Introduction

Chapter 1

This chapter is intends to give a basic knowledge of the GSM

system, traffic cases and traffic and signaling between mobile
stations and BSC.

OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter the student will:

• know basic GSM nodes

• have knowledge about the main steps in basic traffic cases
• have brief knowledge of the Um interface
• know the connection between the Um and Abis interfaces.
GSM Network Planning

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 1 Introduction

1 Introduction
Table of Contents

Topic Page

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE IN ERICSSON’S GSM SYSTEM ...............1

GENERAL ...................................................................................................................... 2

SWITCHING SYSTEM ...........................................................................3

MOBILE SERVICES SWITCHING CENTER ................................................................. 3
VISITOR LOCATION REGISTER.................................................................................. 4
GATEWAY MSC ............................................................................................................ 4
DATA TRANSMISSION INTERWORKING UNIT .......................................................... 5
HOME LOCATION REGISTER ..................................................................................... 5
AUTHENTICATION CENTER........................................................................................ 6
EQUIPMENT IDENTITY REGISTER ............................................................................. 7

BASE STATION SYSTEM .....................................................................8

BASE STATION CONTROLLER ................................................................................... 8
BASE TRANSCEIVER STATION/RADIO BASE STATION........................................... 9

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CENTER ....................................11

ADDITIONAL NODES..........................................................................13
MESSAGE CENTER.................................................................................................... 13
MOBILE INTELLIGENT NETWORK NODES .............................................................. 13

GSM IDENTITIES.................................................................................13

MOBILE STATION ISDN NUMBER (MSISDN) ...................................14

ERICSSON GSM NETWORKS FOR 900 AND 1800 MHZ ......................................... 14
ERICSSON GSM NETWORKS FOR 1900 MHZ ......................................................... 16

INTERNATIONAL MOBILE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY (IMSI).............18

TEMPORARY MOBILE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY (TMSI)..................20

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INTERNATIONAL MOBILE STATION EQUIPMENT IDENTITY

(IMEI)....................................................................................................20

MOBILE STATION ROAMING NUMBER (MSRN) ..............................22

LOCATION AREA IDENTITY (LAI) .....................................................24

CELL GLOBAL IDENTITY (CGI) .........................................................25

BASE STATION IDENTITY CODE (BSIC) ..........................................26

TRAFFIC CASES.................................................................................27
LOCATION UPDATING ............................................................................................... 27
MOBILE ORIGINATED CALL ...................................................................................... 29
MOBILE TERMINATED CALL ..................................................................................... 31
HANDOVER................................................................................................................. 33

UM INTERFACE ..................................................................................35
CARRIERS, TIMESLOTS, AND TDMA FRAMES ....................................................... 35
LOGICAL CHANNELS ................................................................................................. 37

CHANNEL COMBINATIONS ...............................................................41

MAPPING OF LOGICAL CHANNELS.................................................42

FCCH+SCH+BCCH+CCCH......................................................................................... 42
SDCCH+SACCH.......................................................................................................... 43
TCH.............................................................................................................................. 44
UM - ABIS CONNECTION ........................................................................................... 47

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 1 Introduction

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE IN ERICSSON’S GSM SYSTEM

In Figure 1-1 the system model for Ericsson’s GSM system is
shown.

Switching System SS MXE

AUC

MIN
HLR EIR
GMSC

MSC/
VLR

Base Station System BSS

BSC OSS

Signaling
Traffic and Signaling RBS

MS

Figure 1-1 Ericsson’s GSM system model.

Abbreviations:

AUC AUthentication Center

BGW Billing GateWay
BSC Base Station Controller
DTI Data Transmission Interworking Unit
(implemented in MSC/VLR)
EIR Equipment Identity Register
GMSC Gateway MSC
HLR Home Location Register
MINs Mobile Intelligent Nodes
MS Mobile Station
MSC Mobile services Switching Center
MXE Message Center
OSS Operation and Support System

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RBS Radio Base Station

VLR Visitor Location Register

GENERAL
Ericsson’s GSM systems are implemented using Ericsson's latest
AXE switching system technology. This means that all features
and services implemented in AXE over the years are standard. In
addition, Ericsson’s GSM systems will utilize future AXE
developments.

Software development is carried out in stages, creating a

platform where functionality improves with time. The fact that
the AXE system is modular makes it possible to make
modifications, additions and deletions without affecting existing
system operations.

Hardware development follows the increasing performance

requirements and state-of-the-art technology. With the open-
ended structure of AXE architecture, new hardware (for
example, processors and line terminals), are being introduced
continuously.

The network is divided into three major parts:

• Switching System (SS)

• Base Station System (BSS)

• Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC)

Each of these contains a number of functional units which make

up the entire system. The functional units are parts in the various
hardware units.

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SWITCHING SYSTEM

MOBILE SERVICES SWITCHING CENTER

The Mobile services Switching Center (MSC) performs the
telephony switching functions of the system. It also controls
calls to and from other telephony and data systems, such as the
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Public Land
Mobile Network (PLMN). In Ericsson’s GSM system, the VLR
(see next section) is always integrated with the MSC in a
MSC/VLR. The MSC/VLR is based on AXE technology. In
Ericsson’s GSM system the AXE in SS is structured in a new
way according to a concept named Application Modularity
(AM). AM will not be treated in this course.

The MSC/VLR is responsible for:

• functions for setting up and controlling calls, including

supplementary services.

• functions for handling speech path continuity of moving

subscribers (handover).

• functions for updating the mobile subscriber's location

(location updating and location canceling) in the different
location registers.

• functions for updating the mobile subscriber data.

• provision of functions for signaling to and from:

– the BSC and the MSs (using BSSAP, see chapter 4).
– other GSM entities (using MAP, TUP or ISUP, see
chapter 4
– other networks such as PSTN or ISDN (using TUP or
ISUP, see chapter 4).
• administrative functions for defining data and handling of the
mobile subscribers.

• security related functions which perform authentication or

selective authentication, ciphering, (re)allocation and analysis
of the TMSI.

• functions for IMEI check.

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• functions for receiving and delivering short messages from

and to the MS.

• charging and accounting.

If the MSC shall be able to handle SMS and communicate with

the Service Center the SMS - Gateway MSC and SMS Inter
Working MSC functionality must be implemented.

