GSM and WCDMA

networks interworking
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1 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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3G -> 2G Features
1. RAN1.5008: GSM - WCDMA Inter-System Handover
2. RAN1.5009: WCDMA - GSM Inter-System Handover
3. RAN2.0060: IMSI Based Handover
4. RAN140: Load and Service Based IS/IF Handover
5. RAN1177: Emergency Call Redirect to GSM
6. RAN928: Directed Retry
7. RAN1275: Inter-system Handover Cancellation
8. RAN1138: Cell Selection Parameter Set
9. RAN1758: Multiple BSIC Identification
10. RAN2881: WCDMA and GSM Layer Priorities
11. RAN147: RRC Connection Setup Redirection

2 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

GSM - WCDMA Idle mode mobility interworking features

CELL_FACH
CELL_PCH
URA_PCH

GSM IDLE
UTRA IDLE GPRS PACKET
IDLE

Reselection:
BSS10101: GSM-WCDMA Inter-System Handover (BSS10.5)
BSS20477: GSM to WCDMA Advanced Cell Reselection (BSS13)
Cell Change Order:
BSS11107: Inter-System NCCR (BSS11.5)
Reselection:
RAN1.5009: WCDMA-GSM ISHO (RAN1.5.2ED)
RAN1138: Cell Selection Parameter Set (RU10)

3 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

GSM - WCDMA connected mode mobility management features related to
PS services

GSM
Network Initiated Cell Reselection: CONNECTED
CELL_DCH RAN494/498: GSM-WCDMA ISHO (RAN 1.5.2 ED2); RAN140: Load
and Service Based IS/IF HO (RAS05.1); RAN139: IMSI Based HO
(RAS04) GPRS PACKET
TRANSFER MODE
Redirection: RAN147: RRC Connection Setup Redirection (RU50)
CELL_FACH

GSM IDLE
CELL_PCH GPRS PACKET
URA_PCH IDLE

Cell Change Order: BSS11107:GSM/EDGE-WCDMA Inter-System NCCR (BSS11.5)

UTRA IDLE

4 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

GSM - WCDMA connected mode mobility management features related to
CS services

CS Handover:
BSS10101:Basic load based ISHO (BSS 10.5);
BSS11107:Service based ISHO and penalty timers to prevent HO back from 3G (BSS 11);
BSS12158:IMSI based HO (BSS 11.5); BSS20967: Coverage Based ISHO in Dedicated Mode (BSS13);
BSS21045 GSM – WCDMA interworking, Service Quality based WCDMA Access (BSS 13);
RAN1.5008: SM – WCDMA ISHO (RAN 1.5.2 ED2)*

CELL_DCH GSM
CS Handover: CONNECTED
RAN494/498:GSM-WCDMA ISHO (RAN 1.5.2 ED2); RAN1275:Inter-system handover
cancellation (RU10);
RAN1758:Multiple BSIC identification (RU20 OnTop); RAN139:IMSI Based HO (RAS04);
RAN32:Forced ISHO for AMR (RAS04); RAN140:Load and Service Based IS/IF HO (RAS05.1);
RAN928:Directed Retry (RAS06 OnTop); RAN2565:SRVCC from WCDMA to GSM (RU50); GSM IDLE
UTRA IDLE GPRS PACKET
IDLE

5 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

RAN1.5008: GSM - WCDMA Inter-System Handover

The handover from GSM system to WCDMA system is handled like a new radio access bearer
establishment. However, due to restrictions in the GSM system capability to transfer all the parameters
needed for radio bearers in the WCDMA system, the RNC makes the mapping of the accessing RAB to the
preconfigured radio bearer attributes. This pre-configuration information is then delivered to the UE through
the GSM system.

6 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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 RAN1.5009: WCDMA - GSM Inter-System Handover
The WCDMA-GSM inter-system handover procedure is very similar to the serving RNC relocation procedure
performed without Iur involvement, though some differences in message parameters and required
measurements exist.
Also, GSM restrictions with respect to the missing multicall capability require someactions from the CN to make
the bearer matching.
The inter-system handover is always network-evaluated and preceded by periodical reporting of neighbouring
cells. Like the inter-frequency handover, inter-system handover requires the use of compressed mode on L1 for
measurements, unless the UE supports dual receiver functionality.
It is possible to perform the inter-system handover for RT radio bearers in Cell_DCH state. Inter-system
handover of Packet Switched (PS) services between WCDMA and GPRS is based on the cell reselection
procedure. The Handover Control of the RAN supports network initiated cell reselection from WCDMA to GPRS
in Cell_DCH state of connected mode. In Cell_PCH state of connected mode, the cell reselection from WCDMA
to GPRS is initiated by the mobile station. The cell reselection from WCDMA to GPRS is not possible in
Cell_FACH state of connected mode.

