RADIO ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

GPRSTrafficModelling
P-02340802 Rev: 1.0 Date: 31 May2001

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DOCUMENTREVISIONHISTORY
Rev 1.0 Date Author Hamid Akhrif Reason for Change Initial Draft

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CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES.5

LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 GPRS BILLING..............................................................................................................................7 FIGURE 2 CHARGING FOR GPRS..................................................................................................................9 FIGURE 3 PCU CIRCUIT/ PACKET DATA SEPARATION..............................................................................12 FIGURE 4 PCU CONFIGURATION................................................................................................................13 FIGURE 6 ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF THE GPRS NETWORK....................................................................17 FIGURE 7GPRS ASSOCIATED INTERFACES................................................................................................19 FIGURE 8 UM AIR INTERFACE....................................................................................................................21 FIGURE 9 THE UM INTERFACE RLC LAYER..............................................................................................23 FIGURE 10 RLC BLOCK GENERATION.......................................................................................................25 FIGURE 11 THE UM INTERFACE MAC LAYER...........................................................................................26 FIGURE 12 MAC FRAMES GENERATION...................................................................................................28

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FIGURE 13 THE UM INTERFACE LINK LAYER............................................................................................29 FIGURE 14 BURST FORMATTING IN THE UM INTERFACE...........................................................................30 FIGURE 15 BURST INTERLEAVING IN THE UM INTERFACE........................................................................31 FIGURE 16 GPRS LOGICAL CHANNELS.....................................................................................................32 FIGURE 17 PBCCH/PCCCH LOGICAL CHANNELS....................................................................................33 FIGURE 18 PDTCH/PDCCH LOGICAL CHANNELS....................................................................................33 FIGURE 19 USING SPARE GSM CAPACITY................................................................................................37 FIGURE 20 UPLINK STATE FLAG ...............................................................................................................41 FIGURE 21 MS- INITIATED TBF ESTABLISHMENT.....................................................................................44 FIGURE 22 NETWORK-INITIATED TBF ESTABLISHMENT...........................................................................45 FIGURE 23 GPRS CODING SCHEMES.........................................................................................................48 FIGURE 24 C/I COVERAGE.........................................................................................................................49 FIGURE 25 MAXIMUM THROUGHPUT VERSUS C/I IN FREQUENCY HOPPING............................................50 FIGURE 26 MAXIMUM THROUGHPUT VERSUS C/I WITH NO FREQUENCY HOPPING...............................51

Introduction
The scope of this document is to describe the impact of the implementation of GPRS on a GSM network and highlight the traffic allocation and radio resource management.

Purpose of GPRS
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GPRS provides packet data Radio access for GSM mobile phones. GPRS is well adapted to burst data applications and it upgrades GSM data services to allow an interface with Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and the internet. GPRS uses the radio interface efficiently in two ways. Firstly, it enables a fast method for reserving radio channels. Secondly, the benefit of GPRS is the sharing of resources with circuit switched connection. GPRS packet can be transmitted in the free periods between circuit switched calls. Furthermore, GPRS provides immediate connectivity and high throughput. On a general level, GPRS connections use the resources for only a short time when they are sending or receiving data. When the user is ready to receive new data the terminal sends a request, and resources are again reserved only for the duration of transmitting the request and initiating a second data transfer. The data to be transferred is encapsulated into short packets with a header containing the originating and destination address. No preset time slots are used. Instead, network capacity is allocated when needed and released when not needed. This is called statistical multiplexing. In static time division, 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 offers a very flexible range of bit rates, from less than 100bits/sec to over 100 kbit/s. Applications that need less than one time slot benefit from GPRSs ability to share one time slot among several users. Moreover, the high bit rates that GPRS provides by using Multiple time slots give short response times, even if a lot of data is transmitted.

2.1 Benefits for the operator

GPRS has minimal effect on the handling of circuit switched calls, but the interoperability of existing circuit switched features needs to be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, GPRS does offer additional benefits for the operator: resources are better used, thus there is less idle time circuit switched traffic is prioritised, but quality is guaranteed by reserving timeslots only for GPRS traffic new services, applications and business for the operator

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fast connection setup for end-users high bitrate in data bursts, up to 100kbit/sec (for end users)

2.1.1 Key GPRS User Enhancements

Speed. GPRS has a theoretical maximum data throughput of 171.2 kbps. This is about 3 times faster than is generally available to consumers over the public telephone network and ten times faster that standard GSM Circuit Switched Data. Immediacy GPRS is effectively always on subject to coverage and therefore data can be sent and received without the need to dial-up the intended recipient. Simultaneity Using the correct GPRS Mode, it is possible to make voice calls simultaneously whilst transferring GPRS packet data.

