The UMTS Architecture

UMTS System Overview

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The UMTS Architecture

The UMTS Architecture

1. UMTS ARCHITECTURE THE REQUIREMENTS 1.1 Aims of the UMTS Architecture 1.2 Key new features in UMTS vs. GSM/GPRS 1.3 Elements & Domains in a UMTS network THE USER DOMAIN (USIM + ME DOMAINS) THE 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 ACCESS NETWORK The Access Domain and Interfaces Radio Access Network Elements Further UTRAN features The Two Modes of W-CDMA Access 1 3 5 7 9 11 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

2. 3.

4.

THE CORE NETWORK 4.1 The Core Network Domain 4.2 Specific Entities in the UMTS Release 99 Core Network Architecture 4.3 The Circuit Switched Domain & GSM Core Network Elements 4.4 The GSM Location Registers 4.5 The Packet-Switched Domain & GPRS Core Network Elements OTHER NETWORK ELEMENTS 5.1 Some other entities for specific services RELEASE 4 6.1 Release 4 Control & Data Separation in the CS domain 6.2 The IP Multimedia Subsystem 6.3 New Domain Concept in Release '00 and Beyond NETWORK EVOLUTION 7.1 3GPP Release 00/Release 4 ANNEX 1 DOMAINS AND STRATA A.1 UMTS Domains A.2 UMTS Strata

5. 6.

31 33 35 37 39 45

7.

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The UMTS Architecture

1. UMTS ARCHITECTURE THE REQUIREMENTS

1.1 Aims of the UMTS Architecture
The fundamental difference between GSM/GPRS and UMTS is in the need for the latter to support high bit rate bearer services, plus the notion of negotiated QoS and traffic characteristics. In particular, UMTS needs to support bursty and asymmetric traffic in an efficient way, and to allow support of single and multimedia N-ISDN applications and single & multimedia IP applications. However, no one knows what precise future service requirements will be. Therefore it is essential that the UMTS system is designed to be as flexible as possible. For this reason, a modular approach has been followed, with network nodes defined that implement some specific functionality, and open interfaces defined between such nodes. A modular approach also increases the chances of being able to implement future seamless roaming between the various IMT2000 family standards. In order to ensure that UMTS is implemented as quickly as possible, it also became obvious that its design needed to take account of the cost for operators. The optimisation of the signalling load as well as reduction in the overall transmission capacity are critical cost factors for operators, and so the aim is for an architecture which will minimise signalling traffic and optimise transmission infrastructure. The architecture also needs to protect existing investments which operators have, and re-use as many elements of these as possible. In particular, the first release of UMTS (UMTS Release 99) builds directly upon an evolved GSM (GSM Phase 2+) network, including the addition of GPRS. Of course, different phases of release of UMTS will need to be compatible with each other.

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 Flexibility IMT2000 interworking Minimise signalling Optimise transmission Protect existing investments Enable evolution

Modular approach, building on evolved GSM

Fig. 1 Aims of the UMTS Architecture

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1.2 Key new features in UMTS vs. GSM/GPRS

The UMTS Core network in Release 99 is based on the GSM/GPRS network. Most of the individual elements are re-used, although they require extensions (e.g. MSC, VLR etc.), but the UTRAN elements are completely new. UMTS core networks must be able to interoperate both this new UTRAN and the existing GSM BSS access network. In order to support more data intensive services, operators will need to upgrade capacity throughout their networks in order to cope with the expected increase in traffic, and use transport protocols which are more efficiently suited to data and packet transport. Thus, in UMTS Release 99, ATM is specified as the transport mechanism in the new interfaces in the radio access and between radio access and core network. A new, standard default speech codec (adaptive multi-rate) is also standardised for UMTS, and supports tandem free operation both to lower transmission costs and to improve speech quality. Among other key features provided by UMTS networks but not previously standardised within GSM: the enabling of set-up, renegotiation and clearing of connections (both circuitswitched calls & packet-switched sessions), with a range of performance characteristics. The connections can also vary during their lifetime. This provides for flexible, multimedia services, in which media elements may be added or removed dynamically during the call support for a range of traffic and performance for connectionless (multicast, broadcast, unicast) traffic, defined using bearer services. Once established, bearers do not prevent the set-up of new bearers, again permitting services to be flexible support for the Virtual Home Environment (VHE), provided through toolkits the generation of additional charging records, for example based on number, call duration, traffic, QoS and so on, in order to provide operators with the capability to offer new pricing models. These new charging methods are also set up in such a way as to provide support for on-line billing interworking and roaming with PSTN, N-ISDN, GSM, X.25 and IP signalling, and with their respective numbering schemes the measurement of traffic flows and so on, in order to optimise congestion control and other management & efficiency techniques support for IP mobility between different environments (e.g. fixed & mobile)

