Basic GSM/GPRS

Training
An Introduction to the Global System
for
Mobile Communication (GSM)
Sascha Meyer

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Outline
An Introduction to GSM

GSM Overview
Mobile Station and SIM
The Network Subsystem
The Basestation Subsystem
The Air Interface of GSM

Packet Data for the GSM World

GPRS Overview
The GPRS Network
The Air Interface of GPRS
Network Access and Packet Transmission
The GPRS Protocol Stack

Outlook

High Speed Mobile Data (HSMD)

High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD)
Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE)

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

An Introduction to
GSM
GSM Overview
Mobile Station and SIM
The Network Subsystem
The Basestation Subsystem
The Air Interface of GSM

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

GSM Overview
The Past

The standardization of GSM (Global System for Mobile

Communication) was carried out by ETSI in the late 1980s
to provide an all digital mobile communication system in
the 900 MHz range to the European market.

and The Present

Today, GSM is the most important mobile standard

worldwide and variants of GSM have been adapted
for different applications and frequency
ranges (R-GSM, E-GSM, PCS1900, ).

In principle

GSM is a cellular network like other

alternative solutions. The idea is to
achieve a high reuse factor of
the available frequencies.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

GSM Overview
GSM Network Elements and Interfaces

MS

BSS
5

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NSS
July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Mobile Station and SIM

A Mobile Station (MS) consists of Mobile Equipment (ME)
and SIM card
Every MS performs the following tasks:

Voice
Decoding

Channel Decoding
De-Interleaving
Reformating

Deciphering

Voice
Encoding

Channel Encoding
Interleaving
Burst Generation

Ciphering

Demodulation

Modulation

Mobile Equipment
SIM

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Amplification

Mobile Station and SIM

The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a typical Smart Card
SIM cards are available as ID-1 and Plug-In SIM
SIM performs algorithms and stores data (see table for some
exambles).

Administrative Data

Security Related
Data

Subscriber Data
Roaming Data

PIN/PUK codes
Last Dialled Numbers
A3 and A8 algorithms for authentication and Kc
calculation
Keys Ki (subscribers individual secret key) and Kc
(session key)
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
Access Control Classes (for control of network access)
TMSI, Location updating status, LAI
NCCs of restricted PLMNs and NCCs of preferred PLMNs
Home PLMNs NCC, MCC, MNC

PLMN Data

Nokia Mobile Phones

ARFCNs (Absolute Radio Freq. Channel Numbers) of home

PLMN (frequencies for which the home PLMN is licensed)
July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The Basestation Subsystem

Base Station Controller (BSC)
BSC was invented to relieve the MSC from radio related tasks
like access control or handover scenarios (-> do not require
contribution of MSC).
Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
The BTS connects the GSM network to the air interface and
has multiple radio related functions like interleaving, channel
coding and ciphering. Important: BTS broadcasts BCCH with
constant output power to supply surrounding mobile stations
with cell specific information and to serve as a beacon for
handover decisions.
Transcoding Rate and Adaption Unit
The TRAU is used for speech compression and is transparent
for data connections. Since human speech is quite redundant,
compression rates of 1/4 (fullrate channel (FR)) and even 1/8
(halfrate channel (HR)) are achieved.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The Network Subsystem

Mobile services Switching Center (MSC)
The MSC is a digital switch that has been upgraded to suit the
requirements of a mobile network environment. In GSM, the MSC
takes care of resource management towards the BSC and is
responsible for call processing in MO Calls and MT Calls. The
MSC can process handover procedures between two and even
three MSCs. Special function: Gateway-MSC (G-MSC) provides
access to external networks. Other MSCs with more special
functions for the processing of short messages: SMS-IW-MSC,
SMS-G-MSC.
Visitor Location Register (VLR)
Initially, the VLR was considered a different network element
from the MSC. Then the VLR became part of what is now called
MSC/VLR. Still, from the protocol perspective, the VLR takes care
of different tasks
(=> Mobility Management (MM)) than the MSC (=> Call Control
(CC)).

