E 04

Alcatel-Lucent GSM
BSS System Introduction
BSS Document
Concept Guide
Release B10
3BK 21223 AAAA TQZZA Ed.04
BLANK PAGE BREAK
Status
RELEASED
Short title
Introduction
All rights reserved. Passing on and copying of this document, use
and communication of its contents not permitted without written
authorization from Alcatel-Lucent.
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Contents
Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Introduction to GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1
Mobile Telecommunications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.1
Cellular Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.2
Origin and Evolution of GSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.3
Evolution to (E)GPRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2
GSM Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.1
Standard GSM PLMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.2
GSM/(E)GPRS PLMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.3
Mobile Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.4
Base Station Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.5
Network Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.6
BSS Telecommunications Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.7
Network Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3
GSM Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.1
Mobile Network Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.2
Handling Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.3
Location Services (LCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.4
Location Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.5
Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.6
Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alcatel-Lucent Base Station Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2
Alcatel-Lucent BSS Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.1
Alcatel-Lucent Radio Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.2
Base Station Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.3
Base Transceiver Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.4
Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.5
Transcoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3
External Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.1
Call Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.2
Call Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.3
Call Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5
(E)GPRS-Specific Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.1
(E)GPRS in the PLMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.2
(E)GPRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.3
(E)GPRS Network Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.4
(E)GPRS Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.5
(E)GPRS Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6
Operations and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.1
Network Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.2
O&M Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.3
O&M Functions Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Figures
Figures
Figure 1: Mobile Telecommunications Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 2: Cellular Network Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 3: Call Setup Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 4: Logical Position of the Alcatel-Lucent BSS and Associated External Components in the PLMN . 32
Figure 5: The Alcatel-Lucent (E)GPRS Solution in the PLMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Figure 6: Position of the MFS in the BSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Figure 7: TMN Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Figure 8: TMN System Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
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Tables
Tables
Table 1: Basic GSM System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table 2: Basic Teleservices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 3: GSM Channel Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Table 4: Control Channel Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Table 5: Basic Call Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Table 6: Mobile Station Ciphering Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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Tables
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Preface
Preface
Purpose
This document provides a high-level overview of the Alcatel-Lucent Base

Station Subsystem (BSS).
It introduces primary BSS concepts, including:
The principle role and tasks of the Alcatel BSS
Network organization, functions and network management
BSS operations and maintenance.
This document also provides an introduction to GSM operation and (E)GPRS.
Read this document before reading the BSS System Description and other
related documentation.
Whats New
In Edition 04
Update with the new equipment naming.
In Edition 03
Illustrations and layout were checked and improved.
Overall document quality was improved following a quality review.
In Edition 02
Overall document quality was improved following an editorial review.
Transcoder (Section 2.2.5) was updated.
GboIP was introduced in Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server (Section 2.2.4).
AMR-WB and TFO were introduced inTraffic Channels (Section 1.3.6.1).
TC IP supervision was introduced in Transcoder (Section 2.2.5).
In Edition 01
First official release.
7 / 52
Preface
Audience
This document is for personnel requiring a general overview of the functions of

the Alcatel-Lucent BSS, such as:
Network decision makers who require a basic understanding of system
principles, including:
Network management
Technical management
Training management.
Operations and Support management who require a basic understanding of
how the system operates, including:
Operations management
Maintenance management
Client support management.
Assumed Knowledge
You must be familiar with the following external systems or equipment:

Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)
Network Subsystem (NSS)
Mobile-services Switching Center (MSC)
Mobile Station
Network Management Center (NMC).
8 / 52
1 Introduction to GSM
This section summarizes the development of mobile telecommunications,
including its evolution to (E)GPRS, and introduces some basic mobile
communications concepts.
9 / 52
1.1 Mobile Telecommunications

Mobile telecommunications provide the possibility of communicating voice,
image, fax, or computer data from a mobile subscriber, regardless of location,
to other telephone subscribers. The term "mobile telecommunications" refers to
calls made from and received by either mobile telephones fitted into cars or
hand-held telephones. These telephones are referred to as mobile stations
(MS), and they allow users to receive and make calls, wherever they may be.
The major difference between fixed and mobile telecommunications networks is
that the mobile stations are not permanently connected to the network in known
locations. A mobile station does not have to be physically connected to the
network (see the figure below). This means that mobile subscribers must be
located and identified by the mobile network before calls can be set up.
Mobile
Telecommunications
Network
Mobile
Station
Mobile
Station
Public
Telephone
Network
Figure 1: Mobile Telecommunications Overview
1.1.1 Cellular Systems

The technology used to manage network resources for mobile networks
continues to evolve since its inception. At the beginning of the 1980s, cellular
systems began to emerge as real competitors to early mobile systems which
were not divided into cells.
10 / 52
In cellular systems, the area covered by a mobile network is divided into radio
cells, as shown in the figure below. A cell is the geographic zone covered by
one radio transmitter and receiver.
Cellular systems take advantage of the concept of radio frequency re-use,
whereby the same frequencies are re-used by cells that are far enough apart
(i.e., non-adjacent) to limit co-channel interference. Modern systems use cell
clusters, with no frequency re-use within the cluster. For example, in each
cluster, cell 1 is assigned a set of frequencies while cell 2 is assigned a different
set of frequencies. As shown in the following figure, cell 1 in one cluster is
never next to cell 1 of the adjacent cluster and the cell pattern is repeated for
each cluster. This results in a more efficient use of limited radio resources.
1
4
7
1
8
2
6
1
9
3
4
7
8
2
3
6
9
Figure 2: Cellular Network Structure

Cellular analog systems present several important disadvantages, such as a
lack of international standards, roaming limited to networks using the same
system, and poor speech security. These factors are responsible for restraining
mobile network development, therefore, analog systems are now being
superseded by digital radio systems. Digital systems provide greater capacity
to deal with increased user traffic due to the proliferation of mobile telephone
use, and the ever-widening range of user services requiring the transmission of
voice, image, computer and fax data.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS uses advanced cell management techniques such as
the use of concentric cells to increase the frequency economy of the network.
The BSS also supports a feature called Unbalanced TRX Power. This feature
defines a specific type of concentric cell which allows an even more efficient
use of radio resources.
For more information about these and other Alcatel-Lucent BSS features,
refer to the BSS System Description.
11 / 52
1.1.2 Origin and Evolution of GSM

