BSSDIM

Radio Channel Configurations

Training Document
BSSPAR

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Copyright Nokia Oyj 2006. All rights reserved.

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Contents

1 Module Objectives.....................................................................

2 GSM Air Interface.......................................................................

3 Logical Channels.......................................................................

4 Channel Configuration............................................................
4.1 Signalling Channel Configuration...............................................
4.1.1 Combined Channel Structure for BCCH/SDCCH.......................
4.1.2 Separated Channel Structure BCCH + SDCCH/8......................
4.1.3 Hybrid Channel Structure BCCH + SDCCH/4 +
SDCCH/8...................................................................................
4.2 Traffic Channel Configuration....................................................

5 Channel Parameters................................................................
5.1 Paging Channel (PCH) Parameters...........................................
5.2 Access Grant Channel (AGCH) Parameters..............................
5.3 Random Access Channel (RACH) Parameters..........................
5.4 CCCH/PBCCH Parameters.......................................................
5.5 GPRS Non-DRX Mode On CCCH, DRX-Timer-Max In
BSC...........................................................................................

6 Capacity (SDCCH, PCH, AGCH)..............................................

7 Dynamic SDCCH Allocation....................................................

8 CCCH Improvements...............................................................

9 Key Learning Points................................................................

10 Review Questions....................................................................

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1 Module Objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
Discuss the function of Paging Channel (PCH), Random Access Channel
(RACH), and Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
State the purpose of the following BSS parameters:
noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS)(2..9)
maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS)(1, 2, 4 or 7)
numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (SLO)(BTS)(3..12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50)
newEstabCausesSupport (NECI)(BTS)(Yes/No) and
numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant (AG)(BTS)(0..7)(1..7)(0..2)(1)

List the ways in which Physical channels TS0 and TS1 can be used by logical
channels for signalling purposes
Explain the need for Dynamic SDCCH allocation
Name two mechanisms available for CCCH usage improvements

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2 GSM Air Interface

GSM is based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology, which
means that channels are separated from each other by time. This means that in
radio path between the antennas of a Mobile Station (MS) and a Base Station
(BTS), every channel has a specific time on each frequency during which it can
act. The basic division is that one frequency is divided into eight Time Slots or
Bursts and each of these Bursts is an individual channel. More precisely, each
frequency has eight channels, either traffic channels or signalling channels.
These eight channels have their own "time slots" related to the time for
transmitting or receiving data. Therefore, every channel has a 'right' to act every
eighth time slot.
Each burst lasts 0.577 ms (exactly 15/26 ms) and thus eight bursts last 4.615
ms. There are a couple of different kinds of bursts for different purposes. The
contents of the burst can vary, but the time duration of each burst is always the
same. The structure of the eight bursts is called TDMA frame and the duration
of a TDMA frame is called the Burst Period. The TDMA frame is the smallest
and the basic unit of a TDMA frame structure.

0 0

0 7 0
f s

TDMA frame =4.615 ms

= BURST PERIOD

Figure 1. Burst Period

The whole TDMA structure is based on TDMA frames, which are placed
continuously after each other's as in Figure 2.

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Time Slots and Frames

Hyperframe = 2048 Superframes

Superframe = 26x51 or 51x26 Multiframes

26 Multiframe = 120 ms 51 Multiframe = 235 ms

0 1 2 24 25 0 1 2 49 50

0 7

TDMA frame = 4.615 ms

Figure 2. TDMA frame structure

As we can see, the TDMA frame is cyclically repeating itself time after time.
Now, other higher-level frames are needed for the GSM channel structure. In
Figure 2, two different kinds of superframes can be seen, repeated time after
time: the 26 x 51 Superframe and the 51 x 26 Superframe. These Superframes
have been used so that the 51 x 26 Superframe is used for time slots with traffic
channel configuration, and 26 x 51 Superframe is used for time slots with
signalling channel configuration. Finally, these Superframes are repeated so that
the result is a Hyperframe, which is the highest level of the frames in the GSM.
As mentioned above, there are two main types of channels: traffic channels and
signalling channels. Traffic channels are used for sending data such as speech or
data service fax, etc. and signalling channels are used for negotiations between
a Mobile Station and the Network, in order to handle the management of the
network. A Mobile Station and the Network are sending different kinds of
messages between each other through signalling channels.
The other division between channels is between full rate and half rate. In a full
rate channel, speech has been coded at a rate of 13 kbit/s, and in half rate,
around 7 kbit/s. In both rates, data can be sent at the rate of 3.6 or 6.0 kbit/s and
in full rate also 12 kbit/s. In the whole material, the full rate will be discussed,
but if needed, also half rate has been mentioned. All these channels (traffic and
signalling, full and half rate) have a common name: Logical channels.

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3 Logical Channels
Quite a lot of information is sent between a Mobile Station and a Base Station,
hence different kinds of signalling channels are needed to fulfil all these needs.
In the GSM standard, the concept of a logical channel is used for different
signalling channels that may be transmitted on the same physical channel,
which is usually Time Slot 0 and/or 1 in every TDMA Frame.
There are twelve different types of Logical Channels, which are mapped into
Physical Channels in the radio path. Logical channels comprise of Common
Channels and Dedicated Channels. Common Channels are those that are used
for broadcasting different information to mobile stations and setting up of
signalling channels between the MSC/VLR and the mobile station. Common
control channels are divided into Broadcast Channels (BCH) and Common
Control Channels (CCCH).
Traffic channels are also Dedicated Channels as each channel is dedicated to
only one user to carry speech or data.