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The Network Subsystem

Home Location Register & Authentication Center
(HLR/AuC)
The HLR is a huge database for permanent storage of
subscriber data. The different VLRs and MSCs within a
PLMN will retrieve subscriber and routing information and
store it on an intermediate bases. Integrated in the HLR is
the AuC which holds every PLMN subscribers secret key
(Ki) and the (also secret) algorithms of GSM (A3, A8). The
AuC supports the VLR during subscriber authentication by
computing the authentication triplet (Kc, RAND, SRES).
Equipment Identity Register (EIR)
EIR was intended to track and so block stolen mobile
terminals from being used any further. Almost no operator
has implemented the EIR as the cost-value ratio is
uninteresting for most operators. (And because its so
rarely in use its even more pointless to implement it in
future).

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

The GSM Burst (Power vs. Time Template)

GSM uses the Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) modulation scheme.
Each GSM carrier requires 200 kHz bandwidth and is divided into 8 timeslots
(each with a duration of 577 us).
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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

The GSM access schemes are FDMA and TDMA:
GSM features Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) together with Frequency
Division Multiple Access (FDMA). TDMA timeslots are organized in TDMA frames.

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

A Hierarchy of Frames:

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

A Hierarchy of Frames:
Starting from the basic TDMA frame, the frame hierarchy
comprises Multiframes, Superframes, and Hyperframes. Each
TDMA frame carries a frame number (FN) uniquely identifying this
frame in the structure. The BTS needs an internal clocking system
to establish the frame hierarchy. This clocking system is also
needed to enable

Logical channel configuration

Network access
Circuit switched ciphering

Physical Channels vs. Logical Channels

A GSM physical channel basically is one timeslot. In turn, a
logical channel is an application specific bearer channel defined
to carry GSM data traffic or signaling, and is mapped on one or
more physical channels. The multiframe structure is used to
identify, at which moment in time which logical channel is using a
physical channel

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

A Hierarchy of
Frames:
This Example shows one
possible allocation of
logical channels in
downlink direction on TS
0 of the BCCH carrier
(uses 51-multiframe!):

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

(Some) Logical Channels of GSM:
Frequency
Correction
Channel (FCCH)

Lighthouse of the BTS

Synchronization
Channel (SCH)

Broadcasts PLMN/BTS identifier (BSIC) and absolut frame

number

Broadcast
Common Control
Channel (BCCH)

Carries cell specific information to the mobile stations that

are currently camping on that BTS.

Common Control
Channel (CCCH)

Mainly used to establish a dedicated channel (AGCH) or for

paging a mobile station (PCH)

Slow Associated
Control Channels
(SACCH)

Transmits signaling and information like timing advance,

power control information etc. Assigned to TCH (during call)
with one SACCH every 120 ms (26-multiframe) or to SDCCH
with one SACCH every 235.38 ms (51-multiframe).

Fast Associated
Control Channels
(FACCH)

The FACCH transmits signaling during a connection but is

only used when no delay is acceptable.

Standalone
Dedicated Control
Channel (SDCCH)

Exchange of signaling information between MS and BTS for

connection setup, location update etc. (bidirectional PTP
channels)

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

Different Burst Types of GSM:
Since GSM is a TDMA system, transmission and reception
is not continuous but performed in so called bursts.
Dependent on the usage, five different types bursts have
been defined:

17

Frequency Correction Burst (FB): consists of 142 bits, all

coded with 0 (plus head and tail), only used on the FCCH (the
BTS beacon).
Synchronization Burst (SB): is used on the Synchronization
Channel (SCH) and provides frame number and initial
identification of the cell.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

Different Burst Types of GSM:

18

Normal Burst (AB): carries almost every kind of information,

signaling and payload in uplink and downlink direction. Consists
of Payload (114 bit!), Training Sequence, and Stealing Flags (to
indicate if and which part of a burst has been stolen for FACCH)
Access Burst (AB): used by the mobile station to determine
the current propagation delay (-> Timing Advance (TA)) in this
cell. The AB is shortened to ensure that it fits into the respective
receive window of the BTS (this method allows for a max.
Distance of 35 km between mobile station and BTS.
Dummy Burst (DB): serves a special function on the BCCH
carrier where all timeslots need to transmit permanently
(because BCCH carrier serves as reference for handover and cell
selection decisions), even without being in use. All not-used
timeslots of the BCCH therefore transmit dummy bursts whereas
a dummy burst consists of a pre-defined and fixed bit sequence.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

The Timing Advance Control:
The propagation delay varies with distance and is a critical issue for a TDMA
system on the uplink path. Accordingly, the network needs to constantly tell
the mobile station how to offset its burst transmissions during a connection
(-> SACCH). Otherwise, the signals from different mobile stations would
collide in the receive window of the BTS.

