Feb 2004

WHITE PAPER

3G Release 6
A Primer

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3G Release 6

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© Copyright Hughes Software Systems, 2004

All information included in this document is under a licence agreement. This publication and its contents
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2
 Abbreviations

3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

BGCF Breakout Gateway Control Function
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
GERAN GSM / Edge Radio Access Network
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GSM Global System for Mobile communication
IMS IP Multimedia System
I-CSCF Interrogating Call Session Control Function
MRF Media Resource Function
MGCF Media Gateway Control Function
P-CSCF Proxy Call Session Control Function
PoC Push to talk Over Cellular
PSS Packet Switched Streaming Service
QoS Quality of Service
S-CSCF Serving Call Session Control Function
WLAN Wireless LAN

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3G Release 6

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 5
2. IMS "Phase 2" 6
3. Push to talk over Cellular 8
4. Wireless LAN/UMTS Inter-working 9
5. Packet switched streaming services 10
6. End-to-end bit rate adaptation 11
7. Quality metrics 11
8. Reliable streaming 11
9. Digital Rights Management 11
10. New codecs 12
11. Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) 12
12. Broadcast mode 12
12.1. Multicast mode 12
12.2. Network sharing 13
12.3. Presence 14
13. Conclusion 15
14. References 15

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Feb 2004
WHITE PAPER
1. INTRODUCTION
Success in 3G will be about speed: speed of
application and terminal development for refined
consumer segments, speed of new service creation,
and speed of cost-optimized network development
and roll-out.
Success in 3G is also about high and flexible
bandwidth. The content provider or cellular operator
seeking wireless content optimization will have to deal
with a growing bandwidth gap compared to fixed IP
access evolution (aggressive spreading of ADSL, cable
Fig1: R6 Architecture
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modems in private homes), technology-specific error
recovery mechanisms and set of standardized media
codecs used to create wireless specific content.
It will be about control of services and content
residing in our own hands. Because quality of service
and response time are critical components in how
users experience media, operators are expected to be
well positioned to offer multimedia services.
The 3GPP Release 6 is aimed at providing a
comprehensive set of multimedia services. This paper
gives an overview of certain salient features which are
planned in Release 6.
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Feb 2004

WHITE PAPER

multimedia sessions. It relies on a managed GPRS

2. IMS "Phase 2" and core IP network that is enabled to provide
the quality of service needed for voice and multimedia
3GPP Release 6 takes a radical approach to the
services. The main reasons for the introduction of the
introduction of conversational and real time interactive
IMS CN are to enable new real time interactive
multimedia services over an end to end IP transport
services, to provide flexibility to the user and to
provided by an enhanced general packet radio service
reduce cost. Examples of the services that will be
in the packet switched domain. It specifies a voice
supported by the IMS CN are: voice telephony (VoIP);
and multimedia services network called the Internet
real time interactive games; multimedia conferencing;
protocol Multimedia Subsystem Core Network (IMS
video telephony. The following section describes the
CN). The IMS CN comprises all the CN elements for
main entities of the IMS architecture.
provision of IP multimedia applications over IP

