GO - NA03 - E1 - 0 GSM GPRS EDGE Principles-86

GSM/GPRS/EDGE Principles
Curriculum Objective:
·Learn GSM development history;
·Learn and master network structure of GSM system and functions &
principles of different portions;
·Learn and be familiar with GSM wireless channel and protocol
·Learn and be familiar with main service call process for GSM
Content
1 GSMOverview...............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 GSM Basic Concepts...........................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 History of the mobile communication......................................................................................1
1.1.2 GSM Definition........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Services Supported by GSM System...................................................................................................6
1.2.1 Telecom Services Provided by GSM........................................................................................6
1.2.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System..........................................................................7
1.3 GSM Specification...............................................................................................................................7
2 GSM Network Structure..............................................................................................................................9
2.1 GSM Area Division Concepts.............................................................................................................9
2.2 GSM composition..............................................................................................................................10
2.3 Mobile Switching System (MSS)......................................................................................................13
2.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)..........................................................................................................14
2.5 Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS)..................................................................................14
2.6 Mobile Station (MS)..........................................................................................................................15
2.7 GSM System number.........................................................................................................................15
2.7.1 Mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN)........................................................................15
2.7.2 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)...................................................................16
2.7.3 Mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN)........................................................................17
2.7.4 Handover number...................................................................................................................17
2.7.5 Temporary mobile subscriber identification (TMSI).............................................................18
2.7.6 Location area Identification (LAI).........................................................................................18
3 GSM Radio Channel...................................................................................................................................19
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3.1 GSM Working Frequency Band........................................................................................................19
3.2 Structure of GSM Radio Frame.........................................................................................................21
3.3 Physical Channel and Logical Channel.............................................................................................23
3.3.1 PhyCH Physical Channel.......................................................................................................23
3.3.2 Logic channel.........................................................................................................................23
3.3.3 Channel Combination.............................................................................................................26
4 Basic Service and Signaling Process.........................................................................................................33
4.1 Mobile subscriber state......................................................................................................................33
4.1.1 MS starts, network does "Attach" marks on it.......................................................................33
4.1.2 MS shutdowns, separated from network................................................................................34
4.1.3 MS Busy.................................................................................................................................34
4.2 Location Update.................................................................................................................................34
4.2.1 Location update at a MSC office............................................................................................34
4.2.2 Interoffice Location Update...................................................................................................35
4.3 Typical Call and Handover Process...................................................................................................36
4.3.1 Call between Mobile Subscribers...........................................................................................36
4.3.2 Inter-BSC Handover within MSC..........................................................................................37
4.3.3 Inter-MSC Handover..............................................................................................................38
4.4 Basic Signaling Process.....................................................................................................................39
4.4.1 Location Update Process........................................................................................................39
4.4.2 IMSI Detach Process..............................................................................................................41
4.4.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process..................................................42
4.4.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process...............................................44
4.4.5 Inter-cell Handover Flow........................................................................................................46
5 Voice Processing and Key Radio Technology...........................................................................................47
5.1 Voice Processing................................................................................................................................47
5.1.1 Basic Flow of Voice Processing.............................................................................................47

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5.1.2 Voice Encoding.......................................................................................................................48
5.1.3 Channel Encoding...................................................................................................................48
5.1.4 Interleaving/deinterleaving.....................................................................................................49
5.1.5 Encryption/Decryption...........................................................................................................52
5.1.6 Modulation/Demodulation.....................................................................................................53
5.2 Diversity Receiving...........................................................................................................................53
5.3 Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)..................................................................................................55
5.4 Power Control....................................................................................................................................55
5.4.1 Basic Concepts of Power Control..........................................................................................55
5.4.2 GSM Power Control Process..................................................................................................56
5.4.3 High-speed power control......................................................................................................58
5.5 Timing Advance.................................................................................................................................59
5.6 Frequency Hopping Technology.......................................................................................................60
6 GPRS and EDGE........................................................................................................................................63
6.1 Definition and Feature.......................................................................................................................63
6.1.1 GPRS Definition.....................................................................................................................63
6.1.2 GPRS Features........................................................................................................................63
6.1.3 EDGE Definition....................................................................................................................64
6.1.4 EDGE Features.......................................................................................................................64
6.2 Inheritance and Evolution..................................................................................................................66
6.3 GPRS Radio Channel........................................................................................................................67
6.3.1 GPRS Physical Channel.........................................................................................................67
6.3.2 GPRS Logic Channel.............................................................................................................68
6.3.3 Mapping of Logical Channel Combination in the Physical Channel....................................70
6.3.4 GPRS Channel Coding...........................................................................................................75
6.4 Terminal and Application..................................................................................................................78
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1 GSMOverview
 Knowledge points
 This chapter mainly introduces some basic information for GSM, including GSM
development history, supported service type, specification, and system features.
1.1 GSM Basic Concepts
1.1.1 History of the mobile communication
The mobile communication was first used in military and some special fields in 1920's.
In 1940's, it began to be employed for civil use. The mobile communication really booms
in recent decade. The development of the mobile communication comprises the
following three phases:
· The first generation (1G) mobile communication system
· The second generation (2G) mobile communications system
· The third generation (3G) mobile communications system
1. Starting from 1980's, the 1G analog mobile communication system adopts cellular
networking technology.
However, the 1G mobile communication system has the following disadvantages:
· There is no common interface between systems.
· It cannot keep up with the fast digitizing of the fixed network and provide digital
bearer services.
· It cannot meet the demand for large capacity due to low frequency utilization.
· It features poor security. The information being exchanged on the radio path may
be easily eavesdropped, and the subscriber account may be easily embezzled.
2. Due to the defects of analog systems, the digital mobile communication system
characterized by digital transmission, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA),
and narrowband Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) were developed in
1990's. That is the so-called 2G digital mobile communication system.
1
1) Compared with the 1G mobile communication system, the 2G mobile
communication system:
· Provide high spectrum utilization and large system capacity.
· Provide diversified services (voice services and low-rate circuit-switched data

services).
· Enable automatic roaming.
· Provide better voice quality.
· Provide good security.
· Can be interconnected with the ISDN and PSTN.
2) However, the 1G mobile communication system has the following disadvantages:
· It can provide low-rate data services only and cannot support multi-media service.
For example, the Internet access speed of GSM MS can reach 9.6 Kbit/s
theoretically.
· Different 2G mobile communication systems in the world use different

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

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

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

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

developing into the mode featuring the combination and interoperability of services and
technology. It is estimated that the largest and the most profound change in the coming
five to ten years is the strategic transition from voice services to data services from the
aspect of market application and service demand. This change will deeply influence the
development trend of the communication technology.
Some researchers and telecom operators describe the fourth-generation (4G) mobile
communication system as a new world better than 3G, which can provide many
unimaginable applications. The 4G system can provide over 100 Mbit/s data transmission
rate, which is 10,000 times of the current MSs and 50 times of 3G MSs. The 4G MSs can
provide high-performance multi-media contents. Through ID application, the 4G MS can
serve as a personal identification device. It can also receive high-resolution movies and
TV programs, acing as the bridge of combined broadcast and new telecommunication
infrastructure. In addition, some services, such as 4G wireless instant connection, are less
charged than 3G services.
1.1.2 GSM Definition
Originally, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) was the standard made
for the communication system working at 900 MHz in Europe. Because the analog
communication system has limited capability in expansion, the GSM is developed on the
demand for capacity expansion and has achieved global success. GSM has become the
wireless communication standard widely accepted in the world.
The development process of the GSM is as follows:
· 1982: The Group Special Mobile (GSM) was set up in the Conference of
European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to develop the 2G mobile
communication system.
· 1986: Eight proposals put forward by European countries after massive research
and experiments were accepted in Paris, and on-site experiments were performed.
· After on-site test, demonstration, and comparison, the GSM member countries
have reached an agreement that the digital system adopts narrowband Time
Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Regular Pulse Excitation-Long Term
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6 GPRS and EDGE
Prediction (RPE-LTP), voice coding, and Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying

(GMSK) modulation.
· Eighteen European countries reached GSM Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU).
· GSM took effect.
· 1991: The first GSM network was deployed in Europe.
· 1992: The GSM standard was frozen.
· 1993: The major part of the GSM phase II standard was completed.
· 1994: A new research phase (Phase 2+) was added to further improve the
GSM as the platform of mobile data services.
In the stage of GSM Phase II+, the GPRS service is introduced to provide subscribers
with end-to-end mobile data service based on packet switching. To support the GPRS, the
GSM introduces two new equipment: Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). The SGSN provides similar functions as the
MSC. It accomplishes GPRS channel assignment, mobility management, encryption, and
charging. GGSN mainly provides various interconnection interfaces to support the
interconnection among external PDNs like Internet and X.25 and other PLMNs. By
setting up a GPRS backbone network with the above two new types of equipment and the
existing transmission networks (ATM or frame relay network) and modifying the existing
GSM network, the operator can easily provide both circuit and packet services and make
effective use of the radio resources and the terrestrial network resources.
EGPRS is a solution for the evolution from GPRS to UMTS. It is gradually introduced to
the GSM network to provide higher data transmission rate. Compared with GPRS,
EGPRS mainly features new modulation and coding, supports 8PSK modulation and
303% GMSK payload, and provides higher bit rate and frequency spectrum efficiency.
EGPRS also supports 9 coding schemes from MCS-1 to MCS-9 and about 3 times of
GPRS bit rate. With EGPRS, network operators can utilize existing wireless network
equipment to the maximum extent, and provide subscribers with individual multimedia
communication services before the 3G mobile network is put into commercial use. The
EGPRS can be introduced without adding GPRS network equipment. It brings little
impact on the GSM core network and network applications, but mainly affects the BSS
system.
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1.2 Services Supported by GSM System
1.2.1 Telecom Services Provided by GSM
1. Circuit Services
1) Voice service
· Full-rate voice service
· Half-rate voice service
· Enhanced full-rate voice service
2) Data Services
· 14.4Kbit/s full-rate data service
2． SMS services (support Chinese short messages)
1) Point-to-point short message service
· Point-to-point short message service with the mobile user serving as called
· Point-to-point short message service with the mobile user serving as caller
2) Cell Broadcast Short Message
Cell broadcast service originated from the SMS center or the OMC-R.
3． Packet Services
1) GPRS service
2) EDGE Service
At present, the point-to-point interactive telecom services are supported, including
· Access to the database: Allocate service to users as needed, e.g. Internet, and
provide storing and forwarding, as well as information processing for user-to-user
communications.
· Session service: Provide bi-directional user-to-user and port-to-port real time

information communication, e.g. Internet Telnet service.
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6 GPRS and EDGE
· Tele-action service: Applicable to small-volume data processing services, credit

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

GSM critieria was issued and compiled by ETSI.
ETSI divided it into many phases, established Special Mobile Group (SMG) that takes
responsibility for relevant GSM criteria.
GSM criteria only contain detailed specification for its functions and interfaces, no
regulations for hardware. This is to reduce design restriction and enable various operators
can buy equipment from different manufacturers.
Technical specification for GSM system can be divided into 12 chapters:
1. Overview
2. Service
3. Network
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4. MS-BS interface and protocol
5. Physcial layer at radio path
6. Voice coding specification
7. MS terminal adapter
8. BS-MSC interface
9. Network interconnection
10. Service interconnection
11. Recognized equipment and model specification
12. Operation and maintenance
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2 GSM Network Structure
 This section introduces network structure of GSM system and basic functions of
various NEs.
2.1 GSM Area Division Concepts

In the GSM system, due to the mobility of users, the location information is a very
crucial parameter, which can be presented in the way as shown in Figure GSM Area
Division Concepts-2.
Figure GSM Area Division Concepts-2 Relationship between Areas in GSM
The smallest area in the GSM network is the area covered by a BTS (all-direction
antenna) or a sector antenna, and it is the cell.
Several cells can compose a location area that can be set by the network operators. A
location area can be associated with one or more BSCs but belongs to one MSC.
Location area information is stored in MSC/VLR of the system and the LAI is used for
location area identification.
To confirm the position of the mobile station, the region covered by each GSM PLMN is
divided into several LAs. One LA can contain one or several cells. The network will store
the LA of each mobile station as location information for paging the mobile station. The
paging of the mobile station is made by paging all the cells in the location area where the
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mobile station is located. In the planning of the network, it is paramount to divide
location areas. In the division of location areas, on the premise that no excessively high
call load occurs, try to minimize the number of location updates.
When an MS moves into another location area, it will find that the received LAI differs
from the original one stored in the SIM card and then registers the new one. This process
is location update process that is initiated by the MS.
The MSC service area is the area overlapped by all the cells under it. It can be one or
several location areas.
PLMN service area is composed of one or multiple MSC service areas and each country
may have one or several of them. For example, the national GSM mobile communication
network code of China Mobile is represented by “00”, while that of China Unicom is
represented by “01”.
GSM service area contains the PLMNs of countries all over the world.
2.2 GSM composition