LOGICAL
LOGICAL
CHANNELS
CHANNELS

COMMON
COMMON DEDICATED
DEDICATED
CHANNELS
CHANNELS CHANNELS
CHANNELS

BROADCAST COMMON DEDICATED TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC
BROADCAST COMMON DEDICATED
CHANNELS CONTROL CONTROL CHANNELS
CHANNELS
CHANNELS CONTROL CONTROL
CHANNELS
CHANNELS CHANNELS
CHANNELS

FCCH
FCCH SCH
SCH BCCH
BCCH SDCCH
SDCCH SACCH
SACCH FACCH
FACCH

PCH
PCH RACH
RACH AGCH
AGCH TCH/F
TCH/F TCH/H
TCH/H TCH/EFR
TCH/EFR
Figure 3. GSM Logical Channels

Broadcast Channels

Base Stations can use several TRXs but there is always only one TRX, which
can carry Common Channels. Broadcast channels are downlink point-to-
multipoint channels. They contain general information about the network and
the broadcasting cell. There are three types of broadcast channels:
1. Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH)

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FCCH bursts acts like a flag for the MS, which enables them to find the TRX
that contains the broadcast transmission. The MS scans for this signal after it
has been switched on since it has no information as to which frequency to use.
2. Synchronisation Channel (SCH)
The SCH contains the Base Station Identity Code (BSIC) and a reduced TDMA
frame number. The BSIC is needed to identify that the frequency strength being
measured by the mobile station is coming from a particular base station. In
some cases, a distant base station broadcasting the same frequency can also be
detected by the mobile station. The TDMA frame number is required for speech
encryption purpose.
3. Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH)
The BCCH contains detailed network and cell specific information such as:
Frequencies used in the particular cell and neighbouring cells.
Frequency hopping sequence. This is designed to reduce the negative
effects of the air interface, which sometimes results in the loss of
information transmitted. The mobile station may transmit information on
different frequencies within one cell. The order in which the mobile
station should change the frequencies is called the "frequency hopping
sequence". However, implementing Frequency Hopping in a cell is
optional.
Channel combination. As we mentioned previously, there are twelve
logical channels. All the logical channels except Traffic Channels are
mapped into Timeslot 0 or Timeslot 1 of the broadcasting TRX. Channel
combination informs the mobile station about the mapping method used
in the particular cell.
Paging groups. Normally in one cell, there is more than one paging
channel (described later). To prevent a mobile from listening to all the
paging channels for a paging message, the paging channels are divided in
such a way that only a group of mobile stations listen to a particular
paging channel. These are referred to as paging groups.
Information on surrounding cells. A mobile station has to know what
are the cells surrounding the present cell and what frequencies are being
broadcast on them. This is necessary if, for example, the user initiates a
conversation in the current cell, and then decides to move on. The mobile
station has to measure the signal strength and quality of the surrounding
cells and report this information to the base station controller.

Common Control Channels

Common Control Channels comprise the second set of logical channels. They
are used to set up a point-to-point connection. There are three types of
common control channels:

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1. Paging Channel (PCH)

The PCH is a downlink channel, which is broadcast by all the BTSs of a
Location Area in the case of a mobile terminated call.
2. Random Access Channel (RACH)
The RACH is the only uplink and the first point-to-point channel in the
common control channels. It is used by the mobile station in order to initiate a
transaction, or as a response to a PCH.
3. Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
The AGCH is the answer to the RACH. It is used to assign a mobile a Stand-
alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH). It is a downlink, point-to-point
channel.

Dedicated Control Channels

Dedicated Control Channels compose the third group of channels. Again, there
are three dedicated channels. They are used for call set-up, sending
measurement reports and handover. They are all bi-directional and point-to-
point channels. There are three dedicated control channels:
1. Stand Alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH)
The SDCCH is used for system signalling: call set-up, authentication, location
update, and assignment of traffic channels and transmission of short messages.
2. Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH)
An SACCH is associated with each SDCCH and Traffic Channel (TCH). It
transmits measurement reports and is also used for power control, time
alignment and in some cases to transmit short messages.
3. Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH)
The FACCH is used when a handover is required. It is mapped onto a TCH,
and it replaces 20 ms of speech and therefore it is said to work in "frame
stealing" mode.

Traffic Channels (TCH)

Traffic Channels are logical channels that transfer user speech or data, which
can be either in the form of Half Rate traffic (6.5 kbits/s) or Full Rate traffic
(13 kbits/s). Another form of traffic channel is the Enhanced Full Rate (EFR)
Traffic Channel. The speech coding in EFR is done at 12.2 kbits/s, and the
coding mechanism is different to that used for normal full rate traffic. EFR
coding gives better speech quality at about the same bit rate as normal full rate.
Traffic channels can transmit both speech and data and are bi-directional
channels.

