Introduction to 3G/UMTS Signalling and Interfaces

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Module topics
Introduction to 3G/UMTS signalling Transport layer signalling and interfaces Control layer signalling and interfaces User layer signalling and interfaces Summarised function of the 3G/UMTS interfaces

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Bearer & Signalling

MSC WCDMA BTS RNC

3G SGSN

UE
Uu

BTS
Iub/Iur

RNC
Iu

Core Network

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Keypoint: Define signalling - Communication between different network elements, control processes, enable bearers/communication. Signalling protocols - standardised set of rules on how the communication should take place, what messages to exchange, etc.

3G/UMTS Session Management

UE

RAN

CN

dio Ra

s ces Ac

are Be

RANAP Connection

Packet Network

Packet Data Service Speech Service Video Service

RRC Connection

Radio Access Bearer Radio Access Bearer

RANAP Connection

Circuit Switched Network

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Key points: RAB - Radio Access Bearer = service connection between the terminal and the core network. User plane = User Data. Signalling links are used to inform the different network elements on how to control the Radio Resource Connection.

3G network structure
Application Stratum Serving Stratum Access Stratum

User Data Signalling Protocol ATM

BS
USIM MT

RNC

Core Network Domains:

- MSC & GMSC (Circuit Switched) - SGSN & GGSN (Packet Switched)

Stratum is collection of protocols

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The different Stratums: - Access Stratum: Message Flows, rules and procedures on how to establish the connection between the MT and the network (RNC). - Serving Stratum: Signalling messages that are used to enable/establish services (bearer setup). - Application Stratum: High-layer stratum, which contains signalling procedures to enable the usage of applications. When connecting to external networks (such as the Internet), the protocols and procedures must of course be supported all the way between the end-points. Compare this with the serving stratum and application stratum, which are both defined internally in the UMTS network. 3GPP 23.101.

OSI model
Application Stratum
User Data Control Data

Serving Stratum

Application Layer Application Layer Presentation Layer Presentation Layer Session Layer Session Layer User Plane Control Plane Transport Layer Transport Layer Network Layer Data (Link) Layer Physical Layer

Access Stratum
Transport Plane
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General protocol model for UTRAN terrestrial interfaces

Used for all 3G specific control signalling such as setting up bearers to the UE All UTRAN-related issues are visible only in the radio network layer - RANAP in Iu - RNSAP in Iur - NBAP in Iub - etc. Used for all control signalling within the transport network layer

Radio Network Layer Transport Network Layer

Control Plane Application Protocol Transport Network User Plane Transport Network Control Plane ALCAP(s) Signalling Bearer(s)

User Plane Data Stream(s) Transport Network User Plane

Always set up by O&M

Signalling Bearer(s)

Data Bearer(s)

Used to set up and tear down data bearers for the user plane

Physical Transmission layer

Always set up by O&M ALCAP

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Access Link Control Application Part

The protocol structures in UTRAN terrestrial interfaces (Iu, Iur, Iub) are designed according to the same general protocol model. The structure is based on the principle that the layers and planes are logically independent of each other and, if needed, parts of the protocol structure may be changed in the future while other parts remain intact. Horizontal Layers The protocol structure consists of two main layers, the Radio Network Layer and the Transport Network Layer. All UTRAN related issues are visible only in the Radio Network Layer. The Transport Network Layer represents standard transport technology that is selected to be used for the UTRAN but without any UTRAN specific changes. Vertical Planes Control Plane The Control Plane is used for all UMTS specific control signalling. It includes the Application Protocol (i.e. RANAP in Iu, RNSAP in Iur, NBAP in Iub) and the Signalling Bearer for transporting the Application Protocol messages. The Application Protocol is used, among other things, for setting up bearers to the UE (i.e. the Radio Access Bearer in Iu and subsequently the Radio Link in Iur and Iub). The Signalling Bearer for the Application Protocol is always set-up by O&M actions.

Transport plane (Access Stratum)

Defines how physical connection is established between the mobile terminal and the network In the Uu interface, WCDMA/FDD is used In the UTRAN interfaces, ATM will be used: - Iub - Iur - Iu-CS, Iu-PS
Access Stratum
USIM
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MT

BS

RNC
CN

Synchronous and Asynchronous Multiplexing

A A

B C

Synchronous Multiplexing

Asynchronous Multiplexing

Asynchrounous Multiplexing can utilise the transmission capacity more flexibly ATM provides a "bit pipe" by providing Virtual Circuits
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Why is the ATM selected as a transport network in 3G?

