Zte GSM Basics

The Competency Ladder Certification for
the After-Sales Posts Training

Manual—Preliminary
Volume I
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Author: Wang Wei
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Version:Apr.2006,First edition
S.N.: PXJCGB200604029
General
Preface
Thanks for using Manual for The Competency Ladder Certification for the After-Sales Posts
Training Manual—Preliminary Volume I. In order to use the Manual properly, please read the Preface first.
1. Application
This material is compiled for training, applicable only to employee training. It is not used to solve any
problem with the equipment or handle faults on site.
2. About This Manual

This manual is composed of five volumes，and the table of contents of each volume is shown below:
Volume Course Code Course Name
Volume I GB_000_E1 GSM, GPRS, and EDGE Basics
Volume II GB_100_E1 BSS Basics
Volume III GB_101_E1 OMCR Installation and Operation
Volume IV GB_200_E1 BSS Commissioning
Volume V GB_300_E1 BSS System Maintenance
This manual is based on the basis of ZXG10-BSS We will update this manual while the product is upgraded.
We apologize if there is any discrepancy between the manual and the products used in your company.
3. Conventions
Key points
Indicates the key points in one section.

O Note
A Note statement is used to alert the reader of installation, operation, or maintenance information that is
important.
5 Caution
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in damages to the equipment
or personal injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
& Tips
Indicates a suggestion or hint to make things easier or more productive for the reader.
4. Manual Update history

Version Date Comments
First edition Apr.2006 New
5. From the Author

Thank you for using this manual and your continuous support. We would appreciate your comments and
suggestions on this Manual.
We can be reached at
（+86755）26778072
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03 Hardware manual
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Maintenance maintenance items
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GB_000_E1 GSM, GPRS, EDGE Basics
Course Objectives:
z Learn Features and Composition of the GSM System
z Learn Main Interfaces and Protocols of the GSM System
z Learn Radio Channel Features of the GSM System
z Understand Voice Signals Processing of Radio Interfaces
z Understand Basic Call Signaling Process
z Understand GPRS and EDGE Features and Principles
References:
z ZXG10-BSS Preliminary Training Course
z GSM Digital Mobile Communication Engineering
z Basic Knowledge of 2G Mobile Communication Technologies
z GPRS Principles and Network Optimization

Contents
1 GSM Basics .................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 GSM development course .................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 History of the mobile communication ....................................................................................1
1.1.2 Development History of Domestic Mobile Communication ..................................................5
1.1.3 Common Mobile Communication System .............................................................................5
1.1.4 Common Multiple Access Technologies ................................................................................8
1.1.5 GSM Network Development ..................................................................................................9
1.2 GSM Composition and Features ..................................................................................................... 11
1.2.1 Basic Concepts of BSM Network......................................................................................... 11
1.2.2 GSM composition.................................................................................................................12
1.2.3 System Structure and BSS Position......................................................................................13
1.3 GSM interfaces and protocols .........................................................................................................18
1.3.1 Concepts ...............................................................................................................................18
1.3.2 Introduction to Main Interfaces ............................................................................................19
1.3.3 GSM Protocol System ..........................................................................................................20
1.4 Available GSM Services..................................................................................................................26
1.4.1 Telecommunications Services Provided by the GSM...........................................................26
1.4.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System.......................................................................27
1.5 GSM Wireless Interface ..................................................................................................................28
1.5.1 GSM Wireless Working Frequency Band.............................................................................28
1.5.2 GSM Wireless Physical Channel..........................................................................................30
1.5.3 GSM Wireless Logical Channel ...........................................................................................32
1.5.4 GSM Voice Processing .........................................................................................................41
i
1.5.5 GSM Wireless Technologies ................................................................................................ 47
1.6 Basic Signaling Process .................................................................................................................. 55
1.6.1 Location Update Process of MS........................................................................................... 55
1.6.2 IMSI Detach Process............................................................................................................ 57
1.6.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process ................................................ 58
1.6.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process.............................................. 59
1.6.5 Inter-cell Handover Process ................................................................................................. 61
1.6.6 Intra-cell Handover Process ................................................................................................. 62
1.6.7 Power Control Signaling Process......................................................................................... 63
2 GPRS Basics ............................................................................................................................................. 65
2.1 GPRS Overview.............................................................................................................................. 65
2.1.1 GPRS Features ..................................................................................................................... 65
2.1.2 Composition of the GPRS System and Position of the PCU in the System......................... 66
2.1.3 Common Terms of the GPRS............................................................................................... 68
2.2 GPRS Channel ................................................................................................................................ 71
2.2.1 GPRS Physical Channel....................................................................................................... 71
2.2.2 GPRS Logical Channel ........................................................................................................ 72
2.2.3 Mapping of Logical Channel Combination in the Physical Channel ................................... 74
2.2.4 GPRS Channel Coding......................................................................................................... 79
2.2.5 Network Operation Mode and MS Category ....................................................................... 82
3 EDGE Basics............................................................................................................................................. 87
3.1 EDGE Overview ............................................................................................................................. 87
3.2 Features of the EDGE System......................................................................................................... 87
3.3 Implementation of the EDGE in the BSS........................................................................................ 89
3.3.1 ZXG10-MSS Structure......................................................................................................... 89
3.3.2 EDGE Implementation of the ZXG10-BTS......................................................................... 90
ii
3.3.3 EDGE Implementation of the ZXG10-BSC .........................................................................90
iii
1 GSM Basics
Key points
z Multiple access technologies (TDMA, CDMA, FDMA)
z Interfaces and protocols
z GSM radio channel (physical channel, logical channel)
z Frequency hopping, discontinuous transmission
z Time advanced, diversity technologies
z Call process
1.1 GSM development course

The mobile communication aims to offer anytime and anywhere communications
between any objects.
From the point of the communication network, the mobile network is an extension of
the wire communication network, consisting the wireless and wire communication
parts. Providing access of user equipment, the wireless part transfers voice and data
reliably by using limited frequency resources, while the wire part that constitutes the
PLMN implements network functions such as message exchanging, subscriber
management, roaming and authentication.
1.1.1 History of the mobile communication
The mobile communication was first used in military and some special fields in 1920's.
In 1940's, it began to be employed for civil use. The mobile communication really
booms in recent decade. The development of the mobile communication comprises the
following three phases:
z The first generation (1G) mobile communication system
z The second generation (2G) mobile communications system
z The third generation (3G) mobile communications system
1
1. Starting from 1980's, the 1G analog mobile communication system adopts

cellular networking technology.
However, the 1G mobile communication system has the following

disadvantages:
z There is no common interface between systems.
z It cannot keep up with the fast digitizing of the fixed network and provide digital
bearer services.
z It cannot meet the demand for large capacity due to low frequency utilization.
z It features poor security. The information being exchanged on the radio path
may be easily eavesdropped, and the subscriber account may be easily
embezzled.
2. Due to the defects of analog systems, the digital mobile communication system
characterized by digital transmission, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA),
and narrowband Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) were developed in
1990's. That is the so-called 2G digital mobile communication system.
1) Compared with the 1G mobile communication system, the 2G mobile

communication system:
z Provides high spectrum utilization and large system capacity.
z Provides diversified services (voice services and low-rate circuit-switched data

services).
z Enables automatic roaming.
z Provides better voice quality.
z Provides good security.
z Can be interconnected with the ISDN and PSTN.
2) However, the 2G mobile communication system has the following

disadvantages:
z It can provide low-rate data services only and cannot support multi-media
service. For example, the Internet access speed of GSM MS can reach 9.6 Kbit/s
theoretically.
2
Chapter 1 GSM Basics
z Different 2G mobile communication systems in the world use different

frequencies and cannot be compatible with each other, therefore, it is difficult to
implement global roaming.
Nowadays the Internet, E-business, and multi-media communication develop very

rapidly. Failing to provide strong support to data communication has already
constrained the development of 2G system. The demand for higher data rate and more
diversified services impels the evolution from 2G to 3G. Fig. 1.1-1 shows the evolution
process.
IS-95 IS-2000
IS-95-B
CDMA MC WCDMA
ARIB
PDC
WCDMA
IMT-2000
HSCSD
GSM
GPRS
EDGE UTRA
UWC-136 WCDMA
IS-136+
IS-136
IS-136HS
2G 2.5G 2.75G 3G
Fig. 1.1-1 Evolution from 2G to 3G
In Phase2 and Phase2+, two high-rate data service models are put forward for the GSM
system.
z High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) based on high-speed data bit rate
and circuit switching
z General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) based on packet switched data
These two services are called 2.5G services. Adopting high-rate adaptive coding
solution, the GPRS provides the data rate up to 171 Kbit/s.
The Enhanced Data Rates For GSM Evolution (EDGE) developed by the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) adopts 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying)
modulation. It supports the rate up to 384 Kbit/s theoretically. The EDGE is more
advanced than the GPRS. However, it cannot provide the rate up to 2 Mbit/s as the 3G
system does. Therefore, it is called 2.75G technology.
The research of 3G theory, development of 3G technologies, and establishment of 3G

standards began in mid 1980’s.
3
The International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) released by the

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) defines and describes 3G. It enables the
mobile data service and some fixed high-speed data services to use one or several radio
channels and fixed network platform to provide:
z A global standard
z IMT-2000 services, which are compatible with other fixed network services.
z High quality
z The use of common band in the world
z Small terminals used in the world.
z Global roaming.
z Multi-media services and terminals
z Higher frequency utilization
z Flexibility for the development to the next generation.
z High-speed hierarchical data rate.
z Rate up to 2 Mbit/s in fixed environment
z Rate up to 384 Kbit/s in pedestrian environment.
z Rate up to 144 Kbit/s for vehicle mounted stations.
Currently, instead of driven by pure technology, the communication technology is

developing into the mode featuring the combination and interoperability of services
and technology. It is estimated that the largest and the most profound change in the
coming five to ten years is the strategic transition from voice services to data services
from the aspect of market application and service demand. This change will deeply
influence the development trend of the communication technology.
Some researchers and telecom operators describe the fourth-generation (4G) mobile
communication system as a new world better than 3G, which can provide many
unimaginable applications. The 4G system can provide over 100 Mbit/s data
transmission rate, which is 10,000 times of the current MSs and 50 times of 3G MSs.
The 4G MSs can provide high-performance multi-media contents. Through ID
application, the 4G MS can serve as a personal identification device. It can also receive
high-resolution movies and TV programs, acing as the bridge of combined broadcast
4
and new telecommunication infrastructure. In addition, some services, such as 4G

wireless instant connection, are less charged than 3G services.
1.1.2 Development History of Domestic Mobile Communication
Since the first set of analog mobile communication system (TACS system) was
introduced in Guangzhou, China’s mobile communications technologies have
developed quickly. Now, GSM digital cellular systems are used in most areas of China.
Since the first GSM demonstration system was established and deployed in Jiaxin of
China in 1992 and was put into use in September 1993, the GSM system has grown
into the most mature digital cellular system with a lion’s share in the Chinese market
after just a few years’ booming development. In recent years, GPRS has been gradually
put into commercial use. Based it, domestic mobile communication technologies
smoothly transit to 3G with new GPRS & EDGE applications, high rate, high
throughput, multi-service network solution and multifunctional terminal to be put into
commercial use.
In the new century, as the backbone of national industry, the mobile communication
industry in China is faced with greater opportunities. We shall seize opportunities, and
spare no effort to make improvement and innovations to catch up with or even surpass
the advanced level in the world.
1.1.3 Common Mobile Communication System
1.1.3.1 First-Generation – Analog Cellular Communications System
Cellular networking technologies were adopted in the first-generation mobile phone

system. The cellular concept was first brought forward by the Bell Lab and studied by
many countries in 1970s. The first trial running network was put into use in Chicago,
USA, and thus the first AMPS (advanced mobile phone service) came into service in
1979.
Existing practical and volume systems in the world mainly include:
1) AMPS of North America; 2) NMT-450/900 of North Europe; 3) TACS of Britain.

All these systems work at the frequency about 450MHz to 900MHz with the carrier
frequency separation less than 30kHz.
Because the mobile communication users require that the mobile communication
system must realize auto channel transfer that may happen in a cell, cross cells or even
offices, and also incoming/outgoing call process of roaming users, the mobile
5
communication system needs to have open interfaces in addition to standard interfaces

to public networks. Total capacity of the mobile communication is greatly restricted
since it is based on the fixed telephone network and thus constitution modes of analog
communication mobile networks are quite diversified.
1.1.3.2 Second-Generation – Digital Cellular Mobile Communications System
Due to weaknesses of TACS analog system, in the 1990s, the digital transmission mode,
TDMA and narrow band CDMA were developed as the main bases for mobile phone
systems, and this is called the second generation (2G) mobile phone systems. The
products fall into two categories:
1. TDMA System
Of the TDMA series, the mature and representative systems are pan-Europe
GSM, D-AMPS of the USA and PDC of Japan.
1) As for D-AMPS, the Electronics Industry Association (EIA) completed the

formulation of its technical standards in 1989, and it was put into commercial
use in 1993. Developed on the basis of AMPS, it is analog/digital compatible,
and its BTSs and MSs are complicated.
2) JDC (now renamed PDC) technical standard of Japan was formulated in 1990
and put into use only in Japan in 1993.
3) The Special Mobile Group (SMG) of European Conference of Post and

Telecommunications (CEPT) formulated Phase 1 GSM standard in 1988, with
the working frequency band set to around 900MHz, and this band was put into
commercial use in 1990. In the same year, in response to the requirements of
Britain, the GSM Specifications for 1800MHz working frequency band was
formulated.
The above three kinds of products have the same features: Digital, TDMA,
better voice quality than the first generation, secure, able to transfer data and to
roam automatically.
The three different systems have their own advantages: PDC system features
high frequency utilization, D-AMPS system has the largest capacity, and GSM
technology is the most mature technology, which, based on OSI, has an open
technical standard and can be developed on the largest scale.
6
2. N-CDMA System
N-CDMA series is the narrow band CDMA (N-CDMA) developed mainly by

Qualcomm on the basis of IS-95. The specifications for North America digital
cellular system was enacted by EIA of the USA. The systematic research was
started in 1987, and the specifications were accepted by EIA in 1990. As the
North America already has the uniform AMPS system, so the N-CDMA system
was designed to accommodate two modes. Afterward, the frequency band was
expanded to 1,900 MHz, i.e., N-CDMA-based PCS1900.
1.1.3.3 Third Generation – IMT-2000
Weaknesses of the second generation mobile phone system emerge with increasing
subscribers and development of the digital communication. 1} With too narrow
frequency band, it fails to offer kinds of wideband information services such as
high-speed data, low-speed image and television image. 2) Marked as “G-tone”, GSM
fails to realize the real global roaming function, especially in countries with more
mobile phone users such as USA and Japan. However with development of scientific
technologies and communication services, an integrated service system combining
current mobile phone system functions with multiple services is required. Therefore,
ITU required that the third generation mobile communication system IMT-2000 must
be put into commercial use in 2000. The IMT-2000 system features:
Representative technologies for the third-generation mobile communication system:
Two standards are involved:
1. Narrowband cdmaOne recommendation: Proposed by Qualcomm and

backward-compatible with IS-95 system.
It is recommended to adopt multi-level DS-CDMA, RF channel bandwidth

