GSM Basic

GSM BASIC
GSM Overview Signaling System 7

GSM INTERFACES
Um

GSM PROTOCOLS
MAP CAP ISUP BICC SCCP SCTP TCAP H.248 SIGTRAN

Signaling Point Codes

For addressing and routing purposes, every SP in a signaling network must have an identity consisting of the Network Indicator and Signaling Point Code. Network Indicator NI=2 is commonly used to identify SPs within the national networks, for example, in o ne operators network. The identity of the SP may be, for example, 2-1069. Network Indicator NI=0 is used to identify internationally connected SPs. The SPC part identifies zone, network or area, and point in the network. The identity of a Swedish, internationally connected SP, may be 0-2-080-5, where NI=0 (international), zone 2 (Europe), network 080 (Swedish Telia), and point code 5.

In some cases, an SP in the network may have more than one identity, for example, when interconnecting two networks. According to CCITT, the Signaling Point Code is a 14 -bit number for both national and international SPs. In the North American SS7 network, every node is addressed by a three-level number defined by its network, cluster, and member numbers. Each of these

numbers is an 8-bit number and can assume values from 0 to 255. This three -level address is known as the point code of the signaling point. Since network numbers are a relatively scarce resource, company networks are expected to meet certain size requirements to be assigned a network number.

MTP Summary
The Message Transfer Part is the part of the CCITT No. 7 Signaling System that is responsible for transmission of signal units with information provided by user parts, from one SP to another.

MTP level 3 functions are responsible for distribution and routing of messages, whereas signaling network management. Level 2 generally handles error-free point-to-point transmission (error detection and error correction by retransmissions) and supervision of the data link, on which the transmission goes. The Message Transfer Part was originally developed to handle inter-exchange circuit-related signaling, for example, call set-up controlled by the Telephony User Part or, later, ISDN User Part. MTP addressing and routing capabilities are limited to short-distance (to a neighboring SP or via an STP) signal unit transmission. This is sufficient for traditional call set -up procedures

Traditional SS7 Network Structure

A traditional signaling network requires a lot of reso urces and efforts for configuration and maintenance. It does, however, provide the means for efficient and reliable transfer of information (either as direct connections or link by link). This is sufficient in functionality but also unsatisfactory when aiming for packet based transmission.

The main transport mechanism here is traditional TDM (PDH / SDH) transmission. To decrease the amount of hardware and the number of links required, around a network, STPs are introduced. The function of an STPs is to relay SS7 messages to their correct destinations. This allows for efficient routing of SS7 messages across the network. Each connection is defined as a signaling link, groped into Link Sets of parallel links. Every Signaling Point have redundant connectio ns to at least two STPs

SS7 Signaling Relative Concept

MTP3 Signaling Point Code: SPC is the unique address to indicate the position of the

office in the Signaling Network MTP3 Link: A physical channel used to transfer signaling messages. MTP3 link set: The group of all links between two adjacent signaling points. MTP3 Route: A path from original signaling point to destination signaling point. SLC: Signaling Link Code, used to indicate one link in same linkset, value range : 0~15.

GSM protocol layers for signaling

GSM protocol layers for signaling:
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- Interface between MS and BTS is Um (or Air interface). - Interface between BTS and BSC is Abis. - Interface between BSC and MSC is A.

EIR - Equipment Identity Register

EIR contains a list of all valid mobile equipment on the network and it is used for security purposes.

MSC - Mobile Switching Center

MSC is the central component of the Network Subsystem. The main functions of a MSC are: Provides 2,048Mbps(E1) or better to the other network interfaces(PSDN,ISDN). Billing Location registration Gateway to SMS Synchronizing BSS Handover management

BTS - Base Transceiver Station

The Base Transceiver Station (BTS) handles the radio interface to the MS. The BTS is the radio equipment (transceivers and antennas) needed to serve each cell in the network. The main BTS functions are: Radio transmission, including frequency hopping Radio signal reception from MSs, including equalizing and diversity functions to compensate for fading effects. Quality measurements: BTS measures signal strength and quality on the uplink. MS measures signal strength and quality on the downlink as well as sign al strength on neighboring BTSs. The results are sent to the BTS. The BTS adds its measurements and reports to the BSC. Time alignment measurements. Transceiver and MS power control. Multiplexing on the radio path, channel coding, interleaving, and cipheri ng. Broadcasting system information and paging messages. Receiving channel requests from MSs.

