GSM Overview

AN OVERVIEW
Introduction to Mobile Telecommunications and
GSM
GSM Network Components
Definition of the Main NEs in a GSM Network
GSM Geographical Network Structure
GSM Frequency Bands
Overview of Ericssons GSM Systems
Call Flow Setup
Cell Planning
Customer Services

MOBILE TELEPHONY
The impact of mobile technologies has been immense. Mobile communication is now
viewed as a necessity and is one of the fastest growing and most demanding technologies.
Mobile systems have evolved over time, when discussing developments we speak of
system generations.
First generation (1G) systems were analog with reasonably reliable networks but limited
service offerings and did not permit roaming between networks. Second generation (2G)
systems were digital and bring significant advantages in terms of service sophistication,
capacity and quality. GSM is a 2G technology. The increasing demand for wireless access to
the Internet has led to further developments within the 2G systems. Thus we speak of
2.5G systems. General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) is an example of a 2.5G technology
and is a standardized packet switched technology enabling mobile use of internet. Since
there are several 2G systems using incompatible radio technologies, on different
frequency spectra, they could not capture a real worldwide massive market in the long
term and these factors led to the concept of third generation (3G) systems which allow
communication, information and entertainment services to be delivered via wireless
terminals. The foundation for these services had already been laid in 2G systems. An
example of a 3G system is Universal Mobil Telecommunications Systems (UMTS). Gsm
therefore is a pivotal technology from which to look back at previous technologies and
examine future trends.

Introduction to Mobile Telecommunications and GSM

The origins of mobile communications followed quickly behind the invention of radio in the late
1800s. The first applications of mobile radio were related to the navigation and safety of ships at
sea. In 1991, The first digital cellular standard (GSM) was launched. GSM stands for Global System
for Mobile Communications. GSM was designed to be platform-independent.

GSM PHASES
Phase 1
Phase 1 contains the most common services including:
Voice telephony, International roaming, Basic fax/data services (up to 9.6 Kbits/s), Call forwarding, Call
barring, Short Message Service (SMS).
Phase 1 also incorporated features such as ciphering and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.
specifications were then closed and could not be modified.
Phase 2
Additional features were introduced in GSM phase 2 including:
Advice of charge, Calling line identification, Call waiting, Call hold, Conference calling, Closed user
groups ,Additional data communications capabilities
Phase 2+
Some of the enhancements offered by Phase 2+ include:
Multiple service profiles, Private numbering plans, Access to Centrex services, Internetworking
with GSM 1800, GSM 1900 and the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)
standard

GSM NETWORK COMPONENTS

The GSM network is divided into two systems. Each of these systems are
comprised of a number of functional units which are individual components of the
mobile network. The two systems are:
Switching System (SS)
Base Station System (BSS)

Figure 1: System Model

Definition of the Main NEs in a GSM Network

M.S (Mobile Station):

The MS consists of the SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module) and

the Mobile Terminal. It is used to connect to the GSM Network.
There are several makers for the Mobile Terminal. They include
Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung etc.
BTS (Base Transceiver Station):
The BTS otherwise known as the RBS in the Ericssons GSM
Architecture controls the radio interface to the MS. The BTS
comprises the radio equipment such as transceivers and
antennas which are needed to serve each cell in the network

 BSC (Base Station Controller):

The BSC manages all the radio-related functions of a GSM network. It is a high
capacity switch that provides functions such as MS handover, radio channel
assignment and the collection of cell configuration data

MSC (Mobile Switching Centre):

The MSC performs the telephony switching functions for the mobile network. It
controls calls to and from other telephony and data systems, such as the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

HLR (Home Location Register):

The HLR is a centralized network database that stores and manages all mobile
subscriptions belonging to a specific operator. It acts as a permanent store for a
persons subscription information until that subscription is canceled

 VLR (Visitors Location Register):

The VLR database contains information about all the mobile subscribers currently
located in an MSC service area. Thus, there is one VLR for each MSC in a network.
The VLR temporarily stores subscription information so that the MSC can service
all the subscribers currently visiting that MSC service area.

