1

Mullett

Objectives Discuss the basic services offered by GSM cellular and the frequency band of operation Discuss the network component of a GSM system and the basic function of MS,BSS,NSS Explain the concept of GSM network interfaces and protocols, and their relationship to the OSI model Explain the GSM channel concept.

Discuss the functions of the GSM logical channels

Explain the TDMA concept and how it is implemented in GSM.

Explain the mapping of logical channels on to the GSM physical channels

 GSM is a globally accepted standard for digital cellular communications. GSM uses narrowband Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) for voice and Short Messaging Service (SMS). What is GSM? If you are in Europe, Asia or Japan and using a mobile phone then most probably you must be using GSM technology in your mobile phone.
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication and is an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services. The GSM emerged from the idea of cell-based mobile radio systems at Bell Laboratories in the early 1970s. The GSM is the name of a standardization group established in 1982 to create a common European mobile telephone standard. The GSM standard is the most widely accepted standard and is implemented globally. The GSM is a circuit-switched system that divides each 200kHz channel into eight 25kHz time-slots. GSM operates in the 900MHz and 1.8GHz bands in Europe and the 1.9GHz and 850MHz bands in the US.

 The GSM is owning a market share of more than 70 percent of the world's digital cellular subscribers. The GSM makes use of narrowband TDMA technique for transmitting signals. The GSM was developed using digital technology. It has an ability to carry 64 kbps to 120 Mbps of data rates. Presently GSM support more than one billion mobile subscribers in more than 210 countries throughout of the world. The GSM provides basic to advanced voice and data services including Roaming service. Roaming is the ability to use your GSM phone number in another GSM network. A GSM digitizes and compresses data, then sends it down through a channel with two other streams of user data, each in its own time slot. It operates at either the 900 MHz or 1,800 MHz frequency band Why GSM? The GSM study group aimed to provide the followings through the GSM: Improved spectrum efficiency. International roaming. Low-cost mobile sets and base stations (BSs) High-quality speech Compatibility with Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and other telephone company services. Support for new services.

 Three basic types of services offered through GSM Teleservices (also referred to as Telephony Services) Bearer services (also referred to as Data Services ) Supplementary Services

FIG: Relationship of teleservices and bearer services to the GSM system GSM Teleservices GSM Bearer services

End User

GSM Network

Transmission network

End User

 Table 1: Phase 1 GSM Services

Service Category Service
Telephony Emergency calls SMS Videotext access Teletex, FAX,etc Asynchronous data Synchronous data

Additional Details
Full rate at 13kbps voice 112 is GSM wide emergency number Point to point and cell broad caste type

GSM Teleservices

300-9600 bps 2400-9600bps

Bearer Services

Synchronous packet data

others

Call forwarding Supplementary Services Call barring

All calls, when the subscriber is not available

Outgoing calls with specification

 Table 2: Phase 2 GSM Services

Service Category Service Half-rate speech coder Enhanced full rate GSM Teleservices Additional Details Optional implementation

Call line identification

Connected line identification

Presentation or restriction of displaying the callers ID

Supplementary Services

Call waiting Call hold Multiparty communications Closed user group Advice of charge Operator determined call barring

Presentation or restriction of displaying the called ID Incoming call during current conversation Put current call on hold to answer another Up to five ongoing calls can be included in one conversation Restriction of subscribers by operator

Teleservices or Telephony Services:

A Teleservice utilises the capabilities of a Bearer Service to transport data, defining which capabilities are required and how they should be set up.

Voice Calls:
The most basic Teleservice supported by GSM is telephony. This includes Full-rate speech at 13 Kbps and emergency calls, where the nearest emergency- service provider is notified by dialing three digits. A very basic example of emergency service is 911 service available in USA.

Videotext and Facsimile:

Another group of teleservices includes Videotext access, Teletex transmission, Facsimile alternate speech and facsimile Group 3, Automatic facsimile Group 3 etc.

Short Text Messages:

SMS (Short Messaging Service) service is a text messaging which allow you to send and receive text messages on your GSM Mobile phone. Services available from many of the world's GSM networks today - in addition to simple user generated text message services - include news, sport, financial, language and location based services, as well as many early examples of mobile commerce such as stocks and share prices, mobile banking facilities and leisure booking services.

Bearer Services or Data Services:

Using your GSM phone to receive and send data is the essential building block leading to widespread mobile Internet access and mobile data transfer. GSM currently has a data transfer rate of 9.6k. New developments that will push up data transfer rates for GSM users are HSCSD (high speed circuit switched data) and GPRS (general packet radio service) are now available.