Gateway MSC
The Gateway MSC (GMSC) is the point in the PLMN where calls to mobile subscribers enter the GSM network. Therefore each mobile terminating call must be routed via a

GMSC in the home PLMN of the called MS. The GMSC contains signaling functions for retrieving information from the concerned HLR, which tells how to proceed with call set up. Depending on the interrogation result, the call is either re -routed by GMSC to the MSC where the mobile subscriber is located or forwarded according to the forward -to number.

IAM, ACM, ANM, REL

This is usually the first message that is sent when setting up a connection between two exchanges, and consequently it is always sent in the forward direction. When the originating exchange has received the complete selection information from the calling party, and has determined that the call should be routed to another exchange, the selection of a suitable, free, inter-exchange circuit takes place, and an initial address message is sent to the successive exchange. In addition, concerning a subscriber with digital access, the set-up message contains bearer capability information that is analyzed by the originating exchange to determine the correct connection type and network signaling capability. The IAM contains parameters carrying information about the called subscribers number (B-number), the calling subscriber (A-party) type, and other information concerning the routing and handling of the call. In en-bloc signaling all necessary B-number digits are sent in the IAM message. This means that the IAM message contains all information that is required to route traffic through the network and to identify the B -subscriber in the terminating local exchange. After all dialed digits a special digit called end -of-pulsing signal (ST, coded as 1111) is added to indicate the end of the B-number.

The mandatory elements of IAM are used as follows: Nature of connection This element contains the information on the number of satellites in the connection, request for continuity check or echo control. Forward call indicators This includes interworking information, signaling system preferences (ISUP required, preferred, not required) and indicators, A-subscriber access type (ISDN or not), and so on. Calling party category This identifies the type of calling subscriber, for example, ordinary subscriber, payphone, operator call, test call, and so on. Transmission medium requirement

Information on call type (speech, 3.1 kHz audio, 64 kbps unrestricted digital, and so on. Called party number This contains the number used to set up the connection. The nature of the number and numbering plan indicator is also included.

*** ACM (Address Complete Message) This message is sent in the backward direction from the terminating exchange to the originating exchange. It indicates that all the necessary address information is received and that the called subscriber is identified and free and alerted by a ringing signal or some other signal. When the ACM is received by the originating local exchange it initiates the sending of a D-channel message (ALERTING) to the calling subscribers terminal. This message may also contain a number of indicators and additional information elements, for example, echo control information. All signaling procedures are controlled by a number of timers. For example, when the originating exchange has sent the initial address message (IAM) the awaiting address complete timer (timer T7) is started. If this timer expires the connection is released and an indication is returned to the calling subscriber. The timer is stopped upon reception of the ACM message.

ANM (Answer Message) ANM indicates that a call has been answered. Typically, when this message is received, the charging of the call starts.

REL (Release Message) This message initiates the release of a circuit used for a call. It can be sent in both directions. Unlike in TUP or older signaling systems, the call release can be initiated by either of the subscribers or by the network.

RLC (Release Complete Message) RLC is sent in response to REL. It confirms that the release of the circuit is completed so that the circuit can return to idle state again and serve new calls.

Gateway MSC
The Gateway MSC (GMSC) is the point in the PLMN where calls to mobile subscribers enter the GSM network. Therefore each mobile terminating call must be routed via a

GMSC in the home PLMN of the called MS. The GMSC contains signaling functions for retrieving information from the concerned HLR, which tells how to proceed with call setup. Depending on the interrogation result, the call is either re -routed by GMSC to the MSC where the mobile subscriber is located or forwarded according to the forward -to number.

IMSI Detach
The IMSI detach procedure may be used by the MS when it is powered off. The subscriber is marked as detached in the VLR and will not be paged. The system information, broadcast over the cell, informs the MS whether IMSI attach and detach procedures are required or not. The IMSI detach procedure is described below: 1) When the MS power is being turned off or the SIM card is taken out, the MS requests an SDCCH. 2) On the SDCCH the MS sends a message to inform the network that the MS is about to switch to detached mode. That is, the subscriber i s no longer reachable. 3) The MSC marks the IMSI as detached in the VLR. The VLR sets an IMSI detached flag and rejects calls incoming to the MS. This procedure is not acknowledged nor is authentication performed.