The Groupe Speciale Mobile was originally part of the European Conference
of Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) group. This organization was
responsible for developing the first mobile telecommunication standards. It
produced recommendations for mobile services, radio transmission, network
architecture and interfaces between subsystems. The resulting cellular radio
telephone system is known as the Global System for Mobile Communications,
or GSM. GSM standardization was later taken over by the global European
standards organization, the ETSI, and in 1998 a collaboration agreement was
established between a number of telecommunications standards bodies,
resulting in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Agreement (3GPP).
3GPP is responsible for defining recommendations for the advanced use of
cellular radio telephone systems.
The GSM working group based their system on digital transmission
technology. Digital transmission provides greater reliability, higher traffic
density, and better quality than earlier analog methods. The original GSM
recommendation specified a common frequency band around 900 MHz for
mobile communication. Systems using this band are referred to as GSM 900
systems. To provide additional coverage in densely populated urban areas, a
second band around 1800 MHz/1900 MHz was reserved. This is referred to as
GSM 1800/1900 and uses the same GSM standards operating at the higher
frequency range. The GSM 900 systems have been extended into the 900 MHz
primary band (P-GSM band) and the 900 MHz extension band (G1 band).
The GSM 850 MHz band was introduced in Release 1999 of the 3GPP
Standard in 1999, but is supported by all mobile station releases since 1997, to
allow operators to progressively replace the D-AMPS and CDMA technologies
that were using these frequencies. In addition to certain Asian countries, the
GSM 850 MHz band concerns many Latin American countries where operators
already use the GSM system with the GSM 1900 MHz in their network, to
extend or replace their existing D-AMPS network.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS supports the following multiband network
configurations, and any monoband network configuration involving one of the
following frequency bands:
BSS with a mix of GSM 850 and GSM 1900 cells
BSS with a mix of GSM 850 and GSM 1800 cells
BSS with a mix of GSM 900 and GSM 1800 cells.
For more information about the BSS and its components, including the
Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server (MFS), and their place in the PLMN, refer to the:
BSS System Description
Alcatel-Lucent 9135 MFS Description.
12 / 52
The following table shows the basic system specifications for GSM networks.
Parameter
Values
GSM 850 Frequency band
Uplink: 824 MHz - 849 MHz

Downlink: 869 MHz - 894 MHz

GSM 900 Extension

Frequency band


Duplex distance
GSM 900: 45 MHz

GSM 1800/1900: 95 MHz
Carrier separation
200 kHz
Modulation
Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK),

Phase Shift Keying (8-PSK)
Transmission rate
270 kbit/s
Access method
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Table 1: Basic GSM System Specifications

Standardization of GSM technology, although originally developed for the
European market, is now implemented by network operators and regulatory
authorities around the world.
13 / 52
GSM provides the following advantages:

Standardization
International standards ensure compatibility between systems in different
countries, enabling subscribers to use their mobile stations locally and
internationally.
International roaming
Roaming is no longer limited to areas covered by the cells of a given
network operator. Calls can be processed and charged to subscribers
whether they call from their home network or from a network in another city
or another country.
Consistent Quality
Due to improved radio resource control, digital equalizing, encoding and
frequency hopping, mobile networks can provide a consistent level of quality.
Call Security/Protection
Improved authentication and ciphering techniques for all signaling and
user data allow protected subscriber access to the network and ensure
user confidentiality.
The 3GPP specifications ensure further advantages by the implementation of
new management and mobile subscriber features such as:
General Packet Radio Service ((E)GPRS). Refer to Evolution to (E)GPRS
(Section 1.1.3).
Voice Group Call Service (VGCS), which allows the efficient radio resource
management of multiple mobile stations on the same call
Quality of Service (QoS) and Packet Flow Control (PFC), which allow
the differentiation and resulting management of traffic classes, to ensure
efficient use of radio resources and more effective user service.
Refer to the BSS System Description for more information about these GSM
and 3GPP features as they are implemented in the Alcatel-Lucent BSS.
14 / 52
1.1.3 Evolution to (E)GPRS

The success of GSM has taken place in parallel with the explosion of interest
in the Internet and related data services. Originally, data transmission over
the Air Interface was limited to 9.6 kbits/s, which was too slow for use by
graphics-intensive services such as the World Wide Web and personal
video conferencing. In addition, the circuit-switched method used for data
transmission makes inefficient use of radio resources which are under
increasing pressure from the ever-increasing number of GSM subscribers and
the services they require.
The solution chosen by 3GPP for the double challenge of increased demand
for data service and pressure on radio resources is called General Packet
Radio Service ((E)GPRS). The 3GPP recommendations establish a standard
for inserting an alternative transmission method for data in the PLMN: packet
switching instead of circuit switching.
Packet switching is described in the Packet Switching section of the BSS
System Description.
GPRS was first introduced in Release 1997 of 3GPP standards, and then
(E)GPRS was introduced in Release 1999 to increase the data rates and to
improve link adaptation performances, therefore permitting new services such
as video-streaming, rich multimedia content, and other data-intensive services.
The (E)GPRS solution exceeds GPRS capabilities for data transmission rates
by using new modulation and coding schemes on the Air Interface.
The Alcatel-Lucent (E)GPRS solution is closely aligned to the 3GPP 1999
Release recommendations.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS supports GPRS and (E)GPRS in all frequency bands
supported in GSM.
15 / 52
1.2 GSM Architecture

A functional structure exists to ensure compatibility between the different
subsystems, their components and the communication interfaces. The
definition is based on the GSM recommendations.
1.2.1 Standard GSM PLMN

The standard GSM Public Land Mobile Network, shown in the figure below,
consists of:
Mobile stations, to transmit and receive calls
At least one BSS, to act as the radio part that connects the mobile station
to the switching part of the PLMN
The Network Subsystem, to manage switching, interconnection and
subscriber data.
Mobile Stations
BTS
BTS
BTS
BTS
BTS
BSS
BTS
BTS
BSC
BSC
Transcoder
Transcoder
NSS
16 / 52
1.2.2 GSM/(E)GPRS PLMN

A GSM/(E)GPRS PLMN, shown in the figure below, consists of:
Mobile stations, to transmit and receive calls
At least one BSS, to act as the radio part that connects the mobile station
to the switching part of the PLMN
At least one MFS (see Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server (Section 2.2.4)).
Mobile Stations
BTS
BTS
BTS
BTS
BTS
BSS
BTS
BTS
BSC
BSC
MFS
Transcoder
NSS
MFS
: Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server
1.2.3 Mobile Stations

Mobile stations (MS) are the only items of mobile telecommunications
equipment the subscriber physically uses. MS can be vehicle mounted or
portable kits, but the most popular models are hand-held stations.
Mobile stations provide generic radio and processing functions, allowing
subscribers to access the mobile network via a radio interface called the "Air
Interface". Modern MS and their associated service providers propose many
features, including Short Message Services (SMS), Multimedia Services
(MMS), the ability to transfer data to and from computers and faxes, television
and radio streaming, and the possibility of creating and manipulating photos
and video imaging.
17 / 52
1.2.4 Base Station Subsystem

The BSS supports the Air Interface and connects the mobile stations to the
switching part of the GSM PLMN, as shown in the figure below.
Air Interface
BTS
Transcoder
BSC
BTS
Mobile
Stations
Network
Subsystem
MFS
Public
Telephone
Network
Base Station Subsystem
PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK
MFS
A BSS comprises:
At least one Base Transceiver Station (BTS), which provides the radio links
between the mobile stations and the Base Station Controller (BSC)
A BSC, which controls several BTSs
A Transcoder, located between the BSC and the NSS.
The BSS can include additional transmission equipment to perform multiplexing
and monitoring functions.
With (E)GPRS data traffic, the BSS also includes an MFS to manage data
packets and perform Location Services (LCS) through Serving Mobile Location
Center (SMLC) functions within the MFS. For more information about the MFSs
position in the BSS, refer to Alcatel-Lucent BSS Components (Section 2.2).
18 / 52
1.2.5 Network Subsystem