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Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

Channel Coding:
Transmission over the air interface is vulnerable against interference. Adding
redundancy to the data to be sent allows the receiver to recover the original signal
in case of errors. (Below figure shows channel coding for the FR speech TCH)

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

Interleaving:
Interleaving is another method to protect data during transmissions over the air
interface. By distributing a single block over multiple bursts the hazard of a
complete loss of one packet is reduced.

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

Authentication
Authentication is used to prevent fraudulent subscribers from accessing
the GSM network. The Authentication process is invoked by the MSC/VLR
which requests precalculated authentication triplets from the HLR/AuC.
Authentication consists of challenging the mobile station by providing the
RAND. As the next slide shows RAND an Ki are the input parameters for
the algorithm A3. The respective output is SRES. The VLR will compare
both values, the stored SRES and the SRES coming from the mobile
station to decide whether the authentication process was successful.

Ciphering
Ciphering ensures data confidentiality during the transmission over the
air interface. Ciphering cannot be initiated without prior authentication!
Comparably to authentication, ciphering is based on the calculation of
RAND and Ki, but this time applying algorithm A8. The respective output
parameter Kc together with the current frame number is used in
algorithm A5 to determine the ciphering sequence that is used for
XORing the 114 bits of the output burst.

22

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

A3/8 computations during Authentication
The Challenge

The Response

Ki
RAND

SRES

A3

Ki
RAND

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

Kc

A8

Ciphering Key

CONFIDENTIAL

The GSM Air I/F

Ciphering with the A5
Kc

Frame
Number

A5
Key Stream
Cipher Text Stream

Clear Text Stream

114 not ciphered bits

XOR

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

114 ciphered bits, ready for

Burst Transmission

CONFIDENTIAL

Packet Data for the

GSM World
GPRS Overview
The GPRS Network
The Air Interface of GPRS
Network Access and Packet
The GPRS Protocol Stack

25

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July 9, 2002

Transmission

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

GPRS Overview
What GPRS is/is not:

GPRS is Packet Switched High Speed Mobile Data

An Efficient Approach to Upgrade Existing GSM to a Packet
Switched System on the way to 3G
An Important Trial for 3G Mobile Networks
Being Online Permanently!!!

GPRS is not the Internet in Your Pocket

Mobile Bandwidth without Limits
The Ultimate Goal of High Speed Mobile Data

26

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

GPRS Overview
Packet Switched vs. Circuit Switched:

27

Packet Switched transmission requires that every packet

comes with an individual header to provide address
and routing information. No allocation of dedicated
resources is required.

Circuit switched transactions establish a permanent

dedicated connection that for the duration of a
transaction is exclusively used by only one user.

Inherently, GSM is a packet-switched system,

considering that transmission and channel coding is
performed in bursts and blocks. Of course, this applies
only for the air interface.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

GPRS Overview
The Requirements for a GPRS Network:

Cost Efficiency:
Reuse as much HW of the existing GSM infrastructure as
possible
Support of Multiple Packet Data Protocols:
GPRS Rel99 supports IP, PPP and IHOSS (Internet Hosted
Opted Stream Service)
Support Short Message Services (SMS)
Provide for Different Charging Options:
e.g.: charge per duration, volume, content
Ensure a Long Term Investment:
Ensure later network migrations to EDGE, IMT-2000
Compatibility to Alternative Air Interface
Technologies:
Support IS-136+ and UWC
and

28

Provide Broadband Mobile Access to the Internet!!

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

GPRS Overview
GPRS Transmission Rates:

This table is taken from GSM 03.64. It considers RLC

headers as being part of the input for the encoder.

