LOCATION UPDATE

MS

BTS

BSC

MSC

Channel Request
--------------------------------------------------->

Channel Required
---------------------------------------------------------->
Channel Activation
<---------------------------------------------------------Channel Activation Ack
---------------------------------------------------------->
Data Req (Imm Assign Cmd)
<----------------------------------------------------------

UI (Immediate Assign)
<--------------------------------------------------SABM (LocUpdReq)
--------------------------------------------------->

Est Ind (LocUpdReq)

Unnumbered Acknowledge

---------------------------------------------------------->

<--------------------------------------------------

ConReq (LocUpdReq)
------------------------------------------------->
ConConfirm
<-------------------------------------------------

Authentication and Ciphering (if applied)

DT 1 (LocUpdAcc)
<------------------------------------------------Data Req (LocUpdAcc)
I (LocUpdAcc)

<------------------------------------------------------------

< -------------------------------------------------DT 1 (ClrCmd)

Data Req (ChnRel)

<-------------------------------------------------

<----------------------------------------------------------I (ChnRel)
<--------------------------------------------------Data Req (Deactivate SACCH)
Disc_Frame

<-----------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------->
UA_Frame
< -------------------------------------------------Release Indication
----------------------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (ClrCom)
------------------------------------------------->
RF ChnRel
<------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
RLSD
<-------------------------------------------------

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RLC
------------------------------------------------->

Explanation of the message flow

The Location Update is necessary to inform the network about the actual location of the MS.
The MS requires a Location Update every time it enters a new Location Area. A Location
area can consists of one or more BTS, belonging to one or more BSCs.
1.

The MS sends a Channel Request on the uplink RACH to request a SDCCH.

2.

After successful Immediate Assignment the MS tells the network with the Location
Update Request the cause for the need of a SDCCH.
LOC_UPD_REQ contains the LAC and CI of the actual geographical position, and the
IMSI of the SIM CARD.

3.

If the MSC accepts the received values it sends the Location Update Accept to the MS.

4.

Afterwards all Resources on all interface will be released.

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MOBILE ORIGINATED CALL

MS

BTS

Channel Request
--------------------------------------------------->

BSC

MSC

Channel Required
--------------------------------------------------->
Channel Activation
<--------------------------------------------------Channel Activation Ack
<--------------------------------------------------Data Req (Imm Assign Cmd)
<---------------------------------------------------

UI (Immediate Assignment)
<--------------------------------------------------SABM (CM Service Request)
--------------------------------------------------->
Unnumbered Acknowledge
<---------------------------------------------------

Est Ind (CM Service Request)

--------------------------------------------------->
ConReq (CMServiceRequest)
---------------------------------------------------->
ConConfirm
<---------------------------------------------------Authentication Req
<---------------------------------------------------Authentication Res
---------------------------------------------------->
Cipher Mode Com
<---------------------------------------------------Cipher Mode Comp
---------------------------------------------------->
TMSI Com
<---------------------------------------------------TMSI Cmp
---------------------------------------------------->

I (Setup)
--------------------------------------------------->

Data Ind (Setup)

--------------------------------------------------->

I (Call Proceed)

Data Req (Call Proceed)

<---------------------------------------------------

DT 1 (Setup)
---------------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (Call Proceed)
<----------------------------------------------------

<---------------------------------------------------

I (Assignment Cmd)

Physical Con Request

<--------------------------------------------------Physical Con Confirm
--------------------------------------------------->
Channel Activation
<--------------------------------------------------Channel Activation Ack
--------------------------------------------------->
Data Req (Assignment Cmd)
<---------------------------------------------------

DT 1 (Assignment Request)
<----------------------------------------------------

<---------------------------------------------------

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SABM
--------------------------------------------------->
UA
<--------------------------------------------------I (Assignment Complete)
--------------------------------------------------->

Establish Indication
--------------------------------------------------->

Data Ind (Assignment Com)

--------------------------------------------------->

DT 1 (Assignment Complete)
---------------------------------------------------->

SDCCH Release
I (Alert)

Data Req (Alert)

<---------------------------------------------------

DT 1 (Alert)
<----------------------------------------------------

<--------------------------------------------------I (Connect)
<--------------------------------------------------I (Connect Ack)
--------------------------------------------------->

Data Req (Connect)

