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2G-3G Interoperation Analysis

Guide
R2.0

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Revision History

Product Version Document Version Serial Number Reason for Revision
RNC V3.07 R1.0 First published
RNC V3.09 R2.0
1. Add the analysis
of key 2G-3G
networking
parameters and
configuration
suggestions.
2. Delete some old
parts.
3. Optimize the
document
structure.
4. Replace some
unclear figures.



Author

Date Document Version
Prepared
by
Reviewed by Approved by
2009-12-20 R1.0 Song
Jianjun
Expert group Expert group
2012-05-16 R2.0 Ma Wei Wang Zhenhai Wang Zhenhai




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Intended audience: Radio network optimization engineers

Proposal: Before reading this document, you had better have the following knowledge and skills.
SEQ Knowledge and skills Reference material
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2
3

Follow-up document: After reading this document, you may need the following information.
SEQ Reference material Information
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About This Document
Summary
Chapter Description
1 Preface Gives a brief introduction to this guide.
2 Introduction to 2G/3G
Interoperability
Describes the PLMN selection and reselection, cell selection
and reselection, and inter-RAT handover.
3 2G/3G Interoperability
Parameters
Describes the key parameters of 2G-3G interoperation.
4 Interoperability Problems
Analysis and Optimization
Describes the analysis of common 2G-3G interoperation
problems and optimization suggestions.
5 Cases Study Gives some typical cases of 2G-3G interoperation.





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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Preface ............................................................................................................ 1
2 Introduction to 2G/3G Interoperability .......................................................... 2
2.1 Network Elements Structure for 2G/3G Interoperability ..................................... 2
2.2 PLMN Selection and Reselection ...................................................................... 3
2.2.1 Process Description .......................................................................................... 3
2.2.2 Application Analysis for PLMN Selection and Reselection ................................ 5
2.3 Cell Selection and Reselection ......................................................................... 6
2.3.1 Process Description for Cell Selection .............................................................. 6
2.3.2 Scenario of Inter-RAT Cell Reselection ............................................................. 7
2.3.3 Policy of Inter-RAT Cell Reselection ................................................................. 8
2.3.4 Reselection from 3G to 2G ............................................................................... 8
2.3.5 Reselection from 2G to 3G ............................................................................. 12
2.4 Inter-RAT Handover ........................................................................................ 12
2.4.1 Inter-RAT Handover Scenario ......................................................................... 12
2.4.2 Inter-RAT Handover Strategies ....................................................................... 12
2.4.3 Measurements and Decisions before Inter-RAT Handover ............................. 13
2.4.4 Inter-RAT Handover Processes ...................................................................... 17
3 2G/3G Interoperability Parameters .............................................................. 33
3.1 2G/3G Interconnection Parameters ................................................................ 33
3.2 Typical Selection and Reselection Parameters ............................................... 33
3.2.1 Key 2G->3G Reselection Parameters ............................................................. 34
3.2.2 Key 3G->2G Reselection Parameters ............................................................. 36
3.2.3 Recommended Values of Key Reselection Parameters .................................. 46
3.3 Typical Inter-RAT Handover Parameters ........................................................ 48
3.3.1 2D/2F Event Threshold ................................................................................... 48
3.3.2 3A/3C Event Threshold ................................................................................... 49
3.3.3 Hysteresis(Rat) ............................................................................................... 51
3.3.4 Recommended Values of Key Inter-RAT Handover Parameters ..................... 53
3.4 Setting for 2G/3G Inter-RAT Neighbor Cells ................................................... 53
4 Interoperability Problems Analysis and Optimization................................ 55
4.1 Reselection Problems Analysis and Optimization ........................................... 56
4.2 Handover Problems Analysis and Optimization .............................................. 57
4.2.1 Physical Channel Failure ................................................................................ 58
4.2.2 Wrong Configuration ....................................................................................... 59
4.2.3 Protocol Error ................................................................................................. 59
4.2.4 Parameter Configuration ................................................................................. 59
4.2.5 Neighbor Cell Configuration ............................................................................ 60
4.2.6 Resource Refusing ......................................................................................... 60
5 Cases Study .................................................................................................. 61
5.1 PLMN Selection and Reselection .................................................................... 61
5.1.1 Case 1 ............................................................................................................ 61

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5.2 Cell Selection and Reselection ....................................................................... 62
5.2.1 Case 1 ............................................................................................................ 62
5.2.2 Case 2 ............................................................................................................ 62
5.3 Inter-RAT Handover ........................................................................................ 63
5.3.1 Case 1 ............................................................................................................ 63
5.3.2 Case 2 ............................................................................................................ 66
5.3.3 Case 3 ............................................................................................................ 67
5.3.4 Case 4 ............................................................................................................ 67
5.3.5 Case 5 ............................................................................................................ 69
5.3.6 Case 6 ............................................................................................................ 71

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FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Network Elements Structure for 2G/3G Interoperability ....................................... 2
Figure 2-2 Idle Mode Process Description ............................................................................ 3
Figure 2-3 Scenario of 2G/3G Inter-RAT Cell Reselection for UE ......................................... 8
Figure 2-4 General Process of Reselection from 3G to 2G ................................................. 11
Figure 2-5 Reselection Process for the Case that WCDMA Signal Strength is too Weak to
Maintain Normal Network Service ......................................................................................... 12
Figure 2-6 Handover from WCDMA to GSM in CS Domain ................................................ 14
Figure 2-7 Handover from GSM to WCDMA in CS Domain ................................................ 15
Figure 2-8 Signaling Process of Inter-RAT Handover in MSC: WCDMA->GSM ................. 17
Figure 2-9 Signaling Process of Handover from WCDMA to GSM ..................................... 20
Figure 2-10 Inter-RAT Handover in SGSN From UTUE To GSM (Group Domain) ............. 22
Figure 2-11 Handover between SGSNs From UMTS To GSM (group domain) .................. 24
Figure 2-12 nter-RAT Handover From GSM To UMTS in SGSN (Group Domain) .............. 27
Figure 2-13 Inter-RAT Handover From GSM To UMTS in SGSN (Group Domain) ............. 29
Figure 4-1 RR Cause Information Element ......................................................................... 57
Figure 5-1 Sites Locations of 3A Event Trigger and 3C Event Trigger ................................ 65
Figure 5-2 TRI358 Site Location ......................................................................................... 66
Figure 5-3 Relative Location of TRI119W and TRI191 ....................................................... 68
Figure 5-4 Success Rate of Handover after Deleting 2G Neighbor Cells ............................ 68
Figure 5-5 Relocation Failure ............................................................................................. 70
Figure 5-6 Signaling Flowchart of Inter-RAT Handover ...................................................... 70
Figure 5-7 Inter-RAT Handover .......................................................................................... 71
Figure 5-8 Failure Signaling of Security Mode .................................................................... 72
Figure 5-9 Value of Failure Reason .................................................................................... 72
Figure 5-10 Encryption Algorithm for PS Service ............................................................... 72
Figure 5-11 Encryption Algorithm for CS Service ............................................................... 72
Figure 5-12 Encryption Algorithm ....................................................................................... 73
TABLES
Table 2-1 WCDMA Cell Selection Parameters ..................................................................... 6
Table 2-2 WCDMA Cell Reselection Parameters ................................................................. 9

