual
GSM Network Release 9.0
401–380–061
Issue RFA Version
May 2000
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Contents
About this information product
Reason for reissue xi
Safety labels xi
Conventions used xi
Related documentation xi
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1 Introduction
Overview 1-1
What is General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) ? 1-2
Development/History 1-5
The Services GPRS Provides 1-7
The Benefits GPRS Provides (Compared to Circuit Switched Data) 1-8
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2 System Overview
Overview 2-1
GPRS Network Architecture 2-2
Mobile Station 2-4
The GPRS Backbone System (GBS) 2-16
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New Network Area 2-18
New Network Elements - Functional Entities 2-19
Frame Relay 2-24
New Network Interfaces 2-28
GSM Elements Affected by GPRS 2-30
Base Station Subsystem 2-32
GPRS introduction to the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 2-33
GPRS Introduction to the BCF-2000 2-34
GPRS Input for the OMC-2000 part 2-38
Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) and GPRS 2-47
The TCP/IP Suite 2-51
IP addressing 2-54
Address Resolution 2-57
Internet Protocol (IP) 2-59
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) 2-62
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) 2-64
TCP/IP Example 2-65
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
3 Interfaces
Overview 3-1
GSM System Interfaces 3-2
GPRS System Interfaces 3-4
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4 GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
Overview 4-1
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The GPRS Signalling Plane 4-2
The GPRS Transmission Plane 4-4
GGSN Protocols 4-6
SGSN Protocols 4-9
BSS Protocols 4-18
GPRS MS Protocols 4-24
The GPRS Air Interface 4-25
GPRS Logical Channels 4-26
Mapping of packet data logical channels onto physical channels 4-28
GPRS MS 4-34
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
5 GPRS Procedures
Overview 5-1
Mobility Management 5-2
GPRS Attach Procedure 5-5
Detach Procedures 5-10
Routing Area Update 5-15
Combined RA / LA Update Procedure 5-21
PDP Context Activation Procedure 5-29
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
6 Call Management
Overview 6-1
GPRS - BSS Mobile Originated Packet Transfer 6-2
GPRS - BSS Mobile Terminated Packet Transfer 6-4
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7 Radio Resource Management
Overview 7-1
PCU Functionality 7-2
Multislotting Operation Effects 7-3
Channel Coding Schemes 7-5
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
8 Future Enhancements
Overview 8-1
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) 8-2

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GL Glossary GL-1
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
IN Index IN-1
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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List of Figures
1 Introduction
1-1 GSM System Architecture 1-2
1-2 GPRS System Architecture 1-3
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2 System Overview
2-1 GSM System Architecture 2-3
2-2 The Principal GPRS Network Architecture 2-16
2-3 Architecture Overview 2-17
2-4 Location and Routing Areas 2-18
2-5 Placement of PCU within the Lucent BSS 2-21
2-6 Frame Relay Network 2-24
2-7 Frame Relay Structure 2-26
2-8 Frame Relay Network 2-27
2-9 New GPRS Interfaces 2-28
2-10 Shared Network Resources 2-30
2-11 rPCU Integration into the BCF-2000 2-34
2-12 Distribution of functionality 2-35
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2-13 GPRS - OMC solutions 2-37
2-14 GPRS Impact on NSS 2-47
2-15 TCP/IP suite 2-51
2-16 IP Addressing Scheme 2-54
2-17 Router Address 2-55
2-18 Message Exchange Process 2-58
2-19 IP Header Format 2-59
2-20 TCP Header 2-62
2-21 UDP Header Format 2-64
2-22 Message Flow 2-65
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
3 Interfaces
3-1 GSM Interfaces 3-2
3-2 Gb Interface Protocol Stack 3-4
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4 GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
4-1 Map Signalling 4-2
4-2 BSSAP Signalling 4-3
4-3 Transmission Plane 4-4
4-4 LLC Frame Numberf 4-6
4-5 GGSN Activity 4-8
4-6 Multiplexing different protocols 4-9
4-7 SNDCP Service Model 4-11
4-8 SNDCP Header 4-12
4-9 LLC FrameFormat 4-13
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4-10 llc_address_field 4-13
4-11 Control Field 4-14
4-12 BSSGP Service Model 4-16
4-13 SGSN Activity 4-17
4-14 RLC/MAC Control Block 4-18
4-15 Uplink RLC Data Block 4-19
4-16 Downlink RLC Data Block 4-19
4-17 Uplink Mac Header Format 4-20
4-18 Downlink Mac Header Format 4-21
4-19 Air Interface 4-22
4-20 BSS Activity 4-23
4-21 MS Activity 4-24
4-22 Logical channels for GPRS 4-25
4-23 52 Multiframe 4-28
4-24 Time-Slot Configuration 4-29
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
5 GPRS Procedures
5-1 GPRS Attach/Detach States 5-3
5-2 GPRS GMM/SM Control Plane 5-4
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
6 Call Management
6-1 GPRS Mobile Originated Packet Transfer 6-3
6-2 GPRS Mobile Terminated Packet Transfer 6-4
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
7-1 Operation Effects 7-4

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7-2 Segmentation 7-4
7-3 Channel Coding Schemes 7-5
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About this information product
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) has been specified to optimise
the way data is carried over GSM networks with new requirements for
features, network capacity and bearer services.
The technology allows GSM license holders to share physical
resources on a dynamic, flexable basis between packet data services
and other GSM services.
This GPRS Overview manual presents a detailed description of the
GPRS system.
Reason for reissue This document has been updated to increase the overall level of
information provided to users.
Safety labels There are no safety labels associated with this information product
Conventions used There are no special conventions used in this information product
Related documentation The following documents can provide additional useful information:
• GPRS Introduction Procedure (401–380–060)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
401–380–061 Lucent Technologies xi
Issue RFA Version , May 2000
1 Introduction
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) has been specified to optimise
the way data is carried over GSM networks with new requirements for
features, network capacity and bearer services.
This chapter gives an overview of a General Packet Radio Services
(GPRS) network and other Data Networks in Europe and throughout
the world. This section also lists the history of GPRS, the services
provided & the main benefits.
Contents This chapter contains the following information.
What is General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) ? 1-2

Development/History 1-5
The Services GPRS Provides 1-7
The Benefits GPRS Provides (Compared to Circuit 1-8
Switched Data)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
401–380–061 Lucent Technologies 1-1
Introduction
What is General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) ?

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction GPRS is a data service for GSM, the European standard digital
cellular service. GPRS is a packet-switched mobile data service, it is a
wireless packet based network. GPRS, further enhancing GSM
networks to carry data, is also an important component in the GSM
evolution entitled GSM+. GPRS enables high-speed mobile data
usage.
GPRS provides a packet data service for GSM where Time-Slots (TS)
on the air interface can be assigned to GPRS over which the packet
data from several mobile stations (MS) is multiplexed. GPRS, further
enhancing GSM networks to carry data.
Figure 1-1 GSM System Architecture
The GSM system architecture includes, the air interface (Um), the Abis
and the A Interface and others mentioned later in this document. The
GSM functionality is between the Mobile station (MS), the Base
Station Subsystem (BSS) and the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC).
The BSS includes two types of elements: the Base Transceiver Station
(BTS) which handles the radio interfaces towards the MS and the
Base Station Controller (BSC) which manages the radio resource and
controls handovers. A BSC can manage several BTSs. Through the
MSC, the GSM system communicates to other networks such as the
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN), Circuit Switched Public Data Network
(CSPDN) and Packet Switched Public Data Network (PSPDN). GSM
specifies 4 databases, the Home Location Register (HLR), the Visitor
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1-2 Lucent Technologies 401–380–061
What is General Packet Radio Service Introduction
(GPRS) ?
Location Register (VLR) and the Authentication Centre (AUC) and

Equipment Identity Register (EIR).
The ETSI Standard introduces two new elements, the Serving GPRS
Support Node (SGSN) and the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)
(Shown in the diagram below as shadowed objects) are introduced to
create an end-to-end packet transfer mode.
Figure 1-2 GPRS System Architecture
The HLR is enhanced with GPRS subscriber data and routing

information. Two services are provided;
• Point-To-Point (PTP)
• Point-To-Multipoint (PTM) (not yet specified by the Standards)
Independent packet routing and transfer within the Public Land
Mobile Network (PLMN) is supported by a new logical network node
called the GPRS Support Node (GSN). The Gateway GPRS Support
Node (GGSN) acts as a logical interface to external packet data
networks. The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is responsible for
the delivery of packets to the MSs within its service area. Within the
GPRS network, Protocol Data Units (PDUs) are encapsulated at the
originating GSN and decapsulated at the destination GSN. In between
the GSNs, Internet Protocol (IP) is used as the backbone to transfer
PDUs. This whole process is defined as tunnelling in GPRS. The
GGSN also maintains routing information used to tunnel the PDUs to
the SGSN that is currently serving the MS. All GPRS user related
data needed by the SGSN to perform the routing and data transfer
functionality is stored within the HLR.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
What is General Packet Radio Service Introduction
(GPRS) ?
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has

specified GPRS as an overlay to the existing GSM network to provide
packet data services. In order to operate a GPRS service over a GSM
network, new functionality has to be introduced into existing GSM
Network Elements and new Networks elements have to be integrated
into the existing operators GSM networks. The Base Station
Subsystem (BSS) of GSM is upgraded to support GPRS over the air
interface. The BSS works with the GPRS Backbone System (GBS) to
provide GPRS service in a similar manner to its interaction with the
Switching subsystem for the circuit switched services.
The GPRS backbone system manages the GPRS sessions set up
between the mobile terminal and the network, by providing functions
such as admission control, Mobility Management and Session
Management. Subscriber and equipment information is shared between
GPRS and the switched functions of GSM by the use of a common
HLR and the co-ordination of data between the VLR and the GPRS
support nodes of the GBS. The GBS is comprised of two new
network elements, the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and the
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). GPRS will be the Industry
Standard interface for mobile packet systems.
The maximum data rate is 171.2 kbps gross rate.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction
Development/History
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Development Over the last ten years, there have been numerous predictions that
Mobile Data is about to explode in the marketplace and indeed, most
of the data trends confirm this. With the rapidly advancing technology
it does appear that mobile data will become a widespread reality, but
perhaps not quite as quickly as first thought. Until now, the only GSM
data services available have been the Short Message Service (SMS)
and low speed bearer services for fax and data transmission at
9.6kbps. The general take up of these services has been slow and only
a very small percentage of mobile users (estimated at 3-5%) are
enabled for data services.
The current data rate for GSM is 9.6 kbps. To maintain competitive
edge, modifications and enhancements will need to be made. The
proposed enhancements will mean an increase in the amount of user
data to be carried across the network. These have included the High
Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCD) which has data rates up to 57.6
kbps and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) which has up to
171.2 kbps.
History The following section lists the main development dates associated
with GPRS.
• GPRS has been established at the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI) in 1994
• ETSI R97 was the first issue of the GPRS standards
History of GPRS
Date Event
1969 Advanced Research Projects Agency of the U.S.
Department of Defense (ARPA) Contract award
1983 APPnet moves to TCIP/IP
1987 National Science Foundation’s TCIP/IP based
NETwork (NSFnet) funded to provide regional
sites & backbone
1991 Gopher is introduced
1991 Commercial Internet Exchange CCIX7 set up for
commercial traffic
1992 First Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD)
specifications appear
1992 World-wide web is introduced
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Development/History Introduction
Date Event
1993 Wireless Data Cellular Digital Packet Data
(CDPD) forum started
1994 GPRS introduced to ETSI subcommittees & first
commercial CDPP networks
1998 GPRS Phase 1 standards published
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction
The Services GPRS Provides

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction The services provided by GPRS are extensive. GPRS is ideal for
sending & receiving bursty data via the Mobile Station (MS). This
enables the user to send information via e-mail and also have access
to Mobile Internet/Intranet Services, like Emerging services, and
WWW access.
It could also be used for the following:
• E-Commerce, Credit Card checks, Ticketing
• Vertical Market Applications
These include:
- Transportation: vehicle load monitoring
- Emergency Services: command & control
- Field Service job dispatch, issue & control
- Utilities: meter reading
• Image Transmission - Low resolution, Sketches & Images
• Telemetry - Logging & Slow Update Tele-control such as
Tele-Traffic control, Automatic Vehicle location (AVL)
• Location Services, LCS (ETSI Specified)
• Point-To-Point (PTP) and Point-To-Multipoint (PTM) packet
services Vertical Market Applications (will be defined later)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction
The Benefits GPRS Provides (Compared to Circuit Switched

Data)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction The data transferred is encapsulated into short packets with a header
containing the origin and destination address. The packets are then
sent individually over the transmission network. Packets originating
from one user may take different routes through the network to the
receiver. Packets originating from many users can be interleaved, so
that the transmission capacity is shared. No pre-set time-slots are
used. Instead, network capacity is allocated when needed and released
when not needed. This is called statistical multiplexing, in contrast to
static time division multiplexing. In static time division multiplexing,
time-slots are reserved for one user for the length of the connection
regardless of whether it is used or not, as with PCM lines and GSM
voice and circuit switched data.
GPRS upgrades GSM data services to be more compatible with
LANs, WANs and the Internet. GPRS uses radio resources only when
there is data to be sent or received, and so is well adapted to the very
bursty nature of data applications. Furthermore, it provides fast
connectivity and high throughput.
While the current GSM system was originally designed for voice
sessions, the main objective of GPRS is to offer access to standard
data networks such as TCP/IP. These networks consider GPRS to be
normal sub-network.
The current GSM system operates in a circuit-switched ’end-to-end’
transmission mode, in which circuits are reserved.
GPRS offers a number of benefits to the operator and end user. The
operator benefits of GPRS are:
• Optimal support for packet switched traffic. The operator can join
the Internet boom with true IP connectivity
• The possibility to offer new, innovative services. New user
segments such as telemetry of electric meters will become
accessible to the operator
• The ability to profit with idle capacity that would otherwise be
used only to cover peak-hour traffic. Many users can use one
time-slot simultaneously
• Using GPRS as a ’radar screen’ to pinpoint where potential
EDGE or 3rd generation rollout could be started
• It is economical to the user as it supports multiple users on the
same channel(s)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The Benefits GPRS Provides (Compared to Introduction
Circuit Switched Data)
• Profitable to the operator (value added service, efficient use of

channels)
• Packet based applications are given wide mobile support
• Reuse of existing network infrastructure
The end user benefits are:
• Optimal support for packet switched traffic. The operator can join
the Internet boom with true IP connectivity
• The possibility to offer new, innovative services. New market
segments such as telemetry of electric meters will become
accessible to the operator
• The ability to profit with idle capacity that would otherwise be
used only to cover peak-hour traffic. Multiple users can use one
time-slot simultaneously
• Using GPRS as a ’radar screen’ to pinpoint where potential
EDGE or 3rd generation rollout could be started
• It is economical to the operator as it supports multiple users on
the same channel(s)
• Profitable to the operator (value added service, efficient use of
channels)
• Reuse of existing network infrastructure
• Due to the wide GSM coverage, GPRS will offer true global
mass market wireless access to the Internet and other
packet-based networks
• Applications will be user-friendly with a seamless on-line
network connection independent of time and place. All existing
TCP/IP-based applications can be used with GPRS as if they
were connected to a LAN
• GPRS offers very fast session set-up and the end user can stay
on-line for long periods paying only for the capacity used
(depending on the billing model)
• GPRS makes using existing applications easier and enables new
applications
• High bit rates in peak-hour, and uncompressed data rates of
171.2kbps
• The existing e-mail subscriber base in the Internet gives even the
very first GPRS user a large group of ’B-subscribers’ to
communicate with
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2 System Overview
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter describes the basic layout of the GPRS system
architecture in terms of the major entities involved.
Contents This chapter covers the following topics:
GPRS Network Architecture 2-2

New Network Area 2-18
New Network Elements - Functional Entities 2-19
Frame Relay 2-24
New Network Interfaces 2-28
GSM Elements Affected by GPRS 2-30
The TCP/IP Suite 2-51
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
GPRS Network Architecture

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview GPRS is an overlay on the existing GSM structure, which means that
an existing GSM network is used with added new GPRS network
entities. The new GPRS network entities are, the Gateway GPRS
Support Node (GGSN), the Serving GPRS Support Node (GGSN) and
additional functionality in the BSS.
GPRS will require modifications and enhancements to the existing
GSM network architecture to enable it to support both packet and
switched data.
GSM System Entities The GSM system entities represent groupings of specific wireless
functionality.
A Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) includes the following
system entities:
• Mobile Station (MS)
• Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The BSS consists of the following:
- Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
- Base Station Controller (BSC)
• Operation and Maintenance Centre (OMC)
• Mobile - services Switching Centre (MSC)
• Home Location Register (HLR)
• Visitor Location Register (VLR
• Equipment Identity Register (EIR)
• Authentication Centre (AUC)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Network Architecture System Overview
• Other Network Elements
Figure 2-1 GSM System Architecture
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Mobile Station
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview The Mobile Station (MS) represents the terminal equipment used by
the wireless subscriber supported by the GSM wireless system.
The MS consists of two entities, each with its own identity:
• Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
• Mobile Equipment (ME)
The SIM may be a removable module. A subscriber with an
appropriate SIM can access the system using various mobile
equipment. The equipment identity is not linked to a particular
subscriber. Validity checks made on the MS equipment are performed
independently of the authentication checks made on the MS subscriber
information.
Functions of a Mobile The Mobile Station performs the following:

Station
• Radio transmission termination
• Radio channel management
• Speech encoding/decoding
• Radio link error protection
• Flow control of data
• Rate adaptation of user data to the radio link
• Mobility management
• Performance measurements of radio link
• Call Control
Types of Mobile Stations: Mobile stations can come in different power classes, which define the
maximum RF power level that the unit can transmit. For GSM 900
there are five power classes, for GSM 1800 there are three power
classes. The mobile station output power is specified in the GSM
Specifications 05.05.
Power Classes
Class Max RF Power (Watts)

GSM 900 GSM 1800
I – 1
II 8 0.25
III 5 4
IV 2 –
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mobile Station System Overview
Class Max RF Power (Watts)

V 0.8 –
Vehicular and portable units can be either class I or II, while

Handheld units can be class III, IV or V. Typical vehicular and
portable stations are of power class II or III while the typical
handheld is of power class IV.
Lucent Base Station The Base Station System consists of:

Subsystem
• Base Transceiver Station (BTS-2000)
• Base Station Controller (BSC)
The BSS consists of:
- Base Station Controller Frame (BCF-2000)
- Speech Transcoding Frame (STF-2000)
Functions of the Base Signalling data intended for the mobile station is inserted in the
Transceiver Station (BTS) correct signalling channel on the air interface. This signalling and
traffic data is protected against transmission errors, interleaved, and
encrypted to protect against unauthorised eavesdropping.
Signal and protocol processing covers the following areas:
• Channel coding
• Interleaving
• Encryption and Decryption
• Burst Formation
• Delay Correction
• Modulation
• Demodulation
Channel Coding Channel coding tasks include coding and decoding of voice data, data
channels, and signalling data. Since the data to be transmitted can
sometimes become partially corrupted by the fading effect, the data
must be appropriately protected. Additional check bits are generated
for this purpose, which make it possible to detect transmission errors
and to reconstruct the original data to a certain degree.
Encryption and To prevent unauthorised eavesdropping of the signalling information

Decryption and user information (voice and data), this data can be encrypted.
Correct identification of the mobile station is a prerequisite for
transferring encryption parameters. The BTS-2000 possesses two
different encryption algorithms. Different parameters are used for each
connection. The encryption parameters are determined by the
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Authentication Centre (AUC) and are transmitted via the

Mobile-services Switching Centre (MSC) to the BTS-2000.
Interleaving The sub-blocks of a data block created by channel coding are

distributed over several TDMA frames (interleaving). Because of the
interleaving, only isolated sub-blocks are affected by interference
variables. This increases the overall interference resistivity of the
channels, since minor errors can be corrected with the aid of the
check bits inserted during channel coding. After they have been
received, the interleaved sub-blocks are recomposed into complete
data blocks, checked for errors, and corrected, if necessary.
Burst Formation The interleaved and encrypted data is packed into bursts. A burst is a
time segment of the radio frequency carrier that is the same length as
a time slot and therefore constitutes the physical content of a time
slot.
The burst types are listed below:
• Normal Burst - Transmission of voice and signalling data
• Dummy Burst - Sent in unoccupied time slots on the BCCH
carrier
• Access Burst - Request for a connection, location update, and
responses to a paging cell
• Synchronisation Burst - Synchronises the mobile station to the
frame clock and the bit clock of the BTS-2000
• Frequency Correction Burst - Corrects the transmit and receive
frequencies of the mobile station
Delay Correction Because of the varying distances between mobile radio stations, the
radio signals may have different delay times. For this reason, controls
are necessary to equalise these delays. For an existing connection, the
group delay is constantly changing because of the movement of the
mobile station. For this reason, deviations from the correct time are
continuously measured at the BTS-2000, and the correction
parameters are automatically inserted and transmitted to the mobile
station.
Modulation The modulator has the task of converting the serial data stream into a
GMSK-modulated radio frequency signal.
Demodulation In the receive direction, the incoming signal is filtered, demodulated,

and amplified. A signal proportional to the receive field strength is
generated in parallel to this signal recovery.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Call Handling Functions Call handling functions include all the functions that are required for
setting up, maintaining, and releasing connections. These functions are
controlled by the BSC. The BTS-2000 is the executing element in the
GSM system, in this case.
The following call handling functions are carried out at the BTS-2000:
• Radio channel management
• Detection of loss of connection
• Connection control measurements
• Control and supervision of the STF-2000
Radio Channel The BSC informs the BTS-2000 of all relevant parameters, such
Management channel type, carrier frequency, time slot number, channel coding, and
rate adaption. The BSC determines what is to be sent over the
signalling channels. The BTS-2000 must send the messages associated
to the various channels at the right times in accord with its channel
configuration. Only the correction parameters for the delay are
inserted automatically by the BTS-2000 itself.
Detection of Loss of The BTS-2000 is equipped with a counter that automatically detects
Connection the loss of a radio connection. In the event that several SACCH
messages in sequence cannot be decoded, this situation is reported to
the BSC. The BSC sends the command to increase the BTS-2000 and
mobile station transmit power. If SACCH messages still cannot be
decoded, the connection is considered broken and the BTS-2000
deactivates the radio channel and the BSC releases the connection.
Connection Control The BTS-2000 conducts internally different measurements on each

Measurements voice/data channel for monitoring the transmission quality.
These include the following measurements:
• Receive field strength measurement (taken over one SACCH
period)
• Receive field strength measurement (taken over a subset of the
TDMA frames)
• Signal quality measurement (bit error rate; taken over one
SACCH period)
• Signal quality measurement (bit error rate; taken over one subset
of the TDMA frames with Discontinuous Transmission)
Interference levels are measured for all unused channels and the
measurements are forwarded to the BSC. The obtained values are
used to determine the channel allocation.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Control and Supervision The BTS-2000 performs the synchronisation between the STF-2000
of the STF-2000 and the BTS-2000 and also controls the functions of the STF-2000.
This operation is performed by means of the appropriate control bits
included in the TRAU-Frames exchanged between the BTS-2000 and
the STF-2000.
Functions for The following BTS-2000 functions improve the quality of