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 RAN1.5009: WCDMA - GSM Inter-System Handover
There can be four different main reasons to trigger the handover measurements:
-Uplink coverage
-Uplink quality
-Downlink coverage
-Downlink quality.
The operator can decide which
reasons to use on a cell basis.

8 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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RAN2.0060 - IMSI Based Handover

The purpose of the IMSI-based handover feature is that a mobile subscriber visiting another
network is handed over only to cells belonging to specified Public Land Mobile Networks
(PLMNs). Accordingly, in such a scenario, the mobile subscriber can only be handed over
to those specified (home or authorized) PLMNs. The input for the selective measurement
control is the PLMN ID that is included in the International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI) of the subscriber.

•IMSI = MCC + MNC+ MSIN

•MCC + MNC = PLMN ID

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RAN2.0060 - IMSI Based Handover
The functionality without IMSI-based handover means that handovers to
neighbor cells for users are not restricted based on their PLMN ID. That is, the
UE can make handovers to all neighbor cells in the network regardless of the
user's IMSI. IMSI-based handover also enables load and service based inter-
system handovers to user’s own GSM network in shared areas or in a virtual
mobile network.

Types of IMSI-based handover:

•IMSI-based intra-frequency handover
•IMSI-based inter-frequency handover
•IMSI-based inter-system handover
•Immediate IMSI-based inter-frequency handover/inter-system handover

10 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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RAN140: Load and Service Based IS/IF Handover

Load and Service Based Inter-system / Inter-frequency Handover (HO) is a feature which enables load balancing between operator's 2G and
3G networks. Based on operator definable end-user service categories, the 3G calls can be moved either to a new frequency layer or to 2G network so
that the required service performance can still be met. In case that the network (NW) load exceeds a predefined threshold, either an inter-frequency
handover (IFHO) or inter-system handover (ISHO) will be performed.

Load and service -based HOs take care of load sharing and service differentiation
inside the WCDMA system as well as between WCDMA and GSM/GPRS systems. Both load
and service are taken into account simultaneously, but the measured load defines the way of
operation. The figure below clarifies the dependency. The load indicators that can be
measured are uplink (UL)/downlink (DL) interference, non-real time (NRT) traffic delay, DL
spreading code availability and HW/logical resource usage. This feature also enables the
operator to set different HO profiles for the service classes. The service classes are split
according to the traffic classes specified for radio access bearers (RABs), separating the
speech and data services from the CS and PS domains. The RNC-based HO profile defines
the preferred system or WCDMA hierarchical cell layer (GSM, WCDMA macro, WCDMA
micro, none). By default, only the real-time services are handed over because the NRT
dedicated traffic channel (DCH) allocations are expected to be too short for these kinds of HO
procedures. However, the operator may enable HOs also for the NRT services in case of
longer DCH allocations. The HO profile is followed in both load and service -based HO
decisions unless the CN provides a Service Priority information element on RAB setup. This,
for example, overrides the HO profile if the HO decision for the UE in question is made
between the WCDMA and GSM systems.

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RAN1177: Emergency Call Redirect to GSM

3G emergency call is directed to 2G Network as the latter one is assumed to provide a better location
service. If there is another call attempt within 60 seconds, the call is established in 3G Network.

When a UE is trying to make an emergency call to the WCDMA Network, the RNC instructs the UE to
make an inter-RAT handover to the GSM NW and to carry on with the emergency call in GSM. If for any
reason the handover should fail, and the UE returns to the WCDMA NW with the emergency call within
60 seconds, the call is set up and carried out in the WCDMA Network.

12 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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RAN928 - Directed Retry

Directed Retry initiates a handover to GSM network in

case that congestion is met in WCDMA RAN
It is performed if a UE is trying to establish a voice call in a WCDMA cell which is
fully loaded.

Benefits for the operator

This improves KPIs concerning call setup success rate. The connections that
would face congestion in the AMR call RAB setup phase are directed to the
GSM system to continue the connection setup.

13 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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 RAN1275: Inter-system Handover Cancellation
Motivation:

• An inter-system handover from WCDMA to GSM/EDGE can be triggered due to connection quality or radio coverage reasons.

• During the handover process the WCDMA network conditions may change so that handover is not needed anymore.