Supplementary Services
Supplementary services are provided on top of teleservices or bearer services, and include features such as caller identification, call forwarding, call waiting, multi-party conversations, and barring of outgoing (international) calls, among others. A brief description of supplementary services is given here: Multiparty Service or conferencing: The multiparty service allows a mobile subscriber to establish a multiparty conversation.that is, a simultaneous conversation between three or more subscribers to setup a conference call. This service is only applicable to normal telephony. 10

 Call Waiting:
This service allows a mobile subscriber to be notified of an incoming call during a conversation. The subscriber can answer, reject, or ignore the incoming call. Call waiting is applicable to all GSM telecommunications services using a circuit-switched connection.

Call Hold:
This service allows a subscriber to put an incoming call on hold and then resume this call. The call hold service is only applicable to normal telephony.

Call Forwarding:
The Call Forwarding Supplementary Service is used to divert calls from the original recipient to another number, and is normally set up by the subscriber himself.
It can be used by the subscriber to divert calls from the Mobile Station when the subscriber is not available, and so to ensure that calls are not lost. A typical scenario would be a salesperson turns off his mobile phone during a meeting with customers, but does not with to lose potential sales leads while he is unavailable.

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 Call Barring:
The concept of barring certain types of calls might seem to be a supplementary disservice rather than service. However, there are times when the subscriber is not the actual user of the Mobile Station, and as a consequence may wish to limit its functionality, so as to limit the charges incurred. Alternatively, if the subscriber and user are one and the same, the Call Barring may be useful to stop calls being routed to international destinations when they are routed. The reason for this is because it is expected that the roaming subscriber will pay the charges incurred for international re-routing of calls. So, GSM devised some flexible services that enable the subscriber to conditionally bar calls.

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 Number Identification: There are following supplementary services related to number identification:
Calling Line Identification Presentation:
This service deals with the presentation of the calling party's telephone number. The concept is for this number to be presented, at the start of the phone ringing, so that the called person can determine who is ringing prior to answering. The person subscribing to the service receives the telephone number of the calling party.

Calling Line Identification Restriction:

A person not wishing their number to be presented to others subscribes to this service. In the normal course of event, the restriction service overrides the presentation service.

Connected Line Identification Presentation:

This service is provided to give the calling party the telephone number of the person to whom they are connected. This may seem strange since the person making the call should know the number they dialled, but there are situations (such as forwardings) where the number connected is not the number dialled. The person subscribing to the service is the calling party.

Connected Line Identification Restriction:

There are times when the person called does not wish to have their number presented and so they would subscribe to this person. Normally, this overrides the presentation service.

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 Malicious Call Identification:

The malicious call identification service was provided to combat the spread of obscene or annoying calls. The victim should subscribe to this service, and then they could cause known malicious calls to be identified in the GSM network, using a simple command. This identified number could then be passed to the appropriate authority for action. The definition for this service is not stable.

Advice of Charge (AoC):

This service was designed to give the subscriber an indication of the cost of the services as they are used. Furthermore, those Service Providers who wish to offer rental services to subscribers without their own Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) can also utilize this service in a slightly different form. AoC for data calls is provided on the basis of time measurements. Closed User Groups (CUGs): This service is provided on GSM to enable groups of subscribers to only call each other. This type of services are being offered with special discount and is limited only to those members who wish to talk to each other. Unstructured supplementary services data (USSD): This allows operator-defined individual services.

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 For GSM cellular systems the air interface consists of channels that have a frequency separation of 200kHz .
Total number of channels for each system GSM system type Total number of carrier frequencies per band

Total number of carrier frequencies * No. of time slots per carrier

GSM 900
GSM 1800

124 carrier frequencies

374 carrier frequencies

124 8 = 992 channels

374 8 = 2992 channels

GSM 1900

299 carrier frequencies

299 8 = 2392 channels

GSM frequency bands

GSM frequency bands or frequency ranges are the cellular frequency designated by the ITU for the operation of GSM mobile phone. In GSM cellular networks, an absolute radio-frequency channel number (ARFCN) is a code that specifies a pair of physical radio carriers and channels used for transmission and reception on the Um interface, one for the uplink signal and one for the downlink signal ARFCNs use a channel spacing of 200 kHz in any given GSM band. Uplink-downlink spacing is typically 45 or 50 MHz

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 For GSM cellular systems the air interface consists of channels that have a frequency separation of 200kHz .
Total number of channels for each system GSM system type Total number of carrier frequencies per band

Total number of carrier frequencies * No. of time slots per carrier

GSM 900
GSM 1800

124 carrier frequencies

374 carrier frequencies

124 8 = 992 channels

374 8 = 2992 channels

GSM 1900

299 carrier frequencies

374 8 = 2392 channels

GSM frequency bands

GSM frequency bands or frequency ranges are the cellular frequency designated by the ITU for the operation of GSM mobile phone. In GSM cellular networks, an absolute radio-frequency channel number (ARFCN) is a code that specifies a pair of physical radio carriers and channels used for transmission and reception on the Um interface, one for the uplink signal and one for the downlink signal ARFCNs use a channel spacing of 200 kHz in any given GSM band. Uplink-downlink spacing is typically 45 or 50 MHz