The GSM communication system consists mainly of three parts: mobile switching sub-
system (MSS), base-station sub-system (BSS) and mobile station (MS), as shown in
Figure GSM composition-3.
PSTN
IBM
Um口 IBM
A口
MS
MS
其他
BSS MSS
PLMN
Figure GSM composition-3 GSM System Composition
Mobile Switching Subsystem (MSS)
Fulfills message exchanging, user information management, call connection and number
management functions.
Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
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6 GPRS and EDGE
The BSS is controlled by MSC in a certain wireless coverage and communicates with the
MS. It implements channel allocation, user access and paging, and information
transmission functions.
Mobile Station (MS)
MS which is the mobile equipment of the GSM system consists of two parts: mobile
terminal and customer ID card (SIM card). The mobile terminal is nothing but a
“handset”, which performs such functions as voice coding, channel coding, information
encryption, information modulation and demodulation, information transmission and
receiving.
Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS)
Also including the operation and maintenance subsystem (OMS), the GSM system
manages and monitors the entire GSM network. It implements the functions like
monitoring, status reporting and fault diagnosis of all the component functions within the
GSM network.
Position of GSM digital mobile communication network in BSS is as shown in Figure

GSM composition-4.
MSC/VLR PSTN
MS
BSC1 MSC/VLR HLR/AUC

…
BTS Abis 口
A 口
BSCn
…
SMC
BTS
Abis 口
Gb 口
Um 口 EIR SGSN
MS
GGSN GGSN
其它 PLMN
PDN TE
Figure GSM composition-4 Position of the BSS in the GSM Network
The BSS provides a bridge between the fixed part and the wireless part in the PLMN
network, connects the MS for communications directly via the wireless interface and
11
connects the MSC of MSS.
Figure GSM composition-5 shows the basic GSM network structure.
AUC
SMC
PSTN
ISDN
PDN
HLR
GMSC
BTS
BSC TRAU MSC/VLR
MS
BTS
IWF EIR
MS 信令
Figure GSM composition-5 GSM Network Structure
The meaning of each name is as follows:
· MS: Mobile Station
· BTS: Base Transceiver Station
· BSC: Base Station Controller
· TRAU: Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit
· IWF: Interworking Function
· EIR: Equipment Identity Register
· MSC: Mobile Switching Center
· VLR: Visitor Location Register
· GMSC: Gateway MSC
· HLR: HOME Location Register
· AUC: Authentication Center
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6 GPRS and EDGE
· SMC: Short Message Center
· PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network
· ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network
· PDN: Public Data Networks
A GSM digital mobile communication system is composed of the Mobile Switching

System (MSS), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), Operation Maintenance Sub-system
(OMS) and Mobile Station (MS). The following introduces the functions of each part.
2.3 Mobile Switching System (MSS)

NSS performs switching function and database for management of user data , mobility
and security.
The MSS consists of such entities as the mobile switching center (MSC), home location
register (HLR), visitor location register (VLR), equipment identity register (EIR),
authentication center (AUC) and short message center (SMC).
· MSC: As the core of the GSM, the MSC implements the switching function, that
is, accomplishes the communication connection between the PLMN subscribers
and the subscribers in other networks. It implements the functions such as the
paging access of PLMN subscribers, channel assignment, call connection, traffic
control, billing, and base station management. It provides interfaces to other
functional entities, interfaces with other networks, and interfaces for connecting
with other MSCs.
· HLR: The central database of the system. It stores all subscriber-related

information, including roaming authority, basic services, supplementary services
and current location information. It provides routing information for MSC for the
purpose of call setup. An HLR may cover multiple MSCs or even the whole
mobile network.
· VLR: VLR stores information of all subscribers in the coverage, and provides
conditions for establishing call connections for the registered mobile subscribers.
As a dynamic database, the VLR must exchange large volume of data with the
HLR to ensure data validity. When a subscriber leaves the controlling area of a
VLR, it registers in another VLR. The original VLR deletes the temporary records
of that subscriber. The VLR is always integrated with the MSC physically.
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· AUC: A strictly protected database that stores subscriber authentication

information and encryption parameters. The AUC and HLR are integrated
physically.
· EIR: Stores parameters related to the mobile station equipment. It can identify,
monitor and block the mobile equipment, to prevent unauthorized mobile
equipment from gaining access to the network.
2.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)

BSS serves as a bridge between the NSS and MS. It performs wireless channel
management and wireless transceiving. The BSS includes the Base Station Controller
(BSC) and Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
· BSC: Located between the MSC and the BTSs, the BSC controls and manages one
or several BTS. It accomplishes radio channel assignment, BTS and MS transmit
power control, and inter-cell handover. The BSC is also a small switch that
converges the local network via A interface and connects with the MSC.
· As a wireless transceiving equipment controlled by the BSC in the BSS, the BTS
is in charge of radio transmission and implements wired-related wireless
conversion, radio diversity, radio channel encryption, and hopping. The BTS is
connected with the BSC through Abis interface, and connected with the MS
through Um interface.
In addition, the BSS also comprises the TRAU. Located between the BSC and the MSC,
the TRAU performs the conversion between 16 Kbit/s RPE-LTP codes and 64 Kbit/s A
law PCM codes.
2.5 Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS)

The OMS refers to the operation & maintenance part of the GSM system. All functional
units in the GSM system can be connected to the OMS via respective networks. The
OMS performs such functions as monitoring various functional units in the GSM
network, issuing status report, and diagnosing faults.
The OMS consists of two parts: Operation & Maintenance Center – System (OMC-S)
and OMC-Radio (OMC-R). The OMC-S serves the NSS, while the OMC-R serves the
BSS.
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6 GPRS and EDGE
2.6 Mobile Station (MS)

As the subscriber equipment in the GSM, the MS can be vehicle installed or hand
portable. The MS consists of mobile terminals and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
card.
· The mobile terminal is in charge of voice signal processing and radio transceiving.
· The SIM stores all information required for identifying a subscriber and security
information, preventing unauthorized user access. A mobile terminal can not gain
access to the GSM network without an SIM card.
2.7 GSM System number
2.7.1 Mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN)

MSISDN number is the number dialed by caller while calling certain subscriber in
digital public terrain celluar mobile communication network. Its number
comprises of:
State No. ＋ Home valid ISDN number
Home Mobile ISDN number
China code number is 86.
The structure for valide ISDN number in China is:
N1N2N3 ＋ H1H2H3 ＋ ABCD
Mobile service number HLR ID Mobile number
Home valid ISDN number
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Domestic valid ISDN number is a number with 10 digits.
1. Mobile service access number (N1N2N3)
To identify different mobile systems, mobile service access number is 135-139 for
current post and telecom; 130 for China Unicom.
2. HLR identification number (H1H2H3)
H1H2 in HLR identification number is allocated uniformly by state; H3 is

assigned by different provinces. One HLR can contain one or more H1H2H3
numbers.
3. Mobile subscriber number (ABCD)
ABCD is mobile suscriber number in each HLR, automatically assigned by

different HLRs.
2.7.2 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
IMSI is the only one number to identify a mobile subscriber in PLMN, composed of 15
digits.
MCC MNC MSIN
International mobile number
Home mobile number
MCC = mobile country code, composed of 3 digits, to uniquely identify the country for
mobile subscriber. China is 460.
MNC = mobile network code, composed of 2 digits, to uniquely identify the mobile
network for mobile subscriber. GSM PLMN network is 00 for post and telecom ministry,
and that for China Unicom is 01.
MSIN ． Mobile subscriber identification number, a number with 10 digits, such as

H1H2H39XXXXXX. Where, H1H2H3 is same as H1H2H3 in MSISDN; 9 represents
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6 GPRS and EDGE
GSM900MHZ; XXXXXX is subscriber number.
IMSI is used to all signaling in GSM mobile communication network, saved in HLR,
VLR and SIM card.
2.7.3 Mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN)
MSRN is a number that is assigned to mobile subscriber temporarily by VLR based on

HLR request each time calling mobile subscriber, its aim is to route again. This number
can be used by and relased to other subscribers after conneciton.
Its structure is 1390M1M2M3ABC. M1M2M3 is MSC number, and M1M2 is same as

H1H2 in MSISDN number.
ABC code is 000~499.
2.7.4 Handover number
HON is a number temporarily assigned to mobile subscriber by target MSC/VLR, to

select route during interoffice handover.
This number is a part of MSRN number, only used during interoffice handover for
mobile subscriber. It can be released to and used by other subscribers after connection. Its
structure is 1390M1M2M3ABC. M1M2M3 is MSC number, and M1M2 is same as
H1H2 in MSISDN number.
ABC code is 500~999.
2.7.5 Temporary mobile subscriber identification (TMSI)
TMSI is to provide security for IMSI, which is temporarily assigned to visited mobile
subscriber identification number by VLR. As a 4 bytes BCD code, it only can be used
locally and assigned by different MSC/VLR.
2.7.6 Location area Identification (LAI)
LAI is used to identify location area, its structure as follows:
MCC+MNC+LAC
Where: MCC and MNC are same as that of IMSI.
LAC is location area code, to uniquely identify each location area in China's digital
PLMN. As a 2 bytes hexadecimal BCD code, represented as L1L2L3L4 (range is
17
0000~FFFF, which can define 65536 different location areas.)
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3 GSM Radio Channel
 This section introduces GSM radio frame, channel concept, division & function for
different channels, mapping combination mechanism between channels.
3.1 GSM Working Frequency Band

1. Working frequency
Currently, the GSM communication system works at 900MHz, extended 900MHz

and 1800MHz. 1900MHz band is adopted in some countries.
1) 900MHz frequency
Uplinking (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range:

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

935MHz~960MHz
2) Extended 900MHz band
Uplinking (transmitted by MS and received by BS) frequency range: 880

MHz~915 MHz
Downlining (transmitted by BS and received by MS) frequency range: 925

MHz~960 MHz
3) 1,800MHz frequency

1710MHz~1785MHz

1805MHz~1880MHz

1850MHz~1910MHz
19
1930MHz~1990MHz
2. Channel interval
The interval between two adjacent channels in any band is 200kHz.
3. Channel configuration
All channels are configured with the same interval.
1) 900MHz frequency
The channel numbers are in the range of 1~124. There are 124 frequency bands in
all.
The relationship between the channel numbers and frequency band nominal
central frequency is illustrated as follows:
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 X n (MHz), uplink
Fd (n) = Fu (n) + 45 (MHz), downlink
Where, 1 =< n =< 124, n is a frequency sequence, or an Absolute Radio Frequency

Channel Number (ARFCN).
The channel numbers are in the range of 0~124 and 975~1023. There are 174
frequency bands in all.
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 n (MHz), 0 =< n =< 124
Fu (n) = 890 + 0.2 (n-1024) (MHz), 975 =< n =< 1023
Fd (n)=Fu (n) + 45 (MHz)
The channel numbers are in the range of 512~885. There are 374 frequency bands
in all.
20
6 GPRS and EDGE
Fu (n)=1710.2 + 0.2 (n-512) (MHz)
Fd (n)=Fu (n) + 95 (MHz)
512 n 885
The channel numbers are in the range of 512~811. There are 300 frequency bands
in all.
Fu (n)=1850.2 + 0.2 (n-512) (MHz)
Fd (n)=Fu (n) + 80 (MHz)
512 n 811
4． Duplex transceiving interval
1) 900MHz frequency
The duplex transceiving interval is 45MHz.
3.2 Structure of GSM Radio Frame

There are five layers for structure of GSM radio frame, that is, timeslot, TDMA frame,
multiframe, super frame, and hyper frame.
1. Timeslot is the basic unit of physical channel.
2. TDMA frame is composed of 8 timeslots, a basic unti to occupy carrier

bandwidth, that is, each carrier has 8 timeslots.
3. Multiframe has the following two types:
21
1) Multiframe composed of 26 TDMA frames. This kind of multiframe is used to

TCH, SACCH, and FACCH.
2) Multiframe composed of 51 TDMA frames. This kind of multiframe is used to

BCCH, CCCH and SDCCH.
4. Super frame is a continous 51X26 TDMA frame, composed of 51 multiframes

with 26 frames or 26 multiframes with 51 frames.
5. Hyper frame is composed of 2048 super frames.
Figure Structure of GSM Radio Frame-6 lists the schematic diagram of hierarchical
frame structure in GSM system.
Figure Structure of GSM Radio Frame-6 Hierarchical frame structure in GSM system
TDMA frame is compiled cycly with the period of 3hrs 28mins 53s 760ms
(204851268BP or 20485126 TDMA frames). A hyper frame contains 20485126
TDMA frames. Each hyper frame can be divided into 2048 super frames, each super
frame is 5126 TDMA frames sequence (6.12s). Each super frame is composed of
multiframes. Multiframe can be divided into two types.
Multiframe with 26 frames: it contains 26 TDMA frames (268BP), with duraiton of