GSM Location Update

There are 3 types of location update:

* LOCATION UPDATE, TYPE NORMAL:

The MS listens to the system information, compares the Location Area Identity (LAI) to the one stored in the MS on the SIM card (on BCCH channel if idle or SACCH channel if actice) and detects whether it has entered a new location area or is still in the same location area. If the broadcast LAI differs from the one stored on the SIM card, the MS must perform a location update, type normal: 1) The MS sends a channel request message including the reason for the access. Reasons other than location updating can be for example, answering a page or emergency call.

2) The message received by the BTS is forwarded to the BSC. The BSC allocates an SDCCH, if there is one idle, and tells the BTS to activate it. 3) The MS is now told to tune to the SDCCH. 4) The MS sends a location updating request message that contains the identity of the MS, the identity of the old location area and the type of updating. 5) The authentication parameter is sent to the MS. In this case the MS is already registered in this MSC/VLR and the authentication parameter used is stored in the VLR. (If the MS is not already registered in this MSC/VLR the appropriate HLR or the previously used MSC/VLR must be contacted to retrieve MS subscriber data and authentication parameters) 6) MS sends an answer calculated using the received authentication parameter. 7) If the authentication is successful, the VLR is updated. If needed, the HLR and old VLR are also updated. 8) The MS receives an acceptance of the location updating. 9) The BTS is told to release the SDCCH. 10) The MS is told to release the SDCCH and switches to idle mode. In cases where the MS is busy when it changes location area, it receives the information about the new LAI on the SACCH. The location updating takes place after the call is released. The MS must set up a new connection and perform the procedures described in the previous case.

* LOCATION UPDATING, TYPE IMSI ATTACH:

IMSI attach is a procedure and is used by the MS to notify the system that it was powered on. The procedure is described below: 1) The MS requests an SDCCH. 2) The system receives the IMSI attach message from the MS. 3) The MSC sends the IMSI attach message to the VLR. The VLR removes the IMSI detached flag and resumes normal call handling for the MS. (Notice that IMSI attach is

the comlement to the IMSI detach procedure 4) The VLR returns the IMSI attach acknowledge message to the MSC. 5) The MS also receives an acknowledge message. Notice: The procedure is to be used only when the IMSI detach flag is set in the VLR, not in the HLR. If the flag is set in the HLR, switching to active mode requires a normal location updating of the MS. In most GSM system, the detached flag is stored in the VLR and no information is passed to the HLR.

* LOCATION UPDATING, TYPE PERIODIC REGISTRATION:

Periodic registration is a type of location updating procedure that is used to avoid unnecessary paging of the mobile in cases where the MSC never receives the IMSI detach message and also to prevent damage in case of database failure. The procedure is described below: 1) MS listens on the BCCH to specify if Periodic Registration Location Update is used in the cell. If periodic registration is used, the MS is told how often it must register. The time is set by the operator and can have values from 0 to 255 deci -hours (a unit of six minutes). If the parameter is equal to zero, periodic registration is not used in this cell. If the parameter is set to ten, for example, the MS must register every hour. 2) Both the MS and the MSC have the timer which controls the procedure. When the timer in the MS expires, the MS performs a location updating, type periodic registration. After that, the timers in MS and MSC restart. In the MSC there is a time scanning function for the MSs. If the MS does not register within the determined interval plus a guard time, then the scanning function in MSC detects this and the MS is flagged as detached.

GSM Logical Channels

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SIGTRAN - Signaling Transport Protocol

Signaling Transport (SIGTRAN) protocol stack is defined by the SIGTRAN workgroup of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for interworking purposes between the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) and the Internet Protocol (IP).This protocol stack supports transmission of switched circuit network (SCN) signaling across IP network. This protocol stack supports the inter-layer standard primitive interface defined in SCN signaling protocol hierarchy model so as to ensure utilization of the existing SCN signaling application without modification. It also uses the standard IP transport protocol as the transmission bottom layer, and satisfies the special transmission requirements of SCN signaling by adding its own functions. SIGTRAN scenarios: SIGTRAN allows SS7 messages to be sent over IP networks. There are three network scenarios implemented for SIGTRAN, these are: Signaling between a signaling end point in an IP network and a Signaling point in a traditional SS7 network (TDM or ATM based). A signaling gateway is respon sible to convert IP SIGTRAN messages into traditional SS7 messages. The two communicating signaling entities may or may not belong to the same operator. Signaling between two signaling end points (SEPs) inside an IP network. A dual

signaling transport stack can be used to provide redundancy and enable fallback to legacy SS7. Signaling between two SGWs over an IP network. Each SGW is at the border of an arbitrary network.