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4 Channel Configuration
Timeslots 0 and 1 in each TRX are usually needed for the use of signalling
channels. For capacity reasons, there are two main configurations for these
channels.
Combined Configuration

0 7

ts0=bch / sdcch/4 / pch / agch

Non-combined Configuration

0 1 7

ts0=bch / pch / agch ts1=sdcch/8

Figure 4. Combined vs. Non-combined configuration

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4.1 Signalling Channel Configuration

4.1.1 Combined Channel Structure for BCCH/SDCCH

This channel structure is used when there are up to a maximum of 2 TRXs per
cell as shown in Figure 5. BCCH, CCCH/3 and SDCCH/4 are transmitted in the
same timeslot TS0 in both directions (uplink, downlink).
Downlink 51 TDMA frames =235 ms

f s bb bbc c c c f scf c c c c c c c f s tf t t t t t t t f s tf t t t t t t t f s sf s s s s s s s i

1. 2. 3. 4.
Uplink

t t t t r r s s s s s s sf s r r r r r r r r rf r r r r r r r r r rf r r r r t t t t t tf t t r r t t t t

0 50

CHANNELS f =FCCH b =BCCH r =RACH i=idle

s =SCH/SACCH c =CCCH t =SDCCH/4

Figure 5. Combined BCCH and SDCCH/4 channel structure

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4.1.2 Separated Channel Structure BCCH + SDCCH/8

In this configuration, TS0 is used to carry BCCH and CCCH/9, and TS1 is used
for all SDCCH/8s in the uplink and downlink directions as shown in Figure 6
and Figure 7. This configuration requires 3-4 TRXs/Cell.
Downlink 51 TDMA frames =235 ms

f s bb bbc c c c f scf c c c c c c c f scf c c c c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c i

Uplink

r r r r r r r r r r r r rf r r r r r r r r r rf r r r r r r r r r rf r r r r r r r r r rf r r r r r r r r

0 50

CHANNELS f =FCCH b =BCCH r =RACH i=idle

s =SCH c =CCCH =PCH/AGCH

Figure 6. BCCH/CCCH multiframe

Downlink 51 TDMA frames =235 ms

t t t t t t t t t t t t tf t t t t t t t t t tf t t t t t t t t t sf s s s s s s ss s sf s s s s s i i i

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Uplink

s s s s s s s s s s s s fi i i t t t t t t t tf t t t t t t t t t tf t t t t t t t t t tf t t t t t t t t

0 50

CHANNELS t =SDCCH/8 s =SACCH/8 i=idle

Figure 7. SDCCH/8 Multiframe

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4.1.3 Hybrid Channel Structure BCCH + SDCCH/4 + SDCCH/8

This configuration requires 3-4 TRXs per cell and uses a combination of the
configurations shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7. TS0 is used for BCCH, CCCH/3
and SDCCH/4 (uplink, downlink) and TS1 is used for SDCCH/8 (uplink,
downlink).
This configuration gives more SDCCH capacity for call set-ups and location
updates but less for paging and channel assignment (access grant AGCH).
In general, 1-2 time slots are needed for signalling. Finally, the signalling
capacity and the need of signalling channels depends on paging (PCH) and the
need of SDCCH. Examples of these channel capacities are presented later.

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4.2 Traffic Channel Configuration

Traffic channels use the 51 x 26 Superframe, which means that the structure of
the 26-frame Multiframe is always the same as in Figure 8.

Downlink and Uplink

26 TDMA frames = 120 ms

t t t t t t t t t t t t sf t t t t t t t t t tf t t i

0 25

CHANNELS t =TCH s =SACCH i=idle

Figure 8. Full Rate Traffic Channel (TCH) configuration

Downlink and Uplink

26 TDMA frames =120 ms

t t t t t t st t t t t t i
t t t t t t t t t t t t

0 25

CHANNELS t =TCH s =SACCH i=idle

Figure 9. Half Rate Traffic Channel (TCH) Multiframe

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5 Channel Parameters
Common Control Channels (CCCH) can be configured with different
parameters. The parameters are directly related to PCH, AGCH, FACCH and
RACH.

5.1 Paging Channel (PCH) Parameters

Paging is performed when an incoming call or short message is directed to an
MS. The MSC sends a paging query to all the BSCs inside the location area
where the MS is registered. The paging message contains the subscriber identity
(IMSI/TMSI number). The mobile recognises an incoming call or short message
by this number. There are counters in the VLR for both successful and failed
paging messages, which can be read by traffic measurements.
Parameter noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS)(2..9) tells how
often paging messages are sent to Mobile Stations. There is a direct influence
on the battery saving of a Mobile Station. The Mobile Station will only need to
listen the paging sub-group it belongs to (Discontinuous Reception, DRX),
which will make the mobile spend less power. However, this makes the call
assignment time longer.
Paging messages sent on PCH which MS continually listens to (TSL0 on BCCH
TRX)
Limited to geographical sub-group of BSCs using LACs
Paging sub-groups are used to save MS battery-life since MS only needs to listen to
its own sub-channel and not entire PCH
MS can be paged using IMSI or TMSI (determines number of MSs that can be
paged per message (IMSI =2 MSs : TMSI =4 MSs)
Split between PCH and AGCH determined by numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant
and the type of channel configuration used (i.e. combined or non-combined)
PCH can be used for AGCH if
Combined Non
Combined
no paging messages are to be
sent, but AGCH can not be
Blocks for PCH & AGCH 3 9 used for PCH
No. Blocks Res AGCH 0-2 0-7 Three types of paging
No. Blocks Res PCH 3-1 9-2
messages (type 1, 2 and 3)
depending on no. of MSs paged

