C

CM

MY

CY CMY

World of GPRS

GPRS Call Setup

MS

BSS

SGSN

Old
SGSN

GGSN

EIR

MSC/VLR

HLR

Old
MSC/VLR

Combined GPRS / IMSI Attach Procedure

PSTN

Attach Request

Identification
Request

Identity Request

Identification
Response

Identity Response

Signaling Plane SGSN - HLR

Authentication

Signaling Plane SGSN MSC/VLR

Routing Areas and Location Areas

SM - SC
Voice Switched
Network

MTP2
L1

SGSN

Insert Subscriber Data Ack

MSC/VLR

GSM

GSM RF

Intra SS7 Network

PCU
BSC
Base Station Subsystem
BSSGP
Network
Service

GMM/SM
LLC
BSSGP
Network
Service

L1 bis

L1 bis

L1 bis
Abis

Um
MS

Gd

SGSN

BSC

Gc

Gc

Gf

SMS-MSC

SGSN

Gs

PC

SGSN

Relay

Application

Gc

IP / X.25
SNDCP
LLC
RLC
MAC

MAC

BTSM

RLC
BTSM

GSM RF

GSM RF

L1 bis

L1 bis

BTS

Abis

Attach Complete

BSSGP
Network
Service

GTP
UDP/TCP
IP
L2

IP/X.25
GTP
UDP/TCP
IP
L2

L1 bis

L1 bis

L1

L1

SGSN

GGSN

HLR

Gn

GGSN

Intra PLMN
IP Backbone

P-TMSI Reallocation
Complete

Firewall
Gn

RADCOM Cellular Products

Signaling Plane GGSN - HLR Using GTP and MAP

Gi - IP

Activate PDP Context - MS Initiated

Interworking

PrismLite

Gi

GTP

Border GGSN

L e g e n d

UDP
IP
L2
L1

Gp

GPRS Entities

GGSN

Signaling Plane GSN - GSN

Inter PLMN
IP Backbone

GSM Entities

TMSI Reallocation Complete

P-TMSI Reallocation
Command

SNDCP
LLC
BSSGP
Network
Service

Gb

Update
Location Ack

Reallocation Procedure

Relay

BSC

Cancel Location
Ack

Gc

IP Network

Relay

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

EIR

SGSN

Insert
Subscriber Data

Attach Accept

HLR

AuC

Cancel Location

Location Update Accept

Signaling Plane GGSN - HLR

Gr

Gb

Update Location

Insert
Subscriber Data
Ack

Gn

Um

Location Update Request

EIR

Gr

Gf

Gd

Transmission Plane

MS

Update Location Ack

Gf

Gb

BTS

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

Relay

L1 bis

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

SMS - GMSC
Gd

Gs

Signaling Plane MS - SGSN

RLC
BTSM

Insert Subscriber Data

Signaling Plane SGSN - EIR

D
Abis

BTSM

HLR
Cancel Location Ack

BTS

MAC

Cancel Location

LA

GMM/SM
LLC
RLC
MAC

Update Location

Signaling Plane SGSN - SMS-GMSC

and SGSN - SMS-IWMSC

LA

Relay

IMEI Check

MSC/VLR

MS
LA

SGSN

Um

LA

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1
Gr

Gs

GMSC

BSSAP+
SCCP
MTP3

BSSAP+
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

GSN

GGSN

GTP
UDP
IP
L2
L1

GTP
UDP
IP
L2
L1
Gn

GTP

MAP

UDP
IP
L2
L1

TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1

Gn

GSN

High-performance WAN/LAN/ATM

MAP
TCAP
SCCP
MTP3
MTP2
L1
Gc

Activate PDP Context

Request

protocol analyzer.
Versatile test solution for cellular
networks, including GSM, GPRS, EDGE,
UMTS, CDMA and CDMA2000.

Security Functions

Create PDP Context

Request

Activate PDP Context

Accept

Create PDP Context

Response

HLR

Gi - x.25

Activate PDP Context - GSN Initiated

Performer

Firewall

Comprehensive system testing and

performance analysis solution for

GSN

PDP PDU

cellular datacom and VoIP networks.

Rack Mount
Configuration

X.25 Network

Portable
Configuration

Send Routing Info for GPRS

PDU Notification Request

Request PDP Context
Activation

PDU Notification Response

PDP Context Activation
Procedure

GPRS Reference
GSM AND GPRS IDENTIFIERS

GSM AND GPRS PROTOCOLS

Protocol

Standards

MTP1
MTP2

MTP3

Q.703

Q.704

Name

Description

Name

Identifier

Definition

Message Transfer Part - Level 1

Used as the physical layer for SS7 signaling.

APN

Access Point Name

Identification of external networks; within the GPRS backbone, used to identify

Message Transfer Part - Level 2

Supports Mobile Application Part (MAP) and BSSAP+ in circuit switched PLMNs for layer 2.

BVCI

BSSGP Virtual Connection Identifier

Flow identifier between BSS and SGSN, at least 1 per GPRS cell.

