Layer-3

GSMGSMLayer III MessagesLayer III Messages

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Signaling Protocol In GSMSignaling Protocol In GSMIn any telecommunication system, signaling is required to coordinate In any telecommunication system, signaling is required to coordinate the distributed entities of the network.the distributed entities of the network.

The signaling protocol in GSM is structured into three general layers The signaling protocol in GSM is structured into three general layers as shown in the following figure. as shown in the following figure.

Layer 1 (Physical layer) Layer 1 (Physical layer) It uses the data channel structures over the air interfaceIt uses the data channel structures over the air interface Layer 2 (Data link layer) Layer 2 (Data link layer) It It provides error-free transmission between adjacent entities, based provides error-free transmission between adjacent entities, based on the ISDN’s LAPD protocol for the Um and Abis interfaces, and on on the ISDN’s LAPD protocol for the Um and Abis interfaces, and on SS7’s Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) for the other Layer interfaces SS7’s Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) for the other Layer interfaces Layer 3 (Networking or messaging layer)Layer 3 (Networking or messaging layer)Responsible for the communication of network resources, mobility, Responsible for the communication of network resources, mobility, code format and call-related management messages between code format and call-related management messages between various network entitiesvarious network entities

Layer III MessageLayer III Message

Layer III is the GSM signaling protocol, which is divided Layer III is the GSM signaling protocol, which is divided into 3 sub-layers: into 3 sub-layers:

Radio Resource Management Radio Resource Management to control the setup, to control the setup, maintenance, and termination of radio and fixed maintenance, and termination of radio and fixed channels, including handovers; channels, including handovers;

Mobility Management Mobility Management to manage the location to manage the location updating and registration procedures, as well as updating and registration procedures, as well as security and authentication; and security and authentication; and

Connection Management Connection Management to handles general call to handles general call control and manages Supplementary Services and the control and manages Supplementary Services and the Short Message Service.Short Message Service.

The RR sub layer handles all the procedures necessary to The RR sub layer handles all the procedures necessary to establish, maintain & release dedicated radio connections establish, maintain & release dedicated radio connections

Following activities are handled by RR layerFollowing activities are handled by RR layer Channel allocationChannel allocation HandoverHandover Timing advanceTiming advance Power controlPower control Frequency hoppingFrequency hopping

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Radio Resource Management (RR)

Responsible for Responsible for • Location managementLocation management• SecuritySecurity

Location management Location management involves the procedures and signaling involves the procedures and signaling for location updating, so that the mobile’s current location is for location updating, so that the mobile’s current location is stored at the HLR, allowing incoming calls to be properly routedstored at the HLR, allowing incoming calls to be properly routed

Security Security involves the authentication of the mobile, to prevent involves the authentication of the mobile, to prevent unauthorized access to the network, as well as the encryption of unauthorized access to the network, as well as the encryption of all radio link trafficall radio link traffic

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Mobility Management (MM)

The CM functional layer is divided into three sub layersThe CM functional layer is divided into three sub layers

Call Control (CC) sub layer Call Control (CC) sub layer Manages call routing, establishment, maintenance, and releaseManages call routing, establishment, maintenance, and release

Supplementary Services sub layerSupplementary Services sub layerManages the implementation of the various supplementary Manages the implementation of the various supplementary services (Call Forwarding/waiting/hold ), and also allows users to services (Call Forwarding/waiting/hold ), and also allows users to access and modify their service subscriptionaccess and modify their service subscription

Short Message Service sub layerShort Message Service sub layer Handles the routing and delivery of short messages, both from Handles the routing and delivery of short messages, both from and to the mobile subscriberand to the mobile subscriber

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Connection Management (CM)

System Information Messages System Information Messages

IntroductionIntroductionSystem information is data about the network that the MS needs System information is data about the network that the MS needs in order to communicate with the network. in order to communicate with the network.

System information messages are continuously sent on the BCCH System information messages are continuously sent on the BCCH and SACCH by the BTS to all idle (BCCH) and active (SACCH) and SACCH by the BTS to all idle (BCCH) and active (SACCH) mobiles in a Cell.mobiles in a Cell.

There are different types of system information messages. They There are different types of system information messages. They are numbered from 1 to 8. Types 2 and 5 have some variants, are numbered from 1 to 8. Types 2 and 5 have some variants, called 2 bis, 2 ter, 5 bis and 5 ter. This yields a total of twelve called 2 bis, 2 ter, 5 bis and 5 ter. This yields a total of twelve different system information types. different system information types.