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 Table for GSM frequency bands and channel numbers

GSM Band
P-GSM900 ARFCN= 1 to 124 E-GSM900 ARFCN=975 to 1023 R-GSM900 ARFCN=955 to 1023 GSM1800 ARFCN=512 to 885 GSM1900 ARFCN=512 to 810 GSM450 ARFCN=259 to 293 GSM480 ARFCN=306 to 340

Uplink Frequency
890-915MHz (ARFCN-1)*0.2MHz + 890.2MHz 880-890 MHz(ARFCN=0=890 MHz) (ARFCN-975)*0.2MHz + 890 MHz 876-890 MHz (ARFCN-1023)*0.2MHz + 890 MHz 1710-1785 MHz (ARFCN-512)*0.2MHz + 1710.2 MHz 1850-1910 MHz (ARFCN-512)*0.2MHz + 1850.2 MHz 450.4-457.6 MHz (ARFCN-259)*0.2MHz + 450.6 MHz 478.8-486 MHz (ARFCN-306)*0.2 MHz + 478.8 MHz

Downlink Frequency
935-960 MHz Uplink frequency + 45 MHz 925-935 MHz Uplink frequency + 45 MHz 921-935 MHz Uplink frequency + 45 MHz 1805-1880 MHz Uplink frequency + 95 MHz 1930-1990 MHz Uplink frequency + 90 MHz 460.4-467.6 MHz Uplink frequency + 10 MHz 488.8-496 MHz Uplink frequency + 10 MHz

P-GSM, Standard or Primary GSM-900 Band E-GSM, Extended GSM-900 Band (includes Standard GSM-900 band) R-GSM, Railways GSM-900 Band (includes Standard and Extended GSM-900 band) T-GSM, TETRA-GSM

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 There are fourteen GSM frequency bands defined in 3GPP and they are as follows
System
T-GSM-380 T-GSM-410 GSM-450 GSM-480 GSM-710 GSM-750 T-GSM-810 GSM-850 P-GSM-900 E-GSM-900

Band
380 410 450 480 710 750 810 850 900 900

Uplink (MHz)
380.2389.8 410.2419.8 450.4457.6 478.8486.0 698.0716.0 747.0762.0 806.0821.0 824.0849.0 890.2914.8 880.0914.8

Downlink (MHz)
390.2399.8 420.2429.8 460.4467.6 488.8496.0 728.0746.0 777.0792.0 851.0866.0 869.0894.0 935.2959.8 925.2959.8

Channel number
dynamic dynamic 259293 306340 dynamic 438511 dynamic 128251 1124 9751023, 0-124

R-GSM-900
T-GSM-900 DCS-1800 PCS-1900

900
900 1800 1900

876.0914.8
870.4876.0 1710.21784.8 1850.01910.0

921.0959.8
915.4921.0 1805.21879.8 1930.01990.0

9551023, 0-124
dynamic 512885 512810

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Figure: GSM frequency allocations in the 1900- MHz PCS bands

Uplink frequencies

Downlink frequencies

B
15 MHz

E F C

Unlicensed

E F

1850 MHz

1910 MHz

1930 MHz

5 MHz

1990 MHZ

A and B(15Mhz) bands are for Major Trade Areas (MTAs) C,D,E and F(5MHz) bands are for Basic Trade Areas (BTAs)

Figure: GSM timeslot in a TDMA frame

TDMA Frame

TS0

TS1

TS2

TS3

TS4

TS5

TS6

TS7 19

Physical channel (One Timeslot)

Administrative and control system

Message center
Mobile intelligent network

Service order gateways

Billing Gate ways

Operation and support system(OSS)

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Fig: GSM NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

 The GSM network can be divided into following broad parts.

The Mobile (MS) The Base Station Subsystem (BSS) The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) The Operation Support Subsystem(OSS)

1. Mobile Station (MS): The MS is a multifunctional device that provides the radio link between the GSM subscriber and the wireless mobile network. The Mobile Station is made up of two entities:
1. 2. Mobile Equipment (ME) Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

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1.Mobile Equipment Portable, vehicle mounted, hand held device Uniquely identified by an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) Voice and data transmission Monitoring power and signal quality of surrounding cells for optimum handover Power level : 0.8W 20 W 160 character long SMS.
2. Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Smart card contains the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) Allows user to send and receive calls and receive other subscribed services Encoded network identification details - Key Ki, Kc and A3,A5 and A8 algorithms Protected by a password or PIN Can be moved from phone to phone contains key information to activate the phone
Billions of Calls Millions of Subscribers Thousand of Different Types of Telephones Hundreds of Countries Dozens of Manufacturers. And only one Card: The SIM It hold: Administrative data Security data Subscriber data Roaming data PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network)

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 The base station system (BSS) is the link between the MS and the GSM mobileservices switching center (MSC). Base Station Subsystem is composed of two parts :
Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Base Station Controller (BSC)

The BTS communicates with the MS over the air interface using various protocols designed for the wireless channel. The BSC communicates with the MSC through the use of standard wireless protocols. The BSC and BTS communicate with each other using LAPD protocol

Air interface protocols

LAPD protocol

standard wireless protocols.