29

1 Timeslot

2 Timeslots

8 Timeslots

CS-1

9.05 kb/s

18.10 kb/s

72.4 kb/s

CS-2

13.4 kb/s

26.8 kb/s

107.2 kb/s

CS-3

15.6 kb/s

31.2 kb/s

124.8 kb/s

CS-4

21.4 kb/s

42.8 kb/s

171.2 kb/s

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

Implications for the GSM network:

30

The GSM Base Station Subsystem (BSS) should be left (almost)

unchanged
A Packet-Switched Core Network needs to be added to the GSM
Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

One Extension is needed in the BSS:

The Packet Control Unit (PCU) is added to interface

data packets to the unchanged GSM-BSS and to control
and manage most of the radio related functions of GPRS
Most vendors locate the PCU at the BSC. Other possible
locations are BTS or SGSN

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

A Complete New Core Network is

needed:

32

SGSNs, GGSN, BGs, etc.

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July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) functions:

33

The SGSN is a Packet Switch:

The SGSN needs to route incoming data to the right
destination
Data Compression:
SGSN applies data compression according to RFC 1144
(TCP/IP header compression) and V.42 bis (for data
compression).
Ciphering:
In GPRS the SGSN is responsible for data encryption, not the
BTS like in GSM.
Being the Ultimate Peer for the Mobile Station:
Within the GPRS core network, the SGSN is the main partner
for the mobile station

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) functions:

34

Mobility Management:
The SGSN keeps track of a subscribers location down to the
routing area and, in ready state, even down to the BTS level.
Charging:
The SGSN needs to collect charging information related to
the usage of the own network and in particular related to the
usage of the air interface.
Handover/Cell Change:
In case of a cell change during an ongoing packet data
transfer, the SGSN needs to take care that not-acknowledged
packets are routed to the new cell and, in case of a change of
the SGSN, that the new SGSN receives the unacknowledged
packets and all new packets.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)
functions:

Gateway to External Packet Data Networks:

As its name suggests, the GGSN interconnects a PLMN to external
packet data networks
Anchor Function During Packet Data Transactions:
Note that the GGSN will remain the anchor point for external packet
data networks even after the SGSN has changed due to a cell change.
Charging:
Opposed to the SGSN, the GGSN collects charging information based
on the usage of external network resources.

Function of the Border Gateway (BG):

35

Message Screening / Security:

All transactions that involve the usage of external PLMNs are
screened by the BG to provide a maximum level of security for a
network operator.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

The Complete Picture:
A smooth integration of GSM and GPRS

36

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Network

And What About the Mobile Station?
Class A:
The Mobile Station can simultaneously perform GSM
circuit-switched and GPRS packet switched
transactions. (Currently NMP does not have any such
product on its roadmap).
Class B:
The Mobile Station can monitor circuit-switched and
packet switched services, but cannot operate them
simultaneously. (8310, 6310, 6510, etc.)
Class C:
The Mobile Station can either monitor and operate
circuit switched services or GPRS. (see Nokia M2M
platform)

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

Introducing the 52-Multiframe:

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

The Structure of the 52-Multiframe :

39

12 Radio Blocks for the different Packet Data Channels (PDCHs)

Each Radio Block consists of 4 consecutive appearances of the
same timeslot within 4 consecutive TDMA frames.
Resource Allocation in Uplink and Downlink is done on Block
level
2 TDMA frames are reserved for Timing Advance Control
(Propagation Delay)
2 idle TDMA frames for interference measurements

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

To Avoid Problems with the Understanding:

40

One 52-multiframe represents 52 times the repetition of one

timeslot.
This figure represents the usage of TS 0

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

GPRS introduces new Packet Data Channels
(PDCHs):

41

PDCHs are only used in 52-multiframe

PDCHs can be allocated dynamically by the system
PCCCH, PBCCCH are usually introduced in high load situations

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

Details on the New Logical Channels:

42

PBCCH (Packet Broadcast Channel):

The PBCCH broadcasts GPRS related information about a
cell to all GPRS enabled mobile stations that are currently
camping on that cell. Opposed to the BCCH, the PBCCH can
be configured on each timeslot of each ARFCN.
PCCCH (Packet Common Control Channel):
PCCCH actually stands for the PRACH, PAGCH, PPCH and
PNCH. Note that packet-related control information can
also be transmitted on CCCH if there is no PCCCH allocated
in a cell.
PRACH (Packet Random Access Channel):
Similar to the RACH in GSM, the PRACH is used to convey
the initial network access message from the mobile station
to the network (PCU). The PRACH is the only uplink PCCCH.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

