MOBILE

COMMUNICATION
T15
PREPARED BY
VIVEK CHAKRAVERTY
APTrg
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION -
PRESENT STATUS
Emergency Communication is provided by
portable control phones (PCPs) using
following means:

a) Hooking on the overhead control alignment
in non-RE area;

b) Provision of emergency sockets in RE area.
DISADVANTAGES
(a) The Driver/Guard have to carry the cumbersome telescopic
masts and the PCP sets;

(b) Hooking up of the telescopic mast on the overhead alignment is a difficult
procedure;

(c) In some cases, overhead alignment may be far away from the
track.

(d) In RE area, Driver and Guard have to walk about 500 meters for
establishing emergency communication.

(e) The emergency sockets and posts are prone to vandalism
(f) Emergency communication is initiated only from the site of emergency by
driver /guard of the affected train.

(g) The Section Controller/Emergency Controller is not able to contact the
train crew in moving conditions.

(h) The emergency communication is initiated only in static condition after
the trains come to a halt and not in mobile conditions.

(i) All emergency calls are directed to the Control office and not the nearest
Station Master.

(j) SOS facility is not available.

(k) The weight of the Emergency Control phones is fairly heavy.
NEED FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION
MTRC provides capability to provide/establish the following modes of
communication:
a) Driver to Control;
b) Guard to Control;
c) Driver to Station Master;
d) Driver to Guard;
e) Guard to train crew.

Also provides communication from:
a) Maintenance staff to Control;
b) Maintenance staff to Station Master.
c) Maintenance staff to Driver.
d) Maintenance staff to Guard.
e) SOS signal to all in vicinity.
UNIVERSAL EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATION (UEC)
The system was indigenously developed and was designed to provide
emergency communication between:

i) Driver and Guard of the Train and vice versa;

ii) Driver and station master of the nearest station and vice versa;

iii) Guard and station master of the nearest station and vice versa;

iv) Driver/Guard of a train to another Driver/Guard in vicinity of 5Km.

v) Driver/Guard of a train to section controller through manual switching at
base station.

vi) SOS signal to all trains/stations equipped with mobile sets in vicinity of 5.0
Km/ 7.5 Km of distress signal.
The UEC system consists of
a) suitable VHF base stations installed at all Railway stations
b) suitable mobile & handheld sets provided to the drivers and guards
respectively.

The mode of communication was Simplex and was feasible in both static as
well as running conditions of the train

The system operated in VHF frequency range i.e. 146.2-151.45 MHz or 159.6-
162.45 MHz band with minimum of two channels in either of these two bands

The base station consisted of 40W VHF equipment along with Omni-directional
antenna (Ground plane) fixed at a suitable height
PRESENT STATUS
After the GAISAL Accident in 1999, Board have taken a decision to provide full
duplex Mobile Train Radio Communication on A, B & C routes on Indian
Railways. It has also been decided to provide Universal Emergency
Communication on D, D (Spl.), E & E (Spl.) routes.

The following factors should be considered so that deficiencies/short-comings
are taken care of :

a) Technology based on open/standard architecture should be selected so that
the system can be seamlessly extended and multi vendor sources are available;

b) Loco equipment should be made an integral part of the loco at the time of
manufacturing itself
c) The practice of loading and removal of loco equipment should be stopped.

d) Adequate number of mobile equipment should be catered for so that all
the communication requirements are catered for.

e) The backbone communication whether Radio or Optical Fibre based should
be reliable and cover the entire run with no dark zones.

f) With the introduction of Radio based Signaling, the system should have the
capability of integrating both the Signaling and Telecommunication
applications.

g) The system should be based on digital technology.

h) Communication to passengers on the trains should also be catered in the
system.
Vide, RB letter No.95/Tele/MW/5/ Pt. New Delhi, dated
10.09.1999, Board had decided that Mobile Train Radio
Communication (MTRC) system may be provided on A, B and
C routes.
Proposal was during Works Programme 2000-2001.
GSM based MTRC system is being introduced on A,B,C, Routes on
IR for communication between train crew and stationary
operating staff such as station masters, controllers, maintenance
staff etc.

Work for over 3200 route kilometers have been sanctioned on
Northern, North Central, Eastern , East Central and North East
Frontier Railways
This system has been successfully commissioned on Howrah-
Pradhankunta (260 RKMs) and Mathura-Jhansi (270 RKMs).
Installation of the system on Delhi-Ambala (198 RKMs) has been
completed and it is being commissioned.
Guwahati - New Bogaigaon - Katihar/Malda Town (681 R kms) of
Northeast Frontier Railway has been completed and is working
satisfactorily
VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF)
COMMUNICATION
The frequency band of VHF Communication is 30 to
300 MHz. The frequency allotted by WPC (Wireless
Planning and Coordination wing of ministry of
communication) in VHF for Indian Railways are in the
band 146 to 174 MHz.
One spot frequency is used for each channel
Communication during Maintenance and
Constructional Blocks
Yard communication
Communication in the train between Guard & Driver
Mobile Communication between moving train/vehicle
with fixed location (Station) or another moving train/
vehicle.
Emergency Communication
ART equipped with hand held and base station
VHF sets.

Simplex --- One way radio communication i.e, either
trans or receive
Half-duplex--- Both way radio communication, ie we
can trans and receive but one at a time
(because the same frequency is used
for both trans and receive)
Full Duplex--- Both way radio communication
simultaneously. (Trans and receive
frequencies are different)
Modes of Propagation:
Line of sight waves,
Reflection & scattering of waves

Channel capacity:
Single channel/Four channel/Sixteen channel
for Voice or Low speed Data or both.
. TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Walkie -Talkie ( Hand Held) Set - 1W/2W/ 5W

Mobile Sets
Output power is 25 Watt,
Operates on 12V battery

Base Station
Installed at desired location,
Operating on AC Mains or by 12V battery.
External antenna with feeder cable connector mounted on a
mast (Roof top) needed

Antennas used are
Whip Antenna for portable sets,
Ground Plane (GP) Antenna for base radio equipment

Feeder cable: 50 Ohms Unbalanced Coaxial cable
Antennas
Depends upon terrain.