IP Multimedia Networks
Legacy mobile
PSTN signalling Networks

Mb Mb PSTN
BGCF CSCF
PSTN Mm
Mk Mk

Mw
C, D,
Mj BGCF Gc, Gr
Mi
Cx
IMS- MGCF HSS
MGW Mg
CSCF
Mn

Mr Dx SLF
Mb Mw

MRFP MRFC P-CSCF

UE
Mp Gm

Mb Mb Mb Gq IM Subsystem

Fig2: IMS Network Overview

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The Proxy Call Server Control Function (P-CSCF)
is the first contact point within the IMS CN. Its
address is discovered by User Equipments (UEs)
following Packet Data Protocol (PDP)
activation. The Serving Call Server Control Function
(S-CSCF) performs the session control services for the
UE. It maintains a session state as needed by the
network operator for support of the services. The
Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF) selects the
IMS CN in which the PSTN breakout is to occur. If the
BGCF selects that the breakout is to occur in the same
IMS CN, then the BGCF shall select a Media Gateway
Control Function (MGCF), which will be responsible for
the Interworking with the PSTN. If the breakout is in
another network, the BGCF will forward this session
signaling to a BGCF or an MGCF depending on
configuration in the other network. The MGCF shall
provide the protocol mapping functionality within the
IMS CN and the CS Networks whilst the Media
Gateway (MGW) shall provide the bearer channel
mapping. A Media Gateway Control protocol (H.248) is
used to handle the signaling and session management
needed between the MGCF and MGW. The H.248
standard defines a means of communication between
a MGW, which converts data from the format required
for a circuit switched network to that required for a
packet switched network and the MGCF (Gateway
Control protocol, H.248). The Media
Function (MRF) can be used to provide IM specific
functions such as multiparty call and
conferencing function, including relations with the
bearer and service validation.
For the ability to support the delivery of the basic
voice calls between the IMS CN and CS networks,
basic protocol mapping between the Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP, signaling for the 3GPP Release 6) and
the ISDN User Part (ISUP, signalling for the CS
networks) has to occur at a control plane level, in
order that call set up, maintenance and call release
procedures shall be supported.
The entity within the IMS CN that is responsible
for this protocol mapping is the MGCF. In addition to
the Interworking requirements across the control
plane, user plane interworking between IP and CS
context network shall be supported. External legacy CS
networks use circuit switched bearer channels (i.e. 64
Kbits PCM) to carry encoded voice frames to and from
the IMS CN. The IMS CN however, uses VoIP
technique to carry the voice frames. The MGW is
responsible for providing the data frame interworking.
There have been many enhancements in the IMS
architecture for 3GPP Release 6.
The salient IMS Phase 2 (3GPP Release 6) are as
follows.
! IMS Group Management
! IMS Conferencing
! IMS Messaging
! IMS Local services
! Inter-working between IMS and IP networks
! Mm interface (CSCF to external IP multimedia
network)
! Inter-working between IMS and CS
networks
! Mn interface (IM-MGW to MGCF)
Resource enhancements
! Mp (MRFC - MRFP) interface protocol
media
definitions
! Lawful Interception
! IMS Subscription and access scenarios
This 3GPP Release-6 also aims at enabling the
establishment of an emergency session via the
packet-switched domain. The emergency sessions will
be routed to an emergency centre in accordance with
national regulations.
Due to the variability of emergency numbers in
different networks, which is particularly problematical
when roaming, the PS emergency session will be
7
3G Release 6

established without the need to dial a dedicated mobile users send voice messages over data
number: for example, selection of emergency session networks.
from the menu, linkage to a vehicle air-bag trigger,
etc.
The call connection is almost instantaneous and
The feature addresses the normal case where the
the receiver doesn't have to answer the call. Push-to-
mobile equipment contains a valid USIM, and also the
talk is what it sounds like: instead of dialing a number
case where no USIM is fitted. The main focus is on
to start a conversation with a friend, users just select
SIP emergency sessions and related packet bearers.
someone from their buddy list, push a button on the
handset, speak, and their voice is instantly heard by
3. Push to talk over Cellular the recipient. Like a walkie-talkie, push-to-talk is uni-
directional, so callers can't talk over each other and
Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) introduces a new
must wait their turn to speak (Half Duplex).
real-time direct one-to-one and one-to-many voice
communication service in the cellular network. It lets

B SS

SG SN
M SC
S IP
P ro x y
S IP
R e g is t r a r
G G SN
Is
P re s e n c e
IM S C o r e (C S C F /H S S ) S e rv e r
Ips

If
Ipl
PoC G LM S
S e rv e r
Ik

In te r n e t

PoC W eb C u rre n t S c o p e
C lie n t

Fig3: PoC Network Context

8
The main elements of PoC solution are billion by 2008. Push to talk cellular subscribers
! PoC enabled terminals (PoC Client with SIP and expected to be 2.3 million in 2003 are expected to
RTP implementation on handset) reach 340 million by 2008.

! Core UMTS network including IMS (IP Multimedia

Subsystem)
! PoC Suit consisting of PoC Application Server,
4. Wireless LAN/UMTS Inter-
GLMS (Group and List Management Server)
working
! Presence Server: This is not a mandatory part of
Third generation mobile wireless systems offer
PoC network, but kept for future enhancements.
significantly higher data rates than do the 2nd
The presence server is explained in XXX (Need
generation of mobile systems. 3G systems can offer
add cross reference later)
near ubiquitous coverage with high mobility. The cost
! PoC enabled Clients (Will run on users PC and of spectrum and the system configuration to offer
connect to PoC & Presence server over the ubiquitous coverage results in high costs for deploying
Internet) 3G networks. Wireless LANs (WLANs), on the other
hand, offer significantly high data rates and operate in
free unlicensed spectrum.
Low cost and convenience drive push to talk
market growth. Push to talk cellular revenue expected
to be $84 million in 2003 is expected to reach $10.1