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Table 2-3 GSM Important Control Parameters of Handover Measurement......................... 16
Table 3-1 Parameters Provided to 3G by 2G ...................................................................... 33
Table 3-2 Parameters Provided to 2G by 3G ...................................................................... 33
Table 3-3 Key 2G->3G Cell Reselection Parameters ......................................................... 34
Table 3-4 Key 3G->2G Cell Reselection Parameters ......................................................... 34
Table 3-5 Qqualmin Description ......................................................................................... 36
Table 3-6 SsearchRAT Description .................................................................................... 37
Table 3-7 QRxLevMin Description ...................................................................................... 38
Table 3-8 QHyst1S Description .......................................................................................... 39
Table 3-9 Qoffset1s,n in SIB11(dB) Description ................................................................. 40
Table 3-10 Qoffset1s,nin SIB12(dB) Description ................................................................ 42
Table 3-11 Treselection Description ................................................................................... 43
Table 3-12 Qhyst2s(dB) Description .................................................................................. 44
Table 3-13 Qoffset2s,n in SIB11(dB) Description ............................................................... 45
Table 3-14 Qoffset2s,n in SIB12(dB) Description ............................................................... 46
Table 3-15 Recommended Values of Key 3G ->2G Reselection Parameters ..................... 47
Table 3-16 Key 2G ->3G Reselection Parameters ............................................................. 47
Table 3-17 2D/2F Event Configured Threshold .................................................................. 48
Table 3-18 3A/3C Threshold Parameter ............................................................................. 50
Table 3-19 Hysteresis(Rat) Parameter Description ............................................................ 51
Table 3-20 3G->2G Parameters List .................................................................................. 53
Table 4-1 Optimization Methods of Typical Scenarios ........................................................ 55
Table 4-2 Inter-RAT Handover Failure ............................................................................... 57
Table 5-1 3C Handover Trigger Parameters for the Whole Network and Sites Distribution of
3A Handover Trigger Parameters ......................................................................................... 64

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1 Preface
The low-speed data services of 2G voice, short message and circuit field have been
widely used in every corner of the world, in order to meet the new requirements for the
human communications better. Symbolized by high-speed data services, video telephone,
and a variety of online services, 3G communications have been pushed to the front. In
the current 3G and 2G development, 3G WCDMA and 2G GSM/GPRS are most widely
used; therefore, in the evolution from GSM/GPRS to WCDMA, the coexistence and
complementarity between the two parties are considered as a very important factor for
the seamless connection between 3G and 2G.
Generally speaking, 3G networks are not easy to be constructed, and it takes some time
to achieve better coverage and capacity. In the early stage of 3G network construction,
they cannot reach the scale as big as 2G due to the limited coverage. How 3G can
provide seamless services by using 2G, and how 2G can provide the newest services by
using 2G are urgent and actual problems. The better coexistence between 3G and 2G
depends on the seamless connection between 3G and 2G, which makes users
experience continuous and omnipresent services. The seamless connection here means
the interoperability between 3G and 2G, including reselection and handover between 3G
and 2G.
This article first describes the principles and policies of 2G/3G interoperability, and then it
makes an analysis on the key parameters involved in the interoperability. According to
the baseline of the ZXWR RNC radio parameters in the WCDMA network of China
Unicom, it also provides the recommended values of the main related parameters for the
2G/3G interoperability, which is a reference for commercial configuration in each field.
Finally it makes a detailed analysis on the various solutions to the problems of the 2G/3G
interoperability, and provides some cases for analysis.
Note:
Taking into account the complexity of the actual radio environment, the final values of the
parameters in different fields should be adjusted reasonably based on the actual radio
environment. It should not ignore the flexibility of network optimization and only comply
with the recommendations in this article completely.

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2 Introduction to 2G/3G Interoperability
2.1 Network Elements Structure for 2G/3G
Interoperability
Figure 2-1 Network Elements Structure for 2G/3G Interoperability


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2.2 PLMN Selection and Reselection
2.2.1 Process Description
When a UE powers up or roams, its primary task is to find the network and contact with it,
in order to obtain the network service. The UE behaviors in the idle mode can be divided
into PLMN selection and reselection, cell selection and reselection, and location
registration. The relationship among the three processes is as follows.
Figure 2-2 Idle Mode Process Description

After the UE powers up, firstly it should select one PLMN. After one PLMN is selected, it
starts to select one cell which belongs to the PLMN. After the cell is founded, it can get
the information of the neighbor cells from system information broadcast, thus the UE can
choose one cell with the best signal to reside from all the cells. Then the UE initiates the
process of location registration, after success, the UE resides in the cell successfully.
There are four functions for cell residence:
UE can receive the system information broadcasted by PLMN.
It can initiate random access process within the cell.
It can receive network paging.
It can receive the broadcast service from the cell.
PLMN Selection
and Reselection
Location
Registration
PLMNs
available
PLMN
selected
Location
Registration
response
Registration
area
changes
Indication
to user
User selection
of PLMN
Automatic/
Manual selection
CM requests
NAS Control
Radio measurements
Cell Selection
and Reselection