VISITOR LOCATION REGISTER

The Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a database containing
information about all MSs currently located in the MSC service
area. The VLR contains temporary subscriber information
needed by the MSC to provide service for visiting subscribers.
The VLR can be seen as a distributed HLR. When a 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. If the
MS makes a call at any time, the VLR already has the
information needed for call set-up. In Ericsson’s GSM system,
VLR is always integrated with the MSC. This makes signaling
between the two nodes over the network unnecessary. Internal
signaling can be used, thus decreasing the signaling load over
the network.

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.

In the following we will distinguish between a Gateway node

and the gateway functionality. The Gateway node is a node
interfacing another network and the gateway functionality
handles the HLR interrogation for mobile terminating calls. In
most cases all MSCs have the gateway functionality and some of
them are used as Gateways.

The GMSC contains the interrogation facility. That is, 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.
Charging and accounting functions are also implemented in the
GMSC.

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The GMSC is constructed using the AXE technology and is

normally integrated in the same node as MSC/VLR.

DATA TRANSMISSION INTERWORKING UNIT

Data Transmission Interworking Unit (DTI) consists of both
hardware and software which provides an interface to various
networks for data communication. Through DTI, users can
alternate between speech and data during the same call. Its main
functions include modem and fax adapter pool and the node has
ability to perform rate adaptation. DTI is implementedin the
MSC/VLR and replaces the standalone GSM InterWorking Unit
(GIWU).

HOME LOCATION REGISTER

The Home Location Register (HLR) is a database that stores and
manages subscriptions. In a PLMN there is one or several HLRs.
For each “home” subscriber, the HLR contains permanent
subscriber data such as:

• the associated numbers - MSISDN and IMSI.

• a list of services - tele services, bearer services and

supplementary services, which the subscriber is authorized to
use.

The HLR also stores and updates dynamic data about each
“home” subscriber including subscriber location (VLR-address),
services registered to/activated by the subscriber or the operator
such as call forwarded numbers and call barring for certain types
of calls.

The HLR can be integrated in the same node as the MSC/VLR,

or can be implemented as a separate node. The AXE technology
is used.

The HLR provides functions as defined in the GSM

specifications.

This includes:

• Connection of mobile subscribers and definition of

corresponding subscriber data.

• Maintenance of a database of mobile subscribers and

corresponding subscriber data.

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• Subscription to basic services.

• Registration/deletion of supplementary services.

• Activation/deactivation of supplementary services.

• Interrogation of supplementary services status.

• Functions for analysis of mobile subscriber numbers

(MSISDN, IMSI, additional MSISDN) and other types of
addresses.

• Handling of authentication and ciphering data for mobile

subscribers including communication with an authentication
center.

• Functions for communication with GMSC and VLR using the

No. 7 signaling system and MAP (see chapter 4).

• Statistical functions for collecting data regarding the

performance of the system.

AUTHENTICATION CENTER
The AUthentication Center (AUC) is a database which handles
triplets. A triplet consists of:

• a RANDom number (RAND)

• a Signed RESponse (SRES)

• a Ciphering Key (Kc)

The AUC generates and provides one, or several triplets for a

certain IMSI at each request from the HLR. The HLR forwards
the provided triplets to serving VLR. At any MS access attempt
the MSC may send RAND to the MS to authenticate the
subscriber’s SIM. The SRES returned by the MS is then
compared to the one originally provided by the AUC (via HLR)
to the VLR. The MSC may also command ciphering on the radio
path by providing the Kc to the TRX managing the traffic.
Successful ciphering is possible only if the Kc, which is
calculated by the MS during the authentication procedure, is
identical to the one provided to the TRX.

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EQUIPMENT IDENTITY REGISTER

The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) is a data base which
stores the International Mobile station Equipment Identity
(IMEI) for each MS equipment. Each IMEI is unique. During
any MS access except in the case of IMSI-detach, the MSC/VLR
may verify the IMEI. When necessary, the EIR is requested by
the MSC/VLR to check the IMEI. The main objective is to
ensure that the equipment is not stolen or faulty. The
classification is as follows:

• white listed (permitted for use)

• gray listed (should be tracked for evaluation)

• black listed (barred)

• unknown equipment

The network terminates any access attempt or ongoing call if the

equipment is classified as “black-listed” or “unknown”.

AUC and EIR are implemented either as stand-alone nodes or as

a combined AUC/EIR node. AUC and EIR software are
developed by Sema Group Telecom Division in Great Britain on
a platform of standard hardware from Digital.

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BASE STATION SYSTEM

The Base Station System (BSS) consists of the BSC and the
BTS.

The BSC in Ericsson’s GSM system is based on AXE

technology. It can be implemented as a stand-alone node or
integrated with MSC/VLR.

Ericsson’s BTS solution is the Radio Base Station (RBS). GSM

900/GSM 1800/GSM 1900 has two basic series of base stations.
They are RBS 200 and RBS 2000. GSM 1900 only uses RBS
2000.

Both series offer products for indoor and outdoor installations.

Indoor installations include RBS 200 (GSM 900), RBS 205
(GSM 1800) and RBS 2202. Outdoor installations include RBS
203 and 204 (GSM 900), RBS 2101 and RBS 2102. The latter
two are a mini and a compact version in the 2000 series.

BASE STATION CONTROLLER

The BSC handles all radio related functions and is the BSS’s
center point. The BSC manages the entire radio network
including:

• configuration of the network.

• administration and remote control of the RBSs.

• handling connections to MSs including handovers.

The large BSCs can address up to 1020 TRX (for capacity see
also chapter 5). The smaller combined MSC/BSC is designed
for recently started mobile operating companies.

During call set up, a logical channel is allocated to the

connection based on information about the available channels’
characteristics. When the connection has been established,
signal strength and speech quality are monitored by the MS and
the TRX and reports are forwarded to the BSC. The decision to
initiate a handover of the connection can then be made by the
BSC.

Strict Ericsson RBS transceiver orientation leads to a master-

slave relationship between the BSC and the transceivers. That is,
all major activities in the RBS are orchestrated by the BSC. The

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BSC sets TRX configurations and frequencies for each cell. The
BSC thus receives a set of logical channels that can be allocated
to connections with MSs. The TRXs are supervised by internal
software tests and loop tests. A detected failure results in an
automatic TRX reconfiguration, thereby keeping the logical
channel set intact.