Details on the New Logical Channels:

43

PAGCH (Packet Access Grand Channel):

Like the circuit-switched AGCH, the PAGCH is used to convey
the assignment of dedicated uplink or downlink resources to
a mobile station. The PAGCH belongs to the group of PCCCHs.
PPCH (Packet Paging Channel):
As its name suggests, the PPCH is used to transmit a paging
message for GPRS or circuit-switched services to the mobile
station. Additionally, the PPCH can be used in GMM state
READY to send a downlink resource allocation to the mobile
station.
PNCH (Packet Notification Channel):
The PNCH is used to notify a mobile station about an
upcoming Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) transaction.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Air I/F

Details on the New Logical Channels:

44

PDTCH (Packet Data Traffic Channel):

The PDTCH is the bearer for all packet data being transferred in
uplink and downlink direction. The GPRS mobile station may
transmit and receive simultaneously on one or more PDTCHs.
Opposed to the circuit-switched TCH, the PDTCH is
unidirectional!
PACCH (Packet Associated Control Channel):
The PACCH is the only PDCH being available in both directions
during a unidirectional GPRS transaction. The PACCH is used to
transmit RLC/MAC control information between the PCU and the
mobile station.
PTCCH (Packet Timing Advance Control Channel):
Distinction needs to be made for the PTCCH/U (-> uplink) and
the PTCCH/D (-> downlink). The PTCCH is only applicable in the
52-multiframe positions 12 and 38 in uplink and downlink
direction. The PTCCH/U is divided into 16 subchannels within
eight 52-multiframes serving 16 different MS. (Another
possibility for TA Control is to use control messages on PACCH
when polled by the network)

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
The Initial Access in GPRS:

45

The initial access is used to convey the reason for

accessing the network and to determine the
distance between MS and network.
The initial access is done on the PRACH if a PCCCH is
provided in a cell or on the RACH if only the CCCH is
available.
On the RACH, the regular CHAN_REQ message is
used to convey the reason for access.
On the PRACH, the PACK_CHAN_REQ message is used.
Independent of the number of information bits, each
PACK_CHAN_REQ needs to fit in the shortened access
burst which may carry 36 information bits (->
puncturing).

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
One-Phase Packet Access

Requested and selected by the mobile station.

Initial access message is responded to by suitable resource allocation
in uplink direction (on one TS only if initiated on RACH).
Even if MS requests One-Phase access, network may enforce TwoPhase access by allocating only a single block to requesting MS (to
further specify its request).
Problem: initial access message cannot uniquely identify sending MS
=> different MSs may try to start using same resource allocation
=> Contention resolution required!

Two-Phase Packet Access

46

Selected by the MS by asking only for a single block allocation (on

RACH) or by explicitly requesting Two-Phase Packet Access (on PRACH).
Two-Phase Packet Access is mandatory in case of Unack. RLC/MAC
transmission mode.
No Contention resolution required,
but Two-Phase Packet Access takes twice the time of One-Phase Packet
Access
=> Preferred procedure for high load situations

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
Example of Two-Phase
Packet Access:

47

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
The Temporary Block Flow
(TBF):

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July 9, 2002

TBF is introduced to distinguish

between ongoing packet
transactions

May involve more than one TS

TBF is uniquely identified by a

Temporary Flow Identity (TFI)

TFI is part of each block sent up- or

downlink

The TFI is unformatted and has a

length of 5 bits.

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
The Trouble with Resource Allocation:
Packet Switched mobile networks do not deploy
dedicated resources but rather resources on
demand. One PDCH or PDTCH is shared among many
users.
Downlink direction is not critical as the network may
identify addressed MSs in each downlink block.
Uplink direction is very critical -> With several MSs
collisions are probable.

=> Uplink Transmissions Need to be Scheduled

and
Controlled by the Network!!!

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
Fixed Allocation of Uplink Resources

Network sends bitmap to MS identifiying all blocks within

several consecutive 52-multiframes where the mobile station
may transmit.
There may be more than one bitmap in case of more than one
TS used.
More resources can be requested freely when the MS is in a
fixed allocation.