New and Improved Applications The potential increase in data rates available through GPRS enable more bandwidth-intensive applications (such as video streaming) to be migrated onto the GSM network. These applications were not suited to the mobile environment in the past due to the low data rates available through CSD. GPRS also enables more effective use to be made of existing services such as SMS and WAP. Affordability GPRS Services will have to be priced at a level where they are attractive to consumers but sufficient to recover infrastructure investment. In addition, billing tariffs will have to be sufficiently flexible to meet a wide range of user requirements.

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2.1.2 Billing

FIGURE 1 GPRS BILLING

The GPRS specifications stipulate the minimum charging information that must be collected in the Phase 1 service description. These include: destination and source addresses usage of radio interface usage of external Packet Data Networks usage of the packet data protocol addresses usage of general GPRS resources location of the Mobile Station. volume of packets sent and received

Current billing techniques can only handle charging for circuit-switched services (plus SMS) and therefore new billing methods must be introduced to cope with packet data transfers.

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GPRS call records are generated in the GPRS Support Nodes. The GGSN and SGSN may not be able to store charging information but this charging information needs to be processed. Therefore a Charging Gateway is introduced with the specific purpose of collecting and processing billing information in the form of Call Detail Records for onward transmission to billing systems. It may well be the case that the cost of measuring packets is greater than their value. The implication is that there will NOT be a per packet charge since there may be too many packets to warrant counting and charging for. For example, a single traffic monitoring application can generate tens of thousands of packets per day. Thus the Charging Gateway function is more a policing function than a charging function since network operators are likely to tariff certain amounts of GPRS traffic at a flat rate and then need to monitor whether these allocations are exceeded. There are a number of parameters against which charges can be raised. It is likely that any implemented billing scheme will be based on a combination of these parameters: Volume: This can be measured in number of packets sent/received or the amount of data in Kbytes. Flat Rate: This is similar to the business model used for fixed-line ISPs. Subscribers pay a fixed fee and then have unrestricted access to the service. Such a service would benefit heavy users rather than those with occasional access requirements.

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FIGURE 2 C HARGING FOR GPRS Time: Subscribers could be billed for the amount of time spent connected to the GPRS service, regardless of traffic volume. However, this concept may be difficult to implement due the always on-line concept of GPRS. Transaction: For Internet access, ISP functions and services provide their own accounting data. It is likely that this will be transaction-based (price per response, price per piece of information for example. Content. Billing by access to value-added services such as specific internet sites or downloads such as sports results etc. The chosen billing tariff will be modified by additional user requirements such as enhanced security or specific quality of service requirements. In order to broaden consumer base appeal, it is likely that a number of tariffs will become available to suit different usage models.

3 Base Station Subsystem GPRS Modifications

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The Base Transceiver Station (BTS) will require a software upgrade, but typically will require no hardware enhancements. The Base Station Controller (BSC) will also require a software upgrade, as well as the installation of a new piece of hardware called a Packet Control Unit (PCU). When either voice or packet data traffic is originated at the subscriber terminal, it is transported over the air interface to the BTS, and from the BTS to the BSC in the same way as a standard GSM call. However, at the output of the BSC the traffic is separated; voice is sent to the mobile switching center (MSC) as with normal GSM, and packet data is sent to a new network node called the SGSN, via the PCU over a network interface.