ATM provides efficient support for transmission of voice, data, and video ATM provides QoS guarantee and reliability ATM utilises statistical multiplexing, so less bandwidth can be reserved transmission cost saving are considerable ATM supports the soft handover functionality

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ATM cell
53 bytes Header 5 bytes Payload 48 bytes

Always the same payload - 48 bytes (octets) Overhead is almost 9.5%, due to the 5-octet header Can carry any type of information Two types of ATM cells
ATM UNI (User-Network Interface) cell; used for communication

between ATM endpoints and ATM switches

ATM NNI (Network-Node Interface) cell; used for

communication between ATM switches

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Virtual Path, Virtual Channel, Transmission Path

Virtual Channel = Virtual Circuit Virtual Paths = Logical grouping of Virtual Circuits an ATM switch can perform operations on groups of Virtual Circuits Transmission Path = A bundle of Virtual Paths
ATM Cell

Virtual Path (VP)

Virtual Channel (VC)

Virtual Channel

Virtual Path
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Virtual Path is a semi-permanent connection simultaneously handling many virtual connections/channels. Actual data is transferred in ATM cells over the Virtual Channels A group of Virtual paths between two network elements forms a Transmission Path.

Transmission Path, VP, VC and ATM Cell

ATM Cell

Virtual Channel (VC) Virtual Path Transmission path

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ATM resource management (Iu-CS)

- VPI - VPL service level: VP/VC - usage e.g. MTP3SL, AAL2UD, IPOAM, AAL2SL, DNBAP, CNBAP - service category: CBR/UBR - traffic and QoS parameters

2 Access profile of ATM interface

- max bandwidth - max VPI/VCI bits - max VPC/VCC

3 4
VCLtp

O&M traffic (UBR, IPOAM)

VPLtp,

VPLtp,

VCLtp

- VCI - service category - traffic and QoS parameters

ATM logical interface

ATM logical interface

RNC

Signalling traffic (CBR, MTP3SL)

MGW

VPLtp, VPLtp,

VPLtp,

VCLtp
VCLtp

VCLtp

For RANAP, AAL2 (MTP3SL) signalling

User traffic (CBR, AAL2UD)

VCLtp

VPLtp,

- interface id - UNI / NNI - IMAGR/PET/ SET

User traffic

VCLtp

VCLtp

User traffic

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ATM UNI cell header - Content

8 7
GFC VPI

3
VPI VCI

Header (5 bytes)
VCI

VCI PT HEC CLP

Payload (48 bytes)

Payload

GFC VPI VCI

Generic Flow Control Virtual Path Identifier Virtual Channel Identifier

PT CLP HEC

Payload Type Cell Loss Priority Header Error Control

CLP: Indicates the first bit cell should cell contains user data or control data. If PT: Indicates inwhether the whether thebe discarded if there is congestion in the HEC:Provides local functions, such the headernext destination of a cell as it passes VPI: In conjunction with the VCI, on as identifying multiple stations that share a VCI: GFC Calculates checksum only identifies the itself. VPI, network. If the CLP bit equals 1, the cell should be the third in preference to cells user data, the second bit indicates congestion, anddiscardedbit indicates whether Any cell thatinterface. header error on the way used and is set to the network. through a series of ATM switches typically notto its destination.byits default value. single ATM fails the This field is check is instantly discarded with the CLP last in a to zero. the cell is the bit equal series of cells that represent a single AAL5 frame.
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Generic Flow Control (GFC) Provides local functions, such as identifying multiple stations that share a single ATM interface. This field is typically not used and is set to its default value. Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) In conjunction with the VCI, identifies the next destination of a cell as it passes through a series of ATM switches on the way to its destination. Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI) In conjunction with the VPI, identifies the next destination of a cell as it passes through a series of ATM switches on the way to its destination. Payload Type (PT) Indicates in the first bit whether the cell contains user data or control data. If the cell contains user data, the second bit indicates congestion, and the third bit indicates whether the cell is the last in a series of cells that represent a single AAL5 frame. Congestion Loss Priority (CLP) Indicates whether the cell should be discarded if there is congestion in the network. If the CLP bit equals 1, the cell should be discarded in preference to cells with the CLP bit equal to zero. Header Error Control (HEC) Calculates checksum only on the header itself. Any cell that fails the header error check is instantly discarded by the network.