B Interface
B interface is the interface between the MSC and VLR. During a call connection, the MSC queries the location and service information of the roaming subscriber in the VLR. During the update of information on the MS location, periodic registration or power -on registration, the MSC sends the information on the location a nd status of the roaming subscriber to the VLR. When a subscriber activates a supplementary service or modifies data, the MSC sends information on the change of the data through the VLR, and updates the subscriber information in the VLR. Exchange of the in formation is performed through the B interface. Generally, the MSC and VLR are configured together. This interface is usually internal to the MSC server.

A Interface Um Interface SIGNALING SYSTEM NO.7 - SS7 Overview

Signaling System No. 7, the signali ng system chosen for GSM, is a common channel signaling system. This means that the exchanges use a separate network for signaling. Since signaling system No. 7 is used as a means for information transmission between different users, for example, telephony or ISDN.

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Architecture of signaling system No. 7

BSSAP Base Station System Application Part ISUP CAP TCAP MAP

ISDN User Part CAMEL Application Part Transaction Capabilities Application Part Mobile Application Part

SCCP Signaling Connection Control Part MTP

Message Transfer Part

GSM System Introduction

Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is a digital wireless network standard designed by standardization committees from major European telecommunications operators and manufacturers. The GSM standard provides a common set, of compatible services and capabilities to all mobile users across Europe and several million customers worldwide.

GSM Architecture
In this architecture, a mobile station (MS) communicates with a base station system (BSS) through the radio interface. The BSS is connected to the network and switching

subsystem (NSS) by communicating with a mobile switching center (MSC) using the A interface.

GSM 900
Uplink - 890 MHz to 915 MHz Downlink - 935 MHz to 960 MHz

GSM 1800
Uplink - 1710 MHz to 1785 MHz Downlink - 1805 MHz to 1880 MHz

GSM 1900
Uplink - 1850 MHz to 1910 MHz Downlink - 1920 MHz to 1990 MHz Carrier separation is 200 kHz, which provides: 124 pairs of carriers in the GSM 900 band 374 pairs of carriers in the GSM 1800 band 299 pairs of carriers in the GSM 1900 band

Using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) each of these carriers is divided into eight Time Slots (TS). One TS on a TDMA frame is called a physical channel, i.e. on each duplex pair of carriers there are eight physical channels. A variety of information is transmitted between the BTS and the MS. The information is grouped into different logical channels. Each logical channel is used for a specific purpose such as paging, call set-up and speech. For example, speech is sent on the logical channel Traffic CHannel (TCH). The logical channels are mapped onto the physical channels.

ISUP - The Integrated Services Digital Network User Part

The Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISDN User Part or ISUP) is one of the User Parts of the Common Channel Signaling System No.7, which defines the signaling

messages, functions and procedures required to control voice and non -voice services (for example, circuit switched data communication). The ISUP can not only implement the functions of the Telephone User Part (TUP) and the Data User Part (DUP), but also achieve the ISDN services on a wide basis, thus having a spacious application scope. The ISDN User Part (ISUP) protocol supports the establishment, supervision and release of 64 kbps circuit switched network connections between exchanges in ISDN networks. In order to establish a traffic connection between two nodes a message initiating the connection needs to be defined. Initiating a traffic connecti on means reserving one of the available traffic resources (a circuit) for the exclusive use of this connection. In case of ISUP information about which circuit was booked for the purpose of the connection travels in an Initial Address Message (IAM). This message shall also contain the called address (B-number) and other information relating to call routing and handling.

