Idle Mode Behaviour

PLAN
Introduction

Cell selection algorithm

Cell reselection algorithm

Location Update

Introduction
Mobile unit can be in two modes :

Idle: listening
Dedicated: sending/receiving

MS that does not have a dedicated channel allocated is defined as
being in idle mode.
When a mobile is powered on, it immediately attempts to make
contact with a GSM Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).
Automatically or manually
The MS will look for and select a suitable cell of the chosen PLMN
It will then tune to the control channel of the cell to receive
information about the available services provided by the PLMN.
Try to camp on the best cell according to a signal strength based
criterion
It must also be able to register its current location to the network so
that the network knows where to route incoming calls.


Mechanism of
PLMN selection
Cell selection algorithm
Location updating procedure
Idle Mode Behaviour
processes
Cell reselection algorithm
The MS select a PLMN
MS will select a PLMN ??
Powered on
Lack of coverage
Step1: try to select and register to the last registered PLMN(if one
exists)
Step2: If there is no last registered PLMN, or if it is unavailable, the
MS will try to select another PLMN (automatically or manually)
The automatic mode utilises a list of PLMNs in an order of priority
The manual mode leaves the decision to the user.
If a registration on a PLMN is successful, the MS shows this PLMN
on its display and it is now capable of making and receiving calls.
Mechanism of PLMN selection
Try to find the most suitable cell of the selected PLMN.
MS is in idle mode :make measurements on the BCCH-carriers of serving
and neighbouring cells to decide on which cell to camp on.
BCCH: system information: LAI,list frequency used in the cell, list
frequency to be measured by the MS, initial transmission power to be
used by the MS,ATT,CRO,T3212
Normal cell selection & stored list cell selection

Normal cell selection : The MS will select the suitable cell:
A cell is considered suitable if:
it belongs to the selected PLMN
it is not barred
it does not belong to a location area included in the list of "forbidden location
areas for roaming
the cell selection criterion is fulfilled

MS will search all RF channels in its supported frequency band
Take measurement samples of the received RF signal strength(5 samples per
RF carrier spread evenly over a 3 to 5 second period)
Calculate the received average level for each.








Cell selection algorithm
Cell selection algorithm
Determines whether this carrier is a BCCH carrier(FCCH: frequency
correction channel: searching for the frequency correction burst ).
If the carrier is BCCH:
MS stays tuned to that carrier to read the Synchronization Channel (SCH)
for the Base Station Identity Code (BSIC), the BCCH for the system
information messages(Balist).
MS camps on it and performs all registrations necessary.


Cell selection algorithm
stored list cell selection

The MS may include optional storage of the BA list when it is powered off.
This information is stored in the card SIM
Use normal selection
BCCH carriers in the list will be scanned

Cell selection criteria(C1>0):

C1 = (received average signal level - ACCMIN ) - max(CCHPWR - P, 0)

where:
ACCMIN : is the cell parameter that indicates the minimum received signal level. (TT: 110
macro cell and 100 micro cell)
CCHPWR : is the maximum transmitting power an MS may use when accessing the
system. (TT: 33dBm for GSM 900 and 30dBm for GSM1800)
P : is the maximum power output of the MS according to its class.










The purpose of camping on a cell is :
it enables the MS to receive system information from the
network.
The MS can initiate a call by accessing the network on
the Random Access Channel (RACH) of the cell on which
it is camped.
The network will know the location area of the cell in
which the MS is camped.
Cell selection algorithm
Cell reselection algorithm
The MS continuously monitors:

all neighbouring BCCH carriers
the BCCH carrier of the serving cell

At least five received signal level measurement samples are
required for each defined neighbouring cell.

All system information messages sent on BCCH must be read at
least once every 30 seconds in order to monitor changes in cell
parameters.

The MS also attempts to decode the BSIC parameter for each of the
six strongest surrounding cells at least every 30 seconds





Cell reselection algorithm
C2 = C1 + CRO - TO * H ( PT - T ) for PT 31
C2 = C1 - CRO for PT = 31
Where:

H(x) = 0, x < 0
1, x >=0

CRO: cell reselection offset
PT: is the time period during which a negative offset is given to C2 of a cell after
an MS has put it on the list of the strongest cells.
TO: applies a temporary negative offset to C2 for the duration of PT
T:timer is initiated from zero when the MS places the neighbouring cell on the list
of the six strongest carriers.
T will be reset to zero whenever the cell is no longer on that list.
Cell reselection criteria:
Cell reselection algorithm
The MS continuously recalculates the value of C1 and C2 for the
serving and neighbouring cells when a new measurement has been
made.
It will reselect and camp on another cell if any of the following
criteria is satisfied:
- Serving cell becomes barred.
- MS has unsuccessfully tried to access the network
(MAXRET)
-C1s<0 for 5s
-the value of C2ns> C2s for 5s.

Note: However, if the new cell belongs to a different location area, a
cell reselection hysteresis parameter, CRH, also applies.

Location updating procedure
The network must know where the MS is located
3 type of location update: Normal, periodic registration and IMSI attach

Normal:

Normal location updating is initiated by the MS when it detects that it has entered a new location area.

Periodic registration :

To reduce unnecessary paging of a mobile that has left the coverage area, has run out of battery power or
for any other reason has the wrong status in the MSC/VLR.
Parameter that contol: T3212(timeout value)
broadcast to the MS in the system information messages
The interval ranges between 6min (T3212 = 1) and 25.5 hours (T3212 = 255)
TT: ( T3212=40 4H)
The periodic registration timer is implemented in the MS



Location updating procedure
The IMSI attach/detach :
Operation is an action taken by an MS to indicate to the network that it
has entered into idle mode/inactive state
MS is powered on, an IMSI attach message is sent to the MSC/VLR
MS is powered off, an IMSI detach message is sent
A flag is set in VLR in order to indicate the present state of a certain MS
ATT parameter
Broadcasted by the serving cell in the system information messages, will
inform the MS whether or not it is requested to send a message to the
system every time it is turned on or off.

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