BASE TRANSCEIVER STATION/RADIO BASE STATION

The Radio Base Station (RBS) handles the radio interface to the
MS. The BTS is the radio equipment (transceivers and antennas)
needed to serve one cell in the network. One RBS includes all
BTSs on a site. A group of RBSs are controlled by a BSC. Two
types of RBS are available:

the RBS 200 family

the RBS 2000 family

The main RBS functions are:

• radio transmission, including frequency hopping.

• radio signal reception from MSs, including equalizing and

diversity functions to compensate for fading effects.

• quality measurements: RBS measures signal strength and

quality on the uplink. MS measures signal strength and
quality on the downlink as well as signal strength on
neighboring RBSs. The results are sent to the RBS. The RBS
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 ciphering.

• broadcasting system information and paging messages.

• receiving channel requests from MSs.

The RBS consists of a cluster of autonomous TRXs. The

software stored in TRX Random Access Memories (RAMs) is
controlled, loaded, and upgraded from the BSC, thus reducing
the need for on-site RBS visits. This remote control capability
also includes automatic tuning of the combiners in case

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frequency planning is changed. Strict transceiver orientation

means that faults are isolated per TRX and do not affect adjacent
TRXs in the same RBS.

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OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CENTER

Operation and Support System (OSS) is Ericsson’s
implementation of OMC. OSS offers the customer cost effective
support for centralized, regional and local operations and
maintenance activities required by a cellular network. OSS is the
functional entity from which the network operator monitors and
controls the system.

OSS in Ericsson’s GSM system is based on an application in the

product family TMOS. This is Ericsson's system for
Telecommunications Management and Operations Support.

OSS is a two-level management function. For centralized

control of a network, the installation of a Network Management
Center (NMC), with subordinate Operation and Maintenance
Centers (OMC) is advantageous. NMC staff can concentrate on
system-wide issues, whereas local personnel at each OMC can
concentrate on short-term, regional issues. The OMC and NMC
functionality can be combined in the same physical installation
or implemented at different locations.

The OSS is designed as a coherent management system used to

support a number of other network elements as shown in Figure
1-2.

Operation and
Support System
NMC

OMC OMC

MIN

MSC HLR

BSC AUC /
EIR

BTS

Figure 1-2 OSS provides central supervision of all network

elements.

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The BTSs are supported through BSC. Other Ericsson nodes

including Message Center (MXE) can be supported.

OSS management areas are based on Telecommunication

Management Network (TMN). TMN is a model for
telecommunication networks management. The most important
parts are:

• Configuration management

• Fault management

• Performance management

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ADDITIONAL NODES

MESSAGE CENTER
Message center (MXE) is the node used for handling Short
Message Service (SMS), voice mail and fax mail. These services
are optional, therefore the node is optional and does not belong
to the basic system structure.

MOBILE INTELLIGENT NETWORK NODES

Mobile Intelligent Network nodes (MIN) are the nodes used for
handling the mobile IN services. MIN is based on the AXE
platform and encompasses much of the experience gained from
intelligent network in fixed telephony. MIN nodes and planning
is described in chapter 6.

GSM IDENTITIES
To switch a call to a mobile subscriber, the correct identities
must be employed. It is therefore important that each identity
has a unique address and that the addresses are correct. The
addressing system used to classify the identities in a GSM 900/
GSM 1800/GSM 1900 network is described in this chapter.

Numbering plans are used to identify different networks. For a

telephone number in the PSTN/ISDN network, numbering plan
E.164 is used.

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MOBILE STATION ISDN NUMBER (MSISDN)

The MSISDN number uniquely identifies a mobile telephone
subscription in the public switched telephone network
numbering plan. These are the numbers dialed when calling a
mobile subscriber.

ERICSSON GSM NETWORKS FOR 900 AND 1800 MHZ

In Ericsson GSM networks for 900 and 1800Mhz, the MSISDN
consists of the following:

MSISDN = CC + NDC + SN

CC Country Code
NDC National Destination Code
SN Subscriber Number

CC NDC SN

National mobile number

International Mobile Station

ISDN number
MSISDN = CC + NDC + SN

Figure 1-3 MSISDN (for 900 and 1800MHz )

A NDC is allocated to each PLMN. In some countries, more

than one NDC may be required for each PLMN.

The international MSISDN number may be of variable length.

The maximum length is 15 digits, prefixes not included.

Example:

A German PSTN subscriber calls a Swedish GSM PLMN

subscriber:

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International prefix Country National Subscriber

in Germany Code Destination Code Number
00 46 705 86 06 73
Table 1-1

The digits 46 represent a unique code identifying the country. In

this case, Sweden.

The digits 705 identify the GSM/DCS PLMN area code.

The digits 860673 identify the mobile subscriber.

ERICSSON GSM NETWORKS FOR 1900 MHZ

In Ericsson GSM networks for 1900 MHz, the MSISDN
consists of the following:

MSISDN = CC + NPA + SN

CC Country Code
NPA Number Planning Area
SN Subscriber Number

CC NPA SN

National mobile number

International Mobile Station

ISDN number
MSISDN = CC + NPA + SN
Figure 1-4 MSISDN (for 1900 MHz)

The NPA is allocated to each PCS PLMN. The length of

MSISDN is determined by the structure and operating plan for
each operator. The maximum length is 15 digits, prefixes not
included.

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INTERNATIONAL MOBILE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY (IMSI)

The IMSI is a unique identity allocated to each subscriber which
facilitates correct subscriber identification over the radio path
and through the network. It is used for all signaling in the
PLMN. All network related subscriber information is connected
to the IMSI. The IMSI is stored in SIM, HLR and in the serving
VLR.

The IMSI consists of three different parts. They are:

IMSI = MCC + MNC + MSIN

MCC Mobile Country Code

MNC Mobile Network Code
MSIN Mobile Suscriber Identification Number

According to the GSM/PCS specifications, IMSI has a

maximum length of 15 digits.

Maximum 15 digits

3 digits 2-3 digits

MCC MNC MSIN

National MSI
IMSI
IMSI = MCC + MNC + MSIN

Figure 1-5 IMSI

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TEMPORARY MOBILE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY (TMSI)

TMSI is a temporary IMSI number. It is used to protect the
subscriber’s identity on the air interface. The TMSI has local
significance only (that is, within the MSC/VLR area) and is
changed at time intervals or when certain events occur. The
TMSI structure can be determined by each operator but should
not consist of more than four octets (32 bits).

INTERNATIONAL MOBILE STATION EQUIPMENT IDENTITY

(IMEI)
The IMEI is used to uniquely identify equipment and identifies a
MS as a piece or set of equipment.