Structure of the Protocol Stack:

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a) TDM Based

b) IP Based

(Notice in both TDM Based and IP Based, SCCP is an optional part in the protocol stack. That means you can use ISUP directly over MTP3 or through SCCP) Primitives are used for communication of ISUP messages with the lower transport layer. The primitives used between MTP (or M3UA) and ISUP include the transfer primitive, the resume primitive, the pause primitive and the status primitive.

CAP - CAMEL Application Part

CAMEL Application Part (CAP) has evolved from the Intelligent Network Application

Protocol (INAP) of the wired Intelligent Network (IN). CAP enables signaling interworking between GSM Service Switching Function (gsmSSF), GSM Specialized Resource Function (gsmSRF) and GSM Service Control Function (gsmSCF) of radio IN functional entities, for the purpose of supporting CAMEL services. CAP protocol is one of the parts of the Signaling System No. 7. CAP is the user part of the Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) in the SS7. CAP uses structured/unstructured dialog capabilities provided by the TCAP protocol, and realizes signaling interaction between functional entities.

Message Structure:
The structure of a CAP message is shown below:
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In SS7, CAP messages are conveyed as the component part of TCAP messages.

BICC - The Bearer Independent Call Control Protocol

The Bearer Independent Call Control (BICC) protocol is one of the application layer control protocols. It is used to establish, modify and terminate calls and can bear comprehensive PLMN/PSTN/ISDN services. BICC evolves from the ISUP protocol and has it developed. It is characterized by the separation between the call control level and the bearer control level, thus the Call Service Function (CSF) is independent of the Bearer Control Function (BCF).

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In UMTS, BICC is applied to the call control interface between two MSC Servers. BICC signaling develops on the basis of ISUP signaling, and is basically similar to the ISUP protocol in the aspect of supporting basic call pro cedures and supplementary service features. The additional Application Transport Mechanism (APM) in BICC makes it possible to exchange bearer related information between the call control nodes at the ends of the Nc interface. Such information includes bear er address, connection reference, bearer characteristics, bearer setup mode and supported Codec list, and so on. BICC can also provide an optional tunnel transport function on the Nc interface for the bearer control signaling between Media GateWays (MGWs).

Cells in GSM
The lowest level of functional area within a GSM Network is the Cell. An LA comprises a number of cells, each cell serving a number of mobile subscribers. As the MS is moving between cells, it distinguishes new cell by receiving the Base Station Identity Code (BSIC) which is transmitted regularly by each Base Transceiver Station (BTS). Neighboring cells cannot share the same channels. The power level of a transmitter within a single cell must be limited to reduce the

interference with the neighboring cells.

The Difference between HLR and VLR

Each mobile network has its own HLRs and VLRs. When a MSC detects a mobile users presence in the area covered by its network, it first checks a database to determine if the user is in his/her home area or is roaming, i.e., the user is a visitor. User in Home Area: HLR has the necessary information for initiating, terminating, or receiving a call. User is Roaming: VLR contacts the users HLR to get the necessary information to set up a temporary user profile.

The users location is recorded in the HLR, and in case the user roaming, it is also recorded in the VLR. Suppose that the user wants to make a call: User in Home Area: MSC contacts the HLR prior to setting up the call. User is Roaming: MSC contacts the VLR prior to setting up the call.

Suppose that there is a call for the user (call goes to the home MSC): User in Home Area: Home MSC delivers the call immediately. User is Roaming: Home MSC contacts the VLR to determine the appropriate switch in the roaming area to handle the arriving call and then transfers the call to the roaming area MSC.

AuC - Authentication Center

Authentication Center is a database that stores the subscriber ciphertext for confirming whether a subscriber is legal. The difference between the HLR and the AuC is that the latter requires high privacy. Therefore, the protocol defines the AuC separately. In actual situations, the AuC and HLR are combined. Authentication is a process by which the network checks the validity of a subscriber. It is a part of the mobile network security management and is used to realize the privacy of the mobile network and integrity of data. Thus, the network service is protected from

being used by illegal subscribers. In the GSM and UMTS networks, the Mobile Station (MS)/User Equipment (UE), VLR, and AuC (the USIM is required in the UMTS network) coordinate to perform authe ntication. The MS/UE and AuC compute authentication parameters. Then, the VLR compares the authentication results and determines whether they are consistent. Thus, the network can verify the validity of the MS/UE. The UMTS enables the UE to verify the network validity. This way, the bi-directional authentication of the UE and network is achieved.