1.25/10/20MHz, and PN chip rate 1.288/3.6864/7.3728/14.7456Mbps.The
multi-level DS-CDMA is used to divide 5MHz to three channels with 1.25MHz
for each channel, so that the channel is backward-compatible with IS-95 system,
and can be shared or overlapped.
Based on the development target of IMT-2000 networks, the USA is intended to

convert the current functionally hierarchical networking mode into the
point-to-point client-service mode, taking the wideband packet switching
networks as the core.
7
2. Development of the UMTS standard backward-compatible with the GSM

system, containing two sub-schemes:
1) Japanese W-CDMA
NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile phone operator in Japan, recommended

coherence multirate bandwidth CDMA(W-CDMA).As the Japanese 2G mobile
phone system failed to be the global standard, Japan made up decision to take
global cooperation strategy for the 3G IMT-2000 network solutions. On the
basis of supporting the IMT-2000 family and interface concepts of ITU,
Japanese mobile communication technologies support European GSM UMTS
network concepts by intentionally referring the cooperative wireless
transmission technologies. Now, such companies like Ericsson works with NTT
DoCoMo to together put forward W-CDMA for the wireless transmission
technology, and GSM network platform for the core network, thus to realize the
evolution from GSM to 3G IMT-2000.
2) European TD-CDMA
Siemens and Alcatel put forward TD-CDMA. This solution combines FDMA,
TDMA and CDMA. It features the channel spacing extension of 1.6MHz, but its
frame structure and time slot structure are the same as those of GSM with the
extension factor of 16 supporting 8 subscribers for each time slot. As only 8
subscribers for each time slot (code division), Joint Detection can be adopted so
that high-speed power control and inter-symbol interference reduction are not
required. In addition, Time Division Duplex (TDD) can be adopted. The MS will
adopt dual-mode mobile phone to ensure it is compatible with the GSM in the
network layer and signaling layer.
This scheme helps smooth transition of GSM to the third generation and
therefore is supported by many GSM suppliers.
1.1.4 Common Multiple Access Technologies
As is known to all, in the electric wave coverage area of wireless communications

environment, it is a primary consideration for any transmission system to establish
channels between intranet subscribers. In fact, the nature of the consideration is
multiple access mobile communication. The theoretical base for multiple access
connection is the signal segmentation technology, i.e., properly design signals at the
8
transmitting end, so that the signals transmitted by all stations are different from each
other; the receiving end has the signal recognition capability to separate and select
relevant signals from the mixed signals.
Currently, the wireless multiple access modes are: FDMA in the analog system, TDMA
and CDMA in the digital system.
FDMA: frequency division multiple access. In a relatively narrow-band channel of the

frequency range, the signal powers are gathered before they are transmitted with varied
signals allocated to channels of different frequencies. The interruptions sent to or
coming from the neighboring channels are limited by the band-pass optical filter. In
this way, only the energy of the useful signals can pass through the specified narrow
band with signals of other frequencies excluded.
TDMA: time division multiple address. One channel is made up of a series of periodic
time slots. The energy of varied signals is allocated to different timeslots. The
interruptions are limited with time gate so that only the energy of useful signals can
pass through the specified timeslots.
CDMA: Code division multiple access. Each signal is allocated with a pseudo-random
binary for frequency expansion. The energy of varied signals is allocated to different
pseudo-random serials. In the receiver, signals are separated with the correlator, which
receives the selected binary sequence only and compresses its spectrum. The
bandwidth of the signals that do not comply with the binary sequence of the subscriber
will not be compressed. As a result, only the information about the useful signals is
identified and extracted.
1.1.5 GSM Network Development
Originally, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) was the standard
made for the communication system working at 900 MHz in Europe. Because the
analog communication system has limited capability in expansion, the GSM is
developed on the demand for capacity expansion and has achieved global success. The
GSM has become the wireless communication standard widely accepted in the world.
The development process of the GSM is as follows:
z 1982: The Group Special Mobile (GSM) was set up in the Conference of
European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to develop the 2G mobile
communication system.
9
z 1986: Eight proposals put forward by European countries after massive research
and experiments were accepted in Paris, and on-site experiments were
performed.
z 1987: After on-site test, demonstration, and comparison, the GSM member
countries have reached an agreement that the digital system adopts narrowband
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Regular Pulse Excitation-Long Term
Prediction (RPE-LTP), voice coding, and Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying
(GMSK) modulation.
z 1998: Eighteen European countries reached GSM Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU).
z 1989: GSM took effect.
z 1991: The first GSM network was deployed in Europe.
z 1992: The GSM standard was frozen.
z 1993: The major part of the GSM phase II standard was completed.
z 1994: A new research phase (Phase 2+) was added to further improve the GSM
as the platform of mobile data services.
In the stage of GSM Phase II+, the GPRS service is introduced to provide subscribers
with end-to-end mobile data service based on packet switching. To support the GPRS,
the GSM introduces two new equipment: Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). The SGSN provides similar functions as the
MSC. It accomplishes GPRS channel assignment, mobility management, encryption,
and charging. The BSC connects the SGSN through Gb interfaces. The GGSN provides
various interconnection interfaces to support the interconnections among external
PDNs like Internet and X.25 and other PLMNs. By setting up a GPRS backbone
network with these two types of equipment and the existing transmission networks
(ATM or frame relay network) and by modifying the existing GSM network, the
operator can easily provide both circuit and packet services and make effective use of
wireless resources and terrestrial network resources.
EGPRS is a solution for the evolution from GPRS to UMTS. It is gradually introduced
to the GSM network to provide higher data transmission rate. Compared with GPRS,
EGPRS mainly features new modulation and coding, supports 8PSK modulation and
303% GMSK payload, and provides higher bit rate and frequency spectrum efficiency.
10
EGPRS also supports 9 coding schemes from MCS-1 to MCS-9 and about 3 times of
GPRS bit rate. With EGPRS, network operators can utilize existing wireless network
equipment to the maximum extent, and provide subscribers with individual multimedia
communication services before the 3G mobile network is put into commercial use. The
EGPRS can be introduced without adding GPRS network equipment. It brings little
impact on the GSM core network and network applications, but mainly affects the BSS
system.
1.2 GSM Composition and Features
1.2.1 Basic Concepts of BSM Network
In the GSM system, due to the mobility of users, the location information is a very
crucial parameter, which can be presented in the way as shown Fig. 1.2-1.
GSM service area (all member countries)
PLMN service area (one or more for each country)
MSC service area (the area controlled by one MSC)
Location area (locating and paging area)

Cell (a specified BTS coverage area)
Fig. 1.2-1 Relationship between Areas in GSM
The smallest area in the GSM network is the area covered by a BTS (all-direction
antenna) or a sector antenna, and it is the cell.
Several cells can compose a location area that can be set by the network operators. A
location area can be associated with one or more BSCs but belongs to one MSC.
Location area information is stored in MSC/VLR of the system and the LAI is used for
location area identification.
To confirm the position of the mobile station, the region covered by each GSM PLMN
is divided into several LAs. One LA can contain one or several cells. The network will
store the LA of each mobile station as location information for paging the mobile
station. The paging of the mobile station is made by paging all the cells in the location
area where the mobile station is located. In the planning of the network, it is paramount
to divide location areas. In the division of location areas, on the premise that no
11
excessively high call load occurs, try to minimize the number of location updates.
When an MS moves into another location area, it will find that the received LAI differs
from the original one stored in the SIM card and then registers the new one. This
process is the location updating process that is initiated by the MS.
The MSC service area is the area overlapped by all the cells under it. It can be one or
several location areas.
PLMN service area is composed of one or multiple MSC service areas and each
country may have one or several of them.For example, the national GSM mobile
communication network code of China Mobile is represented by “00”, while that of
China Unicom is represented by “01”.
GSM service area contains the PLMNs of countries all over the world.
1.2.2 GSM composition
The GSM communication system consists mainly of three parts: mobile switching
sub-system (MSS), base-station sub-system (BSS) and mobile station (MS), as shown
in Fig. 1.2-2.
PSTN
Um A IBM
interface IBM
interface
MS
MS
Other
BSS MSS
PLMN
Fig. 1.2-2 GSM System Composition
Mobile Switching Subsystem (MSS)
Fulfills message exchanging, user information management, call connection and

number management functions.
Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The BSS is controlled by MSC in a certain wireless coverage and communicates with
12
the MS. It implements channel allocation, user access and paging, and information
transmission functions.
Mobile Station (MS)
MS which is the mobile equipment of the GSM system consists of two parts: mobile
terminal and customer ID card (SIM card). The mobile terminal is nothing but a
“handset”, which performs such functions as voice coding, channel coding, information
encryption, information modulation and demodulation, information transmission and
receiving.
OMS
Also including the operation and maintenance subsystem (OMS), the GSM system
manages and monitors the entire GSM network. It implements the functions like
monitoring, status reporting and fault diagnosis of all the component functions within
the GSM network.
1.2.3 System Structure and BSS Position
The position of the BSS in the GSM digital mobile communication network is as
shown in Fig. 1.2-3.
MSC/VLR PSTN
MS
BSC1 MSC/VLR HLR/AUC

…
BTS Abis interface

A interface
…
BSCn SMC
BTS
Abis interface
Gb
Um interface
interface EIR SGSN
MS
GGSN GGSN
Other
PDN TE PLMN
Fig. 1.2-3 Position of the BSS in the GSM Network
The BSS provides a bridge between the fixed part and the wireless part in the PLMN
network, connects the MS for communications directly via the wireless interface and
13
connects the MSC of MSS.
Fig. 1.2-4 shows the basic GSM network structure.
AUC
SMC
PSTN
ISDN
PDN
HLR
GMSC
BTS
BSC TRAU MSC/VLR
MS
BTS
IWF EIR
MS Sign
aling
Fig. 1.2-4 GSM Network Structure
Here, the meaning of the network entities is as below:
z MS: Mobile Station
z BTS: Base Transceiver Station
z BSC: Base Station Controller
z TRAU: Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit
z IWF: Interworking Function
z EIR: Equipment Identification Register
z MSC: Mobile Switching Center
z VLR: Visitor Location Register
z GMSC: Gateway MSC
z HLR: Home Location Register
z AUC: Authentication Center
14
z SMC: Short Message Center
z PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network
z ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network
z PDN: Public Data Networks
A GSM digital mobile communication system is composed of the Mobile Switching

System (MSS), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), Operation Maintenance Sub-system
(OMS) and Mobile Station (MS). The following introduces the functions of each part.
1.2.3.1 Mobile Switching System (MSS)
NSS performs switching function and database for management of user data , mobility
and security.
The MSS consists of such entities as the mobile switching center (MSC), home
location register (HLR), visitor location register (VLR), equipment identity register
(EIR), authentication center (AUC) and short message center (SMC).
z MSC: As the core of the GSM, the MSC implements the switching function, that
is, accomplishes the communication connection between the PLMN subscribers
and the subscribers in other networks. It implements the functions such as the
paging access of PLMN subscribers, channel assignment, call connection, traffic
control, billing, and base station management. It provides interfaces to other
functional entities, interfaces with other networks, and interfaces for connecting
with other MSCs.
z HLR: As the central database of the system, the HLR stores all the information
related to subscribers, including the roaming authority, basic services,
supplementary services, and current location information. It provides routing
information for the MSC for call setup. An HLR may cover multiple MSCs or
even the whole mobile network.
z VLR: The VLR stores the information of all the subscribers in its coverage and
provides the call setup conditions for the registered mobile subscribers. As a
dynamic database, the VLR must exchange large volume of data with the HLR
to ensure data validity. When a subscriber leaves the controlling area of a VLR,
it registers in another VLR. The original VLR deletes the temporary records of
that subscriber. The VLR is always integrated with the MSC physically.
15
z AUC: The AUC is a strictly protected database that stores subscriber

authentication information and encryption parameters. It is integrated with the
HLR physically.
z EIR: The EIR stores the parameters related to MSs. It can identify, monitor and
block the MS, preventing unauthorized MSs from accessing the network.
1.2.3.2 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The BSS serves as a bridge between the NSS and the MS. It performs radio channel
management and wireless reception and transmission. The BSS includes the Base
Station Controller (BSC) and Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
z BSC: Located between the MSC and the BTSs, the BSC controls and manages
one or several BTS. It accomplishes radio channel assignment, BTS and MS
transmit power control, and inter-cell handover. The BSC is also a small switch
that converges and connects the local network with the MSC through A
interface.
z BTS: As a wireless transceiving equipment controlled by the BSC in the BSS,

the BTS is in charge of radio transmission and implements wired-related
wireless conversion, radio diversity, radio channel encryption, and hopping. The
BTS is connected with the BSC through Abis interface, and connected with the
MS through Um interface.
In addition, the BSS also comprises the TRAU. Located between the BSC and the
MSC, the TRAU performs the conversion between 16 Kbit/s RPE-LTP codes and 64
Kbit/s A law PCM codes.
1.2.3.3 OMS
The OMS refers to the operation & maintenance part of the GSM. All the functional
units in the GSM can be connected to the OMS through their own networks. The OMS
monitors various functional units in the GSM network, submits status report, and
performs fault diagnosis.
The OMS consists of two parts: Operation & Maintenance Center – System (OMC-S)
and OMC-Radio (OMC-R). The OMC-S implements the operation and maintenance of
the NSS, while the OMC-R implements the operation and maintenance of the BSS.
16
1.2.3.4 Mobile Station (MS)
As the subscriber equipment in the GSM, the MS can be vehicle installed or hand
portable. It is composed of the mobile terminal and SIM card.
z The mobile terminal is in charge of voice signal processing and radio

transceiving.
z The SIM stores all information required for identifying a subscriber and security
information, preventing unauthorized subscribers. A mobile terminal cannot
access the GSM network without a SIM card.
1.2.3.5 Features of the GSM System
Main features of the GSM:
z Spectrum efficiency: the system shows high spectrum efficiency using the
high-efficiency modulator, channel coding, interleaving, balancing and voice
coding technologies.
z Capacity: As the transmission bandwidth of each channel increases, the

requirement for the shared frequency multiplexing carrier-to-interference ratio
drops to 9db. In this case, the shared frequency multiplexing mode of the GSM
system can be reduced to 4/12 or 3/9 or even smaller (the analog system is 7/21).
This plus the introduction of half-rate voice coding and automatic traffic
allocation to reduce the number of cross-regional switchover makes the capacity
efficiency (number of channels in each MHz for each cell) of the GSM system
3~5 times higher than the TACS system.
z Voice quality: In view of the features of the digital transmission technology and
the definitions of the air interface and voice coding in the GSM specifications,
when it is above the threshold value, the voice quality always reaches the same
level, irrelevant to the quality of wireless transmission.
z Open interface: The open interfaces offered by GSM standard are not limited to
air interfaces. They also include the interfaces between networks and between
equipment entities on the network, such as A interface and Abis interface.
z Security: Security is achieved through the use of authentication, encryption and

TMSI number. Authentication serves to verify a user’s network entry authority.
Encryption is designed for the air interface, determined by the SIM card and the
secret key of network AUC. Authentication is to validate access authority of the
users. Encryption is adopted to air interfaces and decided by SIM card and AUC
17
key. TMSI is a temporary identification number to avoid a leakage of the

location caused by tracing. Interconnection with ISDN and PSTN.
Interconnection with other networks is implemented through current interfaces
such as ISUP or TUP.
z Roaming: Roaming is achieved on the basis of the SIM card. As an important

feature of mobile communication, the roaming functions enables users to move
from a network to another automatically. The GSM system can provide the
world-wide roaming function, though with certain agreements between network
operators such as charging. In the GSM system, this function is carried out based
on the SIM card identification number and ISMI (International Mobile
Subscriber Identity). In this way, the subscribers can enter networks in other
countries by using the SIM card but any terminal unit that can be leased without
changing the user number and charging account.
1.3 GSM interfaces and protocols
1.3.1 Concepts
In application systems, to accomplish a function, normally it needs several equipment

and devices to work together, therefore, the equipment and devices should be
interconnected via a variety of interfaces based on the stipulated protocols. In other
words, only when a certain protocol is agreed by both can two entities communicate
with each other. So interfaces represent joints between two entities and protocols are
rules for information exchange joints.
The basic structural technology of OSI reference model is the layer technology, and
OSI divides the protocols by their functions into different layers, as shown in Fig. 1.3-1.
The first layer is the physical layer or transport layer, the second is the link layer or
network layer, and the third is the application layer.
In the GSM system, the signal protocol is based on the OSI model.
18
Application layer
3
Link layer or
2 network layer
1 Physical layer or
transmission layer
Fig. 1.3-1 Layer Structure of the OSI Reference Model
1.3.2 Introduction to Main Interfaces
The primary interfaces that BSS has in the GSM system are as follows: A interface that
connects BSC to MSC; Gb interface that connects BSC to SGSN; Abis interface that
connects BSC to BTS; Ox interface that connects BSC to OMC-R and Um interface
that connects BTS to MS; Ater interface between BSC and TC when TC is remote,
using the sub-multiplexing unit.
1.3.2.1 A Interface
The interface between BSC and MSC is called A interface. Specifically speaking, A
interface is the interface between TC and MSC.
The code pattern converter TC in the GSM system is designed mainly to perform voice
conversion between voice code and 64Kbit/s A law PCM code. Besides, TC is also
responsible for the data rate adaption processing in circuit type data services. The TC
can be placed on either BSC side, or MSC side. In typical implementation schemes , It
is located between the MSC and BSC.
Using the E1 interface, A interface establishes connection via two means: 75 ohm or
120 ohm twisted pair line.
At the A interface, the data link layer uses MTP2 protocol, the network layer MTP3
and SCCP protocols and the application layer BSSMAP.
1.3.2.2 Abis Interface
The interface between BSC and BTS is called Abis interface. BSC connects with BTS
via the Abis interface with its two sides equipped with BS interface equipment.
Abis interface, a self-defined interface inside BSS, uses the E1 interface and
establishes connection via two means: 75 ohm or 120 ohm twisted pair line.
At the Abis interface, the data link layer uses the LapD protocol. There are application
protocols like RR in the upper layer.
19
1.3.2.3 Gb Interface
The interface between BSC and SGSN is called Gb interface (frame relay), with which
BSC connects with SGSN.
The BSC connects to the SGSN via the E1 line, at the access rate of
N×64Kbit/s(1≤N≤32) or 2048Kbit/s. The timeslot and bandwidth as used on the E1
line are specified by the operator.
At Gb interface, BSC is designed mainly to implement RLC/MAC protocol, NS

protocol and BSSGP protocol.
1.3.2.4 QX Interface
The interface between BSC and OMC (background operation & maintenance center) is
called Qx interface, which allows for operation & maintenance command input and
system maintenance information output.
The Qx interface supports the following kinds of connections: connection via X.25
dedicated line, connection via the public packet switched network (PSPDN),
half-permanent connection from BSC to OMC via A interface circuit and connection
via the Ethernet interface.
1.3.2.5 Um Interface
The Um interface, an air interface, is a communication interface between MS and BTS.

