Notes GSM Radio Network Overview:

During my study / preparation for ETCP Exam, these Notes were made on
GSM Network. It will Overview below learning objectives, and may it will be
useful for those who are seeking fast highlights on the GSM Radio Network
node functions & features.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the Radio Network components, their functions, features and required
specifications
2. Outline Ericssons product portfolio CORE nodes, Access network, and transport network
(connecting them).
2.1 Explain Core nodes function in brief
2.2 Explain that the BSC controls the radio resources for the RBS
_ Call Flow
_ Outline the main working functions of a BSC, TRC and RBS
_ List the different versions of RBSs (2000 Series)
2.3 Outline Transmission (MINI-Link)

1. Describe the Radio Network components, their functions, features and required
specifications

_ Radio Network provides full Duplex (UL/DL) Transmission system, by providing Frequency
Band on Air Interface.
_ Ericsson Freq. Bands (GSM900, 800, 1800, 1900)
_ The Bands are divided in equal BW carriers, each one provide 8 TS available to serve 8
different users
_ The Users can be mobile Transferring (CS/PS) Data or system transferring control info.
_ Air Interfaces (TS) are resources managed by BSC system through Base Stations, but SS is
responsible for switching of calls
_ Both BSS & SS are managed by OSS
_ BSS = BTS + BSC + TRC
_ SS contain (CS & PC), but traditionally SS was used to denote the CS calls. Therefore PS
calls are treated separately in GPRS Sub-Network.
_ Database Nodes in SS (for CS & PS)= VLR + HLR+ AUC +EIR +FND
_ In order to enhance usability of GSM Network, some additional Item are connected such as
IN, Service center, Billing GW, SMS-C, GPRS Sub-Network, PSTN, PLMN, ISDN
_ GPRS support PS calls in GSM Network, SGSN & GGSN handle PS call
_ GPRS & SS sharing BSS resources, TS on Air can be used freely upon request.
_ Every Network needs a specific structure to route incoming calls to correct exchange.. GSM
network structure in form of cells..(Cellular network)
_ The basic unit in Cellular system is CELL, Cell: is the area of radio coverage given by BS
antenna system.
_ Each cell is assigned unique number (Cell Global Identity CGI)
_ Group of cells = LA (Location Area)
_ LA of Subscribers is stored in VLR
_ Group of LA= MSC Service Area, controlled by one MSC

_ MSC service area stored in HLR

_ PLMN : Public Land Mobile Network Service Area = coverage area for one network operator

2. Outline Ericssons product portfolio CORE nodes, Access network, and

transport network (connecting them).

_ GSM System Architecture is divided horizontally into 3 layers (Application, control and
connectivity)
_ MSS is combination of 2 nodes (MSC-Server & M-MGW)
_ MSC-Server (Control Layer)/handle the network signaling and intelligence for setting up &
tearing down & monitoring of CS calls.
_ M-MGW (Connectivity Layer)/handles processing & transport of the CS call traffic & inter
connection to external network such as PS & PLMNs and international Telecom Net.
_ Connectivity Layer is based on (IP) & ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode Protocol).
_ Ericssons product portfolio is divided into CORE nodes, Access network, and transport
network (connecting them).

2.1 Explain Core nodes function in berife

_ Core Nodes: MSC, M-MGW, GMSC, SGSN, GGSN.
_ GMSC:
>Routs the call to Sub. By obtaining routing info. From the HLR.
>Based on incoming info. From HLR, GMSC sent call set up request to MSC
_ MGW is responsible to switch this call from PSTN/BSC to BSC
_ MSC:
Handles control layer functions related to circuit mode communication services within a
layered architecture environment
>Mobility management and connection management services
>Transit switching
>Getway Switching/ Service Switching

>Signaling transfer

_ SGSN:
Forwards incoming and outgoing IP packets address to/from a mobile station attached to its
Service area.
>Packet routing and transfer to/from SGSN service Area.
>Ciphering and Authentication
>Session management/ mobility management
>Logical Link management towards MS
>Connection to HLR, MSC, BSC, SMS-GMSC, GGSN
>Output of charging Data.
_ GGSN:
Provide connectivity to IP & Data Network and responsible for resolution of IP address used
by MSs own IP address.
>Router interfaces towards external network (IP Packet)
>GPRS session management & communication set up towards external network.
>Associating the subscriber to the right SGSN of traffic
>Output of charging (GGSN collect charging info. for each MS.
_ FNR:
>Flexible allocation of mobile number (MSISDN)
>Mobile number portability functions (to MS retain the MSISDN when changing the Operator)
_ HLR:
Manage subscribers profile, location and activity
>Authentication process (for Subscribers and the network)
>Security signaling and user data
>Roaming restrictions
>Monitoring of call forwarding restrictions

>Remote control equipment

_ OSS:
Network operators monitors and controls the network through OSS
>Uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI) enabling easier system use and network
management
>Control all main network elements + BTS through BSCs

2.2 Explain that the BSC controls the radio resources for the RBS

_ Access Nodes: BSC, TRC, RBS (BTS/NodeB)