<---------------------------------------------------

DT 1 (Connect)
<----------------------------------------------------

Data Ind (Connect Ack)

--------------------------------------------------->

DT 1 (Connect Ack)
---------------------------------------------------->

Explanation of the message flow

1. The MS initiates the start of a speech or data call by performing the Random Access
Procedure on the uplink RACH. The BSS performs the Radiolink Establishment
Procedure by reserving and activating an SDCCH. The BSC performs the Immediate
Assignment Procedure. After successful reception of the Immediate Assignment the MS
answers with the CM Service Request. The important parameters of this message are
the IMSI, the LAC and the CI to identify the mobile and the location of the mobile in the
network.
2. Authentication and Ciphering are initiated by the MSC for normal calls. In case of
emergency call, no Authentication and Ciphering is performed. If no Authentication and
Ciphering is performed, the message CM Service Accept is sent to the MS.
3. After Ciphering was completed the MS sends the SETUP including the Called Party
Number. This message is transferred through the BSS transparently to the MSC. The
MSC sends the CALL PROCEEDING message indicating that the Call Establishment
information has been received.
4. The BSC activates the TCH using the Channel Mode specified in the ASSIGNMENT
REQUEST message. Inside the Assignment Request the BSC is informed about the
Speech Timeslot on the A-Interface. The Data obtained by the PHYSICAL CONTEXT
PROCEDURE and the Ciphering key, which is presently in use on the SDCCH, are also
taken for the new TCH.
5. The BSC sends the ASSIGNMENT COMMAND to the MS on the SDCCH to tell the MS
the new frequency and timeslot.
6. The MS disconnects the old channel. The MS connects to the new channel and
establishes the SAPI 0 connection at layer 2. The BTS sends the LapDm Establishment
4

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to the BSC in an ESTABLISHMENT INDICATION, sets the Transcoder and enables the
Radiolink failure detection algorithm.
7. The MS sends the ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE to the BTS. The message is transferred
transparently to the MSC. At this state the BSC releases the old SDCCH channel.
8. The called user is alerted.
The MSC detects that the called user is answering the call.

MOBILE TERMINATED CALL

MS

BTS

Paging Request
<--------------------------------------------Channel Request
--------------------------------------------->

BSC

Paging Command
<---------------------------------------------

MSC

UDT (Paging)
<----------------------------------------------

Channel Required
--------------------------------------------->
Channel Activation
<--------------------------------------------Channel Activation Ack
--------------------------------------------->
Data Req (Imm Assign Cmd)
<---------------------------------------------

UI (Immediate Assignment)
<--------------------------------------------SABM (Paging Reponse)
--------------------------------------------->

Est Ind (Paging Reponse)

--------------------------------------------->

CR (Paging Reponse)
---------------------------------------------->
CC
<----------------------------------------------

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Authentication and Ciphering (if applied)

I (Setup)
<--------------------------------------------I (Call Confirm)
--------------------------------------------->

Data Req (Setup)

<---------------------------------------------

Data ind (Call Confirm)

--------------------------------------------->
Physical Con Request
<--------------------------------------------Physical Con Confirm
--------------------------------------------->
Channel Activation
<--------------------------------------------Channel Activation Ack
--------------------------------------------->
Data Req (Assigment Cmd)
<---------------------------------------------

I (Assigment Cmd)
<--------------------------------------------SABM
--------------------------------------------->
UA
<--------------------------------------------I (Assignment Complete)
--------------------------------------------->

DT 1 (Setup)
<----------------------------------------------

DT 1(Call Confirm)
---------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (Assignment Request)
<----------------------------------------------

Establish Indication
--------------------------------------------->

Data Ind (Assignment Com)

--------------------------------------------->

DT 1 (Assignment Com)
---------------------------------------------->

I (Alert)
--------------------------------------------->

RF Channel Release
<--------------------------------------------RF Channel Release Ack
--------------------------------------------->
Data Ind (Alert)
--------------------------------------------->

I (Connect)
--------------------------------------------->

---------------------------------------------->
Data Ind (Connect)
--------------------------------------------->

I (Connect Ack)

DT 1(Alert)

Data Req (Connect Ack)

<---------------------------------------------

DT 1(Connect)
---------------------------------------------->
DT 1(Connect Ack)
<----------------------------------------------