1. It realizes compatibility of MSs of multiple manufacturers with networks of different
operators, thus enabling the roaming function of the MS. 2. Formulation of this
interface helps solve the spectrum efficiency of the cellular system by adopting the
anti-interference and interference reduction technologies. It is quite obvious that the
Um interface fulfills physical connection between the MS and the fixed part in the
GSM system same as the wireless link. On the other hand, it transmits information on
wireless resource and mobility management and connection management.
1.3.3 GSM Protocol System
The GSM supports circuit services and packet services. These two types of services are
processed through different protocols. The following is a brief description of protocols
used on related interfaces by circuit services and packet services.
1.3.3.1 Circuit Service Protocol
20
The interface protocol stack structure of circuit services is as shown in Fig. 1.3-2.
MS BTS BSC MSC
CM CM
MM MM
RR BSSAP BSSAP
RR RR
BTSM BTSM SCCP SCCP
MTP3 MTP3
LapDm LapDm LapD LapD
MTP2 MTP2
Physical
Um Abis A
layer
Fig. 1.3-2 Protocol Stack Structure of Circuit Services
1. Abis interface protocols
The protocol layers of the circuit services on the A interface are shown in Fig.
1.3-3.
CM
A
interface RR
MM
BSSAP BSSAP
SCCP SCCP
MTP3 MTP3
MTP2 MTP2
Layer1 Layer1
BSC MSC
Fig. 1.3-3 Protocol Architecture of Circuit Services on A Interface
1) Layer1-- Physical layer
The Physical layer defines the structure of the MSC and BSC on the physical
layer, including the physical and electrical parameters as well as the channel
structure.
21
It is implemented through the first level of Message Transfer Part (MTP) of the
Common Channel Signaling No. 7 (CSS7), and it uses the 2M bit/s PCM digital
link as transmission link.
2) Layer2 -- data link layer and network layer
The network operation program defines the data link layer and the network
layer.
MTP2 is a derivative of High-level Data Link Control (HDLC). The frame

structure is composed of flag field, control field, information field, check field,
and flag sequence.
MTP3 and Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) implement the routing of
signaling.
3) Layer3—Application layer
This layer includes BSS Application Program (BSSAP). It implements

maintenance and management of BSS resources and connections, connection of
services as well as control of removal.
2. Abis interface protocols
The protocol layers of the circuit services in the Abis interface are as shown in
Fig. 1.3-4.
Abis interface
RR
BTSM BTSM
LAPD LAPD
Layer1 Layer1
BTS BSC
Fig. 1.3-4 Circuit Service Protocol Layered Structure of Abis Interface
1) Layer1—Physical layer
The 2M bit/s PCM link is often used.

22
2) Layer2-data link layer
The LapD protocol is used. It is a point-to-multipoint communication protocol,

and is a subset of Recommendations Q. 921. LapD adopts the frame structure,
including flag field, control field, information field, check field and flag
sequence. Accommodated in the flag field are Service Access Point
Identification (SAPI) and Terminal Equipment Identification (TEI), which
indicate what services and what entities are accessed.
3) Layer3—Application layer
It transmits the application part of BTS, including the radio link management
function and operation & maintenance function.
3. Um interface
The protocol layers of the circuit services in the Um interface are as shown in
Fig. 1.3-5.
Um
interface
CM
MM
RR RR
LAPDm LAPDm
Layer1 Layer1
BTS
MS
Fig. 1.3-5 Circuit Service Protocol Layered Structure of Um Interface
1) Transmission layer (or physical layer): It is the first layer of the Um interface
providing the transmission channel of wireless links, to transmit the data via
radio wave carrier, and provides different functional channels for higher layers,
including service channels and logical channels.
2) Data link layer: It is the second layer of the Um interface providing reliable data
links between the MS and ZXG10-BTS (V2). The protocol adopted is LapDm
that is the dedicated protocol used by GSM, which is the transmogrification of
ISDN “D” channel protocol LapD.
23
3) Application layer. It is the third layer, including three sub-layers of CM, MM

and RR, of the Um interface. It is mainly responsible for the protocols of control
and management, and arranges the information of subscriber and system control
into the designated logical channels according to certain protocol packets.
CM layer: It implements communication management, connection setup

between subscribers, and call hold and release, including Call Control (CC),
Subjoin Service Management (SSM) and Short Message Service (SMS).
MM layer: It implements mobility and security management, namely, the

necessary processing when the mobile station initiates location updating.
RR layer: It implements radio resources management, to establish and release

connection between the MS and MSC during the call process.
1.3.3.2 Packet Service Protocol
The interface protocol stack structure of packet services is as shown in Fig. 1.3-6.
MS BSS SGSN
application
IP/X.25
relay
SNDCP SNDCP
LLC
LLC relay
RLC RLC BSSGP BSSGP
Network Network
MAC MAC
Service Service
GSM RF GSM RF L1bis L1bis
Um Gb
Fig. 1.3-6 Structure of the Packet Service Protocol Stack
1. Um interface
The protocol layers of the Um interface are as shown in Fig. 1.3-7.
24
MS
application
IP/X.25
SNDCP BSS
LLC relay
RLC RLC
MAC MAC
GSM
GSM RF
RF
Um
interface
Fig. 1.3-7 Um Interface Packet Protocol Architecture
1) GSM RF
The RF part uses the same transfer mode as GSM circuit services. It specifies
the carrier features, channel structure, modulation mode, and radio frequency
indexes.
2) RLC/MAC layer
RLC is a Radio Link Control protocol of the air interface between the BTS and
the MS. Its main functions are error detection for Um interface data blocks,
selection of resending the error data blocks and confirmation, etc.
MAC controls the access signaling process in the wireless channel. When a large
amount of MSs accesses the shared media, it will make judgment. In addition, it
maps LLC frames to the GSM physical channels.
3) LLC layer
This layer is a very reliable encrypted logic link. The layer is independent of the
lower layer wireless interface protocol, so as to make as little modification to the
networks as possible when another GPRS wireless solution is introduced.
4) SNDCP
SNDCP protocol-as a transition between network layer and link layer, it

segments and compresses IP/X.25 user data before sending it into LLC layer for
transmission.
25
5) Relay
LLC PDU between relay Um and Gb interfaces.
2. The Gb interface
1) L1bis—Physical transport layer
2) Network Service (NS)
Two sublayers are involved: Network service control layer and frame relay layer.
Based on the frame relay, the network service control layer is used to transmit
the upper-layer BSSGP PDU.
3) BSSGP
On the transmission platform, this protocol is used to provide a connectionless

link between BSS and SGSN for unconfirmed data transmission.
1.4 Available GSM Services
1.4.1 Telecommunications Services Provided by the GSM
1. Circuit Services
1) Voice Service
z Full-rate voice service
z Half-rate voice service
z Enhanced full-rate voice service
2) Data service
z 14.4Kbit/s full-rate data service
2. SMS services(support Chinese short messages)
1) Point-to-point short message service
z Point-to-point short message service with the mobile user serving as called
26
z Point-to-point short message service with the mobile user serving as caller
2) Cell Broadcast Short Message
Cell broadcast service originated from the SMS center or the OMC-R.
3. Packet Services
1) GPRS service
2) EDGE service
At present, the point-to-point interactive telecom services are supported,

including:
z Access to the database: Allocate service to users as needed, e.g. Internet, and
provide storing and forwarding, as well as information processing for
user-to-user communications.
z Session service: Provide bi-directional user-to-user and port-to-port real time

information communication, e.g. Internet Telnet service.
z Tele-action service: Applicable to small-volume data processing services, credit

card confirmations, lottery transactions, electronic monitoring, remote meter
reading (water, electricity and gas), monitoring systems, and so on.
1.4.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System
GSM supplementary services are diversified, including:
Call Forwarding Unconditional: forward all incoming calls to the number specified by
the subscriber.
Barring: barring of outgoing/coming calls.
Call Waiting: When a call is connected for a subscriber, indication of a new coming
call is given to the subscriber. The subscriber can accept, reject or ignore the waiting
call.
Call Hold: A subscriber can suspend the connected call to do other things.
Multiparty Service: A simultaneous communication with up to six parties is allowed.
Closed User Group: The subscribers of CUG are restricted from outgoing and
incoming calls, but they can normally communicate with each other.
Hot Billing: The network generates an instant call billing message from the billing
27
manager. It is applicable to leased phone service, including all kinds of call modes.
Bills are generated and presented to the subscriber immediately after the call is ended.
1.5 GSM Wireless Interface

The GSM is a digitizing system, and its task is to transfer bit stream. To associate the
communication services with transmission solutions, the concept of channel is
introduced. Different channels can transfer different bit streams at the same time. The
channels fall into physical channels and logical channels. The mapping between the
logical channel and physical channel is the process that arranges the information to be
sent to the proper TDMA frames and timeslots.
1.5.1 GSM Wireless Working Frequency Band
1. Working frequency band
900MHz, extended 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands. Some countries

use the 1900MHz frequency band.
1) f = 900 MHz
Uplink (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range:

890MHz~915MHz
Downlink (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range:

935MHz~960MHz
2) Extended 900MHz frequency band
Uplink (from the MS to the base station) frequency range: 880 MHz – 915 MHz
Downlink (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range: 925

MHz~960 MHz
3) f = 1800 MHz

1710MHz~1785MHz

1805MHz~1880MHz
4) f = 1900 MHz
28

1850MHz~1910MHz

1930MHz~1990MHz
2. Channel interval
200kHz.
3. Channel configuration
All channels are configured with the same interval.
1) f = 900 MHz
1~124, totaling 124 frequency points.
The relation between the channel serial number and the frequency point nominal
central frequency is:
Fu (n)=890+0.2×n(MHz), uplink
Fd(n)=Fu(n)+45(MHz), downlink
Here, 1 ≤ n ≤ 124, n is a channel number, or an ARFCN (Absolute Radio

Frequency Channel Number).
0~124 and 975~1023, totaling 174 frequency points.
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 × n (MHz), 0 ≤ n ≤ 124
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 × (n - 1024) (MHz), 975 ≤ n ≤ 1023
Fd(n)=Fu(n)+45(MHz)
3) f = 1800 MHz
512~885, totaling 374 frequency points.
Fu(n)=1710.2+0.2×(n-512) (MHz)
29
Fd(n)=Fu(n)+95(MHz)
512 ≤ n ≤ 885
4) f = 1900 MHz
The channel serial numbers are 512~811, totaling 300 frequency points.
Fu(n)=1850.2.2+0.2×(n-512) (MHz)
Fd(n)=Fu(n)+80(MHz)
512 ≤ n ≤811
4. Interval between transmitting and receiving:
1) f = 900 MHz
The interval of duplex transceiving frequency is 45MHz.
3) f = 1800 MHz
4) f = 1900 MHz
1.5.2 GSM Wireless Physical Channel
The GSM adopts the mixed technology of Frequency Division Multiple Access
(FDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). It features high frequency
utilization.
The FDMA enables 124 carrier frequencies (carriers for short) to be assigned to the
uplink (from the MS to the BTS) 890 MHz – 915 MHz or downlink (from the BTS to
the MS) 935 MHz – 960 MHz in GSM900 band. The interval between carriers is 200
kHz. The carriers in the uplink and downlink are in pairs, which is the so-called duplex
communication mode. The interval between duplex receiving and transmitting carrier
pair is 45 MHz.
30
The TDMA enables each carrier of the GSM900 band to be divided into eight time
segments. Each time segment is called a timeslot. See Fig. 1.5-1. This type of timeslot
is called a channel or a physical channel. Eight consecutive timeslots on a carrier
constitute a TDMA frame, that is, a carrier of the GSM provides eight physical
channels.
1.5.2.1 Time Slot
Fig. 1.5-1 illustrates a channel in the GSM system in terms of time domain and
frequency domain.
Frequency
200 kHz
Time
Time Slot ( Time Slot )

16/25 ms
Fig. 1.5-1 Time-Frequency Structure of Physical Channels
1.5.2.2 TDMA Frame
In the GSM system, there are 8 timeslots for each carrier frequency. The eight adjacent
timeslots make up a basic unit, called TDMA frame. Several TDMA frames make up a
multi-frame, as shown in Fig. 1.5-2.
There are two kinds of multi-frame in the GSM circuit service: multi-frame of 26
frame and multi-frame of 51 frame.
Multi-frame of 26 frame: includes 26 TDMA frames with a period of 120ms, designed

for service channel and associated control channel.
Multi-frame of 51 frame: includes 51 TDMA frames with a period of 3060/13ms

(approximately 235ms), designed for control channels.
31
1 ultra-high frame = 2048 ultra frames = 2715648 TDMA frames

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 2042 2043 2044 2045 2046 2047
1 ultra frame = 1326 TDMA frames (6, 12s)

(=51 (26-frame) multiframe or 26 (51-frame) multiframe)
0 1 2 3 47 48 49 50
0 1 24 25
1 (26-frame) multiframe = 26 TDMA frames 1 (51-frame) multiframe = 51

(120ms) TDMA frames (3036/13ms)
0 1 2 3 4 22 23 24 25 0 1 2 3 4 47 48 49 50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 01 02
TDMA
frame
Fig. 1.5-2 Frame Architecture
Several multi-frames make up a super frame, which is a continuous 51x26 TDMA

frame, with a period of 1326 TDMA frames, namely, 6.12s.
Comprised of 2048 super frames, the super high frame has a period of 12533.76s. Each
period of the super high frame contains 2715648 TDMA frames, namely, TDMA frame
number (FN) ranging from 0 to 2715647.
1.5.3 GSM Wireless Logical Channel
If each timeslot of the TDMA frame is looked as a physical channel, the different
information carried on the physical channels is classified as logical channels. Based on
the requirements for mobile communication, the logical channels are control logical
channels, speech or data logical channels assigned to the eight TDMA timeslots to
transfer various control signaling and speech or data services.
The information transferred on the physical channels of the GSM digital system is the
pulse train composed of about 100 modulated bits, which is called burst. Different
logical channels are carried in the bursts of different formats.
The logical channels fall into common channels and dedicated channels. Fig. 1.5-3
shows the logical channels defined by the GSM.
32
Logical Channel
Common Dedicated
Channel Channel
Common
Broadcast Dedicated
Control Service
Channel Control
Channel Channel
Channel
Frequency Synchroniza Broadcast Stand-alone

Correction tion Control Slow Fast
Dedicated
Channel Channel Channel Associated Associated
Control
Channel Channel
Channel
Random Access Enhanced

Paging Full Rate Half Rate
Access Grant Full Rate
Channel Channel Channel
Channel Channel Channel
Fig. 1.5-3 GSM Logical Channels
1.5.3.1 Common Channels
The common channel means the broadcast control channel to transfer broadcast
messages from the BTS to MS, and the common control channel to transfer the
bidirectional signals required to set up connections between the Mobile-Service
Switching Center (MSC) and MS.
1. Broadcast Channel
BCHs are unidirectional channels from the base station to the MS. The BCHs
comprises:
z Frequency correction channel (FCCH): Transmits the information used to

correct the MS frequency. The MS receives the frequency correction information
through the FCCH and corrects its time base frequency.
z Synchronization channel (SCH): Transmits frame synchronization (TDMA

frame number) information and Base Station Identity Code (BSIC) to MSs.
z Broadcast control channel (BCCH): Broadcasts general information to BTSs.