Transmission Quality transmission to the mobile station:
Improvement
• Frequency Hopping
• Antenna Diversity
• Transmit Power Control
Frequency Hopping Frequency hopping could equalise the relation of the fading effects to
the frequency. Fading effects are dependent on location and frequency.
Because the frequency is constantly changing, the fading effects are
evened out.
Antenna Diversity The antenna diversity function serves to improve the reception quality.
It is enabled by installing two spatially separated reception antennas
for each cell, each of which is connected to its own transmission path
in the transmitter.
Transmit Power Control BTS-2000 transmit power control is optional in the GSM system and
can be activated and deactivated by the OMC-2000 (operation and
Maintenance Centre). The aim of transmit power control is to use a
low transmit power that will enable problem-free high-quality
transmission of voice/data.
Functions of the Base The BCF-2000 is the central control module in the GSM network. It
Station Controller Frame is connected in the transmission paths between the BTS-2000 and the
(BCF-2000) STF-2000. A BCF-2000 can manage a number of BTSs through the
Abis-links. It is connected to the STF-2000 via an M-link.
The functions of the BCF-2000 are performed either autonomously or
under control of the OMC-2000 and are related to:
• Call handling
• Operations and Maintenance
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Call handling functions:

• Management of the BTS-2000 radio terminals and the assigned
radio frequencies
• Establishing and holding supervising calls for all subordinate
BTSs
• Handling of signalling connections to the mobile stations (LAPD
à Link Access Procedure on the D-Channel) and RIL3 (Radio
Interface Layer-3) and to the MSC (CCS7 à Common Channel
Signalling No. 7) and BSSAP (Base Station System Application
Part)
• Switching of speech data between the Abis-links and the M-links
• RF power control and handover management
Operations and
Maintenance
• Configuration Management to control the various BSS elements
• Fault Management to detect, localise and correct system faults
• Performance Management to control the measurements initiated
by the OMC in order to obtain statistical data (e.g. for planning
and analysis). Statistical data can be gathered by recording
information in connection with special events, and reading
special event counters. Performance Management gathers the
requested data and passes it on to the OMC at specified intervals
• Software Loading used to load the software from the OMC-2000
(or locally from floppy disk) onto the hard disk of the BCF, as
well as to the memory of the other network elements
Functions of the Speech

Transcoder Frame
(STF-2000)
• Speech transcoding
• Data transmission between the A- and the M-interface
• 4 : 1 multiplexing
• Through-switching of any channel
Speech Transcoding The STF-2000 supports the Full Rate (FR), Enhanced Full Rate (EFR)
and Half Rate (HR) coding algorithms. In the transmission direction
from the MSC to the BSC, the STF-2000 transcodes 64kbps
A-interface speech channels into 16kbps or 8kbps M-interface speech
channels. In the transmission direction from the BSC to the MSC, the
STF-2000 transcodes 16kbps or 8kbps M-interface speech channels
into 64kbps A-interface speech channels.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Data Transmission For data signals, the STF-2000 reads the 9.6kbps traffic data out of
the 64kbps time slot of the A-interface and forms a 16kbps
M-interface time slot (and vice versa). Transmission of data is
possible only in Full Rate connections.
4 : 1 Multiplexing The STF-2000 combines four 16kbps M-interface channels into one
64kbps traffic channel. In total, the STF-2000 multiplexes four
A-interfaces into one M-interface.
Through-switching of any The STF-2000 switches any channels, e.g. the CCS7 signalling
Channel channel, between the BSC and the MSC through transparently.
Functionality of the The OMC-2000 (Operations and Maintenance Centre) manages the
Operations and BSS-2000 (Base Station Subsystem) and the 5ESS-2000 Switch MSC
Maintenance Centre (Mobile-services Switching Centre) in a GSM network.. It provides
(OMC–2000)
operation and maintenance control capabilities from a central (remote)
location.
To perform daily operational and maintenance routines, the
OMC-2000 provides the following functions:
Function Provided for Provided for

BSS-2000 5ESS-2000 Switch
MSC
Configuration X
Management
Fault Management X
Performance X X
Management
System X
Administration
Switchover to X
redundant ports
On-line access via X
terminal-oriented
interface
Configuration
Management
• Network configuration change control (e.g. defining new cells)
• Centralised storage of BSS network configuration data
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Managing object states (e.g. restarting a piece of equipment that

has failed)
• Software administration for BSS loadable units
Fault Management
• Alarms indicating abnormal conditions for the BSS
• Alarm management functions (acknowledging and clearing
alarms)
• Alarm correlation
• Fault tracking records
• Support for external alarms
Performance Management
• Gathering Performance Measurements
• Storing Performance Measurements
• Analysing Performance Measurements
System Administration
• Workstation administration (adding and modifying workstation
information)
• User administration (adding and modifying user accounts)
• Loading error definition files
• Maintaining the network clock
Switchover to redundant Switchover to redundant ports provides a means of fast recovery of

ports the possible link failure causes (e.g. a physical link failure between
the OMC-2000 and the connected BSSs, etc.). Switchover to
redundant ports enables the operator to quickly switch over from a
faulty X.25 connection to another X.25 connection.
Network Switching Mobile-services Switching Centre (MSC) performs the switching

Subsystem (NSS) functions for all mobile stations located in the geographic area
covered by its assigned BSSs. Functions performed include interfacing
with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) as well as with
the other MSCs and other system entities, such as the HLR, in the
PLMN.
Functions of the MSC include:
• Call handling that copes with mobile nature of subscribers
• Management of required logical radio-link channel during calls
• Management of MSC-BSS signalling protocol
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Handling location registration and ensuring interworking between

Mobile Station and Visitor Location Register
• Control of inter-BSS and inter-MSC handovers
• Acting as a gateway MSC to interrogate the HLR
• Exchange of signalling information with other system entities
• Standard functions of a local exchange switch in the fixed
network (e.g. charging)
Functions of the Home Location Register (HLR):
The Home Location Register (HLR) contains the identities of mobile
subscribers (IMSI), their service parameters, and their location
information.
The HLR contains:
• Identity of mobile subscriber
• ISDN directory number of MS
• Subscription information on teleservices and bearer services
• Service restrictions (if any)
• Supplementary services
• Location information for call routing
Functions of the Visitor Location Register (VLR):
The Visitor Location Register (VLR) contains the subscriber
parameters and location information for all mobile subscribers
currently located in the geographical area (i.e. cells) controlled by the
MSC.
The VLR contains:
• Identity of mobile subscriber
• Any temporary mobile subscriber identity
• ISDN directory number of mobile
• A directory number to route calls to a roaming station
• Location area where the MS is registered
• Copy of (part of) the subscriber data from the HLR
Functions of the Equipment Identity Register (EIR):
The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) is accessed during the
equipment validation procedure when a MS accesses the system. It
contains the identity of the mobile station equipment (IMEI) which
may be valid, suspect, or known to be fraudulent.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The EIR contains:

• White or Valid list. This is a list of valid MS equipment identities
List
• Grey or Monitored list. of suspected mobiles under observation
• Black or Prohibited list. List of mobiles for which any service is
barred
Functions of the Authentication Centre (AUC):
The functions of the Authentication Centre (AUC) contains:
• Subscriber authentication data called Authentication Key (Ki)
• To generate the security related parameters needed to authorise
service using Ki
• To generate a unique pattern called the Cipher Key (Kc) needed
for the encryption of user speech and data
Mapping of Functions to Logical Architecture
Function MS BSS SGSN GGSN HLR

Network Access Control:
Registration X
Authentication and X X X
Authorisation
Admission Control X X X
Message Screening X
Packet Terminal Adaptation X
Charging Data Collection X X
Packet Routing & Transfer:

Relay X X X X
Routing X X X X
Address Translation and X X X
Mapping
Encapsulation X X X
Tunnelling X X
Compression X X
Ciphering X X
Mobility Management X X X X
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Function MS BSS SGSN GGSN HLR

Logical Link Management
Logical Link Establishment X X
Logical Link Maintenance X X
Logical Link Release X X
Radio Resource Management

Um Management X X
Cell Selection X X
Um-Tranx X X
Path Management X X
Field descriptions:
Field Description
IMSI IMSI is the main reference key.
MSISDN The basic MSISDN of the MS.
SGSN Number The SS7 number of the SGSN
currently serving this MS.
SGSN Address The IP address of the SGSN currently
serving this MS.
SMS Parameters SMS-related parameters, e.g.,
operator-determined barring.
MS Purged for GPRS Indicates that the MM and PDP
contexts of the MS are deleted from
the SGSN.
MNRG Indicates that the MS is not reachable
through an SGSN, and that the MS is
marked as not reachable for GPRS at
the SGSN and possibly at the GGSN.
GGSN-list The GSN number and optional IP
address pair related to the GGSN that
shall be contacted when activity from
the MS is detected and MNRG is set.
The GSN number shall be either the
number of the GGSN or the
protocol-converting GSN as described
in the subclauses ″MAP-based GGSN -
HLR Signalling″ and ″GTP and
MAP-based GGSN - HLR Signalling″.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Field Description
Each IMSI contains zero or more of the following PDP context
subscription records:
PDP Context Identifier Index of the PDP context.
PDP Type PDP type, e.g., X.25 or IP.
PDP Address PDP address, e.g., an X.121 address.
This field shall be empty if dynamic
addressing is allowed.
Access Point Name A label according to DNS naming
conventions describing the access point
to the external packet data network.
QoS Profile Subscribed The quality of service profile
subscribed. QoS Profile Subscribed is
the default level if a particular QoS
profile is not requested.
VPLMN Address Allowed Specifies whether the MS is allowed to
use the APN in the domain of the
HPLMN only, or additionally the APN
in the domain of the VPLMN.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
The GPRS Backbone System (GBS)

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction The GBS represents the packet switching network that provides GPRS
connectivity between the BSS and external packet data networks to
support GPRS terminals. The GBS comprises several different types
of network elements as well as the interconnecting transmission
hardware (e.g. routers, repeaters) and the transmission links between
them.
The ETSI standards introduce new functional network elements:
• Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)
• Gateway GPRS Support Node GGSN)
The SGSN provides subscriber management, mobility management, as
well as session management for any mobile GPRS user that has been
associated with this SGSN. In order to achieve this task, the SGSN
holds interfaces to the GSM subscriber databases: HLR, VLR, AUC
and EIR. The SGSNs also hold the interfaces to the BSSs, and
provides the authentication and encryption services for secure
transmission of user data.
The GGSN provides connectivity to external Packet Data Networks
(PDNs). The ETSI standards specify the Internet and X.25 networks
as external PDNs. The GGSN also provides address translation
services. Rate adaptation services between the GBS and external
networks may also be included in the GGSN. The Border Gateway
provides connectivity to another Operator’s GPRS network.
New interfaces will be required to connect the new entities to the
existing GSM network elements. These interfaces will be pre-fixed
with the character ’G’ and will support both traffic and signal
connections.
Figure 2-2 The Principal GPRS Network Architecture
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The GPRS Backbone System (GBS) System Overview
Unlike circuit switched services, packet services allow concurrent

usage of the same resources by multiple users. In order to support
GPRS in a GSM network, the BSS has to be upgraded to support
packet services and a GPRS Backbone System (GBS) has to be added
to the basic GSM network to provide packet connection from GPRS
capable mobile stations to other packet users, both fixed and mobile.
Figure 2-3 Architecture Overview
The GPRS Backbone System (GBS) comprises of the following:

• A GPRS operator managed IP domain and Domain Server to map
logical names for each element connected to the GBS domain to
IP addresses
• Multiple Serving GPRS Support Nodes (SGSN) which provide
packet service management for GPRS subscribers
• Multiple Gateway GPRS Support Nodes GGSNs which provide
subscribers with access to external packet data networks and
Public Land Mobile Networks PLMNs
• A GBS Management Network Element Manager (NEM) called an
Operations and Maintenance Centre for the GBS or OMC-G
• A Performance Gateway function that collects Measurement Data
from the GSNs and forwards to a Performance Monitoring Centre
• A Charging Gateway function that collects Accounting Data from
the GSNs and forwards to a Billing Centre
The IP domain may be entirely operator provisioned or part of a
larger IP network operated as a Virtual Private Network domain. The
Network supporting the IP domain is called the GPRS Backbone
Network (GBN).
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
New Network Area

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview GPRS introduces a new network area, the Routing Area.
Routing Area A Routing Area (RA) can consist of one or more cells and is always
served by only one SGSN. However, one SGSN could serve more
than one Routing Area.
Location Area A Location Area (LA) can contain one or more Routing Areas, but
one Routing Area could not span more than one Location Area.
Figure 2-4 Location and Routing Areas
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
New Network Elements - Functional Entities

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The SGSN For GPRS the GSM Base Station Subsystem (BSS) requires upgrading
to support packet capabilities. This is done by adding the functionality
of a Packet Control Unit which provides true packet access over the
GSM radio interface with no changes to the radio interface. New
logical radio packet channels provide packet access to the GPRS BSS
and the PCU handles these packet channels and forwards packets to
the SGSN.
The SGSN is a new network element that is the master of packet
access to the GPRS system. In a similar way to the MSC for GSM,
the SGSN provides service to Mobile Stations for packet transfer. The
SGSN is the master of packet transmission through the GPRS system.
The SGSN provides Admission Control, Packet Service Management
and GPRS Mobility Management.
Unlike the MSC, the SGSN additionally provides several access level
options in the form of multiple Quality of Service (QoS) options and
Session Management.
SGSN Connections
The SGSN contains the following connections:
• Connection to the GSM BSS via the Gb - interface
• Connection to the HLR via the Gr - interface
• Connection to the EIR via the Gf- interface
• Connection to the GSM MSC/VLR via the Gs - interface
• Connection to the SMS - SC via the Gd- interface
• Connection to other PLMNs via the Gp - interface
SGSN Functions
The SGSN carries out the following functions:
• Network Access Control (CDR Collection, QoS Admin,
Authentication)
• Packet Routing (GBS to other GSNs, GTP Tunnelling, Address
Translation, Address Resolution, IP Functions)
• GPRS Mobility & Session Management (PDP Context, HLR
Updates)
• Logical Link Management (sliding window, cyphering, traffic
support, RIL3 support)· Compression
• GSM Circuit Switched Interactions (Paging, etc)
• BSS Queue Management (Queuing of data/users)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
New Network Elements - Functional System Overview
Entities
• Data Packet Counting (Billing)

• Gb Resource Management (Flow Control of BVCs over Gb,
Frame Relay - PVC, NS - VC for support of BVCs, Support of
E1 Physical Layer)
The GGSN The GGSN is a new network element that provides access from the
GBS to external packet data networks such as the Internet. The
gateway is primarily an IP router. The GGSN provides routing across
the GBS on GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) request from the SGSN
and out onto the external network. This entity is therefore responsible
for managing both routing of traffic from multiple SGSNs and access
to the external network this it is connected. The GGSN provides
dynamic IP addresses on request from a SGSN, if a static address is
not requested by the MS and manages routing of requests from
external Packet Data Networks (PDN) to both PDP active and
non-PDP active, GPRS attached MSs.
The GGSN and the SGSN functions may be combined in a single
physical unit or in different physical nodes. The connection between
the GGSN and the SGSN, i.e. the Gn interface, utilises IP routing
functionality and as such, standard IP routers may be found on this
interface between the two GSNs (GPRS Support Nodes). When the
GGSN and the SGSN reside in different locations, the connection is
made via the Gp interface. The Gp interface has the same functionality
as the Gn interface with additional security such as firewall.
GGSN Connections
The GGSN contains the following connections:
• Connection to the SGSN via the Gn - interface
• Connection to other PDNs via the Gi - interface
• Connection to other PLMNs via the Gp - interface
GGSN Functions
The GGSN carries out the following functions:
• Access Control (Firewall between GBS and PDN / Message
screening)
• Packet Routing and Transfer (GBS to other GSNs, GTP, Relay
from GBS to PDN, IP Routing over PDN, APN Addressing)
• Data/Packet counting
The GGSN is the first point of interconnection from a PLMN to
a PDN.
The Packet Control Unit The Packet Control Unit (PCU) is a new functional entity of GPRS.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Entities
The GSM Phase 2+ GPRS Standards introduces the Packet Control

Unit (PCU) as the functional entity that handles all packet traffic
related tasks within a BSS or a cell.
It can be implemented in the Base Transceiver Station (BTS), then
called Integrated Packet Control Unit (iPCU), as well as in the Base
Station Controller Frame (BCF-2000), then it is called Remote Packet
Control Unit (rPCU) (According to the Lucent terminology).
The Packet Control Unit (PCU) is the unit that adds the packet
functionality to the Base Station System (BSS). It controls the radio
interface which allows multiple users to access the same radio
resource
Additionally it also provides the Gb interface.
Figure 2-5 Placement of PCU within the Lucent BSS
In the downlink direction, the Packet Control Unit (PCU) receives

data from the Gb interface unit (GBIU) in the form of Logical Link
Control (LLC) Protocol Data Units (PDUs). Its task is to segment
them into Radio Link Control blocks (RLC) and schedule the
transmission at the radio interface per slot and per mobile station.
In the uplink direction, the Packet Control Unit (PCU) receives data
in form of Radio Link Control blocks (RLC) from the Channel Codec
Unit (CCU). Its task is to reassemble the Radio Link Control blocks
(RLC) into complete Logical Link Control frames, which then are
transferred via the Gb interface to the Serving GPRS Support Node
(SGSN).
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Entities
The Packet Control Unit (PCU) needs to do this for each mobile
context established at the radio interface. Up to eight subscribers are
allowed to share the same radio resource in each direction, i.e. PDCH.
To achieve higher data rates for packet transfers, the Packet Control
Unit (PCU) is able to assign multiple radio resources to a single user.
The Packet Control Unit (PCU) is a logical, not a physical unit
implemented in the Base Station System (BSS).
The Gb Interface Unit The GBIU is a term that is used by Lucent Technologies to cover all
(GBIU) functions that are provided by the Gb interface. The Gb interface has
been introduced by the Standards to provide packet data transport
functionality between the BSS area and the GPRS backbone system.
The Gb interface is an open standard interface allowing GPRS
equipment from different vendors to co-operate.
IT comprises Frame Relay (FR), Network Services (NS) and the Base
Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol (BSSGP). In the downlink the
GBIU receives PDU’s from the SGSN and forwards them to the
addressed PCU or the GSE, if it is a signalling PDU. In the uplink the
GBIU receives PDU’s from the PCU or the GSE and transfers them
to the SGSN. The data link and subnetwork layer of the Gb interface
is based on Frame Relay. The Gb interface allows load sharing
through the usage of multiple links and provides limited protection
against link failures
The GPRS Signalling Entity The GPRS Signalling Entity (GSE) is a Lucent Technologies term to
(GSE) identify a functional entity that summons all signalling functionality
related to the BSS Gb protocol.
The signalling functionality of the BSS Gb protocol comprises the
control of the Gb interface, as well as the handling of paging of GPRS
attached mobiles.
The Channel Codec Unit The Channel Codec Unit (CCU) is a unit located in the Base
(CCU) Transceiver Station (BTS).
In the downlink direction, the Channel Codec Unit (CCU) receives the
RLC block from the PCU. It generates a Frame Check Sequence for
each block and appends it to the RLC block before transmission over
the radio interface.
The Channel Codec Unit (CCU) applies fourfold rectangular
interleaving to the Radio Link Control blocks (RLC). They are
thereafter transferred to the Mobile Station over the radio interface.
In the uplink direction the Channel Codec Unit (CCU) receives the
Radio Link Control blocks (RLC) over the radio interface from the
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Entities
Mobile Station. The Channel Codec Unit (CCU) is responsible for

de-interleaving and for checking the Frame Check Sequence in order
to detect erroneous Radio Link Control blocks (RLC). The Radio Link
Control blocks (RLC) are then transferred to the Packet Control Unit
(PCU) for further processing. Non erroneous Radio Link Control
blocks are transferred.
An additional task of the Channel Codec Unit (CCU) is the handling
of timing advance.
For a newly accessing mobile, the Channel Codec Unit (CCU) is
responsible to determine the initial timing advance. The determined
timing advance will be forwarded to the Packet Control Unit (PCU),
which conveys it to the mobile.
After the initial timing advance has been determined, the Channel
Codec Unit (CCU) handles the continuous timing advance procedure.
The Cell Control Function The Cell Control Function (CCF) is a Lucent Technologies term. It is
(CCF) used to characterise all GSM functionality in the Base Station System
(BSS) that is necessary for providing circuit switched services related
to one cell.
The Cell Control Function (CCF) carries out the following standard
GSM function:
• Administration of radio resources associated with the cell
The GSM Phase 2+ GPRS Standards require that it shall be possible
to support GPRS in a call even if there is no dedicated control
channel for GPRS traffic defined.
As a consequence the Cell Control Function (CCF) needs to:
• support broadcast of GPRS System Information on the Broadcast
Control Channel (BCCH)
• paging of GPRS mobiles using the Paging Channel (PCH)
• recognition and processing of access burst of GPRS mobiles
• as well as transfer of access grant messages for GPRS mobiles
on the Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Frame Relay
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Frame Relay Frame Relay is a high-speed communications technology that is used

in lots of networks throughout the world to connect Local Area
Networks (LAN), System Network Architecture (SNA), Internet and
even voice application.
It is a way of sending information over a wide area network (WAN)
that divides the information into frames or packets. Each frame has an
address that is used by the network to determine the destination of the
frame. The frames travel through a series of switches within the frame
relay network and arrive at their destination.
Frame relay is a connection oriented packet service protocol that
multiplexes many logical data connections over a single physical
transmission link. It provides fast packet switching (more efficient
than X.25) and is optimized for high throughput and low end-to-end
delay.
Figure 2-6 Frame Relay Network
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Frame Relay System Overview
Frame Relay is based on the following three convergent parameters:

1. Increasing demand for high throughput
2. Highly reliable physical network
3. Intelligent end systems
A low protocol overhead is responsible to allow a high
throughput. The data link protocol is cut down, there are no
sequence numbers, only address field (Data Link Connection
Identifier, DLCI) and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). There is
no network layer in Frame Relay .
No Error Correction by There is no time consuming error correction in Frame Relay networks.
Frame Relay Only error detection is done by the CRC and corrupted frames are
discarded. The retransmission is done only by end systems.
No Flow Control by Frame There is no flow control in Frame Relay networks. Special bits
Relay provide a simple congestion notification and the congestion control in
the network is done by discarding frames.
In case of a link failure there is no explicit rerouting mechanism in a
Frame Relay network.
Frame Relay Terms:
• User to Network Interface (UNI)
Specifies signaling and management functions between a frame
relay network device and the end useŕs device.
• Virtual Circuit (VC)
The connection between two frame relay ports.
• Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC)
A predefined Virtual Circuit (VC).
• Switched Virtual Circuit (SVC)
A Virtual Circuit that is established dynamically (not used in
GPRS phase 1).
• Committed Information Rate (CIR)
The average bandwidth defined for a Virtual Circuit.
• Excess Information Rate (EIR)
Increment in excess of CIR (CIR + EIR <= Port speed)
• Frame Relay Structure
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Frame Relay Structure The structure of Frame Relay contains the following fields:
• Flag Field: Indicates the start/end of a frame. If there are two
successive frames, only one flag field is used to indicate the end
of the one frame and the start of the next frame.
• Address Field: This field is the comprise of two octects. It is
used to carry the Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI) which
is needed for routing the frame between different nodes. In the
address field there is also an Address Field Extension (EA) that
indicates the last octet in the address field. There are also some
bits to indicate whether a frame has encountered some congested
resources, the Forward Explicit Congestion Notification (FECN)
and the Backward Explicit Congestion Notification (BECN).
Another bit, the Discard Eligibilty bit (DE) is used in case of
congestion in a network to indicate a specific frame that can be
discarded.
• Information Field: The purpose of this field is to carry the user
information
• Frame Check Sequence: The purpose of this field is to determine
any errors that may have occurred during transmission. In Frame
Relay there is only a error detection not a error correction !
Figure 2-7 Frame Relay Structure
Frame Relay Structure Legend:

• EA Address field extension bit
• C/R Command response bit (not used)
• FECN Forward explicit congestion notification
• BECN Backward explicit congestion notification
• DLCI Data link connection identifier
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• DE Discard eligibility indicator
Figure 2-8 Frame Relay Network
Frame Relay The Frame Relay (FR) module is used on the Gb Interface Unit
implementation in the BCF (GBIU) of the BCF supporting GPRS feature. The FR stack will run
in user mode on the GWS.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
New Network Interfaces

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview New Interfaces will be required to connect the new entities to the
existing GSM Network Elements. These Interfaces will be pre-fixed
with the character G and will support both traffic and signal
connections. The diagram below displays the new interfaces.
Interface Connectivity
Figure 2-9 New GPRS Interfaces
Interface Connectivity
Interface Connecting
Gb Between SGSN and BSS
Gn Between SGSN and GGSN or between two
SGSNs
Gi From GGSN to an external network
Gs Between MSC/VLR and SGSN to allow
co-ordination of location information and paging
Gc, Gr MAP interfaces between the HLR and
GGSN/SGSN to support authentication
Gf Interface to EIR to support the check IMEI
procedure
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
New Network Interfaces System Overview
Interface Connecting
Gd Interface from SMSC to the SGSN to allow SMS
traffic to be carried over the GPRS channels
Gp Equivalent to the Gn, except that the connected
GSNs are in different networks
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
GSM Elements Affected by GPRS

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview There are GBS implications on several existing GSM network

elements. These are , the BSS, OMC, MSC, VLR, HLR AUC and
EIR. Several other new network elements are required by GPRS
which the GBS feature has impact upon, these are the SGSN, GGSN,
OMC-G, DNS and Data Gateways (CG and Performance Gateway).
Shared Network Resources The figure below shows how network resources will be shared. The
HLR & VLR record field size have been extended to accommodate
for GPRS.
Figure 2-10 Shared Network Resources
GPRS Impact on the Base GPRS Impact on the Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
Station Subsystem (BSS)
Element Description of changes required
BSC New Interface to new GPRS elements, Gb to the
SGSN. New functionality to handle packet data,
Remote Packet Control Unit (rPCU). Note: If
current link capacity is not sufficient to support
GPRS and GSM Circuit Switched (CS) traffic, then
additional interface boards (M interface for nailed
up connections) would need to be added
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GSM Elements Affected by GPRS System Overview
Element Description of changes required

BTS Software Modifications to handle packet data for
handling the GPRS traffic. Additional processing
requirements to support GPRS. The Abis interface
has to be adapted to support GPRS
OMC O & M modifications to cover overlaid packet
network.
GPRS Impact on the GPRS Impact on the Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)
Network Switching
Subsystem (NSS) Element Description of changes required
MSC/VLR The Mobile switching Centre / Visitor Location
Register (VLR) needs to be updated to allow for
the efficient co-ordination of circuit switched calls
and GPRS packet data services. Also a new
interface (Gs) is needed between the MSC/VLR
and the SSGN.
HLR The Home Location Register (HLR) needs to be
updated to store and manage new GPRS subscriber
data. To manage the new GPRS subscriber data,
two new interfaces are created, (Gc) between the
GGSN and the HLR, and (Gr) between the SGSN
and HLR.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Base Station Subsystem

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview The introduction of GPRS to the Base Station System (BSS) is a

smooth introduction (software update). Call processing will still be
possible while introducing the GPRS functionality.
Preconditions for GPRS Introduction:
1. All network elements are running at least at NR 8.2
2. Software release 9.0 available with appropriate ″Customer
Specific Database″
3. All cabling activities for Gb interface completed
4. Additional hardware for STF in place (if needed)
BSS GPRS Features (NR BSS GPRS features (NR 9.0) include:
9.0)
• New channel type supporting TCH/F or GPRS
• Synchronisation of Time Alignment and TDMA Frame Number
(FN) between CCU and PCU
• GPRS Data Channels
• CS-1 with 184 Bit / TRAU-Frame
• CS-2 with 271 Bit / TRAU-Frame
• PRACH with 11 Data Bit
• Sharing resources between circuit switch and GPRS
• Maximum of 93 simultaneously active PDCHs
• Dynamic switching between coding scheme one and coding
scheme two is not supported
• Packet control channels not supported
• No ″cs″-paging
• Number of performance measurements in Rel. 1: Two
• Radio Link Control in acknowledged mode
• No frequency hopping for PDCHs
• Maximum of 500 Temporary Block Flows (TBFs): 250 in uplink
direction and 250 in downlink direction
• Maximum of four PDCHs per downlink-TBF and maximum of 2
PDCH per uplink-TBF
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
GPRS introduction to the Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview GPRS will be implemented in the BTS-Family through a software

solution only. This software upgrade will support coding scheme 1
and coding scheme 2. There is a maximum of one GPRS Transceiver
(TRX) per cell and also a maximum of eight GPRS time-slots per
TRX.
Abis - PCU Interface Abis - PCU Interface:

• Interface between CCU and Remote PCU
• Uses a 16 kbits/s Subslot on Abis interface (modified TRAU
interface)
• 20ms Frame Structure like TCH/F
• Interface not defined by GSM (Proprietary Lucent Solution)
• Time Alignment and FN Synchronisation Function
• CCU is Master for this Synchronisation
• Each Frame contains the FN where the Data have to be sent on
the Um Interface
The PCU schedules The PCU schedules:

• Which MS receives next Downlink Block
• Which MS sends next Uplink Block
• Access or Normal Burst Reception
• MAC layer
• RLC layer
• Flow control (downlink direction only)
The CCU reports to PCU The CCU reports to PCU

• Receive Level
• Receive Quality
• No further GSM Measurements done in BTS-2000
Frequency Offset Measurements and Timing Advance
Measurements handled by BTS.
The GPRS Um Interface The GPRS Um Interface

• BTS knows only Channel PDCH
• Mapping of logical Channels PACCH, PBCCH, PCCCH, PDTCH
is done by PCU (Future release)
• BTS supports Frequency Hopping for GPRS
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
GPRS Introduction to the BCF-2000

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview The GPRS functionality within the BCF-2000 is assigned to one

server. Hence an extra server including an Advanced Communication
Card (ACC) card will be required as a GPRS extension unit per
BCF-2000.
GPRS workstation (GWS) One new type of logical workstation will be implemented. The new
workstation is called GPRS workstation (GWS). This leads to a
reduction of four Cell Workstations per BCF-2000. There will be one
GWS instance per BCF. Adding a GWS to a BCF–2000 requires no
hardware changes, because every available server can come up as a
GPRS workstation.
rPCU Integration into the

BCF-2000
Figure 2-11 rPCU Integration into the BCF-2000
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Introduction to the BCF-2000 System Overview
Distribution of functionality
Figure 2-12 Distribution of functionality
All GPRS relevant units in the BCF are placed in the GPRS
workstation.
The GPRS Signalling Entity (GSE), the Gb Interface Unit (GBIU) and
the Packet Control Unit (PCU) are located in the GPRS Workstation.
These three new UNIX processes will be combined into the GPRS
Virtual Machine (GVM). The ACC card will have a new software and
be the holder of the RLC/MAC scheduler. There will be no GPRS
specific database and no GPRS specific OA&M.
GSE functionality GSE functionality:

• Interface to OA&M
• Supervision of data distribution
• Prepares and broadcasts paging messages, which are received
from the SGSN
• Central fault management for rPCU
• Synchronisation of rPCU during start-up
• rPCU common management of performance measurements
It receives all non- connection related messages, which are received
from the SGSN. The non-connection related parts of the GPRS
Mobility Management (GMM) and of the Network Management (NM)
functionality is also handled by the GSE.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The explicit tasks handled by the GSE are:

• Distribution of configuration data to the PCUP
• Distribution of configuration data to the GBI
• Maintaining a table of cell specific information
• Routing of paging messages
• Co-ordination of the recovery of the rPCU application
• Filtering and forwarding of rPCU specific fault messages to Fault
Management (FM)
By analyzing the BSSGP Virtual Identifier and the primitive type, it is
decided by the BSSGP layer whether a received Protocol Data Unit
(PDU) must be routed to the GSE or not. As a consequence, the GSE
receives only PDU′s which contain the signalling BSSGP Virtual
Connection. It also receives all paging messages from the Gb Interface
Unit (GBIU). These paging messages are analyzed by the PAGER
process and they are forwarded to the Line Transmission Virtual
Machines (LTEVMs) via the User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
broadcast.
For GPRS release 1 no paging messages are forwarded to the PCUP,
because no PBCCH (i.e. PPCH) is supported.
GBIU functionality GBIU functionality:

• The GBIU supports the following three layers
- Base Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol (BSSGP)
- Network Service
- Frame Relay
• Interface to BOND available
• Configuration data provided from OA & M (via the GSE)
• Load sharing within NS-layer
GBIU connectivity:
• The Gb interface is distributed over four internal E1 links.
• There is a maximum of 31 time-slots (64kbs each)
• Distribution over all available M-links is possible
• There are nail-ups during recovery of Network Service Virtual
Connection (NSVC)
• The Gb interface is not involved in dynamic switching (static
switching)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GWS Recovery procedures The recovery procedures for the GWS are listed below:
• Creation of a GBIU (via database or OMC)
• BCC recognises that GPRS is enabled
Checking the LCA flag
• SRS-Handler selects suitable server as GWS
Selection based on availability of internal E1 slot capacity
• CCP starts GVM
- Start of GSE, GBIU and PCUP
- Download of GPRS specific ACC image
• Synchronisation of GVM (communication paths between all
GVM UNIX processes have to be established)
• Creation of at least one NSVC
• Configuration of PCU
Reliability Parameters Reliability Parameters:

• Recovery type:
- Off-line failed GWS
- Failed GWS replaces existing CEWS
• The total number of GVM restarts
• The total number of GWS reboots
• The total number of servers to try for GWS
Figure 2-13 GPRS - OMC solutions
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
GPRS Input for the OMC-2000 part

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview The following pages describe the impact of GPRS on the OMC-2000.
GPRS Support for BSS Before a complete set of new General Packet Radio Service
(GPRS)-related objects (GBIU, PCU, and at least one NSVC) can be
created, the following conditions must be met:
• The NECONN object associated with the BSS must have its
GPRS Supported parameter set to True.
• The BSS must have its GPRS Supported parameter set to True.
• The BTS must have its GPRS Supported parameter set to True.
• At least one Transcoder (TRC) object with a TRC Type of
″GPRS″ must be available before you can create an NSVC
object.
Reset of GPRS Support
If the GPRS Supported parameter in the BSS is reset from True to
False to stop any support of GPRS traffic, any active GPRS-related
measurement groups are not deleted automatically. In addition, the
BSS continues to ″collect″ GPRS measurement data even though none
of the counters associated with those measurements are incremented.
To optimise your data collection activities, delete any GPRS
measurement groups before resetting the GPRS Supported parameter
on the BSS to False.
Important! Before you disable GPRS in the BSS, you must manually
change the GPRS Supported parameter in the BTSs to False.
When a BSS does not Support GPRS
There are two conditions under which GPRS capability cannot be
selected:
• If the OMC-2000 is not configured to support GPRS operations,
the GPRS Supported parameter is greyed out, and inaccessible.
• If the BSS Model Type is not BCF Release 3.0 or later, the
GPRS Supported parameter is greyed out, and inaccessible.
How to disable GPRS Support in a BSS
Before you can disable GPRS capability in a BSS (that is, before you
set its GPRS Supported parameter to False), you must do the
following:
• Under the BTS, delete any contained PCU object
• Make sure no RTs have CHNs configured with a channel type of
TCHFullandPDCH
• In the BTS, set the GPRS Supported parameter to False
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Input for the OMC-2000 part System Overview
• Manually delete all NSVC objects

• Under the BSS, ensure that there is no GBIU object
Once the above conditions are met, you can set the BSS GPRS
Supported parameter to False.
GPRS Support for BTS The parent BSS must have its GPRS Supported parameter set to True
before you can create a BTS with GPRS capability.
How to disable GPRS Support in a BTS-2000
To disable GPRS capability of a BTS-2000, you must do the
following:
• Delete any contained PCU object.
• Make sure no contained CHNs are configured with a Channel
Type of TCHFullandPDCH.
• In the BTS, set the GPRS Supported parameter to false.
GPRS Support for RT In order to support GPRS functionality, the BTS must be able to map
new logical channels on the RTs. To support GPRS communications, a
new channel type, the Traffic Channel Fullrate and Packet Data
Channel (TCHFullAndPDCH), is added.
At any given time, only one RT within a BTS–2000 can support
GPRS channels. Thus, the maximum number of channels that can be
configured as PDCHs is 8.
To determine which of the RTs within a BTS–2000 has GPRS
channels assigned, you can open the RT Browser or RT Detail View
and look at the GPRS Active column. The OMC-2000 sets the value
of this parameter to Y automatically as soon as a channel on an RT is
configured as a PDCH.
Before Configuration
When no channels are configured as GPRS channels, such as when
you are configuring the first one, all RTs will show ″False″ in the
GPRS Active column.
Display RT channel usage
The RT channel usage dialog displays information associated with
GPRS communications, that is a Channel Status that indicates busy
PDCH, only when GPRS capability exists for an RT.
GPRS Support for CHN Before traffic can move across the network, you must first configure
the channels (CHNs) on the Radio Terminals (RTs). To support GPRS
capabilities, a new channel type TCGFullAndPDCH is added.
The Channel object (CHN) is also known as a physical channel. It
represents one physical time-slot in the air interface on an RT. There
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
are up to eight different channels for every RT. Every channel created
must be configured, which includes assigning a channel type to
designate its function.
For GPRS additional channel types are defined:
• Packet Data Traffic Channel (PDTCH) which belongs to the class
Packet Data Channel and will be used for Uplink and Downlink
direction
• Packet Associated Control Channel (PACCH) which belongs to
the class Packet Data Channel and will be used for Uplink and
Downlink direction
• Packet Timing Advance Control Channel (PTCCH) which
belongs to the Class Packet Data Channel and will be used for
Uplink direction
GPRS Channel Description
• PDTCH - This corresponds to the resource allocated to a single
mobile station on one physical channel for user data
transmission. One PDTCH has an instantaneous bit rate of 0 to
22.8 Kbit/s. When a channel is configured as a PDCH, it is a
shared resource and can be used either for circuit switched or
packet switched operation. The BSS determines how it is used
based on the number of requests for each type service, and
according to resource availability. Creating a channel of this type
does not mean that it will be used for GPRS services, even it is
available and required.
• PACCH - Used to carry signalling information associated with a
PDTCH.
• PTCCH - Used in the uplink to transmit random bursts to allow
for the estimation of the timing advance for one mobile station
on the packet transfer mode, and in the downlink to transmit
timing advance updates for one or several mobile stations. The
existing control channels handle all GPRS-specific information
and control operations.
The following information will help you to create a CHN object to
support GPRS capabilities:
• Only one RT within a BTS can support GPRS at any given time.
It is on this RT that you can create a CHN with a Channel Type
TCHFullAndPDCH to support GPRS.
• Shared resources must have a Frequency Hopping Relationship
(frequency usage) value of 255, which means they are not
allowed to be part of a Frequency Hopping scheme.
• All shared resources assigned within one BTS must be contained
in the same RT.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Support for a TRC The allocation of the bearer channel by the Network Services Virtual
Connection (NSVC) object is done by reference to a TRC object,
which has been configured to carry GPRS data. This means that the
64Kb/s channel is passed transparently through the transcoder. To do
this and avoid confusion with existing CCSS7 signalling channels, a
new parameter called TRC Type GPRS is added to the TRC object.
Packet Control Unit (PCU) GPRS channel control, allocation, and operation is performed by the
Object Packet Control Unit (PCU). There is one functional PCU for each
BTS supporting GPRS. Since the PCU is a child object of the BTS,
you must delete it before you disable GPRS capabilities of the parent
BTS object.
Prerequisites
Before you can create a PCU object, the following must be true:
• The BTS parameter, GPRS Supported, indicates if GPRS
functionality is supported by the BTS. It must be set to True
before an operator can create a PCU object.
• A GBIU object must exist.
• The BTC object within the BTS must exist.
• No PCU object currently exists within the BTS-2000.
Attributes of the PCU object
Attributes of the PCU object
• Routing Area Colour Code (RACC) - This service affecting
parameter is used to determine if GPRS capability is supported
by a BTS-2000. A mobile station to do a cell reselection also
uses it. Values can range from 0 through 7.
• Routing Area Code (RAC) - The value of this service affecting
parameter is determined by each network using the structure,
which is specified in the GSM standards. Values can range from
1 through 253, and must match the value set at the SGSN.
• BVCI - The BSSGP Virtual Connection Identifier. The value of
this service-affecting attribute identifies the BSSGP Virtual
Connection used between the PCU and SGSN. Values can range
from 2 through 181, and must be unique within the BTS-2000.
• Max(imum) Number of PDCHs Allowed - This parameter
determines the maximum number of idle TCHFullAndPDCH
within a BTS-2000 that the PCU can allocate for GPRS service
at any time. Once this number has been reached, no more
channels can be assigned for GPRS service even if more idle
TCHFullAndPDCH channels are available. Values can range from
1 through 8. Default is 8.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Number of PDCHs Available - This attribute maintains a running

count of the number of radio channels available for GPRS. For a
channel to be counted it must be configured as
TCHFullAndPDCH and Unlocked and Enabled.
• Priority Access THR - This parameter, sometimes, referred to as
the packet access class indicator, indicates whether or not a
mobile station of a certain priority class is authorised to do a
random access request of a GPRS service.
Values can be the following:
- Packet Access not allowed by the BTS-2000.
- Access allowed for Priority Class 1
- Access allowed for Priority Class 1 and 2
- Access allowed for Priority Class 1, 2 and 3
- Access allowed for Priority Class 1 through 4 (default)
• Max(imum) Time For Non-DRX Mode - This parameter indicates
the maximum time allowed for a mobile station to request
non-discontinuous (non-DRX) reception mode after packet
transfer mode.
Values can be any of the following:
- No Non-DRX mode after packet transfer mode
- Maximum of 1 second Non-DRX mode after packet transfer
mode
- Maximum of 2 seconds
- Maximum of 16 seconds (default)
• RLC Counter PAN_MAX - This counter is related to cell
reselection. Values can range from 4 through 32 increments of 4.
• Power Control Counter N_Avg_I - This parameter defines the
interference signal strength filter constant for power control.
Values can range from 0 through 15.
• Power Control Timer T_Avg_W - This parameter defines the
signal strength filter period for power control in ″packet idle″
mode. Values can range from 0 through 25.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Power Control Timer T_Avg_T - This parameter defines the

signal strength filter period for power control in packet transfer
mode. Value can range from 0 through 25.
• BTS Receive Signal Strength SSb - This parameter relates to
open loop power control. Values can range from 0 (less than
-110dBm) through 63 (greater than -48 dBm) in 1 dBm
increments. Default=63.
Network Services Virtual The Network Services Virtual Connection (NSVC) object is a child of
Connection (NSVC) Object the Gb Interface Unit (GBUI) object. This object is available only if
the OMC is GPRS enabled, and if its parent BSS object has its GPRS
Supported attribute set to True.
Prerequisites
Before you create an NSVC, do the following:
• Locate a TRC that can be used as a Gb Service Provider for
creating an NSVC object.
Do this as follows:
1. Obtain the list of available TRCs under a TCG of type
STF-2000
2. Check the browser to determine if a TRC object exists for
the BSS under which you want to create the NSVC
3. If a TRC exists, ensure that the TRC Type field is set to
GPRS
4. For any GPRS TRCs, ensure that TRC Assigned = FALSE
• Ensure that a GBIU object exists.
If these conditions are satisfied, then the TRC can be used as a Gb
Service Provider for creating an NSVC object. If a PCU is created
and activated, as long as at least one NSVC is unlocked and enabled,
GPRS operations can begin. No association needs to be made between
the PCU and the NSVC.
NSVC Attributes
NSVC Attributes
• NSVC Id is the Network Services Virtual Connection (NSVC)
object identifier. Values can range from 0 through 30.
• NS_VCI is the Network Services Virtual Connection Identifier. It
is on of the two Network Services mapping elements. Values can
range from 0 through 65535, and must be unique within the BSS.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• DLCI is the Data Link Connection Identifier for the frame relay.
It is one of the two Network Services mapping elements. Values
can range from 16 through 991, and must be unique within the
BSS.
• Gb Service Provider displays the distinguished name of the TRC
in the BSS that provides the bearer channel for the NSVC.
Gb Interface Unit (GBUI) Each BSS is capable of supporting up to 31 NSVC objects for GPRS
Object data, where one bearer channel represents one 64 Kb/s timeslot on an
M-link.
The allocation of the bearer channel is accomplished by referencing a
Transcoder (TRC) object that has been configured to carry GPRS
data. The channel is passed through the TRC transparently.
The Network Services (NS) layer sits above Frame Relay, and is
responsible for the correct routing of data between the SGSN and the
BSS. This is done by setting up Network Services Virtual Connections
(NSVCs). These NSVCs are identified by their NS_VCI. This value
uniquely identifies the NSVC within the SGSN.
The OMC-2000 uses point-to-point connections, so the Network
Services Virtual Connection Identifier (NS_VCI)-to-DLCI mapping
must be the same at the BSS and the Serving GPRS Service Node
(SGSN). The mapping of the NS_VCI-toDLCI to bearer channel
relationship is contained in the NSVC objects. There is a limit of one
NSVC per bearer channel. Up to 31 NSVC objects are contained by
the GBIU object.
Once the data has been delivered to the BSS, the GBIU determines
the final destination of each data packet within the BSS. This data is
contained in the BSSGP layer. The transfer of BSSGP data is
accomplished with the setting up of a BSSGP Virtual Connection
(BVC). These BVCs exist between the BSSGP layers of the SGSN
and the final destination within the BSS. To uniquely identify the
destination within a BSS each BVC is given a BSSGP Virtual
Connection Identifier (BVCI), which must be unique within a BSS.
The BVCI is a parameter with the Packet Control Unit (PCU). It
identifies the BSSGP Virtual Connection used between the PCU and
SGSN.
Types Of Packets
There are two types of BSSGP packets:
• Those that carry data traffic to/from the mobile stations.
• Those that carry signalling information to be processed in the
BSS.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
How Packets Are Routed