3.1 THE PACKET CONTROL UNIT (PCU)

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The PCU is responsible for the following GPRS MAC and RLC layer functions: LLC layer PDU segmentation into RLC blocks before downlink transmission over the air interface LLC layer PDU reassembly of RLC blocks into LLC PDUs after receipt on the air interface uplink Scheduling functions for uplink and downlink data transfers Uplink and downlink Backward Error Correction (ARQ) functions including RLC block ack/nack (uplink) and RLC block buffering and retransmission (downlink) Radio channel management functions including access control, packet scheduling, congestion control, power management etc

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FIGURE 3 PCU C IRCUIT / PACKET DATA SEPARATION

The PCU provides a physical and logical data interface between the base station system (BSS) and the SGSN in the GPRS packet data network. It separates packet data traffic from circuit switched traffic (voice or data) at the BSC and directs the packet data traffic into the GPRS network. The PCU terminates the radio end of the Gb interface. PCU Configurations Although the PCU resides logically at the BTS, it may be positioned in a geographically remote location. Its position determines the interconnecting functionality. The A configuration is most common and is representative of the logical configuration. If the PCU is physically located in the BSC (configuration B), packets are transferred between the BTS CCU and the PCU with a fixed 320-byte length every 20mS,and are known as PCU Frames. The Abis interface is the same for both B and C configurations but requires in-band signalling (C-bits), unlike configuration A.

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FIGURE 4 PCU C ONFIGURATION

The advantage with configuration A is a reduced requirement for channel capacity between BTS and BSC/SGSN. However, configurations B and C required fewer PCUs in the system. The Channel Coding Unit. The (CCU) performs the following functions: Channel coding functions (CS1-4, see Section 9.1) Forward Error Correction (FEC) Interleaving (see Section 9.1) Radio channel measurement functions CCU Radio channel measurement functions including received quality level, received signal level and information related to timing advance measurements.

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4 GPRS Core Network Modifications

In order to transport packet data across an existing GSM infrastructure, new network nodes have been introduced, known as GPRS Support Nodes (GSNs). These nodes are responsible for the efficient routing of packet data between a GPRS-enables MS and an external Packet Data Network (PDN). There are two main types of GSN: the Serving GSN (SGSN) and the Gateway GSN (GGSN). Also, a number of existing GSN entities need to be modified to accommodate additional GPRS functionality. These include the MSC and HLR/VLR databases. Also an interface between the existing Short Message Service (SMS) node and the new GPRS SMS node has been defined. The HLR stores the user profiles, current SGSN and PDP address for each GPRS subscriber in the network.

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4.1 Serving GPRS Support Node

The SGSN can be viewed as a "packet-switching MSC;" it delivers packets to and received packets from mobile stations (MSs) within its service area. SGSNs send queries to home location registers (HLRs) to obtain profile data of GPRS subscribers. An SGSN detects new GPRS MSs in its service area, process registration and authentication and manages ciphering between MS and SGSN. The SGSN also performs mobility management functions such as mobile subscriber attach/detach, location management inside its GPRS Location Area (LA) and logical link management towards the MS. For each MS, the SGSN also collects billing information related to network usage (as does the GGSN). The SGSN is connected to a PCU in the BSS via the Frame-Relay network layer, the Home Location Register (HLR) and the GGSN for transfer of packet data in from and out to external packet networks.

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4.2 Gateway GPRS Support Node

The GGSN is the interface towards external Packet Switched Networks (PSNs), such as the IP-based Internet and X.25 networks. It is acting as an access server to the GPRS network and is responsible for routing incoming traffic to the correct SGSN, i.e. it is responsible for setting up a logical link to the mobile station (MS), through the SGSN. The GGSN also translates between data formats, signalling protocols and address information to enable communication between the GPRS network and differing external networks. GGSNs are used as interfaces to external IP networks such as the public Internet, other mobile service providers' GPRS services, or enterprise intranets. GGSNs maintain routing information that is necessary to tunnel the protocol data units (PDUs) to the SGSNs that service particular MSs using the GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP). The GGSN also manages PDP contexts between itself and MSs for packet data transfer in and out of the GPRS core network.

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Other functions include network and subscriber screening and address mapping (using a Domain Name Server). One (or more) GGSNs may be provided to support multiple SGSNs

4.3 Additional Network

Elements

of

the

GPRS

FIGURE 6 ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF THE GPRS NETWORK

The Border Gateway (BG) is a network element that provides a direct connection to other operators' GPRS networks, thus allowing operators to avoid using the public Internet to transfer data to other GPRS networks. This means that, when roaming to another GPRS network, subscribers can have a secure GPRS connection to their home network. This connection is provided via a GPRS "tunnel" over an inter-operator backbone network. The BG is also sometimes referred to as the BGSN or BGGSN. The Charging Gateway (CG) is a stand-alone network element for controlling the Charging Detail Records (CDRs) processing routines in the GPRS network. It collects CDRs from GGSNs) and SGSNs and forwards them to a billing system (BS) after consolidating the CDRs and converting them to a suitable format. Quality checking functions are also provided.