120ms. 51 multiframes form a super frame. This kind of multiframe is used to carry TCH
(and SACCH plus FACCH).
Multiframe with 51 frames: it contains 51 TDMA frames (518BP), with duraiton of
22
6 GPRS and EDGE
3060/13ms. 26 multiframes form a super frame. This kind of multiframe is used to BCH
and CCCH.
3.3 Physical Channel and Logical Channel
3.3.1 PhyCH Physical Channel
TDMA indicates it is divided into 8 time segements by time on each carrier for GSM900,
each timeslot segement is called as a timeslot.This kind of timeslot is called as channel,
or physical channel. A TDMA frame comprises of successive 8 timeslots on a carrier, that
is, one carrier can provide 8 physical channels on a carrier for GSM.
3.3.2 Logic channel
If you consider each timeslot of TDMA frame as physical channel, the content
transmitted in physical channel is logical channel. Logic channel indicates the control
logic channel or voice, data logic channel assigned in 8 timeslots for TDMA for different
control signals and voice or data services.
The transmitted information on physical channel in GSM digital system is the pulse
string composed of about 100 modulated bits, called as burst pulse sequence - Burst.
Carry different logic channels in different Burst information formats.
The logical channels fall into common channels and dedicated channels. Figure Physical
Channel and Logical Channel-7shows the logical channels defined by the GSM.
23
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-7 GSM Logic Channel
3.3.2.1 Common Channel
The common channel means the broadcast control channel to transfer broadcast messages
from the BTS to MS, and the common control channel to transfer the bidirectional
signals required to set up connections between the Mobile-Service Switching Center
(MSC) and MS.
1. Broadcast Channel
BCHs are unidirectional channels from the base station to the MS. The BCHs
comprises:
· Frequency correction channel (FCCH): Transmits the information used to correct

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

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

example, broadcast the local cell and neighboring cell information, and
synchronization (time and frequency) information on this channel. The MSs listen
to the BCCH periodically to obtain the information transmitted on it, such as the
24
6 GPRS and EDGE
Local Area Identity, List of Neighboring Cell, frequency table used in the local
cell, cell identity, power control indication, intermittent transmission permission,
access control, and CBCH description. The BCCH carrier is transmitted by the
base station at the fixed power, and its signal strength is measured by all the MSs.
2. Common Control Channel
The CCCHs are point-to-multipoint bi-directional channels between the base

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

channel information between the base station and the MS, such as the
authentication and registration signaling messages. During the establishment of a
call, the SDCCH supports bi-directional data transmission and the transfer of short
messages.
· Slow associated control channel (SACCH): Through this channel, the base station
sends the power control message and frame adjustment message to the MS, and
25
receives signal strength report and link quality report from the MS.
· Fast associated control channel (FACCH): Transmits inter-cell handover signaling

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

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

+SACCH/TH (0, 1) + TCH/H (1, 1);
4. Individual dedicated control channel SDCCH: SDCCH/8 (0, … , 7) + SACCH/C8

(0, … , 7);
5. Main broadcast control channel (MainBCCH): FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH;
6. Combined broadcast control channel (BCCHCombined): FCCH + SCH + BCCH

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

SDCCH/4 (0, … , 3) + SACCH/C4 (0, … , 3) + CBCH;
26
6 GPRS and EDGE
9. Slow dedicated control channel (SDCCHwithCBCH): SDCCH + SACCH +

CBCH.
Among the above channel combinations, CCCH = PCH + RACH + AGCH. CBCH: Only
downlink channels are aCBCH: Only downlink channels are available, carrying cell
broadcast information and sharing the physical channel with SDCCH.
Each cell broadcasts an FCCH and an SCH. The basic combination in downlink includes
an FCCH, an SCH, a BCCH and a CCCH (PCH+AGCH), allocated strictly to TN0 of
BCCH carrier configured for a cell, as shown in Figure Physical Channel and Logical
Channel-1.
51 Ö¡
BCCH+CCCH
F S B C F S C C F S C C F S C C F S C C I
£¨ÏÂÐÐ£©
BCCH+CCCH
R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
£¨ÉÏÐÐ£©
(a) FCCH+SCH+BCCH+CCCH
8 SDCCH/8
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0 A1 A2 A3 I I I
£¨ÏÂÐÐ£©
D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4 A5 A6 A7 I I I
8 SDCCH/8
A1 A2 A3 I I I D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A0
£¨ÉÏÐÐ£©
A5 A6 A7 I I I D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 A4
(b) SDCCH/8(0,...,7)+SACCH/C8(0,...,7)
BCCH+CCCH
F S B C F S C C F S D0 D1 F S D2 D3 F S A0 A1 I
+4SDCCH/4
£¨ÏÂÐÐ£©
F S B C F S C C F S D0 D1 F S D2 D3 F S A2 A3 I
BCCH+CCCH
D3 R R A2 A3 R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D0 D1 F S D2
+4SDCCH/4
£¨ÉÏÐÐ£© D3 R R A0 A1 R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D0 D1 F S D2
(c) FCCH+SCH+CCCH+SDCCH/4(0,...,3)+SACCH/C4(0,...,3)
F£ºFCCH S£ºSCH
B£ºBCCH C£ºCCCH£¨CCCH=PCH+AGCH+RACH£©
R£ºRACH D£ºSDCCH
A£ºSACCH/C I£ºidle
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-1 51-frame Channel Structure
For the half-rate voice channel combination, each timeslot has two half-rate sub-channels
and corresponding SACCH, with 26TDMA frames as the multi-frame. The frame
structure is shown in Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-2.
26帧
H H H H H H H H H H H H S H H H H H H H H H H H H S
0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-2 Structure of Half-rate Voice Channel
27
3.3.3.1 Channel Mapping
Obviously, the logical channels in the GSM are much more than the eight physical
channels that a GSM carrier can provide. If each logical channel is configured with a
physical channel, the eight physical channels provided by a carrier are not enough. In
such case, extra carriers must be added. However, the communication in this way is not
highly effective. The way to solve this problem is to multiplex the CCCH, that is,
multiplex the CCCH on one or two physical channels.
In GSM, the mapping relationship between the physical channel and the logical channel
is set up as follows:
One base station (BS) has N carriers, and each carrier has eight timeslots. Carriers are
defined as f0, f1, f2, … For the downlink, the numbering begins with the 0th timeslot
(TS0) of f0. TS0 is used only to mapping the control channel. f0 is also called the
broadcasting control channel (BCCH). Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-3
shows the multiplexing relationship of BCCH and CCCH on TS0.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-3 Multiplexing of BCCH and CCCH on TS0
The BCCH and CCCH occupy 51 TS0s in total. Though only the TS0 of each frame is
occupied, the length is 51 TDMA frames in terms of time. As a multiframe, its end is
marked by the appearance of an idle frame. After the idle frame, a new multiframe starts
from F and S. Repetition in this constitutes the multiframe structure of TDMA.
When there is no paging or call access, the BS always transmits f0 on. This enables the
MS to detect the signal strength of the BS and to determine which cell to use.
For the uplink, the TS0 on f0 does not include the above channels. It is used only for the
28
6 GPRS and EDGE
access of the MS; that is, it is used in the uplink as the RACH. Figure Physical Channel
and Logical Channel-4 shows the TS0 of 51 consecutive TDMA frames.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-4 Multiplexing of RACH on TS0
The BCCH, FCCH, SCH, PCH, AGCH and RACH are all mapped to the TS0. The
RACH is mapped to the uplink, and the rest are mapped to the downlink.
The TS1 on f0 is used to map the dedicated control channel to the physical channel.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-5 shows the mapping relationship.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-5 Multiplexing of SDCCH and SACCH on TS1
(Downlink)
Since the bit rate in call setup and registration is quite low, eight dedicated control
channels can be placed on one timeslot to improve the multiplexing ratio of the timeslot.
The SDCCH and SACCH have 102 timeslots in total, that is, 102 time division
multiplexing (TDM) frames.
The DX (D0, D1, …) of the SDCCH is used only when the MS sets up a call. When the
29
MS transfers to the TCH and the subscriber starts the conversation or the release is
registered, the DX is used in other MSs.
The AX (A0, A1, …) of the SACCH is mainly used to transfer unimportant control
information such as wireless measurement data.
The TS1 on the uplink f0 and that on the downlink f0 have the same structure. They have
an offset in time, however, which means simultaneous bidirectional connection for an
MS. Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-6 shows the multiplexing of the
SDCCH and SACCH on the TS1 of the uplink f0.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-6 Multiplexing of SDCCH and SACCH on TS1 (Uplink)
The uplink and downlink TS0 and TS1 on f0 are used by the logical control channel,
while the remaining six physical channel TS2 to TS7 are used by the TCH.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-7 shows the mapping from the TCH from
the physical channel.
30
6 GPRS and EDGE
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-7 Multiplexing of TCH
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-7 only gives the TDM relationship of TS2.
In this figure, T stands for the TCH, which is used to transmit voice or data; A for the
SACCH, which is used to transfer control commands such as the command to change the
output power; I for Idle, which does not contain any information but is used in
measurement. TS2 conducts TDM with 26 timeslots as a cycle. The idle timeslot serves
as the beginning or end of a repeating sequence.
The structure of the TCH of the uplink is completely the same as that of the TCH of the
downlink. The only difference is an offset in time, which is three timeslots. That is, the
TS2 of the uplink and that of the downlink do not appear simultaneously, which means
that it is not necessary for the MS to conduct sending and receiving simultaneously.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-8shows the offset between the uplink and
downlink of the TCH.
Figure Physical Channel and Logical Channel-8 Uplink and Downlink Offset of TCH
From the above description, it can be concluded that on f0:
31
· TS0: a logical control channel, with repeat cycle of 51 timeslots.
· TS1: a logical control channel, with repeat cycle of 102 timeslots.
· TS2: a logical service channel, with repeat cycle of 26 timeslots.
· TS3 to TS7: logical traffic channels, with repeat cycle of 26 timeslots.
The TS0 to TS7 of other f0 ~ fN are all traffic channels.
The channel configuration adopted by ZTE for common cells is as follows:
Number of carrier frequencies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of control channels 1 2 2 2 3 3 3
Number of service channels 7 14 22 30 37 45 53
32
4 Basic Service and Signaling Process
 This section introduces GSM terminal start, position register/update, service call and
handover service implementation and signaling interaction process.
4.1 Mobile subscriber state
4.1.1 MS starts, network does "Attach" marks on it
That is, commonly used IMSI attachment, divided into the following three cases:
1. If MS is started firstly: no LAI in SIM card, MS transmits "location update

request" message to MSC, inform GSM system this is a new subscriber in this
location area. MSC transmits "location update request" to HLR based on IMSI
number sent by this subscriber, HLR records MSC number that sends request, and
corresponding VLR number, and send MSC "location update acceptance"
message. Up to now, MSC considers the MS is activated, do attachement mark on
corresponding IMSI for this subscriber, then send "location update validation"
message to MS, and SIM card of this MS records this location area identification.
2. If MS is not firstly started, but start after shutdown, LAI accepted by MS is not
consistent with original LAI in its SIM card, MS immediately sends "location
update request" to MSC, VLR shall judge whether original LAI is the original
location in service area.
If judgement is affirmative, MSC only requires change original LAI code in user
SIM card to new LAI code.
If it is negative, MSC sends "location update request" to HLR based on the

information in IMSI number for this subscriber, HLR records the MSC number to
send request into database, then return "location update acceptance". MSC does
"attachment" mark for user IMSI, and send "location update acknowledgement"
message to MS, and MS changes original LAI code in SIM card to new LAI code.
When MS starts again, the received LAI is consistent with that saved in original
33
SIM card: at this time, VLR does "attachment" mark for this subscriber.
4.1.2 MS shutdowns, separated from network.
After MS powers off, MS sends separation processing request to MSC, MSC informs
VLR to do "separation" marks for this MS on corresponding IMSI after receiving the
request. At this time, HLR doesn't get the notification that this subscriber has detach from
the network. When this subscriber is paged, HLR requests MSRN from visitor
MSC/VLR, and then VLR informs HLR this subscriber's MS power off.
4.1.3 MS Busy
At this time, assign a service channel to transmit voice or data for this MS, and label this
subscriber as "busy" on subscriber ISDN.
4.2 Location Update