AUC (Authentication Centre ):

The main function of the AUC is to authenticate the subscribers attempting to use
a network. In this way, it is used to protect network operators against fraud. The
AUC is a database connected to the HLR which provides it with the authentication
parameters and ciphering keys used to ensure network security.

EIR ( Equipment Identity Register ):

The EIR is a database containing mobile equipment identity
information which helps to block calls from stolen, unauthorized, or defective
MSs.

 Gateway Functionality (GMSC) :

Gateway functionality enables an MSC to interrogate a networks HLR in order to route
a call to a Mobile Station (MS). Such an MSC is called a Gateway MSC (GMSC).For
example, if a person connected to the PSTN wants to make a call to a GSM mobile
subscriber, then the PSTN exchange will access the GSM network by first connecting
the call to a GMSC. The same is true of a call from an MS to another MS. Any MSC in
the mobile network can function as a gateway by integration of the appropriate
software.

NETWORK MONITORING CENTERS

Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC) :
An OMC is a computerized monitoring center which is connected to other network
components such as MSCs and BSCs. In the OMC, staff are presented with information
about the status of the network and can monitor and control a variety of system
parameters. There may be one or several OMCs within a network depending on the
network size.

Network Management Center (NMC) :

Centralized control of a network is done at a Network Management Center (NMC).
Only one NMC is required for a network and this controls the subordinate OMCs. The
advantage of this hierarchical approach is that staff at the NMC can concentrate on
long term system-wide issues, whereas local personnel at each OMC can concentrate
on short term, regional issues.

GSM GEOGRAPHICAL NETWORK

STRUCTURE
CELL :

A cell is the basic unit of a cellular system and is defined as the area of
radio coverage given by one BS antenna system. Each cell is assigned a
unique number called Cell Global Identity (CGI).

LOCATION AREA (LA) :

A Location Area (LA) is defined as a group of cells. Within the network, a
subscribers location is known by the LA which they are in. The identity of
the LA in which an MS is currently located is stored in the VLR. When an
MS crosses a boundary from a cell belonging to one LA into a cell
belonging to another LA, it must report its new location to the network.
When an MS crosses a cell boundary within an LA, it does need to report
its new location to the network

 MSC SERVICE AREA

An MSC service area is made up of a number of LAs and represents the
geographical part of the network controlled by one MSC. In order to be able to
route a call to an MS, the subscribers MSC service area is also recorded and
monitored. The subscribers MSC service area is stored in the HLR.

PLMN SERVICE AREA

A Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) service area is the entire set of cells
served by one network operator and is defined as the area in which an
operator offers radio coverage and access to its network. In any one country
there may be several PLMN service areas, one for each mobile operators
network.

GSM SERVICE AREA

The GSM service area is the entire geographical area in which a subscriber can
gain access to a GSM network.

GSM FREQUENCY BANDS

As GSM has grown worldwide, it has expanded to operate at three frequency bands:
900, 1800 and 1900.

GSM 900
The original frequency band specified for GSM was 900 MHz. Most GSM
networks worldwide use this band. In some countries and extended version
of GSM 900 can be used, which provides extra network capacity.

GSM 1800
In 1990, in order to increase competition between operators, the United
Kingdom requested the start of a new version of GSM adapted to the 1800
MHz frequency band. By granting licenses for GSM 1800 in addition to GSM
900, a country can increase the number of operators.

GSM 1900
In 1995, the Personal Communications Services (PCS) concept was specified
in the United States. The basic idea is to enable "person-to-person"
communication rather than "station-to station. The frequencies available for
PCS are around 1900 MHz.

MOBILE STATION STATES AND

REGISTRATION
An MS can have one of the following states:

IDLE : the MS is ON but a call is not in progress

ACTIVE : the MS is ON and a call is in progress
DETACHED : the MS is OFF

When an MS is powered off it is detached from the network. When the

subscriber switches power on, the MS scans the GSM frequencies for special
channels called control channels. When it finds a control channel, the MS
measures the signal strength it receives on that channel and records it. When
all control channels have been measured, the MS tunes to the strongest one.