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 Upgrades to existing GSM/GPRS elements ATM transport New speech codec Flexibility in connection set-up, re-negotiation & clearing Flexibility in bearers Support for VHE Enhanced charging & billing support Interworking with other networks & numbering schemes Traffic flow measurements to enable management efficiencies Enhanced IP mobility support

Fig. 2 Some Key New Features of UMTS Networks

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1.3 Elements & Domains in a UMTS network

A UMTS network can be divided into the following physical domains: 1. User Domain 2. Infrastructure Domain, itself subdivided into: a. Radio Access Network b. Core Network Each domain is further described in the following pages, and each may involve further subdivisions and elements. An important feature in the standardisation of UMTS is that the internal functionality of domains is NOT specified. Instead the interfaces between them are defined and open. This means that in theory it is possible to have several network elements of the same type, with the minimum requirement for a fully featured network being to have one of each. A UMTS system could be divided into sub-networks, operational either alone or together, but each with unique identities. A single such network is described as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and may be connected to other PLMNs, or other networks such as ISDN, PSTN or the Internet. For example, in practical application this might mean that a single physical UTRAN infrastructure could be shared by a number of core network domains. It also means that different domain elements can be more easily sourced from different equipment manufacturers, with interoperability ensured by the standardised interfaces, thus leading to more competition and greater operator choice in sourcing infrastructure.

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USER DOMAIN

Uu Interface (Radio Interface) INFRASTRUCTURE DOMAIN

RADIO ACCESS DOMAIN

Iu Interface

CORE NETWORK

Other PLMN, Other Networks

Fig. 3 UMTS Domains Overview

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2. THE USER DOMAIN (USIM + ME DOMAINS)

The user domain describes the equipment needed by the user to access UMTS services. Within this domain are further subdivisions into the Mobile Equipment (ME) domain and USIM domain. The combined ME and USIM is sometimes referred to as the Mobile Station (MS). The USIM domain contains the data and procedures allowing the ME to securely identify itself, and is linked to the ME by the defined Cu Interface. The ME domain performs radio transmission and contains applications. It may itself be further subdivided, into the Mobile Termination MT (radio functions only) and Terminal Equipment TE (contains end-to-end application, and may be a separate device from the radio equipment, for example a laptop). The functionality of the MT is entirely new in UMTS, in being able to interact with the access network over the all new UMTS radio interface, Uu. In almost all cases in the early deployment of UMTS, the mobile terminal must also be multi-mode, able to receive/transmit between both GSM-based and UMTS-based radio access schemes. Note that it is also possible to define the following terms relevant to this domain, to describe the various types of human user involved: the subscriber, who is associated with the home environment & responsible for payment the user, who is authorised to use services by the subscriber (and may have their own user profile) another party, for example the calling party in a call, the called party and so on. They may not be a 3G user The User Domain is linked via the standardised Uu Interface (air interface) to the Access Domain.

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USER

ACCESS Uu Interface

CORE

MS MT Radio TE TE Applications ME

Cu Interface UICC/USIM

External Applications

ME Mobile Equipment MS Mobile Station MT Mobile Termination TE Terminal Equipment USIM UMTS Subscriber Identity Module

Fig. 4 User Domain

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3. THE ACCESS NETWORK

3.1 The Access Domain and Interfaces
The Access Domain is in direct contact with the User equipment and the core network. This split is intended to decouple access functionality from non-access functionality. The Access domain contains the physical entities to manage resources of the access network and provide the user with a way to access the core network domain. In UMTS, the Access Domain refers to the radio access mechanism, and is also known as the UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Access Network). For UMTS phase 1, only the new UTRAN is considered as part of UMTS Access. However the modular approach, and split between core and access network, means that there is no reason to preclude other types of access network developed later on. However all access methods will require use of the USIM. In the early roll-out of UMTS, it remains relevant to also include the GSM/EDGE radio network as an alternative within the access domain, since interworking will be required until UTRAN coverage is fully achieved. The UTRAN is connected via another standardised, open interface, the Iu to the Core Network Domain.