Supports Mobile Application Part (MAP) and BSSAP+ in circuit switched

CI

Cell Identifier

Identifies a cell, as defined by GSM 03.03.

PLMNs - for layer 3.

DLCI

Data Link Connection Identifier

Identifier of the frame, corresponding to a Frame Relay PVC.

Message Transfer Part - Level 3

corresponding GGSN.

RLC

GSM 04.60

Radio Link Control

Provides a logical link control over the radio interface.

GSN Address GPRS Support Node Address

RLP

GSM 04.22

Radio Link Protocol

Provides non-transparent data services of GSM circuit switched network.

GSN Number GPRS Support Node Number

NS-Network

GSM 08.16

Network Service

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identifier

Unique identifier for each GSM and GPRS handset.

Frame Relay services.

IMSI

International Mobile Subscriber Identity

Unique identifier for each GSM and GPRS MS, as defined by GSM 03.03.

LAI

Location Area Identifier

Defined by operator, spanning one or more RAs.

MS-ISDN

Mobile Subscriber ISDN

ISDN access number.

N-SAPI

Network Layer Service Access Point Identifier

Identifies the PDP SAP for network routing.

NSEI

Network Service Entity Identifier

Network entity address, with end-to-end significance.

NS-VCI

Network Services - Virtual Connection Identifier

End-to-end logical identifier between BSS and SGSN.

NS-VLI

Network Services - Virtual Link Identifier

Physical (local) link identifier between BSS and SGSN.

Base Station System GPRS Protocol

Routing and quality of service (QoS) information for the BSS.

LLC

GSM 04.64

Logical Link Control

Data link layer protocol assuring reliable transfer of user data.

BTSM
GMM/SM

Q.921
GSM 08.58
GSM 04.08

Link Access Protocol - Channel D

Balanced layer 2 protocol.

Base Station Controller to Base Transceiver Station Interfaces the base station controller with the base transceiver station.
GPRS Mobility Management

Handles mobility issues such as roaming, authentication and selection of

encryption algorithms, and maintains PDP context.

SNDCP

GSM 04.65

Sub-Network Dependent Convergence Protocol

Unique identifier for accessing SS7 entities; if a GGSN interfaces the HLR directly (and not

Frame Relay Q.922 core by mapping BSSGP's service requests to the appropriate

GSM 08.18

Maps IP or X.25 to the LLC; also provides functions such as compression,

segmentation and multiplexing of network-layer messages to a single
virtual connection.

GTP

GSM 09.60

GPRS Tunnel Protocol

Tunnels protocol data units through TCP/UDP over IP.

SCCP

Q.713, ANSI TI.112

Signaling Connection Control Part

Supports Mobile Application Part (MAP) and BSSAP+ in circuit

The Evolutionary Path to 3G

GPRS Protocol Stack

Unique IP address, not accessible to the public network.

through an SGSN), it must have a GSN Number.

Manages the convergence sub-layer that operates between BSSGP and the

BSSGP

LAPD

Send Routing Info for GPRS Ack

PDP Address Packet Data Protocol Address

Network layer address (e.g. IPv4, IPv6, X.25).

P-TMSI

Packet TMSI

Temporary identity for each attached GPRS MS.

RAI

Routing Area Identifier

Defined by operator, spanning one or more cells.

1G

2G

2.5G

3G

Application

MAP
WAE

INAP

TDMA(IS-136B)
14.4 bps

IS-136+ 64 Kbps

UWC-136
48.6 Kbps-5.2 Mbps

IS41/MAP

VLR

AUC

EIR

HLR

Presentation

IS-136HS 43.2 Kbps

Session

EDGE 40 Kbps (384 Kbps with GPRS)

Transport

From
UDP

WSP

ISUP

TUP

TCAP

WTP

DUP
BSSMAP

DTAP

SS
CM/CC

TID

Tunnel Identifier

Used by GTP between GSNs to identify a PDP context consisting of an IMSI and an NSAPI.

TLLI

Temporary Logical Link Identifier

Used to identify logical links between the SGSN and MS.

TMSI

Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity

Temporary identity for each attached GSM MS.

HSCSD 57.6 Kbps

GTP

EGPRS
384 Kbps

UDP

WTLS

WDP

BSSAP

MM
SMS

From
UDP

B-ISUP

SCCP

RR

switched PLMNs.
BSSAP+

GSM 09.18

BSSAP with data functionality

GPRS 160 Kbps

Enables paging for voice connections from MSC via SGSN, optimizing
paging for mobile subscribers, location and routing updates, as well as
mobile station alerting.

BSSAP

GSM 08.06

BSS Application Part

Supports signaling between MSC and BSS for call setup, and control channels.

DTAP

GSM 04.08, 08.08, 08.06

Direct Transfer Application Sub-Part

Transfers call control messages and mobility management messages between

IS - 634A

the MSC and the MS.