Average range of a
Walkie -Talkie (Hand Held set) - 1 to 2 km.
Mobile Set- Upto 15 km
Base Station - upto 50 Kms. When antenna used
are directional & fixed at the height of 15 to 20 m.
COMMUNICATION RANGE
S.No. Frequency
in MHz
SM at
all stns.
Station to
LC gate
Driver &
Guard
Shunting
/Operating
Engineering
deptt.
Electrical
deptt.
S&T deptt. Commercial
deptt.
RPF Mechanical
deptt.
To be used for
1 146.400 X Security Department
2 147.975 ART Frequency Accident Site Communication
3 148.100 X Mechanical Department
4 149.750 X Engineering Department
5 150.100 XC F1 for PLC; 1
st
section of Straight Section
6 150.150 XC F2 for PLC; 2
nd
section of Straight Section
7 159.600 XC F3 for PLC; 3
rd
section of Straight Section
8 159.650 X S&T Department
9 159.700 XC XC Communication with LC gate
10 160.400 X X X X X X X X Common Frequency
11 160.550 XE XE Train Escorting Purpose
12 161.150 X X Driver & Guard communication
13 161.425 X Electrical Department
14 162.100 X X Shunting & Yard Communication
15 146.200 XC F4 for PLC; 1
st
section For Junction
Station
(Direction 1)
16 148.050 XC F5 for PLC; 2
nd
section
17 149.500 XC F6 for PLC; 3
rd
section
18 149.550 XC F7 for PLC; 1
st
section For Junction
Station
(Direction 2)
19 151.400 XC F8 for PLC; 2
nd
section
20 151.450 XC F9 for PLC; 3
rd
section
Note:
X - Channel programmed
XC - Channel programmed with CTCSS/MF coding.
XE - For Train duties only.
LIMITATIONS OF VHF COMMUNICATION
- Short distance coverage

- Blank Zones occur due to terrain, high rise buildings & other structures

- Simplex/Half Duplex mode of working

- Maintenance of rechargeable batteries

- The set requires more than one battery set for continuous operation.

- Interference due to other user having adjacent frequencies.

- Effect of prevailing noise in the surrounding
GSM
History
Compatibility
Noise Robust
Increased Capacity & Flexibility
Use of Standard Open Interfaces
Improved Security & Confidentiality
Cleaner Handovers
Subscriber Identification
ISDN Compatibility
Enhanced Range of Services
Development of the GSM Standard
1982: Groupe Spcial Mobile (GSM)
created
1984: Description of GSM features
1985: List of recommendations settled
1987: Initial MoU (Memorandum of
Understanding) aside the drafting of
technical specifications was signed by
network operators of 13 countries:
1988: Validation and trials, of the radio
interface.
1991: First system trials are demonstrated at
the Telecom 91 exhibition.
1992: Official commercial launch of GSM
service in Europe. First Launch in
Finland
1993: The GSM-MoU has 62 signatories
in 39 countries worldwide. First GSM-
1800
network launched
1995: Specifications of GSM phase 2
are frozen. First GSM-1900
network launched

1999: GSM MoU joins 3GPP (UMTS)
GPRS Trials begins
2000: 480M GSM subscribers Worldwide
First GPRS Networks roll out
End 2002: 792M GSM subscribers
Worldwide
GSM-900 (Channels 125 operating band 900Mhz
carrier spacing 200khz spacing 45Mhz)

GSM -1800 (Channels 374 spacing 95Mhz)

GSM -1900(Used in USA)

What are the types in
GSM Network?
Different Standards Worldwide
GSM - 900
The term GSM-900 is used for any GSM system which operates in any 900 MHz band.
P-GSM - 900
P-GSM-900 band is the primary band for GSM-900 Frequency band for primary GSM-900 (P-GSM-900) : 2 x 25 MHz
890 915 MHz for MS to BTS (uplink)
935 960 MHz for BTS to MS (downlink)
E-GSM - 900
In some countries, GSM-900 is allowed to operate in part or in all of the following extension band. E-GSM-900 (Extended GSM-
900) band includes the primary band (P-GSM-900) and the extension band :
880 890 MHz for MS to BTS (uplink)
925 935 MHz for BTS to MS (downlink)
R-GSM-900
R-GSM-900 (Railway GSM-900) band includes the primary band (P-GSM-900) and the following extension band:
876 880 MHz for MS to BTS (uplink)
921 925 MHz for BTS to MS (downlink)
Carrier frequency = ARFCN = Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number
F
ul
(n) = 890.0 + (0.2) *n MHz

F
dl
(n) = F
ul
+ 45 MHz

where n =ARFCN ; 1 n 124
2
4
3
1
7
5
1
6 3
CELLULAR CONCEPT
WHY DO WE NEED CELLS?
FREQUENCY (RESOURCE)
SCARCITY

DEMAND FOR HIGHER
CAPACITY

COST EFFECTIVENESS
Base Station
Base Station
Base Station
Base Station
Base Station
Base Station
OBJECTIVES
Large subscriber capability:
The system should be capable of serving many thousands of mobile
users within the local serving area with a fixed no. of channels.

Spectrum utilization:
The multiple uses of the same channels in cells with in
geographical separation ensure that the radio spectrum is used
efficiently.

Nationwide compatibility:
The mobile users should be able to use their equipment also in other
areas that are served by different cellular systems.
Adaptability to traffic density:
Traffic density differs from one point to another in a cellular
coverage area. The capability to cope with different
traffic must be designed as inherent feature of the cellular
system.

Quality of service and affordability:
Since cost and economic considerations play a major role,
it must be affordable for general public.
Cellular Radio involves dividing a large service area into
regions called cells.
Each cell has the equipment to switch, transmit and receive
calls.
Cells - Reduce the need of High powered transmission
Cells - Conventionally regarded as being hexagonal, but in
reality they are irregularly shaped.
Cell shape is determined by the nature of the surrounding
area e.g. Hills , tall building etc.
Hexagonal shaped cells are
artificial and cannot be generated
in the real world.
This shape is chosen to simplify planning and design of a cellular system as
hexagons fit together without any overlap or gap in between them.
Another advantage of using hexagons is that it approaches a circular shape which is
the ideal power coverage area.
The real cell shape will keep changing due to prevailing conditions.
If the Point of Transmission is at the centre of a Cell, the maximum Coverage Area is
available from a Hexagonal Cell i.e., this layout needs minimum number of Cells to
cover a given Area, hence lesser number of Transmitting Sites are needed

Large Cells

35 Km
Remote Areas
High Transmission
Power
Few subscribers

Small Cells

Near about 1 KM
Urban Areas
Low Transmission
Power
Many Subscribers
There are 124 carries in GSM Band. With each carrier carrying 8
timeslots, only 124 x 8 = 992 calls can be made!

Frequency Reuse is the solution
Using same frequency channel to serve more than one call
in the same given area

Interference problems caused by mobile units using the same
channel in adjacent areas (cells) proved that all channels could
not be reused in every cell.

Areas (cells) have to be skipped before the same freq could be
reused

The actual center to center distance of the
adjacent hexagon is
3R = (2R cos 30
0
),
where R is the center to vertex distance.

The concept of number of cells per cluster is
important for locating co channel cell with in
the cellular structure.

It can be shown that co channel reuse ratio
D/R = 3N
where N is Cluster size



CELLULAR CONCEPTS

N Q=D/R

1 1.73
3 3.00
4 3.46
7 4.58
9 5.20
12 6.00
Q = D/R = 3N = 6 ( S/ I)
-


where

is propagation constant
Much higher level of interference is tolerated if digital transmission is
used.
S / I 18 dB For Digital Cellular Mobile Systems.
Higher Q Less Interference.
Higher N
Larger Cluster Size.
Less Freq./ cell.
Lower Traffic Handling Capacity.
The same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough
away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere
No similarly colored cells are adjacent, and therefore there are no
adjacent cells using the same channel.
Three types of frequency reuse patterns
7 Cell reuse pattern
4 cell reuse pattern
3 cell reuse pattern



Actual Frequency Reuse is implemented by dividing the total Frequency
Spectrum into two or more groups of mutually exclusive Channels.