Data traffic is forwarded to the PCU responsible for the BTS-2000
where the mobile is currently located. Signalling traffic is passed to
the GPRS Signalling Entity (GSE) for processing.
The GSE is a BSS entity, which is not visible on the OMC-2000. To
uniquely identify a PCU or GSE within an SGSN domain, a Network
Services Element Identifier (NSEI) is provided at the Network
Services layer. The NSEI uniquely identifies a BSS within an SGSN.
It is, therefore, the combination of the NSEI plus the BVCI, which
uniquely identifies the final destination of each BSSGP packet within
an SGSN domain.
Prerequisites
The following are prerequisites to create a GBIU object:
• The GPRS Supported parameter in the parent BSS must be set to
True
• No GBUI object currently exists in the BSS
GBIU Attributes
GBIU Attributes:
• NSEI - The Network Service Entity Identifier. The NSEI is a
service-affecting attribute that provides the network management
functionality required operating the Gb interface. The BSS and
the SGSN to determine the NSVC that provides service to a
BSSGP Virtual Connection Identifier (BVCI) within the PCU use
the NSEI. Values can range from 0 through 65535, and must be
unique within the SGSN.
• BSSGP Timer T1 - This timer is used for blocking and
unblocking procedures. Values can range from 1 second to 30
seconds
• BSSGP Timer T2 - This timer is used for the reset procedure.
Values can range from 1 second through 120 seconds
• BSSGP Timer C - This timer determines the minimum period of
time after which the BSS may send a flow control message to the
SGSN for a specific BSSGP Virtual Connection (BVC) or mobile
station. The valid range is 1 through 10 seconds, and must match
the value set at the SGSN. (Default=1)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• BSSGP Timer Th - This timer defines the period of time after

which the SGSN will change the flow control settings for a
particular mobile to the default values. For the BSS to prevent
default values from being assigned by the SGSN,
FLOW_CONTROL_MS messages must be sent before expiration
of the Th timer. This timer value must be greater than BSSGP
Timer C. Values can range from 5 seconds through 6000 seconds,
and must match the value set at the SGSN. (Default=32)
• Network Services Timer Tns Test - This timer determines how
often the NSVC test procedure is performed. Values can range 1
second through 60 seconds (Default=10)
• Frame Relay Timer T391 - This is a link integrity verification
polling interval timer. The value of this timer must be less than
the value of the SGSN T392 timer. Values can range from 5
seconds through 30 seconds (Default=10)
• Frame Relay Counter N392 - This counter works with N393
counter to provide a way to detest service affecting conditions by
detecting N392 errors in the last N393 events. The value of this
counter must be less than or equal to the N393 counter. Values
can range from 1 through 10 (Default=3)
• Frame Relay Counter N391 - This counter triggers a request for a
full status of all PVCs every N391 polling cycles. Values can
range from 1 through 255 (Default=6)
counter to provide a way to detest service affecting conditions by
counter must be less than or equal to the N393 counter. Values
can range from 1 through 10. (Default=3)
counter to provide a way to detect service affecting conditions by
counter must be greater than or equal to the N392 counter. Values
can range from 1 through 10 (Default=4)
STF-2000 Lucent is able to support transparent 64 Kbit/s channels for the

purposes of providing an entry level physical Gb interface provisioned
using STF nailed up 64kbps per time–slot on E1 links.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) and GPRS

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Impact on the NSS Due to the introduction of GPRS in the GSM network new interfaces
(Network Switching and network entities are introduced that have impact on the NSS.
Subsystem)
The new network entities for GPRS are:
• The SGSN
• The GGSN
The new interfaces for the NSS are:
• The Gs interface between de MSC/VLR and the SGSN
• The Gc interface between the HLR and GGSN
• The Gr interface between the HLR and SGSN
• The Gf interface between the EIR and the SGSN
• The Gd interface between the SMS-MSC and the SGSN
Due to these new entities, the interfaces and the fact that the GPRS is
an overlay network, for mobility management the procedures are
adjusted to route calls to that network. This requires modification of
signalling, protocols and databases.
Figure 2-14 GPRS Impact on NSS
NSS Entity Requirements In order to support GPRS with the existing GSM Network, some
requirements are needed for the NSS entities. These requirements are
divided in Hardware and Software updates to the NSS entities.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) and System Overview
GPRS
Hardware requirements
The only hardware updates needed for the NSS entities are additional
signalling links to support the new GPRS interfaces. This possibly
means additional Protocol Handlers and Facility Interfaces.
Software requirements
Software requirements needs to be split between the entities:
• For the MSC/VLR it is required that the changes support the
interworking over the Gs interface to the new packet network
node SGSN that allows a co-existence of GPRS and the existing
circuit switched network. Examples are combined mobility
management procedures and the support of paging for circuit
switched services via GPRS.
• For the HLR it is required that the changes support GPRS
subscriber data, feature data and mobility management data.
Furthermore the changes should support the interworking with
the GGSN over the Gcinterface and SGSN over the Gr interface
to provide mobility management and subscriber data over the
interfaces.
• For the EIR no specific changes are needed. Only the Gf
interface is defined to interwork with the SGSN. All procedures
are described in the existing specifications.
• For the AUC no changes are needed due to its co-location with
the HLR. All authentication procedures apply for GPRS.
• For the SMS-MSC it is required that the changes support the
possibility to send SMS messages to a mobile station via the
SGSN and GPRS service. The Gd interface is defined to support
this interworking.
• Modifications also need to be made for the C interface between
the SMS-MSC and the HLR to route SMS calls to the GPRS
network.
MSC/VLR Changes and The Gs interface has an identical structure as the A interface to the
Procedures BSC. The protocol stack uses the same lower levels.
Modifications are implemented in the BSSAP stack to where the
following procedures impact the communication between the mobile
station and the network:
• Location Update with information received from the SGSN
• Sending the Paging message via the SGSN
• Receiving an IMSI Attach/Detach via the SGSN
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS
• Sending a GPRS Reset message after MSC or VLR recovery

• Furthermore modifications are needed to the Alerting,
Identification and Information Procedures
Not only procedures need to be updated. Database information in the
MSC/VLR needs to be changed as well:
• In order to retrieve the location of the mobile station when a call
enters the PLMN via the MSC the number of the attached
(currently serving) SGSN is stored in the VLR.
• The MSC is not in control of the detach when an MS is both
IMSI and GPRS attached. This means the implicit detach timer is
not activated in the MSC but in the SGSN which is in charge to
monitor the timer and to send the detach message to the MSC.
HLR/AuC/EIR Changes and The Gr/Gc/Gf interface has an identical structure as a MAP interface.
Procedures The protocol stack uses the same lower levels, modifications are
implemented in the MAP stack to where a number of procedures
impact the communication between the mobile station and the
network. The AuC does not have its own interface but receives the
needed information relayed via the HLR.
For the Gr interface the following applies:
• Authentication information received via the SGSN
• Registration information received from the SGSN (GPRS
attached, detached)
• Receiving a Routing Area Update message from a SGSN
For the Gc interface the following applies:
• Send Routing information message received from a GGSN
For the Gf interface the following applies:
• Check IMEI message received via the SGSN
If the database changes for the HLR, then incorporate more
information:
• For instance, to route the calls to the appropriate SGSN the
SGSN number and address are stored
• A list of GGSN parameter that this subscriber is associated with
• What type of Packet Data Protocol this subscriber can use
• A flag when the MS is not reachable for GPRS (MNRG)
• The Quality of service profile for the subscriber
• A flag to indicate that no PDP context or MM information is
stored in the SGSN (MS purged)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS
SMS-MSC Changes and The Gd interface has an identical structure as a MAP interface. The
Procedures protocol stack uses the same lower levels, modifications are
implemented in the MAP stack to where a number procedures impact
the communication between the mobile station and the network.
For the Gd interface the following applies:
• SMS message transfer via the SGSN
The C interface between the HLR and SMS-MSC has an updated
procedure that allows the network to send routing information to the
HLR that the SMS message is send via the GPRS network.
In the MSC the alert procedure needs to be updated.
GPRS Recovery The existing recovery procedures need to be extended to include

messages being send to the appropriate GSNs.
In case of an HLR failure, an HLR reset will trigger a reset message
to be send to each SGSN that is known by the HLR.
In case of an VLR failure, an VLR reset will trigger a reset message
to be send to each associated SGSN.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
The TCP/IP Suite

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction When two computers need to communicate with each other, it is

necessary to connect them via a physical connection to enable them to
pass messages back and forward. Either two computers reside in the
same network or the two computers reside in different networks.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a set of
protocols developed to allow computers (hosts) to communicate with
each other across a network.
Internet The Internet is a world-wide collection of thousands of computer

networks that can communicate with each other. All of them speak the
same language, namely the TCP/IP protocol suite. Users of any of the
Internet networks can reach users on any of the other networks.
TCP/IP suite The most accurate name for the TCP/IP set of protocols is ″the
TCP/IP suite″. TCP and IP are two of the protocols in this suite.
Because TCP and IP are the best known of the protocols, it has
become common to use the term TCP/IP to refer to the whole family.
Figure 2-15 TCP/IP suite
Graphic Legend
ARP Address Resolution Protocol

FTP File Transfer Protocol
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The TCP/IP Suite System Overview
ARP Address Resolution Protocol

ICMP Internet Control Messaging Protocol
IP Internet Protocol
RARP Reverse Address Resolution Protocol
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol
UDP User Datagram Protocol
The TCP/IP layers Like the OSI 7 layer reference model, TCP/IP is a layered set of
protocols. Although the layering of TCP/IP is not the same as the OSI
model, the layers correspond with each other.
The TCP/IP layering model can be divided in 5 layers:
1. Physical layer
2. Data layer
3. Network layer
4. Transport layer
5. Application layer
Physical layer
The physical layer deals with the physical network hardware just as
layer 1 in the OSI 7 layer model.
Network interface
The network interface protocols deal with how to organise data into
frames and how a host transmits these frames over a network. These
protocols are similar to the layer 2 (data link) protocols in the OSI 7
layer model.
Internet layer
The Internet layer protocols specify the format of the packets which
are sent across the Internet as well as the mechanisms used to forward
packets from a computer through one or more routers to a final
destination. The protocols in this layer are similar to the layer 3
protocols in the OSI 7 layer model.
Transport layer
The transport layer protocols in the TCP/IP suite ensure reliable
transfer of messages. These protocols are similar to the layer 4
protocols in the OSI 7 layer model.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The TCP/IP Suite System Overview
Application layer
The application layer protocols specify how an application uses an
Internet. The application layer protocols correspond to layers 5, 6 and
7 in the OSI 7 layer model.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
IP addressing
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
IP Address Every host or router on an Internet has an IP address or Internet

address. All IP addresses consist of a unique 32 bit number. Each
packet sent across an Internet must contain the IP address of the
source and the IP address of the destination.
The 32 bit IP addresses are seldom represented in binary format but
they are represented in a dotted decimal format.
Example
The 32 bit binary IP address
10000100 00110000 00000110 00000000
has the dotted decimal notation of:
132.48.6.0
Prefix and Suffix
The 32 bit IP address is divided into two sections, a prefix and a
suffix. The IP address prefix is used to identify a particular network
within the Internet and the IP address suffix is used to identify a
particular host or router on that network.
IP address classes The problem with using an IP address containing prefixes and suffixes
is the decision on how big to make each field. If the prefix field is
small, only a few networks will be able to connect to the Internet.
When the prefix field is increased, then the suffix field decreases, so
fewer hosts can connect to a particular network with a given prefix.
Since an Internet includes various types of networks, the developers
of IP chose addressing schemes for both large and small networks.
Therefore the IP addressing scheme is divided into classes.
Figure 2-16 IP Addressing Scheme
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
IP addressing System Overview
IP addressing scheme classes:

• Classes A, B and C are called primary classes because they are
used for host addresses
• Class D is used for multicasting, which allows packets to be
directed to multiple hosts
• Class E is reserved for future use
Network and Host Network and host fields containing only 0s or 1s are used for different
Numbers purposes.
Network and Host Numbers
Address Bits in Max. Bits in Max.

class prefix number of suffix number of
networks hosts per
network
A 7 1261 24 16 million
B 14 16,3821 16 65,5341
C 21 2 million 8 2541
Router Addresses Routers are responsible for connecting various networks together. This
means that a router is connected to at least two networks (with
different prefixes). Therefore each router is assigned two or more IP
addresses because a router with multiple network connections must
have an IP address assigned to each connection.
Figure 2-17 Router Address
Note: Not only routers have connections to more than one network. It
is also possible to connect a computer to more than one.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
IP addressing System Overview
Control of IP addresses Each IP address prefix must be unique. This means that all networks
connected to an Internet must have their own unique network address.
Therefore all network addresses are assigned by the Internet Assigned
Number Authority (IANA) to ensure each IP address prefix is unique.
In case of a private Internet (Intranet), the choice of the IP addresses
can be made by its owners.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Address Resolution
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Software and hardware Although every host or router on an Internet has one (or more) IP
addresses addresses, these cannot be used for sending packets because the layer
2 network interface hardware does not understand IP addresses. IP
addresses are virtual; software addresses, but if a packet must arrive at
a certain host, the hardware address of that particular host is needed.
A process must take place to translate an IP address into a hardware
address.
Address resolution There are different techniques used for address resolution. Which
techniques technique is used depends upon:
• the type of hardware in the network
• the number of networks a host may connect to or
• the hardware addressing scheme that is used
Generally, there are three different address resolution techniques:
• Table look up
• Closed-form computation
• Message exchange
Table look up This technique in carrying out address resolution makes use of a
binding table which contains IP addresses with the corresponding
hardware addresses. Each host in the network has its own entry in the
binding table.
It is however necessary to have a separate binding table for each
physical network and as such all IP addresses will contain the same
prefix.
Closed-form computation
IP address hardware address

183.76.8.1 0A:74:F8:12:46:C9
183.76.8.2 0A:59:32:B8:7F:18
183.76.8.3 0A:C4:BA:87:24:9E
183.76.8.4 0A:77:81:D8:36:42
183.76.8.5 0A:28:FA:11:1F:99
etc. etc.
Closed-form Computation This technique of address resolution is used when dealing with
networks, which allow configurable addresses. A mathematical
computation is used to derive the hardware address directly from the
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Address Resolution System Overview
IP address. The computation should be as simple as possible to reduce

any delay.
Example
hardware address = IP address (suffix)
hardware address = 194.76.4.4 (suffix) -> hardware address = 4
Address Resolution The protocol used to translate an IP address into a hardware address is
Protocol (ARP) called the Address Resolution Protocol. This technique of address
resolution uses a “message based” approach to deriving a hardware
address. The host sends a message containing the protocol address to
a server(s) and in return, a message is sent containing the appropriate
hardware address.
There are two methods of message exchange resolution. Either a
network is made up of several servers which will carry out all the
resolution processes within the network, or each host on the network
will answer address resolution requests for its address.
Figure 2-18 Message Exchange Process
The process of an ARP message exchange:

1. Host W begins to broadcast an ARP request message that
contains host Ys IP address
2. All hosts receive the ARP request message
3. Host Y sends an ARP response message containing its
corresponding address directly to host W. All other hosts will
discard the ARP request message.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Internet Protocol (IP)

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
IP service The Internet Protocol (IP) is a procedure by which information (data)

is sent from one computer to another. This protocol defines a
datagram in which the data is transported. Routing is done by using
an address that is unique for each computer or system. When data has
to be sent, it will be divided into datagrams which also include the
source and destination addresses. The network elements called routers
will examine the destination address and as far as it is in their scope,
send the datagram to another router. When a router (gateway)
recognises the complete address, it will send the datagram to that
corresponding computer.
Datagram & Packet Datagrams are encapsulated in layer 2 packets for point to point
transportation. If the datagram is larger than the maximum packet
size, the datagram will be split into fragments and re-assembled again
at the other side.
Connectionless IP provides higher layer protocols (like TCP) a connectionless service,

which means that no connection is established prior to the sending of
the datagram.
IP header format An IP datagram consists of a header part and a data part. The header
contains a fixed part of 20 bytes (5 × 32 bit quantities) and an
optional part of a variable length.
Figure 2-19 IP Header Format
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Internet Protocol (IP) System Overview
The different Header Fields are discussed below:
Version Indicates the version of Internet protocol. This

is currently version 4
IHL The Internet header (IHL) length field is used
to specify the number of 32 bit quantities that
make up the header. Minimum value is 5
Service Type The service type field indicates the quality of
service desired during transmission of the
message through the Internet. For example, a
message containing speech requires fast
transmission and less reliability, but a file
transfer message requires high reliability and
normal transmission speed.
Total Length The total length field is used to specify the
total length of the datagram (header + data).
Maximum length is 64KB, or 65.536 bytes
Identification The identification field uniquely identifies a
packet so that it can be distinguished from
other packets; it is usually assigned when data
is passed to the network layer from a higher
layer. All packets of the same datagram contain
the same value in the identification field.
Flags The flags field indicates whether the packet is
fragmented or whether it is the last fragment of
the packet.
Fragment Offset The fragment offset field indicates which
fragment of the original packet this is. It is
used to rebuild the full packet once all the
fragments have been collected
Time to Live The time to live field specifies the time a
datagram will travel around in the network
before it is destroyed. This prevents a datagram
from travelling forever around a path that
contains a loop. The field carries a positive
integer value between 1 and 255; every time
the datagram passes through a router, this
value is reduced by 1. When the value reaches
0, the datagram is discarded
Type The type field identifies the next higher layer
protocol using IP. For example, TCP (value =
6) or UDP (value = 17).
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Internet Protocol (IP) System Overview
Version Indicates the version of Internet protocol. This

is currently version 4
Header Checksum The header checksum is used to provide error
checking on the header by itself. It is used
because the header can change (for example,
due to fragmentation)
Source IP Address The source IP addresses is the Internet address
of the originating host
Destination IP The destination IP addresses is the Internet
Address addresses of the terminating host.
Options and The options field is used to specify routing
Padding options and network testing. Padding can be
added to ensure that the header is a multiple of
32 bits
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Features The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) provides a highly reliable

transport service. Most Internet applications use the services of TCP
to transport data between hosts.
TCP offers seven major features:
• Connection orientated
• Complete reliability
• Full duplex communication
• Stream interface
• Reliable connection set-up
• Graceful connection shut-down
TCP header format A TCP header contains a fixed part of 20 bytes (5 × 32 bit quantities)
and may be followed by header options. After the header
65,535-20-20 = 65,495 data bytes may follow, where the first 20
refers to the IP header and the second to the TCP header.
Figure 2-20 TCP Header
The different TCP header fields are discussed below:
Field Description
SOURCE PORT and The source and destination port fields
DESTINATION PORT identify the relevant application layer
services.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) System Overview
Field Description
SEQUENCE The sequence number field specifies the
NUMBER sequence number of a segment of a
message and is used to ensure that the
segments of a message can be ordered
properly
ACKNOWLEDG- The acknowledgment number field contains
MENT NUMBER the sequence number of the next segment
expected to be received. It indicates correct
reception of all messages up to that
sequence number.
DATA OFFSET The data offset field indicates the start of
the data within the segment, measured in
32 bit words, but that number is just the
header length in words, so the effect is the
same
FLAGS URG - notes that the urgent pointer is valid
ACK - notes that the acknowledgment
number field is valid.
PSH - causes the data in the message to be
″pushed″ through to the receiving
application even if the buffer is not full
RST - resets the connection
SYN - resynchronises the sequence number.
The SYN bit is used to establish
connections
FIN - marks that the sender has reached the
end of its byte stream. The FIN bit is used
to release a connection
WINDOW The window field is used to specify how
much data the receiver is willing to accept.
CHECKSUM The checksum field is 16 bits long and it
checksums the header and the data of the
TCP message.
URGENT POINTER The urgent pointer is used to indicate a
byte offset from the current sequence
number at which urgent data are to be
found
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Connectionless transport The TCP/IP suite also supports a connectionless transport protocol,
protocol User Datagram Protocol (UDP). UDP provides a way for applications
to send a message without having to establish a connection. UDP
allows the movement of data with the minimum requirement of
network services.
Figure 2-21 UDP Header Format
A UDP segment consists of an 8 byte header followed by the data:
Field Description
SOURCE PORT and The source and destination port fields
DESTINATION identify the relevant application layer
PORT services.
LENGTH The length field indicates the length of the
total UDP segment, header and data
CHECKSUM The checksum field is used to check for
errors across the entire segment
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
System Overview
TCP/IP Example
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Message Flow A packet containing data is sent over a TCP/IP network and arrives at
its receiving host.
The packet passes through 5 TCP/IP layers:
• Layer 1 - This is the actual physical network hardware, for
example, an ethernet. The packet arrives at the receiving host
defined in its hardware address field.
• Layer 2 - The network interface strips out the header containing
the hardware address, performs a check and strips out the footer
containing the check sequence. The payload is passed on to the
Internet layer.
• Layer 3 - The Internet layer analyses the IP header containing:
source IP address, destination IP address, total length etc. The
header is stripped out and the payload is passed on to the
transport layer. The protocol of the transport layer (UDP or TCP)
is defined in the type fields of the IP header.
• Layer 4 - The transport layer protocols identify the destination of
the data. TCP also performs some other tasks to ensure the
reliability of the connection. The header is stripped out and the
data is passed on to the application layer.
• Layer 5 - The application layer presents the data to the user.
Figure 2-22 Message Flow
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
3 Interfaces
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter describes the GSM and the new GPRS network
interfaces.
Contents This chapter covers the following subjects:
GSM System Interfaces 3-2

GPRS System Interfaces 3-4
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Interfaces
GSM System Interfaces

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction For the connection of the different nodes in the GSM network,
different interfaces are defined in the GSM specifications. The
following interfaces appear in the figure:
Figure 3-1 GSM Interfaces
Um-Interface or Air The Um-Interface is the interface between the Base Transceiver
Interface Station (BTS-2000) and a Mobile Station (MS). The Um-Interface is
required for supporting:
• Universal use of any compatible mobile station in a GSM
network
• A maximum spectral efficiency
On the Um-Interface there are the following types of logical
channels: Traffic channels, Broadcast channels, Common control
channels and Dedicated control channels.
Abis- Interface The Abis-Interface is the interface between the Base Station Controller
(BSC) and the BTS and is used to carry the Um-Interface formatted
13 kbps data (speech data and signaling information) between them.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GSM System Interfaces Interfaces
The interface comprises traffic and control channels. Its physical

transmission is based on the PCM30 (Pulse Code Modulation)
transmission principles of the ITU-T (International Telecommunication
Union - sector Telecommunication) at a data rate of 2048 kbps. The
PCM30 frame consists of 32 channels, each carrying 64 kbps. The
bit-stream of 64 kbps represents the transmission of 8000 samples per
second, with each sample being coded into 8 bits.
Functions implemented at the Abis-Interface are:
• Voice - data traffic exchange
• Signaling exchange between the BSC and the BTS
• Transporting synchronization information from the BSC to the
BTS
A-Interface The A-Interface is used to carry the 64 kbps speech data and signaling
information between the BSC and the MSC. It’s physical transmission
is also based on the PCM30 principles of the ITU-T at a data rate of
2048 kbps.
Timeslot 0 of the PCM30 frame is used for synchronization purposes.
Timeslot 1 through 15 and 17 through 31 are used for exchanging the
64 kbps speech data. Timeslot 16 is used to transfer the SS No. 7
signaling between the BSC and the MSC.
Proprietary M-Interface In the GSM network implementation of Lucent Technologies, the BSC
includes the TRAU (Transcoder/Rate Adapter Unit). The TRAU
adapts the transmission bit rate of the A interface (64 kbps) to the
Abis-Interface (16 kbps). The interface between the physical BSC and
the TRAU is known as the M-Interface. Each of the timeslots 1
through 15 and 17 through 31 on the M-Interface contains four
multiplexed A-interface channels. Timeslot 0 is used for
synchronization purposes. Timeslot 16 contains the signaling
information which is transparently mapped from timeslot 16 of the
A-interface.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Interfaces
GPRS System Interfaces

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Gb Interface The GBS connects to the BSS using the ETSI standardised open Gb
interface. The Gb Interface is used to transport packet data traffic
related to individual MS’s and general signaling information from the
SGSN to the BSS and vice versa. Lucent NR 9.0 supports the Gb
interface with the ETSI GPRS Phase 1 standardised layer 2 protocol
Frame Relay (FR). The physical layer of this interface is supported
with standard European E1 (2Mbit/s) trunks or single DS0 64 Kbit/s
time-slots within an E1 line as specified by ETSI.
Gb Interface Protocol Stack

Figure 3-2 Gb Interface Protocol Stack
The BSS will provide a Network Services Layer implementation to

the ETSI GPRS standards. For NR 9.0, a minimal load sharing
capability will be provided
The BSSGP protocol operates BSSGP Virtual Connections (BVC) for
the transmission of LLC-PDU frames between the SGSN and the
BSS.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS System Interfaces Interfaces
The following apply:

• For NR 9.0 the FR protocol implementation shall support the
transmission of packaged LLC frames over Point To Point (PTP)
FR Virtual Circuits (VC)
• The Backward Explicit Congestion Notification (BECN) /
Forward Explicit Congestion Notification (FECN) and Discard
Eligibility (DE) bits is never set by the BSS or Frame Relay
Entities.
Abis Interface
When GPRS MAC and RLC layer functions are positioned remote to
the BTS the information between the channel code unit (CCU) and
the remote GPRS packet control unit (rPCU) is transferred in frames
with a fixed length of 320 bits. Within these frames both GPRS data
and the GPRS RLC/MAC associated control signals are transferred.
The Abis interface should be the same if the PCU is positioned at the
BSC site or at the SGSN. At the BSC, the PCU could be implemented
as an adjunct unit to the BSC. At the SGSN, the BSC should be
considered as transparent for 16 Kbit/s channels. In both cases, the
PCU is referred to as the remote PCU.
The remote PCU is considered a part of the BSC, and the signalling
between the BSC and the PCU may be performed by using BSC
internal signals. The in-band signalling between the CCU and the
PCU functions, using PCU frames is required when the Abis interface
is applied.
The Abis interface for supporting the rPCU is a proprietary Lucent
Technologies solution and it is only valid for coding schemes 1 and 2.
For coding schemes 3 and 4 there will be a new structure.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4 GPRS Signalling and
Transmission Protocols
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter discusses the signalling and transmission protocols for
the different GPRS interfaces, the GPRS network entities and the
packet data logical channels for GPRS.
Contents This chapter contains information on the following topics:
The GPRS Signalling Plane 4-2

The GPRS Transmission Plane 4-4
GGSN Protocols 4-6
SGSN Protocols 4-9
BSS Protocols 4-18
GPRS MS Protocols 4-24
GPRS Logical Channels 4-26
Mapping of packet data logical channels onto 4-28
physical channels
GPRS MS 4-34
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
The GPRS Signalling Plane

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Functions The signalling plane consists of protocols for control and support of
the transmission plane functions:
• Controlling the GPRS network access connections, such as
attaching to and detaching from the GPRS network.
• Controlling the attributes of an established network access
connection, such as activation of a Packet Data Protocol (PDP)
address. Controlling the routing path of an established network
connection in order to support user mobility.
• Controlling the assignment of network resources to meet
changing user demands.
• Providing supplementary services
Figure 4-1 Map Signalling
The Message Transfer Part (MTP) is responsible for the reliable

transport of signalling information between the user parts.
Level 2 controls the functions of the link; it is responsible for reliable
message transfer.
The level 3 functions handle procedures such as message routing and
signalling network management.
The Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) defines a means of
transferring signalling data or management data without the need to
establish a circuit. SCCP is really an addition of MTP.
The Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) is used to
manage the dialog between two network entities.
The Mobile Application Part (MAP) protocol is used to transfer
non-circuit-related signalling information between the network entities,
i.e. between:
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The GPRS Signalling Plane GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
SGSN <-> HLR

SGSN <-> EIR
SGSN <-> SMS-GMSC or SMS-IWMSC
GGSN <-> HLR
The information to be transferred is used during, for example,
Location Updating, authentication, handover of established calls and
transfer of charging information.
BSSAP Signalling
Figure 4-2 BSSAP Signalling
The Base Station System Application Part + (BSSAP+) is a subset of

BSSAP procedures specifically for GPRS and supports signalling
between the SGSN and MSC/VLR.
It supports the following procedures:
• IMSI attach and detach via SGSN.
• Location area updating via SGSN.
• Paging via GPRS.
• Alerting procedure.
• Identification procedure.
• Information procedure.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The GPRS Transmission Plane

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The GPRS Transmission The transmission plane consists of a layered protocol structure
Plane providing user information transfer, along with associated information
transfer control procedures (for example: flow control, error detection,
error correction and error recovery).
Figure 4-3 Transmission Plane
The GPRS Protocols The transmission plane is made up of both GPRS specific protocols
and open protocols such as the Internet Protocol (IP).
The protocols are summarized below:
• GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP)
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) & User Datagram Protocol
(UDP)
• Internet Protocol (IP)
• Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol (SNDCP)
• Logical Link Control (LLC)
• Base Station System GPRS Protocol (BSSGP)
• Network Service (NS)
• Radio Link Control / Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC)
• GSM Radio Frequency (GSM RF)
GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP)
This protocol tunnels user data and signalling between GPRS support
nodes in the GPRS backbone network.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The GPRS Transmission Plane GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) & User Datagram Protocol

(UDP)
TCP carries GTP Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in the GPRS backbone
network for protocols that need a reliable connection. UDP carries
GTP PDUs for protocols that do not need a reliable connection. Both
TCP and UDP can be found in the TCP/IP suite.
Internet Protocol (IP)
This is the GPRS backbone network protocol used for routing user
data and control signalling. The GPRS backbone network may initially
be based on the IP version 4 (IPv4) protocol. Ultimately, IP version 6
(IPv6) shall be supported.
Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol (SNDCP)
This transmission functionality maps the network level PDUs onto the
underlying GPRS specific network.
Logical Link Control (LLC)
This layer provides a highly reliable ciphered logical link. LLC shall
be independent of the underlying radio interface protocols in order to
allow GPRS to be used on different radio systems.
Base Station System GPRS Protocol (BSSGP)
This layer conveys routing and Quality of Service (QoS) information
between BSS and SGSN. BSSGP does not perform error correction.
Network Service (NS)
This layer transports BSSGP PDUs. NS is based on the Frame Relay.
Radio Link Control / Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC)
This layer contains two functions: The RLC function provides a radio
solution dependent reliable link. The MAC function controls the
access signalling procedures for the radio channel, and the mapping of
LLC frames onto the GSM physical channel.
GSM Radio Frequency (GSM RF)
This is the standard GSM RF interface.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GGSN Protocols
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Tunnelling Protocol The GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) is the protocol between GPRS
(GTP) Support Nodes
(GSNs) in the GPRS backbone network. It includes both signalling
and data transfer procedures. GTP is defined both for the Gn interface
between GSNs within a PLMN, and the Gp interface between GSNs
in different PLMNs. In the signalling plane, GTP specifies a tunnel
control and management protocol which allows the SGSN to provide
GPRS network access for a MS. Signalling is used to create, modify
and delete tunnels.
In the transmission plane, GTP uses a tunnelling mechanism to
provide a service for carrying user data packets. The choice of path is
dependent on whether the user data to be tunneled requires a reliable
connection or not. The GTP protocol is implemented only by SGSNs
and GGSNs. No other system entities need to be aware of GTP. GPRS
MSs are connected to a SGSN without being aware of GTP.
Figure 4-4 LLC Frame Numberf
All fields in the GTP header shall always be present but the content of
the fields differs depending on if the header is used for signalling
messages or T-PDUs.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GGSN Protocols GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
The GTP header consists of the following fields:
Field Description
Version Version shall be set to 0 to indicate the first
version of GTP.
Reserved Reserved bits for future use that shall be set
to 1.
LFN LFN is a flag indicating if LLC Frame
Number is included or not.
Message Type Message Type indicates the type of GTP
message.
Length The Length field indicates the length in
octets of the GTP message (G-PDU).
Sequence Number The Sequence Number is a transaction
identity for signalling messages and an
increasing sequence number for tunneled
PDUs (T-PDUs).
Flow Label Flow Label identifies unambiguously a GTP
flow.
LLC Frame Number The LLC Frame Number is used at the inter
SGSN routing update procedure to
co-ordinate the data transmission on the link
layer between the MS and SGSN.
X The spare bits X indicate the unused bits
which shall be set to 0 by the sending side
and which shall not be evaluated by the
receiving side.
TID This is the tunnel identifier that points out
MM and PDP contexts.
User Datagram Protocol UDP carries GTP Protocol Data Units (PDUs) for protocols that do
(UDP) not need a reliable connection (for example IP). UDP provides
protection against corrupted GTP PDUs. UDP can be found in the
TCP/IP suite.
Transmission Control TCP carries GTP Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in the GPRS backbone
Protocol (TCP) network for protocols that need a reliable connection. TCP can be
found in the TCP/IP suite.
Internet Protocol (IP) This is the GPRS backbone network protocol used for routing user
data and control signalling. The GPRS backbone network may initially
be based on the IP version 4 (IPv4) protocol. Ultimately, IP version 6
(IPv6) shall be supported. IP can be found in the TCP/IP suite.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GGSN Protocols GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
GGSN activity A packet from an external data network arrives at the GGSN and will
be encapsulated with a GTP header, a UDP or a TCP header and an IP
header. If the resulting IP datagram is larger than the Maximum
Transfer Unit (MTU), fragmentation of the IP datagram will occur.
Figure 4-5 GGSN Activity
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SGSN Protocols
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Subnetwork Dependent Network layer protocols are intended to be capable of operating over
Convergence Protocol services derived from a wide variety of subnetworks and data links.
(SNDCP) GPRS supports several network layer protocols providing protocol
transparency for the users of the service.
Introduction of new network layer protocols to be transferred over
GPRS shall be possible without any changes to GPRS. Therefore, all
functions related to transfer of Network layer Protocol Data Units
(N-PDUs) shall be carried out in a transparent way by the GPRS
network entities. This is one of the requirements for GPRS SNDCP.
Another requirement for the Sub Network Dependent Convergence
Protocol (SNDCP) is to provide functions that help to improve
channel efficiency. This requirement is fulfilled by means of
compression techniques.
Multiplexing of different The set of protocol entities above SNDCP consists of commonly used
protocols network protocols. They all use the same SNDCP entity, which then
performs multiplexing of data coming from different sources to be
sent using the service provided by the LLC layer.
The Network Service Access Point Identifier (NSAPI) is an index to
the PDP context of the PDP that is using the services provided by
SNDCP. Each active NSAPI shall use the services provided by the
Service Access Point Identifier (SAPI) in the LLC layer. Several
NSAPIs may be associated with the same SAPI.
Figure 4-6 Multiplexing different protocols
SNDCP Service Primitives Below the service primitives used for communication between the
SNDCP layer and other layers are explained.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SGSN Protocols GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
SN-DATA The request primitive is used by the SNDCP user for acknowledged
transmission of N-PDU. The successful transmission of SN-PDU shall
be confirmed by the LLC layer.
The request primitive conveys NSAPI to identify the PDP using the
service. The indication primitive is used by the SNDCP entity to
deliver the received N-PDU to the SNDCP user. Successful reception
has been acknowledged by the LLC layer.
SN-UNITDATA The request primitive is used by the SNDCP user for unacknowledged
transmission of N-PDU. The request primitive conveys NSAPI to
identify the PDP using the service and protection mode to identify the
requested transmission mode. The indication primitive is used by the
SNDCP entity to deliver the received N-PDU to the SNDCP user.
SNDCP Service Functions SNDCP shall perform the following functions:

• Mapping of SN-DATA primitives onto LL-DATA primitives.
• Mapping of SN-UNITDATA primitives onto LL-UNITDATA
primitives.
• Multiplexing of N-PDUs from one or several network layer
entities onto the appropriate LLC connection.
• Establishment, re-establishment and release of acknowledged
peer-to-peer LLC operation.
• N-PDU buffering at SNDCP for acknowledged service.
• Management of delivery sequence for each NSAPI,
independently.
• Compression of redundant protocol control information (for
example TCP/IP header) at the transmitting entity and
decompression at the receiving entity. The compression method is
specific to the particular network layer or transport layer
protocols in use.
• Compression of redundant user data at the transmitting entity and
decompression at the receiving entity. Data compression is
performed independently for each SAPI, and may be performed
independently for each PDP context.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Segmentation and re-assembly. The output of the compression

functions is segmented to the maximum length of LL-PDU.
These procedures are independent of the particular network layer
protocol in use. Negotiation of the XID parameters between peer
SNDCP entities using XID exchange.
Figure 4-7 SNDCP Service Model
The figure above shows the transmission flow through the SNDCP
layer.
The order of functions is as follows:
• Protocol control information compression.
• User data compression.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Segmentation of compressed information into SN-DATA or

SN-UNITDATA PDUs.
• The order of functions is vice versa in the reception flow:
• Re-assembly of SN-PDUs to N-PDUs.
• User data decompression.
• Protocol control information decompression.
SNDCP Header This is an SNDCP header used for SN-DATA PDUs:
Figure 4-8 SNDCP Header
For SNDCP headers used for SN-UNITDATA, some additional are

added. This comprises the segment number field, the extension (E) bit
and the N-PDU number field which is used to identify a particular
N-PDU.
The SNDCP header contains the following fields:
Field Description
X Spare bit (set to 0).
C The Compression © indicator is used to indicate
whether or not the compression fields (DCOMP
and PCOMP) are included.
T The Type (T) bit is used to specify the type of
PDU (SN-DATA PDU or SN-UNITDATA PDU).
M The More (M) bit is used to indicate the last
segment of the N-PDU.
NSAPI The Network Service Access Point Identifier
(NSAPI) is used to identify the user of SNDCP.
DCOMP Data compression coding (DCOMP) is used to
indicate whether or not data compression has taken
place and points to the data compression identifier
negotiated dynamically.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Field Description
PCOMP Protocol control information compression coding
(PCOMP) is used to indicate whether or not
control compression has taken place and points to
the protocol control information compression
identifier negotiated dynamically.
Logical Link Control (LLC) The LLC layer provides reliable transfer of data between the MS and
the SGSN, retransmission during handovers and flow control between
the MS and the SGSN.
Figure 4-9 LLC FrameFormat
Address field
The address field consists of a single octet. The format of the address
field is as follows:
Figure 4-10 llc_address_field
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The different fields are discussed below:
Field Description
PD The Protocol Discriminator (PD) bit indicates whether
a frame is an LLC frame or belongs to a different
protocol.
C/R The Command/Response (C/R) bit identifies a frame as
either a command or a response.
X Spare bit.
SAPI The Service Access Point Identifier (SAPI) identifies a
Logical Link Entity (LLE) that should process an LLC
frame and it also identifies a layer 3 entity that is to
receive information carried by the LLC frame.
Control field
The control field typically consists of between one and three octets
although may under some circumstances be comprised of up to 36
octets. The control field identifies the type of frame.
Four types of control field formats are specified:
• I format - confirmed information transfer.
• S format - supervisory functions.
• UI format - unconfirmed information transfer.
• U format - control functions.
Figure 4-11 Control Field
The format of the control field is as follows:llc

• A - Acknowledgement request bit
• E- Encryption function bit
• Mn- Unnumbered function bit
• N(R) - Transmitter receive sequence number
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• N(S) - Transmitter send sequence number

• N(U) - Transmitter unconfirmed sequence number
• P/F - Poll bit, when issued as a command, Final bit, when issued
as a response
• PM - Protected mode bit
• Sn - Supervisory function bit
• X - Spare bit
Information field
The information field of a frame, when present, follows the control
field.
Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field
The FCS field shall consist of a 24 bit Cyclic Redundancy Check
(CRC) code. The CRC is used to detect bit errors in the frame header
and information fields.
Base Station System GPRS The primary functions of the BSSGP include the following:
Protocol (BSSGP)
• In the downlink, the provision by an SGSN to a BSS of radio
related information used by the RLC/MAC function.
• In the uplink, the provision by a BSS to an SGSN of radio
related information derived from the RLC/MAC function.
• The provision of functionality to enable two physically distinct
nodes, an SGSN and a BSS, to operate node management control
functions.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BSSGP Service Model

BBSGP maps LLC, GPRS mobility management (GMM) and network
management (NM) on one frame.
Figure 4-12 BSSGP Service Model
• BSSGP provides functions controlling the transfer of LLC frames

passed between an SGSN and an MS across the Gb interface.
• RL (relay) provides functions controlling the transfer of LLC
frames between the RLC/MAC layer and the BSSGP layer.
• GMM provides functions associated with GPRS mobility
management between an SGSN and a BSS. GMM functions deal
with paging, radio status and radio access capabilities etc.
• NM provides functions associated with Gb-interface and BSS -
SGSN node management. NM functions deal with flow control,
status and resets etc.
SGSN Activity
Data and signalling messages arrive at the SGSN via the Gn interface.
The IP datagrams are collected by the IP layer and are reassembled if
fragmentation has occurred either at the SGSN or at any IP router
along the Gn interface. Any additional processes are carried out at this
layer before the payload is passed up to either UDP or TCP.
At the UDP/TCP layer, more processes are carried out such as
determining the checksum value before this payload is passed up to
GTP. AT the GTP layer, the GTP header is stripped off resulting in the
PDU being ready for onward transmission across the Gb interface
towards the BSS. As such, the PDU can be said to have been tunneled
across the Gn interface. To travel across the Gb interface, the PDU
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
requires further modification. This is carried out by the Subnetwork

Dependent Convergence Protocol (SNDCP), the Logical Link Protocol
(LLC) and the Base Station System GPRS Protocol (BSSGP) before
being carried towards the BSS on the Gb interface via a Frame Relay
network.
Figure 4-13 SGSN Activity
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BSS Protocols
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
RLC/MAC block structure The RLC/MAC block consists of a MAC header and an RLC data
block or RLC/MAC control block. The RLC/MAC control block is
the part of a RLC/MAC block carrying a control message between
RLC/MAC entities. It does not contain an RLC header.
Figure 4-14 RLC/MAC Control Block
Radio Link Control (RLC) The RLC function is responsible for the following:
layer
• RLC provides service primitives for the transfer of LLC PDUs
between the LLC layer in the SGSN and the MAC layer.
• RLC performs segmentation and re-assembly of LLC PDUs into
RLC/MAC blocks.
• RLC provides a Backward Error Correction (BEC) for reliable
data transfer and enables the selective retransmission of
unsuccessfully delivered RLC/MAC blocks.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BSS Protocols GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
RLC data block

The structure of the RLC data blocks are dependent upon the direction
of the data transfer (uplink or downlink).
Figure 4-15 Uplink RLC Data Block
Figure 4-16 Downlink RLC Data Block
The following fields comprise the RLC data blocks:
Field Description
FBI The Final Block Indicator (FBI) bit indicates that
the downlink RLC data block is the last RLC data
block of the downlink TBF.
TI The TLLI Indicator (TI) bit indicates the presence
of an optional TLLI field within the RLC data
block.
TFI The Temporary Flow Identifier (TFI) field
identifies the Temporary Block Flow (TBF) to
which the RLC data block belongs.
E The Extension (E) bit is used to indicate the
presence of an optional octet in the RLC data
block header.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Field Description
BSN The Block Sequence Number (BSN) field carries
the sequence number of each RLC data block
within the TBF.
M The More (M) bit is used to indicate that more
information is to follow.
Length The Length Indicator (LI) is used to delimit LLC
Indicator frames within the RLC data block. The first LI is
used to specify the length of the first LLC frame,
the second LI indicates the length of the next LLC
frame.
TLLI The TLLI field contains a Temporary Logical Link
Identity (TLLI). This value is carried only in the
first three RLC data blocks to be transferred in the
uplink.
RLC data The RLC data field contains octets from one or
more LLC PDUs.
spare The number of spare bits depends on the channel
coding scheme being used.
Medium Access Control The main function of the MAC layer is the control of multiple MSs
(MAC) layer sharing a common resource on the GPRS air interface. The RLC data
block is passed down to the MAC layer where a MAC header is
added. The MAC procedures support the provision of Temporary
Block Flows (TBFs) that allow the point-to-point transfer of signalling
and user data within a cell between the network and a MS.
The structure of the MAC headers are dependent upon the direction of
the data transfer (uplink or downlink).
Figure 4-17 Uplink Mac Header Format
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Figure 4-18 Downlink Mac Header Format
The different MAC header fields are discussed below:
Field Description
USF The Uplink State Flag (USF) field is used to
indicate which MS is allocated the GPRS resource.
R The Retry (R) bit shall indicate whether the mobile
station transmitted the channel request message one
time or more than one time during its most recent
channel access.
S/P The Supplementary/Polling (S/P) bit is used to
indicate whether the RRBP field is valid or not
valid.
RRBP The Relative Reserved Block Period (RRBP) field
specifies a single uplink block in which the mobile
station shall transmit either a PACKET CONTROL
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT or a PACCH block to the
network.
Payload Type The Payload Type field shall indicate the type of
data contained in remainder of the RLC/MAC
block.
SI The Stall Indicator (SI) bit indicates whether the
mobile’s transmission has stalled.
Countdown The Countdown Value (CV) field is sent by the
Value mobile station to allow the network to calculate the
number of RLC data blocks remaining for the
current uplink connection.
Temporary Block Flow (TBF)

A Temporary Block Flow (TBF) is a physical connection used by the
BSS and the MS to support the unidirectional transfer of LLC PDUs
on packet data physical channels. The TBF is allocated radio resource
on one or more PDCHs and comprises a number of RLC/MAC blocks
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
carrying one or more LLC PDUs. A TBF is temporary and is

maintained only for the duration of the data transfer.
The physical layer consists of two sub-layers:
• Physical RF layer.
• Physical link layer.
Figure 4-19 Air Interface
Physical RF layer
The physical RF layer performs the modulation of the physical

waveforms based on the sequence of bits received from the physical
link layer. The physical RF layer also demodulates received
waveforms into a sequence of bits which are transferred to the
physical link layer for interpretation. The GSM physical RF layer is
used as a basis for GPRS.
Physical link layer
The purpose of the physical link layer is to convey information across
the GSM radio interface, including RLC/MAC information. The
physical link layer supports multiple MSs sharing a single physical
channel. The physical link layer provides communication between
MSs and the Network. The physical link layer control functions
provide the services necessary to maintain communications capability
over the physical radio channel between the network and MSs.
Functions at the physical link layer include:
• Forward Error Correction (FEC) coding, allowing the detection
and correction of transmitted code words and the indication of
uncorrectable code words.
• Rectangular interleaving of one Radio Block over four bursts in
consecutive TDMA frames.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
• Procedures for detecting physical link congestion.