When an MS moves into another location area, it will find that the received LAI differs
from the original one stored in the SIM card and then registers the new one. This process
is location update process that is initiated by the MS. There are two cases for location
update:
1. Location area of MS is changed, but still at same MSC office;
2. MS transfers from one MSC office to the other MSC office.
4.2.1 Location update at a MSC office
If location is updated at a MSC office, HLR doesn't participate in location update

process. Location update at same office is as shown in :
M
LAI BSC
S
1
MSC/VLR （2）
（1）
（3） LAI （4） M
2 S
34
6 GPRS and EDGE
Figure Location Update-9 Location Update at Same MSC Office
Location update at same MSC office is simple, falling into the following four steps:
When MS roams to a new location area, it is found received LAI is not consistent with
that saved in SIM card through analysis, then a location update request is sent to current
base station controller (BSC).
If BSC receives location update request from MS, it sends a location update request to
MSC/VLR.
VLR modifies the data for this MS, changes the LAI to current LAI, then sends a
response message to BSC.
BSC sends a response message to MS, and MS changes LAI saved in its SIM card to
current LAI. So the location update process at same MSC office is completed.
4.2.2 Interoffice Location Update
When mobile subscriber roams from a MSC office to the other, you shall do interoffice
location update. At this time, HLR shall participate in location update process, as shown
in Figure Location Update-10:
1. Location update between different MSCs is more complicated than that at same
MSC. To more conveinient description, original MSC office for subscriber is
MSC1, roamed MSC office is MSC2. In the figure, BSC is omitted, but it also will
be mentioned during description, BSC and MSC are called as BSC1 and BSC2,
specific steps as follows:
2. When mobile subscriber roams to the other MSC office, if MS founds current LAI
is not consistent with that saved in SIM card, it sends location update request to
BSC2, and BSC2 sends a location update request to MSC2.
3. When MSC/VLR2 receives location update request, it founds there is not the
information about this subscriber (a roaming subscriber from other MSC) in
current MSC, so it sends a location update request to HLR that the subscriber is
registered.
4. HLR sends a location update acknowledgement to MSC/VLR2, and sends some

data about this subscriber to MSC/VLR2.
5. MSC/VLR2 sends a location update acknowledgement message to MS through
35
BSC2, after MS receives it, the MS changes LAI saved in its SIM card to current
LAI.
6. HLR takes charge of sending message to MSC/VLR1, and informs VLR1 to delete
the data about this subscriber.
MSC/VLR1 M
（5）
S
HLR
（2）
（3）（1） M
MSC/VLR2
（4） S
Figure Location Update-10 Location update between different MSCs
Location update process is as above steps 1-5. Herein, we will specially propose: before
each location update, authentication shall be done for this subscriber.
4.3 Typical Call and Handover Process
4.3.1 Call between Mobile Subscribers
MS1 services between MSC1/VLR1, MS2 service between MSC2/VLR2, and MS2
belongs to HLR/AUC.
1. MS1 of caller subscriber dials MS2 number, and informs MSC1 through BS
system;
2. MSC1 analyzes phone number of called subscriber's MS2, finds the HLR
belonging to MS2, and sends route request to HLR;
3. HLR queries current location information of MS2, enables MS2 serving to

MSC2/VLR2, and requests route information to MSC2/VLR2;
4. MSC2/VLR2 assigns route information, that is, MSRN; submit MSRN to HLR;
5. HLR sends MSRN to caller MSC1;
6. MSC1 establishes call with MSC2 based on MSRN;
36
6 GPRS and EDGE
7. MSC2/VLR2 sends paging message to called subscriber MS2;
8. MSC2/VLR2 founds MS2 subscriber can receive message;
9. Establish call between MSC2 and MSC1;
10. After MSC1 sends connection signal to caller MS1, MS1 can talk with MS2.
Figure Typical Call and Handover Process-11 is call process.
Figure Typical Call and Handover Process-11 Call process
4.3.2 Inter-BSC Handover within MSC
Intra-MSC handover indicates radio channel for mobile subscriber is transferred from
current BSS to the other BSS under same MSC.
Whole handover process is finished by same MSC, MSC shall issue handover request for
new BSS, enables new BSS ready for access; after new BSS responds to handover
request, MSC informs MS to handover through original BSS; when MS is successfully
connected in new BSS, MSC takes charge of establishment of new connection.
Before whole handover is finished, MSC shall keep previous connection, so when MS
handover fails, you can do communication at original connection. Only if the handover is
finished, MSC can release original connection and provide communication for MS on
new connection.
4.3.3 Inter-MSC Handover
Inter-MSC handover indicates when mobile subscriber is communicating, he moves from
37
a MSC to the other MSC in BSS coverage, so handover occurs to keep communication.
Inter-MSC handover requires mutual assortion from MSC-A and MSC-B/VLR. MSC-A
as mobile subscriber controller for handover ends until call is released.
Inter-MSC handover process:
1. BSS-A is not satisfied with MS radio channel quality and check adjacent location
information, considers suitable adjacent LAI as target information and requires
MSC-A control handover by handover requirement information;
2. MSC-A analyzes handover requirement message, founds target belongs to MSC-B

coverage range, and requests BSS-B prepare for MS connection through MSC-B,
that is, handover request;
3. After MSC-B receives handover requests from MSC-A, it requires VLR consider
handover number as the address information established from MSC-A to MSC-B
circuit;
4. BSS-B switchs request response. MSC-B sends handover request response to

MSC-A, in which handover number is informed to MSC-A;
5. MSC-A selects TUP route between MSC-A and MSC-B based on handover
number in handover request response, and sends original address message to
MSC-B. Called number is the handover number;
6. MSC-B/VLR receives original address message to acknowledge handover number,

and returns address complete message to MSC-A;
7. After MSC-A receives address complete message, it indicates MS handover

through BSS-A;
8. MS connects BSS-B, BSS-B informs MSC-AMS it has been successfully

connected to BSS-B through MSC-B;
9. Channel is successfully established between MS and BSS-B, and MSC-B informs

MSC-A finishes handover;
10. MSC-B finishes conenction and inform MSC-A communication is successfully

established, and handover succeeds (TUP).
Figure Typical Call and Handover Process-12 is handover process.
38
6 GPRS and EDGE
（2）
（4）（2）
（1）（4）
（5）
MSC-A MSC-B BSS-B
BSS-A （6）（8）
（7） VLR VLR
（8）（9）
（9）
（10）
（7） Access
MS MS
Figure Typical Call and Handover Process-12 Handover process
4.4 Basic Signaling Process
4.4.1 Location Update Process
Figure Basic Signaling Process-13 shows the location update process of the MS.
39
MS BTS BSC M SC
CH REQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M ASS CM D
IM M ASS
SABM
EST IND
UA CR：LOC UPD REQ
CC
DT1：CIPH M ODE CM D
ENCRY CM D
CIPH M ODE CM D
CIPH M ODE COM
DI：CIPH M ODE COM
DT1：CIPH M ODE COM
DTAP ：LOC UPD ACCEPT
DT1：Clear CM D
DT1：Clear COM
DR：CH REL
CH REL RLSD
DEACT SACCH
DISC RLC
REL IND
UA
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Figure Basic Signaling Process-13 Location Update Process of MS
The MS sends a CH REQ (Channel Request) message through the RACH to the BTS.
Upon receiving the CH RQD (Channel required) message, the BTS processes it and then
sends it to the BSC.
After receiving the CH REQ message, the BSC sends a CH ACT message to the BTS to
activate the SDCCH. After activating the channel, the BTS returns a CH ACT ACK
message.
The BSC sends the IMM ASS CMD to the BTS. Upon receiving the message, the BTS
sends the IMM ASS through the AGCH to the MS. When receiving the message, the MS
sends the SABM. The BTS sends the UA to the MS.
At the same time, the BTS sends a channel establishment indication (EST IND) to the
BSC, containing a request to update the mobile phone location. The BSC forwards the
location update request to the MSC (LOC UPD REQ) via CR. As receiving the request,
the MSC sends back a CC message to the BSC.
Up to now, the SDCCH has been established between the mobile phone and the BTS.
40
6 GPRS and EDGE
The location update message is transmitted to the MSC over SDCCH, and the MSC
sends a location update acceptance message (LOC UPD ACCEPT) to the mobile phone
after performing an optional encryption.
The MSC sends a Clear CMD message to the BSC. The BSC returns a Clear COM
message to the MSC. Meanwhile, the BSC sends the BTS a CH REL message to release
the SDCCH and a DEACT SACCH message to deactivate the SACCH.
The BTS sends a CH REL message to the MS. The MS requests the BTS to release radio
link (DISC). The BTS returns the UA and reports the channel release indication to the
BSC.
The BSC sends a RF CHL REL message to the BTS. The BTS returns a RF CHL REL
ACK message. The radio channel is released.
4.4.2 IMSI Detach Process
Figure Basic Signaling Process-14 shows the IMSI detach procedure.
MS BTS BSC M SC
CH REQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M ASS CM D
IM M ASS
SABM
EST IND
UA CR：IM SI DETACH
CREF
DR ：CH REL
CH REL
DEACT SACCH
DISC
REL IND
UA
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Figure Basic Signaling Process-14 IMSI Detach Process
To power off a mobile phone, an SDCCH channel should be established first. Then a
power-off message is sent to the MSC over SDCCH (IMSI DETACH). Upon receiving
the message, the MSC releases the SDCCH.
4.4.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process
Figure Basic Signaling Process-15 shows the mobile-originated call and the called party
41
on-hook process.
When a mobile subscriber originates a call, the SDCCH is established first, and then a
request for the TCH is sent through the SDCCH to the MSC.
MS BTS BSC M SC
CH REQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M ASS CM D
IM M ASS
SABM
EST IND
UA CR：CM SERV REQ
CC
ENCRY CM D
CIPH M ODE CM D
CIPH M ODE COM
DI：CIPH M ODE COM
DTAP:CM SERV ACCP
DTAP:SETUP
DTAP:CALL PROC
DT1:ASS REQ
PHY CONT REQ
PHY CONT CONF
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR：ASS CM D
ASS CM D
SABM
EST IND
UA
ASS COM DI：ASS COM
DT1：ASS COM
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
DTAP ：Alerting
DTAP ：Connect
DTAP ：Connect ACK
数据流
DTAP ：Disconnect
DTAP ：Release
DTAP ：Release COM
DT1：Clear CM D
DR：CH REL
CH REL DT1：Clear COM
DEACT SACCH
DISC RLSD
REL IND
UA RLC
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
42
6 GPRS and EDGE
Figure Basic Signaling Process-15 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process
The MSC sends an Assignment Request message to the BSC. After receiving the
message, the BSC sends an IMM ASS CMD message to the MS. The MS establishes a
TCH with the BTS. The BTS sends a channel establishment indication, completes
immediate assignment, and release the SDCCH.
The MSC sends a ring-back tone to the mobile phone over the established TCH. A call
session is set up by connection establishment and connection confirmation.
When the called hooks on, the MSC sends a disconnection message to the mobile phone.
Then the mobile phone releases the TCH and the MSC replies with a release
acknowledgement to complete the TCH release process.
4.4.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process
Figure Basic Signaling Process-16 shows the mobile-terminated call and the calling party
on-hook process.
To call a mobile phone, the MSC initiates a paging message to the mobile phone, which
establishes an SDCCH upon receiving the paging message. Then the SDCCH is released
after a TCH has been established. The call setup is accomplished over the TCH.
When the call is ended, the TCH is to be released.
43
MS BTS BSC M SC
PAG CM D UDT ：PAG

PAG REQ
CH REQ
CH RQD
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
IM M ASS CM D
IM M ASS
SABM
EST IND
UA CR：PAG RES
CC
ENCRY CM D
CIPH M ODE CM D
CIPH M ODE COM
DI：CIPH M ODE COM
DTAP:SETUP
DTAP:CALL CONF
DT1:ASS REQ
PHY CONT REQ
PHY CONT CONF
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR：ASS CM D
ASS CM D
SABM
EST IND
UA
ASS COM DI：ASS COM
DT1：ASS COM
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
DTAP ：Alerting
DTAP ：Connect
DTAP ：Connect ACK
数据流
DTAP：Disconnect
DTAP ：Release
DTAP：Release COM
DT1：Clear CM D
DR：CH REL
CH REL DT1：Clear COM
DEACT SACCH
DISC RLSD
REL IND
UA RLC
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Figure Basic Signaling Process-16 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process
44
6 GPRS and EDGE
4.4.5 Inter-cell Handover Flow
Figure Basic Signaling Process-17 illustrates the inter-cell handover flow.
Based on the measurement reports originated from the mobile phone continuously, the
BSC judges whether it is necessary to perform handover.
When intra-cell handover is necessary, the mobile phone is located in the source cell
BTS1. The BSC activates a TCH in the target cell BTS2, and sends a handover command
to the mobile phone. The mobile phone is switched to the TCH in BTS2 and completes
the handover process.
As the intra-cell handover is completed, the BSC informs the MSC of the event and
releases the TCH in the source cell.
MS BTS1 BTS2 BSC MSC