For example, broadcast the local cell and neighboring cell information, and
synchronization (time and frequency) information on this channel. The MSs
listen to the BCCH periodically to obtain the information transmitted on it, such
as the Local Area Identity, List of Neighboring Cell, frequency table used in the
33
local cell, cell identity, power control indication, intermittent transmission

permission, access control, and CBCH description. The BCCH carrier is
transmitted by the base station at the fixed power, and its signal strength is
measured by all the MSs.
2. Common Control Channel
The CCCHs are point-to-multipoint bi-directional channels between the base

station and the MS. including:
z Paging channel (PCH): Broadcasts the paging messages from the base station to
the MS. It is a downlink channel.
z Random access channel (RACH): The MS sends information to the base station
through this channel when accessing the network at random. The information
sent includes the response to the paging message of the base station and the
access of mobile-originated call. The MS also applies for a stand-alone
dedicated control channel (SDCCH) from the base station through this channel.
The RACH is a uplink channel.
z Access grant channel: The base station sends the assigned SDCCH to the MS
that accesses the network successfully through this channel. The AGCH is a
downlink channel.
1.5.3.2 Dedicated channel
Dedicated channels are the traffic channels that transmit voices and data. Some
dedicated channels are used for the purpose of control.
1. Dedicated Control Channel
The DCCHs are point-to-point bi-directional channels between the base station
and the MS. The DCCHs include:
z Stand-alone dedicated control channel (SDCCH): Transmits the signaling and

channel information between the base station and the MS, such as the
authentication and registration signaling messages. During the establishment of
a call, the SDCCH supports bi-directional data transmission and the transfer of
short messages.
z Slow associated control channel (SACCH): Through this channel, the base
station sends the power control message and frame adjustment message to the
34
MS, and receives signal strength report and link quality report from the MS.
z Fast associated control channel (FACCH): Transmits inter-cell handover

signaling messages between the base station and the MS.
2. Traffic Channel
The TCHs transmit voice and data services. According to the switching mode,
the TCHs can be divided into circuit-switched channels and data-switched
channels. According to the transmit rate, the TCHs can be divided into full-rate
channels and half-rate channels. The rate of the GSM full-rate channels is 13
Kbit/s, and that of the GSM half-rate channels is 6.5 Kbit/s. In addition, the
enhanced full-rate channel has the same rate as the full-rate channels, which is
13 Kbit/s. However, it has better compressed coding scheme than the full-rate
channels. That is why the enhanced full-rate channel provides better voice
quality.
1.5.3.3 Channel Combination
In actual applications, the logical channels of different types are always mapped to the
same physical channel. This is called channel combination.
Following are nine channel combinations of GSM:
1. Full-rate traffic channel (TCHFull): TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/TF;
2. Half-rate traffic channel (TCHHalf): TCH/H (0, 1) + FACCH/H(0, 1) +

SACCH/TH (0, 1);
3. Half-rate1 traffic channel (TCHHalf2): TCH/H (0, 0) + FACCH/H (0, 1)

+SACCH/TH (0, 1) + TCH/H (1, 1);
4. SDCCH: SDCCH/8 (0, … , 7) + SACCH/C8 (0, … , 7);
5. Main broadcast control channel (MainBCCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH;
6. Combined broadcast control channel (BCCHCombined): FCCH + SCH +

BCCH + CCCH + SDCCH/4 (0, … ,3) + SACCH/C4 (0, … , 3);
7. Broadcast channel (BCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH;
8. Cell broadcast channel (BCCHwithCBCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH +

SDCCH/4 (0, … , 3) + SACCH/C4 (0, … , 3) + CBCH;
9. Slow dedicated control channel (SDCCHwithCBCH): SDCCH + SACCH +

CBCH.
35
Among the above channel combinations, CCCH = PCH + RACH + AGCH. CBCH:
Only downlink channels are available, carrying cell broadcast information and sharing
the physical channel with SDCCH.
Each cell broadcasts an FCCH and an SCH. The basic combination in the downlink
direction includes an FCCH, an SCH, a BCCH and a CCCH (PCH + AGCH), allocated
strictly to TN0 of BCCH carrier configured for a cell, as shown in Fig. 1.5-4.
51-frame
BCCH+CCCH
F S B C F S C C F S C C F S C C F S C C I
(Downlink)
BCCH+CCCH
R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R RR
(Uplink)
(a) FCCH+SCH+BCCH+CCCH
8 SDCCH/8
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0 A1 A2 A3 I I I
(Downlink)
8 SDCCH/8
A1 A2 A3 I I I D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0
(Uplink)
A5 A6 A7 I I I D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4
(b) SDCCH/8(0,...,7)+SACCH/C8(0,...,7)
BCCH+CCCH
F S B C F S C C F S D0 D1 F S D2 D3 F S A0 A1 I
+4SDCCH/4
(Downlink)
F S B C F S C C F S D0 D1 F S D2 D3 F S A2 A3 I
BCCH+CCCH
D3 R R A2 A3 R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D0 D1 F S D2
+4SDCCH/4
(Uplink)
D3 R R A0 A1 R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D0 D1 F S D2
(c) FCCH+SCH+CCCH+SDCCH/4(0,...,3)+SACCH/C4(0,...,3)
F：FCCH S：SCH
B：BCCH C：CCCH（CCCH=PCH+AGCH+RACH）
R：RACH D：SDCCH
A：SACCH/C I：idle
Fig. 1.5-4 51-frame Channel Structure
For the half-rate voice channel combination, each timeslot has two half-rate
sub-channels and corresponding SACCH, with 26TDMA frames as the multi-frame.
The frame structure is shown in Fig. 1.5-5.
26 -frame
H H H H H H H H H H H H S H H H H H H H H H H H H S
0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1
Fig.1.5-5 Structure of Half-rate Voice Channel
1.5.3.4 Mapping from the Logical Channel to the Physical Channel
Obviously, the logical channels in the GSM are much more than the eight physical
36
channels that a GSM carrier can provide. If each logical channel is configured with a
physical channel, the eight physical channels provided by a carrier are not enough. In
such case, extra carriers must be added. However, the communication in this way is not
highly effective. The way to solve this problem is to multiplex the CCCH, that is,
multiplex the CCCH on one or two physical channels.
In GSM, the mapping relationship between the physical channel and the logical
channel is set up as follows:
One base station (BS) has N carriers, and each carrier has eight timeslots. Carriers are
defined as f0, f1, f2, … For the downlink, the numbering begins with the 0th timeslot
(TS0) of f0. TS0 is used only to mapping the control channel. f0 is also called the
broadcasting control channel (BCCH). Fig. 1.5-6 shows the multiplexing relationship
of BCCH and CCCH on TS0.
TDMA
frame 012 7012 701
BCCH+CCCH
FS B C FS C C FS C C FS C C FS C C I
Downlink
F (FCCH): Through it, the MS synchronizes frequency.

S (SYCH): Through it, the MS reads the TDMA frame number and base
station identity code.
B (BCCH): Through it, the MS reads the general messages about the
cell.
I (IDEL): Idle frame. It includes no messages, but is the end flag of
multiframe.
Fig. 1.5-6 Multiplexing of BCCH and CCCH on TS0
The BCCH and CCCH occupy 51 TS0s in total. Though only the TS0 of each frame is
occupied, the length is 51 TDMA frames in terms of time. As a multiframe, its end is
marked by the appearance of an idle frame. After the idle frame, a new multiframe
starts from F and S. Repetition in this constitutes the multiframe structure of TDMA.
When there is no paging or call access, the BS always transmits f0 on. This enables the
MS to detect the signal strength of the BS and to determine which cell to use.
For the uplink, the TS0 on f0 does not include the above channels. It is used only for the
access of the MS; that is, it is used in the uplink as the RACH. Fig. 1.5.-7 shows the
TS0 of 51 consecutive TDMA frames.
37
TDMA
frame 012 7012 701
RACH
R R R R R R R R R R R RR R R R R R R RR R R R R R R RR R R R R R R RR R R R R R R R RR R R R R R
Uplink
Fig.1.5-7 Multiplexing of RACH on TS0
The BCCH, FCCH, SCH, PCH, AGCH and RACH are all mapped to the TS0. The
RACH is mapped to the uplink, and the rest are mapped to the downlink.
The TS1 on f0 is used to map the dedicated control channel to the physical channel. Fig.
1.5-8 shows the mapping relationship.
TDMA
frame 012 7012 701
SD CCH+ SA CCCH
Downlink
Fig. 1.5-8 Multiplexing of SDCCH and SACCH on TS1 (Downlink)
Since the bit rate in call setup and registration is quite low, eight dedicated control
channels can be placed on one timeslot to improve the multiplexing ratio of the
timeslot.
The SDCCH and SACCH have 102 timeslots in total, that is, 102 time division
multiplexing (TDM) frames.
The DX (D0, D1, …) of the SDCCH is used only when the MS sets up a call. When the
MS transfers to the TCH and the subscriber starts the conversation or the release is
registered, the DX is used in other MSs.
38
The AX (A0, A1, …) of the SACCH is mainly used to transfer unimportant control
information such as wireless measurement data.
The TS1 on the uplink f0 and that on the downlink f0 have the same structure. They
have an offset in time, however, which means simultaneous bidirectional connection
for an MS. Fig. 1.5-9 shows the multiplexing of the SDCCH and SACCH on the TS1
of the uplink f0.
TDMA
frame 012 7012 701
A5 A6 A7 III D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0
A1 A2 A3 III D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4
SD CCH+ SA CCCH
Uplink DX: Same as uplink AX: Same as downlink
Fig. 1.5-9 Multiplexing of SDCCH and SACCH on TS1 (Uplink)
The uplink and downlink TS0 and TS1 on f0 are used by the logical control channel,
while the remaining six physical channel TS2 to TS7 are used by the TCH.
Fig. 1.5-10 shows the mapping from the TCH from the physical channel.
TDMA
frame 012 7012 7012
T CH
T T T T T T T T T T T T AT T T T T T T T T T T T I
Downlink
Note: Total 26 TSs, start from the
beginning after the idle TS.
Fig. 1.5-10 Multiplexing of TCH
39
Fig. 1.5-10 only gives the TDM relationship of TS2. In this figure, T stands for the
TCH, which is used to transmit voice or data; A for the SACCH, which is used to
transfer control commands such as the command to change the output power; I for Idle,
which does not contain any information but is used in measurement. TS2 conducts
TDM with 26 timeslots as a cycle. The idle timeslot serves as the beginning or end of a
repeating sequence.
The structure of the TCH of the uplink is completely the same as that of the TCH of the
downlink. The only difference is an offset in time, which is three timeslots. That is, the
TS2 of the uplink and that of the downlink do not appear simultaneously, which means
that it is not necessary for the MS to conduct sending and receiving simultaneously. Fig.
1.5-11 shows the offset between the uplink and downlink of the TCH.
TDMA
Frame number
0 01
Downlink C0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 BTS to MS
45MHz (GSM900)
MS To BTS
95MHz (DCS1800)
Uplink C0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Offset 0 01
TDMA
Frame number
Fig. 1.5-11 Uplink and Downlink Offset of TCH
From the above description, it can be concluded that on f0:
z TS0: a logical control channel, with repeat cycle of 51 timeslots.
z TS1: a logical control channel, with repeat cycle of 102 timeslots.
z TS2: a logical traffic channel, with repeat cycle of 26 timeslots.
z TS3 to TS7: logical traffic channels, with repeat cycle of 26 timeslots.
The TS0 to TS7 of other f0 ~ fN are all traffic channels.
The channel configuration adopted by ZTE for common cells is as follows:
Number of carrier frequencies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of control channels 1 2 2 2 3 3 3
Number of service channels 7 14 22 30 37 45 53
40
1.5.4 GSM Voice Processing
In the GSM system, the MS processes voice signals on wireless interfaces as shown in
Fig. 1.5-12.
Voice Channel Interle Burst pulse

A/D Encryption Modulation
coding coding aving forming
260bit/20ms 456bit/20ms 33.8kbit/s 270kbit/s
Voice Channel Burst pulse

D/A Deinterleaving Decryption Demodulation
decoding decoding disassemble
Fig.1.5-12 Voice Processing in the GSM System
The process of sending voice signals is as follows: for analog voice signals, first make
A/D conversion before doing voice coding to output 13Kbit/s digital voice signals. To
control errors in the process of transmission, channel coding and interlacing processing
shall be conducted on digital voice signals, which are then encrypted according to the
input/output bit stream of 1:1. These bits are grouped into 8 1/2 burst pulse sequences
(corresponding to voice signals/20ms segment) before they are transmitted at about
270Kbit/s in the appropriate timeslots.
The process of receiving voice signals is as follows: for the wireless signals sent by
BTS, first do demodulation before decomposing and decrypting burst pulses. After
every 8 1/2 burst pulse sequences are received, they are subjected to interlacing
processing and re-assembled into 456 bit information. After that, do channel decoding
and detect and correct the errors that occur in the middle of transmission before finally
conducting voice decoding of the bit stream generated by the decoder and converting it
analog voices.
1.5.4.1 Voice encoding
Given below is a brief introduction to the voice coding process of the GSM system
using full-rate voice coding as an example.
Currently, what the GSM system uses is 13kb/s voice coding scheme, known as
RPE-LTP (Rule Pulse Excitation-Long Term Prediction).The aim of this scheme is to
produce near-PSTN voice quality when no error occurs.
It first divides the voice into voice blocks by 20ms and samples it with 8kHz frequency
to get 160 sample values. Then each sample value is quantified to generate 16bit digital
41
voice signals. The 128Kbit/s data stream is obtained this way. As the rate is too high to
be transmitted on the wireless path, it needs to be compressed by a coder. If a full-rate
coder is used, each voice block will be compressed into 260bits to generate 13Kbit/s
source code rate in the end. The process of processing other signals such as channel
coding comes after that.
On the BTS side, BTS can recover 13Kbit/s source rate, but to generate 16Kbit/s rate so
that it can be transmitted on the Abis interface, it is necessary to add 3Kbit/s signaling so as
to control the operation of the remote TC. On the TC side, to accommodate 64Kbit/s
transmission rate of A interface, it is also necessary to conduct rate conversion between
13Kbit/s and 64Kbit/s.
1.5.4.2 Channel Encoding
Channel coding serves to improve transmission quality and overcome the negative
impact of interferences on signals.
Using specialized redundancy technology, channel coding inserts redundancy bits in

certain regularity at the transmitting end for coding while the receiving end in the
process of decoding detects error codes and corrects errors as many as possible using
these redundancy bits to recover the originally transmitted information.
The coding schemes as used in GSM are convolutional code and packet code which are
used in a combinational way in actual applications.
Convolutional code: compiles k information bits into n bits. Both k and n are very
small so that they are suitable for transmission in a serial port manner. Besides they
also show very little delay. The coded n code elements are not only related to k
information code elements of this packet, but also to information code elements in the
preceding (N-1), where N is called constraint length. The convolutional code is
generally represented as (n, k, N). The error tolerance of the convolutional codes
increases as N increases while its error rate decreases as N increases. The convolutional
code is mainly designed for error correction. When the demodulator uses the maximum
likelihood estimation method, it can generate very effective error correction results.
Convolution code can be expressed as (n, k, N). The error-correction capability in
convolution encoding grows stronger with the rise of N, while the error probability
decreases exponentially as N rises. The convolution code is used to correct errors, and
it is effective when the decoder works in the maximum likelihood estimate mode.
42
Packet code: This is a kind of shortened loop code, which gets the redundancy bits by
increasing the exclusive-or algorithm of information bits and maps k input information
bits to no output binary code elements (n>k) through exclusive-or algorithm. The
packet code is designed mainly to detect and correct error codes in groups and it is
used in a mixed way with the convolutional code. The packet code is used for detecting
and correcting errors in groups. It is generally used along with the convolution code.
1.5.4.3 Interlacing Technology
The occurrence of burst error codes in wireless communication is usually caused by

fading that lasts a long time. It is not enough to detect and correct errors in the
above-mentioned channel coding scheme. To better address the issue of error codes, the
interlacing technology is introduced to the system. The interleaving technology is
adopted in channels to better solve the error problems.
Interlacing is in fact to send separately the original continuous bits of a message block
in certain regularity. In other words, the original continuous block in the middle of
transmission becomes discontinuous and creates a group of interlaced transmission
message blocks. At the receiving end, this kind of interlacing message blocks is
restored (de-interlaced) to original message blocks. To control the operations and
sessions, the TCAP are classified into two layers, CSL and TSL. The CSL is used to
manage the operations and the TSL is used to manage the transactions (sessions), as
shown in Fig. 1.5-13.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Packet
Interleaving
Packet after
interleaving 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error code
Fig. 1.5-13 Interleaving Technology
After the interlacing technology is applied, if a message is lost in the middle of

transmission, it is in fact part of each message block that is lost, but the whole part of it.
The missing messages can be recovered easily with the coding technology.
43
In the GSM, different coding and interleaving modes are used in different types of
channels. See Table 1.5-1 for details.
Table 1.5-1 Coding and Interweaving of Circuit Logical Channels
Input Code Output

Input Code
Channel Type Rate Convolutional Code Interleaving Depth
Block bits Check Bit Tail Bit
(Kbit/s) Code Rate Block bits
Parity
Ia 13 50
TCH/F check, 3 4 1/2
456 On eight 1/2 bursts
S Ib 13 132
II 13 78
Parity
Ia 5.6 22
TCH/ check, 3 6 1/3
228 On four 1/2 bursts
HS Ib 5.6 73
II 5.6 17
1/2, one bit is
TCH/F9.6 12 Combine on 22
240 4 removed 456
TCH/H4.8 6 unequal bursts
every 15 bits.
TCH/F4.8 6 120 32 1/3 456 Ditto
TCH/F2.4 3.6 72 4 1/6 456 On eight 1/2 bursts
Combine on 22
TCH/H2.4 3.6 144 8 1/3 456
unequal bursts
Parity Combine on one SB
SCH 25 4 1/2 78
check, 10 burst
Parity Combine on one AB
RACH 8 4 1/2 36
check, 6 burst
Packet
FACCH 184 4 1/2 456 On eight 1/2 bursts
coding, 40
SACCH
BCCH
Packet
SDCCH 184 4 1/2 456 On four whole bursts
coding, 40
AGCH
PCH
Note: The voice input rate on TCH/FS is 13 Kbit/s, that is, each speech frame lasts 20 ms and contains 260 bits. According to the interference of
different bits on voice, the 260 bits are divided into I category (182 bits in total) and II category (78 bits in total). The I category is further divided into
Ia and Ib. The Ia bits are very important bits. If any of them is incorrect, the subscriber will hear a loud noise in 20 ms voice interval. There are 50 Ia
bits and 132 Ib bits. That is, the 260 bits in a speech frame (20 ms) is { d (0), d (1),…, d (181), d (182), …, d (259)}. The part with a single line is I
category, and that with a double-line is II category. It is similar to the TCH/HS.
Table 1.5-1 gives the coding and interleaving adopted in different types of transmission.
44
The first column lists the channels and the related transmission mode. The Input Code
Block column gives the size of the data block (bits) before channel coding. The Output
Code Block column gives the size of the data block (bits) after channel coding. In Code,
the parameters are listed in the same sequence as the coding sequence. The tail bit is
"0". The decoding is in the reverse order.
Following is description of channel coding and interweaving, taking voice

communication for example.
In the GSM, the voice input rate on TCH/FS is 13kb/s, that is, 260 bits are transmitted
every 20ms. The 260 bits are protected by means of segmented coding.
Among the 260 bits, 182 bits adopts 1/2 convolutional coding, and the remaining 78
bits are not protected. Among the 182 bits, 50 bits are performed with parity check and
then with 1/2 convolutional coding. Three information bits are added. Those 50 bits are
called Ia bits. The other 132 bits, called Ib bits, are performed with 1/2 convolutional
coding directly.
Fig. 1.5-14 shows the interleaving algorithm of voice signals on TCH/F. After channel
coding, 456 bits are carried in every 20ms. Those bits are divided into eight groups,
with the 57 bits in each group carried in different burst pulses (eight BPs in total). To
maximize irrelevancy between the bit sequences, the bits should be arranged as
described in Table 1.5-2.
456 bits 456 bits 456 bits 456 bits
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A block B block
57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1
116 bit 116 bit 116 bit Odd bits Even bits
Fig. 1.5-14 Interleaving of Cells
45
Table 1.5-2 Full-rate speech interleaving algorithm
No. Item Note