• Synchronisation procedures, including determining and adjusting
the MS timing advance parameters.
• Monitoring and evaluation procedures for radio link signal
quality.
• Cell selection and re-selection procedures.
• Transmitter power control procedures.
• Battery power conservation procedures, for example
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) procedures.
BSS Activity
Data and signalling messages arrive at the BSS via the Gb interface.
The frames arriving at the Packet Control Unit (PCU) pass through
BSSGP where the information and signalling messages are separated
into LLC frames, GPRS Mobility Management (GMM) information
and Network Management (NM) information.
With regards to data and signalling messages destined for the GPRS
MS, the LLC frames pass through a relay entity (LLC relay) before
entering the RLC and the MAC layer respectively.
The RLC/MAC layer provides services for information transfer over
the physical layer.
Figure 4-20 BSS Activity
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS MS Protocols
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS MS activity At the GPRS MS, the PDUs pass through the protocol stack in the
reverse order. The four consecutive air interface bursts are
re-assembled and passed to the RLC/MAC layer. Once all the RLC
data blocks for a particular LLC PDU have been received, the LLC
frame is re-assembled and passed up to the LLC layer. Here the
Frame Check Sequence (FCS) is calculated and any retransmissions
are activated if necessary, otherwise the payload area is passed up to
the SNDCP layer.
At the SNDCP layer, the PDUs are re-assembled and the information
and control fields are decompressed. Finally, the PDUs are passed up
to the IP/X.25 layer.
Figure 4-21 MS Activity
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The GPRS Air Interface

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Packet data logical One or more packet data logical channels can be transmitted on a
channels for GPRS physical channel. There are different types of packet data logical
channels. The type of packet data logical channel is determined by the
function of the information transmitted over it.
Figure 4-22 Logical channels for GPRS
The following types of packet data logical channels are defined:

• Packet Common Control Channels (PCCCH)
• Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH)
• Packet Dedicated Control Channels (PDCCH)
• Packet Data Traffic Channels (PDTCH)
Note: The PDTCH carries packet data, and the other types control
information (signalling).
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Logical Channels

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Packet Common Control PCCCH comprises packet data logical channels for common control
Channels (PCCCH) signalling used for packet data as described below:
• Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH)
For uplink only PRACH is used by MS to initiate uplink transfer
for sending data or signalling information.
• Packet Paging Channel (PPCH)
For downlink only PPCH is used to page an MS prior to
downlink packet transfer. PPCH uses paging groups in order to
allow usage of discontinuous reception. PPCH can be used for
paging of both circuit switched and packet data services. The
paging for circuit switched services on PPCH is applicable for
class A and B GPRS MSs.
• Packet Access Grant Channel (PAGCH)
For downlink only PAGCH is used in the packet transfer
establishment phase to send resource assignment to an MS prior
to packet transfer. It is used to allocate one or several PDTCHs.
• Packet Notification Channel (PNCH)
For downlink only PNCH is used to send a Point To Multipoint
(PNCH will be standardised in the future) - Multicast (PTM-M)
notification to a group of MSs prior to a PTM-M packet transfer.
A ’PTM-M new message’ indicator may optionally be sent on all
individual paging channels to inform MSs interested in PTM-M
when they need to listen to PNCH. The PNCH will be
standardized in the future.
Packet Broadcast Control PBCCH broadcasts packet data specific system information. If
Channel (PBCCH) PBCCH is not allocated, the packet data specific system information
is broadcast on the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH). The PBCCH
is only found on the downlink.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Logical Channels GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
Packet Dedicated Control Packet Dedicated Control Channels (PDCCH) is comprised of the
Channels (PDCCH) following:
• Packet Associated Control Channel (PACCH)
PACCH transfers signalling information related to a given MS.
The signalling information includes for example,
acknowledgments and power control information. PACCH carries
also resource assignment and reassignment messages, comprising
the assignment of a capacity for PDTCH(s) and for further
occurrences of PACCH. The PACCH shares resources with
PDTCHs, that are currently assigned to one MS. Additionally, an
MS that is currently involved in packet transfer, can be paged for
circuit switched services on PACCH. The PACCH can be found
on both uplink and downlink.
• Packet Timing advance Control Channel, uplink (PTCCH/U)
PTCCH/U is used to transmit random access burst to allow
estimation of the timing advance for one MS in packet transfer
mode.
• Packet Timing advance Control Channel, downlink (PTCCH/D)
PTCCH/D is used to transmit timing advance information updates
to several MSs. One PTCCH/D is paired with several
PTCCH/U’s.
Packet Data Traffic PDTCH is a channel allocated for data transfer. It is temporarily
Channels (PDTCH) dedicated to one MS or to a group of MSs in the Point To Multipoint
- Multicast (PTM-M) case. In multislot operation, one MS may use
multiple PDTCHs in parallel for individual packet transfer.
All packet data traffic channels are uni-directional:
• uplink (PDTCH/U), for a mobile originated packet transfer.
• downlink (PDTCH/D), for a mobile terminated packet transfer.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mapping of packet data logical channels onto physical channels

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview A Packet Data Channel (PDCH) is a physical time-slot that has been
allocated for the use of GPRS. Different packet data logical channels
can occur on the same physical channel (i.e. PDCH). The sharing of
the physical channel is based on blocks of 4 consecutive bursts.
Whenever the PCCCH is not allocated, the CCCH shall be used to
initiate a packet transfer. One given MS may use only a subset of the
PCCCH, the subset being mapped onto one physical channel (i.e.
PDCH).
Packet data logical channels are mapped dynamically onto a
52-multiframe. If it exists, PCCCH is mapped on one or several
physical channels according to a 52-multiframe, In that case the
PCCCH, PBCCH and PDTCH share same physical channels
(PDCHs).
GPRS Logical Channels:
Group Name Direction Function

PBCCH PBCCH downlink Broadcast
PCCCH PRACH Random
Access
PPCH downlink Paging
PAGCH downlink Access Grant
PNCH downlink Multicast
PTCH PDTCH Downlink & Data
uplink
PACCH Downlink & Associated
uplink Control
52-Multiframe The mapping in time of the logical channels is defined by a

multiframe structure. The 52-multiframe structure for PDCH consists
of 52 TDMA frames, divided into 12 blocks (of 4 frames), 2 idle
frames and 2 frames used for the PTCCH.
Figure 4-23 52 Multiframe
X - Idle frame
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mapping of packet data logical channels GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols
onto physical channels
T - Frame used for PTCCH

B0 - B11 - Radio blocks
Channel Configuration The figure below gives an example of a possible channel

configuration. Note that the BCCH channel is transmitted in time-slot
0 on the first defined frequency. It must always be present to enable
the mobile stations to find the broadcast channels more easily
Figure 4-24 Time-Slot Configuration
1. Channels that can be assigned to GPRS only (not supported by

Lucent)
2. Channels that can be dynamically assigned to either GPRS or
circuit switched service
3. Channels that can be assigned to circuit switched services only
Uplink State Flag The Uplink State Flag (USF) is used to allow multiplexing of of
multiple MSs in uplink direction on a Packet Data Channel (PDCH).
It is be used in dynamic and extended dynamic medium access
modes.Three bits at the beginning of each Radio Block that is sent on
the downlink is comprised by the USF. In that way it enables the
coding of eight different USF states which are used to multiplex the
uplink traffic.
One USF value is assigned only to one MS per PDCH. On the
PCCCH, one USF value is used to indicates the PRACH. The other
USF values are used to reserve the uplink for different mobile
stations.On PDCHs which are not carrying PCCCH, the eight USF
values are used to reserve the uplink direction for different mobile
stations. One of the USF values has to be used to prevent any
collision on the uplink channel, if a mobile station without an USF is
using an uplink channel. The USF is either pointing to the next uplink
Radio Block or the sequence of four uplink Radio Blocks starting
with the next uplink Radio Block.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Temporary Block Flow A Temporary Block Flow (TBF) is a physical connection that is used
by the two RR entities in the MS and the BSS to support the
unidirectional transfer of Logical Link Control (LLC) Packet Data
Units (PDUs) on packet data physical channels. It is the allocated
radio resource on one or more PDCHs and it comprises a number of
RLC/MAC blocks carrying one or more LLC PDUs. A Temporary
Block Flow is only temporary and also only maintained for the
duration of a specific data transfer.
Temporary Flow Identity For every Temporary Block Flow there is a Temporary Flow Identity
(TFI) assigned by the network. This assigned TFI is always unique
among all the other concurrent TBFs in each direction and is used
instead of the mobile station identity in the RLC/MAC layer. On the
opposite direction, the same TFI value may be used at the same time.
It is assigned in a resource assignment message that precedes the
transfer of LLC frames belonging to one TBF to or from the mobile
station. The same TFI is included in every RLC header of a
RLC/MAC data block belonging to a specific TBF and may be used
in the control messages (here other addressings can be used, e.g.
TLLI) associated to the LLC frame transfer in order to address the
peer RLC entities.
Quality of Service (QoS) For GPRS there are four different parameters for Quality of Service
(QoS)
• Service precedence (priority)
• Reliability
• Delay
• Throughput
Service precedence (priority of service)
This parameter is used for indicating the priority of maintaining
the service. Service precedence parameters specifiies which
packets have a priority and which packets could be discarded.
Three different levels of service precedence are defined:
• High precedence (high priority)
This service commitments will be maintained prior to all other
precedence levels
• Normal precedence (normal priority)
This service commitments will be maintained prior to all Low
priority users
• Low precedence (low priority)
This service commitments will be maintained after all the other
service precedences have been completed.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Reliability The Reliability parameters indicate the different transmission

characteristics that are required by an application.
There are four different reliability parameters:
• Probability of loss of Service Data Units (SDUs)
• Duplication of SDUs
• Mis-sequencing of SDUs
• Corruption of SDUs
The table below shows the different Reliability classes with the
different reliability parameters and also give examples of application
characteristics.
Reliability classes
Reliabil- Lost Dupli- Out of Cor- Example of

ity class SDU cate Sequence rupt application
prob. SDU SDU SDU characteristics.
(a) prob. prob. prob.
(b)
1 109 109 109 109 Error sensitive,
no error
correction
capability,
limited error
tolerance
capability.
2 10 4 105 105 106 Error sensitive,
limited error
correction
capability, good
error tolerance
capability.
3 10 2 105 105 102 Not error
sensitive, error
correction
capability and/or
very good error
tolerance
capability.
In GPRS there is a protection against buffer overflow or protocol

malfunction. For each SDU GPRS uses a maximum holding time after
which the SDU is discarded. There are also different parameters for
the maximum holding tme of a SDU depending on the protocols used
(e.g. TCP/IP)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The ″Corrupt SDU probability″ indicates the probability that a SDU

might be delivered with an undetected error.
Delay In the GPRS network data is temporarily stored at network nodes

during transmission. Any delay that occurs is due to technical
transmission characteristicsof the system and has to be minimised for
a particular delay class. The maximum delay values are defined for
the mean delay and the 95-percentile delay that might occur by the
transfer of data through a GPRS network. All delay parameters are
end-to-end transfer delays in the transmission of SDUs through a
GPRS network.
The transfer delays include the following parameters:
• Radio channel access delay (uplink direction)
• Radio channel scheduling delay (downlink direction)
• Radio channel transit delay (uplink and/or downlink direction)
• GPRS-network transit delay (multiple hops)
Delay values
Delay (maximum values)

SDU size: 128 octets SDU size: 1024 octets
Delay Mean 95 Mean 95 percentile
Class Transfer percentile Transfer Delay (sec)
Delay Delay Delay (sec)
(sec) (sec)
1. < 0.5 < 1.5 <2 <7
(Predic-
tive)
2. <5 < 25 < 15 < 75
(Predic-
tive)
3. < 50 < 250 < 75 < 375
(Predic-
tive)
4. (Best Unspecified
Effort)
Throughput The troughput parameter indicates the user data throughput requested
by the user.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
It is defined by two negotiable parameters:

• Maximum bit rate
• Mean bit rate (includes, for example for bursty transmissions, the
periods in which no data is transmitted)
The maximum and mean bit rates can be negotiated to a value up
to the Information Transfer Rate value.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS MS
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mobile Station Equipment The current market view on GPRS terminals is that Class B and C
MSs will be available in Q2 2000. This is the general view held by all
terminal manufacturers.
Three types of terminal class will be supported:
• Class A Mobile Station (MS)
These will support simultaneous attach, activation, monitor,
invocation and traffic. I.e. A subscriber will be able to make
and/or receive calls on the two services (GSM and GPRS)
simultaneously, subject to Quality of Service) QoS subscribed to
by the end user.
• Class B MS
These will support simultaneous attach, activation and monitor.
They will only support limited simultaneous invocation such that
GPRS virtual circuits will not be cleared down due to the
presence of circuit switched traffic. Under these circumstances,
the GPRS virtual connection is then busy or held. Simultaneous
traffic is not supported as in the Class A MS. Subscribers can
make calls on either service but not at the same time, but
selection of the appropriate service is automatic by the MS.
• Class C MS
These will support only non-simultaneous attach, alternate use
only. If both services are supported then the subscriber can make
and / or receive calls only from the manually or default selected
service. Status of the service not selected is detached or not
reachable during the session. The ability to send and receive
SMS messages is optional.
Lucent is working closely with terminal manufacturers with
regards to compatibility and availability of GPRS terminals.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
5 GPRS Procedures
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter discusses the GPRS Procedures
Contents This chapter contains information on the following topics:
Mobility Management 5-2

GPRS Attach Procedure 5-5
Detach Procedures 5-10
Routing Area Update 5-15
Combined RA / LA Update Procedure 5-21
PDP Context Activation Procedure 5-29
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Procedures
Mobility Management
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
IDLE TO READY STATE For the mobile to move from the idle to ready state, it must first
perform a GPRS Attach. Once attached, the mobile will be known to
the network i.e. the SGSN. The Mobility Management will be active
at the Mobile Station and the SGSN following the attach sequence.
When in the ready state, the PDP context is activated which
establishes a packet data session (and the packet data networks) with
the mobile. With a valid PDP context Protocol Data Units (PDU) may
be transferred. For every LLCPDU received in the SGSN, a ready
timer is re-started . There are two timers, one in the MS which is
activated when a packet is sent and one in the SGSN when a packet is
received.
READY to STANDBY For the mobile to move from the idle to ready state, it must first
STATE perform a GPRS Attach. Once attached, the mobile will be known to
the network i.e. the SGSN. The Mobility Management will be active
at the Mobile Station and the SGSN following the attach sequence.
STANDBY to READY The MS and SGSN will enter the Ready state when the PDUs have
been either transmitted or received.
STANDBY to IDLE When this state is reached, a second timer is started. When the timer
expires, or a MAP message ’Cancel Location’ is received from the
HLR then a return to Idle state is performed and the MM and PDP
context are removed from the MS, SGSN and the GGSN.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mobility Management GPRS Procedures
READY to IDLE This state can only be reached if either a GPRS detach or ’Cancel
Location’ message is received. When either of these occur, the MM
and PDP contexts are removed as the MS is no longer attached to the
GPRS network.
Figure 5-1 GPRS Attach/Detach States
GPRS Mobility Management (GMM) and Session Management (SM)

services, are enhancements operated directly over the GPRS defined
Logical Link Control (LLC) layer between the Mobile Station (MS)
and the SSGN.
READY State Timer READY state timer:

• Initiated when the MS or network sends a signalling or data
packets
• MS does routing area update on crossing a cell boundary
• Move to STANDBY state on READY timer expiry
• Default timer value of 44 seconds
STANDBY State STANDBY state:

• Initiated on expiry of READY timer
• MS does routing area update on crossing a routing area boundary
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mobility Management GPRS Procedures
• MS has to be paged to deliver packets
Figure 5-2 GPRS GMM/SM Control Plane
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Procedures
GPRS Attach Procedure

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview In GPRS, the attach is made to the SGSN. In this attach procedure,
the mobile station shall provide its identity and an indication of which
type of attach that is to be executed. The identity (provided by the
network) shall be the mobiles Packet-TIMSI (P-TIMSI) or IMSI. If
the mobile has a valid P-TIMSI, the P-TIMSI and the Routing Area
Identity (RAI) with the P-TIMSI shall be provided. The IMSI shall
only be provided if the mobile does not have a valid P-TIMSI. Those
different attach types are GPRS attach and GPRS / IMSI attach.
After executing the GPRS attach, the mobile is in READY state and
MM contexts are established in the mobile and the SGSN. The mobile
or the SGSN may then activate PDP contexts.
The next figure illustrates the combined GPRS / IMSI Attach
procedure.
GPRS Attach Procedure GPRS Attach Procedure

Diagram
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Attach Procedure GPRS Procedures
GPRS Attach Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 The MS initiates the attach procedure by the transmission of an Attach

Request (IMSI or P-TMSI and old RAI, Classmark, CKSN, Attach
Type, DRX Parameters, old P-TMSI Signature) message to the SGSN.
IMSI shall be included if the MS does not have a valid P-TMSI
available. If the MS has a valid P-TMSI, then P-TMSI and the old
RAI associated with P-TMSI shall be included. Classmark contains
the MS’s GPRS multislot capabilities and supported GPRS ciphering
algorithms in addition to the existing classmark parameters defined in
GSM 04.08. Attach Type indicates which type of attach that is to be
performed, i.e., GPRS attach only, GPRS Attach while already IMSI
attached, or combined GPRS / IMSI attach. DRX Parameters indicates
whether the MS uses discontinuous reception or not. If the MS uses
discontinuous reception, then DRX Parameters also indicate when the
MS is in a non-sleep mode able to receive paging requests and
channel assignments. If the MS uses P-TMSI for identifying itself and
if it has also stored its old P-TMSI Signature, then the MS shall
include the old P-TMSI Signature in the Attach Request message.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 If the MS identifies itself with P-TMSI and the SGSN has changed
since detach, the new SGSN sends an Identification Request (P-TMSI,
old RAI, and old P-TMSI Signature) to the old SGSN to request the
IMSI. The old SGSN responds with Identification Response (IMSI,
Authentication Triplets). If the MS is not known in the old SGSN, the
old SGSN responds with an appropriate error cause. The old SGSN
also validates the old P-TMSI Signature and responds with an
appropriate error cause if it does not match the value stored in the old
SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
3 If the MS is unknown in both the old and new SGSN, the SGSN
sends an Identity Request (Identity Type = IMSI) to the MS. The MS
responds with Identity Response (IMSI).
............................................................................................................................................................
4 The authentication functions are defined in the subclause ″Security

Function″. If no MM context for the MS exists anywhere in the
network, then authentication is mandatory. Ciphering procedures are
described in subclause ″Security Function″. If P-TMSI allocation is
going to be done, and if the network supports ciphering, ciphering
mode shall be set.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 The equipment checking functions are defined in the subclause

″Identity Check Procedures″. Equipment checking is optional.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
6 If the SGSN number has changed since the GPRS detach, or if it is

the very first attach, then the SGSN informs the HLR:
• (6a) The SGSN sends an Update Location (SGSN Number,
SGSN Address, and IMSI) to the HLR.
• (6b) The HLR sends Cancel Location (IMSI, Cancellation Type)
to the old SGSN with Cancellation Type set to Update Procedure.
• (6c) The old SGSN acknowledges with Cancel Location Ack
(IMSI). If there are any ongoing procedures for that MS, the old
SGSN shall wait until these procedures are finished before
removing the MM and PDP contexts.
• (6d) The HLR sends Insert Subscriber Data (IMSI, GPRS
subscription data) to the new SGSN.
• (6e) The new SGSN validates the MS’s presence in the (new)
RA. If due to regional subscription restrictions the MS is not
allowed to attach in the RA, the SGSN rejects the Attach Request
with an appropriate cause, and may return an Insert Subscriber
Data Ack (IMSI, SGSN Area Restricted) message to the HLR. If
subscription checking fails for other reasons, the SGSN rejects
the Attach Request with an appropriate cause and returns an
Insert Subscriber Data Ack (IMSI, Cause) message to the HLR.
If all checks are successful then the SGSN constructs a MM
context for the MS and returns an Insert Subscriber Data Ack
(IMSI) message to the HLR.
• (6f) The HLR acknowledges the Update Location message by
sending an Update Location Ack to the SGSN after the
cancelling of old MM context and insertion of new MM context
are finished. If the Update Location is rejected by the HLR, the
SGSN rejects the Attach Request from the MS with an
appropriate cause.
............................................................................................................................................................
7 If Attach Type in step 1 indicated GPRS Attach while already IMSI

attached, or combined GPRS / IMSI attach, then the VLR shall be
updated if the Gs interface is installed. The VLR number is derived
from the RA information. The SGSN starts the location update
procedure towards the new MSC/VLR upon receipt of the first Insert
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Subscriber Data message from the HLR in step 6 d). This operation
marks the MS as GPRS-attached in the VLR.
• (7a) The SGSN sends a Location Update Request (new LAI,
IMSI, SGSN Number, and Location Update Type) message to the
VLR. Location Update Type shall indicate IMSI attach if Attach
Type indicated combined GPRS / IMSI attach. Otherwise,
Location Update Type shall indicate normal location update. The
VLR creates an association with the SGSN by storing SGSN
Number.
• (7b) If the LA update is inter-MSC, the new VLR sends Update
Location (IMSI, new VLR) to the HLR.
• (7c) If the LA update is inter-MSC, the HLR sends a Cancel
Location (IMSI) to the old VLR.
• (7d) The old VLR acknowledges with Cancel Location Ack
(IMSI).
• (7e) If the LA update is inter-MSC, the HLR sends Insert
Subscriber Data (IMSI, GSM subscriber data) to the new VLR.
• (7f) The VLR acknowledges with Insert Subscriber Data Ack
(IMSI).
• (7g) After finishing the inter-MSC location update procedures,
the HLR responds with Update Location Ack (IMSI) to the new
VLR.
• (7h) The VLR responds with Location Update Accept (VLR
TMSI) to the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
8 The SGSN selects Radio Priority SMS, and sends an Attach Accept
(P-TMSI, VLR TMSI, and P-TMSI Signature, Radio Priority SMS)
message to the MS. P-TMSI is included if the SGSN allocates a new
P-TMSI.
............................................................................................................................................................
9 If P-TMSI or VLR TMSI was changed, the MS acknowledges the

received TMSI(s) with Attach Complete (P-TMSI, VLR TMSI).
............................................................................................................................................................
10 If VLR TMSI was changed, the SGSN confirms the VLR TMSI
re-allocation by sending TMSI Reallocation Complete (VLR TMSI) to
the VLR.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Attach Request failure

If the Attach Request cannot be accepted, the SGSN returns an Attach
Reject (IMSI, Cause) message to the MS.
Note
All the procedures and steps are according to the ETSI specifications
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Procedures
Detach Procedures
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview With the detach procedure, the MS informs the network that it
requires a GPRS and/or IMSI detach. The network then informs the
MS that it has been GPRS detached.
There are three different detach types:
• IMSI detach
• GPRS detach
• Combined GPRS / IMSI detach (MS-initiated only).
There are two ways in which the MS is detached from GPRS:
• Explicit detach: The detach request is explicitly from the network
or the MS.
• Implicit detach: The network detaches the MS (without notifying
the MS) after a configuration dependent time after the mobile
reachable timer expired or after an irrecoverable radio error
causes disconnection of the logical link.
In the explicit detach case, the SGSN sends a Detach Request to the
MS or vice versa.
An IMSI detach could be done in two different ways by the MS,
depending if it´s GPRS-attached or not:
• A Detach Request message from an GPRS-attached mobile is
send to the SGSN, indicating an IMSI detach. This is also
possible in combination with a GPRS detach.
• If a mobile is not attached to GPRS, the IMSI detach is done as
already defined in GSM.
MS-Initiated Detach MS-Initiated Detach Procedure

Procedure Diagram
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Detach Procedures GPRS Procedures
MS-Initiated Detach
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 The MS detaches by sending Detach Request (Detach Type, Switch

Off) to the SGSN. Detach Type indicates which type of detach that is
to be performed, i.e., GPRS Detach only, IMSI Detach only or
combined GPRS and IMSI Detach. Switch Off indicates whether the
detach is due to a switch off situation or not.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 If GPRS detach, the active PDP contexts in the GGSNs regarding this
particular MS are deactivated by the SGSN sending Delete PDP
Context Request (TID) to the GGSNs. The GGSNs acknowledge with
Delete PDP Context Response (TID).
............................................................................................................................................................
3 If IMSI detach, the SGSN sends IMSI Detach Indication (IMSI) to the
VLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 If the MS wants to remain IMSI-attached and is doing a GPRS

detach, the SGSN sends a GPRS Detach Indication (IMSI) message to
the VLR. The VLR removes the association with the SGSN and
handles paging and location update without going via the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 If Switch Off indicates that the detach is not due to a switch off
situation, the SGSN sends a Detach Accept to the MS.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SGSN-Initiated Detach SGSN-Initiated Detach Procedure

Procedure Diagram
SGSN-Initiated Detach
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 The SGSN informs the MS that it has been detached by sending

Detach Request (Detach Type) to the MS. Detach Type indicates if the
MS is requested to make a new attach and PDP context activation for
the previously activated PDP contexts. If so, the attach procedure shall
be initiated when the detach procedure is completed.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 The active PDP contexts in the GGSNs regarding this particular MS

are deactivated by the SGSN sending Delete PDP Context Request
(TID) messages to the GGSNs. The GGSNs acknowledge with Delete
PDP Context Response (TID) messages.
............................................................................................................................................................
3 If the MS was both IMSI- and GPRS-attached, the SGSN sends a

GPRS Detach Indication (IMSI) message to the VLR. The VLR
removes the association with the SGSN and handles paging and
location update without going via the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 The MS sends a Detach Accept message to the SGSN any time after
step 1.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
HLR-Initiated Detach This HLR-Initiated Detach Procedure is done by the HLR and the
Procedure Diagram HLR uses this procedure for operator-determined purposes to request
a removal of a subscribeŕs MM and PDP contexts at the SGSN.
HLR-Initiated Detach
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 If the HLR wants to request the immediate deletion of a subscriber’s