The IMEI consists of the following:

IMEI = TAC + FAC + SNR + spare

TAC Type Approval Code, determined by a central

GSM/PCS body
FAC Final Assembly Code, identifies the manufacturer
SNR Serial Number, an individual serial number of six
digits uniquely identifies all equipment within
each TAC and FAC
spare A spare bit for future use. When transmitted by the
mobile station this digit should always be zero

According to the GSM/PCS specifications, IMEI has a total

length of 15 digits.

6 digits 2 digits 6 digits 1 digit

TAC FAC SNR spare

IMEI

IMEI = TAC + FAC + SNR + spare

Figure 1-6 IMEI

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MOBILE STATION ROAMING NUMBER (MSRN)

HLR knows in what MSC/VLR Service Area the subscriber
currently is located. In order to provide a temporary number to
be used for routing, HLR requests the current MSC/VLR to
allocate and return a Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN)
for the called subscriber.

MSISDN IMSI MSC address

MSISDN
2 HLR
MSISDN
PSTN GMSC MSRN
1 5
3 4

IMSI MSRN
6
MSRN

VLR

MSC

IMSI MSRN

Figure 1-7 The use of MSRN

When the HLR receives the MSRN, it returns the MSRN to the
GMSC which in turn routes the call to the MSC/VLR exchange
where the called subscriber is currently registered.

The interrogation call routing function (request for a MSRN) is

part of the Mobile Application Part (MAP). All data exchanged
between the GMSC - HLR - MSC/VLR for the purpose of
interrogation is sent over the signaling network.

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The Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN) consists of three

parts:

MSRN = CC + NDC + SN

CC Country Code
NDC National Destination Code
SN Subscriber Number

NOTE: In this case, SN is the address to the serving MSC.

CC NDC SN

MSRN
MSRN = CC + NDC + SN
Figure 1-8 MSRN

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LOCATION AREA IDENTITY (LAI)

The LAI identifies a location area, and is used in two cases.
They are:

1. Paging, which is used to inform the MSC which Location

Area (LA) the MS is currently situated in.
2. Location updating of mobile subscribers.
The LAI contains the following:

LAI = MCC + MNC + LAC

MCC Mobile Country Code, identical to MCC in IMSI

MNC Mobile Network Code, identical to MNC in IMSI
LAC Location Area Code, the maximum length of LAC
is 16 bits, enabling 65,536 different location areas
to be defined in one PLMN

3 digits 2-3 digits Max. 16 bits

MCC MNC LAC

LAI
LAI = MCC + MNC + LAC

Figure 1-9 LAI

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CELL GLOBAL IDENTITY (CGI)

The CGI is used for cell identification within a location area.
This is performed by adding a Cell Identity (CI) to the LAI
components. CI has a maximum length of 16 bits.

CGI consists of:

CGI = MCC + MNC + LAC + CI

3 digits 2-3 digits Max. 16 bits Max. 16 bits

MCC MNC LAC CI

Location Area Identity

Cell Global Identity

CGI = MCC + MNC + LAC + CI

Figure 1-10 CGI

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BASE STATION IDENTITY CODE (BSIC)

BSIC makes it possible for a mobile station to distinguish
between different neighboring base stations, using the same
frequency.

BSIC consists of:

BSIC = NCC + BCC

NCC Network Color Code (3 bits) identifies the PLMN.

Note that it does not uniquely identify the
operator. NCC is primarily used to distinguish
between operators on each side of a border.
BCC Base Station Color Code (3 bits) identifies the
Base Station to help distinguish between BTS
using the same BCCH frequencies.

NCC BCC

B S IC
B S IC = N C C + B C C

Figure 1-11 BSIC

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TRAFFIC CASES
In this part some basic traffic cases are explained. The traffic
cases described are:

• location updating: To inform the network about its location

the mobile station must perform location updating.

• mobile terminated call

• mobile originated call

• handover: For a mobile in communication with the network

the BSC decides if there is a need for the mobile to change to
a new cell. The actual change of cell is called handover.

LOCATION UPDATING
There are three types of location updating:

• Type normal: The mobile has in idle mode changed cell from
one location area to a new and must inform the network about
its new location.

• Type IMSI attach: The mobile is switched on in the same

location area and must inform the network that it is attached.
Related to this is the IMSI detach procedure in which the
mobile informs the network that it is being switched off. In
the VLR the detach/attach information is stored. Used to
prevent unnecessary paging.

• Type periodic registration: The mobile must at certain time

intervals inform the network about its location. Used to
prevent unnecessary paging and to handle database failures.

Location updating, type normal

A location area is by definition the area, handled by one or more

BTSs, where the MS can move around without updating the
system. A location area is controlled by one or more BSCs, but
by one MSC only.

When the MS is idle, it listens to the system information on

BCCH. This is how the MS gets the location area identity of the
serving cell.

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The main steps involved in location updating are shown in

Figure 1-12. The numbers in the steps below refer to the
numbers in the figure.

1. The MS listens to the system information, compares the

Location Area Identity (LAI) to the one stored in the MS 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 in the MS, the MS must perform a location update,
type normal.

(1)
(2a)
(2c)

(5)

(2b)
BSC MSC/VLR
BTS
(3)
(4a)
(4b)
(6)
(7b) (7a)

1) System Information 4) Authentication

2) Radio Resource (RR) 5) Updating
Connection Establishment 6) Acceptance
3) Service Indication 7) Channel Release

Figure 1-12 Location updating, type normal. MS already

registered in VLR.

2a.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.

2b.The message received by the BTS is forwarded to the BSC.

The BSC allocates a signaling channel (SDCCH), if there is
one idle, and tells the BTS to activate it.

2c.The MS is now told to tune to the SDCCH.

The outcome of the procedure (2a, 2b, 2c) is that a radio

resource connection is dedicated to the MS. The procedure is
therefore called RR connection establishment.

3. The MS sends a location updating request message which

contains the identity of the MS, the identity of the old
location area and the type of updating.

– 24 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

4a.The authentication parameter is sent to 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 (not shown here).

4b.MS sends an answer calculated using the received

authentication parameter.

5. If the authentication is successful, the VLR is updated. If

needed, the old HLR and old VLR are also updated (new
registration, not shown here).

6. The MS receives an acceptance of the location updating.

7a.The BTS is told to release the SDCCH.

7b.The MS is told to release the SDCCH and switches to idle

mode.