The main role of the NSS is to manage communication within the PLMN
and with the public telephone network. The NSS manages the subscriber
administration databases. The figure below shows the components of a typical
NSS.
Base
Station
Subsystem
Mobile
Stations
MSC
VLR
HLR
AUC
EIR
SGSN
GGSN
Public
Telephone
Network
Network
Subsystem
PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK
AUC
: Authentication Center
EIR
: Equipment Identity Register
GGSN
: Gateway GPRS Support Node
HLR
: Home Location Register
MSC
: Mobile Switching Center
SGSN
: Serving GPRS Support Node
VLR
: Visitor Location Register
An NSS comprises:
The MSC, which co-ordinates outgoing and incoming call set up for GSM
subscribers for voice and other user traffic
The Home Location Register (HLR), which is the central database within a
given network for mobile subscriber-specific data
The Visitor Location Register (VLR), which temporarily stores information
about the mobile stations entering its coverage area
The Authentication Center (AUC), which manages the security data used for
subscriber authentication
The Equipment Identity Register (EIR), which contains the lists of mobile
station equipment identities.
To handle (E)GPRS data traffic, the NSS also includes:
The Serving (E)GPRS Support Node (SGSN), which handles packet (i.e.
data) traffic, including security functions, and the interface to the HLR
The Gateway (E)GPRS Support Node (GSGN), which provides interworking
with external packet-switched networks.
Outgoing inter-PLMN handovers allow operators to define handover adjacency
links towards external cells belonging to foreign PLMNs (to which external
OMC-R cells belong).
The Multi-PLMN feature allows operators to define several PLMNs in order to
support network sharing, inter-PLMN handovers and cell reselections between
two different PLMNs.
19 / 52
The BSC cannot be shared and therefore remains mono-PLMN (i.e. all
BSC cells belong to the same PLMN). This feature defines several PLMNs,
inter-PLMN handovers, and cell reselections between two different PLMNs.
New BSC counters as well as Outgoing Inter-PLMN handovers monitor
procedures involving all types of inter-PLMN handover.
1.2.6 BSS Telecommunications Layers

The telecommunications functions of a GSM network are split into two basic
layers:
The Application layer, split into sub-layers which control:
Call management
Mobility management
Radio resource management.
The Transmission layers, which provide transmission to various components.
For a detailed description of the BSS telecommunications layers, refer to the
BSS Telecommunications Layers section of the BSS System Description.
1.2.7 Network Management

In GSM, the PLMN is managed according to a network management concept
referred to as the Telecommunication Management Network (TMN). The
TMN defines a set of network management functions according to the ISO
systems management rules. For more information, see Network Management
(Section 2.6.1).
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) describes the set of actions that monitor,
control, and record how the system is functioning.
O&M activities are divided into three functional groups:
Configuration Management
Fault Management
Performance Management.
The exact implementation of these functional groups for network management
is not strictly defined within GSM. Therefore, Alcatel-Lucent has developed its
O&M concept to ensure high performance.
For further information on O&M, refer to the following documents:
Operations & Maintenance in the BSS System Description
Operations & Maintenance Principles
9153 Getting Started.
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1.3 GSM Function

The primary function of a GSM network is to provide a consistent mobile
telecommunication service. To do so, GSM supports a number of standardized
services, some of which guarantee basic telephony services and others which
provide an extra level of comfort for the user.
1.3.1 Mobile Network Services

Network operators can implement three types of mobile network services:
Teleservices
Bearer services
Supplementary services.
1.3.1.1 Teleservices
Service
Description
Telephony
GSM supports telephony with the ability to send or receive calls anywhere in the
world where there is GSM or fixed network coverage.
Emergency call
GSM allows calls to be routed to an emergency service. Emergency calls have

priority. If there are insufficient radio resources, the call request is queued at the
highest priority.
Data Calls
GSM supports the transmission of a wide range of data and offers a variety of
transmission types. (E)GPRS increases the throughput of data traffic.
Fax
High speed telefax messages can be sent to or received from a standard fax machine
anywhere in the world.
Videotex
GSM supports the transmission of videotex information such as is used in the Minitel.
SMS
SMS allows the transmission of messages containing up to 160 alphanumeric

characters to be sent to a subscriber. The SMS center interfaces with other network
services such as paging, message handling and voice messaging.
MMS
MMS allows the transmission of messages containing test, voice and images to be
sent to a subscriber. The MMS center interfaces with other network services such
as paging, message handling and voice messaging.
Cell Broadcast
Cell broadcast is a short message service which allows short messages to be sent to
all phones in a geographical area.
Table 2: Basic Teleservices
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1.3.1.2 Bearer Services

Bearer services provide basic transmission functions. GSM uses a variety of
bearer services to provide the different speeds and communications types
required to run a range of service applications, including data transmission.
1.3.1.3 Supplementary Services

In addition to the teleservices provided by a mobile network, the network
supports the following supplementary services that are provided by the CN.
These are administered by the network operator and offered to the mobile
subscriber as options:
Call forwarding (unconditional, mobile subscriber busy, no reply, mobile
not reachable)
Call barring (outgoing, outgoing international, outgoing international except
to home country, incoming, incoming when roaming abroad)
Call waiting, call hold, and multi-party service such as the Voice Group
Call Service (VGCS)
Call prioritization, using features such as Enhanced Multi Level Priority
and Pre-emption (eMLPP)
Billing advice.
GSM defines a comprehensive set of recommendations concerning the
management and implementation of these services, in conjunction with 3GPP
and other standardization groups.
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1.3.2 Handling Calls

Communication to or from a mobile station must be:
Initiated
Authenticated
Established
Maintained
Analyzed
Terminated.
When a call between a mobile station and a fixed network telephone is set up,
the data is transmitted on the radio path between the mobile station and the
BSS over a Traffic Channel (TCH). The information is then routed to the fixed
network under the control of the MSC. A call between two mobiles in the same
location area is also set up by the MSC.
The figure below illustrates the basic call setup procedure involved for a
mobile-originated call.
Dialled number +
subscriber information
Dialled number +
Dialled number +
Authentication accept
Dedicated control resource
Traffic channel
Traffic channel
BTS

Traffic channel
BSC
Transcoder
MSC
Mobile
Station
Network
Subsystem
Figure 3: Call Setup Procedure

To ensure that calls are not interrupted when a mobile station moves from one
cell to another during a call, handover occurs so that the call path follows the
mobile station. Handover is the transfer of the call from one communication
channel to another channel of the same type. Handover is transparent to
the user.
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1.3.3 Location Services (LCS)

LCS is an optional, end-user service that provides the geographical location
(longitude, latitude, and, optionally, altitude) of mobile stations.
An LCS client can request location information for one or more target mobile
station from the LCS server, supported by the PLMN.
LCS is applicable to any target mobile station, whether or not the mobile
station supports LCS. However, restrictions apply to the choice of positioning
methods when LCS, or individual positioning methods, are not supported by
the mobile station.
Several positioning methods are possible:
Time Advance (TA) positioning
Conventional GPS positioning, whereby the mobile uses GPS to provide
its position
Assisted GPS (A-GPS) positioning, which provides two different A-GPS
positioning methods:
Mobile station-based A-GPS, where the mobile provides its position using
A-GPS, but with the help of assistance data provided by the network
Mobile station-assisted A-GPS, where the network provides both
assistance data to the mobile and also fixes the position (i.e. the mobile
is fully "assisted" in this positioning method).
An A-GPS server provides assistance data (and on request, fixes the position).
This A-GPS server is mandatory to get a position when using A-GPS
positioning methods.
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1.3.4 Location Updating