ATM protocol layers

AAL ATM ADAPTATION LAYER ATM LAYER PHYSICAL LAYER

Physical layer defines the transmission medium. ATM layer inserts and extracts the cell header. It also takes care of multiplexing and switching of cells. AAL maps user data from higher layer into standard ATM cells to be transported over an ATM network. It also collects information from ATM cells for delivery to higher layers.
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ATM layer functions

User data Convergence Sublayer (CS)

AAL Segmentation and Reassembly Sublayer (SAR)

48 bytes

ATM Layer

Header

Payload

Header

Payload

5 bytes 48 bytes

Physical Layer

Transmission Convergence (TC) Physical Medium Dependent (PMD)

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Header

Payload

Scramble frame and adapts the signals to the optical or electrical transmission medium

SDH O/H

STM-1 Frame

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ATM Adaptation Layer

A
Bit Rate Source & Dest. Connection Constant Synchronised Connection Oriented

ATM Service Classes B C

Variable

Not Synchronised Connection oriented or connectionless

Typical Use

Fixed Connection

Video & Audio AAL2

Frame Relay

IP Services

AAL

AAL1

AAL3/4
ATM Layer

AAL5

Higher Protocol Layers

Physical Layer

Convergence Sublayer

CS

AAL
Segmentation and Reassembly Sublayer

SAR

ATM Layer
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AAL2 is seen as a suitable option for Iu-CS (Circuit Switched), Iur, and Iub user plane connections AAL5 is seen suitable for control information and Iu-PS (Packed Switched) user plane data transfer. The main difference between AAL2 and AAL5 is that AAL2 requires timing between the source and destination. AAL2 is thus suitable for real-time services such as speech, while AAL5 works fine in a non real-time environment. ************************************************************************************************ AAL is divided into two sublayers: CS (Convergence sublayer) and SAR (Segmentation and Re-assembly sublayer). The CS sublayer adapts AAL to the upper protocol layers and the SAR splits data to be transmitted into suitable payload pieces, and in receiving direction it collects payload pieces and unites them back to original data flow. Depending on the case, the CS sublayer may be divided further on into smaller entities.

ATM protocol for signalling and user data

C-Plane Signalling protocol U-Plane

User data

AAL 2 Iu-CS AAL5 Iu-PS

AAL 5

Signalling AAL ATM layer

AAL

Physical layer

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Iu Transport Planes
BS RNC SRNC

DRNC

Iub
Control Data Control Data Control Data User Data User Data User Data

Iur
Control Data User Data AAL2 ATM Physical Layer PS Core Network Domain Control Data User Data AAL5 ATM Physical Layer

AAL5 ATM

AAL2

AAL5 ATM

AAL2

AAL5 ATM

AAL2

AAL5

Physical Layer RNC

Physical Layer CS Core Network Domain

Physical Layer RNC

Iu-CS
Control Data User Data

Iu-PS
Control Data User Data AAL5

Control Data

AAL5 ATM

AAL2

AAL5 ATM

User Data AAL2

AAL5 ATM

AAL5

Physical Layer
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Physical Layer

Physical Layer

In the Iub interface the transport plane consists of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and its adaptation layer(s) located on top of the physical layer. The physical layer could be any media providing constant bit rate with adequate bandwidth, that is, PCM(s), PDH or SDH. In the Iur interface between SRNC and DRNC the construction of the transport plane is similar as in the Iub, and in the Iu-CS interface too! =>In all Iub, Iur and Iu-CS interfaces ATM uses two adaptation layers: AAL2 and AAL5.

Protocol Stack for Circuit Switched Data

Uu UE BS UNI Iub RNC NNI Iu-CS
MGW

A MSC

B PSTN

USER PLANE
E.g. Vocoder E.g. Vocoder

RLC-U MAC WCDMA L1 WCDMA L1 FP AAL2 ATM PHY

RLC-U MAC FP AAL2 ATM PHY Iu -CS UP AAL2 ATM PHY Iu -CS UP AAL2 ATM PHY

A/-law, PCM, UDI, etc. Link Layer PHY

A/-law, PCM, UDI, etc. Link Layer PHY

PSTN N-ISDN

PHY

CONTROL PLANE
NBAP SSCF-UNI SSCOP AAL5 ATM PHY
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RANAP SCCP MTP3b SSCF-UNI SSCF-NNI SSCOP SSCOP NBAP AAL5 ATM PHY AAL5 ATM PHY