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The Lawful Interception Gateway (LIG) fulfils an essential function within the GPRS network by providing the ability to intercept GPRS mobile data calls for the purpose of law enforcement, as required by national authorities. In many countries, local regulatory authorities require a means of lawful data interception before GPRS networks can be launched commercially. Data call interception in the GPRS network is a new method completely different from GSM call interception. In GSM, interception is mainly voice-based audio recording, while in GPRS data interception occurs between the GPRS terminal and the access point (the GGSN). The Domain Name System (DNS) provides the Internet naming structure for the GPRS network, by translating Web host addresses into numerical IP addresses. Based on the URL requested by the user, the DNS supplies the actual IP address for the correct access point (in the GGSN) to the Internet. Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) Server fulfils the function of managing temporary IP address assignment within the GPRS core network.

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5 GPRS-Associated Interfaces

FIGURE 7GPRS A SSOCIATED I NTERFACES

The GPRS specification defined a number of compulsory interfaces, optional interfaces and reference points. Some interfaces are defined for transmission and some for signalling. An interface differs from a reference point in that an interface is defined where GPRS-specific information is passed and processed in some way. Three compulsory GPRS transmission interfaces are defined: Um. MS to BSS interface. Gb. BSS to Core Network (SGSN) interface. Gn. GSN to GSN interface (primarily SGSN-GGSN). Two reference points are defined: Gi. Core Network to External Public Packet-Switched Network (PPSN) reference point The R reference point lies between the TE and MS. There are also a number of optional interface implementations as can be seen from the above diagram:

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Transmission Interfaces: Gc This optional SS7 interface is generally used by the GGSN to interrogate the HLR to update its location database with the current user location. Gd This optional interface is used to exchange SMS messages using the GPRS network rather than the conventional GSM method. Gp This optional interface is used to interface to other PLMN GPRS networks Signalling Interfaces Gf This interface connects the SGSN to the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) for accessing authentication information. Gr This interface is used to pass subscriber profile information between the SGSN and the HLR. For example, the SGSN informs the HLR about the current location of an MS. When the MS registers with a new SGSN, the HLR will send the MSs profile to the new SGSN via the Gr interface. Gs This optional interface is generally used to exchange messages between the SGSN and the MSC/VLR when performing circuit-switched paging requests via the SGSN.

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5.1 The Um Air Interface

FIGURE 8 UM AIR I NTERFACE

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Enhancements to the GSM Air interface to support GPRS include: GPRS has defined a number of new logical channels for managing the flow of packet data across the Um interface. A new 52-frame multifame structure has been defined, based on radio blocks of 4 timeslots Ability to allow up to 8 GPRS users to share a single timeslot. Ability to allocate multiple timeslots to a single GPRS user. Four new channel coding schemes (CS-1 to CS-4) have been introduced that allow greater data throughput when air interface radio path quality permits.

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5.1.1 The Um Radio Link Control (RLC) Layer

FIGURE 9 THE UM I NTERFACE RLC L AYER

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The RLC protocol provides a reliable radio link for transporting data packets passed to it from the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. It is also responsible for: Transferring Logical Link Layer (LLC) Packet Data Units (PDUs) between the LLC layer and the MAC layer. Segmentation and reassembly of LLC PDUs into RLC data blocks. Backward Error Correction (BEC) procedures. The RLC adds a Block Check Sequence (BCS) to each RLC Radio Block. This enables errors in each block to be detected. Correction of detected errors is achieved through selective block retransmission. This process is generally known as Automatic ReQuest for retransmission (ARQ).

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5.1.2 Radio Link Control Block Generation

FIGURE 10 RLC B LOCK GENERATION

Packets generated at the LLC layer are passed to the RLC layer where they are segmented into equal size blocks and encapsulated within the RLC protocol header and BCS before being passed to the MAC layer. The payload size of each block is dependant upon the coding scheme being used.

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5.1.3 THE Um MAC LAYER

FIGURE 11 T HE U M INTERFACE MAC L AYER

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The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocol handles packet resource allocation and multiplexing. It is responsible for: The efficient multiplexing of data and control signalling packets on both the uplink and downlink. On the downlink, multiplexing is controlled by a scheduling mechanism. On the uplink, multiplexing is controlled by resource (channel) allocation to individual users. Mobile originated channel access, contention resolution between channel access attempts including collision detection and recovery. Mobile Terminate channel access, scheduling of access attempts including queuing of packet accesses. Priority handling when QoS levels have been applied.