• With this feature, the inter-system handover can be interrupted.

• Unnecessary WCDMA to GSM handovers can be avoided, thus improving end-user service quality.

Functionality:

• The radio coverage and connection quality (uplink DCH quality, UE TX power, downlink
DPCH power, CPICH RSCP or CPICH Ec/No) are reasons to start inter-system
measurements for the UE.

• When the inter-system measurements are completed, the target cell selection takes place.

• The inter-system measurement phase takes a few seconds and during that time the
conditions in the WCDMA layer may change.

14 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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 RAN1275: Inter-system Handover Cancellation
Functionality:

• During the inter-system measurements the UE measures also intra-frequency WCDMA neighbours.

• If the intra-frequency measurements indicate that the conditions have improved in the WCDMA layer so that defined cancellation thresholds are
exceeded, the RNC stops the handover and compressed mode measurements.

• Also, active set update during the measurements causes the inter-system handover cancellation.

Network design impact:

• Air Interface:
Improved interference situation due to possibility to stop compressed mode
More users are kept in 3G  increasing of interference
Less ping pong effects due to performing inter system HO to 2G and coming back to 3G
Iub:
Less signaling traffic for preparing and performing inter system HO
Less signaling traffic for UE‘s which coming back from 2G to 3G (due to ping pong)
End to End:
Improving of call drop ratio, due to performing less critical intersystem HO

15 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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RAN1138 - Cell Selection Parameter Set

Benefits For Operator:

The utilization of the new parameters reduces unnecessary inter-system and
inter-frequency toggling, resulting in improved network level KPI values and
end-user experienced system performance.

Benefits For Users:

With this feature, unnecessary WCDMA to GSM/GPRS handovers can be
avoided, thus improving end-user service quality . As Inter-System Handover
is always a hard handover the RT user would experience a small
disconnection in the call and the NRT users would experience a variation in
QOS parameters.
16 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
RAN1138 - Cell Selection Parameter Set

This feature enables the operator to avoid unnecessary inter-system

handovers thereby retaining the calls in WCDMA network when the
radio conditions indicate the same. The feature reduces the additional
load in the 2G layer caused by unnecessary Inter-System Handover
from the 3G to 2G.
With this feature the compress mode measurements can be reduced
,thus increasing the resource availability (spreading codes, power) in
the cell.

17 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

RAN1758 - Multiple BSIC Identification

Multiple BSIC Identification is an feature that implements a retry

mechanism for a UE attempting inter-system handover, increasing the
likelihood of a successful procedure.
By allowing the UE to verify the BSICs of up to 3 GSM neighbours
instead of just 1, the UE can retry the ISHO to the 2nd and/or 3rd best
GSM cell if the 1st attempt fails.
This feature applies to RT and NRT calls.

18 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

 RAN1758 - Multiple BSIC Identification
Feature Description – Signalling

• When an ISHO attempt fails at the RRC layer during a RT call, the UE will send a
HandoverFromUTRANFailure message to the RNC.
• With the feature disabled, the RNC may then trigger a second compressed mode procedure.
• With the feature enabled, the RNC can select the 2nd best GSM candidate and send another
HandoverFromUTRAN instruction to the UE, as below:
UE BTS DRNC SRNC CN CS CN PS
Prior to step 1, up to 3 BSICs
have been verified during the 1. RRC Handover From UTRAN Failure
compressed mode period and Handover failure
the RNC has instructed the UE detect

to handover to the best GSM Select next target

candidate
target cell.
3. RANAP Relocation Request
A second compressed mode
4. RANAP Relocation Cancel
period is now no longer
5. RANAP Relocation Cancel Ack
required.
6. RRC Handover From UTRAN Command

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 RAN1758 - Multiple BSIC Identification
Feature Description – Signalling
• When an ISHO attempt fails at the RRC layer during a NRT call, the UE will send a
CellChangeFailureFromUTRAN message to the RNC.
• With the feature disabled, the RNC may then trigger a second compressed mode procedure.
• With the feature enabled, the RNC can select the 2nd best GSM candidate and send another
CellChangeOrderFromUTRAN instruction to the UE, as below:

UE BTS DRNC SRNC CN CS CN PS

Prior to step 1, up to 3 BSICs
have been verified during
1. RRC Cell change Order From UTRAN Failure
compressed mode period and
the RNC has instructed the UE Handover failure
detect
to handover to the best GSM
target cell. Select next target
candidate

A second compressed mode 2. RRC Cell Change Order From UTRAN

period is now no longer
required.