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User

Uu

UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network)

Iu Core Network

A GERAN (GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network)

User

Um

User

SAN (Satellite Access Network)

User

Future Radio Access

Fig. 5 Access Domain & Interfaces

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The UMTS Architecture

3.2 Radio Access Network Elements

3.2.1 The GSM Radio Network Elements (BSS) In GSM systems, the core network Serving MSC connects via the A interface to the Base Station Subsystem (BSS). In the GPRS domain, connection to the BSS is from the SGSN via the Gb Interface. The BSS consists of a Base Station Controller (BSC), which controls the activities of a number of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), whose radio coverages define cells. In turn a number of BSCs will be controlled by one MSC. The BSC manages radio resources for BTSs in its area, including radio-channel setup, frequency hopping (since in GSM, cells operate at different carrier frequencies) and handovers between cells under its control. Handover between cells under the control of different BSCs is handled by the MSC which controls these BSCs (or may involve more than one MSC, should this need to be the case).

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BTS

BSC A/Gb BTS

MSC/ SGSN

BTS A/Gb BSC

BTS

Base Station Subsystem

GSM/GPRS Core Network

Note: Packet Control Unit (PCU) is a key element of BSS for GPRS and is located in the BSC

Fig. 6 GSM Radio Access

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The UMTS Architecture

3.2.2 The Elements of the UTRAN The UTRAN is a brand new radio access network, and thus does not re-use elements of the existing GSM radio network, although some comparisons can be usefully drawn. In terms of architecture, the UTRAN is divided into individual Radio Network Systems, where each is controlled by a Radio Network Controller (RNC), connected to several Node B elements which may in turn serve one or more cells. These elements are completely new designs, although comparison can be drawn with GSM, where Node B is broadly equivalent to the BTS, and the RNC similar in architectural hierarchy to the BSC. The Interface between RNCs and Node Bs is defined, and is assigned the label Iub. Another significant new addition is a brand new interface, the Iur, which is required to cope with soft handover, a new feature of CDMA systems which arises because adjacent cells are operating on the same carrier frequency band. The Node B The term Node B refers to the base station equipment which communicates with the subscribers handset via the radio link (and of course with the main network via a telecoms link). It provides radio resources for a UMTS network, and uses UMTS channel allocation to communicate with the handset. It provides all the RF processing, enabling transmission and reception information to and from the mobile terminal. This information is encoded using the W-CDMA scheme. The RNC The RNC controls the operation of multiple Node Bs, managing resources such as allocating capacity for data calls, and providing critical signalling such as call set-up, plus switching and traffic routing functionality. Compared to 2G systems, it is broadly equivalent to the BSC, but also includes some functionality of the MSC. In particular, it enables autonomous Radio Resource Management by the UTRAN by allowing RNCs to directly communicate (via the Iur interface), eliminating this burden from the core network. So all handover processes, even where moving between cells controlled by different RNCs, are kept within the UTRAN. Compare this with the situation in GSM, where handover between different BSC areas required involvement of the MSC, and hence the core network.

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Node B

lub

RNC Iu Node B lub

lur

Core Network

Node B

lub

Iu RNC

Node B

lub

UTRAN

Core Network

Fig. 7 UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network)

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The UMTS Architecture

3.3 Further UTRAN features

In addition to the elements just described, the main new feature of the UTRAN is the existence of a new modulation scheme (W-CDMA) with two modes of access, FDD and TDD. In order to cope with broadband, multimedia traffic which could be circuit or packet, asymmetric or symmetric, a suitable upgrade to the transport layer transmission technology was also required. ATM was selected for this in Release 99, and is applicable to the Iur, Iub and Iu interfaces. Other basic features of the UTRAN are as follows: it is contained within only one UMTS network it supports set-up, renegotiation & clearing of connections with a range of traffic and performance characteristics it supports radio access bearers for broadcast and multicast applications it allows a mobile terminal to handle more than one radio access bearer service simultaneously it permits seamless handover of active radio access bearer services from a single terminal between the cells of one UTRAN. This handover happens with imperceptible loss of speech and without degrading any QoS requirements for data it performs monitoring of cells in idle mode (cell reselection) and in active mode (handover) for UTRANs with different UTRA modes (TDD and FDD), cell selection and paging procedures will accommodate the fact that service areas may be covered by cells supporting just one or both modes. It also supports handover between cells supporting one or both modes it performs determination of the location of the mobile terminal The market reality is that UTRANs will likely start as islands in a sea of GSM BSS, so UMTS is specified to support dual system UMTS/GSM terminals. Issues like cell reselection, paging procedures, handover and so on must therefore be supported in both directions between GSM BSS and UTRAN (although the different bearer capabilities mean that some traffic flows may have to be released or renegotiated during handover).