RANAP BSSAP SCCP SCCP MTP3b SSCF-NNI MTP SSCOP AAL5 ATM PHY TDM PHY

BSSAP SCCP

MTP

TDM PHY

Protocol Stack for Packet Switched Data

Uu UE BS UNI Iub RNC NNI Iu-PS
SGSN

Gn GGSN

Gi

IP network

USER PLANE
E.g. IPv4, IPv5

E.g. IPv4, IPv5 PDCP RLC-U FP AAL2 ATM PHY GTP-U UDP GTP-U UDP GTP-U UDP GTP-U UDP IP Link Layer PHY MSC PHY

PDCP RLC-U MAC WCDMA L1 WCDMA L1

MAC IP FP LLC/SNAP AAL2 AAL5 ATM ATM RNC PHY PHY

IP IP LLC/SNAP Link AAL5 Layer ATM SWU PHY PHY

CONTROL PLANE
NBAP SSCF-UNI SAAL UNI SSCOP AAL5 ATM PHY
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RANAP SCCP MTP3b SSCF-UNI SSCF-NNI SSCOP SSCOP NBAP AAL5 ATM PHY AAL5 ATM PHY

RANAP SCCP MTP3b SSCF-NNI SSCOP AAL5 ATM PHY

SAAL NNI

CCS7 lower layers (review from GSM courses)

Message Transfer Part (MTP) Data Link Layer Physical Layer

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Signalling network (review from GSM courses)

Signalling Route Set Node A SPC
Signalling Routes

Terminology:
Node B SPC

Signalling Point Signalling Transfer Point Signalling Link Signalling Link Set Signalling Route Signalling Route Set

Node C STP

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Transport network control plane

Radio Network Layer Transport Network Layer Control Plane Application Protocol Transport Network User Plane Transport Network Control Plane ALCAP(s) Signalling Bearer(s) User Plane Data Stream(s) Transport Network User Plane

Signalling Bearer(s)

Data Bearer(s)

Physical Transmission layer

For setup connection of Transport Network Layer

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Main interfaces in Release 3

MSC

RAN
GSM BTS

Mobility Core
HLR

Abis
BSC

A
MSC

Triple Mode BTS

MGW

TCSM
PSTN WCDMA BTS

Gb

RNC WCDMA BTS

2G SGSN

Iur

Iu-CS
3G SGSN

IP Backbone

IPBB

GGSN

RNC

Iub
NMS
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Iu-PS

The focus in this chapter is to look at the interfaces and protocols. Earlier, we have been more element-orientated (Architecture Module) and Traffic Management orientated.

Control plane ( Serving Stratum)

Main protocols: NBAP Node B Application Part - Iub interface RNSAP/Radio Network Subsystem Application Part Iur interface RANAP/Radio Access Network Application Part Iu interfaces (CS and PS) Also MAP and ISUP are presented Signalling Protocol ATM
RNC
CN

Serving Stratum Access Stratum

USIM
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MT

BS

Iub interface (NBAP)

BS Iub
NBAP Convergence Protocol(s) AAL5 ATM Physical Layer NBAP Convergence Protocol(s) AAL5 ATM Physical Layer

RNC

Common NBAP procedures: Create UE contexts (needed before dedicated signalling procedures can take place). Control BCCH information Dedicated NBAP procedures: Related to specific UE context, examples:
Radio link addition, reconfiguration, deletion
Downlink power control Dedicated measurement

signalling
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Common NBAP procedures are used to create new User Equipment (UE) contexts and control BCCH broadcast information. The Iub always contains one signalling link for the common NBAP procedures, and there may be several signalling links for dedicated NBAP procedures. When a UE establishes connection to the network, the control plane is taken into use. After establishing the control plane, the UE may start to use its own applications, which may require signalling too (user plane). Control plane means the signalling resources attached for signalling connection set-up issues between two signalling nodes. In case of Iub interface, the control plane is established between the BS and the RNC, and signalling connection set-up case is radio link set-up. From Specs: Rel'99; 24.433: "" The NBAP protocol provides the following functions: - Cell Configuration Management. This function gives the CRNC the possibility to manage the cell configuration information in a Node B. - Common Transport Channel Management. This function gives the CRNC the possibility to manage the configuration of Common Transport Channels in a Node B. - System Information Management. This function gives the CRNC the ability to manage the scheduling of System Information to be broadcast in a cell. - Resource Event Management. This function gives the Node B the ability to inform the CRNC about the status of Node B resources. - Configuration Alignment. This function gives the CRNC and the Node B the possibility to verify and enforce that both nodes have the same information on the configuration of the radio resources. - Measurements on Common Resources. This function allows the Node B to initiate measurements in the Node B. The function also allows the Node B to report the result of the measurements. - Radio Link Management. This function allows the CRNC to manage radio links using dedicated resources in a Node B. - Radio Link Supervision. This function allows the CRNC to report failures and restorations of a Radio Link. - Compressed Mode Control [FDD]. This function allows the CRNC to control the usage of compressed mode in a Node B. - Measurements on Dedicated Resources. This function allows the CRNC to initiate measurements in the Node B. The function also allows the Node B to report the result of the measurements. - DL Power Drifting Correction [FDD]. This function allows the CRNC to adjust the DL power level of one or more Radio Links in order to avoid DL power drifting between the Radio Links. - Reporting of General Error Situations. This function allows reporting of general error situations, for which function specific error messages have not been defined. - Physical Shared Channel Management [TDD]. This function allows the CRNC to manage physical resources in the Node B belonging to Shared Channels (USCH/DSCH). - DL Power Timeslot Correction [TDD]. This function enables the Node B to apply an individual offset to the transmission power in each timeslot according to the downlink interference level at the UE.""