Figure 10. Paging Procedure

The mobile unit listens for a possible incoming paging message once every
noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS). The range of values for this

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parameter is between 2 (i.e. every 0.47 seconds) and maximum of 9 (i.e. every
2.1 seconds). This means that if on average it takes 2 paging messages to page a
mobile station, itll take from 1 to 4 seconds for the transaction to be completed.
Experimental results from live networks show that more than 3 paging attempts
are usually unnecessary to ensure that the paging message reaches the MS.
Thus, the paging messages are sent several times. The repetition procedure is
defined using the MSC parameters:
Repaging Interval (INT)(MSC)(50..100): Time between paging
attempts and
Repaging Attempts (AT)(MSC)(0..5).
The parameters are defined in a per location area basis. The repaging_internal
must be configured so that there is enough time between consecutive paging
messages. This is to avoid overlap of messages that are sent over the same
channel in the air interface (paging block). Average page time information for a
certain cell can be collected in the traffic measurement report (in the MSC).
During the paging and call establishment procedure, if no SDCCH channels are
available, the BSC will command the MS to stay in the idle state for a certain
period (wait indication). During that time the MS will not send any channel
request message or answer to any paging messages. The parameters should be
defined so that no repaging attempts are lost during this period (i.e. the repaging
interval in the MSC should a few seconds longer than the wait indication time
in the BSC).
One Block Reserved for AGCH =>2 Blocks for PCH BTS MS

Paged MS per Paging_Request Message : From 2 to 4

(average 3) Paging_Request
Average 2 Pages per MS
3 Pages/Blocks * 2 Blocks =6 Pages every 51-frame
BTS 3MS
Multiframe ( 235 ms. )
2 Pages / Paged MS =>3 Paged MS every 235 ms.
( ( 3600 * 1000 ) / 235 ) * 3 =45.957 Paged MS per Hour. 2 Paging_Request

In the worst case all Transactions are Mobile Terminating

All Cells in Location Area get the same PCH Load
Capacity
With one TRX 2,95 Erl.
25 mErl. / subs. => 120 subscribers
Capacity of PCH calculated for a Location Area

Figure 11. Paging Capacity Example

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5.2 Access Grant Channel (AGCH) Parameters

numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant (AG)(BTS)(0..7) is a parameter for
reserving the number of CCCH blocks for AGCH (Figure 12). CCCH blocks are
used either for PCH or for AGCH.
BCCH/CCCH 51 TDMA frames =235 ms

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

f s b b b b c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c

BCCH/SDCCH/4
1 2 3

f s b b b b c c c c f s cf c c c c c c c f s tf t t t t t t t f s tf t t t t t t t f s sf s s s s s s s

CHANNELS f =FCCH b =BCCH t =SDCCH/4

s =SCH/SACCH c =CCCH =PCH/AGCH

Figure 12. Non-Combined and Combined Multiframes

5.3 Random Access Channel (RACH) Parameters

The configuration of RACH takes two parameters;
maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS)(1, 2, 4 or 7) and
numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (SLO)(BTS)(3..12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50).
numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (SLO)(BTS) describes a window during which
an MS tries to send random access to a Base Station.
maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS)(1, 2, 4 or 7) describes the
maximum number of RACH retransmissions the MS can send to the Base
Station. If maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS) is set to "2", the MS
will try a first time to send the message within the window defined within a first
51-TDMA RACH multiframe. If no reply comes from the network, the MS will
try a second time, or as many times as needed until the maximum as specified in
the parameter maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS), within a window
of another 51-TDMA RACH multiframe.

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1 RACH (Re)transmission during the window

0 0

TDMA-frames

window =numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (3 ... 12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50)

Number of retransmission =maxNumberRetransmission (1, 2, 4, 7)

=>Total time for RACH =maxNumberRetransmission * numberOfSLotsSpreadTrans +...

Figure 13. RACH Controlling

All the above mentioned parameters belong to the GSM phase 1. In GSM
Phase 2, newEstabCausesSupport (NECI)(BTS)(Yes/No)(N) and
(EPF)(ERF)(EEF)(EOF) are used to indicate the possibility to use FACCH in
call assignment procedure.

5.4 CCCH/PBCCH Parameters

Common Control Channel capacities are configured as follows:
CCCH Configuration
Pages always used to have priority in CCCH blocks no matter what the
numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant setting was.
Now, if numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant =0 then AGCH messages would
have priority over PCH messages.
If numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant <>0 then PCH messages would have
priority over AGCH messages .

Thus capacity can be dynamically shared between PCH and AGCH =>
better throughput for PCH especially for combined-BCCH

Figure 14. numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant Parameter

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#of 51 TDMA frame multiframes (2..9) between transmissions of Paging_Request

messages to mobiles of the same paging group.