9
3G Release 6

WLAN provides a higher bandwidth (11 Mbps) at networks such as GPRS and WCDMA in order to
a much cheaper cost. With data rates between 11-54 provide seamless handover, e.g. a user’s device will
Mbit/s, a wireless LAN can replace wired LAN continue to work without loosing data while moving
networks; most major notebook vendors are between a 3G network and a WLAN network. Thus
embedding wireless LAN functionality in their laptops. users can get high Internet access rates from a WLAN
In addition to notebooks and traditional PDAs, several wherever available, while retaining connectivity (albeit
vendors have announced mobile phones supporting at a slower rate) as they move to a GRPS or WCDMA
both wireless LAN and cellular access. Data security is network.
based on 802.1x EAP (Extensible Authentication
Protocol) as well as TKIP (Temporary Key Integrity 5. Packet switched
Protocol) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for
encryption at the air interface. The flip side of WLAN
streaming services
is that the range of coverage provided is just 100 Streaming is a method of transferring data with
meters. real-time characteristics so that the recipient can start
viewing the presentation before the entire contents
WLAN/UMTS interworking solution aims to merge
have been received. Transparent end-to-end packet
the best of WLAN and UMTS in the consumer interest,
switched streaming service (PSS) is a specification
by providing higher data rate through WLAN and large
that defines a framework for an interoperable
coverage area through UMTS. Target users shall have
streaming service in 3GPP mobile networks. The
dual-mode devices. The basic concept of WLAN-UMTS
framework reuses work done by organizations like
interworking is to authenticate, account and bill users
IETF, W3C, ISO and ITU. Some notable new features
while enabling them to roam freely across WLANs and
are as follows:
cellular networks. This is achieved by reusing the
same billing, authentication and roaming mechanisms
that are available in cellular networks. Such solutions
can also be interworked with packet data based
S treaming
Client
Content
Content Servers
Cache
UMTS
GERAN Cor e Network
Gb
Gi
SGSN GG SN
IP Network
Iups

UTRAN

User and P ortals

terminal
S treaming profiles
Client

Fig4: PSS Architecture

10

5.1. End-to-end bit rate adaptation
End to End bit-rate adaptation enables the
streaming session to adapt to varying network
conditions. This is important as PSS could be
potentially used in networks with very difference
capabilities (WCDMA, EDGE, GPRS, QOS
guaranteed bit-rate or best effort). In addition, the
smooth operation of intra and especially inter-system
handovers can potentially benefit from bit-rate
adaptation. In the current suggested mechanism, the
streaming server is mainly responsible for adapting
the sampling (stream bit-rate) and transmission rate.
The client is responsible for providing the necessary
feedback to the server. The goal is to keep the
client pre-decoder buffer sufficiently full so that
no gaps occur in the audio or video playback.
Ideally, bit-rate adaptation can ensure smooth
and uninterrupted stream reception in most network
conditions. However, it also means that the audio
and/or video quality of the stream can change during
reception. It also requires that the same content is
available at several bit-rates, or that the server is able
to “thin” the stream (for example, by only transmitting
the key frames). The suggested implementation also
makes the streaming server more complex. Currently,
such techniques are implemented in fixed line
Internet.
5.2. Quality metrics
Quality metrics serve to enable the PSS servers to
receive client generated quality metrics, which could
be used to determine the quality of the client
experience and monitor the service for improvements.
The proposed metrics include information such as the
number of corruptions, lost packets, gaps in the
reception etc. Quality metrics are not intended to be
used for billing purposes.
5.3. Reliable streaming
Reliable streaming means the streaming with
reliable transport so that all the media is delivered to
the receiver. It can be seen as an intermediate form
between streaming and download:
with
! Delivers all the media without losses (download)
! Client can start viewing the presentation before
the entire contents have been transmitted
(streaming)
However, this is achieved by compromising real-
time, uninterrupted playback and favoring lossless
reception even if it causes more interruptions.
Therefore, reliable streaming is not particularly
suitable for live streams.
Several mechanisms for live streams have been
proposed: Progressive download (over HTTP), RTSP
tunneling (RTP interleaved with RTSP over TCP) and
resend mechanism. Currently, the relatively simple
progressive download has been selected.
5.4. Digital Rights Management
Services and capabilities specified by 3GPP allow
“content” (data, text, audio, video, etc.) to be
delivered by streaming or downloading, and played or
stored for future use on the mobile. Delivery methods
may include forwarding onward from the device. It is
essential to create a solution that will respect the
intellectual property rights of the content owners.
The objective is to specify a framework that will
support an interoperable, uniform, high-volume
market for the distribution of protected content.
Expression and enforcement of rights and rules -
digital rights management - is an essential component
of this distribution capability. In order for protected
distribution of content to be acceptable to consumers,