MOBILE ORIGINATED CALL

Provided that the MS is listening to the system information in
the cell and that it is registered in the MSC/VLR handling this
cell, the MS can attempt to make a call. The procedures are
shown in Figure 1-13.

1. Radio connection between MS and network is established.

2. The MS indicates that it wants to set up a call. The identity of

the MS, IMSI, is analyzed and the MS is marked as busy in
the VLR.

3. Authentication is performed as described for location

updating.

4. Ciphering may be initiated.

5. MSC receives a setup message from the MS. This

information includes what kind of service the MS wants and
the number (called the B number) dialed by the mobile
subscriber. MSC checks that the MS does not have services
like barring of outgoing calls activated. Barring can be
activated either by the subscriber or by the operator. If the
MS is not barred, the setup of the call proceeds.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 25 –

GSM Network Planning

6. Between the MSC and the BSC a link is established and a

PCM TS is seized. The MSC sends a request to the BSC to
assign a traffic channel (TCH). The BSC checks if there is an
idle TCH, assigns it to the call and tells the BTS to activate
the channel. The BTS sends an acknowledgment when the
activation is complete and then the BSC orders the MS to
transfer to the TCH. The BSC informs the MSC when the
assignment is complete. The traffic control subsystem
analyzes the digits and sets up the connection to the called
subscriber. The call is connected through in the group switch.

7. An alert message is sent to the MS indicating that a ringing

tone has been generated on the other side. The ringing tone
generated in the exchange on the B subscriber side is sent to
the MS via the group switch in MSC. The ringing tone is sent
over the air on the traffic channel.

8. When the B subscriber answers, the network sends a connect

message to the MS indicating that the call is accepted. The
MS returns a connect acknowledgment, which completes the
call set-up.

(1a) (2) (1b)

(2)
VLR
BSC MSC

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

1a, b) RR connection establishment

2) Service request
3) Authentication
4) Ciphering mode setting
5) Call initiation
6) Assignment of a TCH
7) User alerting
8) Call accepted

Figure 1-13 Mobile originating call establishment.

– 26 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

MOBILE TERMINATED CALL

A mobile terminated call is more complicated than a mobile
originated call. This is due to the fact that the calling party does
not know where the MS (called party) is located. The signaling
is shown in Figure 1-14.

1. The number dialed by the calling part is called the Mobile

Station ISDN number (MSISDN). In cases where a call is
made from the fixed network, PSTN, the exchange analyses
the number and determines that the call is for a GSM
subscriber.

2. The call is routed to the nearest GMSC in the home PLMN of

the called MS.

3. By analyzing the MSISDN, the GMSC finds out which HLR

the subscriber is registered in. GMSC asks the HLR for
information so the call can be routed to the MSC/VLR where
the MS is temporary registered. With help of MSISDN the
HLR finds the IMSI and the data record for the subscriber.

IMSI is an identity number for the subscribtion used in the

signaling network. The address to the serving MSC/VLR was
received at registration and is stored together with IMSI in
the HLR.

4. The HLR contacts the VLR to get a roaming number

(MSRN). This is an ordinary telephone number to the
MSC/VLR. The VLR sends the roaming number to the HLR.

5. The HLR forwards the roaming number to the GMSC.

6a.With help of the roaming number, the GMSC can route the
call to the appropriate MSC.

6b.The call is routed to the MSC.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 27 –

GSM Network Planning

(1)
(2) (3)
Transit GMSC HLR
Exchange
(6a) (5)
PSTN
(6b)
(4)
MSC/VLR

Signaling Connection (7)

Speech Path
BSC

(8) (8)

(9) (9)

BTS BTS

Figure 1-14 Call to MS from PSTN

In some situations, PSTN may be used to reroute the call. In

countries having a poorly functioning or very expensive
PSTN, it might be better to build a separate network with
connections between the MSCs and GMSCs.

7. The MSC knows which location area the MS is located in

and sends a paging message to the BSCs handling this
location area. In GSM, the information about which cells
belong to the location area can be stored in the MSC or the
BSC. In the Ericsson GSM system it is the BSC that stores
this information. The MSC sends the identity of the location
area and MS to the BSCs in the LA.

8. The BSC distributes the paging message to the BTSs in the

LA.

9. The BTSs page the MS using IMSI or TMSI.

The MS sends a request for a signaling channel (SDCCH) when

it detects its identity in the paging message. The MSC performs
authentication and starts ciphering as described earlier. The
MSC may send information to the MS about the services that are
requested. These can for example be speech, data, fax.

The BSC orders the BTS to activate a traffic channel (TCH) and
to release the SDCCH. MS is ordered to tune in the frequency of
the TCH. An Alerting message is sent from the MS indicating
that a ringing tone has been generated in the MS. A ringing tone

– 28 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

for the calling subscriber is generated in MSC. When the mobile

subscriber answers, the MS sends a Connect message. The
network completes the through connection path and sends a
Connection acknowledgment to MS. The duplex path for traffic
is now open.

HANDOVER
Mobiles in communication with the network will continuously
perform measurements on serving and neighboring cells. The
measurement results are sent to the BSC and used in the locating
procedure to make decisions about handover. There are different
types of handovers:

• Intra BSC handover: The new and old cells both belong to the
same BSC. The BSC can handle the handover on its own.

• Inter BSC handover: The new and old cells belong to

different BSC but the same MSC/VLR. In this case the
MSC/VLR must help the BSC to carry out the handover.

• Inter MSC handover: The new and old cells belong to

different MSC/VLR. The serving MSC/VLR must get help
from the new MSC/VLR to carry out the handover.

• Intra cell handover: No change of cell but of connection

within the cell.

Inter MSC handover

During a call, the serving BSC decides that a handover is

necessary and in this case the new cell belongs to another MSC.
The handover procedure is shown in Figure 1-15.

1. The serving BSC sends Handover Required, including the

identity of the target cell, to the MSC.

2. The old MSC asks the new MSC for help.

3. The new MSC allocates a handover number (ordinary

telephone number) in order to reroute the call. A handover
request is sent to the new BSC.

4. The new BSC, in cases where there is an idle TCH in the

target cell, tells the new BTS to activate a TCH.

5. The new MSC receives the information about the new TCH
and handover reference.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 29 –

GSM Network Planning

6. The TCH description and handover reference is passed on to

the old MSC together with the handover number.