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Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Basic components of the BTS are:

radio transceiver units switching and distribution unit RF power combining and distribution units environmental control unit and power system units processing and database storage unit. The BTS is physically located near the antenna for the cell site. Radio base station is the term usually used to describe the cellular radio transmitting and receiving equipment located at the cell site.

Functions of BTS are:

Encodes,encrypts,multiplexes,modulates and feeds the RF signals to the antenna. Frequency hopping Communicates with Mobile station and BSC

Base Station Controller (BSC)

Manages Radio resources for BTS Assigns Frequency and time slots for all MSs in its area Handles call set up Transcoding and rate adaptation functionality Handover for each MS Radio Power control It communicates with MSC and BTS

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 It provides the necessary interface for the connection PSTN, PDN and other wireless PLMNs. Additionally, it provides support for the mobility of the GSM subscriber within the GSM network. It maintains databases about the subscribers and facilitate the connection of a mobile to the system as long as it has connection privileges. The GSM switching system was designed to communicate with the PSTN through ISDN protocols. The basic components of the NSS:
MSC, GMSC, VLR, HLR, EIR, AUC. NSS may also have a flexible numbering register and an inter-working location register to provide more system functionality.

Functions of each components:

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Functions of each component of NSS :

Mobile Switching Center (MSC) Heart of the network Manages communication between GSM and other networks Call setup function and basic switching Call routing Billing information and collection Mobility management - Registration - Location Updating - Inter BSS and inter MSC call handoff MSC does gateway function while its customer roams to other network by using HLR/VLR. Home Location Registers (HLR) permanent database about mobile subscribers in a large service area(generally one per GSM network operator) database contains IMSI,MSISDN,prepaid/postpaid, roaming restrictions, supplementary services. Visitor Location Registers (VLR) Temporary database which updates whenever new MS enters its area, by HLR database Controls those mobiles roaming in its area Reduces number of queries to HLR Database contains IMSI,TMSI,MSISDN,MSRN,Location Area,authentication key

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Functions of each component of NSS :

Authentication Center (AUC)
Protects against intruders in air interface Maintains authentication keys and algorithms and provides security triplets ( RAND,SRES,Kc) Generally associated with HLR

Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

Database that is used to track handsets using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) Made up of three sub-classes: The White List, The Black List and the Gray List Only one EIR per PLMN

Other components:
To handle short message service (SMS) the wireless switching system will need to have an SMS gateway MSC (SMS-GMSC) and an SMS-interworking MSC (SMS-IWMSC). The implementation GPRS)for high-speed data transmission and reception requires the use of two additional switching system elements: a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). These last two units connect to IP networks The flexible numbering register (FNR) is used by the GSM system to provide number portability to a subscriber. With this feature a subscriber may change GSM operators and still maintain the same MSISDN number. The network switching system will se the FNR to redirect messages sent by a GMSC toward a particular HLR to the correct HLR. The interworking location register (ILR) is used to allow intersystem roaming.

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Operations and support system(OSS) and other nodes

Entire GSM wireless network is monitored and controlled by an operation and support system (OSS) This centralized system can be used to provide surveillance of the complete network and thus provide the operator a means to support operation and maintenance of the entire network.

Usually there are several sublevels to the management function that cover the circuit packet and radio network portions of the GSM network.

The OSS software usually provides the system operator with the ability to perform configuration performance evaluation and security management of each portion of the wireless network along with the traditional display of alarms or fault indicators for specific system elements. The other nodes are: billing gateway and service order gateway

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM interfaces

The GSM standard specifies the various interfaces between the GSM elements. Fig 5-5 shows these GSM interfaces.
The air interface between the MS and the BTS is the Um interface. The physical interface between the BTS and the BSC is known as the Abis interface, Interface between the BSC and the MSC is known as the A interface. The MSC has various interfaces between it and the other network switching system elements or other MSCs.

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM protocols and signaling model:

Fig 5-6 shows a signalling model for the GSM system Signalling scheme used by the MS communicates with the MSC to provide system connection, mobility , and radio resource management by the sending messages back and forth over the air interface from the MS to the BTS , between the BTS and the BSC, and between the BSC and the MSC . the fig indicates the various protocols that are used between the different GSM interfaces and at the different OSI layer levels.