System information message types 5, 6 and optionally 5 bis and System information message types 5, 6 and optionally 5 bis and 5 ter are sent on the SACCH to mobiles in active mode & rest are 5 ter are sent on the SACCH to mobiles in active mode & rest are regularly sent by the network on the BCCH to idle mobiles.regularly sent by the network on the BCCH to idle mobiles.

Types 7 and 8 are only sent if type 4 does not contain all Types 7 and 8 are only sent if type 4 does not contain all information needed for cell re-selection.information needed for cell re-selection.

System Information OverviewSystem Information Overview

System Information Type 1System Information Type 1

Cell channel descriptionCell channel descriptionThe MS needs to know which frequency band to use and which The MS needs to know which frequency band to use and which frequencies within the band it should use during frequency hoppingfrequencies within the band it should use during frequency hopping

CA ARFCNCA ARFCNThe Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Numbers for all frequencies used The Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Numbers for all frequencies used in the cell. in the cell.

BitmapBitmapThis shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while This shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap is used for GSM 1800 & 1900 variable bitmap is used for GSM 1800 & 1900


System Information Type 1System Information Type 1RACH control parametersRACH control parametersInformation is also provided instructing the MS how to perform access to the system. Information is also provided instructing the MS how to perform access to the system. This information is provided in the RACH control parameters information element and This information is provided in the RACH control parameters information element and is sent in system information type 2, 2 bis, 3 and 4 as well.is sent in system information type 2, 2 bis, 3 and 4 as well.

Access control Access control class is described using a bit map with 16 bits. All MSs are spread out class is described using a bit map with 16 bits. All MSs are spread out on ACC 0-9. Priority group MSs use ACC 11-15. A bit set to 1 indicates that the class on ACC 0-9. Priority group MSs use ACC 11-15. A bit set to 1 indicates that the class is barredis barredfor access.for access.Emergency calls Emergency calls EC=0 means that all MSs are allowed to make emergency calls, EC=0 means that all MSs are allowed to make emergency calls, while EC=1 means that only MSs belonging to priority classes 11-15 are allowed to while EC=1 means that only MSs belonging to priority classes 11-15 are allowed to make emergency calls.make emergency calls.Cell Bar access (CBA, CELL_BAR_ACCESS)Cell Bar access (CBA, CELL_BAR_ACCESS)Cell barred for access is denoted by using one bit only (yes/no).Cell barred for access is denoted by using one bit only (yes/no).Call reestablish permitted (RE)Call reestablish permitted (RE)Call re-establishment allowed is also denoted by using one bit (yes/no). Re-Call re-establishment allowed is also denoted by using one bit (yes/no). Re-establishment allowed means that if an MS using a TCH looses contact with the establishment allowed means that if an MS using a TCH looses contact with the network, it is allowed to attempt to re-establish the contact using the old TCH, network, it is allowed to attempt to re-establish the contact using the old TCH, provided the attempt is made during some defined interval.provided the attempt is made during some defined interval.MAXRET (Max retransmissions)MAXRET (Max retransmissions)This is the maximum number of channel request message retransmissions allowed This is the maximum number of channel request message retransmissions allowed when an MS attempts to access the system. MAXRET can have the value 1, 2, 4 or 7.when an MS attempts to access the system. MAXRET can have the value 1, 2, 4 or 7.



System Information Type 2System Information Type 2Neighbor Cells DescriptionNeighbor Cells DescriptionThe neighbor cells description information element denotes the frequencies of the The neighbor cells description information element denotes the frequencies of the BCCH carriers to be monitored by the MSs in the cell. BCCH carriers to be monitored by the MSs in the cell. BA-INDBA-INDThis is a BCCH allocation sequence number indication. BAIND can have the value 0 This is a BCCH allocation sequence number indication. BAIND can have the value 0 or 1. When the operator changes the frequency list, the BA-IND changes from 1 to 0 or 1. When the operator changes the frequency list, the BA-IND changes from 1 to 0 or vice versa.or vice versa.BA ARFCNBA ARFCNThese are absolute RF channels on which the MSs should signal strength perform These are absolute RF channels on which the MSs should signal strength perform measurements. measurements. BitmapBitmapThis shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap This shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap is used for GSM 1800 & 1900 is used for GSM 1800 & 1900 EXT-INDEXT-INDEXT IND : (0) The information element carries the complete BAEXT IND : (0) The information element carries the complete BAEXT IND : (1) this information element carries part of the frequency list only and a EXT IND : (1) this information element carries part of the frequency list only and a complementary information element is located in another messagecomplementary information element is located in another message