<---------------------------------------------

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Explanation of the message flow

1. The MSC initiates the Paging procedure for an MS which is connected to the LAC. The
BSS initiates the Paging Procedure by sending a PAGING REQUEST to the MS on the
PCH. The MS detects that the PAGING REQUEST contains its IMSI or TMSI and
responds by performing the Random Access Procedure by sending a CHANNEL
REQUEST on the RACH. The BTS transfers this to the BSC as a CHANNEL
REQUIRED message and the Radio & Link Establishment Procedure is initiated.
2. Authentication and Ciphering are initiated by the MSC.
3. After the CIPHERING MODE COMPLETE is received from the MS, the MSC sends the
SETUP message to the MS. The MS checks if it can accept the call. After success it
responds with a CALL CONFIRMATION.
4. The TCH has been assigned and the MS starts to alert the user, at the same time the
MS sends the ALERT message to the MSC.
5. The Mobile User (or Equipment for Data calls) answers the call and the MS sends the
CONNECT message. If the Calling User is still there, the MSC sends the CONNECT
ACK to the MS. These events are transparent to the BSS.

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INTER BSC ASYNCHRONOUS HANDOVER

MS

Serving
BTS

Serving
BSC

Target
BTS

Target
BSC

MSC

MEAS REP
------------------>
MEAS RESULT
------------------------>
BSC detects need for HO
DT 1 (Handover Required)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

DI (HO Detection)

CR (HO Request)
<-----------------------------CC
------------------------------>

Chn Act
<----------------------Chn Act Ack
----------------------->
DT 1 (HO Request Ack)
------------------------------>
DT 1 (HO Command)
<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DR (HO Cmd)
<-----------------------HO Cmd
<-----------------HO Access
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
DI (HO Detection)
----------------------->
DT 1 (HO Detection)
------------------------------>
Phy Info
<--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SABM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Est Ind
----------------------->
UA
<--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HO Complete
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
DI (HO Cmp)
----------------------->
DT 1 (HO Cmp)
------------------------------>

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Explanation of the message flow

1. The serving BSC has detected a need for an external handover. All parameters which
check the need for an external handover are set via OMC.
2. The external handover is initiated by sending a HANDOVER REQUIRED message with
a cell list obtained from the handover alarm. Whilst a timer is running all new handover
alarms are ignored.
3. The MSC chooses one of the cells within the cell list and identifies the target BSS. It
then sends a HANDOVER REQUEST to the new BSS.
4. The target BSC activates an appropriate RF channel, builds the HANDOVER
COMMAND message destined for the MS and sends it to the MSC in the HANDOVER
REQUEST ACK. The target BTS starts ciphering immediately (if applied).
5. The MSC forwards the message to the serving BSS in a HANDOVER COMMAND
message. The serving BSC sends the HANDOVER COMMAND to the MS via the BTS,
and starts to ignore error messages coming from the BTS.
6. The MS on reception of the HANDOVER COMMAND disconnects the old channel. It
synchronizes to the new cell and sends continuously a HANDOVER ACCESS to the RF
channel indicated in the HANDOVER COMMAND message with a TA of 0. The target
BTS calculates the timing advance from the reception of the HANDOVER ACCESS and
relays a HANDOVER DETECTION to the target BSC. The target BTS starts the sending
of SYSTEM INFORMATION 5 & 6 messages on the SACCH and starts deciphering (if
applied). The target BSC relays a HANDOVER DETECT to the MSC and makes the
switch path (TCH only).
7. The target BTS sends the PHYSICAL INFORMATION message to the MS with the
calculated timing advance.
8. The MS establishes with an SABM the new link. The target BTS sends an ESTABLISH
INDICATION to the target BSC and sends a UA to the MS.
9. The MS sends a HANDOVER COMPLETE message to the target BTS. The message is
forwarded through the BSC to the corresponding MSC. The external handover is now
complete.
10. The serving BSS RF channel and terrestrial resources are released. This is performed
by the MSC sending the CLEAR COMMAND (cause Handover successful). Then the
old SCCP connection is released.