1 0, 8, …, 448 Even bits (B block) in BP (N)
2 1, 9, …, 449 Even bits (B block) of BP (N 1)
3 2, 10, …, 450 Even bits (B block) of BP (N 2)
4 3, 11, …, 451 Even bits (B block) of BP (N + 3)
5 4, 12, …, 52 Odd bits (A block) v BP (N 4)
8 7, 15, …, 455 Odd bits (A block) v BP (N + 7)
456 bits are divided into eight groups (rows). Each group has 57 bits (columns),
occupying Block A or Block B of BP (N) to BP (N+7). After interleaving, a BP carries
114 bits of information plus 2 bits of stolen frame (116 bits in total). The 114 bits
contain 57 bits (odd bits) of information block A and 57 bits (even bits) of information
block B. The remaining two bits indicate respectively whether the first half BP (odd bit)
and the last half BP (even bit) are subscriber data or fast channel associated signaling.
1.5.4.4 Encryption/Decryption.
There are encryption measures available in the GSM system. They are applicable to
voice, data and signaling. They are independent of the data type and work for normal
bursts only. Encryption is accomplished by exclusive or operation of an encryption
sequence (computed by A5 encryption algorithm via key Kc and frame number) and
114 information bits on a normal burst.
The original transmission data can be obtained by using the same sequence at the
receiving end to conduct exclusive-or operation with the encryption sequence.
1.5.4.5 Modulation and Demodulation
Modulation and demodulation are the last step in signal processing. Using GMSK
modulation mode at a rate of 270.833 k Baud, GSM usually conducts demodulation
with Viterbi algorithm (with a balanced demodulation method). Demodulation is the
reverse process of modulation.
GMSK is a special digital FM modulation mode. The modulation rate is 270.833

kilobauds. The Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation with bit rate four times of
frequency offset is called MSK (Minimum Shift-frequency Keying). In GSM, the
Gaussian demodulation filter is used to further reduce the modulation spectrum. It can
46
frequency offset is called MSK (Minimum Shift-frequency Keying). In GSM, the

Gaussian demodulation filter is used to further reduce the modulation spectrum. It can
cut the frequency conversion speed.
The GMSK can be expressed by a I/Q diagram. If there is no Gaussian filter, when a
series of constant 1s are sent, the MSK signal will be kept in the state that is higher
than the center frequency 67.708 kHz of the carrier. If the center frequency of the
carrier serves as the fixed phase reference, the signal 67.708 kHz will cause steady
increment of phase. The phase rotates 360° at 67,708 times per second. In a bit period
(1/270.833 kHz), the phase moves 1/4 a circle in the I/G diagram, that is, 90°. The data
1 can be looked as 90° plus the phase. Two 1s makes a phase increment by 180°, three
1s makes a increment by 270°, and so on. The data 0 indicates the same phase change
in the reverse direction.
The actual phase track is strictly controlled. In the GSM, digital filter and 1/Q or digital
FM modulator are used to generate correct phase track accurately. The Root Mean
Square (RMS) between the actual track and the ideal track allowed by GSM
specifications cannot exceed 5°, and the peak deviation cannot exceed 20°.
1.5.5 GSM Wireless Technologies
1.5.5.1 Diversity Reception
The diversity reception technology is usually introduced to the GSM system to receive
on several tributaries the signals with little relativity but carrying the same information
and then output the signals after they are combined. In this way, the impact of fading
on the stability of receiving signals can be played down.
There are ways of diversity as follows: space diversity, frequency diversity, time
diversity and polarization diversity.
1. Space Diversity
Two receiving antennas are set in the space to receive independently the same
signals before combining and outputting them. In this way, the degree of fading
can be dramatically lowered. This is the so-called space diversity. The space
diversity is based on the fact that the field strength varies randomly with the
space. The longer the distance, the more variant the multi-path transmission will
be, and the less relevant the receiving filed strength will be. The relevancy refers
to the similarity between the signals. Therefore, the necessary distance must be
47
determined. According to the test and statistics, CCIR suggests the spacing
between two antennas should be larger than 0.6 wavelength, namely d>0.6λ, to
achieve a satisfactory diversity result and that it should be better to near the odd
number multiplication of λ/4. Even if the distance between antennas is shortened
to be λ/4, good diversity effect can be achieved.
2. Time Diversity
Time diversity is to send the same message with some delays or part of the
message in different time within the delay range tolerable by the system. In the
GSM system, time diversity is achieved by the interlacing technology. In the
GSM, interleaving technology is adopted to implement the time diversity.
3. Frequency Diversity
Frequency diversity means more than two frequencies send a signal concurrently.
The receiving end combines the signals of different frequencies and reduces or
eliminates the impact of fading with different paths of the wireless carrier waves
of varied frequencies. The frequency diversity is effective and requires one set
of antenna only. Frequency diversity in GSM is implemented by frequency
hopping technology.
4. Polarization Diversity
Polarization diversity is to receive signals by making two pairs of receiving

antennas with polarization direction into some angles against each other, which
can generate a good diversity result. The two sets of polarized antennae in
polarity diversity can be integrated in one set of antenna. Thus, only one
receiving antenna and one transmitter antenna are required in a cell. If duplexer
is adopted, only one transceiving antenna is required. It saves antennas greatly.
1.5.5.2 Discontinuous Transmission
There are two voice transmission modes. One is continuous voice coding (one speech
frame every 20ms) no matter whether the subscriber is talking or not. Another is
discontinuous transmission (DTX) with 13kb/s coding in voice activation period and
500b/s coding in non voice activation period. In addition, a comfort noise frame (20ms
per frame) is transmitted every 480ms, as shown in Fig. 1.5-15.
There are two purposes of employing the DTX mode: one is to lower the general
interference level in the air; the second is to save the power of transmitters. However,
48
the DTX may slightly lower the transmission quality. Therefore, the DTX mode and
common mode are optional.
TRAU BTS
BTS MS
480 ms
Comfort
noise frame
Speech frame
Fig. 1.5-15 Speech Frame Transmission in DTX Mode
1.5.5.3 Power Control
Power control means to control the actual transmitting power (keep it as low as
possible) of MS or BS in radio propagation, so as to reduce the power consumption of
MS/BS and the interference of the entire GSM network. Needless to say, the
prerequisite of power control is to ensure the good communication quality of the
ongoing calls. The power control process is simply illustrated in Fig. 1.5-16.
A B
Fig. 1.5-16 Power Control
As shown in Fig. 1.5-16, the MS at point A is far from the BS antenna. Because the
propagation loss of electric wave in air is in direct proportion to n power of the
distance, the MS at A needs higher transmit power to ensure good communication
quality. Comparatively, point B is closer to the BS transmission antenna, hence smaller
transmission loss; therefore, to obtain similar communication quality, a mobile phone
at point B can use lower transmission power during communication. When a mobile
phone in communication is moving from point A towards point B, the power control
49
can reduce its transmitting power gradually. On the contrary, if it is moving from point
B towards point A, the power control can increase its transmitting power gradually.
The power control is classified as uplink power control and downlink power control,
they function separately. By uplink power control, it means to control the MS
transmitting power, while downlink power control means to control the BS transmitting
power. No matter uplink power control or downlink power control, the uplink or
downlink interference is suppressed as the transmit power is reduced. Meanwhile the
power consumption of the MS or base station is reduced. The most obvious benefits are
the average conversation quality of the whole GSM network is greatly increased, and
the MS standby time is prolonged.
1. Power control process
The original information used for decision making during a power control
process is obtained from the measurement data of the MS and BS and
corresponding control decision can be made after processing and analyzing of
the original data. Similar to the handover control process, the whole power
control process is shown in Fig. 1.5-17.
Measurement data saving
Average measurement data

processing
Power control decision

making
Power control command

sending
Measurement data correction
Fig. 1.5-17 Power Control Process
1) Measurement data saving
The measurement data related to power control includes uplink signal level,
uplink signal quality, downlink signal level, and downlink signal quality.
2) Average measurement data processing
50
To reduce the influence of complex radio transmission on the measurement

values, the smooth processing of the measurement data usually adopts the
forward averaging method. That is, the average value of multiple measurement
values is used to make a power control decision. The parameter setting in
averaging calculation may vary with the types of the measurement data, i.e.,
quantity of the measurement data to be used may be different.
3) Power control decision making
In the decision making of power control, there are three parameters: a threshold,
an N value, and a P value. Among the latest N average values, if there are P
parameters exceed the threshold, the signal level is too high or the signal quality
is good; if there are P parameters are lower than the threshold, the signal level is
too low or the signal quality is poor.
According to the condition of the signal level or quality, the mobile phone or BS
can judge how to control the transmitting power, and the increase or decrease
amplitudes are determined by the pre-configured values.
4) Power control command sending
According to the power control decision, the corresponding control command is

sent to the BS, which will then execute the command or transfer it to MS.
5) Measurement data correction
After power control, the original measurement data and average values are
useless. If the useless information is still kept, it may cause incorrect power
control decision. Therefore, it is necessary to discard the outdated data or update
it for later use.
The fastest power control can be performed once every 480 ms, which is the
highest speed that the measurement data is reported. In other words, an entire
power control process is executed once in at least 480ms.
2. High-speed power control
The control extent of the power control process recommended by ETSI is fixed
as 2dB or 4dB normally. However, in most practical cases the fixed power
control extent is unable to achieve optimal effects, for a simple example:
When an MS initiates a call at a location very near to the BS antenna, its start
transmitting power is the max. transmitting power of the MS in the system
51
message broadcast in the cell BCCH (MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH). It’s obvious

that at this time as the MS is quite close to the MS antenna, the power control
process is supposed to reduce its transmitting power as fast as possible. However,
it can hardly be achieved by the power control process recommended by the
ETSI specifications, because only 2dB or 4dB is decreased each time. In
addition, there is an interval between every two power control processes
(because enough new measurement data need be collected). Therefore, it takes a
long time to reduce the transmit power of the MS to a proper value. It is the
same in the downlink direction. Obviously this is disadvantageous in terms of
reducing interference to the whole GSM network. To improve this, the power
control extent each time should be increased, which is the core idea of the
high-speed power control.
The high-speed power control can, according to the actual signal strength and
quality, work out the power control extent to be realized, without the limitation
of the fixed extent , thus solving the power control problem without much effort
when the MS makes the initial access. Of course its functions are not limited to
this situation. It can work in many cases e.g. fast moving mobile phones,
sudden interference or obstacles. Whenever large extent power control is
required, the high-speed power control process is the ideal solution.
1.5.5.4 Timing Advance
In the GSM, because TDMA is adopted in the air interface, the MS must employ the
TSs allocated to it only, and remain inactive in other time. Otherwise, it may affect the
MSs using other TSs on the same carrier.
In the GSM, the MS requires three intervals between timeslots when receiving or
transmitting signals. See Fig. 1.5-18.
52
TDMA frame number

0 1
Downlink: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Uplink: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Offset 0 1
TDMA frame number
Sent by the BTS Sent by the MS
Fig. 1.5-18 Uplink and Downlink Offset of TCH
Suppose an MS occupies TS2 and moves away from the base station, the messages sent
from the base station will be delayed further and further in reaching the MS.
Meanwhile, the response returned by the MS will also be delayed further and further in
reaching the base station. If nothing is done to solve the problem, the message sent by
the MS from TS2 will eventually overlap with another calling message received by the
base station in TS3. Therefore, it is important to monitor the time when a call reaches
the base station. As the distance between the MS and the base station changes, the
system issues instructions to the MS, notifying it of the time advanced. This process is
the adjustment of timing advance.
After a specific connection is established, the BTS measures the time offset between
the pulse TSs and the received MS TSs. Based on the value measured, the BTS
calculates the timing advance and notifies the MS of it through the SACCH at a certain
frequency.
1.5.5.5 Frequency Hopping
In the digital mobile communication system, to enhance the anti-jamming capability of

the system, the spread spectrum technology is usually introduced. There are two modes:
direct spread mode and frequency hopping mode, which is used by the GSM system.
There are two reasons for why frequency hopping is used. First, based on the principle
of frequency diversity, this technique is used to counteract Raileigh fading. Rayleigh
fading refers to the short-term change in amplitude that mobile radio transmission
53
suffers inevitably in case of any obstacle. Different frequencies will suffer different
degrees of fading, which becomes more independent with the increase in frequency
difference. By means of FH, the BPs will not be damaged by Rayleigh fading in the
same way. Second, it is used on the basis of anti-jamming feature. In the area where
traffic is heavy, the cellular system is liable to be restricted by the interference from
frequency reuse, and the C/I may change a lot during the call.C depends on the position
of the MS relative to the BTS. I depends on whether the frequency is used in the
adjacent cell. FH enables it to scatter interference among many calls that may interfere
with the cell instead of one call.
FH refers to hopping of the carrier frequency within a wide frequency band at a certain
sequence. The control and information data are modulated into base band signals,
which are then sent into the carrier for modulation. Afterwards, the carrier frequency
changes under the control of pseudo-random codes, the sequence of which is the FH
sequence. Finally, the signals are sent via the RF filter to the antenna for transmission.
The receiver determines the receiving frequency according to FH synchronization
signals and FH sequence, receives corresponding signals after FH for demodulation.
The basic structure of FH is illustrated in Fig. 1.5-19.
Send
Message Up
modulation converter
Frequency
Variable
Synchronization modulation
frequency
circuit sequence
synthesizer
generator
Receive
Message
Down converter
demodulation
Fig. 1.5-19 Basic Structure of FH
Features of frequency hopping technology: The frequency hopping technology can be

employed to increase the working band of the system so as to enhance the
anti-jamming and anti-jamming capability of the communication system. Frequency
54
hopping can help improve and protect the pulse of the effective information part from
the impact of Rayleigh fading in the communication environment. After frequency
hopping is done, the original data are recovered by means of channel decoding. The
times of frequency hopping are increased to boost frequency hopping gains so as to
enhance the anti-jamming and anti-fading capability of the system.
The frequency hopping technology is actually to avoid external interferences so that

they cannot follow the changes of frequencies, thus avoiding or markedly lowering
same-channel interference and frequency selective fading. The reason to increase the
number of hoppings is that the gain of frequency hopping system is equal to the ratio of
frequency hopping system bandwidth to N minimum frequency hopping intervals.
Usually, the FH number should be greater than three. If frequency diversity is also
available for the FH system, and a message is transmitted by several groups of
frequency hopping simultaneously and then judged by the law of large numbers, more
subscribers can use services at the same time with least mutual interference.
The frequency hopping comprises baseband hopping and RF hopping.
z The baseband hopping enables the transmit and receive frequencies of each
carrier unit to remain unchanged. At different frame number (FN) moment, the
frame unit sends data to different carrier units.
z RF FH is to control the frequency synthesizer of each transceiver, making it hop