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM protocols and signaling model:

GSM signalling protocol layer

Datalink layer Physical layer

The layered model of the GSM architecture integrates and links the peer-to-peer communications between two different systems. The underlying layers satisfy the services of the upper-layer protocols. Notifications are passed from layer to layer to ensure that the information has been properly formatted, transmitted, and received. MS Protocols: The signaling protocol in GSM is structured into three general layers, depending on the interface. Layer 1: The physical layer, which uses the channel structures over the air interface. Layer 2: The data-link layer. Across the Um interface, the data-link layer is a modified version of the Link access protocol for the D channel (LAP-D) protocol used in ISDN, called Link access protocol on the Dm channel (LAP-Dm). Across the A interface, the Message Transfer Part (MTP), Layer 2 of SS7 is used. Layer 3: The third layer of the GSM signaling protocol is divided into three sublayers: o Radio Resource management (RR) o Mobility Management (MM) and o Connection Management (CM).

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM protocols
1. MS Protocols: The signalling protocol in GSM is structured into three general layers, depending on the interface. Layer 1: The physical layer, which uses the channel structures over the air interface. Layer 2: The data-link layer. Across the Um interface, the data-link layer is a modified version of the Link access protocol for the D channel (LAP-D) protocol used in ISDN, called Link access protocol on the Dm channel (LAP-Dm). Across the A interface, the Message Transfer Part (MTP), Layer 2 of SS7 is used . Layer 3: The third layer of the GSM signalling protocol is divided into three sublayers: O Radio Resource management (RR) o Mobility Management (MM) and o Connection Management (CM).

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM Interfaces Um Air Interface The "air" or radio interface standard that is used for exchanges between a mobile (ME) and a base station (BTS / BSC). For signalling, a modified version of the ISDN LAPD, known as LAPDm is used. The protocol architecture in the MS
CM, MM, RR (L3)

LAPDm (L2) Radio channel (L1) Abis-Interface This is a BSS internal interface linking the BSC and a BTS, and it has not been totally standardised. The Abis interface allows control of the radio equipment and radio frequency allocation in the BTS. Protocols for communication between BTS and BSC:
RR, BTSM (L3)

LAPD (L2) PCM link (L1)

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM Interfaces) A-Interface
The A interface is used to provide communication between the BSS and the MSC. The interface carries information to enable the channels, timeslots and the like to be allocated to the mobile equipment's being serviced by the BSSs. The messaging required within the network to enable handover etc. to be undertaken is carried over the interface. Layer 3 is subdivided in to three parts: RR ,CM,MM. Protocols for communication between MSC and BSC, MSC and MS:
BSSAP(Base Station System Application Part.) DTAP (Direct Transfer Application Part). (L3) MTP, SCCP (SS7)

The protocol used to transfer the CM and MM messages is BBSAP. BBSAP = DTAP+ BSSAMP
DTAP Protocols for communication between MSC and MS BSSAMP Protocols for communication between MSC and BSC

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

GSM Interfaces)
Ater- Interface: It is only exists in GSM system The interface between the BSC and transcoder. It is a proprietary interface whose name depends on the vendor (for example Ater by Nokia), it carries the A interface information from the BSC leaving it untouched. The figure 5.8 indicates how BSSAP signalling is sent transparently through the TRC node.

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GSM network interfaces and protocols

MSC interfaces
MSC Interfaces The GSM signalling model Figure 5-6 shows two protocol stacks within the MSC node. The protocol stack on the left-hand side is associated with the A interface and has been discussed earlier. The right-hand protocol stack corresponds to the MSC network interfaces to with VLR, HLR, GMSC, and the PSTN or other PLMNs. Within the network interface stack are the following, protocols: MTP, SCCP, TCAP. MAP. and ISUP/TUP.
Message transfer part (MTP) is used to transport messages and for routing and addressing. MTP corresponds to OSI Layers I, 2, and parts of 3. Signaling connection control part (SCCP) adds functions to SS7 signalling to provide for more extensive addressing and routing. Together, MTP and SCCP form the network service part (NSP) and correspond to Layers 1-3 in the OSI model. Transfer capabilities application part (TCAP) and mobile application part (MAP) are Layer 7 protocols.
TCAP provides services based on connectionless network services. MAP is a protocol specifically designed for mobile communications.

It is used for the signalling between databases (HLR, VLR, EIR, AUC, etc.) and is further designated as MAP-n where n is given as shown by Figure 5-5. ISDN-user part (ISDN-UP) and temporary user part (TUP) are used from Layer 3 up to Layer 7 and are used between the MSC and the ISDN/PSTN for call setup and supervision.