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INTRA CELL HANDOVER

MS

MEAS REP
------------------------------------------>

BTS

BSC

MSC

MEAS RESULT
--------------------------------------------------->
BSC detects need for Intra Cell
Handover
Physical Con Request (old Chn)
<--------------------------------------------------Physical Con Cofirm
--------------------------------------------------->
Channel Activation (new Chn)
<--------------------------------------------------Channel Activation Ack
--------------------------------------------------->
Data Req (Assignment Cmd) (old Chn)
<---------------------------------------------------

I (Assignment Cmd)
<-----------------------------------------SABM
------------------------------------------>
UA
<-----------------------------------------I (Assignment Complete)
------------------------------------------>

Establish Indication (new Chn)

--------------------------------------------------->
Data Ind (Assignment Com) (new Chn)
--------------------------------------------------->
RF Channel Release (old Chn)
<--------------------------------------------------RF Channel Release Ack (old Chn)
--------------------------------------------------->

10

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Explanation of the message flow

1. The serving BSC has detected a need for an Intra-cell handover. These means that the
quality of the call is bad but the level is high. Both thresholds can be set via OMC-R.
2. The serving BSC then starts a Physical Context Procedure by sending a PHYSICAL
CONTEXT message to the old channel. The serving BTS notes the timing advance, MS
power and BS power on the old channel and then sends a PHYSICAL CONTEXT
CONFIRM message to the serving BSC.
3. The serving BSC now activates the channel using timing advance, MS and BS power
values obtained from the PHYSICAL CONTEXT CONFIRM message and the ciphering
key on the old channel. The BTS ensures that transmission occurs on the new channel
with the power and the timing advance commanded in the Channel Activation Procedure.
4. The serving BSC sends via the old channel an ASSIGNMENT COMMAND to the MS via
the BTS to inform the mobile about the new frequency, power and TA level.
5. The MS on reception of the ASSIGNMENT COMMAND disconnects the old channel and
switch to the new channel. The serving BTS relays the SABM as an ESTABLISH
INDICATION to the serving BSC. The serving BSC makes the switch through (TCH
only) and starts MS and BS power control if appropriate.
6. The MS sends the ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE to the BTS. The BTS passes it
transparently. The serving BSC sends a HANDOVER PERFORMED to the MSC to
indicate the successful INTRA CELL Handover.
The serving BSC releases the old channel by the use of the RF Channel Release
Procedure.

11

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CALL RELEASE
RELEASE BY THE MOBILE
MS

BTS

I (Disconnect)
--------------------------------------------->

BSC

MSC

Data Ind (Disconnect)

--------------------------------------------->

DT 1 (Disconnect)
---------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (Rel)
<----------------------------------------------

I (Rel)

Data Req (Req)

<---------------------------------------------

<--------------------------------------------I (RelCom)
--------------------------------------------->

Data Ind (RelCom)

--------------------------------------------->

DT 1(RelCom)
---------------------------------------------->

Data Req (ChnRel)

<---------------------------------------------

DT 1 (ClrCmd)
<----------------------------------------------

I (ChnRel)
<--------------------------------------------Data Req (Deactivate SACCH)
<--------------------------------------------DISC_Frame
--------------------------------------------->
UA_Frame
<---------------------------------------------

Release Indication
--------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (ClrCom)

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RF ChnRel
<---------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------->

RF ChnRel Ack
--------------------------------------------->
RLSD
<---------------------------------------------RLC
---------------------------------------------->

RELEASE BY NETWORK
MS

BTS

I (Disconnect)

BSC

Data Req (Disconnect)

<---------------------------------------------

MSC

DT 1 (Disconnect)
<----------------------------------------------

<--------------------------------------------Data Ind (Rel)

--------------------------------------------->
I (Rel)
--------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (Rel)
---------------------------------------------->

I (RelCom)

Data Req (RelCom)

<---------------------------------------------

DT 1 (RelCom)
<----------------------------------------------

<---------------------------------------------

I (ChnRel)

Data Req (ChnRel)

<---------------------------------------------

DT 1 (ClrCmd)
<----------------------------------------------

<---------------------------------------------

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DISC_Frame

Data Req (Deactivate SACCH)

<---------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------->
UA_Frame
<--------------------------------------------Release Indication
--------------------------------------------->
DT 1 (ClrCom)
---------------------------------------------->
RF ChnRel
<--------------------------------------------RF ChnRelAck
--------------------------------------------->
RLSD
<---------------------------------------------RLC
---------------------------------------------->

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