If the Control Channel for the predefined operator on the SIM card is not
found and a control channel for another operator is found, the MS displays
Emergency Calls only.

On the other hand if no Control Channel for any operator is found, the MS

 Overview of Ericssons GSM Systems

(CME) 20:
(CMS) 40:

Figure 2: Ericsson GSM network system

model

ILR FUNCTIONS
Ericssons ILR offers roaming capabilities between mobile telephony systems
complying with different standards. The ILR is specific to the CMS 40 product
portfolio and enables AMPS network subscribers to roam to a GSM 1900 network.
The ILR consists of an AMPS HLR, a GSM 1900 VLR and interfacing functions.

DATA TRANSMISSION INTERFACE (DTI)

The DTI implements the GSM Inter-Working Function (IWF). It performs data handling
functions such as data rate conversion and provides the functions necessary for data
interworking between GSM networks and other networks.

TRANSCODER CONTROLLER (TRC)

The primary functions of a TRC are to perform transcoding and to perform rate
adaptation. The TRC multiplexes network traffic channels from several BSCs onto one
64 kbits/s PCM channel which reduces network transmission costs. The TRC can be
combined with the BSC or exist as a stand-alone node.

BILLING GATEWAY (BGW)

A Billing GateWay (BGW) collects billing information or Call Data Record
(CDR) files from network elements such as MSCs and forwards them to
post-processing systems that use the files as input.
SERVICE ORDER GATEWAY (SOG)
The Service Order Gateway (SOG) is an Ericsson product which
enables CASs (Customer Administration Systems) to exchange
information with network elements such as the HLR which contain
service information such as customer subscriptions, billing
information and for fraud detection.
RADIO BASE STATION (RBS)
In Ericssons GSM systems the BTS is included as a part of a product called
RBS. The RBS also contains extra functionality which enables the support
of several GSM-defined BTSs.

Mobile Intelligent Network (MIN) nodes

Mobile Intelligent Network nodes can be added to a basic
GSM network to provide value-added services to subscribers.
Ericssons MIN nodes include:
Service Switching Point: an SSP acts as an interface between the call control
functions of the mobile network and the service control functions of a Service
Control Point (SCP). Ericsson's SSP is AXE-based and may be integrated
within an MSC/VLR (recommended) or stand-alone.
Service Control Point: an SCP contains the intelligence of a MIN service or
services. This intelligence is realized in software programs and data. Ericsson's
SCP is also AXE-based and the recommended configuration is as a stand-alone
node, accessible by all MSC/SSPs.
Service Data Point (SDP): an SDP is a database storage and retrieval system. It
is used to safely store and handle large quantities for subscriber data which can
significantly increase the number of subscribers supported by the Service
Control Point

CHANNEL CONCEPTS
A channel is a frequency or set of frequencies which can be allocated for the
transmission, and possibly the receipt, of information. Communication channels of
any form can be one of the following types:
Type Description Examples
Simplex One way only e.g FM radio, television
Half duplex Two way, only one at a time e.g Police radio
Full duplex Two way, both at the same time e.g Mobile systems
Most digital cellular systems use the technique of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) to
transmit and receive speech signals. In GSM, a TDMA frame consists of 8 time slots. Each
timeslot on a TDMA frame is called a physical channel. A physical channel may carry
different messages, depending on the information that is to be sent. These messages are
called logical channels. There are 2 types of logical channels : control channels and traffic
channels.
Control Channels : When an MS is switched on, it searches for a BTS to connect to.
The MS scans the entire frequency band, or, optionally, uses a list containing the allocated
carrier frequencies for this operator. When the MS finds the strongest carrier, it must then
determine if it is a control channel. It does so by searching for a particular logical channel
called Broadcast Control CHannel (BCCH). A frequency carrying BCCH contains important
information for an MS, including e.g. the current LA identity, synchronization information
and network identity. Without such information, an MS cannot work with a network.