Location updating allows the network to know the location of a mobile station at
any given time. It lets the mobile station identify a change in cell location and
initiate automatic updating procedures.
The HLR is the reference database for subscriber information. The VLR
contains copies of most of the data stored in the HLR, but is a temporary
database of subscriber information for wherever the subscriber is physically
located within a PLMN. This eliminates the need for time-consuming references
to the HLR.
When the mobile station enters a new VLR area, it uses a Temporary Mobile
Subscriber Identity (TMSI) that was allocated by the last VLR. The mobile
station communicates its last Location Area Identifier (LAI), which allows the
new VLR to identify the former VLRs address. Then the new VLR requests the
mobile stations IMSI and related information. The VLR sends the updated
information to the HLR.
BTS
Mobile
Station
BSC
BSC
MSC
VLR
MSC
VLR
Mobile Station connecting

in a new location area
Protocol Messages
Mobile
Station
BTS
BSC
BSC
MSC
VLR
The HLR replaces old location data with the location update information sent
from the VLR, which also assigns a new TMSI to the mobile station. The
HLR can refuse the location updating information if, for example, the mobile
subscriber does not have permission to communicate in the new VLR area.
Once a mobile station has been recognized, accepted, and allocated a TMSI,
it can set up calls.
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1.3.5 Network Security

This section describes the security functions available to the network operator
to minimize the risk of fraudulent use of the network.
1.3.5.1 Subscriber Identity Confidentiality

Each subscriber has a personal SIM. The SIM is a smart card which stores all
the information a subscriber requires to use a GSM mobile telephone, and
can be transferred to any mobile equipment. The SIM is protected against
unauthorized access by a PIN.
The network must identify the mobile subscriber at the beginning of each
transaction between a mobile station and the network. The mobile station
sends its related IMSI, stored on the SIM, to the network. The IMSI must be
protected when sent over the Air Interface. Therefore, the VLR can assign the
IMSI a TMSI. The TMSI is ciphered when transmitted to the mobile station,
where it is stored.
1.3.5.2 Keys and Triplets

A secret identification key is associated with each IMSI. One copy of this data
is stored on the SIM. A second copy of the data is stored in the AUC, which
verifies security data for each subscriber attached to it.
1.3.5.3 Authentication
For authentication purposes, the VLR chooses a triplet and sends the value of
the random number to the mobile station. The mobile station calculates the
value of the signed response and returns it to the VLR, where it is compared
with the value in the selected triplet. If the signed response value is the same,
then the mobile station is ready for use. If not, no calls are permitted for
the mobile station.
A mobile station which is unknown to the PLMN and which enters a VLRs
territory is authenticated if there is a roaming agreement with the mobile
stations home network. If not, no calls are permitted for the mobile station.
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1.3.6 Channels
The following table shows the used frequency channels between the mobile
station and the BTS.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS supports the E-GSM band:
The 900 MHz primary band (P-GSM band, 890-915 MHz in uplink, 935-960
MHz in downlink) and
The 900 MHz extension band (G1 band, 880-890 MHz in uplink, 925-935
MHz in downlink).
The following table shows all the supported frequency bands and the number
of channels for each band.
Parameter
GSM 850
GSM 900
GSM 1800
GSM 1900
Transmit band
869 - 894 MHz
925 - 960 MHz
1805 - 1880 MHz
1930 - 1990 MHz
Receive band
824 - 849 MHz
880 - 915 MHz
1710 - 1785 MHz
1850 - 1910 MHz
Number of
channels
124
174
374
299
Table 3: GSM Channel Characteristics

The radio carriers are separated by 200 kHz. Each radio carrier is divided
over time to give an eight timeslot frame. This is a TDMA frame. In TDMA,
the callers are assigned timeslots as they are needed, and their signals are
interleaved within the one channel as the sequence is transmitted.
A channel uses a particular timeslot at each occurrence of a frame.
(E)GPRS traffic uses the same radio resources as circuit-switched traffic, and
is carried on the same type of physical channel.
There are two types of GSM radio channels:
Traffic Channels (TCH)
Control Channels (CCH).
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1.3.6.1 Traffic Channels

TCHs are used as speech traffic channels (for ciphered speech) or as data
traffic channels.
Speech traffic channels are defined as:
Half-rate traffic channels which use half a timeslot, at a rate of 6.5 kbits/s
Full-rate traffic channels which use a full timeslot, at a rate of 13 kbits/s
Enhanced full-rate traffic channels which use a full timeslot, at a rate of 13
kbits/s, but offer better speech quality.
Adaptive MultiRate (AMR) is a technology that allows the real-time optimization
of the speech coding scheme with respect to actual radio propagation
conditions.
The AMR Wideband (AMR-WB) codec is developed as a multi-rate codec with
several codec modes like the AMR codec. As in AMR, the codec mode is
chosen based on the radio conditions. This feature is not compatible with TFO.
AMR provides the following improvements in capacity and quality:
Speech quality is improved, both in full-rate and half-rate
The offered capacity is increased due to the provision of half-rate channels
whenever radio propagation conditions are suitable.
Data traffic channels also use a full timeslot or half a timeslot at rates of 300
bit/s to 9,600 bit/s. (E)GPRS implements flexible sharing of timeslots which
permits much faster data transfer rates.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS uses a feature called Packet Flow Context (PFC)
to differentiate between different types of traffic on the radio interface, by
reading a service profile defined by the mobile subscriber. The BSS can then
provide optimum service by favouring certain types of traffic by reserving radio
resources according to the type of traffic. For more information about PFC,
refer to the Packet Flow Context section of the BSS System Description.
The channel used for VGCS is referred to as a VGCH. A VGCH is simply a
normal TCH timeslot that is used for VGCS. One VGCH channel is allocated
by the BSS in each cell involved in a VGCS call. For more information about
VGCS, refer to the VGCS section of the BSS System Description.
28 / 52
1.3.6.2 Control Channels

A CCH carries signaling information and channel control information. Control
channels have individual functions and operate at different rates.
This control channel...
Is used to...
Slow Associated Control CHannel (SACCH)
Control and supervise the associated TCHs.
Fast Associated Control CHannel (FACCH)
Handle irregular control requirements, for example,

handovers.
Dedicated Control CHannel (DCCH)
Manage location updating, authentication, call set

up, and SMS.
Broadcast Control CHannel (BCCH)
Provide general network information such as the cell

in which the mobile station is located.
Paging CHannel (PCH)
Call mobile stations when there is an incoming call.
Random Access CHannel (RACH)
Inform the network that there is a mobile

station-originated call.
Access Grant CHannel (AGCH)
Assign a dedicated control channel to the mobile

station.
Cell Broadcast CHannel (CBCH)
Transmit cell broadcast information.
Table 4: Control Channel Types
29 / 52
30 / 52
2 Alcatel-Lucent Base Station Subsystem

This section describes the Alcatel-Lucent 900/1800/1900 BSS architecture,
functions and features, as well as the (E)GPRS feature.
It includes:
Alcatel-Lucent BSS components
External components
System Functions
(E)GPRS-specific implementation
Operation and Maintenance.
31 / 52
2.1 Introduction
Alcatel-Lucents GSM/(E)GPRS/LCS offering meets the ever increasing
demand for cellular service. In todays changing environment, Alcatel-Lucents
design approach to network engineering permits network capacity to be
extended and maximized according to customer requirements.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS provides radio coverage for communication with GSM
subscribers in a defined area. Its principal role is to provide and support control,
signaling and traffic channels between mobile stations and the NSS across
the PLMN. Management of the O&M functions of the BSS is performed at the
OMC-R. Although not physically part of the BSS, the functions and features
supplied by the OMC-R form part of the BSS functionality. The following figure
illustrates the BSS within the PLMN.
PLMN
Network
Subsystem
Mobile
Stations