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After the UE resides in the cell and registers successfully, as it moves, the signal strength
of the current cell and the neighbor cell is changing constantly. The UE needs to choose
the most suitable cell, which is just the cell reselection process. There are some rules for
the cell reselection, and it will be described later.
After the UE reselects the cell and another cell is selected, it finds that this cell belongs to
another LA or RA, the UE needs to initiate the location update process, so that the
network can get the latest MS location information. The system information SIB1 includes
CN common GSM-MAP NAS system information and PS domain system information, in
which LAC and RAC information exists, so the UE can know whether LA or RA changes.
If location registration or update is not successful (for example, when the network refuses
the MS), or the UE leaves the current PLMN coverage area, the UE can reselect the
PLMN and select another available PLMN.
The purpose of PLMN selection/reselection is to select an available PLMN. To achieve
this purpose, the UE will maintain a PLMN list, in which PLMN is ordered by priority, and
then is searched from the high priority to find one PLMN with the highest priority.
Additionally, there are two modes for the PLMN selection and reselection: auto and
manual. The auto selection is that UE selects one PLMN automatically according to the
PLMN priority, the manual selection is to show all the available networks for the user, and
ask the user to choose one PLMN.
In the list, RPLMN (Registered PLMN) has the highest priority. The RPLMN is the PLMN
which registered successfully last time. There are two files in the USIM card, EFLOCI and
EFLOCI, which record the RPLMN information. In these two files, LAI (=MCC+MNC+LAC)
and RAI (=LAI+RAC) include MCC and MNC, which are just RPLMN.
No matter auto or manual selection, after the UE powers up, firstly it will try to select
RPLMN; if it is successful, there will be no subsequent operation. If not, the UE will
generate a PLMN list (ordered by priority):
HPLMN
The PLMN in the USIM file User Controlled PLMN Selector with Access
Technology.
The PLMN in the USIM file Operator Controlled PLMN Selector with Access
Technology.
PLMN with better signal quality (random order).
Other PLMN (order from high to low signal quality).
In the USIM card, the file EFIMSI records IMSI (MCC + MNC + MSIN), from which the UE
can get HPLMN. 2) and 3) are the files EFPLMNwAcT and EFOPLMNwACT in the USIM.
4) and 5) are obtained through searching the frequency one by one by the UE. The UE
searches the PLMN one by one according to the PLMN list ordered by the priority above,
and attempts the location registration.

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UMTS is evaluated from GSM and both access technologies are different completely
(GERAN vs. UTRAN), so it needs to specify the preferred access technology for each
PLMN. The priority of the access technologies is specified in the file ...with Access
Technology. If it is not specified, generally, GERAN is preferred.
In addition, PLMN needs to be reselected for the following two cases:
In any case, the user can request to initiate PLMN reselection manually.
VPLMN (visited PLMN) reselection:
After the user registers to VPLMN for the reason of handover/roaming, as the MCC is the
same between VPLMN and HPLMN (home PLMN), only MNC is different from each other,
and this case can be judged by the UE. For this case, the UE will return to the home
network as much as possible. The method is to search the home network periodically.
This period is specified by USIM and defined in the file EFHPLMN, from 6 minutes to 8
hours. The operator can also forbid this function, in this way the value is set to 0 in the file
EFHPLMN.
Note: HPLMN is the registration handover and HLR information, and it is defined as
follows in the protocol:
The HPLMN is the GSM network that a GSM user is a subscriber of. That implies that
GSM users subscription data resides in the HLR in that PLMN. The HLR may transfer
the subscription data to a VLR (during registration in a PLMN) or a GMSC (during mobile
terminating call handling). The HPLMN may also contain various service nodes, such as
a short message service centre (SMSC), service control point (SCP), etc.
VPLMN is the roaming handover information, and it is defined as follows in the protocol:
The VPLMN is the GSM network where a subscriber is currently registered. The
subscriber may be registered in her HPLMN or in another PLMN.
In the latter case, the subscriber is outbound roaming (from HPLMNs perspective) and
inbounds roaming (from VPLMNs perspective). When the subscriber is currently
registered in her HPLMN, then the HPLMN is at the same time VPLMN.
2.2.2 Application Analysis for PLMN Selection and Reselection
By using the functions of PLMN selection and reselection, the inter-RAT selection and
roaming functions can be implemented without any upgrading for the GSM and WCDMA
networks. The user can return to the WCDMA network from the GSM network by PLMN
reselection. For the WCDMA user can handover to the WCDMA network from the GSM
network when entering the coverage area of WCDMA, you can set different PLMNs for
the WCDMA and GSM networks and set HPLMN for the WCDMA network in the USIM.
And the selection time can be controlled by the operator.

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2.3 Cell Selection and Reselection
2.3.1 Process Description for Cell Selection
Cell selection process includes cell searching and reading broadcast channel.
Cell searching
Firstly, if a UE has stored some relevant information of this PLMN, such as frequency,
scrambling code, etc, the UE will use this information to search the cell (stored
information cell selection) and find the network quickly. The information is stored in the
USIM card or in the non-volatile memory of the cell phone. The purpose of cell searching
is to find a cell, and the steps are as follows:
Time slot synchronization by the synchronization code of PSCH.
Frame synchronization, implemented by the synchronization code of SSCH,
and the scrambling code group of the cell is confirmed.
Obtaining the main scrambling code of the cell through CPICH, and then the
UE can read the broadcast channel.
Obviously, if the UE has already known some information of this cell, such as frequency
and main scrambling code, the steps mentioned above can be speeded up.
Reading broadcast channel
Main information block MIBs dispatching information is already known, that is SIB_POS
= 0, SIB_REP = 8. The UE can read out the MIB in the radio frame of SFN = 0, 8, 16 ...
After reading out the MIB, the UE can judge whether the founded PLMN is the one
expected by the field PLMN identity in the MIB. If yes, according to the other SIBs
dispatching information in the MIB, the UE can the find the other SIB and obtain its
content. If not, the UE needs to find the next frequency and start the process again from
the cell searching. If the current PLMN is the one that the UE is looking for, the UE reads
SIB3 and obtains Cell selection and re-selection info, in this IE, it reads out Qqualmin,
Qrxlevmin, and Maximum allowed UL TX power (UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH), it
calculates according to the formula below:

Table 2-1 WCDMA Cell Selection Parameters
Parameter Description

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Parameter Description
Squal
Cell Selection quality value, (dB)
Not applicable for TDD cells or GSM cells.
Srxlev Cell Selection RX level value (dB)
Qqualmeas
Measured cell quality value. The quality of the received
signal expressed in CPICH Ec/No (dB) for FDD cells. Not
applicable for TDD cells or GSM cells.
Qrxlevmeas
Measured cell RX level value. This is received signal,
CPICH RSCP for FDD cells (dBm), P-CCPCH RSCP for
TDD cells (dBm) and RXLEV for GSM cells (dBm).
Qqualmin
Minimum required quality level in the cell (dB). Not
applicable for TDD cells or GSM cells. (read in system
information)
Qrxlevmin
Minimum required RX level in the cell (dBm). (read in
system information)
Pcompensation Max(UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH - P_MAX, 0) (dB)
UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH
Maximum TX power level a UE may use when accessing
the cell on RACH (read in system information), (dBm)
P_MAX Maximum RF output power of the UE, (dBm)
If

Then the UE considers this cell as a suitable cell, it resides and reads the other system
information as needed, then the UE initiates the location registration process. If the
criteria above is not satisfied, the UE reads the SIB11 to obtain the main scrambling code
and the frequency of the neighbor cell, it can measure the Qqualmeas and Qrxlevmeas
of the neighbor cell, in the IE Cell Selection and Re-selection info for SIB11/12, the UE
can know the neighbor cells Maximum allowed UL TX power, Qqualmin and Qrxlevmin,
thus the UE can calculate the neighbor cells Squal and Srxlev, and judge whether the
neighbor cell satisfies the criteria above. If the UE can find any neighbor cell that satisfy
the selection criteria, it will reside in the cell and read the other system information as
needed, then initiate the process of location registration. If the UE cannot find a cell that
satisfies the selection criteria, the UE will consider that it is not covered and continue to
select and reselect PLMN.
2.3.2 Scenario of Inter-RAT Cell Reselection
The 2G/3G inter-RAT cell reselection mainly occurs in the following two modes.
Idle Mode

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A UE performs the inter-RAT cell reselection in the idle states of WCDMA, GSM and
GPRS. The UE measures the serving cell according to the parameters of network
broadcast and determines whether to reselect another cell.
Connected Mode
A UE performs the inter-RAT cell reselection in the group connected states of Cell_FACH
and Cell_PCH/URA_PCH.
Figure 2-3 Scenario of 2G/3G Inter-RAT Cell Reselection for UE

2.3.3 Policy of Inter-RAT Cell Reselection
The current policy of inter-RAT cell reselection for the 2G/3G interoperability is a
bidirectional reselection between 2G and 3G. However, it performs the cell reselection
from 3G to 2G only when a UE moves out the scale of 3G coverage. And once it returns
to the scale of 3G coverage, the UE will initiate the cell reselection from 2G to 3G.
2.3.4 Reselection from 3G to 2G
1. Planning for the cell reselection measurement
When a UE is in the idle mode, it needs to monitor the signal quality of the current
and neighbor cells at any moment for selecting the best cell to provide service, this
is called cell reselection.
In the following rules, the UE uses Squal for FDD cells and Srxlev for TDD for Sx.
i. If Sx > Sintrasearch, the UE does not perform co-frequency measurement; if
Sx < Sintrasearch, the UE performs co-frequency measurement. If the current
cell does not send Sintrasearch to the UE, the UE performs co-frequency
measurement.

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ii. If Sx > Sintersearch, the UE does not perform inter-frequency measurement;
if Sx < Sintersearch, the UE performs inter-frequency measurement. If the
current cell does not send Sintersearch to the UE, the UE performs
inter-frequency measurement.
iii. If Sx > SsearchRATn, the UE does not perform system measurement; if Sx <
SsearchRATn, the UE performs inter-RAT measurement. If the current cell
does not send SsearchRATn to the UE, the UE performs inter-RAT system
measurement.
Sintrasearch, Sintersearch and SsearchRATn are specified in the SIB3s Cell
selection and re-selection info.
The UE measures the neighbor cells which satisfy the conditions mentioned above,
firstly it calculates the S values for all the cells (including the current and neighbor
cells) according to the cell selection method, for the all the cells which meet the
condition S>0, calculate the R according to the formulas below.
Rs = Qmeas,s + Qhysts
Rn = Qmeas,n - Qoffsets,n
Rs: the R value of the serving cell
Rn: the R value of the neighbor cell
Qmeas: the signal measurement value of a cell, it adopts CPICH Ec/No or
CPICH RSCP for the FDD cell
Qoffset1s,n: the offset between two cells, it is used for the FDD cell when the
measurements of the cell selection and reselection are set to be CPICH RSCP.
Qoffset2s,n: the offset between two cells, it is used for the FDD cell when the
measurements of the cell selection and reselection are set to be CPICH Ec/No.
Qhyst1s: the hysteresis value, it is used for the FDD cell when the
measurements of the cell selection and reselection are set to be CPICH RSCP.
Qhyst2s: it is used for the FDD cell when the measurements of the cell
selection and reselection are set to be CPICH Ec/No.
Treselection: the timer value for the cell reselection
Table 2-2 WCDMA Cell Reselection Parameters
Parameter Description
Cell_selection_and_reselection_quality_
measure (FDD only)
Choice of measurement (CPICH Ec/N0
or CPICH RSCP) that is used to derive