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 RAN1758 - Multiple BSIC Identification
Feature Description – Parameters
• Multiple BSIC Identification functionality is controlled by the RNC parameter
MultipleBSICIdent.
• Default value of MultipleBSICIdent is 0 (disabled).
Parameter Name Managed Object Modification Range NSN Default

MultipleBSICIdent RNC Online Off (0), on (1) Off (0)

MaxBSICIdentTime FMCG Online 0.5...10 s, step 0.1 s Not Used

• The FMCG parameter MaxBSICIdentTime controls the maximum time allowed for the UE to
verify up to 3 BSICs.
• If the timer expires, the RNC triggers ISHO to the best GSM candidate cell, even if not all of
the BSICs have been verified.
• If the timer expires before any BSICs have been verified, then the UE continues
measurement reporting until either the maximum number of measurement reports have been
sent (GSMMaxMeasPeriod) or the first BSIC is verified.
21 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
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 RAN2881: WCDMA and GSM Layer Priorities
• The feature implements 3GPP mechanism (APR) for inter-
freq or inter-RAT cell reselection using layers priorities

RAN2067 or
• The absolute layer priority based reselection is simpler to

RAN3069
configure alternative of legacy Hierarchical Cell Structures
e.g. highest prio=7
mechanism HCS, suffering limitation of SIB11 block
• The implemented mechanism supports idle mode and
connected mode (PCH,URA) priority-based reselection
e.g. medium prio=4
WCDMA to WCDMA and WCDMA to GSM. e.g. macro
layer
• The operator is able to set priorities for IF layers or GSM

RAN2881
frequencies (or groups).
• Prioritization of WCDMA and GSM layers (LTE via e.g. small
cell layer
RAN2067/RAN3069) is done via eight distinct priority levels e.g. high prio=5
(0÷7).
• Priorities are broadcasted in SIB19 messages (first time
introduced in RAN2067 / RU20 SW release). e.g. low prio=1

• The feature requires 3GPP Rel-8 compliant UEs &

implements
22
Rel-8 reselection criterions.
© Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
 RAN2881: WCDMA and GSM Layer Priorities
Support for small cells reselection

Without RAN2881 With RAN2881

If serving cell signal is above

Sintersearch Sintersearch, UE does not even
measure f2 cells f1, priority 5

f2, priority 6 f2 with higher priority then f1

f1
is always measured & may
be reselected if having good
Threshx,high enough signal (above the
f2
high threshold)

- Macro dominance may prevent reselection to • Higher prioritized cells/layers are measured always
nearby micro/pico/femto cells (nets w/out and can be reselected also in areas with good
HCS). coverage of currently camped layer (e.g. macro).
23 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
 RAN2881: WCDMA and GSM Layer Priorities
Geographical separation of low/high band coverage

Without RAN2881 With RAN2881

Distance (RSCP) dependent
In any area UE
reselection possible. Higher
can camp either
priority U2100 can be
on U2100 or
preferred in closer distance,
U900 depending
Threshx,high while lower priority U900 - at
on relative
Threshserving,low coverage boundary
signals and
parameter 2
settings 1 f1,
f1 priority 5
f2,
f2
priority 4

1 U2100 signal below low threshold and

U900 good enough

2 U900 signal good enough but higher

- Distance-dependent areas of U2100 or
U900 idle/PCH/URA coverage cannot be
implemented as legacy reselection depends
24 on relative measures/signals
© Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
Threshx,low priority U2100 above high threshold
• Prioritization and signal thresholds allow to
geographically split areas of U2100/U900
idle/PCH/URA coverage and lower the amount of
handovers to preferred layer in CELL_DCH
RAN147 - RRC Connection Setup Redirection

• Radio signaling capacity is vital in networks highly

penetrated by smartphones UE SRNC
RRC CONNECTION REQUEST
• The RAN147 feature is useful when common
AC decision for the SRB: reject
channels are highly loaded
• Instead of allowing useless RACH attempts in RRC CONNECTION REJECT

congested WCDMA layer the feature redirects the

UE to the other layer or to the GSM system RRC CONNECTION REJECT message
contains redirection information
• The target WCDMA layer, the GSM system or the
GSM cell is chosen by the feature algorithm and
management parameters settings WCDMA, f1
• The algorithm can use the load status information 2a. WCDMA, f2
about other WCDMA layers and GSM cells in the or
target cell selection process GSM