according to different schemes in different timeslots.
1.6 Basic Signaling Process
1.6.1 Location Update Process of MS
Fig. 1.6-1 shows the location update process of the MS.
55
MS BTS BSC M SC
CH REQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M ASS CM D
IM M ASS
SABM
EST IND
UA CR：LOC UPD REQ
CC
DT1：CIPH M ODE CM D
ENCRY CM D
CIPH M ODE CM D
CIPH M ODE COM
DI：CIPH M ODE COM
DT1：CIPH M ODE COM
DTAP：LOC UPD ACCEPT
DT1：Clear CM D
DT1：Clear COM
DR：CH REL
CH REL RLSD
DEACT SACCH
DISC RLC
REL IND
UA
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Fig. 1.6-1 Location Update Process of MS
The MS sends a CH REQ (Channel Request) message through the RACH to the BTS.
Upon receiving the CH RQD (Channel Required) message, the BTS processes it and
then sends it to the BSC.
After receiving the CH REQ message, the BSC sends a CH ACT message to the BTS
to activate the SDCCH. After activating the channel, the BTS returns a CH ACT ACK
message.
The BSC sends the IMM ASS CMD to the BTS. Upon receiving the message, the BTS
sends the IMM ASS through the AGCH to the MS. When receiving the message, the
MS sends the SABM. The BTS sends the UA to the MS.
At the same time, the BTS sends a channel establishment indication (EST IND) to the
BSC, containing the location update request of the MS. The BSC forwards the location
update request (LOC UPD REQ) to the MSC in CR. As receiving the message, the
56
MSC returns a CC message to the BSC.
The SDCCH is established between the MS and the BTS, and the location update
message is sent to the MSC through the SDCCH. The MSC selects the encryption
mode and sends a location update acceptance message (LOC UPD ACCEPT) to the
MS.
The MSC sends a Clear CMD message to the BSC. The BSC returns a Clear COM
message to the MSC. Meanwhile, the BSC sends the BTS a CH REL message to
release the SDCCH and a DEACT SACCH message to deactivate the SACCH.
The BTS sends a CH REL message to the MS. The MS requests the BTS to release
radio link (DISC). The BTS returns the UA and reports the channel release indication
to the BSC.
The BSC sends a RF CHL REL message to the BTS. The BTS returns a RF CHL REL
ACK message. The radio channel is released.
1.6.2 IMSI Detach Process
Fig. 1.6-2 shows the IMSI detach procedure.
MS BTS BSC M SC
CH REQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M ASS CM D
IM M ASS
SABM
EST IND
UA CR：IM SI DETACH
CREF
DR：CH REL
CH REL
DEACT SACCH
DISC
REL IND
UA
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Fig. 1.6-2 IMSI Detach Process
The SDCCH is established first. Then, an IMSI DETACH message is sent through the
SDCCH to the MSC. After receiving the message, the MSC releases the SDCCH.
57
1.6.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process
Fig. 1.6-3 shows the mobile-originated call and the called party on-hook process.
When a mobile subscriber originates a call, the SDCCH is established first, and then a
request for the TCH is sent through the SDCCH to the MSC.
The MSC sends an Assignment Request message to the BSC. After receiving the
message, the BSC sends an IMM ASS CMD message to the MS. The MS establishes a
TCH with the BTS. The BTS sends a channel establishment indication, completes
immediate assignment, and release the SDCCH.
The MSC sends a ring-back tone to the MS over the established TCH. After the
Connect and connect ACK messages are exchanged, the call is set up.
When the called party hooks on, the MSC sends a Disconnect message to the MS. The
MS releases the TCH, and the MSC replies with a Release Complete message and
releases the TCH.
58
MS B TS BSC M SC
C H R EQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M A S S C M D
IM M A S S
SA BM
E S T IN D
UA C R ： C M S E RV R E Q
CC
D T 1：C IP H M O D E C M D
EN C RY C M D
C IP H M O D E C M D
C IP H M O D E C O M
D I： C IP H M O D E C O M
D T 1：C IP H M O D E C O M
D TA P :C M S E RV A C C P
D TA P :S E TU P
D TA P :C A L L P R O C
D T1:A S S R E Q
PH Y C ONT R EQ
PH Y CONT CONF
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR： ASS CM D
ASS CM D
SA BM
E S T IN D
UA
ASS COM D I： A S S C O M
D T1： A S S C O M
R F C H R EL
R F C H R EL AC K
D TA P ： A lertin g
D TA P ： C o n n ect
D TA P ： C o n n ect A C K
D ata flow
D TA P ： D isco n n ect
D TA P ： R elease
D TA P ： R elease C O M
D T1： C lear C M D
DR ： C H R EL
C H R EL D T1： C lear C O M
DEACT SACCH
D IS C R LSD
R E L IN D
UA R LC
R F C H R EL
R F C H R EL AC K
Fig. 1.6-3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process
1.6.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process
Fig. 1.6-4 shows the mobile-terminated call and the calling party on-hook process.
59
When an MS is called, the MSC sends the paging message to the MS. After receiving
the paging message, the MS establish a SDCCH. Then, the MSC establishes a TCH
and releases the SDCCH. The TCH is used to complete the call connection.
When the call is ended, the TCH is to be released.
60
MS B TS BSC M SC
PA G C M D U D T： PA G
PA G R E Q
C H R EQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M A S S C M D
IM M A S S
SA BM
E S T IN D
UA C R ： PA G R E S
CC
D T 1：C IP H M O D E C M D
EN C RY C M D
C IP H M O D E C M D
C IP H M O D E C O M
D I： C IP H M O D E C O M
D T 1：C IP H M O D E C O M
D TA P :S E TU P
D TA P :C A L L C O N F
D T1:A S S R E Q
PH Y C ONT R EQ
PH Y CONT CONF
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR： ASS CM D
ASS CM D
SA BM
E S T IN D
UA
ASS COM D I： A S S C O M
D T1： A S S C O M
R F C H R EL
R F C H R EL AC K
D TA P ： A lertin g
D TA P ： C o n n ect
D TA P ： C o n n ect A C K
D ata flow
D TA P ： D isco n n ect
D TA P ： R elease
D TA P ： R elease C O M
D T1： C lear C M D
DR ： C H R EL
C H R EL D T1： C lear C O M
DEACT SACCH
D IS C R LSD
R E L IN D
UA R LC
R F C H R EL
R F C H R EL AC K
Fig. 1.6-4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process
1.6.5 Inter-cell Handover Process
Fig. 1.6-5 shows the intra-cell handover process.

61
MS BTS BSC M SC
M EAS REP
M EAS RES
PHY CONT REQ
PHY CONT CON
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR：ASS CM D
ASS CM D
SABM
EST IND
UA
ASS COM
DI：ASS COM
DT1：HO PERF
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Fig. 1.6-5 Intra-cell Handover Process
Based on the measurement reports sent from the MS continuously, the BSC judges
whether to perform handover.
If intra-cell handover is going to happen, the BSC activates another TCH in the same
cell and assigns that TCH to the MS immediately.
After the MS completes the immediate assignment, the BSC notifies the MSC of the
intra-cell handover occurred to the MS and releases the original TCH.
1.6.6 Intra-cell Handover Process
Fig. 1.6-6 shows the inter-cell handover process.
Based on the measurement reports sent from the MS continuously, the BSC judges
whether to perform handover.
If an inter-cell handover is necessary, the BSC activates a TCH in the target BTS and
sends a HO CMD message to the MS. The MS sets up a connection with the TCH of
the target BTS and performs the handover.
As the intra-cell handover is completed, the BSC informs the MSC of the event and
releases the TCH in the source cell.
62
MS BTS1 BTS2 BSC MSC

MEAS REP
MEAS RES
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR：HO CMD
HO CMD
HO ACCESS
HO DET
PHY INFO
SABM
EST IND
UA
HO COM
DI：HO COM
DT1：HO PERF
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Fig. 1.6-6 Inter-cell Handover Process
1.6.7 Power Control Signaling Process
When an MS is in the dedicated mode, it is assigned with an SACCH besides a TCH.

The SACCH transmits the measurement report, power control, timing advance control,
and link monitoring information under mobile environment. Fig. 1.6-7 and Fig. 1.6-8
shows the measurement report and transmit power control processes respectively.
MS BTS BSC
MEAS REP
MEAS REP
Fig. 1.6-7 Measurement Report Process
63
MS BTS BSC
MS POWER CTRL
MS POWER CTRL
BS POWER CTRL
Fig. 1.6-8 Transmit Power Control Process
The MS reports the measurement data via the SACCH channel, the BSC makes the
power control decision and informs the BTS of the corresponding control command,
and the BTS executes the control command or forwards it to the mobile phone.
Questions:
1. Which four parts does the GSM system consist of?
2. Which interfaces does the GSM-BSS system provide?
3. What is the function of the FCCH channel?
4. What is the function of interleaving?
5. What is the frequency separation of the wireless channel in the GSM system?
Answers:
1. MS, BSS, MSS and OMC.
2. Um interface, Abis interface, A interface and Gb interface.
3. It is the frequency calibration channel, which bears the information for MS

frequency correction.
4. After the interleaving technology is applied, if a message is lost during the

transmission, it is in fact only part of each message block that is lost after
recovery, but not the whole part of it. The missing messages can be recovered
easily with the coding technology.
5. 200KHz
64
2 GPRS Basics
Key points
z GPRS Features
z Composition of the GPRS System
z Main GPRS Protocols
z GPRS Channel Coding
2.1 GPRS Overview

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is the packet data service introduced in
GSM Phase2+. It provides subscribers with the end-to-end mobile data services based
on packet switching and transmission technologies. The GPRS can effectively utilize
the radio resources and network terrestrial resources and is suitable for long-time
small-volume burst data services.
2.1.1 GPRS Features

The GPRS has the following features:
z Seamless connection with IP network
IP technology is adopted in the core network of the GPRS, and many

transmission technologies are employed in the bottom layer of the GPRS. Thus,
it is easy to implement the seamless connection with the highly developed IP
network.
z High rate
With the help of multi-slot binding and high-speed coding scheme, the GPRS
phase I adopts CS1 and CS2 coding schemes, and provides the access rate up to
115 Kbit/s. The GPRS phase II adopts CS3 and CS4 coding schemes, and
provides up the rate up to 171 Kbit/s.
z Always online and flow charging
The GPRS provides the "availability for connection everywhere and the
65
performance of always online", offering new means for mobile subscribers to

access the Internet and Intranet rapidly. Once a GPRS terminal is powered on
and connected with the GPRS network, it can maintain the online status all the
way. The subscriber can receive and send information at any time without the
dial-up process required in circuit switching. As long as the GPRS terminal does
not transmit data, it will not occupy network and radio resources. Thus, the
mobile subscribers can benefit from the flow charging. That is, the mobile
subscribers can stay online as long as possible without bothering the prohibitive
bill.
z Mature technology
The GPRS provides solutions to implement data services in the mature GSM
technologies and current networks. It can save investment and make quick
return.
2.1.2 Composition of the GPRS System and Position of the PCU in the System
Fig. 2.1-1 shows the network structure of the GPRS.
66
Chapter 2 GPRS Basics
BSC MSC/VLR SMC HLR
Gs interface Gd interface Gc interface

PCU
Gr interface
Gb interface
Gn接口 Gn interface
SGSN GGSN Gi interface
Ga interface Charging Ga interface

Gateway Function
(CGF) Packet Data
SGSN Network
Signaling and GPRS Charging system

subscriber data
Signaling
Fig. 2.1-1 GPRS Network Structure
To support the GPRS, the GSM introduces two new equipment: Serving GPRS Support
Node (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN).
The BSC is added with Packet Control Units (PCUs), and related BSS software is
upgraded.
z The SGSN provides similar functions as the MSC. It accomplishes GPRS

channel assignment, mobility management, encryption, and charging.
z The GGSN provides various interfaces. It supports the interconnection with

external Public Data Networks (PDNs) like Internet and X.25, and other
PLMNs.
With the SGSN and GGSN, the operators can construct a GPRS backbone network on
the basis of the current transmission network. By reconstructing the current GSM
network, the operators can easily provide both circuit and packet services, and fully
utilize the radio resources and network terrestrial resources.
67
In the BSS system, to achieve GPRS functions, it is required to add two functional
entities: Packet Control Unit (PCU) and Channel Codec Unit (CCU) in the BSC and
BTS respectively. The PCU provides Gb interface to connect the SGSN; the CCU
provides Um interface to connect to MS. Between the PCU and CCU is custom PCU
frame, which is similar to the TRAU frame. Both frames are transmitted on the Abis
interface.
As the Gb interface is the E1-based frame relay interface, GIU is designed in BSC to
implement the physical interface of E1 frame relay.
The PCU can implement the following functions: On downlinks, the PDU of the LLC
layer is segmented to RLC data block; on uplinks, the RLC data block is reassembled
to the PDU of the LLC layer; the PDCH allocates time slot resources for the sending of
uplink and downlink data; the PDCH is up linked to the ARQ protocol, including
ACK/NAK of the RLC; the PDCH is down linked to the ARQ protocol, including RLC
block buffer and retransmission; the channel access control function, for example,
access request and access grant; and wireless channel management function, for
example, power control, congestion control and broadcast control messages.
2.1.3 Common Terms of the GPRS
SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node): It is interfaced with the BSS to provide GPRS
mobility management, encryption and charging functions.
GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node): It is interfaced with the packet data network.
PCU: It is connected with the SGSN through Gb interface. Similar to the TC, the PCU
can be located at BTS side, BSC side and SGSN side. The PCU can implement the
following functions: On downlinks, the PDU of the LLC layer is segmented to RLC
data block; on uplinks, the RLC data block is reassembled to the PDU of the LLC layer;
the PDCH allocates time slot resources for the sending of uplink and downlink data;
the PDCH is up linked to the ARQ protocol, including ACK/NAK of the RLC; the
PDCH is down linked to the ARQ protocol, including RLC block buffer and
retransmission; the channel access control function, for example, access request and
access grant; and wireless channel management function, for example, power control,
congestion control and broadcast control messages.
CCU: It provides the Um interface to connect the MS.Its channel codec function
includes FEC and interleaving, while its wireless channel measurement function
68
include the measurement information about received quality level, received signal level
and timing advance.
GIU: It mainly provides the physical layer of the Gb interface and related loop test
functions.
GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol): It provides protocol channel between the GSNs (for
example, between the SGSN and GGSN) in the GPRS backbone network. Between the
GSNs, the GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) is always adopted no matter on a signaling
platform or transmission platform.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): It is a connectionless transmission protocol, providing

efficient data transmission service. Among the TCP/IP protocols, the UDP provides the
basic mechanism for datagram transmission between applications. The protocol port
provided by the UDP can distinguish multiple programs running on a machine. The
UDP is the lower layer Internet protocol for packet transmission. It provides IP-like
unreliable connectionless datagram transmission service.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): It provides virtual circuit for network

communication. As a connection-oriented protocol, it adopts reliable byte stream to
transmit and receive data. Stream is a kind of correct data sequence, just like a pipeline,
without missing packet, repeated packet and out-of-sequence packet. Segment is the
basic unit of TCP transmission data. It is divided into header and data area. TCP
connection is full duplex. That is, data can flow simultaneously in two directions. The
data flow in one direction is independent of that in another direction.
IP protocol: The function in the IP layer mainly includes the following:
z IP format datagram encapsulation and segmentation/assembly;
z Datagram routing;
z Error report and Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP);
Features of IP layer:
z Connectionless datagram transmission mechanism: It cannot ensure reliable

transmission.
z Point-to-point transmission: Routing is the biggest problem.
SNDCP (SubNetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol): Implement subnet related

segmentation/assembly and compression/decompression for the data packet from
different external data networks.
69
LLC (Logical Link Control) protocol: It is based on the High-Level Data Link Control
(HDLC) protocol. The LLC frame includes frame header, temporary address field,
variable length information field and frame detection sequence. It provides highly
reliable logical link between the MS and SGSN, and supports Acknowledgement frame
and Non-acknowledgement frame transmission, detection and retransmission of
interrupted frame, and point-to-point and point-to-multipoint data transmission, as well
as data transmission between the network and multiple MSs by using the same physical
channel.
Relay: The relay module in the SGSN provides protocol conversion function. The
SGSN interacts data with the MS through SNDCP, interacts data with the GGSN
through GTP, transfers data from the SNDCP side to the corresponding GTP tunnel
through the forward module, and transfers the data from the GTP side to the
corresponding SNDCP side.
BSSGP (Base SubSystem GPRS Protocol): It supports routing and QoS messages
between the BTS and SGSN, and implements signaling management and packet
acknowledgement function between the SGSN and Base Station Controller (BSC) but
not implement of error detection function.
NS (Network Service): The network layer bearers BSSGP PDUs. Physically, it is

achieved through frame relay connection between the BSS and SGSN. The frame relay
can be in direction connection mode or network mode.
RLC/MAC: As the higher layer LLC, the RLC transfers relevant primitives with the
interfaces of lower layer MAC. It mainly includes the following functions:
z Provides service primitives to transfer LLC PDU between the LLC layer and
MAC layer;
z Segments the LLC PDU to RLC data block, and reassembles the RLC data
block into the LLC PDU;
z Provides backward error correction for selective retransmission of RLC data

block.
The MAC can have multiple MSs share the same transmission medium, which can
includes several physical channels. The MAC can attempt to send mediation to
multiple MSs simultaneously, and provide contention avoidance, detection and
recovery programs. In addition, the MAC allows a single MS to use multiple physical
70
channels with different time slots in parallel.
2.2 GPRS Channel

Compared to the 26 multiframe and 51-frame multiframe structures in the circuit
service, the multiframe structure consisting of 52 TDMA frames is introduced in the
GPRS system. Mapping of logical channels on all PDCHs (Packet Data Channels) is
based on such a frame structure, as shown in Fig. 2.2-1.
52-multiframe
B0 B1 B2 T B3 B4 B5 I B6 B7 B8 T B9 B10 B11 I
B0~B11: BLOCK; T: Frame for PTCCH; I: Idle frame
Fig. 2.2-1 52-multiframe Structure
The multi-frame structure of PDCH contains 12 BLOCKs, each of which is composed

of 4 continuous TDMA frames. In addition, there are two idle frames and two TDMA
frames used for PTCCH (packet time advance control channel), totaling 52 TDMA
frames.
In the packet service, except PRACH (packet random access channel) and PTCCH/U,
the basic composition unit of other packet logical channels is BLOCK.
In a 52-multiframe, the sequence of the 12 blocks is B0, B6, B3, B9, B1, B7, B4, B10,
B2, B8, B5, B11.
2.2.1 GPRS Physical Channel
Because the basic design approach of GPRS is to maintain its compatibility with GSM
as much as possible, the GPRS inherits the frequency band use mode and wireless
transmission mode of the GSM. Frequency band use means TDMA under FDMA, and
wireless transmission means the basic transmission unit on the wireless path is the
burst pulse that lasts 15/26 ms (equivalent to about 156.25 modulation bits).
As with the GSM system, the GPRS system divides a carrier into eight timeslots which
form eight basic time division channels. Therefore, a physical channel can be uniquely
determined by a TDMA frame sequence, a timeslot No. (module 8) and a determined
hopping sequence. Since GPRS is designed to coexist with the original GSM voice
71
transmission, in a GSM cell that supports GPRS, some physical channels (timeslots)
may be used for voice transmission and other physical channels may be used for GPRS
packet data transmission. In addition, some GPRS signaling flows, such as packet
system message broadcasting, packet access and resource allocation, will be conducted
on the CS channel.
2.2.2 GPRS Logical Channel
The PCCH, PBCCH, PDTCH, PACCHPTCCH/U, PTCCH/D, and so on.
All the packet logical channels are mapped to a dedicated packet data channel (PDCH).
The packet logical channels can be divided into the following categories:
Table 2.2-1 Packet Logical Channels
packet random access channel PRACH (uplink)

packet paging channel PPCH (downlink)
Reverse common control channel
packet access agreed channel PAGCH (downlink)
packet notice channel PNCH (downlink)
packet broadcast control channel
PBCCH (downlink)
Packet data transport channel (PDTCH: PDTCH/U and
Packet transport channel
PDTCH/D)
Slow Associated Control Channel
Packet timing advanced control uplink channel
Dedicated Control Channel (PTCCH/U)
Packet timing advanced control downlink channel
(PTCCH/D)
Here:
1. Reverse common control channel
z The PRACH delivers packet access burst pulse and extended access burst pulse.
The MS sends data or paging response to the BSS through the PRACH.
z PPCH is designed either to page CS services or GPRS services. But CS paging

is only applicable to MS level-A and level-B. PPCH also uses paging group and
can support DRX.
z Before the MS sends the packet, the PAGCH serves to allocate one or several
72
PDTCHs to MS so as to implement the transmission of the packet. When the