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Parameter Description
quality measures Qmap,n and Qmap,s,
(read in system information).
Qmeas,s
Quality of the serving cell, derived from
CPICH Ec/N0 or CPICH RSCP for FDD
cells, from RXLEV for GSM cells. For
FDD cells, the measurement that is used
to derive the quality value is set by the
Cell_selection_and_reselection_quality_
measure information element.
Qmeas,n
Quality of the neighboring cell, derived
from CPICH Ec/N0 or CPICH RSCP for
FDD cells, from RXLEV for GSM cells.
For FDD cells, the measurement that is
used to derive the quality value is set by
the
Cell_selection_and_reselection_quality_
measure information element.
Qoffset1s,n
Offset value 1between the two cells
considered in the evaluation (read in
system information).
Qoffset2s,n,
Offset value 2 between the two cells
considered in the evaluation (read in
system information).
Qhyst1s Hysteresis value of the serving cell.
Qhyst2s Hysteresis value of the serving cell.
Treselections Time-to-trigger for cell reselection, (s)
2. General process of reselection
A: When the pilot Ec/No of the WCDMA serving cell is smaller than
Qqualmin+SsearchRAT, the UE starts to measure the signal strength of the
neighbor GSM/GPRS cells. The SsearchRAT parameter is broadcasted in SIB3/4.
A -> B: The UE starts to rank the signal strength of WCDMA serving cells and
GSM/GPRS neighbor cells.
Rank of serving WCDMA = RSCP_WCDMA + QHyst1s
Rank of neighbor GSM/GPRSn = RSSIGSMn - Qoffset1s,n
B: When a GSM cell ranks the top, the Treselection timer is started.
C: When a GSM cell ranks the top and it keeps for Treselection seconds, the UE
reselects to the corresponding GSM cell as shown in the following figure.

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Figure 2-4 General Process of Reselection from 3G to 2G

3. Reselection process for special cell
When the signal strength of WCDMA is too weak to maintain a normal network
service, the process of cell reselection is as follows.
A: The WCDMA serving cell cannot maintain a normal network service (pilot
Ec/No > Qqualmin, but pilot RSCP < Qrxlevmin)
A -> B: The WCDMA serving cell cannot maintain a normal network service, and it
lasts for a period of Nserv DRX Cycles.
B: UE measures and ranks all the neighbor cells in the neighbor cell list. It starts a
timer when a GSM cell ranks the top.
Rank of WCDMA = RSCP_WCDMA + QHyst1s
Rank of neighbor GSM/GPRSn = RSSIGSMn - Qoffset1s,n
C: When a GSM cell ranks the top and it lasts for Treselection seconds, the UE
reselects to the corresponding GSM cell as shown in the following figure.

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Figure 2-5 Reselection Process for the Case that WCDMA Signal Strength is too Weak
to Maintain Normal Network Service

2.3.5 Reselection from 2G to 3G
In the idle state, inter-RAT selection can be implemented by cell selection and reselection.
Additionally, the standards for the signal quality in the two GU systems are different, so
the parameters setting for the selection and reselection needs to be very cautious, or it
may occur inappropriate cell selection or ping-pong selection.
2.4 Inter-RAT Handover
2.4.1 Inter-RAT Handover Scenario
The handover between WCDMA and GSM/GPRS occurs in the Cell_DCH state of the
connected mode, and an effective handover between WCDMA and GSM/GPRS can
ensure that the users can use the current service continuously.
The typical process of inter-RAT handover: once UE is in the connection state (the
CELL_DCH state in WCDMA), it performs the measurement instruction from network,
and reports the result to the network by period or event, the network judges the UE signal
quality based on the reported result, and determines whether the cell phone to handover.
2.4.2 Inter-RAT Handover Strategies
2.4.2.1 Inter-RAT Handover Strategies for Different Stages
1. Coverage Handover

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In the initial stage of 3G construction, given the network condition of continuous
GSM coverage and limited 3G coverage, it adopts the handover based on coverage
for the places with poor coverage.
2. Load Handover
In the middle and late stages of 3G construction, 3G network extends very fast, 3G
and 2G networks overlap basically, 2G network needs to share load for 3G network,
it adopts load handover that is based on the load of 3G network.
3. Service Handover
In the middle and late stages of 3G construction, the RNC of 3G network receives
RAB assignment message, the services should be handed over to 2G according to
the requirement from core network, thus 3G users are handed over to 2G network,
and it is called service handover.
2.4.2.2 Current Inter-RAT Handover Strategy
At present, given the network condition of continuous GSM coverage and limited 3G
coverage, it adopts the handover based on coverage for the places with poor coverage.
The specific handover strategy is as follows: it is a one-way handover from 3G to 2G for
CS, and it is a two-way handover from 3G to 2G for PS. So the handover process from
2G to 3G for CS will not be described in this article.
2.4.3 Measurements and Decisions before Inter-RAT Handover
The typical process of inter-RAT handover: once UE is in the connection state (the
CELL_DCH state in WCDMA), it performs the measurement instruction from network,
and reports the result to the network by period or event, the network judges the UE signal
quality based on the reported result, and determines whether the cell phone to handover.
The inter-RAT measurement processes in WCDMA and GSM are introduced below.
2.4.3.1 Start Measurement to GSM in WCDMA
The process of starting measurement to GSM: When a UE finds that the value of carrier
evaluation quality in the current system is lower than the assigned threshold in the
measurement control, it reports a 2D event to the network. The WCDMA system requests
the UE to start the compact mode, and the UE starts to measure the inter-RAT signal
quality (if the UE finds that the value of carrier evaluation quality in the current system is
higher than the assigned threshold in the measurement control, it stops the compact
mode and inter-RAT measurement). When it satisfies the condition of 3A (or 3C) event
trigger threshold, the UE reports the 3A (or 3C) event to the network. And the network
triggers the inter-RAT handover command according to the information of measurement
report and GSM neighbor cell in order to that the UE can switches to the destination cell.

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Note: The UE also can report the signal quality periodically and the network determines
whether the trigger condition of 3A (or 3C) is satisfied.
The related process is as follows.
Figure 2-6 Handover from WCDMA to GSM in CS Domain

2.4.3.2 Start Measurement to WCDMA in GSM
The process of starting measurement to WCDMA: When a UE enters a GSM cell with 3G
neighbor cells, the information of 3G neighbor cells and 3G measurement parameters are
included in the measurement information instruction from the network, which requires
the UE to measure the assigned 3G neighbor cells and report the result. Thus whether to
perform an inter-RAT handover is determined by the 2G network.
The related process is as follows.