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3G Release 6
it must be transparent and non-intrusive, however
security of downloadable and or streaming content
must be preserved, i.e. it must not be possible to
“play” unauthorized copies.
5.5. New codecs
The H.263 (MPEG-4 AVC) video codec is being
considered for PSS Rel-6. Lately, Microsoft also
proposed the Windows Media 9 video codec for this
purpose. A madatory audio codec is also being
considered. The current audio codec contenders in the
lower bit-rate (12-32 kbps) range are aacPlus (MPEG-
4 HE-AAC) and extended AMR-WB. The current audio
codec contenders in the higher bit-rate range (>
32kbps) range are aacplus and MPEG-4 AAC.
6. Multimedia
Broadcast/Multicast
Service (MBMS)
MBMS provides an unidirectional point
multipoint bearer service in which data is transmitted
from a single source entity to multiple recipients. It is
anticipated that other services will use these bearer
capabilities. There are two modes of operation:
The multicast/broadcast mode allows
unidirectional point-to-multipoint transmission
multimedia data (e.g. text, audio, picture, video) from
a single source point to a multicast group in a
multicast/broadcast service area.
multicast/broadcast mode is intended to efficiently use
radio/network resources e.g. data is transmitted over
a common radio channel. Data is transmitted in the
multicast/broadcast service area as defined by the
network
6.1. Broadcast mode
The broadcast mode should not be confused with
the existing Cell Broadcast service (CBS) which is
currently used for low bit rate services (messaging)
whilst the broadcast mode enables the broadcast of
multimedia services (Audio, Video etc). As not all
12
users attached to the network may wish to receive
these messages then the user shall be able to
enable/disable the reception of these broadcast
service on his UE. The broadcast mode differs from
the multicast mode in that there is no specific
requirement to activate or subscribe to the MBMS in
broadcast mode. It is expected that charging data for
the end user will not be generated for this mode. The
reception of the traffic in the broadcast mode is not
guaranteed. The receiver may be able to
recognize data loss.
6.2. Multicast mode
In the multicast mode there is the possibility for
the network to selectively transmit to cells within the
multicast service area which contain members of a
multicast group.
Unlike the broadcast mode, the multicast mode
generally requires a subscription to the multicast
subscription group and then the user joining the
to corresponding multicast group. The subscription and
group joining may be made by the PLMN operator,
the user or a third party on their behalf (e.g.
company). Unlike the broadcast mode, it is expected
that charging data for the end user will be generated
for this mode.
the
of The BM-SC is an MBMS data source. MBMS data
may be scheduled in the BM-SC, e.g. for transmission
to the user every hour. It offers interfaces over that
The content provider can request data delivery to users.
 Content
Provider

Gi

Gn/Gp Gi

Mutlicast /
Broadcast
SGSN GGSN Source

Iu Gi

Content
UE UTRAN BM-SC Provider

Uu
PDN
Fig5: MBMS Interfaces
cost. 3G operators can share networks at various
levels.
3GPP has not standardized specific end user
services using MBMS. Some of the typical end user At the most basic level, 3G operators can share

applications using MBBS include reliable text antenna sites. Such a sharing would typically involve

distribution for local news, text and text with low the sharing of antenna space, equipment housing,

quality video for local area information, video and and power supply equipment, and could include the

audio distribution in a local area, stereo audio sharing of the site premises equipment, including

distribution and software download for UE software antenna, transmission and transmission management

upgrade. resources. In this basic arrangement, cost savings are

7. Network sharing
This feature is ideally meant for 3G operators
who are having a difficult time upholding his network
due to
- High cost of spectrum
- High cost of Network equipment (Node B, RNC,
etc.)
- Pressure for early operating profit generation
- Model for revenue generation through data
realized in construction, annual rents, site acquisition,
operational costs, transmission and transmission
management and radio network planning.
At the next level, 3G operators can share radio
access network (RAN), while maintaining separate
core networks. Each operator maintains its individual
cells with separate frequency and a separate mobile
network code (MNC). Operators share the base
transceiver station (BTS) and radio network controller
(RNC), while maintaining separate home location
registers (HLRs), mobile switching centres
(MSCs), and other parts of the core network.