MS already works in the packet transmission mode, the resources allocated can
also be transferred in the PACCH.
z PNCH is designed to notify the mobile station the call from PTM-M. The DRX
mode must be configured to monitor the PNCH.
2. PBCCH
The PBCCH broadcasts packet data system messages. The parameters carried in
these messages determine the mapping of the channels on multiframes. If no
PBCCH is allocated, the BCCH can transfer these messages. The BCCH will
give definite indication, showing whether the cell supports packet data service.
If the cell supports packet data service, and PBCCH is assigned, the PBCCH
combination configuration information will be given.
3. Packet transport channel
Under the packet switching mode, the PDTCH bears subscriber data. It is
allocated temporarily to a specific MS or a group of MSs (under the PTM-M
mode). Under multi-slot mode, an MS can use several PDTCHs concurrently.
Because different logical channels can be multiplexed on a physical channel, a
PDTCH can bear 0 to 21.4 Kbit/s pure data rate (including RLC header).
Different from the CS service, all the PDTCHs are unidirectional. The MS uses
the PDTCH/U to send packet data to the network and uses the PDTCH/D to
receive packet data from the network.
4. Dedicated Control Channel
z PACCH transmits signaling messages such as acknowledgement and power

control. In addition, it also carries resources allocation and re-allocation
information, which is used for allocating PDTCH capacity or adding PACCH in
the future. When an MS is making packet transmission, it can page via PACCH
and enter the circuit switching mode. The PACCH is dynamically allocated to
the physical channel which carries PDTCH. It is a bi-directional channel.
z PTCCH/U is designed to transport random access burst pulse and estimate the
time advance of an MS in a packet transmission mode.
z PTCCH/D is designed to amend the time advance of several MSs. A PTCCH/D

corresponds to several PTCCH/Us.
73
2.2.3 Mapping of Logical Channel Combination in the Physical Channel
After GPRS is added, three logical channel combinations will be added:
PBCCH + PCCCH + PDTCH + PACCH + PTCCH
PCCCH + PDTCH + PACCH + PTCCH
PDTCH + PACCH + PTCCH
In the above combinations, PCCCH = PPCH + PRACH + PAGCH + PNCH.
Different logical channels may appear on the same PDCH. The sharing of physical
channels is done by Block. In other words, the type of logical channel where each
BLOCK belongs on one PDCH might change gradually.. Channel type is the message
type ID contained in the head of a block (except for PRACH).
2.2.3.1 Mapping of Uplink Channel
1. Mapping of the PDTCH/U and PACCH/U
For each PDCH allocated to the MS, the MS will be allocated with an USF
(Uplink State Flag). The network uses the USF to control the multiplexing of
radio blocks of different MSs in the uplink PDCH. The US controls the timeslot
use of the MS. It is used in the dynamic and extended dynamic medium access
modes. The three-bit USF is located on the header of each downlink radio block,
and can form eight states used for uplink transmission multiplexing. In the
PCCCH, one USF value is used to mark the PRACH (USF = idle), and other
values are reserved for use by seven different MSs (USF = R1/R2 … R7).
When a PDCH is not the PCCCH, the eight USF values are all used to reserve
uplinks for eight different MSs. When an MS without a USF uses the uplink, a
USF value can be used to prevent conflict of the uplink channel. The USF is
directed to the next uplink radio block.
When the MS finds its own USF on the header of a BX (Bx = B0…B11)
downlink block of a PDCH, the MS will be able to use BX+1 (X!= 11) or B0
(when X=11) uplink block on this PDCH . If the network permits, the MS can
also use three consecutive blocks (there are four blocks in total).
The PACCH/U corresponding to the PDTCH/D will be determined by the

network in the polling mode.
2. Mapping of the PTCCH/U
74
When the MS obtains PDTCH allocation from a certain PDCH, it will also
obtain PTCCH/U allocation from the PDCH. The cycle of the PTCCH/U is
eight 52-multiframes, including 16 PTCCH/U sub-channels (0…15). The
PTCCH/U sub-channel No. possessed by an MS is determined by the time
advance index (TAI) obtained by the MS in resource allocation, as shown in Fig.
2.2-2.
75
52-multiframe number n:
uplink TAI=0 TAI=1
B0 B1 B2 0 B3 B4 B5 1 B6 B7 B8 2 B9 B10 B11 3
downlink TA-message 1 TA-message 1
52-multiframe number n+1:

uplink TAI=2 TAI=3
B0 B1 B2 4 B3 B4 B5 5 B6 B7 B8 6 B9 B10 B11 7

uplink TAI=4 TAI=5
B0 B1 B2 8 B3 B4 B5 9 B6 B7 B8 10 B9 B10 B11 11

uplink TAI=6 TAI=7
B0 B1 B2 12 B3 B4 B5 13 B6 B7 B8 14 B9 B10 B11 15

uplink TAI=8 TAI=9
B0 B1 B2 16 B3 B4 B5 17 B6 B7 B8 18 B9 B10 B11 19

uplink TAI=10 TAI=11
B0 B1 B2 20 B3 B4 B5 21 B6 B7 B8 22 B9 B10 B11 23

B0 B1 B2 24 B3 B4 B5 25 B6 B7 B8 26 B9 B10 B11 27

B0 B1 B2 28 B3 B4 B5 29 B6 B7 B8 30 B9 B10 B11 31
B0~B11=Radio blocks
Idle frames are numbered from 1 to 31 [odd numbers]
PTCCH frames are numbered from 0 to 30 [even numbers]
Fig. 2.2-2 Mapping of PTCCH on the Physical Channel
3. Uplink PCCCH: mapping of PRACH
As described above, on the PDCH with PCCCH, if the USF is marked as idle, it
76
indicates that the corresponding downlink block is the PRACH. The PRACH
can be mapped in a fixed manner. The number of PRACH blocks fixedly
allocated on a PCCCH is determined by the system broadcasting parameter
“BS_PRACH_BLKS”. Its relationship with the specific blocks is determined by
the block occupying order described above.
2.2.3.2 Mapping of Downlink Channel
1. Mapping of the PDTCH/D and PACCH/D
The MS interprets every downlink block on the allocated PDCH, and determines
if the block is its PDTCH/D and PACCH/D according to the TFI.
The TBF is a physical connection used by two RR entities to transmit LLC PDU
in a unidirectional manner on the packet data wireless channel. This parameter is
used in the LLC frame transmission sequence of the same timeslot in the same
cell to replace the MS identification in the RLC/MAC layer. It is a wireless
resource assigned to one or multiple PDCHs. It transmits some RLC/MAC
blocks carrying one or multiple LLC PDUs. One TBF is temporary and only
kept in the data transmission period (that is, until there are no RLC/MAC blocks
for transmission or, in the RLC acknowledgement mode, all RLC/MAC blocks
are acknowledged to be received by the receiver).
For each TBF, the network allocates a TFI. For concurrent TBFs in each
direction, the TFI allocated is unique and replaces the MS identifier in the
RLC/MAC layer. In different directions, the same TFI can be used. The TFI is
assigned in the resource allocation message before the transmission of the LLC
frame.
The RLC/MAC block related to a specific TBF must contain a TFI. For a RLC
data block, the TBF is jointly identified by the TFI and the transmission
direction of the data block. For a RLC/MAC control message, there are also the
transmission direction and type of the message in addition to the TFI. If the
header of a downlink control block contains a TFI, the TFI identifies to which
MS the control message should be sent; otherwise, all MSs will receive this
message. If the TFI in the header is inconsistent with that in the message body,
the MS accepts the TFI in the header.
2. Mapping of the PBCCH and transmission of the packet system message
In one cell, the PBCCH is only mapped to one PDCH. The specific location is
77
broadcast by the BCCH. In a 52-multiframe, the PBCCH is mapped to

BS_PBCCH_BLKS (whereBS_PBCCH_BLKS<4) blocks. The specific
blocks are determined by the occupying sequence of blocks described above.
In the packet idle mode, the MS will detect the system messages on the BCCH
and learn from SI3, SI4, SI7 and SI8 if the cell support GPRS and if the PBCCH
is configured. If there is the PBCCH, the MS leaves the BCCH to listen to the
system messages PSIs 1 ~ 3 on the PBCCH and perhaps other PSI messages.
The BSC determines when to send what messages and when to stop sending the
messages.
The system parameter “PSI1_REPEAT_PERIOD” determines the sending

location of PSI 1. In addition, except PSI 1, other PSIs are divided into two
groups. One group is sent at a high repetition rate, while the other is sent at a
low repetition rate. The number of PSIs sent at a high repetition rate is
indicated by the parameter “PSI_COUNT_HR”, while the number of PSIs sent
at a low repetition rate is indicated by the parameter “PSI_COUNT_LR”.
The system sends PSIs according to the following rules:
1) PSI 1 will be sent on BLOCK B0 when TC = 0. (TC = (FN DIV 52) mod
PSI1_REPEAT_PERIOD)
2) When BS_PBCCH_BLKS > 1, PSI 1 will be also sent on BLOCK B6 when TC

= 0.
3) The PSIs in the group sent at a high frequency will be sent in the sequence
determined by the network. The sequence starts when TC = 0; that is, the
sending cycle of PSIs in this group is PSI1_REPEAT_PERIOD*52 frame.
When the PSIs in this group are sent, the PBCCH BLOCK, which is not
occupied by rules (1) and (2), will be occupied.
4) PSIs sent in the group at a low frequency will be sent in the sequence
determined by the network, and the sending will be repeated non-stop. When the
PSIs in this group are sent, the PBCCH BLOCK, which is not occupied by rules
(1), (2) and (3), will be occupied.
3. Mapping of the downlink PCCCH
The mapping of the downlink PCCCH on a certain PDCH can be described by

the following four rules:
78
1) If the PDCH has a PBCCH, BS_PBCCH_BLKS blocks are used in the PBCCH.
2) In the remaining blocks, BS_PAG_BLKS_RES blocks will not be able to be

used in the PPCH; they can used only in the PAGCH, PNCH, PDTCH and
PACCH.
3) The remaining blocks will be able to be used in the PPCH, PAGCH, PNCH,
PDTCH and PACCH.
4) When the PBCCH is on timeslot k, the PCCCH can be located only on timeslot
n and n > k - 4 and n <= 7.
For example, on a PDCH with both PBCCH and PCCCH, when the system
parameter BS_PBCCH_BLKS=2, BS_PAG_BLKS_RES=5, according to the
BLOCK seizure sequence (B0, B6, B3, B9, B1, B7, B4, B10, B2, B8, B5, B11),
we can know that: PBCCH will be on B0 and B6; PPCH can be only on B10, B2,
B8, B5 and B11; while PAGCH, PNCH, PDTCH and PACCH can be on B3, B9,
B1, B7, B4, B10, B2, B8, B5 and B11.
2.2.4 GPRS Channel Coding
The GPRS defines four coding schemes on the PDTCH: CS-1 to CS-4. Except for
PRACH and PTCCH/U, other packet control channels adopt CS-1. For the packet
access pulse on PRACH and PTCCH/U, there are 8-bit and 11-bit coding schemes. Fig.
2.2-3 and Fig. 2.2-4 shows the coding process of four different coding schemes.
Radio block
USF BCS
rate 1/2 convolutional coding
puncturing
456 bits
Fig. 2.2-3 Coding Process of CS-1 to CS-3
79
Radio block
USF BCS
block no coding
code
456 bits
Fig. 2.2-4 Coding Process of CS-4
As shown in the figure above, the first step of the encoding is to append a Block Check
Sequence (BCS) to the radio block, which is used for error detection. For the CS1~CS3
coding schemes, the second step is to pre-encode the USF (not for CS1), then append 4
tail bits, and perform half-rate convolutional encoding, which is used for error
correction. The last step is puncturing to obtain desired encoding rate. Error-correction
coding is not performed in CS-4.
Table 2.2-2 shows the specific coding process of the four channel coding schemes.
Table 2.2-2 Channel Coding Process of PDTCH
Type
Troubleshooting CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4
Procedure
Length of data
184 bits 271 bits 315 bits 413 bits
source
1) Fire coding. The 1) Packet coding. 1) Packet coding.
1) Packet coding. The
multinomial The multinomial The multinomial
multinomial generated is:
generated is: generated is: generated is:
D16 +D12+D5+1. The added
(D23+1)(D17+D3+1) D16+D12+D5+1. D16+D12+D5+1.
BCS is 16 bits.
. The BCS added is 2) The USF 2) USF
Packet encoding 2) USF preprocessing, as
40 bits. preprocessing is the preprocessing, as
shown in Table 1-4.
2) Add four tail same as CS2. shown in Table 1-5.
3) Add four tail bits. The
bits. The coding 3) Add tail bits. The 3) Add tail bits. The
coding data length is 294
data length is 228 coding data length is coding data length is
bits.
bits. 338 bits. 456 bits.
1) Convolutional 1) Convolutional coding 1) Convolutional
Convolutional coding with a 1/2 with a 1/2 code rate. The coding with a 1/2
None
coding code rate. The multinomial generated is: code rate. The
multinomial G0=1+D3+D4,G1=1+D+D3 multinomial
80
Type
Troubleshooting CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4
Procedure
generated is: +D4 generated is:
3 4 3 4
G0=1+D +D ,G1= 2) Cut a code of 132 bits G0=1+D +D ,G1=1
3 4
1+D+D +D with the hole. The position +D+D3+D4
(2) No hole of the hole: 2) Position of the
C (3+4xk), k=3, …, 146 hole:
and k≠9, 21, 33, 45, 57, 69, C(3+6 x k) and
81, 93, 105, 117, 129, 141 C(5+6 x k) k=2,
3, …, 111
Table 2.2-3 shows the difference among the four coding schemes, which can be seen
from Table 2.2-2.
Table 2.2-3 GPRS Channel Coding
Coding Code Size (bytes) of Maximum throughput

scheme Rate RLC/MAC data block (kbps) of RLC/MAC
CS-1 1/2 20 8
CS-2 2/3 30 12
CS-3 3/4 36 14.4
CS-4 1 50 20
CS1 has powerful error correction capability and tolerates a certain bit error ratio.
Therefore, it has low requirements for the wireless environment. However, its
disadvantage is that its throughput is the smallest. It can be said that the higher a
coding plan (CS4 is the highest coding plan), the weaker its error correction capability
and the bigger its throughput. Table 2.2-4 describes the coding and interleaving
procedure of various packet logical channels.
Table 2.2-4 Coding and Interleaving of Packet Logical Channels
Code Output
Input Interleaving
Channel Input Code Convolutio Code
Rate USF Tail Interleaving
Type Block bits Check Bit nal Block
(Kbit/s) Precoding Bit Depth
Code Rate bits
PDTCH Packet On four NB

184 4 1/2 456
(CS1) coding, 40 bursts
81
Code Output
Input Interleaving
Channel Input Code Convolutio Code
Rate USF Tail Interleaving
Type Block bits Check Bit nal Block
(Kbit/s) Precoding Bit Depth
Code Rate bits
PDTCH Packet Adding On four NB

271 4 1/2 456
(CS2) coding, 16 three bits bursts
Combine on
8 Parity 6 4 1/2 36
one AB burst
PARCH, 1/2,
PTCCH/D perforate Combine on
11 Parity 6 4 36
reduction one AB burst
code 6 bits
On four
PTCCH/U 184 Packet, 40 4 1/2 456 inconsecutive
bursts
PPCH,
PAGCH, On four
Packet
PNCH, 184 4 1/2 456 consecutive
coding, 40
PBCCH, bursts
PACCH
2.2.5 Network Operation Mode and MS Category
According to the paging mode of circuit services and GPRS services in the network
and the configuration, the network working mode falls into three categories, as shown
in Table 2.2-5.
Table 2.2-5 Network Working Mode
Circuit Paging GPRS Paging