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FIGURE 12 MAC F RAMES G ENERATION

At the MAC layer, additional header information is added for controlling the Air Interface traffic management. This information differs depending on the direction of traffic flow.

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5.1.4 THE Um LINK LAYER

FIGURE 13 T HE UM I NTERFACE L INK LAYER

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The Link Layer divided into two parts:

Radio Frequency (RF) Layer. The RF layer is responsible for:

Carrier frequency characteristics Modulation techniques employed Tx / Rx characteristics and performance requirements. GSM Radio Channel Structures

Physical Link Layer:

The physical layer provides communication between the MSs and the network. It is responsible for: Forward Error Correction (FEC) Coding. FEC allows the detection and correction of errors using a Frame Check Sequence (FCS). In some circumstances, errored code words cannot be corrected, in which case, the error is reported only. Burst Interleaving. Interleaving breaks a radio block into 4 parts and burst transmits them over 4 consecutive TDMA frames. This reduces the vulnerability of data to burst errors on the radio path.

FIGURE 14 B URST FORMATTING IN THE UM I NTERFACE

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FIGURE 15 B URST INTERLEAVING I N THE U M INTERFACE The RLC Block, together with the MAC header (i.e. the MAC frame) forms the Radio Block. This radio block is divided into four 114-bit data bursts. In order to integrate Control channels onto the air interface, GPRS has introduced a new 52-frame multiframe structure. Each multiframe contains 12 radio blocks and each radio block is divided into four 114-bit frames or data bursts. If all 4 bursts of a radio block from the same user were to be transmitted consecutively in the same TDMA frame, a burst of noise could disrupt the whole transmission. Therefore to make the data transfer more robust, each burst of a 114-bit data block is transmitted in a timeslot of consecutive TDMA frames as illustrated above. Each data burst is then divided into two 57-bit blocks and inserted into a 158.25-bit radio burst (1 timeslot) for transmission across the radio interface.

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6 GPRS PHYSICAL AND LOGICAL CHANNELS 6.1 GPRS Logical Channels

FIGURE 16 GPRS L OGICAL CHANNELS As with GSM, GPRS has defined a number of new logical channels that perform a multiplicity of functions including signalling, system information broadcast, synchronisation, channel assignment, paging and payload transport. These logical channels can be divided into two categories; traffic and signalling/control. Note that, unlike conventional GSM, a GPRS handsets can be configured to access multiple traffic channels (PDTCHs) simultaneously. All packet control signalling takes place over a physical channel dedicated to packet data, called the Packet Data Channel (PDCH).

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FIGURE 17 PBCCH/PCCCH L OGICAL CHANNELS

FIGURE 18 PDTCH/PDCCH L OGICAL C HANNELS

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GPRS Logical Channels:

Packet Common Control Channels (PCCCH) - Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH) - UL - Packet Paging Channel (PPCH) - DL - Packet Access Grant Channel (PAGCH) - DL - Packet Notification Channel (PNCH) - DL Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH) - DL Packet Data Traffic Channel (PDTCH) - UL/DL Packet Dedicated Control Channels (PDCCH) - Packet Associated Control Channel (PACCH) - UL/DL - Packet Timing Advance Control Channel (PTCCH) - UL/DL

Allocation of GPRS Logical Channels Dynamic allocation according to capacity on demand Not permanent allocation of PDCHs At least one PDCH channel acts as a master carries: - Control signalling (PCCCH or CCCH) - Dedicated signalling (PACCH) - User data (PDTCH) Other PDCHs used for: - User data - Dedicated signalling Master-Slave Concept

Allocation of GPRS Logical Channels The number of GPRS channels is monitored by the Territory Upgrade Timer (TUT) - High value results to lower GPRS available capacity and increase of speech blocking - Small value results to higher GPRS available capacity but increase of DL signalling Depends on the number of carriers per cell - 1 carrier per cell (PBCCH and PCCCH information carried out through BCCH and CCCH) - More than one carrier per cell (PBCCH, PCCCH Channels Available)

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Allocation of GPRS Physical Channels

