GSM Signalling – 4 days

COURSE
OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, the participant will:

• Have a thorough understanding of the architecture and functions of the protocols used on the
different interfaces in a GSM network.

• Be able to search, find and understand relevant information in the GSM specifications, and
similar documents, regarding GSM protocol functions and signalling procedures.

• Through the combination of detailed descriptions and system wide overview given in the course,
be able for example to ‘locate’ a signalling problem to a specific network node, interface or
protocol.

• Possess a general understanding on how to interpret log files and traces taken from live
networks.

SUITABLE FOR: Those requiring in-depth knowledge of GSM, with particular reference to the access part of the
network (MS-BSS-MSC/VLR).

PREREQUISITES: GSM System Overview or equivalent knowledge.

CONTENTS: This course provides a thorough understanding of the architecture and functions of the protocols
used on the different interfaces in a GSM network, with focus on the MS-BSS-MSC/VLR part.
Protocols on layers 2 and 3 are described in detail. Layer 1 (physical layer) is covered in less detail,
with the exception of the very important air interface (Um). Extractions from the GSM specifications
are used in addition to the course documentation to highlight certain protocol functions.
Signalling flows for the most important signalling procedures are investigated step by step, looking at
each message and its contents in detail. Protocol analysers are used to show the participant's real life
examples of signalling flows, in addition to the ‘theoretical’ information.

GSM Overview A-Interface SMS Transfer p.t.p

• An overview of nodes, areas, traffic cases
and identity numbers
GSM Signalling Model
• Introduction to the concept of layered
protocols
• Overview of the protocols defined for the
different interfaces in a GSM network
• ISDN call setup case as an introduction to
signalling between network nodes
Um Air Interface
• The protocol architecture in the MS,
describing each layer in detail:
-CM, MM, RR (L3)
-LAPDm (L2)
-Radio channel (L1)
• Protocols for communication between
MSC and BSC, MSC and MS:
-BSSMAP, DTAP (L3)
-MTP, SCCP (SS7)
Other Interfaces
• The use of MAP and TCAP in the GSM
Switching System
In the description of the various protocols, a
protocol analyzer is used to illustrate the
message structure and parameters used on
different protocol layers
Location Updating
• Detailed step-by-step description of the
complete signalling flow for Location
Updating. Focus on Radio Resource and
Mobility Management procedures
• Detailed step-by-step description of the
complete signalling flow for transfer of Short
Messages. Mobile Originated and Mobile
terminated transfers are covered, with MS in
both Idle and Busy mode
SMS Transfer Cell Broadcast
• Description of the functionality needed in
different network nodes to realize the SMS-
CB service
• The structure and transfer of a Cell
Broadcast message
Handover
• Detailed step-by-step description of the
complete signalling flow for intra-BSC
handover
• Synchronised and non-synchronised
handovers

Abis-Interface Call Setup Supplementary Services

• Protocols for communication between BTS • Detailed step-by-step description of the • Protocols for signalling related to
and BSC: complete signalling flow for Call Setup. Supplementary Service management.
Focus on Connection Management
-RR, BTSM (L3) procedures for Call Control In the description of the traffic cases, a TEMS
test mobile is used to illustrate the signalling
-LAPD (L2) flow and message contents. Live or recorded
files from a number of operators are studied.
-PCM link (L1)

Apis Technical Training AB Tjärhovsgatan 21, 5th floor 116 28 Stockholm T +46 8 555 105 00 F +46 8 555 105 99 E info@apis.se