7. A link is set up from the old MSC to the new MSC.

8. A Handover Command message is sent on a signaling channel

(FACCH) to the MS with information about which frequency
and time slot to use in the new cell and what handover
reference to use in the HO access burst.

9a.The MS tunes to the new frequency and sends HO access

bursts on the FACCH.

9b.When the new BTS detects the HO access burst it sends

physical information containing timing advance to the MS on
the FACCH.

10.The old MSC is informed (via, the new BSC and the new
MSC) about the detection of HO bursts. The new path
through the group switch in the old MSC is set-up.

11. A handover Complete message is sent from the MS. The

new BSC and MSC informs the old MSC. The old MSC
informs the old BSC and the old TCH is released.

The originating MSC retains the main control of the call until it
is cleared. This MSC is called the anchor MSC.

(8)

(1)
BSC MSC
(8) (8)
(11) (11) (7)
PSTN
(9a)
(11) (10) (6) (2)
(9b)

(11)
(11)
(11) (10)
(10) (5)
BSC MSC
(4) (3)

Figure 1-15 Inter MSC handover of a call

– 30 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

Because the call entered a new LA the MS is required to

perform a location updating when the call is released. During the
location updating, the HLR is updated and sends a Cancel
Location message to the old VLR telling it to delete all stored
information about the subscriber.

UM INTERFACE
The Um interface is the interface between the MS and the BTS.
Here the communication is carried out using radio waves.

Cell Allocation (CA) is the subset of the total frequency band

that is available for one BTS. It can be viewed as the total
transport resource available for traffic between the BTS and its
attached MSs. One Radio Frequency CHannel (RFCH) of the
CA is used to carry synchronization information and the
Broadcast Control CHannel (BCCH). This can be any of the
carriers in the cell and it is known as the BCCH carrier or the c0
carrier.

Strong efficiency and quality requirements have resulted in a

rather complex way of utilizing the frequency resource. This
chapter describes the basic principles of how to use this resource
from the physical resource itself to the information transport
service offered by the BTS.

CARRIERS, TIMESLOTS, AND TDMA FRAMES

Table 1-2 shows the frequency bands allocated to each system.

GSM 900 GSM 1800 GSM 1900

Uplink 890 - 915 MHz 1710 - 1785 MHz 1850 - 1910 MHz
Downlink 935 - 960 MHz 1805 - 1880 MHz 1930 - 1990 MHz
Table 1-2 Frequency bands.
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

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 31 –

GSM Network Planning

Using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) each of these

carriers are divided into eight Times Slots (TS). A TS has a
duration of 3/5200 seconds (577 µs). Eight TSs form a TDMA
frame, with approximately 4.62 ms duration. At the BTS the
TDMA frames on all of the radio frequency channels in the
downlink direction are aligned. The same applies to the uplink.

The start of a TDMA frame on the uplink is, however, delayed

by a fixed time corresponding to three time slot periods as seen
in Figure 1-16. The reason for this delay is to allow the same
TS number to be used in both the uplink and downlink
directions without requiring the MS to receive and transmit
simultaneously.

TDMA frame No.

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

0 1
offset

TDMA frame No.

BTS to MS transmission

MS to BTS transmission

Figure 1-16 TDMA offset.

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.

– 32 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

LOGICAL CHANNELS
This section examines how the logical channels are used in
communication between the MS and the RBS.

Logical channels

Control channels Traffic channels

BCH CCCH DCCH

Broadcast Common Control Dedicated Control Half rate Full rate
Channels Channels Channels

FCCH SCH BCCH PCH AGCH RACH SDCCH SACCH FACCH

Figure 1-17 Logical channels

The logical channels can be separated into two categories. They

are traffic channels and signaling/control channels (se Figure 1-
17).

There are two forms of Traffic CHannels (TCH):

• Bm or full rate TCH (TCH/F). This channel carries

information at a gross rate of 22.8 kbit/s.

• Lm or half rate TCH (TCH/H). This channel carries

information at a gross rate of 11.4 kbit/s.

Signaling channels are subdivided into three categories:

• Broadcast CHannels, BCH

• Common Control CHannels, CCCH

• Dedicated Control CHannels, DCCH

The following sections describe specific channels within these

categories.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 33 –

GSM Network Planning

Broadcast channels

1. Frequency Correction CHannel (FCCH)

On FCCH, bursts containing only zeroes are transmitted. This

serves two purposes. Firstly to make sure that this is the
BCCH carrier, and secondly to allow the MS to synchronize
to the frequency. FCCH is only transmitted downlink on c0
Time Slot 0 (C0TS0) see Figure 1-19.

2. Synchronization CHannel (SCH)

The MS needs to synchronize to the time-structure within this

particular cell, and also ensure that the chosen BTS is a GSM
base station. By listening to the SCH, the MS receives
information about the frame number in this cell and about
BSIC (Base Station Identity Code) of the chosen BTS. BSIC
can only be decoded if the base station belongs to the GSM
network. SCH is only transmitted downlink on c0TS0.

3. Broadcast Control CHannel (BCCH)

The MS must receive some general information concerning

the cell in order to start roaming, waiting for calls to arrive or
making calls. The needed information is broadcast on the
Broadcast Control CHannel (BCCH) and includes the
Location Area Identity (LAI), maximum output power
allowed in the cell and the BCCH carriers for the neighboring
cells, on which the MS performs measurements. BCCH is
only transmitted downlink on c0TS0.

Using FCCH, SCH, and BCCH the MS tunes to a BTS and

synchronizes with the frame structure in that cell. The BTSs
are not synchronized to each other. Therefore, every time the
MS decides to camp on another cell, it must listen to FCCH,
SCH and BCCH in the new cell.

– 34 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

Common Control channels (CCCH)

1. Paging CHannel (PCH)

At certain time intervals the MS listens to the PCH to check

if the network wants to make contact with the MS. The
reason why the network may want to contact the MS could be
an incoming call or an incoming short message. The
information on PCH is a paging message, including the MS’s
identity number (IMSI) or a temporary number (TMSI). PCH
is transmitted downlink on c0TS0 (possibly also on other
physical channels on c0).

2. Random Access CHannel (RACH)

The MS is listening to the PCH to know when it is being

paged. When the MS is being paged, it replies by requesting a
signaling channel on the RACH. RACH can also be used if
the MS wants to contact the network. For example, when
setting up a call. RACH is transmitted uplink on c0TS0
(possibly also on other physical channels on c0).