ATM resource management (Iub)

- VPI - VPL service level: VP/VC - usage e.g. MTP3SL, AAL2UD, IPOAM, AAL2SL, DNBAP, CNBAP - service category: CBR/UBR - traffic and QoS parameters

2 Access profile of ATM interface

- max bandwidth - max VPI/VCI bits - max VPC/VCC

3 4
VCLtp

O&M traffic (UBR, IPOAM) VCLtp

- VCI - service category - traffic and QoS parameters

VPLtp,

VPLtp,

1
Signalling and user traffic (CBR, AA2SL, DNBAP, CNBAP, AAL2UD)
VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp VCLtp

RNC

Common NBAP signalling Dedicated NBAP signalling Dedicated NBAP signalling SAAL UNI (AAL2) signalling SAAL UNI (AAL2) signalling User traffic User traffic User traffic User traffic

BS

ATM logical interface

ATM logical interface

WAM WAM

VPLtp, VPLtp,

VPLtp,

- interface id - UNI / NNI - IMAGR /PET /SET

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Iur interface (RNSAP)

SRNC Iur
RNSAP Convergence Protocol(s) AAL5 ATM Physical Layer RNSAP Convergence Protocol(s) AAL5 ATM Physical Layer

DRNC

RNSAP protocol functions Some examples: Radio link management and supervision Physical channel reconfiguration Measurements, dedicated resources

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From the specifications Rel 99; 25.423: ""The RNSAP protocol provides the following functions: - Radio Link Management. This function allows the SRNC to manage radio links using dedicated resources in a DRNS; - Physical Channel Reconfiguration. This function allows the DRNC to reallocate the physical channel resources for a Radio Link; - Radio Link Supervision. This function allows the DRNC to report failures and restorations of a Radio Link; - Compressed Mode Control [FDD]. This function allows the SRNC to control the usage of compressed mode within a DRNS; - Measurements on Dedicated Resources. This function allows the SRNC to initiate measurements on dedicated resources in the DRNS. The function also allows the DRNC to report the result of the measurements; - DL Power Drifting Correction [FDD]. This function allows the SRNC to adjust the DL power level of one or more Radio Links in order to avoid DL power drifting between the Radio Links; - CCCH Signalling Transfer. This function allows the SRNC and DRNC to pass information between the UE and the SRNC on a CCCH controlled by the DRNS; - Paging. This function allows the SRNC to page a UE in a URA or a cell in the DRNS; - Common Transport Channel Resources Management. This function allows the SRNC to utilise Common Transport Channel Resources within the DRNS (excluding DSCH resources for FDD); - Relocation Execution. This function allows the SRNC to finalise a Relocation previously prepared via other interfaces; - Reporting of General Error Situations. This function allows reporting of general error situations, for which function specific error messages have not been defined. - DL Power Timeslot Correction [TDD]. This function enables the DRNS to apply an individual offset to the transmission power in each timeslot according to the downlink interference level at the UE.""