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 W-CDMA ATM transport Flexible bearer support & connection management Handover functions Location determination Support for procedure and function interworking with GSM BSS

Fig. 8 Further New UTRAN Features

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The UMTS Architecture

3.4 The Two Modes of W-CDMA Access

Two modes are defined for the W-CDMA access scheme, according to the two different ways in which duplex operation is dealt with. Duplex refers to the combination of both uplink (mobile to base station) and downlink (base station to mobile) transmission. FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) This is the name for the UMTS mode which is designed to give wide area mobile coverage in UMTS. It can support 384kb/s in a mobile environment and uses a 5Mhz frequency band for uplink and a separate 5Mhz for downlink. This is termed paired spectrum channel allocation and operators in the UK for example have two or three channels of paired spectrum depending on their licence (10Mhz or 15MHz). TDD (Time Division Duplex) TDD uses W-CDMA as the modulation scheme, as in FDD, but shares a single 5Mhz channel for both uplink and downlink. To do this, the system allocates time slots for both the uplink and downlink transmissions. The system is capable of very high data rates (up to 2Mb/s) but is not suitable for anything above pedestrian mobility, due to the slower power control loop. Note that adding TDD mode to FDD will require a new Node B, likely to be smaller, with lower power output and up to two antennas serving a range of 100m or so. TDD is therefore sometimes described as equivalent to a cordless level of mobility.The typical uses envisaged include offices, stations, supermarkets, airports and so on, where traffic levels may be high but users are moving slowly. The channel allocation is called unpaired spectrum, and is absent in Japan, although present in four of the five licences in the UK. In future, a further multi-carrier UTRA mode is expected to define compatibility between UMTS and cdma2000. Given the different wide and local area advantages of the two access schemes, the concept of cell hierarchies arises, and may also include GSM/EDGE for the widest area coverage in the early stages of UMTS deployment.

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GSM/EDGE?

FDD

TDD

Fig. 9 Two Modes of W-CDMA Access

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The UMTS Architecture

4. THE CORE NETWORK

4.1 The Core Network Domain
The core network contains the physical entities providing support for the network features and telecoms services, for example the management of user location, control of network services; and switching & transmission mechanisms for signalling & user information. An important logical split is made within the core network for UMTS Release 99, between a circuit-switched and packet-switched domain. CS (circuit-switched) Domain This refers to the set of all core network entities offering CS type connection, i.e. one for which dedicated network resources are allocated at connection establishment and held until connection release. PSTN and ISDN are examples of other circuit-switched networks. In UMTS the CS domain provides data service support of at least 64kb/s. PS (packet-switched) Domain This refers to all core network entities for PS type connection, i.e. one which transports user information using autonomous concatenation of bits called packets, where each packet can be routed independently of the previous one. The Internet is the most well known example of a packet-switched network, although other public data networks (PDNs) do exist, including Mobitex, RAM, CDPD and so on. In UMTS, the PS domain provides support for data service capability of up to 2Mb/s. The Iu interface is therefore subdivided into IuCS and IuPS in order to support connection of each of these core network domains to the single access network (UTRAN).

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User Domain

UTRAN

IuPS

IuCS

CORE NETWORK DOMAIN

PS Domain

CS Domain

PS Networks

CS Networks

Fig. 10 The Core Network Domains

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The UMTS Architecture

4.2 Specific Entities in the UMTS Release 99 Core Network Architecture

It is possible to define three categories of network elements in Release 99: 1. GSM core network elements: MSC, VLR, HLR, AuC and EIR 2. GSM enhancements (GSM Phase 2+): GPRS to support packet-switching CAMEL (and other toolkits) as a basis for the VHE 3. New UMTS-specific enhancements, in particular the new UTRAN and USIM. This new UTRAN can be connected to the GSM Phase 2+ core network. We have already discussed the basic elements of the UTRAN, whereas the first two categories above refer to elements within the core network. Release 00 takes the first steps towards integrating circuit switched domain and packet switched domain transports.