3. Access Grant CHannel (AGCH)

The networks assigns a signaling channel (the Stand alone

Dedicated Control CHannel, SDCCH) to the MS. This
assignment is performed on the AGCH. AGCH is transmitted
downlink on c0TS0 (possibly also on other physical channels
on c0).

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 35 –

GSM Network Planning

Dedicated control channels (DCCH)

1. Stand alone Dedicated Control CHannel (SDCCH)

The MS (as well as the BTS) switches over to the assigned

SDCCH. The call set-up procedure is performed on the
SDCCH, as well as the textual message transmission (short
message and cell broadcast) in idle mode. SDCCH is
transmitted both uplink and downlink default in the Ericsson
implementation is on C0TS2 (possibly also on any other
physical channel)

When call set-up is performed, the MS is told to switch to a

TCH.

2. Slow Associated Control CHannel (SACCH)

The SACCH is associated with SDCCH or TCH (i.e. sent on

the same physical channel). On the uplink, the MS sends
averaged measurements on its own BTS (signal strength and
quality) and neighboring BTSs (signal strength). On the
downlink, the MS receives information concerning the
transmitting power to use and instructions on the timing
advance. SACCH is transmitted both uplink and downlink.

3. Fast Associated Control CHannel (FACCH)

If a handover is required the FACCH is used. FACCH works

in stealing mode meaning that one 20 ms segment of speech
is exchanged for signaling information necessary for the
handover. Under normal conditions the subscriber does not
notice the speech interruption because the speech coder
repeats the previous speech block.

– 36 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

CHANNEL COMBINATIONS
Only certain combinations of logical channels are permitted
according to the GSM recommendations. The figure below
shows the way in which logical channels can be combined on to
Basic Physical Channels (BPC). Numbers appearing in
parenthesis after channel designations indicate sub-channel
numbers. A sub-channel is formed by a specific subset of BPCs
within a multiframe structure.

(i) TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/TF

(ii) TCH/H(0.1) + FACCH/H(0.1) + SACCH/TH(0.1)

(iii) TCH/H(0) + FACCH/H(0) + SACCH/TH(0) + TCH/H(1)

(iv) FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH

(v) FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH + SDCCH/4(0...3) +

SACCH/C4(0...3)

(vi) BCCH + CCCH

(vii) SDCCH/8(0...7) + SACCH/C8(0...7)

Where CCCH = PCH + AGCH + RACH

Figure 1-18 Permitted channel combinations (DL).

SACCH/T means that SACCH is associated with a TCH while

SACCH/C is associated with a control channel.

Where the SMSCB is supported, the CBCH replaces SDCCH

sub-channel 2 in cases (v) and (vii) above.

A combined CCCH/SDCCH allocation (case v) above may only

be used when no other CCCH channel is allocated.

The difference between channel combinations (ii) and (iii) is

that combination (ii) addresses two different MSs, while
combination (iii) addresses one single MS using both half rate
traffic channels. For example, one for speech and the other for
data.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 37 –

GSM Network Planning

MAPPING OF LOGICAL CHANNELS

FCCH+SCH+BCCH+CCCH
TS 0 of radio frequency c0, downlink, of a cell allocation must
support one of the channel combinations (iv) or (v) described in
the previous section.

An idle MS searches for the frequency correction channel. When

the MS finds the frequency correction burst it knows that this is
time slot 0 on c0. Note that the BCCH carrier, c0, in one cell
need not be equal to c0 in another cell using the same channel
allocation. c0 is only used in the GSM recommendations to name
the frequency which carries the BCCH within a cell. In addition,
c0 need not be the lowest frequency used in the cell.

Channel combination (iv) multiplexing is shown in Figure 1-19.

There is a cycle of 51 TDMA frames (0-50), although only time
slot 0 from each frame is shown. The cycle means that the F, S,
B structure is repeated after the idle frame (which appears in
frame number 50). The four frames carrying CCCH information
are called a paging block. In 51 TDMA frames there are 9
paging blocks.

TDMA
0 12 - - - - 7 0 12 - - - - 7 01 - - - -
frames

FS B C FS C C FS C C FS C C FS C C I
BCCH + CCCH
(downlink)

Figure 1-19 Multiplexing of channel combination (iv) on TS 0,

downlink.

F (FCCH) Frequency Correction CHannel

S (SCH) Synchronization CHannel

B (BCCH - Norm) Broadcast Control CHannel - normal

C (CCCH) Common Control CHannel: Paging CHannel

(PCH) or Access Grant CHannel (AGCH).

I Idle

– 38 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

The BTS transmits a burst in every time slot of every TDMA

frame in the downlink direction on channel c0. This enables the
MSs to make signal strength measurements on the BTS in order
to determine which BTS to use for initial access or which to use
for handover. In order to achieve this, a dummy page and a
dummy burst are defined in the GSM recommendations. CCCH
is replaced by the dummy page, when there is no paging
message to transmit. This dummy page is a page to a non-
existing MS. In the other TSs not being used, a dummy burst
with a pre-defined set of fixed bits is transmitted. FCCH, SCH
and BCCH are always transmitted in their appropriate frames.

BCCH extended means that the first CCCH block can be used
for transmission of system information instead of PCH or
AGCH. The channels are shared on a block by block basis, and
information within each block, when de-interleaved and
decoded, allows a MS to determine whether the block contains
paging messages, system information messages or access grant.

TS 0 on uplink does not contain the channels above. It is used by

MSs for access. This means that only the RACH is sent on this
TS.

SDCCH+SACCH
Channel combination (vii), SDCCH and SACCH can be
transmitted on any TS and any carrier, except for time slot 0 on
c0. The default time slot and carrier in Ericsson’s GSM system is
TS 2 on c0.

Since the bit rate during call set-up and registration is low, using
channel combination (vii), eight MSs can share one TS for
signaling. The eight channels are called sub-channels.