Mode Paging Configuration
Channel Channel
Packet Paging Packet Paging
Channel Channel The SGSN must work with the MSC/VLR for paging. The Gs
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging interface must be selected.
I Channel Channel The MS is required to monitor only one paging channel. The MS
CCCH Paging allocated with packet data channel receives paging messages of
Packet Data
Channel and Packet circuit services on this packet data channel.
Channel
Paging Channel
The SGSN is not required to work with the MSC/VLR for paging.
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging
II The MS is required to monitor only the CCCH paging channel. The
Channel Channel
MS allocated with packet data channel still receives paging
82
Circuit Paging GPRS Paging

Mode Paging Configuration
Channel Channel
messages of circuit services on the CCCH paging channel.
CCCH Paging Packet Paging
The SGSN is not required to work with the MSC/VLR for paging.
Channel Channel
III The MS is required to monitor both the CCCH paging channel and
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging
the packet paging channel.
Channel Channel
The GPRS MSs fall into three categories:
z Type-A GPRS MSs
Be able to connect with the GSM and GPRS at the same time, the type-A GPRS
MS can be activated in these two systems and listen to the messages from these
two systems simultaneously. It can provide GPRS services and GSM
circuit-switched services, including the short message service (SMS) at the same
time. The Type-A MS can originate and receive calls in GSM and GPRS system
at the same time, and perform automatic service changeover. It enables the
subscribers to receive speech calls and communicate with the called party
without interrupting the data transmission.
z Type-B GPRS MSs
The type-B MS can connect with the GSM and GPRS system at the same time,
and provide GPRS and GSM circuit-switched services. However, it cannot
provide either GPRS or GSM services at a time.
When a circuit-switched call is originated to the type-B MS in GPRS, the

MSC/VLR sends a Suspend message to the SGSN. Upon receiving the message,
the SGSN disconnects the GPRS connection temporarily. After the
circuit-switched call is complemented, the MSC/VLR sends a Restore message
to the SGSN. The SGSN resumes the GPRS connection after receiving the
message. Thus, the MS need not establish GPRS connection repeatedly. Most of
the GPRS MSs in the current market are type-B MSs.
z Type-C GPRS MSs
The type-C MS enables subscribers to use GSM services and GPRS alternatively.
Manual service changeover is required.
83
Questions:
1. Which functional entities must be added to support GPRS services of the GSM
system?
2. Which kind of connection mode is adopted between the SGSN and BSS?
3. Which kind of communication mode is adopted between the BRP and FRP in the
SPCU?
4. The high rate of GPRS mobile phone is reflected in the multislot binding
technology. Theoretically, how many timeslots can be used to maximum extent
on one mobile phone in a TBF link setup?
5. What data rate can be supported by GPRS?
Answers:
1. At the MSS side, Gateway GPRS Supporting Node (GGSN) must be added for
IP network interconnection. At the side corresponding to the MSC, Serving
GPRS Supporting Node (SGSN) must be added for interconnection with the
MSC and BSS systems and with the HLR. At the BSS side, a conversion unit to
convert the original circuit switching to packet data switching and a reverse
conversion unit must be added so that the GSm network can implement packet
data services. The entity at the BSS side is Packet Control Unit (PCU).
In addition, at the HLR of the MSS, the subscription information of GPRS

subscribers must be added. At the EIR, the equipment identification information
of GPRS subscribers must be added.
2. Frame relay
3. Ethernet communication.
4. 8 timeslots
5. GPRS supports four data rates: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. CS-1 is 9.05Kbit/s,
CS-2 is 13.4Kbit/s, CS-3 is 15.6Kbit/s, and CS-4 is 21.4Kbit/s. As all these rates
include the header of the RLC block, the actual data rate cannot reach the above
values. The GPRS data can reach high rate through multislot binding. Currently,
CS-1 and CS-2 can ensure 80% cell coverage and meet the communication
requirements when co-channel interference C/I≥9dB. As FEC codes are reduced
84
or eliminated for CS-3 and CS-4, the C/I requirement is higher, and the coverage
area is affected with the minimum to only 35% cells.
85
3 EDGE Basics
Key points
z Features of the EDGE System
z Composition of the EDGE System
z Principles of the EDGE System
3.1 EDGE Overview

Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is a kind of technology for transition
of GSM to 3G. It mainly adopts a new modulation mode in the GSM system including
most advanced multislot operation and 8PSK modulation technology. 8PSK technology
makes the signal space of GMSK modulation technology in existing GSM network
extend from 2 to 8 so that each symbol contains 4 times of previous messages.
The reason why EDGE is called the solution for transition of GPRS to 3G mainly lies
in such technology can fully utilize existing GSM resources including existing GSM
frequency and most of existing GSM equipment. This technology only makes small
changes to the network software and hardware part. In this way, operators can provide
mobile subscribers with such wireless multimedia services as Internet browsing, video
teleconference and high-speed email transfer, that is, individual multimedia
communication services can be offered to subscribers before the 3G mobile network is
put into commercial use. As EDGE is the transition technology between existing 2G
mobile network and 3G network, it is also called 2.5G (2.75 generation) technology.
3.2 Features of the EDGE System

In terms of protocol, the EDGE technology mainly affects the BSS (i.e. BTS and BSC.)
of the wireless access part in the GSM system, but does not affect existing GSM core
network and network applications, and the interfaces between the BSS and the MSC
and SGSN in the existing system will be kept. Thus, network operators can utilize
existing wireless network equipment to maximum extent to provide subscribers with
individual multimedia communication services before the 3G mobile network is put
87
into commercial use. EDGE has the following features:
z EDGE neither changes GSM or GPRS network structure nor introduces new
network element, but only upgrades the BSS.
z In terms of wireless interfaces, EDGE does not change the GSM channel
structure, multiframe structure and coding structure.
z EDGE supports two data transmission modes: packet service (non-real time
service) and circuit switching service (real time service). The bearers are
EGPRS and ECSD respectively.
z EDGE adopts octal 8PSK modulation technology, supports 303% of GMSK

payload, and provides higher bit rate and spectral efficiency (stable 384Kbit/s in
mobile environment and up to 2Mbit/s in static environment) so that various
wireless application requirements can be basically satisfied.
EDGE adopts 8-phase shift keying (8PSK) modulation mode, and supports the
symbols represented by absolute phase of signals. It includes 8 possible symbols,
and each symbol is mapped as three bits. Therefore, theoretically, EDGE can
provide up to three times of GSM rate.
In a poor wireless environment, the performance of 8PSK is worse than that of

GMSK. Therefore, EDGE adopts both 8PSK and GMSK in the coding mode.
Different from GMSK, output signals of 8PSK are not constantly enveloped,
which affects the equipment implementation and mobile phone measurement to
some extent.
z Compared with GPRS, EDGE adopts new coding mode. EGPRS supports nine
coding modes from MCS-1 to MCS-9, and about three times of GPRS bit rate.
MCS-5 to MCS-9 adopt 8PSK modulation mode; MCS-1 to MCS-4 adopt

GMSK modulation mode. Different from GPRS and CS-1 to CS-4 rate, it is
specially designed for EGPRS link adaptation control algorithm. The MCS1 to
MCS-9 coding modes fall into three clusters: A, B and C.
In GPRS, only the original coding mode can be adopted data transmission.
When wireless transmission environment gets worse, retransmission might
always fail. The coding scheme of EGPRS allows that data can be divided into
two parts with a low-rate coding scheme for retransmission when the data with a
high rate coding scheme transmission fails so that it can adapt well the worse
88
Chapter 3 EDGE Basics
wireless transmission environment.
z Compared with GPRS, EGPRS makes changes to the RLC/MAC in link layer,
and defines better link control algorithm and two link quality control modes:
Link Adaption (LA) and Incremental Redundancy (IR).
3.3 Implementation of the EDGE in the BSS
3.3.1 ZXG10-MSS Structure
In terms of protocol, the EDGE mainly affects the BSS of the wireless access part in
the GSM system, but does not affect existing GSM core network and network
applications, and the interfaces between the BSS and the MSC and SGSN in the
existing system will be kept. The EDGE system improves the system performance and
efficiency by introducing 8PSK modulation mode in the BSS and mobile terminal so
that it has broadband data service capability. Although the impact of EDGE on existing
GSM core network is limited and no new hardware equipment is required, some new
features (such as 8PSK modulation and new coding scheme) of the EDGE system put
forward high requirements for the processing capability of ZXG10-BSS(V2). In
addition to upgrading the software of the original system, improvement also must be
made to some hardware parts. Here, mainly the PCU and BTS module are involved.
PSTN
BTS
BTS BSC
BSC MSC
MSC PLMN
ISDN
PCU
PCU
GSM
GSM network
网络
GPRS
GPRS network
网络其他 GPRS
SGSN
SGSN BG Other GPRS
BG
网络
network
GPRS GGSN
GGSN Internet
PTM
PTM SC
SC Backbone
骨干网
network Intranet
Fig. 3.3-1 EDGE Services Supported by ZXG10-BSC (V2)
The figure above shows the general structure of the ZXG10-BSC(V2) that supports
EDGE services. The figure indicates the BTS and PUC to be modified.
89
3.3.2 EDGE Implementation of the ZXG10-BTS
The EDGE wireless interface must support MCS1-9 modulation coding schemes.
Therefore, the ZXG10-BSS(V2.9) system structure must support 8PSK modulation and
satisfy MCS-9 channel processing requirements.
Different from GMSK, 8PSK has no constant envelope. EDGE must be designed with
a transmitter for 8PSK linear optimization and cost effectiveness. The PAUE of
ZXG10-BSS(V2.9) still adopts the ZXG10-BTS(V2) system structure only with new
linear power amplifier.
To achieve EDGE functions in the original ZXG10-BTS(V2), only replace the EDGE
carrier frequency and upgrade the software.
3.3.3 EDGE Implementation of the ZXG10-BSC
The PCU system that supports EGRPS functions still adopts ZXG10-BSC(V2)
structure consisting of the GIU and SPCU, as shown in Fig. 3.3-2.
⑤ 32x2M
③
2x8M
4x8M GIU
RMU B
O 2x8M SPCU
④
2x8M
① S
②
N
RMU 4x8M 2x8M SPCU 2 x8M
SCU
Fig. 3.3-2
Different from the original GRPS, there are only 4 sets of SPCUs, 2 HW cables for
each SPCU to connect the BOSN, and 2 HW cables to connect the GIU.
Compared with GPRS, EGPRS is added with many processes (for example, IR, fast
measurement report, segmentation and reassembly) for upper layer software, which
enhances the BRP processing capability. Considering the number of packet channels
for the processing of each BRP is in inverse ratio to the bandwidth used by the channel,
it is assumed that the processing traffic on the wireless interface is linear with the
required processing capability. Then, based on that the original system 860CPU
90
Chapter 3 EDGE Basics
(83MIPS) actually processes 20-channel 16Kbit/s, we can get that the new BRP (called
EBRP) needs at least 800MIPS (160/20*83*1.2=800), and the DSP needs 140MIPS or
above processing capability.
The EBRP adopts RISC+DSP processing structure scheme with little changes to the
software. The CPU is 755/7410 series with CPU subcard (PIN TO PIN compatible).
The DSP adopts 100 MIPS C54X series chips TMS320VC5416 (1 to 2 pieces)
developed by TI.
The FRP processes frame relay protocol and adopts ultra channel HDLC transmission.
To double the capacity, the new FRP (called EFRP) must adopt a piece of MPC8250.
The four SCCs of the CPM in the MPC8250 can be used for the processing of four 2M
ultra channels, and the FCC2 can be used for 10/100 Ethernet MAC processing. The
MPC8250 can process 280MIPS/200MHz (main frequency), and 8Mbit / s traffic with
the performance improved three times.
Therefore, to support EDGE functions in the GPRS system of the original

ZXG10-BSC(V2), changes must be made to the ZXG10-BSC(V2) hardware in
addition to upgrading the software:
1. Replace with the EFRP and EBRP to satisfy the system requirements.
2. Replace with the backplane of new version in the PUC layer. The new version
supports BRP/FRP and EBRP/EFRP, but does not support simultaneous mixed
insertion).
Questions:
1. What is EDGE?
2. What modulation mode that is different from that of GSM is adopted in EDGE?
3. What coding scheme is adopted in EDGE on the wireless interface?
4. What NEs are added in EDGE in addition to those in GSM?
5. What rate of data service can be provided to subscribers through EDGE?
Answers:
1. EDGE is short for Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution.
2. EDGE is a kind of technology for transition of GSM to 3G. It mainly adopts a
91
new modulation mode in the GSM system including most advanced multislot
operation and 8PSK modulation technology. 8PSK technology makes the signal
space of GMSK modulation technology in existing GSM network extend from 2
to 8 so that each symbol contains 4 times of previous messages.
EDGE adopts new coding scheme. EGPRS supports nine coding schemes from
MCS-1 to MCS-9, and about three times of GPRS bit rate. MCS-5 to MCS-9
adopt 8PSK modulation mode; MCS-1 to MCS-4 adopt GMSK modulation
mode. Different from GPRS and CS-1 to CS-4 rate, it is specially designed for
EGPRS link adaption control algorithm.
The EDGE mainly affects the BSS of the wireless access part in the GSM
system, but does not affect existing GSM core network and network applications,
and the interfaces between the BSS and the MSC and SGSN in the existing
system will be kept. The EDGE system improves the system performance and
efficiency by introducing 8PSK modulation mode in the BSS and mobile
terminal so that it has broadband data service capability. The impact of EDGE
on existing GSM core network is limited and there is no need to add new
hardware equipment. To achieve EDGE functions in the original
ZXG10-BTS(V2), only replace the EDGE carrier frequency and upgrade the
software.
Therefore, to support EDGE functions in the GPRS system of the original

ZXG10-BSC (V2), changes must be made to the ZXG10-BSC (V2) hardware in
addition to upgrading the software.
z Replace with the EFRP and EBRP to satisfy the system requirements.
z Replace with the backplane of new version in the PUC layer. The new version
supports BRP/FRP and EBRP/EFRP, but does not support simultaneous mixed
insertion).
EDGE adopts octal 8PSK modulation technology, supports 303% of GMSK

payload, and provides higher bit rate and spectral efficiency (stable 384Kbit/s in
mobile environment and up to 2Mbit/s in static environment) so that various
wireless application requirements can be basically satisfied.
92

Zte GSM Basics

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The Competency Ladder Certification for

the After-Sales Posts Training

Copyright © ZTE Corporation

All rights reserved.

Author: Wang Wei

Editor: Liu Feiping

ZTE University, Dameisha, Yantian District, Shenzhen, P.R.China

Tel: (+86755) 26778800

Client Support Hot line：（+86755）26770800 800-830-1118

Fax: (+86755) 26770801

2. About This Manual

Volume Course Code Course Name

Volume I GB_000_E1 GSM, GPRS, and EDGE Basics

Volume II GB_100_E1 BSS Basics

Volume III GB_101_E1 OMCR Installation and Operation

Volume IV GB_200_E1 BSS Commissioning

Volume V GB_300_E1 BSS System Maintenance

Indicates the key points in one section.

4. Manual Update history

5. From the Author

No. Manual name Description

Introduces in detail all the man-machine interfaces of the operation and

This task-oriented manual describes in detail the purpose, pre-operation setup

Introduces in detail all the man-machine commands of the operation and

◆ You can contact us at any time through doc@zte.com.cn.

◆ You can contribute to Maintenance Experience through weihujingyan@zte.com.cn

z Learn Main Interfaces and Protocols of the GSM System

z Learn Radio Channel Features of the GSM System

z Understand Voice Signals Processing of Radio Interfaces

z Understand Basic Call Signaling Process

z Understand GPRS and EDGE Features and Principles

z GSM Digital Mobile Communication Engineering

z Basic Knowledge of 2G Mobile Communication Technologies

z GPRS Principles and Network Optimization

1 GSM Basics .................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 GSM development course .................................................................................................................1

1.1.1 History of the mobile communication ....................................................................................1

1.1.2 Development History of Domestic Mobile Communication ..................................................5

1.1.3 Common Mobile Communication System .............................................................................5

1.1.4 Common Multiple Access Technologies ................................................................................8

1.1.5 GSM Network Development ..................................................................................................9

1.2 GSM Composition and Features ..................................................................................................... 11

1.2.1 Basic Concepts of BSM Network......................................................................................... 11

1.2.2 GSM composition.................................................................................................................12

1.2.3 System Structure and BSS Position......................................................................................13

1.3 GSM interfaces and protocols .........................................................................................................18

1.3.1 Concepts ...............................................................................................................................18

1.3.2 Introduction to Main Interfaces ............................................................................................19

1.3.3 GSM Protocol System ..........................................................................................................20

1.4 Available GSM Services..................................................................................................................26

1.4.1 Telecommunications Services Provided by the GSM...........................................................26

1.4.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System.......................................................................27

1.5 GSM Wireless Interface ..................................................................................................................28

1.5.1 GSM Wireless Working Frequency Band.............................................................................28

1.5.2 GSM Wireless Physical Channel..........................................................................................30

1.5.3 GSM Wireless Logical Channel ...........................................................................................32

1.5.4 GSM Voice Processing .........................................................................................................41

1.6 Basic Signaling Process .................................................................................................................. 55

1.6.1 Location Update Process of MS........................................................................................... 55

1.6.2 IMSI Detach Process............................................................................................................ 57

1.6.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process ................................................ 58

1.6.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process.............................................. 59

1.6.5 Inter-cell Handover Process ................................................................................................. 61