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1. GSM Core Network Elements

circuit switching databases

2. GSM Phase 2+ Enhancements

packet switching through GPRS CAMEL and other toolkits

3. UMTS specific elements

UTRAN USIM

Fig. 11 Categories of Network Architecture Elements

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The UMTS Architecture

4.3 The Circuit Switched Domain & GSM Core Network Elements
The GSM core network elements form the basis for the circuit-switched domain in UMTS, albeit with some enhancements to support the higher data rates and other requirements of UMTS services. The entities specific to CS domain are: MSC, GMSC, VLR. MSC The MSC provides the interface between the radio system and fixed network, performing all necessary functions to handle CS services to and from mobile terminals. As such, an MSC will interface with several base stations. In effect it is an exchange which performs switching and signalling functions for mobiles within its designated area of control. It needs to take into account the allocation of radio resources and the mobile nature of users, which impact the location registration & handover between cells. Gateway MSC The GMSC provides routing to the appropriate MSC where a mobile terminal is located, after having interfaced with the databases within the home environment. VLR The Visitor Location Register is used by an MSC to retrieve information for mobile stations currently in its area. A mobile terminal registers as it enters the area, at which point the VLR and HLR (Home Location Register see below) exchange information on the subscriber and his/her service capabilities. It is the VLR which tracks the current location of the terminal, although the HLR will know on which VLR the subscriber is registered. An additional element which is required in UMTS is: Interworking Function (IWF) In generic terms, an IWF provides the functionality to allow interworking of differing networks such as ISDN, PSTN and PDNs (i.e. protocol conversion). A new element required for the CS part of the core network in UMTS is such an interworking function to provide protocol conversion between the A (GSM) and Iu-CS (UMTS) interfaces where the radio network joins the Core Network. This requirement is in order to enable the core network to operate with both the existing 2G and new UMTS radio access.

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UMTS ME

GSM ME

UTRAN IuCS IWF

GSM/ EDGE BSS

MSC VLR

GMSC

New in UMTS GSM Phase 2+ PSTN, ISDN, etc

Fig. 12 Circuit-Switched Domain

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The UMTS Architecture

4.4 The GSM Location Registers

The core GSM elements also include some further databases, which are carried forward into UMTS with appropriate modifications as required: HLR The Home Location register contains subscriber information, and is the register to which a subscriber is assigned. It will also contain information enabling charging and packet routing of messages to the area where the mobile is currently registered (for GPRS support), plus various location-service related information if that is also supported. Subscriber information consist of: the IMSI (international Mobile Subscriber ID) Mobile Station ISDN numbers Packet Data Protocol Addresses for GPRS LMU indicator for location services information on service access/restrictions Authentication Centre (AuC) The AuC stores data for each subscriber to allow the IMSI to be authenticated and to allow ciphering of communication over the radio path. In short, it allows the mobile to use the network. The data required for these two processes is transmitted via the HLR to the VLR, MSC and SGSN as required. Equipment ID Register (EIR) The EIR is responsible for storing the International Mobile Equipment IDs (IMEIs) in the GSM system. These classify equipment as white, grey or blacklisted, and so enable service to be prevented to stolen or uncertified terminals. This set of registers can be grouped together for simplicity to define the Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

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UMTS ME

GSM ME

UTRAN IuCS IWF

GSM/ EDGE BSS

EIR

MSC VLR

HLR

AUC

GMSC

HSS PSTN, ISDN etc

Fig. 13 Location Registers

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The UMTS Architecture

4.5 The Packet-Switched Domain & GPRS Core Network Elements

Since the circuit-switched side of the network is limited to 64kb/s by its ISDN-based switching capability, whereas GPRS allows direct interconnect with data networks of much higher bit-rates, GPRS is a prerequisite for the introduction of UMTS. Entities specific to PS are the GPRS-specific entities, the SGSN (serving GPRS support node) and GGSN (gateway GSN). The GGSN and SGSN have comparable functions and architectural positions as the GMSC and MSC/VLR in the circuit-switched domain. They are IP routers, which allow direct transmission between mobile terminals and data networks such as the Internet, Intranets, X25 and so on. The SGSN includes a location register function which stores subscription information and location information for packet-switched services for each subscriber registered in the SGSN. The GGSN stores subscription information and routing information for each subscriber for which the GGSN has at least one PDP context active. This information is used to tunnel packet data destined for a GPRS terminal through to the SGSN where this terminal is registered. Once again, a new interworking function is required in order that the SGSN can communicate both with the new UTRAN and the existing GSM BSS.