MM and PDP contexts from the SGSN, the HLR shall send a Cancel
Location (IMSI, Cancellation Type) message to the SGSN with
Cancellation Type set to Subscription Withdrawn.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 The SGSN informs the MS that it has been detached by sending

Detach Request (Detach Type) to the MS. Detach Type shall indicate
that the MS is not requested to make a new attach and PDP context
activation.
............................................................................................................................................................
3 The active PDP contexts in the GGSNs regarding this particular MS

are deactivated by the SGSN sending Delete PDP Context Request
(TID) messages to the GGSNs. The GGSNs acknowledge with Delete
PDP Context Response (TID) messages.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 If the MS was both IMSI- and GPRS-attached, the SGSN sends a

GPRS Detach Indication (IMSI) message to the VLR. The VLR
removes the association with the SGSN and handles paging and
location update without going via the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 The MS sends a Detach Accept message to the SGSN any time after
step 2.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
6 The SGSN shall confirm the deletion of the MM and PDP contexts
with a Cancel Location Ack (IMSI) message.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Procedures
Routing Area Update

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview The routing area update takes place:

• when a GPRS attached MS detects that it has entered a new
routing area
• when the periodic routing area update timer has expired
• when a suspended MS is not resumed by the BSS.
There are two different routing area updates:
• Intra SGSN Routing Area Update
• Inter SGSN Routing Area Update
Intra SGSN Routing Area Intra SGSN Routing Area Update

Update Diagram
Intra SGSN Routing Area

Update Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 The MS sends a Routing Area Update Request (old RAI, old P-TMSI
Signature, and Update Type) to the SGSN. Update Type shall indicate
RA update or periodic RA update. The BSS shall add the Cell Global
Identity including the RAC and LAC of the cell where the message
was received before passing the message to the SGSN, see GSM
08.18.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 Security functions may be executed. These procedures are defined in

subclause ″Security Function″.
............................................................................................................................................................
3 The SGSN validates the MS’s presence in the new RA. If due to
regional subscription restrictions the MS is not allowed to be attached
in the RA, or if subscription checking fails, then the SGSN rejects the
routing area update with an appropriate cause. If all checks are
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Routing Area Update GPRS Procedures
successful then the SGSN updates the MM context for the MS. A new
P-TMSI may be allocated. A Routing Area Update Accept (P-TMSI,
P-TMSI Signature) is returned to the MS.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 If P-TMSI was reallocated, the MS acknowledges the new P-TMSI

with Routing Area Update Complete (P-TMSI).
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Routing area update procedure failure

If the routing area update procedure fails a maximum allowable
number of times, or if the SGSN returns a Routing Area Update
Reject (Cause) message, the MS shall enter IDLE state.
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
Inter SGSN Routing Area Inter SGSN Routing Area Update

Update Diagram
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Inter SGSN Routing Area

Update Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
Signature, and Update Type) to the new SGSN. Update Type shall
indicate RA update or periodic RA update. The BSS shall add the Cell
Global Identity including the RAC and LAC of the cell where the
message was received before passing the message to the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 The new SGSN sends SGSN Context Request (old RAI, TLLI, old
P-TMSI Signature, and New SGSN Address) to the old SGSN to get
the MM and PDP contexts for the MS. The old SGSN validates the
old P-TMSI Signature and responds with an appropriate error cause if
it does not match the value stored in the old SGSN. This should
initiate the security functions in the new SGSN. If the security
functions authenticate the MS correctly, the new SGSN shall send an
SGSN Context Request (old RAI, TLLI, MS Validated, and New
SGSN Address) message to the old SGSN. MS Validated indicates
that the new SGSN has authenticated the MS. If the old P-TMSI
Signature was valid or if the new SGSN indicates that it has
authenticated the MS, the old SGSN stops assigning SNDCP N-PDU
numbers to downlink N-PDUs received, and responds with SGSN
Context Response (MM Context, PDP Contexts). If the MS is not
known in the old SGSN, the old SGSN responds with an appropriate
error cause. The old SGSN stores New SGSN Address, to allow the
old SGSN to forward data packets to the new SGSN. Each PDP
Context includes the SNDCP Send N-PDU Number for the next
downlink N-PDU to be sent in acknowledged mode to the MS, the
SNDCP Receive N-PDU Number for the next uplink N-PDU to be
received in acknowledged mode from the MS, the GTP sequence
number for the next downlink N-PDU to be sent to the MS and the
GTP sequence number for the next uplink N-PDU to be tunnelled to
the GGSN. The old SGSN starts a timer and stops the transmission of
N-PDUs to the MS.
............................................................................................................................................................

subclause ″Security Function″. Ciphering mode shall be set if
ciphering is supported.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 The new SGSN sends an SGSN Context Acknowledge message to the

old SGSN. This informs the old SGSN that the new SGSN is ready to
receive data packets belonging to the activated PDP contexts. The old
SGSN marks in its context that the MSC/VLR association and the
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
information in the GGSNs and the HLR are invalid. This triggers the
MSC/VLR, the GGSNs, and the HLR to be updated if the MS
initiates a routing area update procedure back to the old SGSN before
completing the ongoing routing area update procedure. If the security
functions do not authenticate the MS correctly, then the routing area
update shall be rejected, and the new SGSN shall send a reject
indication to the old SGSN. The old SGSN shall continue as if the
SGSN Context Request was never received.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 The old SGSN duplicates the buffered N-PDUs and starts tunnelling
them to the new SGSN. Additional N-PDUs received from the GGSN
before the timer described in step 2 expires are also duplicated and
tunnelled to the new SGSN. N-PDUs that were already sent to the MS
in acknowledged mode and that are not yet acknowledged by the MS
are tunnelled together with the SNDCP N-PDU number. No N-PDUs
shall be forwarded to the new SGSN after expiry of the timer
described in step 2.
............................................................................................................................................................
6 The new SGSN sends Update PDP Context Request (new SGSN
Address, TID, QoS Negotiated) to the GGSNs concerned. The GGSNs
update their PDP context fields and return Update PDP Context
Response (TID).
............................................................................................................................................................
7 The new SGSN informs the HLR of the change of SGSN by sending
Update Location (SGSN Number, SGSN Address, IMSI) to the HLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
8 The HLR sends Cancel Location (IMSI, Cancellation Type) to the old
SGSN with Cancellation Type set to Update Procedure. If the timer
described in step 2 is not running, then the old SGSN removes the
MM and PDP contexts. Otherwise, the contexts are removed only
when the timer expires. This allows the old SGSN to complete the
forwarding of N-PDUs. It also ensures that the MM and PDP contexts
are kept in the old SGSN in case the MS initiates another inter SGSN
routing area update before completing the ongoing routing area update
to the new SGSN. The old SGSN acknowledges with Cancel Location
Ack (IMSI).
............................................................................................................................................................
9 The HLR sends Insert Subscriber Data (IMSI, GPRS subscription

data) to the new SGSN. The new SGSN validates the MS’s presence
in the (new) RA. If due to regional subscription restrictions the MS is
not allowed to be attached in the RA, the SGSN rejects the Routing
Area Update Request with an appropriate cause, and may return an
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Insert Subscriber Data Ack (IMSI, SGSN Area Restricted) message to

the HLR. If all checks are successful then the SGSN constructs a MM
context for the MS and returns an Insert Subscriber Data Ack (IMSI)
message to the HLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
10 The HLR acknowledges the Update Location by sending Update

Location Ack (IMSI) to the new SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
11 The new SGSN validates the MS’s presence in the new RA. If due to
roaming restrictions the MS is not allowed to be attached in the
SGSN, or if subscription checking fails, then the new SGSN rejects
the routing area update with an appropriate cause. If all checks are
successful then the new SGSN constructs MM and PDP contexts for
the MS. A logical link is established between the new SGSN and the
MS. The new SGSN responds to the MS with Routing Area Update
Accept (P-TMSI, P-TMSI Signature, and Receive N-PDU Number).
Receive N-PDU Number contains the acknowledgments for each
acknowledged-mode NSAPI used by the MS, thereby confirming all
mobile-originated N-PDUs successfully transferred before the start of
the update procedure.
............................................................................................................................................................
12 The MS acknowledges the new P-TMSI with a Routing Area Update

Complete (P-TMSI, Receive N-PDU Number). Receive N-PDU
Number contains the acknowledgments for each acknowledged-mode
NSAPI used by the MS, thereby confirming all mobile-terminated
N-PDUs successfully transferred before the start of the update
procedure. If Receive N-PDU Number confirms reception of N-PDUs
that were forwarded from the old SGSN, then these N-PDUs shall be
discarded by the new SGSN. LLC and SNDCP in the MS are reset.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Rejected routing area update

In the case of a rejected routing area update operation, due to regional
subscription or roaming restrictions, the new SGSN shall not construct
a MM context. A reject shall be returned to the MS with an
appropriate cause. The MS shall not re-attempt a routing area update
to that RA. The RAI value shall be deleted when the MS is
powered-up.
If the SGSN is unable to update the PDP context in one or more
GGSNs, then the SGSN shall deactivate the corresponding PDP
contexts as described in subclause ″PDP Context Deactivation
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Initiated by SGSN Procedure″. This shall not cause the SGSN to

reject the routing area update. If the timer described in step 2 expires
and no Cancel Location (IMSI) was received from the HLR, then the
old SGSN shall stop forwarding N-PDUs to the new SGSN.
Reject (Cause) message, the MS shall enter IDLE state.
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Procedures
Combined RA / LA Update Procedure

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview There are two different Combined RA / LA Update procedures:

• Combined Intra SGSN RA / LA Update
• Combined Inter SGSN RA / LA Update
Combined Intra SGSN RA / Combined Intra SGSN RA / LA Update

LA Update Diagram
Combined Intra SGSN RA /

LA Update Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
Signature, and Update Type) to the SGSN. Update Type shall indicate
combined RA / LA update, or, if the MS wants to perform an IMSI
attach, combined RA / LA update with IMSI attach requested. The
BSS shall add the Cell Global Identity including the RAC and LAC
of the cell where the message was received before passing the
message to the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 Security functions may be executed. This procedure is defined in

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Combined RA / LA Update Procedure GPRS Procedures
............................................................................................................................................................
3 If the association has to be established, if Update Type indicates

combined RA / LA update with IMSI attach requested, or if the LA
changed with the routing area update, then the SGSN sends a
Location Update Request (new LAI, IMSI, SGSN Number, Location
Update Type) to the VLR. Location Update Type shall indicate IMSI
attach if Update Type in step 1 indicated combined RA / LA update
with IMSI attach requested. Otherwise, Location Update Type shall
indicate normal location update. The VLR number is translated from
the RAI via a table in the SGSN. The VLR creates or updates the
association with the SGSN by storing SGSN Number
............................................................................................................................................................
4 If the subscriber data in the VLR is marked as not confirmed by the

HLR, then the new VLR informs the HLR.
The HLR cancels the data in the old VLR and inserts subscriber data
in the new VLR (this signalling is not modified from existing GSM
signalling and is included here for illustrative purposes):
• (4a) The new VLR sends an Update Location (new VLR) to the
HLR.
• (4b) The HLR cancels the data in the old VLR by sending
Cancel Location (IMSI) to the old VLR.
• (4c) The old VLR acknowledges with Cancel Location Ack
(IMSI).
• (4d) The HLR sends Insert Subscriber Data (IMSI, GSM
subscriber data) to the new VLR.
• (4e) The new VLR acknowledges with Insert Subscriber Data
Ack (IMSI).
• (4f) The HLR responds with Update Location Ack (IMSI) to the
new VLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 The new VLR allocates a new VLR TMSI and responds with
Location Update Accept (VLR TMSI) to the SGSN. VLR TMSI is
optional if the VLR has not changed.
............................................................................................................................................................
6 The SGSN validates the MS’s presence in the new RA. If due to
regional subscription restrictions the MS is not allowed to be attached
in the RA, or if subscription checking fails, then the SGSN rejects the
successful then the SGSN updates the MM context for the MS. A new
P-TMSI may be allocated. The SGSN responds to the MS with
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Routing Area Update Accept (P-TMSI, VLR TMSI, and P-TMSI

Signature).
............................................................................................................................................................
7 If a new P-TMSI or VLR TMSI was received, then the MS confirms

the reallocation of the TMSIs by sending Routing Area Update
Complete (P-TMSI, VLR TMSI) message to the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
8 The SGSN sends TMSI Reallocation Complete (VLR TMSI) to the

VLR if the VLR TMSI is confirmed by the MS.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Routing area update procedure failure

Reject (Cause) message, the MS shall enter IDLE state. If the
Location Update Accept message indicates a reject, then this should
be indicated to the MS, and the MS shall not access non-GPRS
services until a successful Location Update is performed.
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Combined Inter SGSN RA / Combined Inter SGSN RA / LA Update

LA Update Diagram
Combined Inter SGSN RA /

LA Update Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
Signature, and Update Type) to the new SGSN. Update Type shall
indicate combined RA / LA update, or, if the MS wants to perform an
IMSI attach, combined RA / LA update with IMSI attach requested.
The BSS shall add the Cell Global Identity including the RAC and
LAC of the cell where the message was received before passing the
message to the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 The new SGSN sends SGSN Context Request (old RAI, TLLI, old
P-TMSI Signature, and New SGSN Address) to the old SGSN to get
the MM and PDP contexts for the MS. The old SGSN validates the
old P-TMSI Signature and responds with an appropriate error cause if
it does not match the value stored in the old SGSN. This should
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
initiate the security functions in the new SGSN. If the security

functions authenticate the MS correctly, the new SGSN shall send an
SGSN Context Request (old RAI, TLLI, MS Validated, and New
SGSN Address) message to the old SGSN. MS Validated indicates
that the new SGSN has authenticated the MS. If the old P-TMSI
Signature was valid or if the new SGSN indicates that it has
authenticated the MS, the old SGSN stops assigning SNDCP N-PDU
numbers to downlink N-PDUs received, and responds with SGSN
Context Response (MM Context, PDP Contexts). If the MS is not
known in the old SGSN, the old SGSN responds with an appropriate
error cause. The old SGSN stores New SGSN Address until the old
MM context is cancelled, to allow the old SGSN to forward data
packets to the new SGSN. Each PDP Context includes the SNDCP
Send N-PDU Number for the next downlink N-PDU to be sent in
acknowledged mode to the MS, the SNDCP Receive N-PDU Number
for the next uplink N-PDU to be received in acknowledged mode
from the MS, the GTP sequence number for the next downlink
N-PDU to be sent to the MS and the GTP sequence number for the
next uplink N-PDU to be tunnelled to the GGSN. The old SGSN
starts a timer and stops the downlink transfer.
............................................................................................................................................................

subclause ″Security Function″. Ciphering mode shall be set if
ciphering is supported.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 The new SGSN sends an SGSN Context Acknowledge message to the

old SGSN. This informs the old SGSN that the new SGSN is ready to
receive data packets belonging to the activated PDP contexts. The old
SGSN marks in its context that the MSC/VLR association and the
information in the GGSNs and the HLR are invalid. This triggers the
MSC/VLR, the GGSNs, and the HLR to be updated if the MS
initiates a routing area update procedure back to the old SGSN before
completing the ongoing routing area update procedure. If the security
functions do not authenticate the MS correctly, then the routing area
update shall be rejected, and the new SGSN shall send a reject
indication to the old SGSN. The old SGSN shall continue as if the
SGSN Context Request was never received.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 The old SGSN duplicates the buffered N-PDUs and starts tunnelling
them to the new SGSN. Additional N-PDUs received from the GGSN
before the timer described in step 2 expires are also duplicated and
tunnelled to the new SGSN. N-PDUs that were already sent to the MS
in acknowledged mode and that are not yet acknowledged by the MS
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
are tunnelled together with the SNDCP N-PDU number. No N-PDUs

shall be forwarded to the new SGSN after expiry of the timer
described in step 2.
............................................................................................................................................................
6 The new SGSN sends Update PDP Context Request (new SGSN
Address, TID, QoS Negotiated) to the GGSNs concerned. The GGSNs
update their PDP context fields and return an Update PDP Context
Response (TID).
............................................................................................................................................................
7 The new SGSN informs the HLR of the change of SGSN by sending
Update Location (SGSN Number, SGSN Address, and IMSI) to the
HLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
8 The HLR sends Cancel Location (IMSI, Cancellation Type) to the old
SGSN with Cancellation Type set to Update Procedure. If the timer
described in step 2 is not running, then the old SGSN removes the
MM and PDP contexts. Otherwise, the contexts are removed only
when the timer expires. This allows the old SGSN to complete the
forwarding of N-PDUs. It also ensures that the MM and PDP contexts
are kept in the old SGSN in case the MS initiates another inter SGSN
routing area update before completing the ongoing routing area update
to the new SGSN. The old SGSN acknowledges with Cancel Location
Ack (IMSI).
............................................................................................................................................................
9 The HLR sends Insert Subscriber Data (IMSI, GPRS subscription

data) to the new SGSN. The new SGSN validates the MS’s presence
in the (new) RA. If due to regional subscription restrictions the MS is
not allowed to be attached in the RA, the SGSN rejects the Routing
Area Update Request with an appropriate cause, and may return an
Insert Subscriber Data Ack (IMSI, SGSN Area Restricted) message to
the HLR. If all checks are successful then the SGSN constructs a MM
context for the MS and returns an Insert Subscriber Data Ack (IMSI)
message to the HLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
10 The HLR acknowledges the Update Location by sending Update

Location Ack (IMSI) to the new SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................
11 If the association has to be established, if Update Type indicates

combined RA / LA update with IMSI attach requested, or if the LA
changed with the routing area update, then the new SGSN sends a
Location Update Request (new LAI, IMSI, SGSN Number, Location
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Update Type) to the VLR. Location Update Type shall indicate IMSI
attach if Update Type in step 1 indicated combined RA / LA update
with IMSI attach requested. Otherwise, Location Update Type shall
indicate normal location update. The VLR number is translated from
the RAI via a table in the SGSN. The SGSN starts the location update
procedure towards the new MSC/VLR upon receipt of the first Insert
Subscriber Data message from the HLR in step 9). The VLR creates
or updates the association with the SGSN by storing SGSN Number.
............................................................................................................................................................
12 If the subscriber data in the VLR is marked as not confirmed by the

HLR, the new VLR informs the HLR.
The HLR cancels the old VLR and inserts subscriber data in the new
VLR (this signalling is not modified from existing GSM signalling
and is included here for illustrative purposes):
• (12a) The new VLR sends an Update Location (new VLR) to the
HLR.
• (12b) The HLR cancels the data in the old VLR by sending
Cancel Location (IMSI) to the old VLR.
• (12c) The old VLR acknowledges with Cancel Location Ack
(IMSI).
• (12d) The HLR sends Insert Subscriber Data (IMSI, GSM
subscriber data) to the new VLR.
• (12e) The new VLR acknowledges with Insert Subscriber Data
Ack (IMSI).
• (12f) The HLR responds with Update Location Ack (IMSI) to the
new VLR.
............................................................................................................................................................
13 The new VLR allocates a new TMSI and responds with Location
Update Accept (VLR TMSI) to the SGSN. VLR TMSI is optional if
the VLR has not changed.
............................................................................................................................................................
14 The new SGSN validates the MS’s presence in the new RA. If due to
roaming restrictions the MS is not allowed to be attached in the
SGSN, or if subscription checking fails, then the SGSN rejects the
successful then the new SGSN establishes MM and PDP contexts for
the MS. A logical link is established between the new SGSN and the
MS. The new SGSN responds to the MS with Routing Area Update
Accept (P-TMSI, VLR TMSI, P-TMSI Signature, and Receive N-PDU
Number). Receive N-PDU Number contains the acknowledgments for
each acknowledged-mode NSAPI used by the MS, thereby confirming
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
all mobile-originated N-PDUs successfully transferred before the start

of the update procedure.
............................................................................................................................................................
15 The MS confirms the reallocation of the TMSIs by sending Routing

Area Update Complete (P-TMSI, VLR TMSI, and Receive N-PDU
Number) to the SGSN. Receive N-PDU Number contains the
acknowledgments for each acknowledged-mode NSAPI used by the
MS, thereby confirming all mobile-terminated N-PDUs successfully
transferred before the start of the update procedure. If Receive N-PDU
Number confirms reception of N-PDUs that were forwarded from the
old SGSN, then these N-PDUs shall be discarded by the new SGSN.
LLC and SNDCP in the MS are reset.
............................................................................................................................................................
16 The new SGSN sends TMSI Reallocation Complete (VLR TMSI) to

the new VLR if the MS confirms the VLR TMSI.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Rejected routing area update

In the case of a rejected routing area update operation, due to regional
subscription or roaming restrictions, the new SGSN shall not construct
a MM context. A reject shall be returned to the MS with an
appropriate cause. The MS shall not re-attempt a routing area update
to that RA. The RAI value shall be deleted when the MS is
powered-up.
If the SGSN is unable to update the PDP context in one or more
GGSNs, then the SGSN shall deactivate the corresponding PDP
contexts as described in subclause ″PDP Context Deactivation
Initiated by SGSN Procedure″. This shall not cause the SGSN to
reject the routing area update.
Reject (Cause) message, the MS shall enter IDLE state. If the timer
described in step 2 expires and no Cancel Location (IMSI) was
received from the HLR, then the old SGSN shall stop forwarding
N-PDUs to the new SGSN. If the Location Update Accept message
indicates a reject, then this should be indicated to the MS, and the MS
shall not access non-GPRS services until a successful location update
is performed.
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS Procedures
PDP Context Activation Procedure

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview The PDP context is a description of each PDP address of a subscriber

and contains mapping and routing information for transferring PDUs
for that particular PDP address between the mobile and the GGSN.
A PDP context exists of
• Mobile Station
• GGSN
• SGSN
and exists in either one of the two states
• Active
• Inactive.
PDP Context Activation PDP Context Activation Procedure

Procedure Diagram
PDP Context Activation

Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 The MS sends an Activate PDP Context Request (NSAPI, TI, PDP