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GSM CHANNEL CONCEPT ***

Channel Types: Two types of channels Physical Channels

Defined by carrier frequency/TDMA time slot combination

Logical Channels
two types of logical channels

Traffic Channels (TCH) Control Channels (CCH)

Physical Vs. Logical Channels
Physical channels are all the available time slots of a BTS
a BTS with 6 carriers has 48 physical channels

Logical channels are piggybacked on the physical channels

logical channels are laid over the grid of physical channels each logical channel performs a specific task

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Logical Channels **
Half rate 11.4kbps Speech TCH (traffic) Data Logical channel Full rate 22.8kbps 2.4 kbps 4.8 kbps 9.6 kbps FCCH(Frequency correction) SCH(Synchronization) PCH(Paging) CCCH CCH (control) Dedicated RACH(Random Access) AGCH(Access Grant)

BCH

SDCCH(Stand Alone)
SACCH(Slow-associated) FACCH(Fast-associated) 38

Logical Channels description Traffic Channels(TCH)

Traffic channels carry user information
speech data, FAX
Data rates
13Kbps

Two types of TCH

Full-rate TCH (TCH/F) with 22.8kbps gross bit rate Half-rate TCH (TCH/H) with 11.4kbps gross bit rate

Overhead
9.8kbps

6.5kbps

4.8/2.4kbps

TCH are multiplexed into 26-frame multiframe structure

Control Channels(CCH) Control channels carry system control and synchronisation information Three categories are defined
1. Broadcast channel(BCH) 2. Common control channel(CCCH) 3. Dedicated control channel(DCCH)

Almost all control channels exist in the 51-frame

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Logical Channels description

1. Broadcast channel(BCH)

BCHs used by BSS to provide LAl information to the MS and other various system parameters to MS 3 types of Broadcast channels (BCH) BSS

a) Frequency correction channel (FCCH)

BCHs

b) Synchronization channel (SCH) c) Broadcast control channel (BCCH)

M S

(a) Frequency correction channel (FCCH) The lighthouse of a BTS FCCH transmits bursts of zeros (this is an un modulated carrier signal) to the MS. This signalling is done for two reasons: the MS can use this signal to synchronize itself to the correct frequency and the MS can verify that this is the BCCH carrier. Again, the FCCH is only broadcast on the downlink.

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Broadcast channel(BCH)( cont.)

(b) Synchronization channel (SCH)
SCH is used to transmit the required information for the MS to synchronize itself with the timing within a particular cell. By listening to the SCH, the MS can learn about the frame number in this cell and about the base station identity code (BSIC) of the BTS it is attached to. The BSIC can only be decoded if the BTS belongs to the GSM network. Again, SCH is only transmitted in the downlink direction.

(c) Broadcast control channel (BCCH)

BCCH contains information that is needed by the MS concerning the cell that it is attached to in order for the MS to be able to start making or receiving calls, or to start roaming. The type of information broadcast on the BCCH includes: the LAI, the maximum output power allowed in the cell. BCCH carrier frequencies for the neighbouring cells. This last information is used by the MS to allow it to monitor the neighbouring cells in anticipation of a possible handover operation that might be needed as the MS moves about. The BCCH is only transmitted on the downlink from BTS to MS.

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2. Common Control Channel (CCCH)

CCCHs provide paging messages to the MS and a means by which the mobile can request a signalling channel that it can use to contact the network. The three CCCHs are: 1. Paging Channel (PCH) 2. Random Access Channel (RACH) 3. Access Grant Channel (AGCH) 1.Paging Channel (PCH):
The PCH is a downlink channel . PCH is used by all BTSs to send paging messages to the MS attached to the cell. The MS listens to the PCH at certain time intervals to learn if the network wants to make contact with it. The mobile will be paged whenever the network has an incoming call ready for the mobile or some type of message (e.g., short message or multimedia message) to deliver to the mobile. The information transmitted on the PCH will consist of a paging message and the mobile's identity number (e.g., ISMI or TMSI).

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Common Control Channel (CCCH)

2. Random Access Channel (RACH):
It is a Uplink channel

Lt is used by the mobile to respond to a paging message(PCH). If the mobile receives a page on the PCH, it will reply on the RACH with a request for a signalling channel. The RACH can also be used by the mobile if it wants to set up a mobile originated call. In the GSM system, the structure of the RACH signal allows for a maximum cell radius of 35 kill except when extended range cells are defined by the system.

3. Access Grant Channel (AGCH) It is downlink point to point channel AGCH is answers to the RACH It is used to allocate the stand alone dedicated control channel(SADCCH) to the MS 43

3. Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH)

These channel are used for the specific purposes like: call setup, handover, measurement and SMS delivery functions. Four DCCHs are: 1. Stand-alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) 2. Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH) 3. Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH) 4. Cell broadcast channel(CBCH)

1. Stand-alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH): It is used for system signaling: call setup,authentication,location updates, assignment of traffic channels and transmission of short messages 2. Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH): It is associated with each SDCCH and TCH It transmit the measurement report and also used for power control and time alignment 3. Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH): It is used when a handover is required. It is mapped on to TCH and it replaces 20ms of speech and therefore it us said to work in stealing mode. 4. Cell broadcast channel(CBCH) It is used to deliver the SMS in the downlink direction it uses the same physical channel as the SDCCH