#of paging groups =(#of CCCH blocks- numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant )*

noOMultiframesBetweenPaging

Page / group every (2 ... 9) * 235 ms =0.47 ... 2.115 s

Mobile Station calculates its Paging Group based on IMSI and on the Number of
Paging Groups.

Affects of the #of the Paging Groups

Battery Consumption of the Mobile Station
Speed of Call Setups

Figure 15. Number of Multiframes between paging

The PBCCH feature brings dedicated CCCH capacity for (E)GPRS services and
is described in a separate module called BSSPAR: GPRS and EGPRS (EDGE).

5.5 GPRS Non-DRX Mode On CCCH, DRX-Timer-Max

In BSC
This feature is described in a separate module called BSSPAR: GPRS and
EGPRS (EDGE).

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6 Capacity (SDCCH, PCH, AGCH)

Signalling capacity depends mostly on the paging channel (PCH) capacity and
on the SDCCH capacity. Both capacities can be calculated very easily. Based on
these calculations, the final channel configuration (combined BCCH/SDCCH or
separated BCCH and SDCCH) can be chosen.
Paging capacity is related to the number of paging groups, which depends on
the frame and channel structure and the following parameters:
noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS)(2..9) and
numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant (AG)(BTS)(0..7)
Paging capacity also gives a very good view of the size of location areas,
because pages (from BTS to MS) are sent over the whole location area every
time. Examples of the capacities of both types of channel will clarify the
situation:

Example of Capacity Computation for SDCCH

Consider 2 TRXs per Cell each carrying 9.01 Erlangs per Cell with 2% blocking
probability. Assuming that the call duration is 1.5 min during BH. SDCCH is
used for location updates once in 60 min and call assignment (7 sec/call
including ciphering and authentication). There is a traffic density of 25 mErl per
subscriber, which translates to 360 subscribers per cell.

Example 1 - Call Establishment & Location Updates included

Call Establishment
2 TRXs / Cell ~ 8,11 Erl / Cell (1% Blocking probability)
1,5 min / Subs / BH = 25 mErl. / Subs
8,11 Erl / Cell /25 mErl. / Subs = 325 Subs / Cell
Authentication and Ciphering = 7 sec = 1,94 mErl / Call (SDCCH
reservation time)
=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1,94 mErl / Call = 0,6305 Erl / Cell (SDCCH)

Location Update

Location Updates once in 60 minutes - set by the parameter

timerPeriodicUpdateMS
325 Subs / Cell
SDCCH reservation time for Location Update = 7 sec = 1,94 mErl

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=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1,94 mErl / Call = 0,6305 Erl / Cell (SDCCH)

Call Establishment and Location Update together

0,632 Erl + 0,632 Erl = 1,261 Erl / Cell

With 1% Blocking Probability (Erlang B table) => 5 SDCCH / Cell

Combined BCCH/SDCCH channel structure is not possible in this case!

Separate Configuration (1 BCCH/CCCH and 1 SDCCH/8) is needed!

Call establishment time

SDCCH reservation time 7 sec / 3600 sec = 1.94 mErl /call
=> 360 calls/cell *1.94 mErl/call = 0.699 Erl/Cell (SDCCH)
Location update
Location update once in 60 minutes
=> 360 calls/cell *1.94 mErl/call = 0.699 Erl/Cell (SDCCH)

=> Needed SDCCH capacity 0.699 Erl/Cell + 0.699 Erl/Cell = 1.398 Erl/Cell
(SDCCH)

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Chs 1% 2% 3% 5 % Chs 1% 2% 3% 5%
1 0 .0 1 0 .0 2 0 .0 3 0.05 21 12 .8 0 1 4 .0 0 14 .9 0 1 6 .2 0
2 0 .1 5 0 .2 2 0 .2 8 0.38 22 13 .7 0 1 4 .9 0 15 .8 0 1 7 .1 0
3 0 .4 6 0 .6 0 0 .7 2 0.90 23 14 .5 0 1 5 .8 0 16 .7 0 1 8 .1 0
SD 4 0 .8 7 1 .0 9 1 .2 6 1.52 24 15 .3 0 1 6 .6 0 17 .6 0 1 9 .0 0
5 1 .3 6 1 .6 6 1 .8 8 2.22 25 16 .1 0 1 7 .5 0 18 .5 0 2 0 .0 0
Channels
6 1 .9 1 2 .2 8 2 .5 4 2.96 26 17 .0 0 1 8 .4 0 19 .4 0 2 0 .9 0
7 2 .5 0 2 .9 4 3 .2 5 3.75 27 17 .8 0 1 9 .3 0 20 .3 0 2 1 .9 0
8 3 .1 3 3 .6 3 3 .9 9 4.54 28 18 .6 0 2 0 .2 0 21 .2 0 2 2 .9 0
9 3 .7 8 4 .3 4 4 .7 5 5.37 29 19 .5 0 2 1 .0 0 22 .1 0 2 3 .8 0
10 4 .4 6 5 .0 8 5 .5 3 6.22 30 20 .3 0 2 1 .9 0 23 .1 0 2 4 .8 0
11 5 .1 6 5 .8 4 6 .3 3 7.08 31 21 .2 0 2 2 .8 0 24 .0 0 2 5 .8 0
12 5 .8 8 6 .6 1 7 .1 4 7.95 32 22 .0 0 2 3 .7 0 24 .9 0 2 6 .7 0
13 6 .6 1 7 .4 0 7 .9 7 8.83 33 22 .9 0 2 4 .6 0 25 .8 0 2 7 .7 0
14 7 .3 5 8 .2 0 8 .8 0 9.73 34 23 .8 0 2 5 .5 0 26 .8 0 2 8 .7 0
15 8 .1 1 9 .0 1 9 .6 5 1 0.6 0 35 24 .6 0 2 6 .4 0 27 .7 0 2 9 .7 0
16 8 .8 8 9 .8 3 1 0 .5 0 1 1.5 0 36 25 .5 0 2 7 .3 0 28 .6 0 3 0 .7 0
17 9 .6 5 1 0.70 1 1 .4 0 1 2.5 0 37 26 .4 0 2 8 .3 0 29 .6 0 3 1 .6 0
18 10 .4 0 1 1.50 1 2 .2 0 1 3.4 0 38 27 .3 0 2 9 .2 0 30 .5 0 3 2 .6 0
19 11 .2 0 1 2.30 1 3 .1 0 1 4.3 0 39 28 .1 0 3 0 .1 0 31 .5 0 3 3 .6 0
20 12 .0 0 1 3.20 1 4 .0 0 1 5.2 0 40 29 .0 0 3 1 .0 0 32 .4 0 3 4 .6 0