A mobile handset with higher S/N Ratio is assigned a Channel with
Lower Reuse factor group, while those with lower S/N Ratio gets a
Channel from a Group having higher Reuse Factor.

Handsets nearer to the Cell-centre are allocated Channels from a Low
Frequency Reuse factor.

Performance/Capacity Trade Off
Higher values of N
Reduce co channel
interference
Leads to more
cells/cluster
Less no. of chls/cells
Less traffic handling
capacity
Lower values of N
Increase co channel
interference
Leads to few
cells/cluster
More no. of chls/cell
More traffic handling
capacity



A Directional Antenna is a
better solution for reducing the
Co-channel Interference

Each Cell is divided into 3 or 6
Sectors and uses 3 or 6
Directional Antennas at the
Base Stations.

In practice, Sectored Cells with
120 Beam Antennas are used
Principle Of Sectorization
Omni Directional Cells
120 degree Sectors
60 Degree sectors
Each Sector in a Site has its own allocation of Radio Carriers
Advantage
By frequent reuse of frequency more capacity can be achieved
Sector Antennas reduce Co-channel Interference and improve
the mean S/N ratio for a given Reuse Factor (from 18 dB to
24dB).

But it reduces Trunking Efficiency, since each Sector gets less
number of Channels.

Practically, it does not create a problem, since less Interference
can reduce the Reuse factor, thereby improving the Trunking
Efficiency.
a1
a2
a3 a3
a4 a6
a5
OMNI CELL
1 ANTENNA
b1
b2
b3
120
O
CELLS
3 ANTENNAS
60
O
CELLS
6 ANTENNAS
A three sectored cell
configuration

Single location

Antennas looking in three
directions

4/12
GSM = 4/12 ;
4 Cell Pattern &
each cell with 3
sectors
7/21
7/21 = 7 Cell
Pattern & each
cell with 3 sectors
When the Traffic in a Cell increases to a situation where the
Quality of Service (QoS) is affected, Cells can be divided in to
smaller sizes.

The Cell-splitting concept allows a Low Demand Area to be
served by the Larger Cells and a High Demand Area to be Split
in to Smaller Cells
CELL TYPES
Macro cells: Very Large Radius (more than 35 kms)

Micro cells: Medium Radius (upto 3 kms)

Pico cells: Extremely Small Radius cells (for Indoor coverage)

Umbrella cells: for fast moving vehicles (to avoid frequent handovers &
loading of the network)
CONTD
A problem encountered in Cellular Communication is to provide continuation in
Communication for a subscriber, who moves from one Cell to another Cell.

No two adjacent Cells in a Cluster have the same Radio Channels.

So, Re-allocation of Radio channels must be fast and smooth.

This process is called Handover.

Processing Load per Subscriber on the system increases when Subscribers often
crosses Boundaries and cause frequent handoff of Calls between the Cells.

Practically, reduction of Cell Radius by 4 times increases Processing load
approximately by a factor of 10.
HANDOVER
BS1 BS2
A B
R
S
L

Level at B
Level which HO occured
time
Handover
Mechanism
Handovers
Hard Handoff
Analog, TDMA and GSM
Soft Handoff
CDMA
Break before Make Make before Break
The mobile measures up to 32 adjacent cells for
Signal Strength (RxLevel)
Signal Quality (RxQual)
updated every 480 mS and sends to BTS
Handover is based on the following conditions:
RxLevel
Interference
RxQual
Timing Advance
Power Budget
Interference - If signal level is high and still there is RXQUAL problem, then
the problem is because of interference.

RXQUAL - It is the receive quality. It ranges from 0 to 7 , 0 being the best and
7 the worst

RXLEV - It is the receive level. It varies from -47dBm to -110dBm.

Timing Advance - Ranges from 0 to 63.

Power budget - It is used to save the power of the MS.
HANDOVER TYPES
Handover takes place in the same cell from one timeslot to another
timeslot of the same carrier or different carriers( but the same cell).
Intra-cell handover is triggered only if the cause is interference.
Intra-cell handover can be enabled or disabled in a cell.
Intra-Cell Handover
BSC
BTS
Call is handed
from timeslot 3 to timeslot 5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
HANDOVER
Handover takes place between different cell which are controlled by
the same BSC.

Intra-BSC Handover
BSC1
BTS1
Call is handed from timeslot 3
of cell1 to timeslot 1 of cell2 .
Both the cells are controlled
by the same BSC.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
HANDOVER
Handover takes place between different cell which are controlled by
the different BSC.

Inter-BSC Handover
BSS1
BTS1
Call is handed from timeslot 3
of cell1 to timeslot 1 of cell2 .
Both the cells are controlled
by the different BSC.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
BSS2
MSC
BTS2
HANDOVER
Handover takes place between different cell which are controlled
by the different BSC and each BSC is controlled by different MSC.

Inter-MSC Handover
BSS1
BTS1 Call is handed from timeslot 3 of cell1 to
timeslot 1 of cell2 .
Both the cells are controlled by the
different BSC, each BSC being controlled
by different MSC.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
BSS2
MSC1
BTS2
MSC2
HANDOVER
MOBILE MAXIMUM RANGE

RANGE=

TIMING ADVANCE = DELAY OF BITS (0-63)
BIT PERIOD= 577/156.25 = 3.693sec =3.693 * 10
-6
sec
VELOCITY= 3 * 10
5
Km/sec
RANGE= 34.9 Km




TIMIMG ADVANCE * BIT PERIOD* VELOCITY
2
POWER CONTROL
POWER CONTROL
RF power control is employed to minimise the transmit power
required by MS or BS while maintaining the quality of the radio links.
By minimising the transmit power levels, interference to co-channel
users is reduced.
Power control is implemented in the MS as well as the BSS.
Power control on the Uplink also helps to increase the battery life.
Power received by the MS is continuously sent in the measurement
report.
Similarly uplink power received from the MS by the BTS is measured
by the BTS.
Complex algorithm evaluate this measurements and take a decision
subsequently reducing or increasing the power in the Uplink or the
downlink.