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GSM Speech Processing **

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Time slot and TDMA Frames

In GSM both traffic and control information transmitting over the same frequency channel by TDMA
1 Frame = 8 timeslots Frame duration = 4.615 ms timeslot duration = 0.577 ms

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Time slot and TDMA Frames

In GSM both traffic and control information transmitting over the same frequency channel by TDMA

TDMA Frames: In GSM system 8 slots constitute TDMA frame

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Time slot and TDMA Frames

TDMA Frame Structure Each TDMA frame divided into 8 time slots TDMA frames are grouped into two types of multiframes
26-frame multiframe for traffic channels

51-frame multiframe for control channels Multiframes are multiplexed into single superframe of 6.12sec duration 2048 multiframes are combined into hyperframe

GSM Frame Structure 1 hyperframe = 2048 superframes (~3.5hr) For speech 1 superframe = 51 multiframes = 6.12s 1 multiframe = 26 frames = 120ms For Signalling 1 superframe = 26 multiframes 1 multiframe = 51 frames 1 frame = 8 time slots = 4.615 ms 1 time slot = 156.25 bit duration = 0.577ms

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Time slot and TDMA Frames

Time slots: transmitted bits within the air time slot itself can take on several different format depending upon the type of information being transmitted i.e. voice, data or video GSM air interface time slots: Data Burst-0.5 msec or 148 Bit period 0.577 msec or 156.25 bit periods
Typical burst = 0.577 msec or 156.25 bits period Data burst = 0.546 msec or 146bits period Overall bit rate = 270.8kbps

The uplink TDMA frame and down link TDMA frames are offset by three timeslots periods This results:
Longer battery life Easier for mobiles hardware Implementation RF proper system functioning

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GSM Timeslots Bursts

Timeslots Bursts:These GSM slot is the smallest individual time period that is available to each mobile. It
has a defined format because a variety of different types of data are required to be transmitted.

Burst Types: The GSM burst, or transmission can fulfil a variety of functions. Some GSM bursts are used for carrying data while others are used for control information. As a result of this a number of different types of GSM burst are defined. Normal Burst Frequency Correction Burst Synchronisation Burst Dummy Burst Access Burst

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GSM Timeslots Bursts

1.Normal Burst:(uplink and downlink)

This GSM burst is used for the standard communications between the basestation and the mobile, and typically transfers the digitised voice data. The structure of the normal GSM burst is exactly defined and follows a common format. It contains data that provides a number of different functions: 3 tail bits: These tail bits at the start of the GSM burst give time for the transmitter to ramp up its power 57 data bits: This block of data is used to carry information, and most often contains the digitised voice data although on occasions it may be replaced with signalling information in the form of the Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH). The type of data is indicated by the flag that follows the data field 1 bit flag: This bit within the GSM burst indicates the type of data in the previous field. 26 bits training sequence: This training sequence is used as a timing reference and for equalisation. There is a total of eight different bit sequences that may be used, each 26 bits long. The same sequence is used in each GSM slot, but nearby base stations using the same radio frequency channels will use different ones, and this enables the mobile to differentiate between the various cells using the same frequency. 3 tail bits These final bits within the GSM burst are used to enable the transmitter power to ramp down. They are often called final tail bits, or just tail bits. 8.25 bits guard time: At the end of the GSM burst there is a guard period. This is introduced to prevent transmitted bursts from different mobiles overlapping. As a result of their differing distances from the base station.

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GSM Timeslots Bursts

2. GSM frequency correction burst(down link)
It is used by the MS to obtain frequency synchronization With the information in the burst all set to zeros, the burst essentially consists of a constant frequency carrier with no phase alteration.

3 tail bits: Again, these tail bits at the start of the GSM burst give time for the transmitter to ramp up its power. 142 bits all set to zero: 3 tail bits: Again these are to enable the transmitter power to ramp down. 8.25 bits guard time: to act as a guard interval.

3.GSM synchronisation burst (downlink)

The purpose of this form of GSM burst is to provide synchronisation for the mobiles on the network. 3 tail bits: Again, these tail bits at the start of the GSM burst give time for the transmitter to ramp up its power 39 bits of information: 64 bits of a Long Training Sequence: 39 bits Information: 3 tail bits: Again these are to enable the transmitter power to ramp down. 8.25 bits guard time: to act as a guard interval.

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GSM Timeslots Bursts

3.GSM random access burst (uplink) This form of GSM burst used when accessing the network and it is shortened in terms of the data carried, having a much longer guard period. This GSM burst structure is used to ensure that it fits in the time slot regardless of any severe timing problems that may exist. Once the mobile has accessed the network and timing has been aligned, then there is no requirement for the long guard period.