M EAS REP
M EAS RES
CH ACT
CH ACT ACK
DR：HO CM D
HO CM D
HO ACCESS
HO DET
PHY INFO
SABM
EST IND
UA
HO COM
DI：HO COM
DT1：HO PERF
RF CH REL
RF CH REL ACK
Figure Basic Signaling Process-17 Inter-cell Handover Process
45
5 Voice Processing and Key Radio
Technology
 This section describes basic voice processing for GSM, and several key radio
enhanced technologies.
5.1 Voice Processing
5.1.1 Basic Flow of Voice Processing
In the GSM system, the MS processes voice signals on wireless interfaces as shown in
Figure Voice Processing-18.
Figure Voice Processing-18 Voice Processing in the GSM System
The process of sending voice signals is as follows: for analog voice signals, first make
A/D conversion before doing voice coding to output 13Kbit/s digital voice signals. To
control errors in the process of transmission, channel coding and interleaving processing
shall be conducted on digital voice signals, which are then encrypted according to the
input/output bit stream of 1:1. These bits are grouped into 8 1/2 burst pulse sequences
(corresponding to voice signals/20ms segment) before they are transmitted at about
270Kbit/s in the appropriate timeslots.
The voice signals are received following the steps below: Each radio signal transmitted
by the BTS is demodulated first, followed by burst demultiplexing and decryption. When
every eight 1/2 bursts are received completely, the bursts are de-interleaved and
47
assembled into a 456-bit message. Then come the steps of channel decoding, checking
and correcting errors in the transmission. Finally, the bitstreams generated by the decoder
are decoded, and converted to analog voices.
5.1.2 Voice Encoding
This section, taking example for full-rate voice encoding, explains the voice encoding
process in the GSM system.
The current GSM system adopts the 13kb/s voice encoding scheme, called regular pulse
excitation-long term prediction (RPE-LTP). This scheme is designed to guarantee error-free
voice quality close to that in the fixed telephone network.
It divides the voice into several 20ms voice blocks, and samples the voice blocks by
8kHz to get 160 samples. Then it quantitates the sample values to generate 16-bit digital
voice signals, and a 128kbit/s data stream is produced consequently. As it is unable to
transmit the data stream over the wireless channels due to its high-speed bit rate, it must
be compressed by using a decoder. A full-rate decoder compresses the voice block into
260bit, and produces a source encoding rate of 13kbit/s. Other procedures of signal
processing such as channel encoding are performed next.
On the BTS end, the 13kbit/s source bit rate can be recovered. However, for the purpose of
transmission on Abis interface at a rate of 16kbit/s, additional 3kbit/s signals should be added,
to control the TC operation remotely. On the TC end, 13kbit/s to 64kbit/s conversion is to be
made to adapt to the 64kbit/s rate on the A interface.
5.1.3 Channel Encoding
Then, channel coding will be conducted on the 260bit data block. Channel coding is used
to improve the transmission quality and overcome bad influences on signals caused by
various interferences.
Special redundancy technology is used in channel encoding. Redundant bits are inserted
at the transmitting end according to some specific rules, and are used in the decoding
process at the receiving end to detect bit errors and correct them to recover the original
message.
Two encoding schemes are available in the GSM system: Convolutional code and packet
code. In practice, they are used in combination.
Convolutional code: compiles k information bits into n bits. Both k and n are very small
48
6 GPRS and EDGE
so that they are suitable for transmission in a serial port manner. Besides they also show
very little delay. The coded n code elements are not only related to k information code
elements of this packet, but also to information code elements in the preceding (N-1),
where N is called constraint length. Convolutional code is generally expressed as (n, k,
N). The error-correction capability in convolution encoding grows stronger with the rise
of N, while the error probability decreases exponentially as N rises. The convolutional
code is used to correct errors, and is effective in this purpose when the decoder works
with the maximum likelihood estimate mode.
Packet code: This is a kind of chopping cyclic code, which obtains the redundancy digits
by increasing the exclusive-OR algorithm of information bits and mapping the k input
redundancy information digits onto n output binary cells (n>k) through exclusive-OR
algorithm. The packet code is mainly used for detecting and correcting errors in groups.
It is generally used in combination with the convolutional code.
5.1.4 Interleaving/deinterleaving
Burst errors in wireless communication often results from long-time attenuation. Channel
coding alone is inadequate for error detection and correction. The interleaving
technology is adopted in the channels to better solve the error problems.
By interleaving technology, the continuous bits in an information block are segmented

and transmitted individually according to certain rules. That is to say, the original
continuous blocks become discontinuous ones in transmission, and form a group of
interwoven message blocks, which are to be recovered (via de-interleaving) into the
original information blocks at the receiving end. It is as shown in Figure Voice
Processing-19.
49
Figure Voice Processing-19 Interleaving Technology
With the interleaving technology, if a certain message block is lost during transmission,
actually only part of each information block is missing after being recovered instead of
the whole information block, thus making it easier to recover the lost message by taking
advantage of the encoding technology.
In the GSM, different coding and interleaving modes are used in different types of
channels. See Table Voice Processing-1 for details.
Table Voice Processing-1 Coding and Interweaving of Circuit Logical Channels
Input Code
Input Output
Code
Channel Type Rate Convolutional Code Interleaving Depth
Block Check Bit Tail Bit
kbit/s code rate Block bits
bits
1) Ia 13 50 Parity check, 3
4 1/2
Ib 13 132 456 On eight 1/2 bursts
TCH/FS: II 13 78
Ia 5.6 22 Parity check, 3
6 1/3
TCH/HS Ib 5.6 73 228 On four 1/2 bursts
II 5.6 17
1/2, one bit is
TCH/F9.6: 12 Combine on 22 unequal
240 4 removed from 456
TCH/H4.8: 6 bursts
every 15 bits
Combine on 22 unequal
TCH/F4.8: 6 120 32 1/3 456
bursts
TCH/F2.4: 3.6 72 4 1/6 456 On eight 1/2 bursts
50
6 GPRS and EDGE
Input Input Code Output

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

communication for example.
In the GSM, the voice input rate on TCH/FS is 13kb/s, that is, 260 bits are transmitted
every 20ms. The 260 bits are protected by means of segmented coding.
Among the 260 bits, 182 bits adopts 1/2 convolutional coding, and the remaining 78 bits
are not protected. Among the 182 bits, 50 bits are performed with parity check and then
with 1/2 convolutional coding. Three information bits are added. Those 50 bits are called
Ia bits. The other 132 bits, called Ib bits, are performed with 1/2 convolutional coding
51
directly.
Figure Voice Processing-20 shows the interleaving algorithm of voice signals on TCH/F.
After channel coding, 456 bits are carried in every 20ms. Those bits are divided into
eight groups, with the 57 bits in each group carried in different burst pulses (eight BPs in
total). To maximize irrelevancy between the bit sequences, the bits should be arranged as
described in Table Voice Processing-2.
456bits 456bits 456bits 456bits
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A块 B块
57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1 57 1
116 bit 116 bit 116 bit 奇数位偶数位
Figure Voice Processing-20 Interleaving of Cells
Table Voice Processing-2 Full-rate speech interleaving algorithm
Serial No. Items Note

1 0, 8, …, 448 Even bits (B block) in BP (N)
2 1, 9, …, 449 Even bits (B block) of BP (N + 1)
5 4, 12, …, 52 Odd bits (A block) v BP (N + 4)
456 bits are divided into eight groups (rows), 57 bits in each group (columns), occupying
BP (N) ~ BP (N+7) information A blocks or information B blocks. An interwoven BP
carries 114 bits of information plus 2 bits of stolen frame, totaling 116 bits. The 114 bits
52
6 GPRS and EDGE
contain 57 bits (odd bits) of information block A and 57 bits (even bits) of information
block B, and the remaining two bits are used to indicate respectively whether the first
half BP (odd) or the last half BP (even) is subscriber data or fast channel associated
signaling.
5.1.5 Encryption/Decryption
Encryption measures are taken in the GSM system. Those encryption measures are
applicable to voice, data and signaling. They are independent of the data type, and work
for normal bursts only. Encryption is accomplished by exclusive or operation of an
encryption sequence (computed by A5 encryption algorithm via key Kc and frame
number) and 114 information bits on a normal burst.
When the same sequence is available in the receiving end, the original data are
retrievable by exclusive or operation with the encryption sequence.
5.1.6 Modulation/Demodulation
Modulation and demodulation are the last step in signal processing. Using GMSK
modulation mode at a rate of 270.833 k Baud, GSM usually conducts demodulation with
Viterbi algorithm (with a balanced demodulation method). Demodulation is the reverse
of modulation.
GMSK is a special digital FM modulation mode.The modulation rate is 270.833

kilobauds. The Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation with bit rate four times of
frequency offset is called MSK (Minimum Shift-frequency Keying). In GSM, the
Gaussian demodulation filter is used to further reduce the modulation spectrum. It can
cut the frequency conversion speed.
The GMSK can be expressed by a I/Q diagram. If there is no Gaussian filter, when a
series of constant 1s are sent, the MSK signal will be kept in the state that is higher than
the center frequency 67.708 kHz of the carrier. If the center frequency of the carrier
serves as the fixed phase reference, the signal 67.708 kHz will cause steady increment of
phase. The phase rotates 360° at 67,708 times per second. In a bit period (1/270.833
kHz), the phase moves 1/4 a circle in the I/G diagram, that is, 90°. The data 1 can be
looked as 90° plus the phase. Two 1s makes a phase increment by 180°, three 1s makes a
increment by 270°, and so on. The data 0 indicates the same phase change in the reverse
direction.
The actual phase track is strictly controlled. In the GSM, digital filter and 1/Q or digital
53
FM modulator are used to generate correct phase track accurately. The Root Mean Square
(RMS) between the actual track and the ideal track allowed by GSM specifications
cannot exceed 5°, and the peak deviation cannot exceed 20°.
5.2 Diversity Receiving

Diversity reception technology is commonly used in GSM. Signals with less relevance
carrying the same message are received on multiple tributaries, and are combined before
being transmitted, to reduce the effect of signal attenuation on stability of the receiving
signals.
Diversity consists of different forms: Space diversity, frequency diversity, time diversity
and polarity diversity.
1. Space diversity
Two sets of antennae are set in the space that receive the same signals
independently and combine the signals for output, to greatly lessen the signal
attenuation. The underlying principle of space diversity is that the field strength
varies randomly with the space. The larger the space distance, the more variant
the multipath transmission, and the less relevant the receiving filed strength.
Relevancy refers to the similarity between the signals. Appropriate space should
be specified in space diversity. According to the test and statistics, CCIR suggests
the spacing between two antennas should be larger than 0.6 wavelength, namely
d>0.6λ, to achieve a satisfactory diversity result and that it should be better to
near the odd number multiplication of λ/4. Even if the distance between antennas
is shortened to be λ/4, good diversity effect can be achieved.
2. Time Diversity
By means of time diversity, a message is sent in a certain delay, or a message is

sent partially at different time within a delay acceptable to the system. Time
diversity in GSM is implemented by interleaving technology.
3. Frequency Diversity
Frequency diversity enables a signal to be sent on more than two frequencies.