A
Interface
Ater Interface
BTS
MSC
Fixed
Network
PSTN
Transcoder
BTS
BSC
MFS
BTS
SMLC
Gb Interface
SGSN
GGSN
PSDN
Abis
Interface
OMCR
Router
NMC
AGPS
Server
GGSN
GMLC
: Gateway Mobile Location Center
HLR
: Home Location Register
MSC
NMC
: Network Management Center
PSDN
: Packet Switched Data Network
PSTN
: Public Switched Telephone Network
SGSN
SMLC
: Serving Mobile Location Center
HLR
GMLC
LCSClient
Figure 4: Logical Position of the Alcatel-Lucent BSS and Associated External Components in the PLMN
For more information about (E)GPRS-specific information, refer to
(E)GPRS-Specific Implementation (Section 2.5).
32 / 52
2.2 Alcatel-Lucent BSS Components

The BTS, BSC, and MFS components are linked within the BSS by transmission
elements. Together they provide the physical layer, and provide support for the
data link layer for the internal interfaces.
2.2.1 Alcatel-Lucent Radio Solutions

To respond to rapidly evolving and constantly increasing BSS requirements,
Alcatel-Lucent offers the Alcatel-Lucent Radio Solutions.
The Alcatel-Lucent Radio Solutions include the following BSS equipment:
9120 BSC
9130 BSC Evolution
BTS G1 MKII and G2 with DRFU
BTS 9100 (Alcatel-Lucent 9100)
Micro-BTS Alcatel-Lucent 9110, 9110-E
G2 Transcoder
9125 Compact Transcoder
9135 MFS
9130 MFS Evolution.
2.2.2 Base Station Controller

The BSC provides resource and equipment management facilities for the
BSS in a circuit-switched system. It allocates resources to manage the flow
of information between the BTS and the NSS, acting as a switching unit by
establishing a path between them.
For a detailed description of the BSC, see the Alcatel-Lucent BSC/TC Overall
Description documents.
For a detailed description of the 9130 BSC Evolution, see the 9130 BSC
Evolution Hardware Description and 9130 BSC Evolution Functional
Description documents.
2.2.3 Base Transceiver Station

The area covered by a BSS is divided into cells and each cell is managed by one
or more BTS. Each BTS consists of radio transmission and reception devices,
including antennae and signal processing equipment for the Air Interface.
For a detailed description of the BTS, see the following:
BTS Functional Description
Alcatel-Lucent BTS 9100 / 9110 / 9110-E Functional Description.
33 / 52
2.2.4 Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server

The MFS provides resource and equipment management facilities for the
packet-switched system ((E)GPRS) in the BSS. It allocates resources to the
mobile station and the BTS. It manages the flow of information between the
mobile station and the BTS, and the BTS and the NSS. The MFS manages
the interface with the SGSN in the NSS. The MFS supports multiple BSSs
and MSCs, and can be connected to several SGSNs. The Gb interface
corresponding to this link can be through a frame relay or over IP net. Several
MFSs can be connected to the same OMC-R. The SMLC in the MFS performs
location services for the set of BSCs served by the MFS.
For a detailed description of the 9135 MFS, see the Alcatel-Lucent 9135
MFS Description.
For a detailed description of the 9130 MFS, see the9130 MFS Evolution
Hardware Description and 9130 MFS Evolution Functional Description.
2.2.5 Transcoder
The transcoder is a network element that links the BTS, BSC, MFS, and MSC,
and provides support for the internal interfaces of the BSS.
The transcoder provides the following functions:
Communication between the BSC and the MSC (encoded traffic)
Data-rate adaptation
Submultiplexing on the Ater interface.
There are two types of transcoders:
G2
G2 TC equipped with ASMC and TRCU
G2 TC equipped with ASMC/TRCU + MT120 boards (in the case
of an extension).
9125
The 9125 TC can be equipped with up to 48 sub-units (referred to as
MT120 boards).
The 9125 Compact TC can have two 9125 TC STM-1 boards, active and
standby. They are inserted in a dedicated 9125 TC STM-1 subrack, which
is located in the bottom part of the TC rack. Each TC MT120 board is
connected to both TC 9125 STM-1 boards (dual star).
For further information concerning the transcoder, refer to the following:
BSS Components in the BSS System Description
Alcatel-Lucent BSC/TC Overall Description
Alcatel-Lucent 9125 Compact TC Description.
34 / 52
2.3 External Components

The BSS communicates with three external components:
The OMC-R
The Network Subsystem (Section 1.2.5)
Mobile Stations (Section 1.2.3).
Figure 4 shows the logical position of the external components in relation to the
BSS components. External components are shown as shaded.
The OMC-R supervises one or more BSSs. It performs the following functions:
Manages the BSS software version
Acts as the central repository for configurations
Manages fault and performance measurement reports
Handles supervision of alarms and events.
The reported data is available to the operator from the OMC-Rs central
database. The OMC-R only performs O&M activities. It does not perform user
traffic processing, or call establishment and control activities.
Operator actions via the OMC-R terminal interface trigger commands
throughout the BSS. The OMC-R provides object-oriented management
information. Its interface supports different user profiles with different access
rights.
For more information about the OMC-R, refer to the BSS System Description
and the Operations & Maintenance Principles documents.
2.4 System Functions

The 3GPP recommendations define the system functions.
The Alcatel-Lucent BSS provides the following functions:
Call setup
Call handling
Call release
Operations and maintenance.
For detailed information concerning the BSS functions, refer to the BSS
Functions section of the BSS System Description.
For detailed information on O&M, refer to Operations & Maintenance Principles.
35 / 52
2.4.1 Call Setup

The Call Setup function is used for speech and data calls. The following table
describes the three basic types of call.
This Call Type...
Is used...
Mobility Management
To gather information about the mobile station by exchanging protocol

messages. It only uses a signaling channel. Location updates are done
using mobility management calls.
Supplementary Service
To pass small amounts of information between the mobile station and the
BTS. It only uses a signalling channel. SMS and MMS use supplementary
service calls.
User Traffic
For user traffic, such as speech or data (including fax, image and other
computer data) calls to a correspondent, to pass large amounts of
information. Since they require greater bandwidth than that available on a
signaling channel, these calls use traffic channels.
Table 5: Basic Call Types
2.4.2 Call Handling

During the lifetime of a call, the mobile station can change to another cell, or
move to and from data and speech. To allow these processes, call handling
functions include:
In-call modification
Handover
Ciphering
Overload control, to manage the call load on the system.
2.4.2.1 In-Call Modification