8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
BCCH Speech Call TBF 1 TBF 2 TBF 3

Temporary Block Flow (TBF) is released if there are no more packets to be sent e.g. MS is not using its uplink TSL allocations Load of TBFs per TSL is balanced across TSLs

Allocation of GPRS Physical Channels

TRX1

TRX2

BCCH Speech Calls Additional GPRS Capacity (CS Default, GPRS possible) Default GPRS Capacity (GPRS Default, CS when needed) Dedicated GPRS Capacity (GPRS only)

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7 Timeslot Resource Allocation

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FIGURE 19 U SING S PARE GSM CAPACITY

GPRS can use traffic capacity on the GSM network away from the busy hour for non time-critical data transfers. Even during the busy hour, there is spare capacity that GPRS can make use of. The first graph above shows the demand for circuit-switched services over a 24-hour period and where GPRS packet traffic could be inserted with no increase in radio resource requirements. The second graph above shows the allocation of timeslots for a combined circuit/packet switched service over a single carrier. One Timeslot (TS) is permanently assigned for packet traffic and six can be dynamically allocated for either voice of packet data with voice having the priority. (the 8th TS being for signalling). Therefore, when packet data is to be sent, it will be allocated a single timeslot initially (shown in red). If packet data demand exceeds the capacity of a single TS, resources are allocated on one or more of the other 6 TSs (shown in blue), as voice traffic loading allows.

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7.1 Operator Time Slot Resource Allocation

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7.2 LOAD SUPERVISION

The GPRS radio interface consists of asymmetric and independent uplink and downlink channels. The downlink carries transmissions from the network to multiple MSs and does not require contention arbitration. The uplink is shared among multiple MSs and requires contention control procedures.

7.3 Uplink Timeslot Allocation

Four modes of operation are supported for the purposes of uplink timeslot allocation: Dynamic Extended Dynamic Fixed Exclusive

Dynamic and fixed allocation methods are mandatory for current GPRS networks. The exclusive allocation mode is optional.

7.3 Uplink Time Slot Allocation

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Dynamic Resource Allocation. Dynamic resource allocation refers to the allocating of GPRS packet data traffic to existing timeslots on a statistical basis where circuit-switched traffic allows (assuming priority is given to circuit-switched traffic). Allocation is based to Uplink State Flag (USF) assignment (see below) Fixed Resource Allocation. An alternative method of sharing the timeslots is supported which does not use the USF. In this case, the MS is sent a fixed list of timeslots and radio blocks in each timeslot which are allocated for its use. Exclusive Resource Allocation. Exclusive allocation is used to reserve the uplink part of the PDCH for only one MS during the life of the TBF. Therefore, with exclusive allocation, all the uplink blocks of the uplink part of the PDCH are available to the MS for transmission.

THE UPLINK STATE FLAG

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The Uplink State Flag (USF) is used on PDCH to allow multiplexing of Radio blocks from a number of MSs onto a single timeslot. The USF is used in dynamic and extended dynamic (EGPRS) access modes. The USF is transmitted only in the downlink direction but controls allocation of uplink resources. It comprises 3 bits at the beginning of each downlink Radio Block and uniquely identifies up to 8 different traffic streams that can be multiplexed onto a single uplink PDTCH. To control the dynamic multiplexing of radio blocks from different MSs, a USF signal is transmitted on the downlink to tell each MS which radio block it may use. In the initial assignment message on PAGCH, the MS receives a list of the PDCHs each with a corresponding USF value. The MS monitors the USF values in downlink transmission on the assigned PDCHs. The MS may only transmit in the radio blocks that currently have the same USF value that was sent in the assignment message.

FIGURE 20 UPLINK STATE FLAG

In the Figure shown, three USF values (1, 2 or 3) have been assigned to the uplink radio blocks. User A was sent USF =1 (001) in its PAGCH assignment message and so can only use blocks B0 to B4. User B was assigned USF = 2 (010) and can use blocks B5 to B8.

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7.4 DOWNLINK TIMESLOT ALLOCATION

The transmission of a packet to an MS in the Ready state is initiated by the network using a packet downlink assignment message. This message includes the list of PDCH(s) that will be used for downlink transfer. The MS may be requested to respond with a Packet Control Acknowledgment. The network sends the RLC/MAC blocks belonging to one Temporary Block Flow on the assigned downlink channels. Multiplexing the RLC/MAC blocks destined for different MSs on the same PDCH downlink is enabled with an identifier, e.g. TFI, included in each RLC/MAC block. The interruption of data transmission to one MS is possible.