DTX is a mechanism which allows the radio transmitter to be switched off (reduced
rate transmission (~ 500 bit/s) during silences )most of the time during speech
pauses for the following purposes:
To save power in the MS
To reduce the overall interference level on the air

The DTX mechanism requires the following functions
A Voice Activity Detector on the transmit side
Evaluation of the background acoustic noise on the transmit side, in order to
transmit characteristic parameters to the receive side
Generation on the receive side of a similar noise, called comfort noise, during
periods where the radio transmission is cut
DISCONTINUOUS TRANSMISSION (DTX)
Frequency Hopping
Multipath Fading results in variations in signal strength which is known as Rayleigh
Fading.
Rayleigh Fading phenomenon is dependent on path difference and hence frequency
of reception.
A fast moving mobile may not experience severe effect of this fading since the path
difference is continuously changing.
A slow moving mobile ( or a halted mobile ) may experience severe deterioration in
quality.
But, if the frequency of reception is changed when this problem occurs, could solve it.
The fading phenomenon is fast and almost continuous, this means the frequency
change should also be continuous.
This process of continuously changing frequency is known as Frequency Hopping.
Frequency Hopping

Frequency hopping is the technique of improving the S/N in a link by adding
frequency diversity.

The base station commands the mobile station to activate frequency hopping as the
mobile station moves towards the edge of a cell or into an area of high interference.

When frequency hopping is activated in the mobile station, the base station assigns the
mobile station a set of RF channels, rather than a single RF channel.

A frequency hopping algorithm is also assigned to the mobile and is used to inform the
mobile of the pattern of the available frequencies it is to use.



Frequency Hopping is done in both Uplink and Downlink .
Frequency is changed in every TDMA Frame
Mobile can Hop on maximum 64 frequencies
The sequence of Hopping can be Cyclic or Non-Cyclic
There are 63 Non-Cyclic Hopping sequences possible
Different Hopping sequence can be used in the same cell.
BCH Timeslot can never HOP, but the remaining Timeslots can very well
hop.
The advantages that frequency hopping offers are:
Improved voice quality and prevention of dropped calls in GSM
Improved data throughput in GPRS and EGPRS.
MULTIPLE ACCESS TECHNIQUES
In order for several links to be in progress simultaneously in
the same geographical area without mutual interference ,
multiple access techniques are deployed.
The commonly used multiple access techniques are
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA )
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA )
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA )


FDMA - Frequency Division Multiple Access
( eg: GSM each Frequency channel is
200KHz)

TDMA - Time Division Multiple Access
( eg: GSM each frequency channel is divided
into 8 timeslots)

CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access
(eg: IS95- Each User data is coded with a
unique code)
Power
TDMA
Power
FDMA
Power
CDMA
SD
Mobile Station
BTS
MSC/
VLR
SIM
ME
BSC
Base Station
Subsystem
GMSC
Network Subsystem
AUC EIR HLR
Other Networks
Note: Interfaces have been omitted for clarity purposes.
+
PSTN
PLMN
Internet
ARCHITECTURE OF A GSM NETWORK
Network Structure

GSM Service Area
PLMN Service Area
MSC Service Area
Location Area
Cells

GSM SERVICE AREA
PLMN SERVICE AREA
MSC SERVICE AREA
LOCATION
AREA
CELLS
Network Structure
SYSTEM ENTITY FUNCTIONS
Mobile station:

The mobile station represents the terminal
equipment used by cellular subscriber
supported by GSM system
Functions of Mobile Station

Voice and data transmission

Frequency and time synchronization

Monitoring of power and signal quality of the surrounding
cells

Provision of location updates even during inactive state

Equalization of multi path distortions
The MS consists of two entities

Mobile Equipment (ME)

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
Mobile equipment (ME)
It is the mobile handset.
The major components of the Handset are
Transmitter,
Receiver,
Number Alignment Module,
Logic Unit,
Frequency Synthesizer,
Antenna and
the required software.

Identified by a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity
(IMEI) (different from the phone number)
Class Power O/p
1 20 W
2 8 W
3 5 W
4 2 W
5 0.8 W
Typical
Settings
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
Contains subscriber-related information

A smart card that holds information required to identify a
particular subscription to a mobile service

Can be used with any approved GSM handset

Identified by a unique International Mobile Subscriber
Identity (IMSI)
(different from the phone number)
COMPONENTS OF THE SIM CARD

Central processing unit (CPU)
intelligence of the chip
performs all the mathematical functions
takes all the decisions required by the SIM.

Read Only Memory (ROM):
sufficient memory to store the operating system (set of
commands that SIM understands)
contents of the ROM are permanent and it is not possible
to change them.
can be created as part of the manufacturing process.
Random Access Memory (RAM):
area of volatile memory
contents are lost each time the power is turned off.
The memory can be at least 256 KB.
Buffers incoming data as a scratch pad for calculations.

Electrically Erasable programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
Stores all the application data such as the operators specific
parameters and the subscribers data.
SIM
Most of the data contained within the SIM is protected against reading (eg Ki )
or alterations after the SIM is issued.
Some of the parameters ( eg. LAI ) will be continuously updated to reflect the
current location of the subscriber.
The SIM card can be protected by use of Personal Identity Number ( PIN )
password.
The SIM is capable of storing additional information such as accumulated call
charges.
MOBILE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
i) MSISDN (Mobile subscribers ISDN number)

ii) IMSI (International mobile subscribers identity)

iii) TMSI (Temporary mobile subscribers identity)

iv) MSRN (Mobile subscribers roaming number)

v) IMEI ( International Mobile subscribers equipment identity)
Human identity used to call a MS
The Mobile Subscriber ISDN (MSISDN) number is the telephone number of
the MS.
This is the number a calling party dials to reach the subscriber.
It is used by the land network to route calls toward the MSC.

MOBILE SUBSCRIBERS ISDN (MSISDN) NUMBER
Mobile Subscriber No.
NDCNetwork destination code
SN--subscriber number
CC--country code(allotted internationally)
International mobile subscribers Identity (IMSI)
The IMSI is an unique identity which is used internationally
and used within the network to identify the mobile
subscribers.

The IMSI is stored on the SIM, the HLR, VLR and AUC
database

IMSI finds its use in call routing.
MCC--Mobile country code
MNC--Mobile network code
MSIN--Mobile subscriber identification number
-- identifies the country of domicile of the subscriber.
-- identifies the home GSM PLMN of the mobile subscriber.
-- identifies the MS within a GSM PLMN.
TEMPORARY MOBILE SUBSCRIBERS IDENTITY ( TMSI )

The GSM system can also assign a Temporary Mobile Subscriber
Identity (TMSI).
After the subscriber's IMSI has been initialized on the system, the
TMSI can be used for sending messages backwards and forwards
across the network to identify the subscriber.
The system automatically changes the TMSI at regular intervals,
thus protecting the subscriber from being identified by someone
attempting to monitor the radio channels.
The TMSI is a local number and is always allocated by the VLR.
The TMSI is maximum of 4 octets.
MOBILE STATION ROAMING NUMBER (MSRN)
Suitable for the purpose of call processing when the customer roams
in any other VLR area having connectivity with his home network.

The HLR of the roaming subscribers request the visited VLR for
allotment of the temporary number.

Accordingly the visited VLR generates MSRN.

GMSC (gateway MSC) uses it for routing of calls to this customer.