In-call modification consists of alternating between speech and the various
types of data.
For more information, see the In-Call Modification section of the BSS System
Description.
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2.4.2.2 Handover
Handovers are active calls that are switched from one channel to another.
Handover occurs when the BSS detects that the call quality has dropped below
a predefined level. When this happens, the call can be better supported by a
different channel. Handover is only required for voice traffic.
Reasons for a handover are:
A drop in call quality because of cell problems
A mobile station moves to an area where the radio coverage from another
cell is better
A lower power level can be used in an adjacent cell
Congestion in a cell.
The principal types of handover are:
Internal/External
Internal and external handovers are performed because of cell problems
affecting call quality. A mobile station moves to an area where the radio
coverage from another cell is better, either to a cell controlled by the same
BSC for an Internal handover, or to a cell controlled by a different BSC
for an External handover
Directed Retry
Directed Retry handovers occur when there is congestion in a cell. A
Directed Retry is only allowed for TCH assignments that can be queued.
Fast traffic
The fast traffic handover searches in the whole cell for a mobile which can
be handed over to a neighboring cell if the received signal level is good
enough. Fast traffic handover is much more efficient than the forced directed
retry when the overlap of adjacent cells is reduced.
For more information about cell-environment handovers, see the Handover
section of the BSS System Description.
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2.4.2.3 Ciphering
Ciphering is used to protect information transmitted on the Air Interface
between the BTS and the mobile station. It protects the information by using
encryption. There are three types of ciphering modes, the use of which
depends on the mobile station classmark and the capability of the BTS.
The following table shows the ciphering capabilities for each type of mobile
station.
For further information about the ciphering capabilities of the BTS, refer to
the following:
Telecommunication Functions - Baseband in the BTS Functional Description
Alcatel-Lucent BTS 9100 / 9110 / 9110-E Functional Description.
For more information about classmarks, refer to the Classmark Handling
section of the BSS System Description.
Mobile Station Type
Capability
Phase 1
No encryption and A5/1
Phase 2 Extended
No encryption and A5/1 and A5/2
Phase 2
No encryption
No encryption and A5/1 and A5/2
Table 6: Mobile Station Ciphering Capabilities
Note:
The algorithms used for ciphering in the Alcatel-Lucent BSS are named A5/1
and A5/2 in the GSM specifications. The modes used depend on the classmark
of the mobile station.
For further information, see the Ciphering section of the BSS System
Description.
Only phase 2 mobile stations can turn off ciphering, or change the ciphering
mode, during a channel change procedure such as a handover. The ciphering
capability of a mobile station is signaled to the BSS in the mobile station
classmark.
2.4.2.4 Overload Control

To protect the system against overload, and therefore a possible loss of
communications, the system can bar access to mobile stations. This consists
of controlling the telecoms processors in the BTS, the BSC, and the MFS to
ensure that they do not become overloaded.
See the following for further information:
For the BTS and the BSC, refer to the Overload Control section of the
BSS System Description
For the MFS, refer to the GPRS Overload Control section of the BSS
System Description.
38 / 52
2.4.3 Call Release

When resources allocated to a call are no longer required, the Call Release
function ensures that all resources are free for reuse.
Specifically, the Call Release function includes:
Call Release in normal service:
Calls terminated by call management
Calls terminated following a channel change.
Special cases:
Call release following a reset
BSC-initiated release
BTS-initiated release
Mobile station-initiated release
MSC-initiated release for VGCS calls.
For more information, see the Call Release section of the BSS System
Description.
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2.5 (E)GPRS-Specific Implementation

2.5.1 (E)GPRS in the PLMN
The following figure shows the position of the major elements of Alcatel-Lucents
(E)GPRS solution in the PLMN.
To Public Data
Networks
OMCR
MS
Gb
FRDN
Gb
SGSN
Packet
Switched
Traffic
GGSN
BSS
Ater
BSCGP
Abis
TCH
BTS
MFS
BSC
GCH
TCH
TCH
GCH
GCH
Transcoder
BTS
BSCGP
: BSC (E)GPRS Protocol
FRDN
: Frame Relay Data Network
GCH
: (E)GPRS Channel
GGSN
PSTN
: Public Switched Telephone Network
SGSN
VLR
MSC/
VLR
Circuit
Switched
Traffic
To PSTN
Figure 5: The Alcatel-Lucent (E)GPRS Solution in the PLMN

The BSS has (E)GPRS-specific equipment - the MFS - and software which
enable it to manage (E)GPRS radio resources and to communicate with
the (E)GPRS nodes.
(E)GPRS traffic is routed through dedicated servers which handle
packet-switched data, instead of passing through the MSC.
Therefore, traffic is handled by the following network nodes:
The MSC handles circuit-switched - i.e., voice traffic
The SGSN handles packet - i.e., data traffic, including security functions
and interface to the HLR
The GGSN provides interworking with external packet-switched networks.
The (E)GPRS nodes use specific interfaces for transmission and signaling.
40 / 52
2.5.2 (E)GPRS
(E)GPRS increases GPRS capabilities for data transmission by using new
modulation and coding schemes on the Air Interface. Data throughput
is optimized by Link Adaptation, which changes Modulation and Coding
Schemes (MCS) according to radio conditions. When radio conditions worsen,
a protected MCS with more redundancy is selected, leading to a lower
throughput. Inversely, when radio conditions improve, a less protected MCS
(less redundancy) is chosen for higher throughput.
2.5.3 (E)GPRS Network Configurations

The 3GPP recommendations provide three possible network configurations.
These configurations specify three possible positions for the Packet Control
Unit (PCU) function:
The BTS
The BSC
The SGSN.
The Alcatel-Lucent solution provides a smooth and cost effective introduction of
(E)GPRS in the BSS. Existing network elements do not need any hardware
modification. Only software upgrades are required in the BTS, BSC, and
OMC-R.
The BSS contains a new network element, the MFS. The MFS sits between
the BSC/Transcoder on one side, and the SGSN on the other (see Figure 5
and the figure below).
BTS
Abis
BSC
MFS
BTS
PCU
PCU
Gb
BSC
Ater
MFS
PCU
: Packet Control Unit
Figure 6: Position of the MFS in the BSS

The MFS works with other network elements, using the following rules:
All the BSSs connected to the same MFS are managed by the same OMC-R
One OMC-R can communicate with several MFSs
BSSs connected to the same MFS can be connected to different MSCs
One MFS can communicate with several SGSNs.
41 / 52
2.5.4 (E)GPRS Network

The different elements shown in Figure 5 represent a parallel system to the
circuit-switched system used in GSM. In the Alcatel-Lucent solution, only the
MFS with its associated interfaces is the BSS element. All other components
are external to the BSS.
A High Speed Data Service (HSDS) provides CS3 and CS4 for GPRS, and
MCS1 to MCS9 for (E)GPRS. It also offers additional functions that adapt radio
resource allocation with (E)GPRS mobile stations to avoid Ater blocking, by
allocating more transmission resources on the Abis and Ater to a radio timeslot
managing HSDS capability on a TRE basis.
2.5.4.1 (E)GPRS Mobiles

There are three classes of (E)GPRS-capable mobile stations:
CLASS A can handle circuit-switched voice and (E)GPRS traffic
simultaneously
CLASS B can be IMSI attached and (E)GPRS attached at the same time,
but use only one service (circuit-switched or (E)GPRS) at a time
CLASS C can be either IMSI attached or (E)GPRS but not both, and can
use circuit-switched or (E)GPRS services alternately.
Currently, only class B and C mobile stations are supported.
2.5.4.2 The SGSN