7.5 Temporary Block Flows (TBFs)

A Temporary Block Flow (TBF) is a physical connection used by the two Radio Resource (RR) entities (e.g. the GPRS MS and the BSS) to support the unidirectional transfer of LLC PDUs on packet data physical channels. The TBF is allocated radio resources on one or more Packet Data Channels (PDCHs) and comprise 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.

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TEMPORARY FLOW IDENTIFIER

Each TBF is assigned a Temporary Flow Identity (TFI) by the network. The assigned TFI is unique among concurrent TBFs in each direction and is used instead of the MS identity in the RLC/MAC layer. The same TFI value may be used concurrently for TBFs in opposite directions. The TFI is assigned in a resource assignment message that precedes the transfer of LLC frames belonging to one TBF to/from the MS. The same TFI is included in every RLC header belonging to a particular TBF as well as in the control messages associated to the LLC frame transfer (e.g. acknowledgements) in order to address the peer RLC entities.

Establishing a TBF Either an MS or the network can establish a TBF. The PCCCH is used, if available, to request the establishment of the TBF. If no PCCCH is available in the cell, the CCCH can be used. MS-Initiated TBF Establishment. The purpose of establishing a TBF is to facilitate the transfer of LLC PDUs from the MS to the network. Access can be granted for one or two phase access: One-Phase. One-phase access is used automatically when in RLC acknowledged mode or the total data to be transmitted will fit into 8 or less RLC/MAC blocks. If the total data to be transmitted will not fit into 8 or less RLC/MAC blocks, 1 or 2-phase access can be used.

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Two-Phase (optional). Two-phase access is used when in RLC unacknowledged mode, or can optionally be used if the total data to be transmitted will not fit into 8 or less RLC/MAC blocks.

The main difference between 1 and 2-phase access is that 1-phase is simpler to implement but only has a limited ability to describe the packet resources required. 2-Phase access is used when additional resources are required as it provides a fuller description of the requirements.

7.5.1 MS-Initiated TBF Establishment

FIGURE 21 MS- I NITIATED TBF E STABLISHMENT The outline procedure for establishing an MS-initiated TBF is as follows: An upper MS layer requests the transfer a LLC PDU. The MS initiates a packet access procedure by sending a Packet Channel Request message to the network. The network allocates radio resources in the form of one or more PDCHs by replying with a Packet Uplink Assignment message, including the USF if dynamic allocation is used. Packet transfer is established if 1-Phase access is used.

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If 2-phase access is used the MS sends a further Packet Resource Request message, providing a complete description of the resources required. The network responds with a second Packet Uplink Assignment message, allocating further resources if available.

7.5.2 Network-Initiated TBF Establishment

The purpose of establishing a TBF is to facilitate the transfer of LLC PDUs from the Network to the MS.

FIGURE 22 N ETWORK -I NITIATED TBF E STABLISHMENT

The outline procedure for establishing a network-initiated TBF is as follows: The network-initiated TBF is started when the network has LLC PDUs to send to the MS.
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If the destination MS is in the STANDBY MM state, a Packet Paging Request message is issued to the RA of the MS. The MS responds to the received paging message by sending a Packet Channel Request message to the network. The network then allocates resources using a Packet Downlink Assignment message. Finally, the MS issues a Packet Paging Response message implicitly within the first LLC PDU received by the network. The MS moves into READY MM mode and packet transfer commences.

8 Radio Resource Operating Modes

Packet Idle Mode

In packet idle mode no packet data flow (i.e. no TBF) exists. Upper layers can require the transfer of a LLC PDU which, implicitly, may trigger packet flow and transition to packet transfer mode. In packet idle mode, the MS listens to the PBCCH and to the paging subchannel for the paging group the MS belongs to. If PCCCH is not present in the cell, the mobile station listens to the BCCH and to the relevant paging sub-channels.

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Packet Transfer Mode

In packet transfer mode, the mobile station is allocated radio resource providing a TBF on one or more physical channels. Continuous transfer of one or more LLC PDUs is possible. Concurrent TBFs may be established in opposite directions. Transfer of LLC PDUs in RLC acknowledged or RLC unacknowledged mode is provided.