_ BSS:
Setting up, maintaining and terminating radio connections toward the terminals
_ BTS:
Handles radio interface to the MS (Contain: radio equipment antenna + transceiver + cluster
of autonomous TRXs)
_ Software stored and executed in the TRX is controlled, loaded and upgraded by BSC
_ BSC:
Handles radio related functions>Configuration of network and handling the connections to
MSs including HO.
>Administration of resources in BSS
>Supervision of BTS
>Connection handling of MS
>Locating and Handover
>Administration of Paging
>Transmission network management
>Operation and Maintenance of BSS
>Voice codding if TRC is in same node with BSC

_ TRC:
Multiplexers network traffic channels to multiple BSSs onto One 64Kbits/s PCM channel
>Provide transcoding of speech & rate adaption of the data

_ End user:
>TE: Terminal Equipment> used for GPRS system to transmit & receive end user Packet
Data.
>> GPRS provides IP connectivity btw the TE & an ISP or corporate LAN, connected to the
GPRS system
>MT: Mobile Terminal>communicate with TE & over the air with BTS
>> MT is used in conjunction with GPRS, should be equipped with SW for GPRS functionality
>> MT established link to an SGSN
_ TE +MT=MS

_ MS can operate on 3 different modes

1. Class A mode of operation: allows an MS to have a CS connection at same time PS
2. Class B mode: allows MS to be attached to both CS & PS but cant use both at same time.
3. Class C mode: allows an MS only to be attached to one service at a time.

_ Sub. Identity Module (SIM): Contain info. about subscriber

_ The info in SIM:
>Fixed Data ,before it is soled ex. (IMSI, Auth. Key, Security Algorithm)
>Temporary Net. Data ex. (Location area of the subscriber & forbidden PLMNs)
>Service Data ex. (language preference & advice of charge)

_ Call Flow..

*Call Flow (CS call from MS/ or PSTN)

1. MS ask for signaling channel (to express its request)
2. BSC manage the signaling channel
3. BSC/TRC allocate TS for signaling
4. MS sent the request (call setup) to MSC/VLR
5. MSC/VLR instruct BSC/TRC to allocate idle Air interface TS
6. The RBS & MS are told to tune TCH
7. MSC/VLR forwards the called party number , B-number, to exchange PSTN
8. The connection is established (if B-number answer)

*PS Call flow

Several users share one traffic channel & the user pays for the amount of transmission data.
1. MS attached to Net. For using GPRS service
2. User registers with SGSN
3. SGSN checks if the MS is Authenticated, copy user profile from HLR, & assigns a
Packet Data Protocol Address (PDP)
4. MS applies for PDP address used in the PDN
PDP Context describes
>PDP type, PDP address, Request QoS, and Address of GGSN which is the access
point for PDN
5. GGSN map PDP address to GSM address, **One user may have several PDP contexts
achive at a given time.

_ During a mobile PS originating call

>MS sent the DATA to BSC , BSC send to SGSN request for registering, then through M-MGW
SGSN contact GGSN, then GGSN contact the HOST.
*In case of MT (Mobile Terminating Call), same process will take place from HOST, there can
be more than one PLMNs.
_ BSC: Management & Configuration of cells & the radio network, it contain: CP (Control the
AXE, its controls & communicate the application HW through (RPs), ETC (Exchange Terminal
Circuit, to connect BSC to BTS & MSC/VLR), ETC Board provide an E1/T1 PCM interface.
** Component of BSS:
1. GS (Group Switch): connect an incoming channel with outgoing channel, It can switch
64kbps only , lower bit rate the Sub-rate Switch is used.
2. TRC: Speech coding & rate adaption done here.
>During the Call: BSC instruct TRC to allocate a TRA device for the call.
>TRC confirm the allocation of TRA , which BSC will control
>the HW where the function (allocating TRA) is implemented is called TRAB (Transcoder &
Rate Adaption Board)
>From MSC (Incoming 64Kbps) sent through GS to TRA. Four 64Kbps channels are
transcoded to 16Kbps & Multiplexed onto 64Kbps channel, and then sent out via GS to RBS
on A-bis (PCM)
3. TRA : Transcodes speech at 64kbps from MSC to 13Kbps & send it to RBS, enabling 4
compresses channels to be multiplexed onto 64kbps channel. Additional control info. 3Kbps
for FR & EFR in added to 13 kbps,then sent to RBS.
> Max. Data Rate at GSM per TS is 9.6kbps
>In HSCSD its higher since MS used more TSs
4. DXU (Discontinues Transmission), reduce the interface in the network & save battery in
the mobile.
5. TRH (Transceiver Handler), required to control RBS & Transceivers.
>Handling the signaling Link (LAPD) btw BSC-BTS
>Handling Logical Channel addressing part of signaling to/from BTS,MS
>Process measurement data from BTS & MSs
6. SRS(Subrate Switch): Allow connection of rate lower than 64Kbps
>MSC(One link 64Kbps)>GS(one 64kbps)>TRA(one =4*16Kbps)>GS>SRS > the data lower
than 64kbps will go to BTS1 & 2 through GS ,SRS will distribute them..