GSM AND GPRS INTERFACES

Description

Entity Name

Description

Interface between BSC and MSC

AuC
Border Gateway

Authentication Center
Gateways between PLMNs and
external inter-PLMN
Base Station Controller
Base Station Sub-system
Base Transceiver Station
Equipment Identity Register
Gateway GSN
Gateway MSC
GPRS Support Node
Home Location Register
Location Area
Mobile Station
Mobile Switching Center
Network Switching Sub-system
Packet Control Unit
Public Land Mobile Network
Public Switched Telephone Network
Routing Area
Serving GSN
Registered user of a mobile station
Transcoding Rate and Adaptation Unit
Transmission/Reception Unit
Visitor Location Register

GSM 04.08

Mobility Management

Manages location updating, handovers, and registration procedures.

Abis

Interface between BTS and BSC

RR

GSM 04.08

Radio Resource Management

Controls setup, maintenance, and termination of radio channels.

Air (Uu)

Interface between MS and BTS

CM/CC

GSM 04.08

Connection Management

Handles general call control and supplementary services.

Interface between MSC and VLR

Supplementary Services

Supports supplementary services such as call forwarding.

Interface between MSC and HLR

SMS

GSM 04.11, 04.12

Short Message Service

Transfer a short text message between an MS and a Short Message Entity

Interface between VLR and HLR

MAP

GSM 09.02

Mobile Application Part

Supports signaling between SGSN/GGSN and HLR/ AuC/ EIR.

Interface between MSCs

BSSMAP

GSM 08.08

BSS Management Application Part

Supports the procedures between MSC and BSS.

Interface between MSC and EIR

ISUP

Q.763, ANSI TI.112

ISDN User Part

Set up, manages and releases voice/data calls.

Interface between VLRs

DUP

Q.741, X61

Data User Part

Call control, facility registration and cancellation for common signaling.

Interface between the HLR and AuC

TCAP

Q.773, ANSI TI.1149

Transactions Capabilities Application Part

Supports functions and procedures for an application running on one

Gb

Interface between BSC and SGSN

Gc

Interface between GGSN and HLR

Gd

Interface between SGSN and SMS-Gateway MSC

network node to invoke execution of an application of another node

and exchange results / database information.
B-ISUP

Q.2763

Broadband ISDN User Part

Adds broadband digital circuits and data transmission using both

Gf

Interface between SGSN and EIR

Gi

Interface between PLMN and external packet data networks

physical circuit and virtual circuit support to ISUP.

IS-41/MAP

Composite

EIA/TIA-41

Mobile Application Part for IS-41 Networks

(public or private)

Supports authentication, equipment identification and roaming in

Gn

Interface between SGSN and GGSN on same PLMN

IS-41 networks.

Gp

Interface between SGSN and GGSN on different PLMN

INAP

Intelligent Network Application Part

Service-independent capabilities in SS7.

Gr

Interface between SGSN and HLR

O&M

Operation & Maintenance

Vendor-specific protocols for operating and maintaining the BTS and BSC.

Gs

Interface between SGSN and VLR

BSC
BSS
BTS
EIR
GGSN
GMSC
GSN
HLR
LA
MS
MSC
NSS
PCU
PLMN
PSTN
RA
SGSN
Subscriber
TRAU
TRX
VLR

Other
Bearers

IP(user) /x.25
MTP3

UMTS
384 Kbps-2 Mbps

GSM
14.4 Kbps

IP

GCC

BCC

SNDCP

GMM/SM

NM

SMS

PDC
14.4 Kbps
L2
AMPS/N-AMPS
9.6 Kbps

Data Link

CDMAone(IS-95)
14.4 Kbps
IS-95B 64 - 115Kbps

CDMA 2000
144 Kbps

LLC
BSSGP

RLC

MTP2

NS

MAC

BTSM

Frame
Relay

LAPDm

LAPD

PDH
(E1)

GSM
RF

HDR 300 - 600 Kbps (downstream)

Physical

Product brand names may be

trademarks of their respective owners
and are mentioned for reference only.
Information subject to change without
notice. RADCOM makes no warranty
of any kind, expressed or implied,
including, but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
RADCOM is not liable for errors
contained herein.

US Office: RADCOM Equipment Inc.

6 Forest Avenue, Paramus NJ 07652 USA
Tel: (201) 518-0033, Fax: (201) 556-9030, 1-800-RADCOM-4
e-mail: info@radcomusa.com

Israel Office: RADCOM Ltd.

24 Raoul Wallenberg Street, Tel-Aviv 69719 Israel
Tel: +972-3-6455055, Fax:+972-3-6474681
e-mail: info@radcom.com

Protocol information and updates:

www.protocols.com

L1

China Office: RADCOM Ltd.

Handerson Center, Office 506, Tower 3
18 Jianguomennei Avenue, Beijing 1000005, P.R. China
Tel: +86-10-65187723 Fax:+86-10-65187721
e-mail: china@radcom.com

MTP1

PDH
(E1 Abis)

United Kingdom Office: RADCOM UK

2440 The Quadrant, Aztec West, Almondsbury
Bristol, BS32 4AQ England
Tel: +44-145-4878827, Fax: +44-145-4878788
e-mail: uk@radcom.com

RADCOM home page:

www.radcom.com

RA - PGPRS. Revision B

Interface

MM

SS

GSM AND GPRS ENTITIES

Network