The SGSN is a (E)GPRS network entity at the same hierarchical level as the
MSC. It is external to the BSS and communicates with it via Frame Relay
over the Gb interface. The SGSN is involved in requesting specific network
resources for (E)GPRS traffic. It performs (E)GPRS paging, authentication, and
cipher setting procedures based on the same algorithms, keys, and criteria
as in circuit-switched GSM traffic.
When the SGSN does not support the Inter-NSE Re-routing (INR) R4 option,
the BSS performs LLC PDU re-routing on a cell change. If the SGSN supports
this option, autonomous rerouting does not occur.
One SGSN can be connected to multiple MSCs and multiple MFSs.
2.5.4.3 The GGSN

The GGSN is connected with SGSNs via an IP-based backbone. It provides
interworking between the (E)GPRS network and external packet switched
networks. It is external to the BSS.
The GGSN also works with other network elements in the routing and relaying
of packets from one node to another.
2.5.4.4 The MFS

The MFS is preferably located at the Transcoder/MSC site and is internal to the
BSS. The MFS provides PCU functions and the Gb interface protocol stack.
The MFS converts (E)GPRS frames, carried on multiple 16 kbits/s links
from multiple BTSs, to one or more frame relay channels connected to the
SGSN on the Gb interface. See (E)GPRS Interfaces (Section 2.5.5) for more
information about the Gb interface.
The MFS controls the setup of Packet Data Channels (PDCHs). It also
negotiates resources with the BSC and routes (E)GPRS packets.
42 / 52
2.5.5 (E)GPRS Interfaces

The following sections describe the (E)GPRS-specific interfaces.
2.5.5.1 The Gb Interface

The Gb interface uses frame relay techniques to link the PCU function (MFS)
and the SGSN.
Physically, it can be routed:
As a direct connection between the MFS and SGSN
Via a public Frame Relay Data Network (FRDN)
Via the MSC
Via the Ater Mux interface through the Transcoder to the MSC. In this
case, it carries a combination of packet-switched and circuit-switched
traffic and signaling.
Combinations of these methods are also possible. See Figure 5 for the position
of the Gb interface in the system.
The Gb interface provides end-to-end signaling between MFS and SGSN, and
serves as the BSS-(E)GPRS backbone.
2.5.5.2 The BSCGP Interface

The BSCGP interface provides communication between the BSC and the MFS
(see Figure 5 ). The BSC (E)GPRS Protocol controls two LAPD connections
per GPU, using 64 kbits/s timeslots.
2.5.5.3 The M-EGCH Interface

The M-EGCH interface provides a synchronous connection between the MFS
and the BTS, using 16 kbits/s timeslots.
It ensures the following functions:
Transfer of PDUs between the MFS and BTS (therefore packet data is not
directly handled by the BSC but passes transparently through it on the
M-EGCH interface). The transfer of PDUs containing CS3/CS4 GPRS
blocks or (E)GPRS blocks uses several 16 kbps channels per PDCH.
Synchronization with the radio interface at M-EGCH link establishment
Correction of clock drifts between Abis and BTS clocks.
43 / 52
2.5.5.4 The BSCLP Interface

The BSCLP Alcatel-Lucent proprietary interface is for LCS and provides the
signaling protocol between the BSC and the SMLC.
This interface allows the SMLC to:
Receive mobile station location requests
Choose a positioning method depending on mobile station capabilities
Perform location procedures
Respond to an initial request, providing the calculated mobile station
position estimate
Provide the mobile station with assistance data when using the A-GPS
positioning method.
2.5.5.5 The SAGI Interface

The SAGI interface is an Lb interface on TCP/IP that exchanges messages
between the SMLC and the external GPS server following an A-GPS positioning
request in the circuit-switched domain.
44 / 52
2.6 Operations and Maintenance

Operations and Maintenance provide the operator interface for the management
and control of the BSS, and its interconnection to the NSS.
2.6.1 Network Management

Alcatel-Lucents approach to network management is described within the
areas of:
TMN
Management Information Tree (MIT)
Q3 Interface
Network Management Center functions.
2.6.1.1 TMN
The TMN supports a wide variety of management areas. These cover the
planning, installation, operation, administration, maintenance and provisioning
of telecommunication networks and services. The following figure shows
the TMN hierarchy.
Business Management
Service Management
Network Management
NMC/OMCR
Element Management
OMCR
BTS
BSC
MFS
MFS
NMC
TC
: Transcoder
Network Element
TC
Figure 7: TMN Hierarchy
2.6.1.2 Management Information Tree

As in the TMN model, Alcatel-Lucents network management model is based
on an object-oriented design using Managed Objects. Managed Objects are
organized in a hierarchical structure called a Management Information Tree
(MIT). In the Alcatel-Lucent implementation, Managed Objects are organized
in an MIT with three main levels, as shown in Figure 8. A Managed Object
can be a physical element, such as a BSS, BTS, BSC, or a hardware module
within one of these elements. It can also be a logical entity, such as a cell
or a signaling link.
45 / 52
2.6.1.3 Q3 Interface
Communication between the NMC and the OMC-R takes place across the
Q3 interface (see the figure below). The Q3 interface allows supervision
of a complete network by an NMC.
Network Management
NMC Operator
(Network Supervisor)
NMC
OSS
Domain
Q3 Interface
Network Management
at region level
OMCR
OMCR Operator
(Resource and Equipment
Management)
Network Element
Management
Q Interfaces
Q3 Interfaces
Maintenance Technician
(Equipment Management)
BSC
BSS
Domain
MFS
Abis
Abis
BTS
BTS
Abis
BTS
Network Element
Management
MFS
NMC
OSS
: Operation Support System
Figure 8: TMN System Hierarchy
2.6.1.4 Network Management Center Functions

Standard network management is performed by the OMC-R and an NMC.
Some operators choose to have an NMC supervising one or more OMC-Rs in a
hierarchical relationship represented by the MIT.
For further information, refer to the Object-oriented O&M Model section of the
Operations & Maintenance Principles document.
46 / 52
2.6.2 O&M Management

Network management and control functions are proprietary to the system
supplier. In keeping with ITU and 3GPP standard communication protocols,
the current release supports the concept of network management. This is
compatible with all equipment, even that of different manufacturers.
The O&M management for the BSS is organized into the following functional
management domains:
Configuration management
Fault management
Performance management.
2.6.2.1 Configuration Management

The main benefit of the configuration management feature implemented in the
9153 OMC-R is the reduced time needed to perform operations and reduce
telecom outages. This is achieved by having fewer operator commands and
providing smooth migration and equipment configuration.
The main functions of configuration management include:
Radio configuration management
Supervised configuration view
Provisioning radio configuration
Extensive logical configuration update
Logical parameters templates
Usage states on demand
(E)GPRS service handling
Activation of features such as TRX Unbalancing
Radio configuration import/export.
Equipment management
Hardware online extension-reduction

Hierarchical browser (network element, rack, shelf, board, transmission)
Remote inventory of hardware and firmware configuration
Equipment configuration export.
2.6.2.2 Performance Management

The 9153 OMC-R provides measurements and statistics about various
events and resource used in the BSC and MFS. Indicators computed by the
OMC-R enrich the raw data retrieved from the field. The operator can display
measurements as graphs and activate alerters to send alarms when preset
thresholds are crossed. The OMC-R also generates QoS alarms to notify the
operator of potential network problems.
47 / 52
2.6.2.3 Fault Management

The main functions of fault management include:
Detection
Graphic synthesis view

Fault localization
Alarm counters
Alarm severity assignment.
Tracking
Alarm views with sort and filter