Multiplexing of channel combination (vii) is shown in Figure 1-

20. The structure shown is cyclic over 102 frames. The first four
times that TS 2 occurs in the 51 TDMA frame, the channel is
used for the first MS. The next four times TS 2 occurs, signaling
for the second MS is exchanged, and so on. Note that the uplink
and downlink patterns are time shifted, so that SDCCH sub-
channel 0 is sent in frames 0-4 on downlink, and in frames 15-
18 on uplink. The reason for this is to achieve more efficient
communication, as the MS will have some time to calculate its
answers to the requests received on downlink SDCCH.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 39 –

GSM Network Planning

TDMA
0 1 2 - - - - 70 1 2 - - - - 7 0 12 - - -
Frames

D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0 A1 A2 A3 I I I *
* D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4 A5 A6 A7 I I I

SDCCH + SACCH
(downlink)

TDMA
012- - - - 70 1 2- - - - 7 012- - -
Frames

A5 A6 A7 I I I D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0 *
* A1 A2 A3 I I I D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4

SDCCH + SACCH
(uplink)

Figure 1-20 Multiplexing of dedicated control channels,

downlink and uplink, channel combination (vii).

Dx (SDCCH) Stand alone Dedicated Control CHannel

Ax (SACCH) Slow Associated Control CHannel

x Sub-channel number, 0-7

I Idle

In Figure 1-20 TS 2 has been used for channel combination (vii).

TCH
With channel combinations (i), (iv) and (vii) used in a cell, TSs
0 and 2 on c0 are occupied by the control channels. This leaves
TSs 1 and 3 - 7 free for the use of TCHs.

TCHs are mapped onto the physical channels with the SACCH,
as shown in Figure 1-21. In the figure the information in TS 1
forms a TCH. The repetition is cyclic over 26 frames, which
means that the repetition time is 120 ms.

– 40 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

TDMA 0 1 2
- - - - 7 0 1 2 - - - - 7 0 1 2- - - -
Frames

TCH (TS1)
Downlink T T T T T T T T T T T T A T T T T T T T T T T T T I

Figure 1-21 Multiplexing of TCH, channel combination (i).

T (TCH) Traffic CHannel

A (SACCH) Slow Associated Control CHannel

I Idle

FACCH is also used together with the TCH, but it is not

included in the figure because it works in stealing mode, stealing
bursts of speech and replacing it with signaling.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 41 –

GSM Network Planning

Carrier C0 Downlink Uplink

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frame 0 F T D0 T T T T T R T A5 T T T T T
S T D R T A
0 5
B T D0 R T A5
B T D0 R T A5
B T D R T A
1 6
B T D1 R T A6
C T D1 R T A6
C T D R T A
1 6
C T D2 R T A7
C T D2 R T A7
F T D R T A
2 7
S T D2 R T A7
12 C A D3 I A I A I R A I I A I A I
C T D R T I
3
C T D3 R T I
C T D R T D
3 0
C T D4 R T D0
C T D4 R T D0
C T D R T D
4 0
C T D4 R T D1
F T D5 R T D1
S T D5 R T D1
C T D5 R T D1
C T D5 R T D2
C T D6 R T D2
25 C I D6 A I A I A R I D2 A I A I A
C T D6 R T D2
C T D6 R T D3
C T D7 R T D3
C T D7 R T D3
F T D7 R T D3
S T D7 R T D4
C T A0 R T D4
C T A0 R T D4
C T A0 R T D4
C T A0 R T D5
C T A1 R T D5
C T A1 R T D5
38 C A A1 I A I A I R A D5 I A I A I
C T A1 R T D6
F T A2 R T D6
S T A2 R T D6
C T A2 R T D6
C T A2 R T D7
C T A3 R T D7
C T A3 R T D7
C T A3 R T D7
C T A3 R T A0
C T I R T A0
C T I R T A0
50 I T I R T A0

Figure 1-22 An example of Mapping of logical channels on the

BCCH-carrier.

– 42 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E

 1 Introduction

Half-rate channels
So far, this chapter has been discussing full rate TCH and
SACCH/T which uses all of the allocated resources (all 26 time
slots in a multiframe). When half rate traffic channels are
implemented in the system, traffic capacity will double. Two
users share the same physical channel when channel
combinations (ii) and (iii) are used. This is illustrated in
Figure 1-23.

Using half rate channels, the Idle frame from the full rate
channel will be used for SACCH signaling for the second MS.
Since the MSs only use every other time slot for the call, the
multiframe will contain 13 idle frames for each MS. Using
channel combination (iii), one mobile can also be allocated two
traffic channels. For example, one for speech and the other for
data.

TDMA-frame

T T T T T T T T T T T TA T T T T T T T T T T T T I

26 frames = 120 ms
Multiframe for full-rate channel

0: T T T T T T A T T T T T T
1: T T T T T T T T T T T T A
Multiframe for half-rate channels (0.1)

Figure 1-23 Traffic channels,full rate and half rate, channel

combinations (i), (ii) and (iii).

UM - ABIS CONNECTION
The interface between BSC and RBS is called Abis. The BSC
and the RBS are connected via PCM links. The radio network
planning provides information that is of importance when
planning the Abis part of the network, such as number of PCM
links required.

When planning the radio network the cellplanners consider e.g.

number of subscribers, subscriber behavior, grade of service
(GoS), cost, possible sites for the RBSs, radio wave propagation,
interference. The output will be the Channel Loading Plan
(CLP): number of sites, site types (including number of
TRUs/TRXs per site) and possibly also a map showing the
location of the sites.

EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E – 43 –

GSM Network Planning

Each TRX/TRU can handle a maximum of 8 TCH on the Um

interface. Normally one TRX/TRU per cell handles 6 TCH plus
2 physical channels for signaling (see Figure 1-24 below).

On the Abis interface resources are allocated for each

TRX/TRU. Normally one PCM TS is reserved for signaling
(LAPD signaling) and 2 PCM TS are reserved for traffic (each
PCM TS carries 4 traffic channels). This means that for each
TRX/TRU 3 PCM TS on Abis is required.

S T S T T T T T
TRX 1
S T S T T T T T

T T T T T T T T
TRX 2
T T T T T T T T
BSC
c0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 …. 31
S = Signaling
T = Fullrate traffic Synch S
T T T T
S
T T T T …
T T T T T T T T

TRX 1 TRX 2

Figure 1-24 Um – Abis connection. In this cell there are two

pair of carriers, i.e. two TRXs. On the Um interface TRX1 is
handling the c0 carrier (up and downlink) with two physical
channels for signaling and six for fullrate traffic and TRX2 is
handling 8 fullrate traffic channels. On the Abis interface 3 PCM
timeslots are required for each TRX – one for signaling and two
for traffic. One PCM timeslot (64kb/s) carries four fullrate traffic
channels (13 kb/s for each traffic channel plus 3 kb/s for inband
signaling).

– 44 – EN/LZT 123 3630 R1E