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UMTS ME

GSM ME

UTRAN IuPS IWF

Gb

GSM/ EDGE BSS

IWF

SGSN

EIR

MSC VLR

HLR

GGSN HSS Internet, X25 etc

AUC

GSMC

Fig. 14 Packet-Switched Domain

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The UMTS Architecture

5. OTHER NETWORK ENTITIES

5.1 Some other entities for specific services
Although the above are the basic and key components for GSM and GPRS based systems, and hence the basis for the first release of UMTS, it should be noted that there are various other network elements which relate to the delivery of specific services. Notably For SMS: Two elements are important in the delivery of SMS. Firstly, the SMS Gateway MSC acts as an interface between the SMSC (Short Message Service Centre) and the PLMN for the delivery of messages. Its counterpart is the SMS Interworking MSC, which acts in reverse, as an interface between the PLMN and SMSC for the submission of messages. These connect to the serving MSC/GSN. For Location Services: The Serving Mobile Location Centre (SMLC) manages the overall scheduling of resources to perform positioning. In UMTS this functionality is integrated into the Serving RNC, an element of the UTRAN. For CAMEL: To support CAMEL features, including Service Control Functions, Switching Functions and so on, the CAMEL Service Environment (CSE) is defined and lies within the Home Network. For Cell Broadcast: The Cell Broadcast Centre (CBC) manages Cell Broadcast messages and determines delivery parameters. The CBC attaches directly to the RNC via the Interface IuBC, for which a mandatory logical interface protocol is defined. Other entities include: the Group Call Register Entity, holding information on Voice Group Call or Voice Broadcast Services the Shared Interworking Function, providing interworking for data/fax calls various Number Portability entities However, detailed discussion of these further entities is beyond the scope of this overview course.

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SMS
Short Message Service Centre Connects to the UMTS Core Network via SMS Gateway/Interworking MSC

Location Services
Serving Mobile Location Centre (SMLC) Located within the UTRAN Radio Network Controller

CAMEL
Camel Service Environment Located within the Home Network

Cell Broadcast
Cell Broadcast Centre Connects directly to the UTRAN Radio Network Controller

Fig. 15 Specific Services and Support Elements

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The UMTS Architecture

6. RELEASE 4
6.1 Release 4 Control & Data Separation in the CS domain
In particular, Release 4 introduces the concept of separation of the control and user planes (i.e. signalling & user data transport). Whereas Release 99 is based on re-using and extending the equipment from GSM core networks, Release 00 makes the first move towards implementing a full IP core network, and introduces new multimedia server elements. The advantage of this new approach is in moving towards a scenario needing only a single transport network for both voice and data (i.e. both the circuit and packet switched domains), so the same IP or ATM based interface can be employed to transport packets between the Radio Access Network and the external PSTN or IP networks. In particular, the first step is that the circuit-switched domain is evolved by splitting the MSC into two entities, a Media Gateway which handles actual user data transport (transport plane), and the MSC server, which lies within the control plane, and is involved in signalling and control of the Media Gateway. Non IP-native terminals (e.g. legacy GSM handsets) are handled by the MSC servers.

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1. Release 99 CS Domain

UTRAN

Iucs

MSC

Signalling & User Data

GMSC

PSTN

HSS

2. Release 4 CS Domain

UTRAN

MGW Control MSC Server

User Data

MGW Control

PSTN

Signalling

GMSC Server

HSS

Fig. 16 Evolution of Circuit Switched Domain

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The UMTS Architecture

6.2 The IP Multimedia Subsystem

In the packet switched domain, transport continues between the Serving SGN and Gateway GSN, but a new subsystem, the IP Multimedia subsystem, is introduced into the core network. This system is introduced in order to enable support for IP telephony a well as IP multimedia applications, direct to multimedia, IP-addressable terminals. The use of IPv6 is mandatory within this IP Multimedia subsystem, and control of the system is centred around a new element, the Multimedia Call Server (CSCF Call State Control Function). The CSCF is a SIP server, creating a SIP session to the mobile terminal. A Media Gateway takes care of the transformation of user and signalling traffic between this packet-based domain and the PSTN world, or the IP Multimedia Subsystem can of course connect directly into an external IP network via the GGSN. Other new elements include the Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) and the Media Resource Function (MRF).

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UTRAN

SGSN

GGSN

Internet etc

HSS

MRF

CSCF (SIP Server)

Signalling Only User Data

MGCF

MGW

PSTN etc

Fig. 17 IP Multimedia Subsystem

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The UMTS Architecture

6.3 New Domain Concept in Release 4 and Beyond

Taking the new architectural evolutions into account, it is now possible to summarise the new UMTS. The Radio Access and User Domains remain structurally the same. The Core Network remains divided into circuit and packet switched domains, with the IP multimedia Core Network subsystem newly added. It is also useful to define the service subsystem, which can link into each of the core network domains and the IP multimedia subsystem by means of a service control point to the Open Service Architecture. All these various systems of course must continue to interact with the Home Subscriber Server, HSS. For the sake of clarity, not all the elements or interfaces within and between the various elements are shown.