Alarm reservation
Event/alarm logging.
Resolution
Alarm acknowledgment
Fault correction.
Post analysis
Alarm history
Evolution of events.
At the OMC-R, the AS alarm manager collects all network events in real time
and presents default or customized alarm lists dynamically, using colors to
indicate levels of urgency in each sublist.
To reduce the number of alarms in the OMC-R, alarms are filtered to minimize
the number of fault alarms reported, and displayed to the operator in order
of severity. The operator sees fewer alarms and is informed that alarms are
filtered, since the number of filtered alarms, if any, is indicated in AS.
The AS collects alarms issued by applications residing in the various
management layers and processes them. The operator can see whether
unacknowledged alarms are still present.
Alarms can be managed on a large number of network elements in real time,
with the radio and equipment views providing a clear status on radio resources
and equipment. Alarm sublists can be customized using powerful sort and
filter services, enabling the operator to react quickly.
48 / 52
2.6.3 O&M Functions Implementation

The different O&M functions are implemented in all of the BSS components.
Not all functions are present in each component. The following sections provide
an overview of O&M functions by component.
2.6.3.1 OMC-R
The OMC-R is the central O&M base for one or more BSSs. It manages BSS
software versions, and acts as the central repository for configuration, fault, and
performance measurement reports. This data is available to the operator from
the OMC-R central database. The OMC-R only performs O&M activities. It does
not perform user traffic processing or call establishment and control activities.
The OMC-R provides an object-oriented, X-Terminal graphical interface for
the operator to access configuration, performance, and fault management
functions. Operator actions through this interface trigger commands throughout
the BSS to perform these functions. The terminal interface supports different
user profiles with different access rights.
The OMC-R proposes a proprietary backup and restore function which works
for all OMC-R configurations. This network storage management application
backs up and recovers data across an entire network of computers. The
software protects data by automatically backing up, storing, and indexing each
data item, allowing recovery of any particular data item.
For more information, refer to the OMC-R section of the Operations &
Maintenance Principles and the 9153 Getting Started documents.
2.6.3.2 BTS
The BTS performs self-maintenance functions to ensure reliable BTS operation.
It is supervised by its own O&M controller which passes O&M information to the
BSC. The BSC returns fault resolution information to the BTS O&M controller,
which then carries out the instructions
The BTS is designed with key component redundancy and support for
"hot insertion". Some key components are duplicated within the BTS. If
a component fails, the duplicate takes over automatically, and the faulty
component can be replaced without powering down. In both cases, there is
no interruption of service. The BTS configuration can be updated from the
OMC-R, or by an autonomous reconfiguration managed by the BSC.
BTS O&M includes functions such as BTS start up.
The BTS provides a terminal interface for local O&M. Refer to the BTS Terminal
User Guide for further information.
For more information about BTS O&M functions, refer to the O&M Functions
section of the BTS Functional Description document, and to the O&M and
Support Functions section of the Alcatel-Lucent BTS 9100 / 9110 / 9110-E
Functional Description document.
49 / 52
2.6.3.3 BSC
As the controller of the BSS in a circuit-switched system, the BSC acts as the
control point for collecting and processing O&M data. The BSC software and
database are used to manage its O&M functions.
The BSC software constantly monitors its internal components. The BSC
instigates its own fault solution procedures and updates its database
accordingly.
Performance measurements taken in the BSS subsystems are sent to the
BSC. The BSC creates performance measurement reports and sends these
to the OMC-R.
Alarms produced in the BSS are sent to the BSC, which forwards them to
the OMC-R. The BSC keeps its own alarm records on the database. If the
BSS/OMC-R link fails, the BSC stores the alarms and forwards them to the
OMC-R when the link is restored.
The BSC provides a local terminal interface. The menu-based interface
enables operators to perform O&M functions on the BSC and the BTS. For
more information, refer to the BSC Terminal User Guide for the 9120 BSC or
the 9130 BSC Evolution Terminal User Guide for the 9130 BSC.
For more information about the BSC and its components, refer to the
Alcatel-Lucent BSC/TC Overall Description for the 9120 BSC or the 9130 BSC
Evolution Functional Description document.
2.6.3.4 Transcoder
The TSCA performs supervisory, control, and measurement functions for the
Transcoder. The TSCA is connected to the Transcoder via the Qmux bus.
For additional information, refer to the Alcatel-Lucent BSC/TC Overall
Description.
50 / 52
2.6.3.5 MFS
Even though the MFS is included in the BSS, the BSC does not act as a
control point for collecting and processing O&M data for the MFS. The MFS
does this itself and sends the necessary alarm and performance data directly
to the OMC-R.
The MFS is designed with built-in redundancy for the (E)GPRS Processing
Unit (GPU), the MFS Hub subsystem, and the server subsystem for 9135
MFS and switches plus control stations for 9130 MFS. One GPU operates in
a redundant mode and replaces, when needed, a faulty GPU for 9135 MFS,
therefore a floating GPU recovers the faulty GPU in 9130 MFS. The Hub has
duplicated 100 Mbit/s Ethernet networks, with one operating in redundant
mode. The server subsystem consists of two UNIX servers, one of which
operates in redundant mode for 9135 MFS and 2 ATCA boards with HDD in
Linux Montavista for 9130 MFS. In the event of the active station failing, the
standby station becomes the active station.
The MFS manages its equipment, including low level software management. It
also manages the GPU telecom operations, and is responsible for telecom
resource configuration and supervision. The MFS provides a terminal interface,
the IMT, for local O&M.
For additional information about the MFS, refer to the:
Alcatel-Lucent 9135 MFS Description
9130 MFS Evolution Hardware Description
9130 MFS Evolution Functional Description.
For more information about the IMT, refer to the Alcatel-Lucent 9130 MFS IMT
User Guide or theAlcatel-Lucent 9135 MFS IMT User Guide.
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Alcatel-Lucent GSM

BSS System Introduction

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BLANK PAGE BREAK

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This document provides a high-level overview of the Alcatel-Lucent Base

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This document is for personnel requiring a general overview of the functions of

You must be familiar with the following external systems or equipment:

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1.1 Mobile Telecommunications

Figure 1: Mobile Telecommunications Overview

1.1.1 Cellular Systems

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Figure 2: Cellular Network Structure

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1.1.2 Origin and Evolution of GSM

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GSM 850 Frequency band

Uplink: 824 MHz - 849 MHz

GSM 900 Frequency band

Uplink: 890 MHz - 915 MHz

GSM 900 Extension

Uplink: 880 MHz - 890 MHz

GSM 1800 Frequency band

Uplink: 1710 MHz - 1785 MHz

Downlink: 925 MHz - 935 MHz

Downlink: 1805 MHz - 1880 MHz

Uplink: 1850 MHz - 1910 MHz

GSM 900: 45 MHz

Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK),

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)

Table 1: Basic GSM System Specifications

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GSM provides the following advantages:

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1.1.3 Evolution to (E)GPRS

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1.2 GSM Architecture

1.2.1 Standard GSM PLMN

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1.2.2 GSM/(E)GPRS PLMN

: Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server

1.2.3 Mobile Stations

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1.2.4 Base Station Subsystem

Base Station Subsystem

PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK

: Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server

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1.2.5 Network Subsystem

: Equipment Identity Register

: Gateway GPRS Support Node

: Home Location Register

: Mobile Switching Center

: Serving GPRS Support Node

: Visitor Location Register

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