Under such situation, by sharing networks, 3G

operators can reduce time to market and deployment

13
3G Release 6

In another arrangement, 3G operators share the allows operators, who don’t have the license, to
core network, while maintaining separate radio access provide 3G services.
networks.

8. Presence

Core N/W "Presence" is the concept whereby users make

Operator A + B themselves "visible" or "invisible" to other parties of
their choice, allowing services to be offered. It is
envisioned that some of the advanced multimedia
service will use the presence service.

The presence service allows users to subscribe to

RAN Operator A RAN Operator B each other and be notified of changes in state. The
subscriber provides PRESENCE INFORMATION to be
stored and distributed. Other subscribers can receive
PRESENCE INFORMATION from the service. The
At the next level, 3G operators can divide the presence service is particularly useful for subscribers
geographic areas of a country and build compatible who wish to remain in touch at all times and are using
networks in their respective territories. Each operator an increasing range of device and networks. In
has his own WCDMA network, but allows the others' essence, the presence service, provides access to an
customers to roam into his networks. individual subscribers network-wide mobility
independent of the network and terminal device
through which the user is connected, in order to
enable seamless delivery of services in a manner that
Core N/W Core N/W is appropriate and customized to the subscriber.
Operator A + B Operator A + B

9. HSS Initiatives
HSS became the first protocol stack vendor to
market 3GPP Release 5 compliant software
RAN Operator A RAN Operator B components for 2.5G and 3G networks. This
reaffirmed our commitment to comply with evolving
standards, thus giving the Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) significant 'time-to-market'
advantage while allowing them to focus on their core
Each 3G operator should visualize his needs competency. HSS has been keeping up with the fast
(short term and long term) before choosing an
emerging changes and up-gradations in the 3GPP
infrastructure sharing solution. Site sharing &
specifications with respect to Release 6.
Geographical split can be viewed as long term
solutions while UTRAN sharing or CN sharing are HSS has carried out study in the field of MBMS.
short-term solutions. Network sharing also We published a paper on UTRAN Architecture for
Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS). This

14
paper describes the key requirements and overall switched streaming service 3GPP TS 26.233
working of a MBMS service. It also lists possible V5.0.0
UTRAN architectures at various interfaces for this 2. Technical Specification Group Services and
service.
System Aspects; Network architecture 3GPP TS
HSS has initiated the development of a W-GSN. 23.002
This solution lets cellular operators build a complete 3. “Interface UMTS Release 6 and Circuit Switched
WLAN network with roaming capabilities amongst
(CS) Networks” Artemios Andreou, Nigel Linge &
sites and with its own / other cellular networks. The
Nigel Holland
network built can either cooperate or compete with
local cellular networks based on commercial 4. “Packet Switched Streaming Service White Paper”
considerations. Each WLAN site would have one W- TeliaSonera Finland MediaLab.
GSN controlling multiple access points. The number of
subscribers registered at any one time in each site will
not exceed a few thousand. This makes it possible to
reuse HSS’ GSN-Lite (a Linux PC based combined
SGSN and GGSN) as a W-GSN node. This solution
uses standard cellular authentication.

10. Conclusion

In view of the explosive growth of wireless

communication over recent decades and the lead-time
required for the introduction of new technologies, the
time has come to develop a clear perspective of
wireless services and systems. The new vision should
exploit two complementary approaches: one based on
evolution through a “network-centric view” and the
other based on the recently introduced “user-centric
view”. The “person to person” communication
needs to be enhanced to include “person to
machine” and “machine to machine” networking for
ubiquitous connectivity to Internet and Multimedia
Services.

11. References

1. Technical Specification Group Services and

System Aspects; Transparent End-to-End packet

15
 Hughes Software Systems
Plot 31, Electronic City, Sector 18, Gurgaon 122 015, India
Tel: +91-124-6346666, 6455555 Fax: +91-124-6455150, 6348931
HSS USA, East Coast HSS Europe
Germantown Milton Keynes, UK
Tel: +1-240-453-2498 Tel: +44-1908-221122
Boston Germany
Tel: +1-617-547-6377 Tel: +49-6155-844-274
Dallas Finland
Tel: +1-972-517-3345 Tel: +358 40 8290977

HSS USA, West Coast HSS India

San Jose Gurgaon
Tel: +1-408-436-4604 Tel: +91-124-6455555; 6346666
Los Angeles Bangalore
Tel: +1-323-571-0032; 571-0114 Tel: +91-80-2286390

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