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Figure 2-7 Handover from GSM to WCDMA in CS Domain

2.4.3.3 Handover Measurement Parameter Setting Preferred 3G
1. GSM Parameter Setting
The main 3G parameters in Measurement Information include 3G Neighbour Cell
Description and 3G MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS Description. The
information of 3G neighbor cells is defined in the first parameter, and the informaiton
of 3G measurement parameters setting is defined in the second parameter. In some
foreign PLMNs, there is no information of 3G measurement parameters, which
means that it will read the Qsearch_C_Initial parameter broadcasted on BCCH,
and the handover measurement is carried out through the definition of the
parameter. Other main parameters are in the
SYSTEM_INFORMATION_2QUATER.
Qsearch_C is set to 7, which shows an unconditional inter-RAT measurement.
It is same to the Qsearch_I in the inter-RAT reselection parameters.
REPORT_TYPE shows the type of measurement report, generally it is the
enhanced Extended Measurement Report, but the default value is Common
Measurement Report.
3G_SEARCH_PRIO shows that it can scan on the frame that is generally used
for BSIC decoding, because the 3G neighbor cells do not need BSIC decoding
(If indicated by the parameter 3G_SEARCH_PRIO, the UE may use up to 25
search frames per 13 seconds without considering the need for BSIC decoding
in these frames). The default value is TRUE.

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FDD_REP_QUANT shows the reported type, RSCP or Ec/No.
Table 2-3 GSM Important Control Parameters of Handover Measurement
Parameter name Description Range Bits Message
Qsearch_C_Initial
Indicates the Qsearch value to
be used in connected mode
before Qsearch_C is received,
0 = use Qsearch_I, 1 =
(always).
Default value = use Qsearch_I.
0/1 1 BCCH D/L
Qsearch_C Same to Qsearch_I 0-15 4
SACCH
D/L
REPORT_TYPE
Indicates which report type the
UE shall use,
0 = enhanced, 1 = normal
Default value = normal
0/1 1
BCCH D/L
SACCH
D/L
3G_SEARCH_PRIO
Indicates if 3G cells may be
searched when BSIC decoding
is required,
0 = no, 1 = yes
Default value = yes
0/1 1
SACCH
D/L
FDD_REP_QUANT
Indicates the reporting quantity
for UTRAN FDD cells,
0 = RSCP, 1 = Ec/No
0/1 1
PBCCH
D/L
PCCCH
D/L
PACCH
D/L
(**)
2. GSM Signal Measurement
The measurement to a GSM cell can be divided into two modes: BSIC check and
no BSIC check. It only needs to measure GSM carrier RSSI for the no BSIC
check mode. For the BSIC check mode, the two processes of Initial BSIC
identification and BSIC re-confirmation are also needed.
Initial BSIC identification: the process of BSIC searching and decoding
BSIC re-confirmation: the tracing and decoding processes to the BSIC of a
GSM cell after the Initial BSIC identification
If the measurement to a GSM cell is BSIC check, the UE behaviors are as follows:
The UE performs the GSM carrier RSSI measurement according to the
TGPS setting with a target of GSM carrier RSSI measurements.
The UE performs the initial BSIC identification according to the TGPS setting
with a target of GSM Initial BSIC identification. If there are multiple GSM cells,

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it will perform the process according to the order of signal strength in the recent
GSM carrier RSSI measurement.
The UE performs the BSIC reconfirmation according to the TGPS setting with a
target of GSM BSIC re-confirmation.
Judging the BSIC check:
The UE decodes the SCH on BCCH and identifies the BSIC for at least one
time, after that, the BSIC is confirmed again for each T
re-confirm_abort
seconds,
then the BSIC of GSM cell is considered to be checked. Otherwise it is
considered to be unchecked.
Accepting or discarding the BSIC check:
There may be multiple cells with the same ARFCN but different BSICs among
the GSM cells in WCDMA. For the measurements without the BSIC check,
which means that the BSIC is not judged, the network cannot distinguish which
GSM cell each measurement belongs to, and the handover may fail as the
destination is not clear. Therefore it must adopt the BSIC check.
2.4.4 Inter-RAT Handover Processes
2.4.4.1 Handover From 3G to 2G in CS Domain
In the initial stage of 3G construction, in order to keep the continuity of service in the edge
of 3G coverage, it is necessary to support the handover from WCDMA to GSM.
1. Intra-MSC
Figure 2-8 Signaling Process of Inter-RAT Handover in MSC: WCDMA->GSM

UE/MS UE/MS
RNS-A 3G_MSC-A BSS-B
Relocation-Required[1]
HO-Request[2]
HO-Request-Ack[3]
Relocation-Command[4]
RRC-HO-Command
RI-HO-Access
HO-Detect[5]
RI-HO-Complete
HO-Complete[6]
Iu-Release-Command[7]
Iu-Release-Complete[8]


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RNS-A is the RNS where the cell phone locates before handover; BSS-B is the BSS
where the cell phone locates after handover. All the messages above can be
tracked in the user interface, Iu interface, and A interface. RI is Radio Interface.
RRC is Radio Resource Control. 3G_MSC-A is the MSC where the cell phone
locates before handover.
i. RNS-A sends the RELOCATION_REQUIRED message to 3G_MSC-A. The
available cell list and handover reason are included in this message.
3G_MSC-A choose one cell in the list as the destination cell. 3G_MSC-A
queries the location of the destination cell according to the destination cell
number, and determines the handover is intra-office or interoffice.
ii. 3G_MSC-A sends the HO_REQUEST message to BSS-B. After receiving the
handover request, 3G_MSC-A queries in the corresponding tables and finds
that the destination cell is the cell controlled by its subordinated BSS. Then
3G_MSC-A constructs the corresponding GSM handover request message
according to the handover request, and sends the message to BSS-B. When
constructing the request message, 3G_MSC-A needs to complete the
interworking between UMTS and GSM handover request messages. Then
3G_MSC-A can send the HO_REQUEST message to BSC-B.
iii. BSS-B sends the HO_REQUEST_ACK message to 3G_MSC-A. After BSS-B
applies the radio resource and gets the circuit ready, it sends this message to
3G_MSC-A, the HANDOVER_COMMAND message is included in this
message and will be transmitted transparently by RNS-A to the handover
request side, which is called RNS-A.
iv. 3G_MSC-A sends the RELOCATION_COMMAND message to RNS-A. After
MSC-A receives the HO_REQUEST_ACK message from BSS-B, it means that
the radio resource of new interface A is ready and the cell phone can hand
over to BSS-B from RNS-A, at this time it sends handover command message
to notify the cell phone to hand over.
v. BSS-B sends the HO_DETECT message to 3G_MSC-A. At this time the cell
phone has already detected the new channel and has the condition to access
the new radio channel, but actually has not accessed yet. As it is voice
handover, the voice channel must be built up, so 3G_MSC-A connects the time
slot of the opposite end to time slot of new interface, and continues to call by
using the resource applied in the process of handover.
vi. BSS-B sends the HO_COMPLETE message to 3G_MSC-A. The new channel
has been built up, the user continues to call or be in the process of other
services. BSS-B reports the handover completion message to 3G_MSC-A.
vii. 3G_MSC-A sends the LU RELEASE_COMMAND message to RNS-A. After
the handover is completed, 3G_MSC-A sends RRC HO Command message to
the source RNS-A, and releases the original radio resource.