MSISDN - Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network

A number, in E.164 format, stored in the HLR and VLR. MSISDN comprises three parts: Country Code (CC) and National (significant) mobile number, which consists of National Destination Code (NDC) and Subscriber Number (SN).

LA - Location Area
An area in which mobile stations may roam without updating the location registers. A location area comprises one or more cells.

LAI - Location Area Identification

A number that uniquely identifies a GSM location area (LA) worldwide. An LAI is comprised of the following elements: Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC) and Location Area Code (LAC). + MCC: Same as the MCC in IMSI. A three-digit number that uniquely identifies the home country of a mobile subscriber. For example, the MCC of China is 460. + MNC: Same as the MNC in IMSI. A number, containing two or three digits, that identifies the home mobile network of a subscriber. For example, the MNC of China Mobile is 00 and the MNC of China Unicom is 01. + LAC: A BCD code in hexadecimal format and with a maximum length of two bytes. link A network communications channel consisting of a circuit or transmission path and all related equipment between a sender and a receiver. A link is used to connect

signaling points (SPs) and signaling transfer points (STPs) and transmit signaling messages.

MAP - Mobile Application Part protocol

A protocol that defines the mode of information exchange bet ween entities in a mobile network. MAP enables the MSC to interwork with the VLR, HLR, EIR, MSC, SMC through the B, C, D, E and G interfaces respectively.

SSP - Service Switching Point

A logical entity that handles the triggering of the intelligent netwo rk (IN) service. It controls and charges IN services based on the signaling control point (SCP).

STP - Signaling Transfer Point

A node that transfers messages received from a signaling link to another. Element of an SS7-based Intelligent Network that performs routing of the SS7 signaling.

SCTP - Stream Control Transmission Protocol

The SCTP endpoint: The SCTP endpoint is the logical sender/receiver of SCTP packets. It comprises a set of transport addresses (a combination of IP address and port number) fo r sending and receiving SCTP packets between the two SCTP nodes. These transport addresses must be unique to the SCTP endpoint throughout the network. This is very similar to the signaling point code of a node being unique within the signaling network.

SCTP Association: The SCTP association is the logical relationship between two SCTP end points. This association includes the protocol state information, Verification Tags and the currently active set of Transmission Sequence Numbers between the two SCTP end points. It can be said that the SCTP association is like the logical grouping of signaling links in traditional SS7, called a link set. (a link set provides management for a specific group of links) Communication through an SCTP association requires tran sport addresses (a combination

of IP address and port number). These are used by routers to route the IP payload through the IP network. The port numbers mentioned are defined at both ends. The SCTP endpoint can be seen as the termination of the signaling stream. The protocol data units of SCTP are referred to as SCTP packets. If SCTP runs over IP then the SCTP packet forms the payload of an IP packet. The transport addresses for the SCTP endpoint are in reality the source and destination addresses/ports put in the headers of the IP packet and the SCTP message. SCTP packets consists of a common header and a payload field. The payload field can carry several bundled messages, socalled chunks. This multiplexing of messages results in better utilization of th e signaling transport (less overhead).

The SCTP packet structure is composed of a common header and chunks. This is encapsulated inside an IP packet. Common header: The common header consists of 12 bytes. The source and destination ports (32 bits each to express the ports) of the header identify the specific association/application. In the SCTP header, along with the ports there is the verification tag (32 bits length) and finally the checksum (Also 32 bits in length). The verification tag is a 32 bit unsigned integer that is randomly generated. It provides a label that allows a receiver to verify that the SCTP packet belongs to a current association and is not an old or stale packet from a previous association. For the detection of transmission errors, the header implements a 32-bit checksum (it uses the Adler32-algorithm). This is more robust than the 16 -bit value checksum used in TCP/UDP protocols. The check-sum protects both the common header and the chunks of the message. Packets failing the checksum are silently discarded. Chunks: Following the header are a possible series of chunks. The number of chunks following depends on the maximum size of the MTU that can be carried. These chunks carry chunk specific content. The first field presented is the CHUNK type (16 bit expression); in fact this provides the SCTP message types. Chunk specific flags follow the chunk type and a length field that indicates length of the user data field is included. The final part is the user data field associated with the chunk.