Signals at different frequencies are synthesized at the receiving end, to decrease
or eliminate signal attenuation by making use of different paths of the wireless
carriers at different frequencies. Thus, only one receiving antenna and one
54
6 GPRS and EDGE
transmitter antenna are required in a cell. Frequency diversity in GSM is

implemented by frequency hopping technology.
4. Polarity diversity
Polarity diversity produces good diversity effect by receiving signals through two
sets of antennae with a polarization in certain degree. The two sets of polarized
antennae in polarity diversity can be integrated in one set of antenna. So, only one
receiving antenna and one sending antenna are required in a cell. If duplexers are
available, one integrated transceiving antenna is enough, which saves the antenna
greatly.
5.3 Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)

Voice transmission is available in two modes: One is continuous voice coding (one voice
frame every 20ms) no matter whether the user speaks or not. The other is the DTX mode,
which performs 13kb/s coding during the voice activity period and 500b/s coding during
the non-voice activity period, and transfers one comfort noise frame (20ms each frame)
every 480ms. Figure Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)-21 illustrates the DTX-mode
voice frame transmission.
The DTX mode accomplishes two objectives: Lower the total interference level in the air
and save the transmitter power. The DTX mode and the common mode are selectable,
since the former will slightly lower the transmission quality.
Figure Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)-21 Speech Frame Transmission in DTX Mode
55
5.4 Power Control
5.4.1 Basic Concepts of Power Control
Power control means to control the actual transmitting power (keep it as low as possible)
of MS or BS in radio propagation, so as to reduce the power consumption of MS/BS and
the interference of the entire GSM network. Needless to say, the prerequisite of power
control is to ensure the good communication quality of the ongoing calls. The power
control process is simply illustrated in Figure Power Control-22.
A B
Figure Power Control-22 Power Control
As shown in Figure Power Control-22, the MS at point A is far from the BS antenna.
Because the propagation loss of electric wave in air is in direct proportion to n power of
the distance, the MS at A needs higher transmit power to ensure good communication
quality. Comparatively, point B is closer to the BS transmission antenna, hence smaller
transmission loss; therefore, to obtain similar communication quality, a mobile phone at
point B can use lower transmission power during communication. When a mobile phone
in communication is moving from point A towards point B, the power control can reduce
its transmitting power gradually. On the contrary, if it is moving from point B towards
point A, the power control can increase its transmitting power gradually.
The power control is classified as uplink power control and downlink power control, they
function separately. By uplink power control, it means to control the MS transmitting
power, while downlink power control means to control the BS transmitting power. No
matter uplink power control or downlink power control, the uplink or downlink
interference is suppressed as the transmit power is reduced. Meanwhile the power
consumption of the MS or base station is reduced. The most obvious benefits are the
average conversation quality of the whole GSM network is greatly increased, and the MS
standby time is prolonged.
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6 GPRS and EDGE
5.4.2 GSM Power Control Process
1. The original information used for decision making during a power control process
is obtained from the measurement data of the MS and BS and corresponding
control decision can be made after processing and analyzing of the original data.
Similar to the handover control process, the whole power control process is
shown in Figure Power Control-23.
Figure Power Control-23 Power Control Process
1) Measurement data saving
The measurement data related to power control includes uplink signal level, uplink
signal quality, downlink signal level, and downlink signal quality.
2) Average measurement data processing
To reduce the influence of complex radio transmission on the measurement values,

the smooth processing of the measurement data usually adopts the forward
averaging method. That is, the average value of multiple measurement values is
used to make a power control decision. The parameter setting in averaging
calculation may vary with the types of the measurement data, i.e., quantity of the
measurement data to be used may be different.
57
3) Power control decision making
In the decision making of power control, there are three parameters: a threshold,
an N value, and a P value. Among the latest N average values, if there are P
parameters exceed the threshold, the signal level is too high or the signal quality is
good; if there are P parameters are lower than the threshold, the signal level is too
low or the signal quality is poor.
According to the condition of the signal level or quality, the mobile phone or BS
can judge how to control the transmitting power, and the increase or decrease
amplitudes are determined by the pre-configured values.
4) Power control command sending
According to the power control decision, the corresponding control command is

sent to the BS, which will then execute the command or transfer it to MS.
5) Measurement data correction
After power control, the original measurement data and average values are useless.
If the useless information is still kept, it may cause incorrect power control
decision. Therefore, it is necessary to discard the outdated data or update it for
later use.
The fastest power control can be performed once every 480 ms, which is the
highest speed that the measurement data is reported. In other words, an entire
power control process is executed once in at least 480ms.
5.4.3 High-speed power control
The control extent of the power control process recommended by ETSI is fixed as 2dB or
4dB normally. However, in most practical cases the fixed power control extent is unable
to achieve optimal effects, for a simple example:
When an MS initiates a call at a location very near to the BS antenna, its start
transmitting power is the max. transmitting power of the MS in the system message
broadcast in the cell BCCH (MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH). It’s obvious that at this time as
the MS is quite close to the MS antenna, the power control process is supposed to reduce
its transmitting power as fast as possible. However, it can hardly be achieved by the
power control process recommended by the ETSI specifications, because only 2dB or
4dB is decreased each time. In addition, there is an interval between every two power
58
6 GPRS and EDGE
control processes (because enough new measurement data need be collected). Therefore,
it takes a long time to reduce the transmit power of the MS to a proper value. It is the
same in the downlink direction. Obviously this is disadvantageous in terms of reducing
interference to the whole GSM network. To improve this, the power control extent each
time should be increased, which is the core idea of the high-speed power control.
The high-speed power control can, according to the actual signal strength and quality,
work out the power control extent to be realized, without the limitation of the fixed
extent , thus solving the power control problem without much effort when the MS makes
the initial access. Of course its functions are not limited to this situation. It can work in
many cases e.g. fast moving mobile phones, sudden interference or obstacles. Whenever
large extent power control is required, the high-speed power control process is the ideal
solution.
5.5 Timing Advance

As TDMA technology is implemented on the space interface, the MS must only employ
the TSs allocated to it, and remain inactive in other time. Otherwise, it may interfere with
subscribers occupying other TSs in the same carrier.
In the GSM, the MS requires three intervals between timeslots when receiving or
transmitting signals. See Figure Timing Advance-24.
59
Figure Timing Advance-24 Uplink and Downlink Offset of TCH
Supposing an MS occupies TS2, and call signals tend to shift away from the BS, a
message from the BS will delay in reaching the MS. Meanwhile, the response message
originated from the SM will also delay in reaching the BS. If nothing is done to fix the
problem, the message sent from TS2 in the MS will eventually overlap with another
calling message received in TS3 in the BS. It is important to monitor the time when a call
reaches the BS. As the distance between the MS and the BS changes, the system issues
instructions to the MS notifying it of the transmission time lead. This process is called
adjustment of time lead.
After a specific connection has been established, the BTS measures the time shift
between the pulse TSs and the received MS TSs. It calculates the appropriate time lead
based on the measured time shift, and notifies the MS of it on SACCH at certain
frequency.
5.6 Frequency Hopping Technology

Spread spectrum techniques, including direct spread (DS) and frequency hopping (FH),
are often adopted in digital mobile telecom systems to enhance the anti-interference
capabilities. FH is adopted in the GSM system.
There are two reasons for why frequency hopping is used. First, based on the principle of
frequency diversity, this technique is used to counteract Raileigh fading. Rayleigh fading
refers to the short-term amplitude change that mobile radio transmission suffers
inevitably in case of obstacles. Different frequencies will suffer different degrees of
fading, which becomes more independent with the increase in frequency difference.
Through frequency hopping, bursts will not be damaged by Rayleigh fading in the same
way. Second, it is used on the basis of anti-jamming feature. In areas where traffic is
heavy, the cellular system is liable to be restricted by the interference from frequency
multiplexing, and the ratio of carrier to interference (C/I) may change a lot during the
call. C depends on the position of the MS relative to the BS. I depends on whether this
frequency is used in the adjacent cells. FH enables the interference to be scattered among
many calls that may interfere with the cell instead of being concentrated in one call.
FH refers to hopping of the carrier frequency within a wide frequency band according to
a certain sequence. Control and information data are converted into base band signals
60
6 GPRS and EDGE
after modulation, which are then sent into the carrier for modulation. Afterwards, the
carrier frequency changes under the control of pseudo-random codes, the sequence of
which is the FH sequence. Finally, FH sequences are sent via the RF filter to antenna for
transmission. The receiver determines the receiving frequency according to FH
synchronization signals and FH sequence, receives the corresponding signals after FH for
demodulation. The basic structure of FH is illustrated in Figure Frequency Hopping
Technology-25.
Figure Frequency Hopping Technology-25 Basic Structure of FH
Features of FH technology: FH technology can be used to increase the working bands of

the system and improve the system capacity to resist interference and fading. It can also
improve and protect the pulses of valid information from the impact of Rayleigh fading.
Via FH, the original data can be recovered from channel decoding, and the increase in FH
numbers may enhance FH gain, consequently improving anti-interference and anti-fading
capabilities of the system.
FH is actually used to avoid external interference. In other words, it is to prevent or

greatly reduce co-channel interference and frequency selective fading effect by
converting the frequencies at a rate that interference cannot catch up with. The increase
of the FH number is due to the fact that the FH system gain equals to the ratio of FH
system bandwidth to N minimum FH intervals. Usually, the FH number should be greater
than three. If frequency diversity is also available for the FH system and the message is
61
decided more effectively via a large number decision law after several groups of FHs
simultaneously transmit one message, more subscribers can work at the same time with
least mutual interference.
The frequency hopping comprises baseband hopping and RF hopping.
· Base band FH keeps the transmitting and receiving frequencies of each carrier unit
unchanged, but sends the frame unit transmitting data to different carrier units at
different FN (Frame Number) moments.
· However, radio frequency hopping is to control the frequency synthesizer of each

transceiver, making it hop in each time slot according to different schemes.
62
6 GPRS and EDGE
 This section describes evolution of GSM technologies: basic concept, network

structure, radio channel, and basic application of GPRS and EDGE.
6.1 Definition and Feature
6.1.1 GPRS Definition
GPRS: General Packet Radio Service.
The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is the packet data service introduced in GSM
Phase2+. It provides subscribers with the end-to-end mobile data services based on
packet switching and transmission technologies. The GPRS can effectively utilize the
radio resources and network terrestrial resources and is suitable for long-time small-
volume burst data services.
6.1.2 GPRS Features
The GPRS has the following features:
· Seamless connection with IP network
IP technology is adopted in the core network of the GPRS, and many transmission
technologies are employed in the bottom layer of the GPRS. Thus, it is easy to
implement the seamless connection with the highly developed IP network.
· High rate
With the help of multi-slot binding and high-speed coding scheme, the GPRS
phase I adopts CS1 and CS2 coding schemes, and provides the access rate up to
115 Kbit/s. The GPRS phase II adopts CS3 and CS4 coding schemes, and provides
up the rate up to 171 Kbit/s.
· Always online and flow charging
The GPRS provides the "availability for connection everywhere and the
performance of always online", offering new means for mobile subscribers to
63
access the Internet and Intranet rapidly. Once a GPRS terminal is powered on and
connected with the GPRS network, it can maintain the online status all the way.
The subscriber can receive and send information at any time without the dial-up
process required in circuit switching. As long as the GPRS terminal does not
transmit data, it will not occupy network and radio resources. Thus, the mobile
subscribers can benefit from the flow charging. That is, the mobile subscribers can
stay online as long as possible without bothering the prohibitive bill.
· Mature technology
The GPRS provides solutions to implement data services in the mature GSM
technologies and current networks. It can save investment and make quick return.
6.1.3 EDGE Definition
EDGE: Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution.
Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is a kind of technology for transition of
GSM to 3G. It mainly adopts a new modulation mode in the GSM system including most
advanced multislot operation and 8PSK modulation technology. 8PSK technology makes
the signal space of GMSK modulation technology in existing GSM network extend from
2 to 8 so that each symbol contains 4 times of previous messages.
The reason why EDGE is called the solution for transition of GPRS to 3G mainly lies in
such technology can fully utilize existing GSM resources including existing GSM
frequency and most of existing GSM equipment. This technology only makes small
changes to the network software and hardware part. In this way, operators can provide
mobile subscribers with such wireless multimedia services as Internet browsing, video
teleconference and high-speed email transfer, that is, individual multimedia
communication services can be offered to subscribers before the 3G mobile network is
put into commercial use. As EDGE is the transition technology between existing 2G
mobile network and 3G network, it is also called 2.5G (2.75 generation) technology.
6.1.4 EDGE Features
In terms of protocol, the EDGE technology mainly affects the BSS (i.e. BTS and BSC.)
of the wireless access part in the GSM system, but does not affect existing GSM core
network and network applications, and the interfaces between the BSS and the MSC and
SGSN in the existing system will be kept. Thus, network operators can utilize existing
wireless network equipment to maximum extent to provide subscribers with individual
64
6 GPRS and EDGE
multimedia communication services before the 3G mobile network is put into

commercial use. EDGE has the following features:
· EDGE neither changes GSM or GPRS network structure nor introduces new
network element, but only upgrades the BSS.
· In terms of wireless interfaces, EDGE does not change the GSM channel structure,
multiframe structure and coding structure.
· EDGE supports two data transmission modes: packet service (non-real time
service) and circuit switching service (real time service). The bearers are EGPRS
and ECSD respectively.
· EDGE adopts octal 8PSK modulation technology, supports 303% of GMSK

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

GMSK. Therefore, EDGE adopts both 8PSK and GMSK in the coding mode.
Different from GMSK, output signals of 8PSK are not constantly enveloped,
which affects the equipment implementation and mobile phone measurement to
some extent.
· Compared with GPRS, EDGE adopts new coding mode. EGPRS supports nine
coding modes from MCS-1 to MCS-9, and about three times of GPRS bit rate.
MCS-5 to MCS-9 adopt 8PSK modulation mode; MCS-1 to MCS-4 adopt GMSK
modulation mode. Different from GPRS and CS-1 to CS-4 rate, it is specially
designed for EGPRS link adaptation control algorithm. The MCS1 to MCS-9
coding modes fall into three clusters: A, B and C.
In GPRS, only the original coding mode can be adopted data transmission. When
wireless transmission environment gets worse, retransmission might always fail.
The coding scheme of EGPRS allows that data can be divided into two parts with
a low-rate coding scheme for retransmission when the data with a high rate coding
65
scheme transmission fails so that it can adapt well the worse wireless transmission
environment.
· Compared with GPRS, EGPRS makes changes to the RLC/MAC in link layer, and
defines better link control algorithm and two link quality control modes: Link
Adaption (LA) and Incremental Redundancy (IR).
6.2 Inheritance and Evolution