NCC Permitted (NCCPERM)NCC Permitted (NCCPERM)The MS gets information about which NCCs of the BCCH carriers it is allowed to The MS gets information about which NCCs of the BCCH carriers it is allowed to monitor for handover purposesmonitor for handover purposes

TYPE 2 BISTYPE 2 BISIt contains information about control of RACH and the extension of BCCH allocation It contains information about control of RACH and the extension of BCCH allocation in neighboring cells.in neighboring cells.TYPE 2 TERTYPE 2 TERIt contains information about the BCCH allocation of the other bands in the It contains information about the BCCH allocation of the other bands in the neighboring cells.neighboring cells.


System Information Type 2System Information Type 2Neighbor Cells DescriptionNeighbor Cells DescriptionThe neighbor cells description information element denotes the frequencies of the The neighbor cells description information element denotes the frequencies of the BCCH carriers to be monitored by the MSs in the cell. BCCH carriers to be monitored by the MSs in the cell. BA-INDBA-INDThis is a BCCH allocation sequence number indication. BAIND can have the value 0 This is a BCCH allocation sequence number indication. BAIND can have the value 0 or 1. When the operator changes the frequency list, the BA-IND changes from 1 to 0 or 1. When the operator changes the frequency list, the BA-IND changes from 1 to 0 or vice versa.or vice versa.BA ARFCNBA ARFCNThese are absolute RF channels on which the MSs should signal strength perform These are absolute RF channels on which the MSs should signal strength perform measurements. measurements. BitmapBitmapThis shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap This shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap is used for GSM 1800 & 1900 is used for GSM 1800 & 1900 EXT-INDEXT-INDEXT IND : (0) The information element carries the complete BAEXT IND : (0) The information element carries the complete BAEXT IND : (1) this information element carries part of the frequency list only and a EXT IND : (1) this information element carries part of the frequency list only and a complementary information element is located in another messagecomplementary information element is located in another message

NCC Permitted (NCCPERM)NCC Permitted (NCCPERM)The MS gets information about which NCCs of the BCCH carriers it is allowed to The MS gets information about which NCCs of the BCCH carriers it is allowed to monitor for handover purposesmonitor for handover purposes

TYPE 2 BISTYPE 2 BISIt contains information about control of RACH and the extension of BCCH allocation It contains information about control of RACH and the extension of BCCH allocation in neighboring cells.in neighboring cells.TYPE 2 TERTYPE 2 TERIt contains information about the BCCH allocation of the other bands in the It contains information about the BCCH allocation of the other bands in the neighboring cells.neighboring cells.



System Information Type 3System Information Type 3Location Area Identification (LAI)Location Area Identification (LAI)MCC MCC Mobile Country Code (3 digits)Mobile Country Code (3 digits)MNC MNC Mobile Network Code (2-3 digits)Mobile Network Code (2-3 digits)LACLAC Location Area Code (2 octets: 0-65535 different LACs) Location Area Code (2 octets: 0-65535 different LACs)Cell Selection ParametersCell Selection ParametersCell selection parameters indicate how the MS will behave after the MS is Cell selection parameters indicate how the MS will behave after the MS is powered on. It includes the following parameters:powered on. It includes the following parameters:Cell Selection HystereticCell Selection HystereticMaximum power level of control channel (MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH)Maximum power level of control channel (MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH)Minimum receiving level of MS permitted to access (RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN)Minimum receiving level of MS permitted to access (RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN)Additional reselection parameter indicator (ACS)Additional reselection parameter indicator (ACS)Half-rate supported(NECI)Half-rate supported(NECI)Cell Identity (CI)Cell Identity (CI)Two octets (16 bits) identifying a cell within a location areaTwo octets (16 bits) identifying a cell within a location areaCell OptionsCell OptionsPower control indication (PWRC): The power control indicator equal to 1 Power control indication (PWRC): The power control indicator equal to 1 means setmeans setDiscontinuous transmission (DTX)Discontinuous transmission (DTX)Radio link timeoutRadio link timeout