Figure 16. Erlang-B Table

Transformation to channels by using Erlang-B table:

Blocking probability 1% (usually set below 1%, for example 0,2%)
= 6 SDCCHs
In this case, result shows that it is not possible to use combined channel
structure up to 2 TRXs/Cell. However, if the location update is done only once
in six hours then the needed SDCCH capacity is 0,816 Erl/Cell. When the
blocking probability for SDCCH is 1%, there is needed 4 SDCCHs/cell. This
time the combined channel structure would be possible, but we have to
remember to take into consideration also the capacity what is needed for short
messages.

Example of the capacity of PCH

Combined BCCH/SDCCH signalling channel configuration in which
1 block is used for AGCH -> 2 blocks for paging
Maximum of 4 paging messages/block, (TMSI) used, 3 in average
In average, we have to send 2 paging messages to page a mobile.

Therefore, on average, we send 3 pages/block, but we have reserved 2 blocks

for paging. This gives us in total 6 paging messages in every 51-frame
Multiframe, which means 6 paging messages in every 235 ms.

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If we now calculate how many paging messages we can get during busy
hour:
3600 sec. / 0.235 sec * 6 paging messages= 91915 paging
messages
now we can calculate how many mobiles we can page during busy hour
while in average we have to send 2 paging messages to page a mobile:
91915 / 2= 45 957 mobiles/BH.

Example 2 - Call Establishment & Location Updates included

Call Establishment

- 2 TRXs / Cell ~ 8,11 Erl / Cell (1% Blocking probability)

- 1,5 min / Subs / BH = 25 mErl. / Subs
- 8,11 Erl / Cell /25 mErl. / Subs = 325 Subs / Cell
- Authentication and Ciphering = 7 sec = 1,94 mErl / Call (SDCCH
reservation time)
=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1,94 mErl / Call = 0,6305 Erl / Cell (SDCCH)
Location Update

- Location Updates once in 120 minutes - parameter

timerPeriodicUpdateMS
- 325 Subs / Cell
- SDCCH reservation time for Location Update = 7 sec = 1,94 mErl
=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1,94 mErl / Call * 1/2 = 0,31525 Erl / Cell (SDCCH)
Call Establishment and Location Update together

- 0,6305 Erl/Cell + 0,31525 Erl/Cell = 0,94575 Erl/Cell (SDCCH)

- With 1% Blocking Probability (Erlang B) => ~ 5 SDCCH / Cell

Combined BCCH/SDCCH channel structure is not possible in this case !

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Example 3 - Call Establishment, Location Updates & SMS

Call Establishment

- 2 TRXs / Cell ~ 8,11 Erl / Cell (1% Blocking probability)

- 1,5 min / Subs / BH = 25 mErl. / Subs
- 8,11 Erl / Cell /25 mErl. / Subs = 325 Subs / Cell
- Authentication and Ciphering = 7 sec = 1,94 mErl / Call (SDCCH
reservation time)
=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1,94 mErl / Call = 0,6305 Erl / Cell (SDCCH)
Location Update

- Location Updates once in 120 minutes set using the parameter

timerPeriodicUpdateMS
- 325 Subs / Cell
- SDCCH reservation time for Location Update = 7 sec = 1,94 mErl
=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1,94 mErl / Call * 1/2 = 0,31525 Erl / Cell
(SDCCH)

SMS
- SMS traffic estimation 1.0 mErl / subscriber
=> 325 Calls / Cell * 1 mErl / Call = 0,325 Erl / Cell (SDCCH)
Call Establishment, Location Update and SMS together
- 0,6305 Erl/Cell + 0,31525 Erl/Cell + 0,325 Erl/Call =
1,27075Erl/Cell (SDCCH)
- With 1% Blocking Probability (Erlang B) => ~ 5 SDCCH / Cell