Dual Transfer Mode

In dual transfer mode, both packet and circuit-switched connections are established simultaneously. The MS has an ongoing circuit-switched connection and is allocated radio resource providing a TBF on one or more physical channels for packet data transfer. Concurrent TBFs may be established in opposite directions. Transfer of LLC PDUs in RLC acknowledged or RLC unacknowledged mode is provided. While in dual transfer mode the MS performs all the tasks of dedicated mode. In addition, upper layers can require: the release of all the packet resources, which triggers the transition to dedicated mode. the release of the RR resources, which triggers the transition to idle mode and packet idle mode. Cell Handover. When handed over to a new cell, the MS leaves the packet/dual transfer mode, enters the dedicated mode where it switches to the new cell, may read the system information messages sent on the SACCH and may then enter dual/packet transfer mode in the new cell. Establishing Circuit Switched Connections. In Packet Idle or transfer mode, an A class GPRS MS may simultaneously establish a circuitswitched connection. B or C class GPRS MSs must leaves both packet idle mode and packet transfer modes before establishing a circuitswitched connection.

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9 Network Planning Considerations 9.1 GPRS Coding Schemes

FIGURE 23 GPRS C ODING S CHEMES The use of radio as a data transmission medium is prone to errors from a number of sources. Coding schemes are used to protect data from errors when crossing this radio path interface. Unfortunately, the more robust the protection, the greater the data overheads required. Whilst the raw data throughput remains the same, the actual information throughput reduces with a corresponding increase
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in protection overheads. Therefore, to maximise the use of variable quality radio paths, a number of coding schemes are available. Each coding scheme has varying levels of protection to maximise the information throughput where good radio paths allow. GPRS has introduced 4 new coding schemes for this purpose, CS-1 to CS-4. For compatibility purposes, all coding schemes are mandatory for Mobile Stations but only CS-1 is compulsory for BSSs.

9.2 C/I Coverage

CS4 4

Cs3 111 Cs2 111 222 Cs1 111

GSM cell

only

Enabling GPRS

GSM Coverage e

FIGURE 24 C/I C OVERAGE Most existing GSM900 networks are capacity restricted now - Characterised by minimal C/I & C/A operation - Difficult to add new services due to restricted capacity GSM1800 networks have most to offer - Smaller cell sizes - Typically higher capacity availability

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9.
C/I levels impact throughput in packet networks Different services require different throughput levels, i.e. different C/I levels

3 Throughput Vs C/I
Depends on several parameters such as: - Environment - Speed - Frequency hopping

FIGURE 25 MAXIMUM THROUGHPUT VERSUS C/I I N FREQUENCY HOPPING

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FIGURE 26 MAXIMUM THROUGHPUT VERSUS C/I WITH NO F REQUENCY H OPPING

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10 Limitations of GPRS

Slower Data Rates Than Anticipated

In order to achieve the theoretical maximum data rates would require a single user to be allocated all 8 timeslots on specific air interface carrier without error protection. This is unlikely to happen for several reasons: It is unlikely that an operator will allocate all 8 timeslots per carrier to data. Most planned GPRS handsets will only support up to 3 timeslots. As a result, the theoretical data rates are only likely to be achieved through the implementation of EDGE or UMTS.

Cell Capacity
Although GPRS can utilise redundant capacity on the air interface, it may require the allocation of timeslots possibly at the expense of voice users. A conflict may arise between the service level required by voice users and those of GPRS data users.

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Sub-Optimal Modulation Technique

Current Air interface modulation uses Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying or GMSK (see Modulation Techniques). More efficient modulation techniques are now available (such as 8PSK used in EDGE technology) that can significantly increase the available data rates (by a factor of 3) with no increase in the air interface resource requirements.

Transit Delays
GPRS availability is limited by network resources and the application of high QoS levels are resource-intensive and may not be achievable in the early stages of GPRS. It cannot guarantee the route taken by each packet and the retransmission delays incurred with errored packets. Therefore, transit delays cannot be guaranteed, making it less suited to real-time applications that circuit-switched data technologies such as HSCSD.

No Store and Forward.

Unlike SMS, where messages are stored until the recipient is available to receive them, GPRS makes no such provision. Packets that cannot be delivered are generally discarded.

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