Signalling example: Radio link setup

BS Uu
4

DRNC Iub Iur

SRNC

Radio Link Setup RACH-Short Initial Access RRC Connection Request Radio Link Setup Radio Link Setup Response FACH - Access Granted UL DPCCH RRC Conn. Request Ack Synchronisation Indicated Radio Link Setup Response

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Iu interface (RANAP)
RNC Iu
RANAP Convergence Protocol(s) AAL5 ATM Physical Layer

Core Network Domains

RANAP Convergence Protocol(s) AAL5 ATM Physical Layer

RANAP protocol functions Some examples: RAB management Controlling overload in Iu Paging users Controlling security in UTRAN Location reporting/control

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From the Specs, Rel'99, 25.413: ""RANAP protocol has the following functions: - Relocating serving RNC. This function enables to change the serving RNC functionality as well as the related Iu resources (RAB(s) and Signalling connection) from one RNC to another. - Overall RAB management. This function is responsible for setting up, modifying and releasing RABs. - Queuing the setup of RAB. The purpose of this function is to allow placing some requested RABs into a queue, and indicate the peer entity about the queuing. - Requesting RAB release. While the overall RAB management is a function of the CN, the RNC has the capability to request the release of RAB. - Release of all Iu connection resources. This function is used to explicitly release all resources related to one Iu connection. - Requesting the release of all Iu connection resources. While the Iu release is managed from the CN, the RNC has the capability to request the release of all Iu connection resources from the corresponding Iu connection. - SRNS context forwarding function. This function is responsible for transferring SRNS context from the RNC to the CN for intersystem forward handover in case of packet forwarding. - Controlling overload in the Iu interface. This function allows adjusting the load in the Iu interface. - Resetting the Iu. This function is used for resetting an Iu interface. - Sending the UE Common ID (permanent NAS UE identity) to the RNC. This function makes the RNC aware of the UE's Common ID. - Paging the user. This function provides the CN for capability to page the UE. - Controlling the tracing of the UE activity. This function allows setting the trace mode for a given UE. This function also allows the deactivation of a previously established trace. - Transport of NAS (non-access stratum )information between UE and CN (ref. [8]). This function has two sub-classes: 1. Transport of the initial NAS signalling message from the UE to CN. This function transfers transparently the NAS information. As a consequence also the Iu signalling connection is set up. 2. Transport of NAS signalling messages between UE and CN, This function transfers transparently the NAS signalling messages on the existing Iu signalling connection. It also includes a specific service to handle signalling messages differently. - Controlling the security mode in the UTRAN. This function is used to send the security keys (ciphering and integrity protection) to the UTRAN, and setting the operation mode for security functions. - Controlling location reporting. This function allows the CN to operate the mode in which the UTRAN reports the location of the UE. - Location reporting. This function is used for transferring the actual location information from RNC to the CN. - Data volume reporting function. This function is responsible for reporting unsuccessfully transmitted DL data volume over UTRAN for specific RABs. - Reporting general error situations. This function allows reporting of general error situations, for which function specific error messages have not been defined.""

The path of the bearer through the network

Iu CN Circuit Domain: - RT Traffic - Constant Bit Rates RAB
4

CN Packet Domain: - NRT Traffic (RT Traffic) - Variable Bit Rates

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Radio Access Bearer assignment

BS
4

RNC Iub Iu
Core Network Domains

Uu

RAB Assignment Request RAB is configured to be used over the existing Radio Link(s) RAB Assignment Complete

Core Network always initiate RAB

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Serving RNC Relocation

Source Serving RNC Core Network Domain(s) Target Serving RNC

Iur
To the target RNC with RNSAP: SRNC Relocation Commit

Iu
Relocation Required

Iu

Relocation Request Reloc. Req. Ack. RAB(s) Assigned

Relocation Command

Relocation Detect RAB(s) Released Relocation Complete Iu Release

Relocation Detect Relocation Complete

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Core network MAP (optional topic)

MAP-E

To/from other MSC To/from other VLR

CCS7 Protocol Stack within Circuit Switched Core Network Branch: MAP TCAP SCCP L3 L2 L1

MAP-G MAP-B

MSC VLR
MAP-F MAP-D

MTP

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MAP-C

HLR

A(u)C

EIR

Packet switched interfaces (optional topic)

3G RAN
Interface Legend: = Interface between UE (User Equipment) and RAN Uu = Interface between RAN and CN Iu = G interface between Gateway GSN and HLR Gc = G interface between Serving GSN and EIR Gf = G interface between Gateway GSN and IP network Gi = G interface between Serving and Gateway GSN Gn = G interface between Serving GSN and HLR Gr

IP Network(s)

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User plane ( Application Stratum)

Signalling between the UE and the destination (for instance an application server). In the Uu interface, user plane is DPDCH plus the data it carries. User planes for other interfaces are shown in the following four figures.