Dynamic Allocation of Uplink Resources

The Uplink State Flag (USF) regulates the resource

allocation.
The USF is part of every downlink data or control block sent by
the network.
USF of downlink block k identifies user of uplink block (k+1).
(This is the preferred Resource Allocation method by operators)

Extended Dynamic Allocation of Uplink Resources

50

Only optional for network and MS.

Only usable in multislot assignments.
Also utilizes USF for uplink transmission scheduling.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission

Complete Picture of Network Access and Resource

Allocation

51

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

Network Access and Packet

Transmission
And what about Downlink Resource
Allocation???

Downlink transmission scheduling is no issue as it is

automatically controlled by the network.

Downlink reception -> a mobile station cannot determine

in advance when packets will be sent by the network.
=> A mobile station needs to receive and decode all
downlink data blocks on all assigned timeslots while
involved in a downlink TBF!!!

52

A mobile station will identify its downlink data packets by

checking the TFI, which is part of each downlink block.

Nokia Mobile Phones

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Protocol Stack

Some Facts about the GPRS Protocol Stack

53

Note: The BSC and BTS are (almost) transparent -> most packet rel. tasks in BSS are handled by
the PCU
Note: LLC is the lowest GPRS protocol independent from the underlying air interface standard
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Sascha Meyer

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The GPRS Protocol Stack

Some more Details on the GPRS Protocols:
RLC/MAC (Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control):
The MAC sublayer controls the access to the transmission medium
(access, sharing, release of the physical medium). RLC deals with
segmentation and de-segmentation of data units from higher layers
(-> LLC). RLC also ensures data protection by applying ARQ
measures. RLC/MAC best match with OSI layer 2 .
LLC (Logical Link Control):
LLC is the lowest GPRS protocol, independent from the used air
interface protocols (makes GPRS core network as independent as
possible from air I/F). LLC is an OSI layer 2 protocol and offers
encapsulation of higher layer PDUs, acknowledged and
unacknowledged operation, and GPRS ciphering. LLC is based on
HDLC.
SNDCP (Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol):
SNDCP is responsible for in-sequence delivery of SNDCP PDUs and
for the actual transmission between MS and SGSN. It interfaces to
the supported packet data protocols (IP, PPP, IHOSS). SNDCP does
compression/decompression of data and packet headers (in case of
TCP/IP).

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

The GPRS Protocol Stack

Some more Details on the GPRS Protocols:

55

FR (Frame Relay):
-> simple packet-switched networking protocol (no
error correction!) used on the Gb interface. Together
with the Network Service Control, FR forms the
Network Service (NS). NS administrates the virtual
connections between SGSNs and PCUs.
BSSGP (Basestation Subsystem GPRS Protocol):
Takes care of transmission of radio related control
information between PCU and SGSN (like BSSMAP
between BSC and MSC). It also transparently transfers
LLC frames between mobile station and SGSN.
GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol):
Carries information between all GSNs (and the
Charging Gateway Function (GCF)): GTP signaling and
application data transfer

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Sascha Meyer

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Outlook
High Speed Mobile Data
High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) Overview
Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) Overview

56

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CONFIDENTIAL

High Speed Mobile Data

57

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HSCSD Overview
An Overview on High Speed Circuit Switched Data
(HSCSD):

58

HSCSD is circuit switched:

Resources are allocated permanently and cannot be used for
another transaction.
HSCSD combines TCHs:
HSCSD combines up to 4 fullrate TCHs to provide data rates up
to 57.6 kbit/s. Operators usually offer not more than 38.4 kbit/s
(to limit HSCSD complexity)

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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

HSCSD Overview
An Overview on High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD):

59

HSCSD offers symmetric and asymmetric connections:

Symmetric connections use same data rates up- and downlink. On
asymmetric connections, the data rate in downlink direction is (always!)
higher than in uplink.
HSCSD offers transparent and non-transparent connections:
No error recognition and correction but higher data rates on transparent
connections. RLP (Radio Link Protocol) on non-transparent connections
for error recognition and correction.
HSCSD Performance:
This table shows the HSCSD throuput rates depending on the allocated
number of fullrate traffic channels.