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viii. RNS-A sends the LU RELEASE COMPLETE message to 3G_MSC-A. RNS-A
releases the radio resource.
2. Inter-MSC
For the inter-RAT handover, if a UE only has the circuit domain service, it follows the
handover process of the circuit domain from WCDMA to GSM. The typical handover
process includes: measurement control -> measurement report -> handover
judge->handover execute.
In the stage of measurement control, the network tells UE the measurement
parameters by sending measurement control message. In the stage of
measurement report, the UE sends measurement report to the network. In the stage
of handover judge, the network determines to handover according to the
measurement report. In the stage of handover execute, the UE and the network
follow the signaling process, and take actions according to the signaling.
For the handover from WCDMA to GSM, when the user is in the edge of WCDMA
system and needs to handover between systems, WCDMA RNC notices the UE to
start an inter-RAT measurement. The UE carries out the inter-RAT measurement
and reports the result, RNC determines whether to execute the signaling process for
inter-RAT handover according to the result. As the access mode of WCDMA is code
division multiple access, all the connected UEs work under the specified frequency
for all time, in order to continue to call in the process of inter-RAT measurement,
WCDMA system and the UE may need to start the compression mode (if the UE
only has one transceiver, it must start the compression mode; if the UE has two
transceivers, the UE can test GSM cell without starting the compression mode).
The signaling process of handover from WCDMA to GSM is as follows.

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Figure 2-9 Signaling Process of Handover from WCDMA to GSM
MAP/E MAP/E
2. Prepare
Handover
BSSMAP BSSMAP
4. Handover
Request Ack
RANAP RANAP
13. Iu Release
Complete
BSSMAP BSSMAP
3. Handover
Request
MAP/E MAP/E
5. Prepare
Handover
Response
RANAP RANAP
6. Relocation
Command
BSSMAP BSSMAP
8. Handover
Detect
BSSMAP BSSMAP
10. Handover
Complete
MAP/E MAP/E
11. Send End
Signal
Request
MAP/E MAP/E
14. Send End
Signal Response
RANAP RANAP
1. Relocation
Required
UE Node B RNC
Serving
CN MSC BSC BTS
RRC
7. DCCH : Inter-System Handover
Command
RRC
[Hard Handover]
RR
9. Handover Complete
RR
RANAP RANAP
12. Iu Release
Command

i. When URRAN determines to handover between systems based on the
measurement, SRNC sends RANAP message RELOCATION REQUIRED to
CN, and requests the other system to prepare for the handover.
ii. WCDMA CN forwards this request to GSM UEC (through MAP/E message
PREPARE HANDOVER).
iii. GSM UEC sends the HANDOVER REQUEST message to BSC.
iv. After GSM BSS gets the resource ready for the handover between systems,
BSC replies the HANDOVER REQUEST ACK message to GSM UEC.
v. GSM UEC sends MAP/E message PREPARE HANDOVER RESPONSE to
WCDMA CN.

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vi. WCDMA CN answers the initial request from SRNC through sending RANAP
message RELOCATION COMMAND.
vii. SRNC sends the message HANDOVER FROM UTRAN COMMAND to UE
through the existing RRC connection, and requests UE to handover from
WCDMA to GSM.
viii. UE hands over from WCDMA to GSM (hard handover), UE sends the message
HANDOVER COMPLETE to BSC, notices BSC that the handover is
completed, BSC sends the message HANDOVER COMPLETE to GSM UEC.
ix. Combined with Step viii.
x. Combined with Step viii.
xi. When detecting that UE is in the area covered by GSM, GSM UEC sends the
message SEND END SIGNAL REQUEST to WCDMA CN and notices
WCDMA CN that the handover is completed, and the WCDMA resource
occupied by this UE can be freed.
xii. CN sends LU RELEASE COMMAND to RNC and notifies the original SRNC to
free the resource. When the relevant resource in WCDMA is completed to free,
WCDMA responses to GSM UEC and then the handover process is finished.
xiii. Combined with Step xii.
xiv. Combined with Step xii.
2.4.4.2 Handover From 3G to 2G in PS Domain
Group domain handover from 3G to 2.5G is supported, and GSM BSS does not need to
change.
The version of GTP is negotiated between GSM SGSN and WCDMA SGSN by using the
standard program. The backward compatibility of GTP protocol can assure the
compatibility of GSM/WCDMA. The destination GSM SGSN will contact with the source
WCDMA SGSN. If both the source and destination SGSNs support 3GPP R99, it adopts
GTP v1; if GSM SGSN does not support 3GPP R99, it adopts GTP v0. In this case, some
services may be degraded. The destination GSM SGSN will degrade the PDP contexts
(such as Real time PDP contexts) which cannot be processed.
If HLR does not support the version of 3GPP R99 MAP either, the version of MAP
infoRetrievalContext will be rollback to v2. If it is WCDMA user, the HLR where it locates
must support MAP v3.
1. Intra-SGSN

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It occurs when a UE radio interface hands over from UTRAN interface to GSM
interface, UTRAN interface and GSM interface are connected to one SGSN.
Figure 2-10 Inter-RAT Handover in SGSN From UTUE To GSM (Group Domain)