MSRN is stored in visited VLR, HLR.
INTERNATIONAL MOBILE EQUIPMENT IDENTITY (IMEI)
Provided to the mobile equipment through a unique code for
its authentication and identification

The code is entered in SIM card of the user MS

Also recorded in the data base of the EIR of mobile switching
sub system.

During the course of call processing, the IMEI entered in SIM is
compared with the corresponding IMEI recorded in EIR.
TAC is 6 digits and approved by a national body.
FAC is 2 digits and is provided by the manufacturer.
SNR is 6 digits provided by manufacturer in serial sequence.
SP is spare digit of unit length.
6 digits 2 digits 6 digits unit length
Base Station
Subsystem
Base
Transceiver
Station (BTS)
Base Station
Controller
(BSC)
Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
BTS is the equipment which facilitates the wireless
communication between user equipments (UE) and the
network.

BTS is a radio-end which determine a cell coverage and
provide link with MS.

BTS include Transmitters and Receivers, antenna and signal
processing unit as well as interface.

BTS communicate with MS via Um (air) interface
BTS
Encodes, encrypts, multiplexes, modulates and feeds the
RF signals to the antenna

Transcoding and rate adaption Functionality

Time and frequency synchronisation signals transmission.

11 power classes from .01 watts (Micro cell) to 320 watts
(Umbrella cell)
FUNCTION OF BTS
A BTS has the following units
TRX : Transceiver--- Quite widely referred to as DRX (Driver
Receiver). Basically does transmission and reception of signals

Power Amplifier : Amplifies the signal from DRX for transmission
through antenna. May be integrated with DRX

Combiner :- Combines feeds from several DRXs so that they could be
sent out through a single antenna. Used for reduction of number of
antenna

Duplexer : For separating sending and receiving signals to/from
antenna. Does sending and receiving signals through the same antenna
ports (cables to antenna)
Antenna : Antenna is considered as part of BTS

Alarm Extension System : Collects working status
alarms of various units in BTS and extends them to
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) monitoring stations
A group of BTSs are connected to a particular BSC,
which manages the radio resources for them.

The primary function of the BSC is call maintenance.

The mobile stations normally send a report of their
received signal strength to the BSC every 480 ms.

With this information the BSC decides to initiate
handovers to other cells, change the BTS transmitter
power, etc.
Base Station Controller (BSC)
responsible for radio interface management of
BTS and MS, i.e.channel management and
handovers

responsible for communication with the NSS

a single BSC typically manages 100-200 BTSs
The functions of the base station are
1. Radio source control (Channels)
a. Configuration of Radio channels
b. Selection, allocation and de-allocation of radio channels.
c. Monitoring of radio channel busy / idle.
d. Encryption of radio interface.
2. Frequency hopping and power control
a. Assignment of frequency hops sequence and start time.
b. Assignment of effective radiated power (ERP) values to mobile station.
3. Hand off management
a. Collect signal quality data from adjacent BSSs.
b. Analyze signal quality and determine hand off need.
c. Keep MSC informed regarding hand off activity.
4. Digital signal processing
a. Trans coding and rate adoption.
b. Channel coding and decoding.
BSS functions are partitioned into a BSC and BTS
( a single BSC generally controlling multiple BTS)
Network and
Switching Subsystem
(NSS)
NSS performs the switching functions of GSM,
as well as databases for Subscriber and
mobility management

Its main feature is to manage the communication
between the Mobile Station and other users of
the Cellular Network.

NSS contains

Mobile Switching Centre (MSC)

Gateway MSC (GMSC)

Home Location Register (HLR) - co-located with GMSC

Visitor Location Register (VLR) - co-located with MSC/GMSC

Signalling between MSC, GMSC, HLR, VLR via SS7 signalling
network, using specifically the mobile application part (MAP) of
Signalling System No 7 (SS7)
Mobile Service Switching Centre (MSC)
The Switching part, is controlled by the MSC.

Acts like a standard exchange in a fixed network and additionally provides all the
functionality needed to handle a mobile subscriber.

The main functions are
registration,
authentication,
location updating,
handovers and
call routing to a roaming subscriber.

Connections to external Networks like PSTN, PLMN and Intelligent Networks etc.
are also controlled by MSC.
An MSC, which provides connection to Networks
outside the area under the MSC, is generally known
as Gateway MSC.

Gateway MSC (GMSC)
gateway to external network
incoming call is routed to GMSC, which then
determines MS location
GMSC function is often in the same machine
as the MSC
GATEWAY MSC (GMSC)
Home Location Register (HLR)

HLR is the most important Database in the GSM structure

Subscriber relevant data are kept in a Database called HLR.

It also contains information regarding real time location of the
Roaming Subscriber, which is passed to the MSC for routing incoming
Calls to the Mobile Station.

Administrative updating of the Subscriber Data, by the Service
Provider is kept in HLR.
IMSI, MSISDN and current VLR Address are also kept in
HLR.

As soon as the Mobile Station crosses a Cell boundary,
this information is updated in the HLR.

The HLR also maintains the services associated with each
MS

One HLR can serve several MSCs

One PLMN may contain one or several HLR
Visitor Location Register (VLR) dynamically stores Subscriber
Information, when a Mobile Station is in the Location Area covered by
the VLR

One VLR may be incharge of one or more LA.

A VLR is connected to one MSC and is normally integrated into the
MSC's hardware

VLR is updated by HLR on entry of MS in its area.

VLR assigns TMSI which keeps on changing
VISITOR LOCATION REGISTER (VLR)
Whenever a Roaming Subscriber enters in an area controlled
by an MSC, the information is passed to the VLR, which
recognizes the Subscriber as an outsider for the MSC.

If the Subscriber is allowed to Roam, VLR finds the original
HLR of the Subscriber and downloads all relevant information
for the Subscriber from it.

VLR reduces the number of queries to HLR
IMSI & TMSI

MSISDN

MSRN.

Location Area

Supplementary service parameters

MS category

Authentication Key
DATA IN VLR
The EIR is a database that stores IMEI for all mobile equipments registered in the
particular MSC and is unique to every ME.

Only one EIR per PLMN.

Any Cell Phone can be used fraudulently by inserting an authentic SIM Card, but as
soon as a report is registered that a handset is stolen or misplaced, EIR Database can be
updated to render the handset useless.

The EIR has three databases
White list: IMEI, assigned to valid ME.
Black list: IMEI reported stolen
Gray list : IMEI having problems like faulty software, wrong make
of equipment etc.
EQUIPMENT IDENTITY REGISTER (EIR)
AUC is a separate entity and physically included in HLR

It protects User Identity and allows a Secured Transmission,
i.e., Protect against intruders in air interface

Authentication (Ki) and ciphering(Kc) key are stored in this
data base.

Keys change randomly with each call

Keys are never transmitted to MS on air Only calculated
response are sent.
AUTHENTICATION CENTRE (AUC)
It monitors and controls all other components of GSM.

The OMC assists the network operator in Dynamic monitoring and maintaining
satisfactory operation of the GSM network

The OMC is responsible for controlling and maintaining the MSC, BSC and
BTS.