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1 TCH

2 TCHs

3 TCHs

4 TCHs

Fullrate TCHs
with 9.6 kbit/s

9.6 kb/s

19.2
kb/s

28.8
kb/s

38.4
kb/s

Fullrate TCHs
with 14.4
kbit/s

14.4
kb/s

28.8
kb/s

43.2
kb/s

57.6
kb/s

July 9, 2002

Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL

EDGE Overview
EDGE migrates GPRS to EGPRS:

60

EDGE largely builds on the established GPRS network. The protocol

stack is left almost unchanged, but extensive adaptations in the
RLC/MAC layers are required. 8PSK and GSMK are deployed
simultaneously.

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Sascha Meyer

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EDGE Overview
EGPRS introduces nine new coding schemes:

Nine new Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) to enable

data rates of up to 59.2 kbit/s per timeslot.

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Coding Scheme

Modulation

Code Rate

Transmission Rate
per Timeslot

MCS-1

GMSK

0.53

8.8 kb/s

MCS-2

GMSK

0.66

11.2 kb/s

MCS-3

GMSK

0.80

14.8 kb/s

MCS-4

GMSK

1.0

17.6 kb/s

MCS-5

8-PSK

0.37

22.4 kb/s

MCS-6

8-PSK

0.49

29.6 kb/s

MCS-7

8-PSK

0.76

44.8 kb/s

MCS-8

8-PSK

0.92

54.4 kb/s

MCS-9

8-PSK

1.0

59.2 kb/s

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EDGE Overview
EDGE deploys a new modulation scheme:
3/8 Offset 8-PSK

62

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EDGE Overview
EGPRS and 8PSK Modulation:

63

EDGE/EGPRS deploys 3/8 Offset 8PSK modulation to limit spectrum

requirements to a minimum
Opposed to GMSK which
(theoretically) contains no amplitude
modulation (AM),
8-PSK contains phase (PM) and
amplitude modulation (AM).
Thus, 8-PSK modulated signals in
EGPRS need to be transmitted with
smaller output power than GMSK
to avoid that the power amplifier
becomes nonlinear (-> garbled
signal).
Therefore, the coverage area of a
BTS that deploys 8-PSK modulation
shrinks.
This effect increases with higher
interference level.

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Thanks for Your Attention!

64

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Nice-To-Know

International Mobile Subscriber Identity:

IMSI = MCC + MNC+ MSIN
15
3
2(3)
10 digits

Basestation Identity Code: BSIC = NCC (3 bit) +

BCC (3 bit)
(Network and Basestation Color Codes)
Normal Burst:

Tail(3)+Payload(57)+Stealing Flag(1, -> FACCH)+Training

Sequence(26)+Stealing
Flag(1)+Payload(57)+Tail(3)+Guard Period(8,25)

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Nice-To-Know

51er multiframe:

Carries only signaling

Carries many control channels and serves many subscribers on one TS

26er multiframe:

Serves only one subscriber (in HR configuration -> 2 subscribers)

Pos 12 -> SACCH (TA, Power Control), needs 4 consecutive 26multiframes
Pos 25 -> IDLE to allow measurement of neighboring SCHs => main
reason for 26-multiframe structure: measurement in idle position varies
against 51-multiframes (that carry the SCH)

52er multiframe:

2 x 26-multiframe
Synchronisation of MS on BTS does not change!
Network dynamically allocates 52-multiframes on TSs depending on
GPRS load
Never 26-multiframe and 52-multiframe on same TS

Hyperframe only because of ciphering, FN is input in

ciphering algorithm A5, repeats every 3.5 h
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Nice-To-Know

BEC Backward Error Correction:

detect errors by adding checksum, repeat requests of erroneous

blocks

FEC Forward Error Correction:

to detect errors and correct errors -> by adding redundancy

Channel Coding:

TRAU Frame: Class 1a (highly protected), 1b (protected), 2 (no protection)

Interleaving:

GPRS mixes 4 bursts of a radio block but does not mix bursts of
multiple radio blocks (-> signaling, time to react, etc.)
GSM data spreads 4 bursts over 22 bursts

Rate Convolution Coder:

IN

FF

FF

FF

FF

Out1

Out2
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Sascha Meyer

CONFIDENTIAL