Each standard for current 2G has a set of methods to upgrade 2G network into 3G, that
is:
1) Evolution route to CDMA 2000 may be IS95 (or CDMA One) → CDMA20001x
(CDMA 2000 single carrier system) → CDMA 2000-3x (CDMA 2000 three
carriers system) or WCDMA.
2) Evolution route to WCDMA may be GSM→GPRS→EDGE→WCDM A.
3) Evolution route to TD-SCDMA is not obvious now. It is possible to implement

smooth transition based on GSM MAP network, also compatible to ANSI41 and
transitted to 3G.
Standards Selection in China
China Unicom eastablished CDMA network in whole country, using IS95 CDMA core
network based on ANSI41. Currently, it includes CDMA 2000, CDMA EVO.
China Mobile select evolution based on GSM/GPRS. The critical question is to select
WCDMA or TD-SCDMA. Because these two aspects are not exclusive, so China Mobile
ever expressed cross usage of different standards is a tendency recognized internationally.
GPRS Development Prospect
For 2G communication standard, CDMA One is later 7 years than GSM standard. During
these 7 years, Nokia and Ericsson business expanded around the world, and GSM gained
unprecedented success. Due to market restriction, USA CDMA factory, QUALCOM, and
Korean Samsung & LG always can't get more commercial opportunity.
From evolution mode, due to GSM scale advantages, it enables more countries prefer
WCDMA or TD-SCDMA evolution scheme. 2.5G transitional technology for this
evolution scheme is GPRS, so GPRS technology is outstanding. Currently, there are over
100 operators that open GPRS commerce system, trial commerce system, or
66
6 GPRS and EDGE
experimental system globally. GPRS technology has been extensively deployed in global
GSM network. Some famous telecom equipment manufacturers, such as Nokia, Siemens,
Ericsson, Motorola, are actively developing GPRS related products, and a series of
solutions have been proposed.
Due to dense population in China's city and the feature of max commercial potential
globally, we shall firstly build TD-SCDMA radio access network in hotspot and island
landform to solve capacity and service traffic problem, to gradually implement TD-
SCDMA evolution mode based on GSM/GPRS network independently developed in
China.
Obviously, GPRS is the transitonal technology from 2G to 3G, also a ladder to 3G

network.
6.3 GPRS Radio Channel

Because the basic design approach of GPRS is to maintain its compatibility with GSM as
much as possible, the GPRS inherits the frequency band use mode and wireless
transmission mode of the GSM. Frequency band use means TDMA under FDMA, and
wireless transmission means the basic transmission unit on the wireless path is the burst
pulse that lasts 15/26 ms (equivalent to about 156.25 modulation bits).
As with the GSM system, the GPRS system divides a carrier into eight timeslots which
form eight basic time division channels. Therefore, a physical channel can be uniquely
determined by a TDMA frame sequence, a timeslot No. (module 8) and a determined
hopping sequence. Since GPRS is designed to coexist with the original GSM voice
transmission, in a GSM cell that supports GPRS, some physical channels (timeslots) may
be used for voice transmission and other physical channels may be used for GPRS packet
data transmission. In addition, some GPRS signaling flows, such as packet system
message broadcasting, packet access and resource allocation, will be conducted on the
CS channel.
6.3.1 GPRS Physical Channel
Because the basic design approach of GPRS is to maintain its compatibility with GSM as
much as possible, the GPRS inherits the frequency band use mode and wireless
transmission mode of the GSM. Frequency band use means TDMA under FDMA, and
wireless transmission means the basic transmission unit on the wireless path is the burst
67
pulse that lasts 15/26 ms (equivalent to about 156.25 modulation bits).
As with the GSM system, the GPRS system divides a carrier into eight timeslots which
form eight basic time division channels. Therefore, a physical channel can be uniquely
determined by a TDMA frame sequence, a timeslot No. (module 8) and a determined
hopping sequence. Since GPRS is designed to coexist with the original GSM voice
transmission, in a GSM cell that supports GPRS, some physical channels (timeslots) may
be used for voice transmission and other physical channels may be used for GPRS packet
data transmission. In addition, some GPRS signaling flows, such as packet system
message broadcasting, packet access and resource allocation, will be conducted on the
CS channel.
6.3.2 GPRS Logic Channel
PCCH, PBCCH, PDTCH, PACCHPTCCH/U, PTCCH/D
All the packet logical channels are mapped to a dedicated packet data channel (PDCH).
The packet logical channels can be divided into the following categories as shown in
Table GPRS Radio Channel-3:
Table GPRS Radio Channel-3 Packet Logical Channels
Packet random access channel PRACH (uplink)

Packet Common Control Channel Packet paging channel (PPCH) (downlink)
(PCCCH) Packet access granted channel (PAGCH) (downlink)
Packet notification channel (PNCH) (downlink)
PBCCH (downlink)
Packet data transport channel (PDTCH: PDTCH/U and
Packet transmission channel
PDTCH/D)
Packet Associated Control Channel (PACCH)
Packet dedicated control channel Packet time lead control channel (PTCCH/U)
Packet time lead control downlink channel (PTCCH/D)
Where:
1. Packet Common Control Channel (PCCCH)
· The PRACH delivers packet access burst pulse and extended access burst pulse.
The MS sends data or paging response to the BSS through the PRACH.
· PPCH is designed either to page CS services or GPRS services. But CS paging is

only applicable to MS level-A and level-B. PPCH also uses paging group and
68
6 GPRS and EDGE
supports DRX.
· Before the MS sends the packet, the PAGCH is used to allocate one or more
PDTCHs to the MS, so as to implement the packet transmission. For an MS
already in packet transmission mode, the resources allocated can also be
transferred in the PACCH.
· PNCH is used for notifying the MS of PTM-M calls. In order to monitor the
PNCH, DRX mode is necessary.
2. Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH)
The PBCCH broadcasts packet data system messages. The parameters carried in
these messages determine the mapping of the channels on multiframes. If no
PBCCH is allocated, the information can also be transferred on the BCCH. The
BCCH will give definite indication, showing whether the cell supports packet data
service. If the cell supports packet data service, and PBCCH is assigned, the
PBCCH combination configuration information will be given.
3. Packet transmission channel
Under the packet switching mode, the PDTCH bears subscriber data. It is
allocated temporarily to a specific MS or a group of MSs (under the PTM-M
mode). Under multi-slot mode, an MS can use several PDTCHs concurrently.
Because different logical channels can be multiplexed on a physical channel, a
PDTCH can bear 0 to 21.4 Kbit/s pure data rate (including RLC header). Different
from the CS service, all the PDTCHs are unidirectional. The MS uses the
PDTCH/U to send packet data to the network and uses the PDTCH/D to receive
packet data from the network.
4. Packet dedicated control channel
· The PACCH transmits signaling information, such as confirmation and power

control. It also carries resource allocation and reallocation messages, which can be
used to allocate PDTCH capacity or add new PACCH in the future. During packet
transmission, the MS can enter the CS mode through PACCH paging. The PACCH
is dynamically allocated to the physical channel which carries PDTCH. It is a
bidirectional channel.
· PTCCH/U serves to transfer random access burst pulse and estimate the time lead
of an MS in packet transmission mode.
69
· PTCCH/D is used to correct the time lead of several MSs. One PTCCH/D
corresponds to several PTCCH/U.
6.3.3 Mapping of Logical Channel Combination in the Physical Channel
After GPRS is added, three logical channel combinations will be added:
PBCCH + PCCCH + PDTCH + PACCH + PTCCH
PCCCH + PDTCH + PACCH + PTCCH
PDTCH + PACCH + PTCCH
Where, PCCCH = PPCH + PRACH + PAGCH + PNCH.
Different logical channels may appear on the same PDCH. The physical channel is
shared in unit of blocks. That is, on a PDCH, the type of the logic channel that the block
belongs to varies from one block to another. Channel type is the message type ID
contained in the head of a block (except for PRACH).
6.3.3.1 Mapping of Uplink Channel
1. Mapping of the PDTCH/U and PACCH/U
For each PDCH allocated to the MS, the MS will be allocated with an USF
(Uplink State Flag). The network uses the USF to control the multiplexing of radio
blocks of different MSs in the uplink PDCH. The US controls the timeslot use of
the MS. It is used in the dynamic and extended dynamic medium access modes.
The three-bit USF is located on the header of each downlink radio block, and can
form eight states used for uplink transmission multiplexing. In the PCCCH, one
USF value is used to mark the PRACH (USF = idle), and other values are reserved
for use by seven different MSs (USF = R1/R2 … R7). When a PDCH is not the
PCCCH, the eight USF values are all used to reserve uplinks for eight different
MSs. When an MS without a USF uses the uplink, a USF value can be used to
prevent conflict of the uplink channel. The USF is directed to the next uplink radio
block.
When the MS finds its own USF on the header of a BX (Bx = B0…B11) downlink
block of a PDCH, the MS will be able to use BX+1 (X!= 11) or B0 (when X=11)
uplink block on this PDCH . If the network permits, the MS can also use three
consecutive blocks (there are four blocks in total).
The PACCH/U corresponding to the PDTCH/D will be determined by the network
70
6 GPRS and EDGE
in the polling mode.
2. Mapping of the PTCCH/U
When the MS obtains PDTCH allocation from a certain PDCH, it will also obtain
PTCCH/U allocation from the PDCH. The cycle of the PTCCH/U is eight 52-
multiframes, including 16 PTCCH/U sub-channels (0…15). The PTCCH/U sub-
channel No. possessed by an MS is determined by the time advance index (TAI)
obtained by the MS in resource allocation, It is as shown in Figure GPRS Radio
Channel-26.
71
52-multiframe number n:
uplink TAI=0 TAI=1
B0 B1 B2 0 B3 B4 B5 1 B6 B7 B8 2 B9 B10 B11 3
downlink TA-message 1 TA-message 1
52-multiframe number n+1:

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

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

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

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

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

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

B0 B1 B2 28 B3 B4 B5 29 B6 B7 B8 30 B9 B10 B11 31
B0~B11=Radio blocks
Idle frames are numbered from 1 to 31 [odd numbers]
PTCCH frames are numbered from 0 to 30 [even numbers]
Figure GPRS Radio Channel-26 Mapping of PTCCH on the Physical Channel
3. Uplink PCCCH: mapping of PRACH
As described above, on the PDCH with PCCCH, if the USF is marked as idle, it
72
6 GPRS and EDGE
indicates that the corresponding downlink block is the PRACH. The PRACH can
be mapped in a fixed manner. The number of PRACH blocks fixedly allocated on
a PCCCH is determined by the system broadcasting parameter
“BS_PRACH_BLKS”. Its relationship with the specific blocks is determined by
the block occupying order described above.
6.3.3.2 Mapping of Downlink Channel
1. Mapping of the PDTCH/D and PACCH/D
The MS interprets every downlink block on the allocated PDCH, and determines if
the block is its PDTCH/D and PACCH/D according to the TFI.
The TBF is a physical connection used by two RR entities to transmit LLC PDU
in a unidirectional manner on the packet data wireless channel. This parameter is
used in the LLC frame transmission sequence of the same timeslot in the same cell
to replace the MS identification in the RLC/MAC layer. It is a wireless resource
assigned to one or multiple PDCHs. It transmits some RLC/MAC blocks carrying
one or multiple LLC PDUs. One TBF is temporary and only kept in the data
transmission period (that is, until there are no RLC/MAC blocks for transmission
or, in the RLC acknowledgement mode, all RLC/MAC blocks are acknowledged
to be received by the receiver).
For each TBF, the network allocates a TFI. For concurrent TBFs in each direction,
the TFI allocated is unique and replaces the MS identifier in the RLC/MAC layer.
In different directions, the same TFI can be used. The TFI is assigned in the
resource allocation message before the transmission of the LLC frame.
The RLC/MAC block related to a specific TBF must contain a TFI. For a RLC
data block, the TBF is jointly identified by the TFI and the transmission direction
of the data block. For a RLC/MAC control message, there are also the
transmission direction and type of the message in addition to the TFI. If the header
of a downlink control block contains a TFI, the TFI identifies to which MS the
control message should be sent; otherwise, all MSs will receive this message. If
the TFI in the header is inconsistent with that in the message body, the MS accepts
the TFI in the header.
2. Mapping of the PBCCH and transmission of the packet system message
In one cell, the PBCCH is only mapped to one PDCH. The specific location is
73
broadcast by the BCCH. In a 52-multiframe, the PBCCH is mapped to