It can be in charge of an entire PLMN or just some parts of the PLMN.

Its main functions are
Traffic Monitoring,
Subscriber as well as Security Management and
Status report Generation.
Operation and Maintenance Centre (OMC)
GSM CHANNEL STRUCTURE
Every base station sends on at least one frequency in 8
timeslots.

It has become common practice to refer to physical channels
that are defined by frequency and timeslot.

Several "types" of data are sent on these physical channels,
e.g. speech, test reports, instructions, etc. For these data
types the term "logical channel" is used.
PHYSICAL CHANNELS
One or more logical channels can be transmitted on a
physical channel.

The type of logical channel is determined by the function of
the information transmitted over it.

The following are the logical channels:-
Traffic channels
Control channels (signaling channels)

GSM CHANNEL STRUCTURE
BCCH
The Traffic Channels are used to send Speech or User Data in both MS
to BTS and BTS to MS directions.

They are distinguished by their transmission rates

The Traffic Channels can work in Full Rate or Half Rate.

Full Rate TCH carries Speech at 22.8 Kb/s and Data at
9.6 Kb/s, 6 Kb/s and 3.6 Kb/s.

Half rate version carries Speech at 11.4 Kb/s and Data at
4.8 Kb/s and 2.4 Kb/s.
The main function of the control channels is to transfer
signaling information.

They are sub divided into three categories

Broadcast channels

Common control channels

Dedicated control channels
Broadcast Channels are point to multipoint channels defined for down
link direction i.e. BTS to MS (Downlink).

The information distributed over the broadcast channels helps the mobile
stations to orient themselves in the mobile radio network.

These are further classified into four

Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH),
Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH)
Synchronization Channel (SCH).
Cell broadcast channel (CBCH)
BROADCAST CHANNELS
BCCH: Through this channel, the MS is informed about the system
configuration parameters(eg. Location Area Identification, Cell Identity, and
neighbor cells). Using this information, the MS can choose the best cell to be
attached to. BCCH is transmitted on timeslot zero of BCCH carrier. Read
only by idle mobile at least once every 30 secs.

FCCH: To communicate with the BTS, the MS must tune to the BTS. The FCCH
transmits a constant frequency shift of the radio frequency (Frequency
Hopping) that can be used by MS for frequency correction i.e., sends the MS a
burst of all 0 bits which acts as a beacon and allows MS to locate TS 0 of
BCCH carrier.

SCH is used to time synchronize the mobile stations. The data on this channel
carries the TDMA frame number (TDMA Matching) and the base station
identity code (BSIC).

Point to Multi-point Control Channels

operated in one direction of transmission, either in
up link or in down link direction.

Used to carry Management Function Signalling
Information.

COMMON CONTROL CHANNELS (CCCH)
There are two CCCH between BTS to MS (down link ).

Paging Channel (PCH) : used for paging the Mobile stations
during an Incoming Call (Alert
Message).

Access Grant Channel (AGCH) : used for assigning an MS to a
Dedicated Control Channel, i.e.,
gives acknowledgement to
request for accessing to DCCH


There is one CCCH between MS to BTS (Up link ).

Random Access Channel (RACH) : When MS is switched ON,
RACH is used to search network, i.e., used for requesting access to
DCCH.

DEDICATED CONTROL CHANNELS (DCCH)
Full duplex point-to-point channels

Used for Signalling between BTS and certain MS

These are of three types
Slow associated control channel (SACCH)

Fast associated control channel (FACCH)

Stand alone dedicated control channel (SDCCH)
SACCH is used

for transmission of
--- signaling data,
--- radio link supervision measurements,
--- transmit power control and
--- timing advance data.

Always allocated to a TCH or SDCCH.

Only used for non-urgent procedures
FACCH is used as
a main signaling link for the transmission of signaling data (handover
commands)
required for call setup and release.

SDCCH is used

For signaling in higher layer.

Carries all signalling between the BTS and MS when no TCH is
allocated.

Used for service requests (like SMS), location updates, subscriber
authentication, ciphering initiation, equipment validation and
assignment to a TCH (Dialled digits are processed through SDCCH)
Voice
Encoding
Channel
coding
interleaving
RF Modulation
Raw
Voice
signal

We cannot send the 64 kbps required by PCM

We need alternative speech encoding techniques

Estimates are that speech only contains 50 bits per second of information

Compare time to speak a word or sentence with time to transmit corresponding text

Attempts to encode speech more efficiently:
speech consists of periodic waveforms - so just send the frequency and amplitude

model the vocal tract - phonemes, voiced and unvoiced speech

Vocoder - Vocoder is a digital hardware block, which will do the speech analysis
and Synthesis

Hybrid encoders give greater emphasis to these qualities by using regular
pulse excitation which encodes the overall tone of the voice in great detail.

A hybrid of the German RPE-LPC scheme and the French MPE-LTP was
chosen which came to be known as Regular Pulse Excitation with Long-Term
Prediction (RPE-LTP)

STEPS:
The 64 kbps PCM is transcoded from the standard A-Law
(quantised 8-bit/sample stream into a linearly quantised
13bits/sample stream, giving rise to a 104kbps bit rate)

The 104kbps stream is fed into the RPE-LTP full-rate
speech encoder, which takes the 13-bit /samples in blocks
of 260 samples (every 20ms)

The vocoder categorises the data in each 20mS-block into three parts:
Short-term Linear Predictive Coding data (LPC)
Long-term prediction data (LTP)
Regular Pulse Excitation data (RPE)

To ensure that the characteristic tone of the voice is reproduced well
The long and short term prediction waveforms (LPC & LTP) are each
encoded as frequency and amplitude information in the form of 36-bit
blocks
The RPE is encoded in a 188-bit block

Thus, the RPE-LTP encoder produces 260 bits in every 20ms.


146
SPEECH CODING
SPEECH ENCODER
The data to be transmitted over the interface must
be protected against corruption due to the effects of
fading and co-channel interference.

Two approaches to error protection:

Backward error correction

Forward error correction
BLOCK CHANNEL CODING
Using block codes, the current data block (that which is about to be transmitted) is
used to generate a code. This code is sent along with the original data bits.

Coding is added to the information bits (redundancy) which enable the original to
be reconstructed given a small number of random errors
Repeat transmission is not required if data fully corrected - suitable for speech
FEC generally utilises convolution channel coding
FORWARD ERROR CORRECTION
Convolutional coders are normally described by the ratio of input information bits to
output coded bits generated by the coder plus the delay (in terms of bits) incurred
through the convolution process. The delay is related to the number of registers
used in the coding device.

For example, a coder that generates 2 output bits for every information input bit
using a 5-bit register is referred to as a rate encoder with a delay (or constraint
length) of 5.
CONVOLUTIONAL CHANNEL CODING
GSM uses a combination of block and convolutional coding methods.

First some of the information bits are block coded, building a block of information each
with an associated block check sequence (BCS).