Application Stratum Serving Stratum Access Stratum

USIM
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MT

BS

RNC

User plane in the Iub interface

BS Iub Frame Protocols for: DCH, RACH and FACH AAL2 ATM Physical Layer
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RNC

Frame Protocols for: DCH, RACH and FACH AAL2 ATM Physical Layer

User plane in the Iur interface

SRNC Iur DRNC

Frame Protocols for DCH and CCH AAL2 ATM Physical Layer
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Frame Protocols for DCH and CCH AAL2 ATM Physical Layer

User data on the Iu-CS interface

RNC Iu-CS User Data Streams AAL2 ATM Physical Layer Core Network Circuit Switched Domain User Data Streams AAL2 ATM Physical Layer

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User data on the Iu-PS interface

RNC Iu-PS User Data Streams GTP UDP IP AAL5 ATM Physical Layer
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Core Network Packet Switched Domain User Data Streams GTP UDP IP AAL5 ATM Physical Layer

IP/UDP relationship (optional topic)

Application Layer Presentation Layer GTP Session Layer Transport Layer Network Layers (OSI 1 - 3) UDP IP Selected applications for selected purposes

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IP/TCP relationship (optional topic)

Application Layer Presentation Layer Session Layer Transport Layer Network Layers (OSI 1 - 3) TCP IP Telnet FTP SMTP HTTP IMAP

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Summary of UMTS signalling and interfaces

The next two slides summarise the implementation of different interfaces with respect to: RAN interfaces Core network interfaces

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RAN interfaces
Uu Interface: Transport Plane - WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) Control Plane - DPDCH and DPCCH Channels User Plane - Optimised, application-related protocols suitable for both packet and circuit switched traffic Procedures - Radio Link (RL) Setup - RL Reconfiguration - RL Addition - RL Deletion - Radio Access Bearer Mgmt

Iub Interface: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - Communication Control Ports - Node B Control Ports User Plane - RACH/FACH/DCH Data Ports forming UE Context(s) Procedures - Radio Link (RL) Setup - RL Reconfiguration - RL Addition - RL Deletion - Power Control Information - Handover Signalling - Measurement Reports

Iur Interface: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - SCCP over CCS7 User Plane - Frame Protocols for Dedicated Channels over ATM Procedures - Radio Link (RL) Setup - RL Reconfiguration - RL Addition - RL Deletion - Power Control Information - Handover Signalling - Measurement Reports

Iu Interface for CN Circuit Domain: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - RANAP over CCS7 User Plane - Optimised, application-related protocols over ATM AAL2 Procedures - Radio Access Bearer Management - SRNC Relocation - Direct Transfer Procedures (Direct Signalling between UE and the CN Circuit Domain)

BS

RNC

BS

RNC

BS Functions: - Modulation - Rate Matching - Error Protection in Uu Interface - Uu Interface Channelisation - Macro Diversity (Softer Handover)

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NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

RNC Functions: Radio Resource Management - Admission Control - Code Allocation - Load Control - Power Control - Handover Control (HO) - Macro Diversity (Soft HO) Telecommunication Management - Radio Access Bearer (RAB) - RAB - Radio Link Mapping

Iu Interface for CN Packet Domain: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - RANAP over CCS7 or IP User Plane - GTP (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol) over UDP/IP over AAL5 Procedures - Radio Access Bearer Management - SRNC Relocation - Direct Transfer Procedures (Direct Signalling between UE and the CN Packet Domain)

Core network interfaces

Iu Interface for CN Circuit Domain: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - RANAP over CCS7 User Plane - Optimised, application-related protocols over ATM AAL2 Procedures - Radio Access Bearer Management - SRNC Relocation - Direct Transfer Procedures (Direct Signalling between UE and the CN Circuit Domain)

VLR - VLR MM: Transport Plane - CCS7 Control Plane - CCS7 MTP, SCCP and MAP User Plane Procedures - Security Parameter Transfer

MSC - MSC Traffic & MM: Transport Plane - CCS7 Control Plane - CCS7 MTP & ISUP and MAP for MM User Plane Procedures - Traffic Path Setup (ISUP) - MSC-MSC Handover (MAP)

Iu

PSTN

MSC/VLR - HLR MM: Transport Plane - CCS7 Control Plane - CCS7 MTP, SCCP and MAP User Plane Procedures - Location Enquiry - Roaming Nbr Allocation - Location Registration - Security Parameter Alloc.