SCCP - Signaling Connection Control Part

A protocol used by the MSOFTX3000 to establish circuit -independent signaling

connections with the VLR, HLR, EIR, MSC, SMC, GMLC, and SCP through the SS7 signaling network.

TCAP - Transaction Capabilities Application Part

A protocol used by the MSOFTX3000 to establish MAP or CAP dialogs with the VLR, HLR, EIR, MSC, SMC, GMLC, and SCP.

TMSI - Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity

A temporary mobile station identification assigned by the MSC. The TMSI is stored in the VLR and the SIM card and used by the MS to originate and receive calls. One TMSI maps to only one IMSI in a VLR area. The TMSI is used to conceal the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for the sake of security/privacy.

VLR - Visitor Location Register

VLR is a dynamic database that stores temporary subscriber information needed by the MSC to provide service for visiting subscribers. The information is used for call setup. The function of the VLR reduces the signaling link load from the MSC to the HLR therefore the VLR can be seen as a distributed HLR. The VLR assigns the Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN) during subscriber roaming. When a Mobile Station (MS) roams into a new MSC service area, the VLR connected to that MSC requests data about the MS from the HLR and stores it. When the MS makes a call, the VLR already has the information needed for call set-up. In most of the GSM system, the VLR is usually integrated with the MSC so that inter nal signaling can be used. This setup eliminates signaling between the two nodes over the network unnecessary thus decreasing the network signaling load. VLR number is a number that uniquely identifies a VLR. In applications, the VLR and the MSC are integrated into one device. Therefore, the VLR number is usually the same as the MSC number.

H.248 Protocol
H.248 is a protocol that is part of the ITU -T defined MEGACO protocol suite. H.248 is used between a media gateway control function (MGCF) instance and a media gateway function (MGF). In a distributed gateway system, this protocol may be operated over TDM, ATM or IP and is used by the media gateway controller (MGC) to control and communicate with a media gateway (MGW). In the UMTS Rel-4 architecture the protocol is used between the MGCF in the MSC server NE and the MGW NE. In UMTS, the MGCFMGW interface is called the Mc interface and the 3GPP defines specific usage of H.248 over the Mc.

IMEI - International Mobile Station Equipment Identification

International Mobile Station Equipment Identification. A number that uniquely identifies an MS worldwide. An IMEI comprises four parts: TAC, FAC, SNR, and SP as defined in 3GPP standards
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TAC

IMSI - International Mobile Subscriber Identity

International Mobile Subscriber Identity. A unique identifier stored in the SIM card of a mobile station. The MS sends the IMSI to a BTS for identification of the MS in the GSM network. The BTS looks for the IMSI in the HLR. IMSI comprises the following three parts: Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC) and Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN):
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+ MCC: A three-digit number that uniquely identifies the home country of a mobile subscriber. For example, the MCC of China is 460. + MNC: A number, containing two or three digits, that identifies the home mobile network of a subscriber. For example, the MNC of China Mobile is 00 and the MNC of China Unicom is 01. + MSIN: A number, in the H1-H2-H3-S-XXXXXX format, that uniquely identifies a mobile subscriber in a PLMN. For example, 460-00-477-7-000001 is the IMSI of a subscriber of China Mobile.

KPI - Key Performance Indicators

These are indicators that are derived from OAM statistics and other system measurements. KPIs are used to measure the status and quality of both individual NEs and ETE system performance.

BSC - Base Station Controller

Base Station Controller is a logical entity that connects the BTS with the MSC in a GSM network. It interworks with the BTS through the Abis interface and the MSC through the A interface. It supports the following functions: translates the 13-Kbps voice to the standard 64-Kbps channel (used by PSDN or ISDN) Base station management Frequency hopping Time and frequency synchronisation Handover control Time delay measurements

One BSC controls and manages one or more BTSs in an actual networking.

HLR - Home Location Register

HLR is a database that manages the mobile subscriber data. It stores the following information:

Account information of a subscriber (including telecommunication service subscription data and subscriber status data) Mobile station location information MSISDN IMSI

HLRs are used by the Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) to originate and deliver arriving mobile calls. Some characteristics of the HLR: Performance, especially fast lookups. Ability to handle different types of networks, including 3G networks. Capability/data to support user authentication. Support for data backups, fault tolerance, and reliability. Scalability.