All the block coded bits (including the BCS) are passed through a convolutional coder
to form the final coded bits

The reason for this double coding is that ideally forward convolutional coding will
detect and correct all errors.

However, if the data is damaged beyond repair, block coding is used to ignore the data
and request a retransmission of the corrupted data block.
GSM CHANNEL CODING
The 260 bits obtained by speech coding are classified according to their
sensitivity to errors as

Class Ia 50 bits Most important and sensitive
to bit errors.
Class Ib 132 bits Moderately sensitive to bit
errors
Class II 78 bits Least sensitive to bit errors.

The 182 class-I bits need protection over the radio link. Transmission
errors in this class would have an extremely serious effect

The 78 class-II bits are sent without protection
Class -I
Class 1a bits are given a 3-bit CRC so that errors can be detected.

Total length becomes 53 bits .

If there are any errors; the frame will not be used and discarded. In its place
a version of previous correctly received frame is used.

53 bits + 132 bits + a 4-bit tail sequence (total length 189 bits)are entered
into a half rate convulsion encoder.

The encoder encodes each of the bits that enter as two bits. Thus, output
of encoder is 378 bits

The remaining 78 bits are simply added to data to get a total of 456 bits
In a nut shell:

50+3+132+4=189, 189X2=378, 378+78=456
bits

Thus, every 20ms speech sample generates a
total number of 456 bits.

Accordingly the overall bit rate is 22.8Kbps.
The aim of interleaving is to distribute sub blocks of data obtained by
channel coding in such a way that one data block is distributed over several
TDMA frames.

The sub blocks are rearranged for this purpose and transmitted in a different
order.

1. The 456 bit blocks from the channel encoder are fed to the bit interleaver
where they are split into eight sub blocks of 57 bits.
2. 57 bits at a time will be interleaved with 57 bits from an adjacent speech
block to form a data burst of 114 data bits
3. These data burst are transmitted in one timeslot

The sub blocks interleaved in time are reassembled in the correct order
upon reception to form complete data blocks. The data are then checked
for errors and corrected as necessary.
TDMA
FRAMES
STRUCTURE
IN GSM
GSM timing is based on transmission time of one bit (approx. 3.69 s)

A certain number of these bits is combined to form a burst and is
transmitted in one timeslot.

Eight timeslots form a frame.

A certain number of these frames is combined to give a multiframe.

Since there are several types of multiframe, certain numbers are grouped
together to form standard hyperframes and superframes.
TDMA FRAME
Time slot (0.577 ms)
(4.615 ms)
(120 ms)
Traffic Multiframe
(6.12 sec)
TDMA frame:
A TDMA frame consists of eight timeslots (physical channels).

The length of a timeslot is 0.577 ms.

The length of a TDMA frame is therefore 4.615 ms.

The data on a timeslot is transmitted in bursts, the length of a timeslot is
often expressed in BP (Burst Period); 1 BP represents the length of 1
timeslot.

26-TDMA multiframe:
This multiframe is defined as a succession of 26 TDMA frames, and
corresponds to the 26 x 8 BP or 120 ms (26x4.615) also called a Traffic
Multiframe
51-TDMA multiframe
This multiframe is defined as a succession of 51 TDMA frames, and
corresponds to the 51 x 8 BP cycle used in the definition of the TCH/F,
TCH/H and of the common channels (also called a Control Multiframe)

Super frame:
The super frame is a succession of 51 x 26 TDMA frames (6.12 sec), and
corresponds to the smallest cycle for which the organization of all channels
is repeated. (51 traffic Multiframes or 26 Control Multiframes)

Hyper frame:
The hyper frame is the numbering period. It is 2048 Super Frames (2048 x
51 x 26 x 8 BP long), or 3 hours, 28 minutes, 53 seconds and 760
milliseconds.
BURST
GSM radio transmission is accomplished by sending data in bursts.

Burst is the physical content of a time slot.

Information is exchanged between the base station and mobile station in the
timeslots.
1 time slot(0.577 msec)

Depending on the task to be performed, different types of
burst can be used.

It is used for signalling as well as for speech and data
transmission.

Each part of the burst serves a specific purpose :
TAIL BITS
Tail bits (flag bits) at the beginning define the start of a
burst, and at the end define the end of a burst
TRAINING SEQUENCE

In the middle of the normal burst, a 26-bit training sequence is sent, the
bit sequence being known to the receiver.

There are eight different sequences which are referred to as the
TRAINING SEQUENCE CODE (TSC).

The eight sequences must be stored in all receivers

At the beginning of a transmission the base station decides on the TSC
to be used.

It is used for synchronization to the bit stream and for assessing the
instantaneous response of the radio channel.
The training sequence makes it possible to set channel
equalizers in the receiver to considerably improve
decoding.

Since the transmission conditions in the radio channel
may change rapidly, the training sequence is sent
between the information blocks and transmitted with
each burst.
GUARD PERIOD

Transmission in each time slot is terminated with a guard time of 8.25 bit periods
(8.25 x 3.69 s 30 s) during which no information bits can be sent.

The guard period has been inserted to prevent consecutive bursts time overlapping if
signals are not fully time compensated

During this time, the burst level must be reduced by up to 70 dB to avoid the next
timeslot being affected.

The "owner" of the subsequent timeslot uses this time to increase his transmitter
power to nominal.

This means that the guard time is used twice for power ramping (the transmitter
power must be increased and reduced within narrow tolerances).

GP is also used for Timing Advance
TOGGLE / STEALING FLAG BITS

The network has the option to use the information bits in the
normal burst to send signaling data as needed.

By setting a flag, using the stealing flag bits, the receiver can
distinguish between user data or signaling information.

The two stealing flag bits are located just before and after the TSC .

The stealing flag bits indicate whether the adjacent 57 bits in the
associated data field contain speech/data information or are stolen
from the traffic channel for carrying pre-emptive FACCH signalling
information.
TYPES OF BURSTS
Normal burst

Dummy burst

Access burst

Synchronization burst

Frequency correction burst
Normal burst is the most frequently used burst used for transmission of user
data/signaling data (on TCH).

Two packets of 58 encrypted bits (57 data bits + 1 stealing flag bit) are
carried for the TCH, or for the control channels (BCCH and CCCH) but not for
RACH
The dummy burst has the same structure as that of normal burst.

It is transmitted in idle time slots on the BCCH, which ensures that BCCH
is always present

This makes it easier for the MS to find the BCCH carrier and permits
assesment of neighboring cells.
DUMMY BURST
The access burst is sent when the mobile station calls the base station
for the first time.

The base station uses this burst for a delay measurement, determines
the associated timing advance and informs the mobile station
accordingly.

It provides a 41-bit TSC that is longer than the normal 26 bits in order to
make the initial demodulation for the BTS more successful
ACCESS BURST
Synchronization bursts are used to synchronize MS with BTS in time.

It is the first burst in the downlink direction, used on the SCH.

It provides a unique 64-bit TSC in order to facilitate the initial demodulation
for the MS.