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Services Subsystem

IP Multimedia CN Subsystem

OSA SCP CSCF

HSS GGSN MSC Server CS Domain Radio Access SGSN

PS Domain

User Domain

Fig. 18 Domains in All-IP UMTS

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The UMTS Architecture

7. NETWORK EVOLUTION
7.1 3GPP Release 00/Release 4
Release 00 (Release 4) and future planned releases of UMTS concentrate on the evolution of the core network architecture defined in Release 99. In particular, the long-term aim is to move towards an architecture which is all IP. The phases of standardisation can be summarised as shown opposite. This reiterates the major changes as follows, from GSM as the original starting point: GPRS introduced a packet switched domain into the system, and allowed IP services tunnelled directly to ISPs (single media IP). UMTS Release 99 added a brand new radio interface. UMTS Release 00/4 and future releases, will integrate the packet and circuitswitched domains in the core network, adding new server elements to achieve this, and ultimately enabling true IP Multimedia services to be offered.

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IP Multimedia Tunnels to ISPs PS Single Media Services CS

PS Uses GSNs Core Network CS Uses MSCs

IP Multimedia Subsystem GSNs Continue Servers Replace MSCs

Air Interface

GSM GSM

EDGE

UTRAN

GPRS

R99

R00 (R4)

Fig. 19 Phases of Standards

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ANNEX 1
DOMAINS AND STRATA

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The UMTS Architecture

A.1
A.1.1

DOMAINS IN UMTS
Domain structure The physical architecture in UMTS is modelled using the concept of domains, where areas of the network are identified as separate entities, with each being made up of the physical elements in that part of the network. Standard interfaces connect the different domains together. The domains are organised hierarchically such that the first split simply describes a User Equipment Domain and an Infrastructure Domain. However, these are further broken down into the USIM Domain and Mobile Equipment Domain (for the User Equipment Domain), and Access Network Domain and Core Network Domain (for the Infrastructure Domain). The Core Network Domain is then further broken down into Serving, Transit and Home Network Domains. In general, it is fairly clear what each domain represents, however the Core Network Domains (Home, Serving and Transit) need further explanation.

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HOME NETWORK Zu Cu Uu Iu SERVING NETWORK Yu

Home Network Domain

TRANSPORT NETWORK

Serving Network Domain Mobile Equipment Domain User Equipment Domain USIM Domain Access Network Domain

Transit Network Domain

Core Network Domain

Infrastructure Domain

Fig. A.1 Domains in UMTS

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The UMTS Architecture

A.1.2
A.1.2.1

Subdividing the Core Network Domain

Home Network The Home Environment (Home Network) relates to the user by the USIM, and contains the permanent user data and subscription information. The Home Environment therefore has overall responsibility for service provision associated with a subscription, for example: provision, allocation & management of subscriber accounts & billing provision and maintenance of service profiles negotiation for the network capabilities required to provide 3G service, including both offline agreements and online interactions, with the network operator in whose network the user lies. (The Home Environment may offer services not offered by the serving network, as per the VHE concept).

A.1.2.2

Serving Network The serving network is the part of the core network domain which is local to the user access, and hence is responsible for routing calls from source to destination. The serving network provides radio resources, mobility management and the capabilities to switch, route and handle services offered to users. These services are provided on behalf of the home environment with which it must interact. Responsibilities include: provision and management of radio resources, including encrypted bearers provision and management of fixed resources, bearer capabilities, and routing collection of charging and accounting data interaction with home environments to identify, locate, authenticate and authorise users.

A.1.2.3

Transit Network In some cases there may exist a core network part which is located on a communication path between the serving network and some remote party. A remote party is the end-point machine or user for an application, so for example this remote party could include a VASP (Value Added Service Provider). The VASP is an element of the VHE concept. A subscriber may subscribe to services from a VASP which are unrelated to the Home Environment, although the VASP must use elements of the services of the Home Environment in order to offer service access. Finally, it is possible to define a 3rd domain, which is not part of the core network, but which connects to it.