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
Many problems may occur during the transmission of a radio signal. Some of
the most common problems are described below.
Path loss occurs when the received signal becomes weaker and weaker
due to increasing distance between MS and BTS, even if there are no
obstacles between the transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) antenna. The
path loss problem seldom leads to a dropped call because before the
problem becomes extreme, a new transmission path is established via
another BTS.
Shadowing occurs when there are physical obstacles including hills and
buildings between the BTS and the MS. The obstacles create a
shadowing effect which can decrease the received signal strength.
Multipath fading occurs when there is more than one transmission path
to the MS or BTS, and therefore more than one signal is arriving at the
receiver. This may be due to buildings or mountains, either close to or far
from the receiving device.
All these problems can be solved with proper cell planning

CALL FLOW
HLR

BTS

BSC

MSC/VLR

Subscriber
A

MSC/VLR
BSC

Subscriber B

BTS

 Scenario
Subscriber A wants to call Subscriber B
Subscriber A dials Subscriber B, the call is routed from the Access Network
BTS and BSC to the MSC. The MSC connects to the HLR to find out which
MSC/VLR currently holds the information of subscriber B. When found,
the HLR obtains an MSRN Mobile Station Roaming Number from that MSC
and passes it to the MSC of Subscriber A
With this MSRN number Subscribers A MSC
can now connect to Subscribers B MSC.
Subscribers B MSC now routes the call to the
BSC and BTS controlling Subscriber B.
Subscribers B phone rings

CELL PLANNING
Cell planning can be described as all the activities involved in:
Selecting the sites for the radio equipment
Selecting the radio equipment
Configuring the radio equipment
Every cellular network requires cell planning in order to provide adequate
coverage and call quality.
Basis of cell planning is Traffic demand

Major Activities Involved in Cell Planning

The major activities involved in the cell planning process are
shown below.

Traffic and Coverage Analysis:

Cost, Capacity, Coverage, GOS, Available frequencies, Speech Quality, system
growth capacity. Basis of planning is traffic demand, traffic intensity.
Calculation of the required number of BTSs
Nominal Cell Plan:
A nominal cell plan can be produced from the data complied, It is a graphical
representation of the network and looks like a pattern on a map. Ericssons
planning tool (TEMS) provides coverage predictions, co-channel interference
predictions, adjacent channel interference. Traffic is displayed by different
colors.
Surveys:
After planning, basic coverage and interference predictions are available, site
survey and radio measurements can be performed. This includes exact
location, space for equipment, cable runs, power facilities, contact with site
owner.

System Design:
Once planning parameters have been adjusted to match the actual
measurements, dimensioning of the BSC, TRC and MSC/VLR can be
adjusted to the final cell plan produced. This plan can be used for system
installation.
Implementation and Tuning:

Once the system has been installed, it is continuously monitored to

determine how well it meets demand. This is called system Tuning. It
checks if the final cell plan was implemented successively. its checks
network performance, customers complaints, parameters and other
measurements
System Growth/Change:
Cell planning is an ongoing process. If the network needs to be
expanded because of an increase in traffic or because of a change
in the environment (e.g. a new building), then the operator must
perform the cell planning process again, starting with a new
traffic and coverage analysis.

TEst Mobile Systems (TEMS)

TEst Mobile Systems (TEMS) is a testing tool used to read and control the information
sent over the air interface between the BTS and the MS. It can be used for radio
coverage measurements. In addition, TEMS can be used both for field measurements
and post processing. TEMS consists of an MS with special software, a portable Personal
Computer (PC) and optionally a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

Figure :TEMS Hardware

The MS can be used in active and idle mode. The PC is used for presentation, control
and measurements storage. The GPS receiver provides the exact position of the
measurements by utilizing satellites.

CUSTOMER SERVICES
The Ericsson service portfolio for network operators comprises four service
areas:
Professional Services: for helping operators to plan network and business
operations
Implementation and Integration Services: for helping operators to implement
and install nodes or networks
Maintenance and support Services :for helping operators to operate and
maintain networks and end-user services

Customer Training: for helping operators to establish and develop necessary

competencies