The encrypted bit fields contain the BSIC and the TDMA frame no.
SYNCHRONIZATION BURSTS
Frequency correction burst is sent by the base station only and used by the
mobiles for initial synchronization to the carrier frequency ,i.e.,to correct its
transmit and receive frequencies.

It is sent in the downlink direction as the FCCH.

It consists of a bit string of all logical 0s

It is sent by the base station every 10 frames (i.e. approx. every 46 ms) but only
in timeslot 0
FREQUENCY CORRECTION BURST
TIME SLOT STAGGERING
NEED FOR TIMESLOT OFFSET
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
If Uplink and Downlink are aligned exactly, then MS will have to transmit
and receive at the same time. To overcome this problem a offset of 3
timeslots is provided between downlink and uplink
BSS Downlink
MS Uplink
CHANNEL CONCEPT
Time slot staggering is the principle of deriving the time slot of the uplink from
the time slot of downlink by shifting the downlink time slot number by three.

By doing so, the MS avoids having to transmit and receive simultaneously.

A MS will receive during one time slot, and then shift in frequency by 45MHz to
transmit some time slot later
7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5
7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5
Time shift of 3 TS
(=3X0.577ms=1.731ms)
Transmit
Transmit
Receive
Receive
BTS
MS
Downlink
Downlink
Uplink
Uplink
TIME
NETWORK ATTACHMENT PROCESS
It is the process of selecting an appropriate cell (radio frequency) by
the MS to provide the available services, and making its location known
to the network.

The process starts when the mobile is switched on, and ends when
the MS enters the idle mode.

Consists of the following tasks:
Cell Identification
PLMN Selection
Cell Selection

When MS is switched on, it attempts to make contact with a GSM
PLMN by performing following actions

Measure the BCCH channel

Search for a suitable cell

The MS measures the signal strength of the BCCH channels
received.

It stores a list of information about 30 of these BCCH channels, such
as signal strength and the frequency corresponding.
CELL IDENTIFICATION
Particular PLMN can be selected in either of the two modes
AUTOMATIC MODE
MS will choose which PLMN to try by itself, based on the
existence of the preferred list, which is stored in a non-volatile
memory in the SIM.
This list includes a no. of PLMN identities in order of
preference and is under control of the user. The most
preferred is usually the Home PLMN.
This mode is normally used when the MS is operating on its
home PLMN.
MANUAL MODE
The user is presented a list containing all found PLMNs.
The user chooses one of the PLMNs from the list
PLMN SELECTION
The MS attempts to find a suitable cell by passing through the list in
descending order of received signal strength.
The requirement that a cell must satisfy before a MS can be provided
service from it are
It should be a cell from the selected PLMN.
It should not be barred.
The PLMN operator may decide not to allow MS to access certain
cells. These cells may, for example, only be used for handover traffic.
Barred cell information is broadcast on the BCCH to instruct MSs not to
access these cells.
The radio path loss between the MS and the selected BTS must be
below a threshold set by the PLMN operator
It should not be in a LA which is in list of forbidden LAs for
roaming
CELL SELECTION
CALL MANAGEMENT
MOBILE TO LAND LINE
MS BSS
New MSC/VLR
Um A
Channel Request
RACH
SDCCH Assignment
AGCH
Service Request
(MS,LAI)
SDCCH
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
Call Setup
Handover
Call Release
STEPS IN REQUEST FOR SERVICE PHASE
Back
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
HLR
Um A
IMEI Request
SDCCH
IMEI Response(IMEI)
SDCCH
Check IMEI
IMEI Check Results
Call Setup
Hand Over
Call Release
Request for service
Authentication
Ciphering
STEPS IN EQUIPMENT VALIDATION PHASE
Back
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
Um A
Call Set Up Request
SDCCH
Call Proceeding
SDCCH
Request for service
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
STEPS IN CALL SETUP PHASE--WITH MS
Back
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
Um A
Assign Trunk & Radio
(TN)
SDCCH
Trunk & Radio Assignment
Complete
SDCCH
Assign TCH
Radio Assignment
Complete
Hand Over
Call Release
VOICE PATH ESTABLISHMENT
Back
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
PSTN
Um A
Alerting
FACCH
Network Set Up
(DD)
Network Alerting
Hand Over
Call Release
Request for service
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
Connect (Answer)
Start Billing
Connect
FACCH
FACCH
Connect
Acknowledgement
STEPS IN CALL SET UP PHASEWITH LAND NETWORK
Back
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
PSTN
Um A
Network Release
FACCH
Disconnect
Request for service
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
Hand Over
Channel Release
Stop Billing
Clear Command
FACCH
FACCH
Release
Release Complete
FACCH
Clear Complete
STEPS IN RELEASE PHASE MS INITIATED
Back
STEPS IN ROUTING ANALYSIS PHASE
Based on the MSISDN, the
PSTN routes the call to the
GMSC of the number
GMSC , not knowing whether
this MS is in its own service
area or not, sends a message,
with the MSISDN in it, to the
HLR
HLR requests MSC/VLR to
provide routing information
about the MS
MSC/VLR returns to the GMSC,
via HLR, a number where the
MS can be reached (MSRN)
Call is routed from the GMSC to
the visited MSC
HLR
GMSC PSTN
Paging
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
Call Setup
Handover, Call Release
MSC/VLR
Incoming Call
(MSISDN)
Get Route
(MSISDN)
Get Route
(IMSI)
Routing Info
(MSRN)
Routing Info
(MSRN)
Incoming Call
(MSISDN)
BSS
MSC/VLR
Um A
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation Call Setup
Handover,
Call Release
MS
Perform Page (TMSI)
Page
Channel Request
PCH
RACH
SDCCH Assignment
AGCH
Page Response
(TMSI,LAI)
Routing Analysis
Page Response
SDCCH
Assign Radio Channel
Radio Assignment Complete
Call Setup
Call Setup Confirm
BSS
MSC/VLR
Um A
Handover,
Call Release
MS
SDCCH
SDCCH
Routing Analysis
Paging
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
Trunk & Radio Assignment
Complete
SDCCH
Assign Trunk & Radio Channel
SDCCH
STEPS IN CALL SETUP PHASEWITH MS
Routing Analysis
Paging
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
PSTN
GMSC
Um A
Mobile Alerting
Connect (Off Hook)
FACCH
Connect Acknowledge
Handover,
Call Release
HLR
FACCH
Connect
Network Alerting
FACCH
STEPS IN CALL SETUP PHASE---WITH LAND NETWORK
Routing Analysis
Paging
Authentication
Ciphering
Equipment Validation
Call Setup
Handover
MS BSS
MSC/VLR
PSTN
GMSC
Um A
FACCH
Clear Complete
HLR
FACCH
Network Release
FACCH
Disconnect
Release
Release Complete
Release Complete
Clear Command
Channel Release
STEPS IN RELEASE PHASE---NETWORK INITIATED
THANK
YOU