7 tail bits: The increased number of tail bits is included to provide additional margin when accessing the network. 41 training bits: 36 data bits: 3 tail bits Again these are to enable the transmitter power to ramp down. 69.25 bits guard time: The additional guard time, filling the remaining time of the GSM burst provides for large timing differences.

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GSM Timeslots Bursts

4. GSM Dummy burst: It is transmitted on the radio frequency designated as c0 when no other type of burst signal is being transmitted. The purpose of the dummy burst is to ensure that the base station is always transmitting on the frequency carrying the system information. This affords the mobile the ability to make power measurements on the strongest BTS in its location

3 tail bits: Again, these tail bits at the start of the GSM burst give time for the transmitter to ramp up its power 58 mixed bits 26 bits of a Training Sequence: 3 tail bits: Again these are to enable the transmitter power to ramp down. 8.25 bits guard time

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Mapping of Logical channels to physical channel

The system needs to be able to transmit both data ,voice and signaling and control information to the subscriber. The subscriber needs to be able to access the system and request radio resources to setup a call or to send data. Several of the above-mentioned types of logical channels can be transmitted over one single physical channel (timeslot). The GSM specifications 05.02 specify several combinations of channel types(the sequence of logical channels is fixed). The order of the logical channels depends on the channel combination. Several logic channels combine together in some way to form some specific types of channel to transmit user data or signaling information. They are called combined channels. One combined channel can be mapped to a physical channel. There are the following combined channels: a TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/TF b TCH/H(0,1) + FACCH/H(0,1) + SACCH/TH(0,1) c TCH/H(0,0) + FACCH/H(0,1) + SACCH/TH(0,1) + TCH/H(1,1) d FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH e FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH + SDCCH/4(0...3) + SACCH/C4(0...3) f BCCH + CCCH g SDCCH/8(0 ..7) + SACCH/C8(0 .. 7) CCCH = PCH + RACH + AGCH

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Mapping of Logical channels to physical channel

For example for proper system operation there is a standard combination of logical channel that must be transmitted during timeslot 0 of the designated downlink radio frequency channel i.e. C0 with in the cell it is: FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH or FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH + SDCCH + SACCH

As shown in above Figure the sequence of FCCH, SCH, BCCH. and CCCH repeats every fifty-one TDMA frames (a multiframe). The last frame of the sequence (Frame #50) is an idle frame and carries no information. The nine groups of four frames carrying CCCH information are called paging blocks and the one group of four frames that carry BCCH information is needed due to the large amount of overhead information transmitted by the BTS over the BCCH. In the uplink direction, Timeslot 0 is reserved for use by the mobile for access to the GSM system (over the random access channel or RACh.

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Mapping of Logical channels to physical channel

The second combination of channels that includes the SDCCH and SACCH channels along with the BCHs and CCCHs (known as a combined control channel) is implemented in the GSM multiframe structure as shown in Figure below. In this case, one can see that only three paging blocks are present but four SDCCH and two SACCH channels are available. This type of channel combination (known as SDCCH/4) is effective in a rural cell where little traffic is expected to be generated.

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Mapping of Logical channels to physical channel

Transmission of Short Messages A cell broadcast channel (CBCH) is required for the transmission of short message service in the downlink direction. One of the SDCCH subchannels will be assigned for this purpose. Only one CBCH can be supported within a cell. Traffic Channels With the channel combinations already mentioned. typically, Timeslot 0 and Timeslot 2 was used by broadcast and control channels and the dedicated control channels. This leaves six timeslots i.e. TS3-TS7 free for use by traffic channels (TCH). Traffic channels are mapped onto physical channels (timeslots) along with a SACCH channel. The repetition of the TCHs and the SACCH occurs over a sequence of twenty-six TDMA frames. Figure 5-19 shows this situation. The FACCH channel may also be used in this sequence by stealing timeslots from bursts of speech as shown.

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Mapping of Logical channels to physical channel

Half-Rate Traffic Channels: The GSM system can use half-rate channels to double system capacity since two users share the same physical channel. Figure 5-20 shows both full-rate and half-rate frame structures. Using half-rate channels, the idle frame used in full rate will be used for the SACCH signalling for the second MS. Since a mobile uses only every other timeslot for a call, the multiframe will contain thirteen idle frames for each mobile. Therefore, the mobile could be allocated two traffic channels or a speech and a data channel. Paging Groups The mobile will be assigned by the network to a particular paging group through an algorithm (refer to GSM TS 05.02) that uses the mobile's IMSI number and other system information. From system information messages, the MSs attached to a cell will receive information about the type of combined mapping of logical channels that the cell supports and the type of multiframe structure used between transmissions of paging messages to the same paging group. Using this information and its own IMSI number, the mobile will calculate which CCCH and which paging group that it belongs to. From its calculations, the MS will only listen for pages and make random accesses on a specific CCCH. The number of paging groups using noncombined mapping is greater than with combined mapping of the logical channels.

THE END OF UNIT- 4

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