MSC&VLR

GMSC (&VLR)

HLR&AC&EIR
3G RAN

Gi
Iu Interface for CN Packet Domain: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - RANAP over CCS7 or IP User Plane - GTP (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol) over UDP/IP over AAL5 Procedures - Radio Access Bearer Management - SRNC Relocation - Direct Transfer Procedures (Direct Signalling between UE and the CN Packet Domain)
47 NOKIA Kittipong Thamapa

CN Service Domain: Transport Plane - CCS7 Control Plane - CCS7, MTP, SCCP, MAP, INAP, CAMEL User Plane

SGSN - GGSN: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - IP (GTP) User Plane - IP

GGSN - Public IP: Transport Plane - ATM Control Plane - IP User Plane

3G/UMTS Signalling and Interfaces

Review Questions

48

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

Review (1/7)
RAN

Control Transport Interface

LapD PCM Abis

Control Transport Interface

BSSAP PCM A

Mobility Core
HLR

MSC

GSM BTS

BSC

MSC

Control Transport

ISUP PCM

Control Transport Interface Control Transport Interface

WCDMA BTS

RNSAP ATM Iur NBAP ATM Iub

RNC

TCSM Gb

ATM Module PSTN

2G SGSN

Control RANAP over CCS7 Transport ATM Interface Iu-CS Control (later also over IP) Transport ATM/IP Interface Iu-PS
RANAP over CCS7,

RNC

3G SGSN

49

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

Review (1/7)
RAN

Control Transport Interface

LapD PCM Abis

Control Transport Interface

BSSAP PCM A

Mobility Core
HLR

MSC

GSM BTS

BSC

MSC

Control Transport

Control Transport Interface Control Transport Interface

WCDMA BTS

TCSM Iur Gb

ATM Module PSTN

RNC

2G SGSN

Control Transport Interface Control Transport Interface

Iu-CS

RNC

3G SGSN

ATM

50

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

Review (2/7)
2. Which of the following sentences about the Radio Access Bearer is true? a. The RAB carries a connection between the terminal and the core network. b. The RAB is a radio link signalling protocol. c. Voice is the only information on a RAB. d. All of the above. 3. Which of the following sentences about the RRC is true? a. The RRC is the connection between the terminal and the core network, upon which traffic is transferred. b. The RRC is the connection between the terminal and RAN and contains the RABs. c. The RRC is the connection between the RAN and core network and contains all the RABs from different terminals.
51 NOKIA Kittipong Thamapa

Review (3/7)
4. Which of the following sentences about the ATM connection is correct? a. The virtual channels contain virtual paths for the data. b. There is one virtual path per virtual channel. c. One virtual circuit contains at the most one virtual channel. d. One virtual path can contain many virtual channels. 5. In the RNC, what is the function of the MAC (Medium Access Control)? a. Selection of data to be inserted in Radio Frame. b. Selection of common channels. c. Multiplexing of logical channels to transportation channels. d. Ciphering for real-time traffic. e. All of the above.
52 NOKIA Kittipong Thamapa

Review (4/7)
6. Which of the following sentences best describes the function and role of the NBAP protocol? a. It is the protocol used between the network and the PSTN and used for call set-up purposes. b. It is the protocol used between two RNCs. It is used when one RNC needs to signal a cell in an URA and when performing soft handovers. c. It is the protocol used between the core network and the RNC and used for the management of resources. d. It is the protocol used between the RNC and the BTS and used to control the allocation of resources.

53

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

Review (5/7)
7. Which of the following sentences best describes the function and role of the RANAP protocol? a. It is the protocol used between the network and the PSTN and used for call set-up purposes. b. It is the protocol used between two RNCs and used when one RNC needs to signal a cell in an URA and performing soft handovers. c. It is the protocol used between the core network and the RNC and used for the management of resources. d. It is the protocol used between the RNC and the BTS and used to control the allocation of resources.

54

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

Review (6/7)
8. Which of the following sentences best describes the function and role of the RNSAP protocol? a. It is the protocol used between the network and the PSTN and used for call set-up purposes. b. It is the protocol used between two RNCs. It is used when one RNC needs to signal a cell in an URA and when performing soft handovers. c. It is the protocol used between the core network and the RNC and used for the management of resources. d. It is the protocol used between the RNC and the BTS and used to control the allocation of resources.

55

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa

Review (7/7)
9. Which of the following sentences best describes the function and role of the ISUP protocol? a. It is the protocol used between the network and the PSTN and used for call set-up purposes. b. It is the protocol used between two RNCs. It is used when one RNC needs to signal a cell in a URA and when performing soft handovers. c. It is the protocol used between the core network and the RNC and used for the management of resources. d. It is the protocol used between the RNC and the BTS and used to control the allocation of resources.

56

NOKIA

Kittipong Thamapa