25 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

 RAN147 - RRC Connection Setup Redirection

Without With the

the feature
feature
Connection attempt and CS/ PS connection
re-attempts Congested request
WCDMA, f1 cell WCDMA, f1
Attempt(s)
rejected WCDMA, f2 or WCDMA, f2
Attempt
GSM redirected GSM

• Unsuccessful attempts in congested • Overload driven inter-frequency

WCDMA network although there or inter-system instant redirection
could be free resources in other • Useless RACH attempts are mitigated
WCDMA layer or in GSM system • Faster access to service is provided
26 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
 RAN147 - RRC Connection Setup Redirection
Selection Process for the Redirection Information
AC rejects Yes List of target cells
the request
in the redirection info
Include
GSM SLHO/ Yes No
GSM or Rel.6 or The target system in
MBLB
WCDMA newer? the redirection info
blocked
WCDMA cells?
List of target cells
No Rel.6 or Yes in the redirection info
Include newer? without the SLHO or
SLHO/ Yes MBLB blocked cells
MBLB No
blocked The target system in
cells? the redirection info
Frequency with the Frequency with the without the SLHO or
No highest priority in the highest priority in the MBLB blocked cells
redirection info redirection info
27 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014
without the SLHO or
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MBLB blocked cells
 BSS20132: Mobile Specific Channel Release Message
To remove the unnecessary signalling and the delay in service access Rel6 mobiles can be commanded to
directly camp to a 3G cell after call release in 2G. BSC indicates the network preference in radio interface
Channel Release message, e.g. direct camp on 3G. It saves signaling and minimizes delay for new service
setups.
Direct camping information is indicated to all dual-mode mobiles, when WCDMA coverage is available and MS
reports at least one WCDMA neighbour cell. That WCDMA neighbour cell is then used in the Channel Release
message as the target cell for idle mode camping. If more WCDMA neighbour cells are reported, the best one
should be used as the target cell for idle mode camping.
New information element “Cell selection indicator after release of all TCH and SDCCH” will be added to the
Channel Release message for dual-mode mobiles.

29 © Nokia Solutions and Networks 2014

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 BSS30160: Inter System handover for CS
Handover attempt from 2G to 3G is initiated by the BSC
if the load of the serving GSM cell exceeds the operator
defined load threshold for voice or if signal strength
(Ec/No) of 3G cell is higher than the operator defined
threshold.
Coverage-based handover (from WCDMA to GSM)
combined with the load-based handover (from GSM to
WCDMA) are supported.
Handover attempt from GSM to WCDMA is initiated by
BSC if
- Signal strength of the adjacent WCDMA cell is greater
than operator defined threshold.
- Load of the serving GSM cell exceeds the load
threshold for speech. The load threshold is defined by
the handover parameter.

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 BSS30145/BSS30150 Idle Mode Support for both CS/PS
The mobile performs cell reselection from 2G to 3G network in Packet Switched and in Circuit Switched
mode/idle state. Cell reselection is based on the parameters sent by the network to the mobile in the System
Information messages or in the Packet System Information messages.
Cell Reselection from GSM to WCDMA in Idle State happens both in Circuit Switched and Packet Switched.

The mobile performs cell reselection from the GSM network to the 3G network in the idle state. Cell reselection
is based on the parameters sent by the network to the mobile. The parameters are sent in the messages:
• System Information Type 2 quarter (idle state)
- Non-GPRS capable mobiles
- GPRS capable mobiles, PBCCH not allocated
• System Information Type 2 ter (idle state)
• Packet System Information Type 3 bis

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 BSS30145/BSS30150 Idle Mode Support for both CS/PS
The main principles in idle mode cell reselection are:
• Operator is able to define the cell reselection thresholds by the RNW parameters
• RNW parameters are sent to the mobile in the System Information messages or in the Packet System
Information messages.

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BSS21045: Inter-System Network-Assisted Cell Change

Inter-System Network-Assisted Cell Change (IS-NACC) feature is an

extension of Inter-BSC Network-Assisted Cell Change (IB-NACC) feature that
provides assistance to the Mobile Station (MS), when it moves from one cell to
another cell of different Base Station Controller (BSC). The IS-NACC feature
extends the functionality by providing the GSM system information to the
WCDMA system. The WCDMA system may use this set of system information
messages in cell change assistance, when the MS moves from a WCDMA cell to
a GSM cell.

This feature enables:

•optimized utilization of the network resources
•enhanced packet data throughput
•better Quality of Service (QoS) by shortening the data transfer outage,
when the MS moves from WCDMA cell to GSM cell
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BSS21045: Inter-System Network-Assisted Cell Change

Functional architecture of IS-NACC

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