Separated channel structure is needed in this case

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7 Dynamic SDCCH Allocation

Dynamic SDCCH is an optional feature. The BTS should be configured with
the minimum static SDCCH capacity that is sufficient to handle the normal
SDCCH traffic. Extra SDCCH resources are allocated from free TCH only
when SDCCH congestion has been experienced after the last free SDCCH is
allocated. Consequently, when the dynamic SDCCH radio resources are not
used it is immediately configured back for TCH use. Thus the maximum
number of TCHs are always in traffic use depending on the actual need of the
SDCCH resources at each moment.
A particular benefit is derived from this feature in traffic cases where the
signalling is the only transmission mode during the connection to the network.
Short Message service (SMS) traffic as well as location updatings are counted
among them. In some special places e.g. airports and ports, the location
updatings can produce sudden short time SDCCH traffic peaks which can now
be handled without any need to configure extra permanent SDCCH capacity.
Dynamic SDCCH resource can be configured only when SDCCH is allocated
for Immediate Assignment. During the SDCCH handover it is not allowed
(restriction concerns the BSC). However, channels of the dynamic SDCCH
resources can be used in handovers. Placement of the new dynamic SDCCH is
dependent on the following factors:
SDCCH resource is configured only to regular TRX. A RTSL of least uplink
interference should be selected.
The SDCCH is configured to a TRX, which does not yet have any SDCCH
resources or to the TRX, which has least number of SDCCH.
Priority is given to the TRX, which has least working channels.
When in a particular TRX and a different type of TCH resource must be
selected, then the preference order is the following: first HR then FR, DR
TCH resource.
These requirements must be compromised according to the actual TCH
occupation situation in the TRXs.

CBCH carrying SDCCH cannot be configured dynamically.

Principles in radio channel allocation from the SDCCH resources of the BTS
are:
SDCCH is always allocated from static SDCCH resource if there is any free
channel left.
When SDCCH is allocated from the dynamic SDCCH resources then the
one shall be used which has least idle channels left.

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These rules are for minimising the consumption of the TCH resources.
When the feature FACCH call set-up is activated, in situations of SDCCH
congestion of the BTS, the MS can be assigned a TCH from the CCCH at the
time of Immediate Assignment. This feature can be applied also with the
Dynamic SDCCH in some special cases:
The FACCH call set-up is used in true SDCCH congestion when it is not
possible to configure any dynamic SDCCH resource in the BTS.
When the last TCH resource of the BTS is going to be taken in use and the
connection requires a TCH then it is reasonable to use the FACCH call set-
up.
The upper limit for the number of SDCCHs, which are possible to configure in
BSC are determined by the number of TRXs connected to the BSC Signalling
Unit (BCSU). With maximum TRX configurations the average SDCCH
capacity is determined to be 12 SDCCH channels per TRX. For 1-32 TRX
BCSU the max number of the SDCCH channels is 384.
Dynamic SDCCH resources can be shared between all TRXs of the BTS. The
absolute limit is that the maximum SDCCH number in a TRX must not exceed
16 channels; while this limit value is reached then at least one of the two
SDCCH/8 resources must be a dynamic one.
The capacity restriction of the 16 kbit/s telecom signalling link (TRXSIG
LAPD) produces additional constraints. The uplink capacity is not sufficient in
the worst traffic load cases. The main reason for capacity loss is the increased
uplink load due to measurement result reporting.

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8 CCCH Improvements
There are two mechanisms available to improve the performance and usage of
the CCCH channels:
The CCCH scheduling algorithm
The CCCH scheduling algorithm is used to allow priority for access grant
messages over paging messages when the parameter
noOfBlocksForAccessGrant(AG)(BTS)(0..7)(1..7)(0..2)(1) equals zero.
For non-zero values, the situation will remain as previously, i.e. paging
messages have priority over access grant messages on PCH. This greatly
improves the PCH throughput especially for combined-BCCH-CCCH channel
structure.

Modified buffering mechanism

For PCH the target is to offer a buffering mechanism in which the paging buffer
capacity per paging group is dependent on the CCCH-configuration and on the
identity type (IMSI/TMSI) in use, in such a way that there can be
configuration-independent maximum paging-delay for a paging message.
Previously, each paging group buffer has a fixed depth (8 A-bis paging
messages) regardless of the paging group repetition rate set by the parameter
noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging(MFR)(BTS)(2..9)(4).
In the worst case, (when buffers are full and BS_PA_MFRMS = 9 and IMSI
used), a page arriving at a BTS may have to wait for 4 paging multiframes
(approx. 8.4 seconds). The page is clearly outdated by the time it gets
transmitted to air.
Since page repetition is done at the MSC, after some point in time it is better to
discard excessive pages rather than store them for very long time. In this new
mechanism a page is not deleted because of insufficient buffering space, but
because it cannot be transmitted to air within the defined maximum paging
delay.