7. PCU (Packet Control Unit): responsible for GPRS packet data radio resource management
in BSS
>Handling A-bis & Gb interfaces (for packet data call set up)
>Consists of CP & RP + RPP
>Function of RPP is to distribute PCU frames btw Gb & Abis
>PCU connect Gb via GS & A-bis via GS & SRS

**BTS contain: Antenna System, Radio Frequency, Power Amplifier, & Digital Sugnaling eq
_All these work on given pair of freq. one for Tx & one for Rx Signals.

_RBS2000 replaceable units (RUs), such as (DXU, dTRU, CDU, CXU,PSU)

1. DXU: serves as central Main CPU Unit node.
>there is one DXU per RBS
>Provides RBS with an interface to transport Net. Through 4 Fixed E1/T1 transport port.
>Handle incoming traffic, controls & supervises info. & send it to its destination within RBS.
>Provide freq. reference signals & timing signals for circuit within RBS.
>Stores & execute RBS SW (Stored on a removable flash card)
>Controls the climate & power system
2. dTRU: 2-TRX replaceable unit
>Transmits and receives one carrier
>Different versions of dTRU available based on (Freq. Band, & Modulation Capability)
>Features a built-in hybrid combiner
>2Tx & 4Rx (2Rx antenna terminals are used for 2-branch diversityreception)
3. CDU: the Combiner Distribution Unit
>enable connection of 2 Tx Signals to 2 antennas
>Tx signals can be 2 combined signals or uncombined.
>provide simultaneous transmission & reception on each antenna.
>Amplifies 2Rx signals from 2 antennas for further distribution in the Configuration Switch
Unit (CXU)

4. PSU: Power Supply Unit

>AC & DC Communication with DXU
>Handles Alarms
>Adjusts voltage
>Provides power limitations
6. CXU: Connection Switch Unit
>Cross connects the CDU & dTRU in the Rx path (makes it possible to reconfigure a cabinet
with minimum of moving or replacing of RX cables)
>CXU is used in RBS2X06 only
>Multi-Band Product
>Support both GMSK & 8-PSK
>One CXU can support up to 3 CDUs

RBS 2000 Series:

* RBS2000series have reduced the Net. Traffic problem to a large extend
>RBS2106 (outdoor), RBS2206 (intdoor), RBS2308, and RBS2116

*RBS2X06:
>Support an almost unlimited number of cell/site TRX configuration
>Decrease of total cost of ownership (TCO), [Reliability, Simplicity, & Maintainability]
>Wide Range of RBS configurations & flexible expansions on existing installation [coverage,
capacity, &environmental requirements]

*RBS2308 (Micro-Base Station)

>3 time capacity than RBS2302
>Available for 4freq. band
>4 carriers per cabinet, output power 34dBm [800/900], 33,5dBm [1800/1900]
>support EDGE & GPRS
>No Footprint

>Both Indoor /Outdoor

>easy & Fast to install
>Support capacity growth upto 12TRX [through extension cabinets]
>silent in operation from -33C to +45C

*RBS2216/2116
>High capacity, high performance [indoor/outdoor]
>Complete indoor 12carrier GSM site on 0,24m foot print, & 24 carrier RBS on 0,24m foot
print.
>Improve Tx output power, fewer sites needed (simplified to rollout , & reduce cost of
operations)

2.3 Outline Transmission (MINI-Link)

**BSS: transport network is TDM based; Transmission HUBs are applied to multiplex the traffic from several RBS
sites on a transmission link towards BSC/TRC

*Transmission Eq. (MINI DXC), (DXX), (MINI-Link)

*MINI-Link: suit cellular applications, because of it, flexibility, concerning capacity, configurations, & space
required.
>Provide medium capacity- link for any network.
>Fast deployment in all project phases
>It can be used anywhere within network.. where 1 to 17 2Mbps transmission lines are required
>Quickly mounted on existing building or structure (as per required)

*Family Nodes (MINI Link E, MINI Link HC, MINI Link TN)
*MINI Link E:
several terminals can be integrated into one common access module.
>Traffic routing & rerouting within a network can be performed with minimum external cables. Divided into 2
(indoor & outdoor)
>Indoor: Access module is fully independent of frequency band & supplied diff versions traffic capacities,
modulation schemes, & system configuration

>Outdoor: Fully independent of traffic capacity & supplied for various freq. Bands. Consist of (Antenna, RAU, &
Associated installation HW)

*MINI-Link HC (Outdoor/Indoor Unit)

>Microwave for voice & data
>Quality & Speed are key characteristics
>It provide High level of redundancy

*MINI Link TN (Network Element)

>From HW installation point view, there is (Indoor and outdoor part)
>Indoor part (Access Modulation Magazine (AMM), Access Termination Unit (ATU))
*NE with AMM contain 2 parts from functional & configuration point of view (this does not apply to NE with ATU):
1. Basic Node: Holds system platform providing traffic & system control ex. Traffic routing, multiplexing protecting
mechanisms and management functions & the radio terminals
2. Radio Terminal: provide microwave Tx from 2x2 to 32x2 Mbps operating within 6 to 36GHz freq. band.