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CORE NETWORK Home Network

Radio Access

Iu

Serving Network

Transit Network

Remote Party

Non-3G Domain

Note: Other interactions between entities may also be valid (e.g. access to Non-3G Domain via the Transit Network)

Fig. A.2 Sub-divisions in the Core Network

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The UMTS Architecture

A.1.2.4

Non 3G Infrastructure Domain The non-3G domain describes non-3G operators, so is a domain which is providing network resources other than 3G, but which may nevertheless be involved in service provision. An example might include an external data network, Intranet or other external network, and might include a remote party within it.

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CORE NETWORK Home Network

Radio Access

Iu

Serving Network

Transit Network

Remote Party

Non-3G Domain

Note: Other interactions between entities may also be valid (e.g. access to Non-3G Domain via the Transit Network)

Fig. A.2 Sub-divisions in the Core Network

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The UMTS Architecture

A.2
A.2.1

Strata
The Concept of Strata Whereas domains are used to give a high level viewpoint of physical entities which make up the network, strata are used to define functional communication between these domains. Five of these are identified within UMTS: Transport Stratum Access Stratum Serving Stratum Home Stratum Applications Stratum The direct flow of functions between domains which are not directly interconnected are transported transparently across all the domains and interfaces located on the end-to-end communication path for that flow. For example the USIM Home Environment flow will be transparently relayed by the Mobile Terminal, Access network and Serving network without any interpretation in these domains, and transparently transported across the interfaces between these domains (Cu, Uu, Iu, Zu interfaces in UMTS). Two end-to-end cases can be envisaged using the domain structure defined previously. The Home Stratum exists only in a function involving the Home network, and the Application Stratum exists only where a function extends all the way to a remote party (e.g. server hosting an application). For the two cases above, each of these strata are indicated on the following two diagrams, where each stratum is also defined in more detail. Where solid lines are shown on the following diagrams, protocols are specified in UMTS for these links. Where lines are dotted this is not the case.

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Example (Case 1)

Home Network

User Domain

Access Domain

Serving Network

Define: Home Stratum Serving Stratum Transport Stratum (Inculding Access Stratum)

Example (Case 2)

User Domain

Access Domain

Serving Network

Transit Network

Remote Party

Define: Applications Stratum Serving Stratum Transport Stratum (Including Access Stratum)

Fig. A.3 The Concept of Strata

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The UMTS Architecture

A.2.1.1

Strata Case 1 Transport Stratum The Transport Stratum supports the transport of user data and network control signalling, including consideration of physical transmission formats, mechanisms for error correction and recovery, encryption over the radio interface, adaption of data to suit the physical format, and transcoding for efficient transport (e.g. over the radio interface). The Access Stratum can be defined as the part of the Transport Stratum which is located between the edge node of the serving core network, and the mobile terminal, and provides services related to the transmission of data over the radio interface and management of the radio interface. For example the Access Stratum will co-ordinate the use of radio resources between the MT and Access Network Domain. Serving Stratum The Serving Stratum describes routing and transmission of data from source to destination, which may be within the same or different networks. Functions related to telecoms services are located here. The Serving Stratum will support access to subscriber specific information, in order to support functions in the user domain and will support access from the MT to services provided by the serving network domain. Home Stratum The Home Stratum includes functions and protocols related to handling and storage of subscription data and home network specific services, including functions to allow other domains (e.g. the serving network) to act on its behalf. This stratum includes functions related to subscription management, customer care & billing, authentication, mobility management, and co-ordination of information between the USIM and home environment.

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Home

User

Access

Serving

Home Stratum USIM-HN USIM-MT MT-SN SN-HN

Serving Stratum

USIM-MT

MT-SN

Transport Stratum Access Stratum MT-AN AN-SN

USIM

MT/ME
Standard Protocols

Access Network Domain

Serving Network Domain

Home Network Domain

Not Standardised in UMTS

Fig. A.4 Strata Case 1

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The UMTS Architecture

A.2.1.2

Strata Case 2 Application Stratum The Application Stratum describes functionality of the application process itself, including end-to-end protocols and functions, wherever the application is hosted. These protocols and functions may adhere to GSM/UMTS standards such as MExE or may be other standards. Definition of the interfaces of the Application Stratum with other strata is part of the UMTS standards.

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User

Access

Serving

Transit

Remote Party

Application Stratum

Application

Serving Stratum

TE-MT

MT-SN

Transport Stratum Access Stratum MT-AN TE MT Mobile Equipment Domain Access Network Domain Serving Network Domain Transit Network Domain Remote Party AN-SN

Standard Protocols Not Standardised in UMTS

Fig. A.5 Strata Case 2

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