System Information Type 3System Information Type 3Control Channel DescriptionControl Channel DescriptionATTATTAttach/Detach allowed flag: this tells whether or not the MS is to Attach/Detach allowed flag: this tells whether or not the MS is to perform IMSI Attach and IMSI Detach procedures (ATT=1, Allowed) or perform IMSI Attach and IMSI Detach procedures (ATT=1, Allowed) or (ATT=0, Not Allowed)(ATT=0, Not Allowed)AGBLK (BS_AG_BLKS_RES)AGBLK (BS_AG_BLKS_RES)This is the number of CCCH blocks reserved for the AGCHThis is the number of CCCH blocks reserved for the AGCHCCCH_CONFCCCH_CONFThis is the number of Basic Physical Channels used for the CCCHThis is the number of Basic Physical Channels used for the CCCHCCCH-CONF : (0) 1 basic physical channel used for CCCH, not combined CCCH-CONF : (0) 1 basic physical channel used for CCCH, not combined with SDCCHswith SDCCHsMFRMS (BS_PA_MFRMS)MFRMS (BS_PA_MFRMS)This is the number of 51 multiframe periods for transmission of Paging This is the number of 51 multiframe periods for transmission of Paging Request mRequest messages in the same paging group (2-9).essages in the same paging group (2-9).T3212T3212This is the time-out value for MS periodic location updating. T3212 has This is the time-out value for MS periodic location updating. T3212 has values from 0 to 255. (Time for periodic LU = 6min * T3212 value)values from 0 to 255. (Time for periodic LU = 6min * T3212 value)


System Information Type 3System Information Type 3SI 3 Rest OctetsSI 3 Rest OctetsSystem information type 3 rest octets may contain parameters System information type 3 rest octets may contain parameters that are used by a phase 2 MS for calculating the cell that are used by a phase 2 MS for calculating the cell reselection criterion C2.reselection criterion C2.2TI2TISystem Information 2ter indicator – Available/ Not AvailableSystem Information 2ter indicator – Available/ Not AvailableECSCECSCThe setting of the early classmark sending control bit informs The setting of the early classmark sending control bit informs MSs whether early sending of additional classmark information MSs whether early sending of additional classmark information is accepted or not accepted by the system. is accepted or not accepted by the system. PI (Cell reselection parameter indicator )PI (Cell reselection parameter indicator )PI is used by the MS to determine if the C2 parameters are PI is used by the MS to determine if the C2 parameters are broadcast by the network in this message. C2 parameters broadcast by the network in this message. C2 parameters include CBQ, CELL_RESELECT_OFFSET, TEMPORARY OFFSET & include CBQ, CELL_RESELECT_OFFSET, TEMPORARY OFFSET & PENALTY TIME.PENALTY TIME.PI=0 means C2 parameters are not presentPI=0 means C2 parameters are not presentPI=1 means C2 parameters are presentPI=1 means C2 parameters are presentIf PI=1 then the four parameters described above are presentIf PI=1 then the four parameters described above are present



System Information Type 4System Information Type 4In system information type 4, MSs are informed if the cell broadcast function is used in this In system information type 4, MSs are informed if the cell broadcast function is used in this cell and on what frequency the CBCH is found. cell and on what frequency the CBCH is found.

The LAI, the cell selection parameters, the RACH control parameters and rest octets are also The LAI, the cell selection parameters, the RACH control parameters and rest octets are also included in the type 4 message. included in the type 4 message.

CBCH Channel Description (Optional)CBCH Channel Description (Optional)In this information element, the channel used for SMS cell broadcast is described.In this information element, the channel used for SMS cell broadcast is described.

CHANNEL TYPECHANNEL TYPEThis is the channel combination and sub-channel used for CBCH. For example, SDCCH/4 + This is the channel combination and sub-channel used for CBCH. For example, SDCCH/4 + SACCH/C4 or CBCH, sub channel 2SACCH/C4 or CBCH, sub channel 2TNTNThis represents the time slot numberThis represents the time slot numberTSCTSCThis is the training sequence code. BCC part of BSIC is recommended.This is the training sequence code. BCC part of BSIC is recommended.HHThis is the hopping parameter, where H=0 means single RF channel and H=1 means RF This is the hopping parameter, where H=0 means single RF channel and H=1 means RF hopping channel.hopping channel.CHANNEL SELECTORCHANNEL SELECTORH=0 means the channel selector field consists of the absolute RF channel numberH=0 means the channel selector field consists of the absolute RF channel numberH=1 means the channel selector field consists of the mobile allocation index offset, H=1 means the channel selector field consists of the mobile allocation index offset, MAIO, and the hopping sequence number HSNMAIO, and the hopping sequence number HSN

System Informtion Type 4System Informtion Type 4


CBCH Mobile Allocation (Incase of frequency hopping)CBCH Mobile Allocation (Incase of frequency hopping)This is the mobile allocation RF channel. The frequencies used in the This is the mobile allocation RF channel. The frequencies used in the hopping sequence are described by referring to the cell channel hopping sequence are described by referring to the cell channel description element in system information type 1.description element in system information type 1.