Type, PDP Address, Access Point Name, QoS Requested, and PDP
Configuration Options) message to the SGSN. The MS shall use PDP
Address to indicate whether it requires the use of a static PDP address
or whether it requires the use of a dynamic PDP address. The MS
shall leave PDP Address empty to request a dynamic PDP address.
The MS may use Access Point Name to select a reference point to a
certain external network. Access Point Name is a logical name
referring to the external packet data network that the subscriber
wishes to connect to. QoS Requested indicates the desired QoS
profile. PDP Configuration Options may be used to request optional
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
PDP Context Activation Procedure GPRS Procedures
PDP parameters from the GGSN (see GSM 09.60). PDP Configuration
Options is sent transparently through the SGSN.
............................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................
3 The SGSN validates the Activate PDP Context Request using PDP
Type (optional), PDP Address (optional), and Access Point Name
(optional) provided by the MS and the PDP context subscription
records. The validation criteria, the APN selection criteria, and the
mapping from APN to a GGSN are described in annex A.
If a GGSN address can be derived, the SGSN creates a TID for the
requested PDP context by combining the IMSI stored in the MM
context with the NSAPI received from the MS. If the MS requests a
dynamic address, then the SGSN lets a GGSN allocate the dynamic
address. The SGSN may restrict the requested QoS attributes given its
capabilities, the current load, and the subscribed QoS profile. The
SGSN sends a Create PDP Context Request (PDP Type, PDP Address,
Access Point Name, QoS Negotiated, TID, MSISDN, Selection Mode,
and PDP Configuration Options) message to the affected GGSN.
Access Point Name shall be the APN Network Identifier of the APN
selected according to the procedure described in annex A. PDP
Address shall be empty if a dynamic address is requested. The GGSN
may use Access Point Name to find an external network. Selection
Mode indicates whether a subscribed APN was selected, or whether a
non-subscribed APN sent by MS or a non-subscribed APN chosen by
SGSN was selected. Selection Mode is set according to annex A. The
GGSN may use Selection Mode when deciding whether to accept or
reject the PDP context activation. For example, if an APN requires
subscription, then the GGSN is configured to accept only the PDP
context activation that requests a subscribed APN as indicated by the
SGSN with Selection Mode. The GGSN creates a new entry in its
PDP context table and generates a Charging Id. The new entry allows
the GGSN to route PDP PDUs between the SGSN and the external
PDP network, and to start charging. The GGSN may further restrict
QoS Negotiated given its capabilities and the current load. The GGSN
then returns a Create PDP Context Response (TID, PDP Address, BB
Protocol, Reordering Required, PDP Configuration Options, QoS
Negotiated, Charging Id, Cause) message to the SGSN. PDP Address
is included if the GGSN allocated a PDP address. BB Protocol
indicates whether TCP or UDP shall be used to transport user data on
the backbone network between the SGSN and GGSN. Reordering
Required indicates whether the SGSN shall reorder N-PDUs before
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
delivering the N-PDUs to the MS. PDP Configuration Options contain

optional PDP parameters that the GGSN may transfer to the MS.
These optional PDP parameters may be requested by the MS in the
Activate PDP Context Request message, or may be sent unsolicited by
the GGSN. PDP Configuration Options is sent transparently through
the SGSN. The Create PDP Context messages are sent over the GPRS
backbone network.
If QoS Negotiated received from the SGSN is incompatible with the
PDP context being activated (e.g., the reliability class is insufficient to
support the PDP type), then the GGSN rejects the Create PDP Context
Request message. The compatible QoS profiles are configured by the
GGSN operator.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 The SGSN inserts the NSAPI along with the GGSN address in its
PDP context. If the MS has requested a dynamic address, the PDP
address received from the GGSN is inserted in the PDP context. The
SGSN selects Radio Priority based on QoS Negotiated, and returns an
Activate PDP Context Accept (PDP Type, PDP Address, TI, QoS
Negotiated, Radio Priority, and PDP Configuration Options) message
to the MS. The SGSN is now able to route PDP PDUs between the
GGSN and the MS, and to start charging.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Quality of Service (QoS)

For each PDP Address a different quality of service (QoS) profile may
be requested. For example, some PDP addresses may be associated
with E-mail that can tolerate lengthy response times. Other
applications cannot tolerate delay and demand a very high level of
throughput, interactive applications being one example. These different
requirements are reflected in the QoS profile. If a QoS requirement is
beyond the capabilities of a PLMN, the PLMN negotiates the QoS
profile as close as possible to the requested QoS profile. The MS
either accepts the negotiated QoS profile, or deactivates the PDP
context.
PDP Context Activation Procedure failure
If the PDP Context Activation Procedure fails or if the SGSN returns
an Activate PDP Context Reject (Cause, PDP Configuration Options)
message, then the MS may attempt another activation to the same
APN up to a maximum number of attempts.
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Successful Network- Successful Network-Requested PDP Context Activation Procedure

Requested PDP Context
Activation Procedure
Diagram
Successful Network-
Requested PDP Context
Activation Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................
1 When receiving a PDP PDU the GGSN determines if the

Network-Requested PDP Context Activation procedure has to be
initiated. The GGSN may store subsequent PDUs received for the
same PDP address.
............................................................................................................................................................
2 The GGSN may send a Send Routing Information for GPRS (IMSI)
message to the HLR. If the HLR determines that the request can be
served, it returns a Send Routing Information for GPRS Ack (IMSI,
SGSN Address, Mobile Station Not Reachable Reason) message to the
GGSN. The Mobile Station Not Reachable Reason parameter is
included if the MNRG flag is set in the HLR. The Mobile Station Not
Reachable Reason parameter indicates the reason for the setting of the
MNRG flag as stored in the MNRR record (see GSM 03.40). If the
MNRR record indicates a reason other than ’No Paging Response’,
the HLR shall include the GGSN number in the GGSN-list of the
subscriber.
If the HLR determines that the request cannot be served (e.g., IMSI
unknown in HLR), the HLR shall send a Send Routing Information
for GPRS Ack (IMSI, MAP Error Cause) message. Map Error Cause
indicates the reason for the negative response.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
3 If the SGSN address is present and either Mobile Station Not

Reachable Reason is not present or Mobile Station Not Reachable
Reason indicates ’No Paging Response’, the GGSN shall send a PDU
Notification Request (IMSI, PDP Type, PDP Address) message to the
SGSN indicated by the HLR. Otherwise, the GGSN shall set the
MNRG flag for that MS. The SGSN returns a PDU Notification
Response (Cause) message to the GGSN in order to acknowledge that
it shall request the MS to activate the PDP context indicated with PDP
Address.
............................................................................................................................................................
4 The SGSN sends a Request PDP Context Activation (TI, PDP Type,
and PDP Address) message to request the MS to activate the indicated
PDP context.
............................................................................................................................................................
5 The PDP context is activated with the PDP Context Activation

procedure.
E ND OF STEPS
............................................................................................................................................................
Network-requested PDP context activation procedure failure

If the network-requested PDP context activation procedure was not
successful, the reason is as well indicated:
• ″IMSI not known″ The SGSN has no MM context for that IMSI.
• ″MS GPRS Detached″. The MM state of the MS is IDLE.
Note
03.60 Version 6.4.0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
6 Call Management
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter discusses the BSS Mobile Originated Packet Transfer and
the BSS Mobile Terminated Packet Transfer.
GPRS - BSS Mobile Originated Packet Transfer 6-2

GPRS - BSS Mobile Terminated Packet Transfer 6-4
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Call Management
GPRS - BSS Mobile Originated Packet Transfer

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Multiple Access An MS initiates a packet transfer by making Packet Channel Request

on the PRACH or the RACH. The network responds on PAGCH or
AGCH respectively. It is possible to use a one or two phase packet
access method.
In the one phase access, the network responds to the channel request
for Packet Transfer with the immediate assignment reserving the
resources on PDCHs for uplink transfer of a number of Radio Blocks.
Opposite to the one phase access, the two phase access offers the
possibility to the mobile station to transfer information about its
capability to the network.
In the two phase access, the network responds to the channel request
with the immediate assignment which reserves the one uplink radio
block for transmitting the packet resource request message which
carries the complete description of the requested resources for the
uplink transfer. Thereafter, the network responds with the Packet
Resource assignment reserving resources for the uplink transfer.
If there is no response to the Packet Channel Request within a
predefined time period, the MS makes a retry after a random backoff
time.
Uplink Data Transfer Efficient and flexible utilization of the available spectrum for a packet
data traffic (one or more PDCHs in a cell) can be obtained using a
multi-slot channel reservation scheme. Blocks from one MS can be
sent on different PDCHs simultaneously, thus reducing the packet
delay for transmission across the air interface. The bandwidth may be
varied by allocating one to eight time slots in each TDMA frame
depending on the number of available PDCHs multi-slot capabilities
of the MS and the current system load.
The master slave channel concept requires mechanisms for efficient
utilisation of PDCH uplink(s). Therefore, the Uplink State Flag (USF)
is used on PDCHs. The 3 bit USF at the beginning of each Radio
Block that is sent on the downlink points to the next uplink Radio
Block. It enables the coding of 8 different USF states which are used
to multiplex the uplink traffic.
The channel reservation command includes the list of allocated
PDCHs and the corresponding USF state per channel. To an MS, the
USF marks whether it can use the next uplink radio block on the
respective PDCH for transmission. An MS monitors the USF and
according to the USF value, identifies PDCHs that are assigned to it
and starts transmission. This allows efficient multiplexing of blocks
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS - BSS Mobile Originated Packet Call Management
Transfer
from a number of MSs on a single PDCH. Additionally, the channel

reservation command can be sent to the MS even before the total
number of requested PDCHs is free. Thus, the status flags not only
result in a highly dynamic reservation but also allow interruption of
transmission in favour of pending or high priority messages. On the
PCCH, one USF value is used to denote PRACH (USF=FREE). The
other USF values USF=R1/R2/[0085].R7 are used to reserve the
uplink for different MSs. After the blocks have been transmitted in the
reserved time slots, an acknowledgment should follow from the BSS
and sent to the PACCH.
In the case of an acknowledgment, which includes a bitmap of
correctly or erroneous received blocks, a Packet Resource Assignment
for retransmission, timing advance and power control , only those
blocks listed as erroneous are retransmitted.
Figure 6-1 GPRS Mobile Originated Packet Transfer
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Call Management
GPRS - BSS Mobile Terminated Packet Transfer

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview A SGSN initiates a packet transfer to a mobile station that is in the

standby state by sending a Packet Paging Request on the PPCH or
PCH downlink. The MS responds to this paging request by initiating a
procedure for page response very similar to the packet access
procedure described earlier. The paging procedure is followed by the
Packet Resource assignment for downlink frame transfer containing
the list of PDCHs to be used
Since an identifier, e.g. TFI is included in each Radio Block, it is
possible to multiplex Radio Blocks destined for different MSs on the
same PDCH downlink. It is also possible to interrupt a data
transmission to one MS if a higher priority data or a pending control
message is to be sent to some other MS. If more than one PDCH is
available for the downlink traffic, and provided that the MS is capable
of monitoring multiple PDCHs, blocks belonging to the same frame
can be transferred on different PDCHs in parallel.
The network obtains acknowledgments for downlink transmission by
polling the MS. The MS sends the ACK/NACK message in the
reserved Radio Block which is allocated in the polling process. In the
case of a negative acknowledgment, only those blocks listed as
erroneous are retransmitted.
Figure 6-2 GPRS Mobile Terminated Packet Transfer
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter discusses Radio Resource Management.
PCU Functionality 7-2

Multislotting Operation Effects 7-3
Channel Coding Schemes 7-5
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
PCU Functionality
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview In the downlink direction, the PCU receives data from the Gb
interface unit in the form of logical Link Control (LLC). Protocol
Data Units (PDUs). Its task is to segment them into Radio Link
Control (RLC) blocks and schedule the transmission at the radio
interface.
In the uplink direction, the PCU receives data in the form of RLC
blocks from the CCU. Its task is to reassemble the RLC blocks into
complete LLC frames, which are then transferred via the Gb interface
to the SSGN.
The PCU needs to do this for each MS context established at the
radio interface. Up to 7 or 8 subscribers are allowed to share the same
radio resource (TS) in each direction.
To achieve higher data rates for packet transfers, the PCU is able to
assign multiple radio resources to a single user.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Multislotting Operation Effects

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview GPRS is different from the original GSM specification in that it

allows a single MS to transmit data simultaneously on multiple time
slots.
The following is a comparison of two types of operation:
• When there is only one Packet Data Channel (PDCH) available
in the cell, it is considered to be a single slot operation. The
master PDCH (MPDCH) supports both data traffic and random
access.
• When there are up to eight PDCHs available in a cell, and the
MSs are able to operate on eight time slots simultaneously, eight
slot operation occurs. Channel 8 is used as the MPDCH and
supports both control signalling and data transmission. The other
channels are used as slave PDCHs (SPDCHs) and support only
data traffic.
To compare the efficiency of channel utilisation, the overall input load
and throughput are divided by the number of slots used. The base
station is capable of capture, and both uplink and downlink errors are
included.
In the single slot operation as the load exceeds 4kbs per slot the
throughput reaches the maximum value of 4 kbs. The delay becomes
unbounded at this point. In the eight slot operation when the input
load increases the maximum load increases 5kbs per slot, 40 kbs total.
The delay explodes when the input load reaches 5 kbs per slot. In
single slot operation, the maximum throughput is lower because the
channel used by GPRS has to handle both traffic and control
information. With multiple slots, the additional channels only have to
carry traffic.
Blocking increases as the load goes up. For eight slot operation, the
blocking rate is very low (less than 0.1%). The blocking remains the
same even when the delay becomes intolerable. With single slot
operation, blocking becomes a serious problem. When the input load
is as low as 2.5 kbs per slot, the blocking is already more than 5%.
As the load increases, the blocking goes higher.
To summarise the comparison of single slot and eight slot operation,
throughput is defined in terms of the user data that is received
successfully. In single slot operation, part of the channel is used for
random access, so there is less user data transmitted per unit time and
the data needs to wait longer to be served. With the service rate lower
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Multislotting Operation Effects Radio Resource Management
in the single slot case, the delay is longer, there is more blocking and
the maximum throughput is lower.
Figure 7-1 Operation Effects
Figure 7-2 Segmentation
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Channel Coding Schemes

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Overview For GPRS, four different coding schemes have been defined: CS1
(high error detection) - CS4 (low error detection)
• CS1, for instance, defines intensive error detection mechanism
and will be applied, if the radio conditions are bad.
• The better the radio conditions get, the less error detection is
necessary and the higher the throughput can be chosen. This is
achieved by choosing a higher coding scheme and is done under
the control of the PCU.
• The first release supports only CS1 and CS2 !
• The feature Switching Coding Scheme provides the automatic
switch between CS1 and CS2.
• Increase of bandwidth for GPRS data transfers by using a coding
scheme with a lower protection scheme whenever the
transmission quality allows it.
• Start always with CS1 !
• For uplink/downlink the PCU is the master.
Figure 7-3 Channel Coding Schemes
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
8 Future Enhancements
Overview
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Purpose This chapter describes the concept of Enhanced Data rates for GSM
Evolution (EDGE)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Future Enhancements
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
EDGE EDGE is a concept for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution:
• Higher spectral efficiency due to 8-PSK modulation (3 bits per
symbol) vs. GMSK for GPRS (1 bit per symbol)
• Packet data service EGPRS reuses the GPRS architecture
• EGPRS and GPRS mobiles can be multiplexed on the same time
slot
• 8 modulation and coding schemes proposed: MCS -1 [0085].
MCS - 8
• EGPRS supports pure Link Adaptation (LA) mode or a combined
LS and Incremental Redundancy (IR) mode.
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is currently
under consideration in the Lucent Technologies work plan and is
scheduled for later release.
Lucent are active participants in the working group meetings in
evaluating various technology proposals (like 8PSK vs. other
coding options) for EDGE and as a result of these meetings
EDGE compliance is being integrated into all Lucent equipment
EGPRS Modulation and Coding Schemes
Coding Mod. Code RLC Max Blocks Family # IR

Scheme Rate Payload Data Per sub
Bits Rate 20ms blocks
Octets kbps
MSC - G 0.53 176 (22) 8.8 1 C 2
1
MSC - M 0.66 224 (28) 11.2 1 B 2
2
MSC - S 0.85 296 (37) 14.8 1 A 3
3
MSC - K 1 352 (44) 17.6 1 C 3
4
MSC - 8- 0.37 448 (56) 22.4 1 B 2
5
MSC - P 0.49 592 (74) 29.6 1 A 2
6
MSC - S 0.76 896 44.8 2 B 3
7 (112)
MSC - K 1 1184 59.2 2 A 3
8 (148)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution Future Enhancements
(EDGE)
EGPRS Combined LA and IR mode

• The whole RLS block is convolutional encoded with a rate 1/3
code
• Maximum three puncturing schemes to derive 3 sub-blocks: P1 -
P3 for re-transmitting any MCS can be selected based on the
current link quality.
• First P1 is sent. If it cannot be decoded, P2 and P3 are
subsequently transmitted until the receiver can successfully
decode the RLC block via soft combining of all received
sub-blocks.
• The code rate is dynamically adjusted according to the
experienced radio condition without using explicit measurements.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Glossary
A A
Interface between BSC and MSC
Abis
Interface between BSC and BTS
ACC
Advanced Communications Card
AGCH
Access Grant Channel
APN
Access Point Name
ARQ
Automatic Retransmission on Request
AVL
Automatic Vehicle Location
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
B BCCH
Broadcast Control Channel
BSC
Base Station Controller
BCF-2000
Base-Station Controller Frame-2000
BSS
Base Station System
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
401–380–061 Lucent Technologies G L O S S A R Y
Issue RFA Version , May 2000 G L - 1
BSSGP
Base Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol
BTS-2000
Base Transceiver Station-2000
BVC
BSSGP Virtual Connection
BVCI
BSSGP Virtual Connection Identifier
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
C CCCH
Common Control Channel
CCF
Cell Control Function
CCU
Channel Codec Unit
CEWS
Cell Workstation
CG
Charging Gateway
CS
Circuit Switched Traffic
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
D DNS
Domain Name Server
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
E EDGE
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
EIR
Equipment Identity Register
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institue
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
F FEC
Forward Explicit Congestion
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
G L O S S A R Y Lucent Technologies 401–380–061
G L - 2 Issue RFA Version , May 2000
FOA
First Office Application
FN
Frame Number
FR
Frame Relay
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
G Gb
Interface between SGSN and BSC
Gd
Interface between SMS-GMSC/IWMSC and SGSN
Gi
Interface between GPRS and external data network
Gn
Interface between two GSNs within same PLMN
Gp
Interface between two GSNs in different PLMNs
Gr
Interface between an SGSN and HLR
Gs
Interface between SGSN and MSC
GBIU
Gb Interface Unit
GBN
GPRS Backbone Network
GBS
GPRS Backbone System
GGSN
Gateway GPRS Support Node
GMM
GPRS Mobility Management
GMSC
Gateway MSC (towards PSTN)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service
GSE
GPRS Signalling Entity
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications
GSN
GPRS Support Node
GTP
GPRS Tunneling Protocol
GVM
GPRS Virtual Machine
GWS
GPRS Workstation
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
H HLR
Home Location Register
HSCD
High Speed Circuit switched Data
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I I/F
Interfac
IMEI
International Mobile station Equipment Identity
IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity
IMW
Integrated Maintenance Workstation
IP
Internet Protocol
IWMSC
Inter-Working MSC
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
L LAC
Location Area Code
LAN
Local Area Network
LLC
Logical Link Control
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
M M
Interface between BSC and STF
Mg
Interface between BSC and PGU
MAC
Medium Access Layer
MS
Mobile Station
MSC
Mobile-services Switching Centre
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
N NE
Network Element
NEM
Network Element Manager
NMC
Network Management Center
N-PDU
Network-Protocol Data Unit
NS_VC
Network Service Virtual Connection
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
O OA
Interface between OMC and BSS
OA&M
Operations Administration & Maintenance
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OMC-2000
Operations and Maintenance Center-2000
OMC-G
Operation and Maintenance Centre for GBS
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
P PACCH
Packet Associated Control Channel
PBCCH
Packet Broadcast Control Channel
PCH
Paging Channel
PCCCH
Packet Common Control Channel
PCM
Pulse Code Modulation
PCU
Packet Control Unit
PDCH
Packet Data Channel
PDN
Packet Data Network
PDP
Packet Data Protocols
PDU
Protocol Data Unit
PGU
PCU & Gb Interface Unit
PLMN
Public Land Mobile Network
PSTN
Public Switched Telecommunication Network
PTCH
Packet Traffic Channel
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
PTM
Point–To–Multipoint
PTM-G
Point-To-Multipoint Group Call
PTP
Point–To–Point
PVC
Permanent Virtual Channel
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Q QoS
Quality of Service
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
R RACH
Random Access Channel
RF
Radio Frequency
RIL
Radio Interface Layer
RLC
Radio Link Control
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
S SAPI
Service Access Point Identifier
SGSN
Serving GPRS Support Node
SM
Session Manager
SMS-SC
SMS-Center
SNDCP
Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol
SRS
Sub-Rate Switch
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SS
Supplementary Services
SSS
Switching Sub-System
STF
Speech Transcoder Frame
SW
Software
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
T TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TRC
Transcoder
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
U UDP
User Datagram Protocol
Um
Interface between MS and BSS
UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
USF
Uplink State Flag
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
V VLR
Visitor Location Register
VPLMN
Visited PLMN
VSAT
Very Small Aperture Terminal
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
X X.25
Packet Switching Protocol
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Index
........................................................ GPRS Attach Procedure, ........................................................

5-5
B BSS Protocols, 4-18 M Mapping of packet data
PDP Context Activation
........................................................ logical channels onto
Procedure, 5-29
physical channels, 4-28
F Frame Relay, 2-24 Routing Area Update,
Mobile Station, 2-4
5-15
Future Enhancements, 8-1
Mobility Management, 5-2
GPRS Services, 1-7
Enhanced Data rates for ........................................................
GSM Evolution GPRS Signalling and
(EDGE), 8-2 Transmission Protocols, N Network Switching
........................................................ 4-1 Subsystem (NSS), 2-11
GSM Elements Affected by Network Switching
G GGSN Protocols, 4-6 GPRS, 2-30 Subsystem (NSS) and
GPRS Benefits, 1-8 GPRS Impact on the
GPRS, 2-47
GPRS Development and Base Station New Network Area, 2-18
History, 1-5 Subsystem (BSS), 2-30
New Network Elements -
GPRS Input for the OMC, GPRS Impact on the Functional Entities, 2-19
2-38 Network Switching
New Network Interfaces,
Subsystem (NSS), 2-31
GPRS Introduction to the 2-28
........................................................
BCF, 2-34 ........................................................
GPRS introduction to the I Interfaces, 3-1
R Radio Resource
BTS, 2-33
GPRS System Management, 7-1
GPRS Logical Channels, Interfaces, 3-4
Channel Coding
4-26
GSM System Interfaces, Schemes, 7-5
GPRS MS, 4-34 3-2
Multislotting Operation
GPRS MS Protocols, 4-24 Internet Protocol (IP), 2-59 Effects, 7-3
GPRS Network IP addressing, 2-54 PCU Functionality, 7-2
Architecture, 2-2 ........................................................ ........................................................
GPRS Procedures, 5-1
L Lucent Base Station S SGSN Protocols, 4-9
Combined RA / LA Subsystem, 2-5 ........................................................
Update Procedure,
5-21 T The GPRS Air Interface,
Detach Procedures, 5-10 4-25
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
401–380–061 Lucent Technologies I N D E X
Issue RFA Version , May 2000 I N - 1
The GPRS Backbone
System (GBS), 2-16
The GPRS Signalling
Plane, 4-2
The GPRS Transmission
Plane, 4-4
The TCP/IP layers, 2-52
The TCP/IP Suite, 2-51
Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP), 2-62
........................................................
U User Datagram Protocol

(UDP), 2-64
........................................................
W What is GPRS, 1-2
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I N D E X Lucent Technologies 401–380–061
I N - 2 Issue RFA Version , May 2000

GPRS Overview Manual: GSM Network Release 9.0

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About this information product

Reason for reissue xi

What is General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) ? 1-2

The Services GPRS Provides 1-7

The Benefits GPRS Provides (Compared to Circuit Switched Data) 1-8

GPRS Network Architecture 2-2

Mobile Station 2-4

The GPRS Backbone System (GBS) 2-16

New Network Elements - Functional Entities 2-19

Frame Relay 2-24

New Network Interfaces 2-28

GSM Elements Affected by GPRS 2-30

Base Station Subsystem 2-32

GPRS introduction to the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 2-33

GPRS Introduction to the BCF-2000 2-34

GPRS Input for the OMC-2000 part 2-38

Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) and GPRS 2-47

The TCP/IP Suite 2-51

Address Resolution 2-57

Internet Protocol (IP) 2-59

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) 2-62

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) 2-64

TCP/IP Example 2-65

GSM System Interfaces 3-2

GPRS System Interfaces 3-4

4 GPRS Signalling and Transmission Protocols

The GPRS Transmission Plane 4-4

GGSN Protocols 4-6

SGSN Protocols 4-9

BSS Protocols 4-18

GPRS MS Protocols 4-24

The GPRS Air Interface 4-25

GPRS Logical Channels 4-26

Mapping of packet data logical channels onto physical channels 4-28

Mobility Management 5-2

GPRS Attach Procedure 5-5

Detach Procedures 5-10