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

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

0.
3) The PSIs in the group sent at a high frequency will be sent in the sequence
determined by the network. The sequence starts when TC = 0; that is, the sending
cycle of PSIs in this group is PSI1_REPEAT_PERIOD*52 frame. When the PSIs
in this group are sent, the PBCCH BLOCK, which is not occupied by rules (1) and
(2), will be occupied.
4) PSIs sent in the group at a low frequency will be sent in the sequence determined
by the network, and the sending will be repeated non-stop. When the PSIs in this
group are sent, the PBCCH BLOCK, which is not occupied by rules (1), (2), and
(3) will be occupied.
3. Mapping of the downlink PCCCH
The mapping of the downlink PCCCH on a certain PDCH can be described by the
following four rules:
74
6 GPRS and EDGE
1) If the PDCH has a PBCCH, BS_PBCCH_BLKS blocks are used in the PBCCH.
2) In the remaining blocks, BS_PAG_BLKS_RES blocks will not be able to be used

in the PPCH; they can used only in the PAGCH, PNCH, PDTCH and PACCH.
3) The remaining blocks will be able to be used in the PPCH, PAGCH, PNCH,
PDTCH and PACCH.
4) When the PBCCH is on timeslot k, the PCCCH can be located only on timeslot n
and n > k - 4 and n <= 7.
For example, on a PDCH with both PBCCH and PCCCH, when the system
parameter BS_PBCCH_BLKS=2, BS_PAG_BLKS_RES=5, according to the
BLOCK seizure sequence (B0, B6, B3, B9, B1, B7, B4, B10, B2, B8, B5, B11),
we can know that: PBCCH will be on B0 and B6; PPCH can be only on B10, B2,
B8, B5 and B11; while PAGCH, PNCH, PDTCH and PACCH can be on B3, B9,
B1, B7, B4, B10, B2, B8, B5 and B11.
6.3.4 GPRS Channel Coding
The GPRS defines four coding schemes on the PDTCH: CS-1 to CS-4. Except for
PRACH and PTCCH/U, other packet control channels adopt CS-1. For the packet access
pulse on PRACH and PTCCH/U, there are 8-bit and 11-bit coding schemes. Figure
GPRS Radio Channel-27 and Figure GPRS Radio Channel-28 shows the coding process
of four different coding schemes.
Radio block
USF BCS
rate 1/2 convolutional coding
puncturing
456 bits
Figure GPRS Radio Channel-27 Coding Process of CS-1 to CS-3
75
Radio block
USF BCS
block no coding
code
456 bits
Figure GPRS Radio Channel-28 Coding Process of CS-4
As shown in the figure above, the first step of the encoding is to append a Block Check
Sequence (BCS) to the radio block, which is used for error detection. For the CS1~CS3
coding schemes, the second step is to pre-encode the USF (not for CS1), then append 4
tail bits, and perform half-rate convolutional encoding, which is used for error correction.
The last step is puncturing to obtain desired encoding rate. Error-correction coding is not
performed in CS-4.
Table GPRS Radio Channel-4 shows the specific coding process of the four channel
coding schemes.
Table GPRS Radio Channel-4 Channel Coding Process of PDTCH
Type
CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4
Handling Flow
Length of data
184 bits 271 bits 315 bits 413 bits
source
1) Packet coding. 1) Packet coding. The
1) Fire coding. The 1) Packet coding. The
The multinomial multinomial
multinomial generated multinomial generated is:
generated is: generated is:
is: D16 ．D12 ．D5 ．1, BCS added
D ．D ．D ．1,
16 12 5
D16．D12．D5．1,
(D23．1) (D17．D3．1), The is 16 bits
2) The USF 2) USF
Packet coding BCS added is 40 bits. 2) USF preprocessing, as
preprocessing is the preprocessing, as
shown in Table 1-4.
same as CS2. shown in Table 1-5.
2) Add four tail bits. The 3) Add four tail bits. The
3) Add tail bits. The 3) Add tail bits. The
coding data length is coding data length is 294
coding data length is coding data length is
228 bits. bits.
338 bits. 456 bits.
Convolutional 1) Convolutional coding 1) Convolutional coding 1) Convolutional None
code with a 1/2 code rate. The with a 1/2 code rate. The coding with a 1/2
multinomial generated is multinomial generated is code rate. The
G0．1．D ．D , G1．1．D．
3 4
G0．1．D ．D , G1．1．D．D ．
3 4 3
multinomial
76
6 GPRS and EDGE
Type
CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4
Handling Flow
generated is: G0．1．
D4
D3 ．D4, G1．1．D．D3
2) Cut a code of 132 bits
．D4
with the hole. The position
D3．D4 2) Position of the
of the hole:
2) No hole hole:
C (3+4xk), k=3, …, 146
C(3+6 x k) and
and k≠9, 21, 33, 45, 57, 69,
C(5+6 x k) k=2, 3,
81, 93, 105, 117, 129, 141
…, 111
Table GPRS Radio Channel-4 shows the difference among the four coding schemes,
which can be seen from Table GPRS Radio Channel-5.
Table GPRS Radio Channel-5 GPRS Channel Coding
Code Size (bytes) of Maximum throughput

dcs
Rate RLC/MAC data block (kbps) of RLC/MAC
CS-1 1/2 20 8
CS-2 2/3 30 12
CS-3 3/4 36 14.4
CS-4 1 50 20
CS1 has powerful error correction capability and tolerates a certain bit error ratio.
Therefore, it has low requirements for the wireless environment. However, its
disadvantage is that its throughput is the smallest. It can be said that the higher a coding
plan (CS4 is the highest coding plan), the weaker its error correction capability and the
bigger its throughput. Table GPRS Radio Channel-6 describes the coding and
interleaving procedure of various packet logical channels.
Table GPRS Radio Channel-6 Coding and Interleaving of Packet Logical Channels
Code
Output
Input Convoluti ½»Ö¯
Channel Input Code Code
Rate USF onal Interleaving
Type Block bits Check Bit Tail Bit Block
kbit/s Precoding Code Depth
bits
Rate
PDTCH Packet On four NB
184 4 1/2 456
(CS1) code, 40 bursts
77
PDTCH Packet Adding On four NB

271 4 1/2 456
(CS2) code, 16 three bits bursts
Combine on one
8 Parity 6 4 1/2 36
AB burst
1/2,
PARCH,
perforate
PTCCH/D Combine on one
11 Parity 6 4 reduction 36
AB burst
code 6
bits
On four
PTCCH/U 184 Packet, 40 4 1/2 456 inconsecutive
bursts
PPCH,
PAGCH, On four
Packet
PNCH, 184 4 1/2 456 consecutive
code, 40
PBCCH, bursts
PACCH
6.4 Terminal and Application
According to the paging mode of circuit services and GPRS services in the network and
the configuration, the network working mode falls into three categories, as shown in
Table Terminal and Application-7.
78
6 GPRS and EDGE
Table Terminal and Application-7 Network Working Mode
Circuit Paging GPRS Paging

Modes Paging Configuration
Channel Channel
Packet Paging Packet Paging
Channel Channel The SGSN must work with the MSC/VLR for paging. The Gs
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging interface must be selected.
I Channel Channel The MS is required to monitor only one paging channel. The MS
CCCH Paging allocated with packet data channel receives paging messages of
PDCH Packet
Channel and Packet circuit services on this packet data channel.
Data CHannel
Paging Channel
The SGSN is not required to work with the MSC/VLR for paging.
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging The MS is required to monitor only the CCCH paging channel. The
II
Channel Channel MS allocated with packet data channel still receives paging
messages of circuit services on the CCCH paging channel.
CCCH Paging Packet Paging
The SGSN is not required to work with the MSC/VLR for paging.
Channel Channel
III The MS is required to monitor both the CCCH paging channel and
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging
the packet paging channel.
Channel Channel
The GPRS MSs fall into three categories:
· Type-A GPRS MSs
Be able to connect with the GSM and GPRS at the same time, the type-A GPRS
MS can be activated in these two systems and listen to the messages from these
two systems simultaneously. It can provide GPRS services and GSM circuit-
switched services, including the short message service (SMS) at the same time.
The Type-A MS can originate and receive calls in GSM and GPRS system at the
same time, and perform automatic service changeover. It enables the subscribers to
receive speech calls and communicate with the called party without interrupting
the data transmission.
· Type-B GPRS MSs
The type-B MS can connect with the GSM and GPRS system at the same time,
and provide GPRS and GSM circuit-switched services. However, it cannot provide
either GPRS or GSM services at a time.
When a circuit-switched call is originated to the type-B MS in GPRS, the
79
MSC/VLR sends a Suspend message to the SGSN. Upon receiving the message,
the SGSN disconnects the GPRS connection temporarily. After the circuit-
switched call is complemented, the MSC/VLR sends a Restore message to the
SGSN. The SGSN resumes the GPRS connection after receiving the message.
Thus, the MS need not establish GPRS connection repeatedly. Most of the GPRS
MSs in the current market are type-B MSs.
· Type-C GPRS MSs
The type-C MS enables subscribers to use GSM services and GPRS alternatively.
Manual service changeover is required.
80

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GSM/GPRS/EDGE Principles

·Learn and be familiar with GSM wireless channel and protocol

1.1 GSM Basic Concepts...........................................................................................................................1

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

1.1.2 GSM Definition........................................................................................................................4

1.2 Services Supported by GSM System...................................................................................................6

1.2.1 Telecom Services Provided by GSM........................................................................................6

1.2.2 Supplementary Services of the GSM System..........................................................................7

1.3 GSM Specification...............................................................................................................................7

2 GSM Network Structure..............................................................................................................................9

2.1 GSM Area Division Concepts.............................................................................................................9

2.2 GSM composition..............................................................................................................................10

2.3 Mobile Switching System (MSS)......................................................................................................13

2.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)..........................................................................................................14

2.5 Operation & Maintenance Subsystem (OMS)..................................................................................14

2.6 Mobile Station (MS)..........................................................................................................................15

2.7 GSM System number.........................................................................................................................15

2.7.1 Mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN)........................................................................15

2.7.2 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)...................................................................16

2.7.3 Mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN)........................................................................17

2.7.4 Handover number...................................................................................................................17

2.7.5 Temporary mobile subscriber identification (TMSI).............................................................18

2.7.6 Location area Identification (LAI).........................................................................................18

3 GSM Radio Channel...................................................................................................................................19

3.2 Structure of GSM Radio Frame.........................................................................................................21

3.3 Physical Channel and Logical Channel.............................................................................................23

3.3.1 PhyCH Physical Channel.......................................................................................................23

3.3.2 Logic channel.........................................................................................................................23

3.3.3 Channel Combination.............................................................................................................26

4 Basic Service and Signaling Process.........................................................................................................33

4.1 Mobile subscriber state......................................................................................................................33

4.1.1 MS starts, network does "Attach" marks on it.......................................................................33

4.1.2 MS shutdowns, separated from network................................................................................34

4.2 Location Update.................................................................................................................................34

4.2.1 Location update at a MSC office............................................................................................34

4.2.2 Interoffice Location Update...................................................................................................35

4.3 Typical Call and Handover Process...................................................................................................36

4.3.1 Call between Mobile Subscribers...........................................................................................36

4.3.2 Inter-BSC Handover within MSC..........................................................................................37

4.3.3 Inter-MSC Handover..............................................................................................................38

4.4 Basic Signaling Process.....................................................................................................................39

4.4.1 Location Update Process........................................................................................................39

4.4.2 IMSI Detach Process..............................................................................................................41

4.4.3 Mobile-Originated Call and Called Party On-hook Process..................................................42

4.4.4 Mobile-Terminated Call and Calling Party On-hook Process...............................................44

4.4.5 Inter-cell Handover Flow........................................................................................................46

5 Voice Processing and Key Radio Technology...........................................................................................47

5.1 Voice Processing................................................................................................................................47

5.1.1 Basic Flow of Voice Processing.............................................................................................47

5.1.3 Channel Encoding...................................................................................................................48

5.2 Diversity Receiving...........................................................................................................................53

5.3 Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)..................................................................................................55

5.4 Power Control....................................................................................................................................55

5.4.1 Basic Concepts of Power Control..........................................................................................55

5.4.2 GSM Power Control Process..................................................................................................56

5.4.3 High-speed power control......................................................................................................58

5.5 Timing Advance.................................................................................................................................59

5.6 Frequency Hopping Technology.......................................................................................................60

6 GPRS and EDGE........................................................................................................................................63

6.1 Definition and Feature.......................................................................................................................63

6.1.1 GPRS Definition.....................................................................................................................63

6.1.2 GPRS Features........................................................................................................................63

6.1.3 EDGE Definition....................................................................................................................64