SI 4 Rest OctetsSI 4 Rest OctetsSystem information type 4 rest octets may contain the parameters System information type 4 rest octets may contain the parameters needed for C2 calculations as described under SIneeded for C2 calculations as described under SItype 3 rest octets. These are PI, CBQ, CELL_RESELECT_OFFSET, type 3 rest octets. These are PI, CBQ, CELL_RESELECT_OFFSET, TEMPORARY_OFFSET, and PENALTY_TIME.TEMPORARY_OFFSET, and PENALTY_TIME.

System Informtion Type 4System Informtion Type 4


System Information Type 5 System Information Type 5 (SAACH)(SAACH)

It describes the neighbor cell BCCH frequencies(BA2 list). It is mandatory and is It describes the neighbor cell BCCH frequencies(BA2 list). It is mandatory and is transmitted on SACCH. MS can read the frequency described in SYS INFO 5 in transmitted on SACCH. MS can read the frequency described in SYS INFO 5 in dedicated mode, report the relevant information of neighbor cells in measurement dedicated mode, report the relevant information of neighbor cells in measurement report, and use it as the basis for handover. report, and use it as the basis for handover.

Neighbor Cells DescriptionNeighbor Cells DescriptionThe neighbor cells description information element denotes the frequencies of the The neighbor cells description information element denotes the frequencies of the BCCH carriers to be monitored by the MSs in the cell. BCCH carriers to be monitored by the MSs in the cell.

BitmapBitmapThis shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap This shows which band is used For GSM 900 Bitmap 0 is used while variable bitmap is used for GSM 1800 & 1900 is used for GSM 1800 & 1900

BA-INDBA-INDThis is a BCCH allocation sequence number indication. BA-IND can have the value 0 This is a BCCH allocation sequence number indication. BA-IND can have the value 0 or 1. When the operator changes the frequency list, the BA-IND changes from 1 to or 1. When the operator changes the frequency list, the BA-IND changes from 1 to 0 or vice versa.0 or vice versa.

BA ARFCNBA ARFCNThese are absolute RF channels on which the MSs should signal strength perform These are absolute RF channels on which the MSs should signal strength perform measurements. measurements.

EXT-INDEXT-INDEXT IND : (0) The information element carries the complete BAEXT IND : (0) The information element carries the complete BAEXT IND : (1) this information element carries part of the frequency list only and a EXT IND : (1) this information element carries part of the frequency list only and a complementary information element is located in another messagecomplementary information element is located in another message

TYPE 5 BISTYPE 5 BISIt contains information about the extension of BCCH allocation in neighboring cells.It contains information about the extension of BCCH allocation in neighboring cells.TYPE 5 TERTYPE 5 TERIt contains information about the BCCH allocation of the other bands in the It contains information about the BCCH allocation of the other bands in the neighboring cells.neighboring cells.



System Information Type 6System Information Type 6When in active mode, the MS needs to know if the LAI changes. When in active mode, the MS needs to know if the LAI changes. In case the LAI changes the MS must perform location updating In case the LAI changes the MS must perform location updating when the call is released.when the call is released.

If the MS changes between cells (within the location area) If the MS changes between cells (within the location area) where RDLINKOUT or DTX conditions differ the new cell options where RDLINKOUT or DTX conditions differ the new cell options must be reported to the MS.must be reported to the MS.

NCC permitted information element is also includedNCC permitted information element is also included



System Information Type 7 & System Information Type 7 & 88

System information type 7 & 8 are optionally sent on BCCH extended System information type 7 & 8 are optionally sent on BCCH extended if system information type 4 does not contain all information needed if system information type 4 does not contain all information needed for cell reselection.for cell reselection.

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Call Setup Procedure with TEMS

Measurement repotMeasurement repot

• The mobile unit always scans BCCH of up to 16 neighboring cells, and forms a list of the six best candidates for possible handover. This information is transmitted to current Base Station at least once per second. BSC and MSC use this information for handover algorithm.

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Handover CommandHandover Command

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