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9 Key Learning Points

In GSM the logical channels can be divided into Dedicated Channels (DCH)
and Common Control Channels (CCCH)
Common Control Channels (CCCH) are used to set up point-to-point
connections. There are three types of CCCH: Paging Channel (PCH), Random
Access Channel (RACH), and Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
Paging Channel (PCH) is a downlink channel, which is broadcast by all the
BTSs of a Location Area in the case of a mobile terminated call and SMS
Random Access Channel (RACH) is the only uplink logical channel and the
first point-to-point channel in the common control channels. It is used by the
mobile station to initiate a transaction, or as a response to a PCH.
Access Grant Channel (AGCH) is the answer to the RACH. It is used to
assign to a mobile a Stand-alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH). It is
a downlink, point-to-point channel
noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS)(2..9) tells how often paging
messages are sent to an MS. This parameter is set so that the MS listens to
incoming paging messages between every 0.47 seconds (minimum=2) and 2.1
seconds (maximum=9)
maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS)(1, 2, 4 or 7) describes the
maximum number of RACH retransmissions the MS can send to the Base
Station. If it set to 2, it will try twice.
numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (SLO)(BTS)(3..12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50),
describes a window during which an MS tries to send random access to a Base
Station.
In GSM Phase 2, newEstabCausesSupport (NECI)(BTS)(Yes/No)(N) and
(EPF)(ERF)(EEF)(EOF) are used to indicate the possibility to use FACCH in
call assignment procedure.
numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant (AG)(BTS)(0..7) is a parameter for
reserving the number of CCCH blocks used for AGCH.
Physical channels TS0 and TS1 are available for signalling and they can be
used by logical channels in 3 ways:
1. Combined channel structure for BCCH, CCCH and SDCCH on TS0 for
uplink and downlink.
2. Separate channel structure for BCCH and CCCH on TS0 and SDCCH on
TS1 on uplink and downlink.
3. Hybrid Structure in which BCCH, CCCH and SDCCH/4 are transmitted on
TS0 in both directions and SDCCH/8 is transmitted on TS1 for both
directions.

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Dynamic SDCCH allocation is an optional feature where extra SDCCH

capacity is allocated from free TCH when SDCCH congestion is experienced.
These resources revert to TCH usage when SDCCH congestion subsides.
There are two mechanisms available for CCCH usage improvements:
CCCH Scheduling Algorithms : which provides priority for Access Grant
messages over Paging Messages.
Modified Buffering Mechanism in which pages are deleted when they cannot
be transmitted to air within the defined maximum paging delay.

Parameters Value
numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant 0 ... 7 (if BCCH/CCCH used)(non-combined)

1 ... 7 (if CBCH used on SDCCH/8)

0 ... 2 (if combined BCCH/SDCCH used)
noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging 2 ... 9
maxNumberRetransmission 1, 2, 4, 7

numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans 3 ... 12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50

newEstabCausesSupport Y/N (FACCH setup allowed)

pagingAnsOnFacch Y/N
emerCallOnFacch Y/N
ordinaryCallOnFacch Y/N
restablishCallOnFacch Y/N

Figure 17. Parameters related to signalling

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10 Review Questions
Q1. Which logical channel is used by the BTS to assign to an MS, a traffic
channel for communication?
a) Common Control Channel (CCCH)
b) Paging Channel (PCH)
c) Random Access Channel (RACH)
d) Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
e) Traffic Channel (TCH)

Q2. The parameter numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans(SLO)(BTS) is used to

allocated a number of CCCH blocks for
a) Common Control Channel (CCCH)
b) Paging Channel (PCH)
c) Random Access Channel (RACH)
d) Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
e) Traffic Channel

Q3. Which parameter defines how often paging messages are sent to MS?
a) noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS)(2..9)
b) maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS)(1, 2, 4 or 7)
c) numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (SLO)(BTS)(3..12,14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50)
d) newEstabCallSupport (NECI)(BTS)(Yes/No) and
e) numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant (AG)(BTS)(0..7)

Q4. Which parameter is associated with AGCH?

a) noOfMultiframesBetweenPaging (MFR)(BTS)(2..9)
b) maxNumberOfRetransmission (RET)(BTS)(1, 2, 4 or 7)
c) numberOfSlotsSpreadTrans (SLO)(BTS)(3..12,14, 16, 20, 25, 32, 50)
d) newEstabCallSupport (NECI)(BTS)(Yes/No) and
e) numberOfBlocksForAccessGrant (AG)(BTS)(0..7)

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Q5. Which of the following are used for signalling on physical channels TS0
and TS1?
a) Combined channel structure for BCCH, CCCH and SDCCH on TS0 for
uplink and downlink.
b) Separate channel structure for BCCH and CCCH on TS0 and SDCCH on
TS1 on uplink and downlink.
c) Hybrid Structure in which BCCH, CCCH and SDCCH/4 are transmitted on
TS0 in both directions and SDCCH/8 is transmitted on TS1 for both
directions.
d) All of the above
e) None of the above

Q6. Which of the following is true about dynamic SDCCH Allocation?

a) It is an optional feature.
b) Extra SDCCH capacity is allocated from free TCH when SDCCH
congestion is experienced.
c) When SDCCH congestion subsides, allocated TCH revert to TCH usage.
d) All of the above
e) None of the above

Q7. Which of the following mechanism(s) is/are used to improve CCCH usage?

a) CCCH Scheduling Algorithms provide priority for Access Grant messages

over Paging Messages.
b) Modified Buffering mechanism in which pages are deleted when they
cannot be transmitted to air within the defined maximum paging delay.
c) All of the above
d) None of the above

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