5. Security Functions
UE/MS SRNS 2G+3G-SGSN BSS
8. Iu Release Command
8. Iu Release Complete
6. SRNS Data Forward Command
7. Forward Packets
1. Intersystem change
decision
3. SRNS Context Request
4. SRNS Context Response
2. Routeing Area Update Request
12. Routeing Area Update Accept
13. Routeing Area Update Complete
15. BSS Packet Flow Context Procedure
C1
new
MSC/VLR
old
MSC/VLR
HLR
9. Location Update Request
10a. Update Location
10b. Cancel Location
10d. Insert Subscriber Data
10e. Insert Subscriber Data Ack
11. Location Update Accept
10f. Update Location
14. TMSI Reallocation Complete
10c. Cancel Location Ack

i. The UE hands over from UTRAN to the cell which supports GSM interface.
ii. The UE initiates routing area update request.
iii. 2G+3G-SGSN sends the SRNS CONTEXT REQthe UEST (IMSI) message to
SRNS, after SRNS receives the request, it begins to stop sending the downlink
data and caches, at the same time it notices SGSN the serial number of
datagram (GTP-SNDs, GTP-SNUs, PDCP-SNDs, PDCP-SNUs) through the
SRNS CONTEXT RESPONSE message.
iv. Combined with Step iii.

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v. Execute security function (optional).
vi. 2G+3G-SGSN sends the SRNS DATA FORWARD COMMAND message to
SRNS, and notices SRNS to start to send the cached data back to SGSN,
SRNS forwards the cached data.
vii. Combined with Step vi.
viii. The cached data is completed to forward, 2G+3G-SGSN releases the lu link.
ix. If it is joint routing update and attached by IMSI or the location area changes,
2G+3G-SGSN sends the location update message to VLR.
x. If the user data in VLR is not confirmed by HLR, the new VLR notices HLR to
delete the user data in the old VLR, and inserts users in the new VLR.
xi. The new VLR assigns new VLR TMSI and notices SGSN.
xii. 2G+3G-SGSN checks whether the user is forbidden to roam, if it is allowed,
2G+3G-SGSN can assign new P-TMSI, and send the ROUTING AREA
UPDATE ACCEPT message to notice the UE.
xiii. the UE can send the ROUTING AREA UPDATE COMPLETE (Receive N-PDU
Number) message to SGSN, and notice SGSN that the serial number of
datagram has been received. SGSN continues to forward the datagram that is
after this serial number to the UE.
xiv. If the UE has accepted VLR Tthe UEI, 2G+3G-SGSN sends the Tthe UEI
REALLOCATION COMPLETE message to the new VLR.
xv. 2G+3G-SGSN and BSSs optional BSS Packet Flow Context flow, build up
BSS Packet Flow.
If UE is CAMEL user, the following processes will be triggered:
i. CAMEL_GPRS_Routeing_Area_Update_Session
ii. CAMEL_GPRS_Routeing_Area_Update_Context
2. Inter-SGSN
The process of group domain handover between SGSNs from UMTS to GSM is as
shown in figure below.

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Figure 2-11 Handover between SGSNs From UMTS To GSM (group domain)

i. The UE (UE is in the non-Cell-DCH state) or UTRAN (the UE is in the state of
Cell-DCH or Cell_FACH) determines to initiate the group domain inter-RAT
handover, in this way the UE is handed over to another new cell which
supports GSM, at the same time the data transmission between the UE and
network is stopped.
ii. The UE initiates routing area update request to 2G-SGSN, routing area update
or joint RA/LA update or joint RA/LA update with IMSI attached will be
specified for the update type, before the message is sent to SGSN, BSS will
add the CGI with RAC and LAC where it locates to the message received.
UE/MS new
2G -SGSN
HLR GGSN old
3G -SGSN
2. Routing Area Update Request
10. Update PDP Context Request
10. Update PDP Context Response
11. Update GPRS Location
15. Update GPRS Location Ack
5. SGSN Context Response
6. Security Functions
19. Routing Area Update Accept
12. Cancel Location
12. Cancel Location Ack
14. Insert Subscriber Data Ack
14. Insert Subscriber Data
7. SGSN Context Acknowledge
BSS SRNS
3. SGSN Context Request
13. Iu Release Command
13. Iu Release Complete
8a. Forward Packets
9. Forward Packets
4. SRNS Context Request
4. SRNS Context Response
8. SRNS Data Forward Command
22. BSS Packet Flow Context Procedure
1. Inter-RAT change
decision
C3
C1
20. Routing Area Update Complete
new
MSC/VLR
old
MSC/VLR
16. Location Update Request
17a. Update Location
17b. Cancel Location
17c. Cancel Location Ack
17d. Insert Subscriber Data
17e. Insert Subscriber Data Ack
17f. Update Location Ack
18. Location Update Accept
21. TMSI Reallocation Complete
C2

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iii. The new 2G-SGSN sends the SGSN Context Request message to the old
3G-SGSN for obtaining MM and PDP contexts, the old 3G-SGSN verifies the
PTMSI signature of the UE. If it is successful, the old SGSN will start a timer; if
the old SGSN does not recognize the UE, it will reply an appropriate error
reason.
iv. If the UE is in the state of PMM-CONNECTED before handover, the old
3G-SGSN sends SGSN Context Request message to SRNS, after receiving
this message, SRNS starts to cache and stops to send data to PDU, and
replies SRNS CONTEXT RESPONSE message to the old 3G-SGSN.
v. The old 3G-SGSN sends the SGSN CONTEXT RESPONSE message to
2G-SGSN, in which MM and PDP contexts are included.
vi. Execute security function.
vii. The new 2G-SGSN sends the SGSN CONTEXT ACKNOWLEDGE message
to 3G-SGSN, and notices 3G SGSN that the current 2G SGSN can accept the
relevant data PPDU of activated PDP context.
viii. If the cell phone is in the state of PMM-CONNECTED, the old 3G-SGSN sends
data forward command to SRNS. After receiving the command, SRNS starts
the data forward timer, SNNS sends the cached data PDU to the old SGSN.
ix. The old 3G-SGSN sends GTP PDUs to 2G-SGSN by tunnel mode, the serial
number in the head of GTP (obtained from the number of PDCP) does not
change.
x. The new 2G-SGSN sends the Update PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message to
each relevant GGSN. GGSN updates PDP context and returns Update PDP
Context Response.
xi. The new 2G-SGSN sends the UPDATE GPRS LOCATION message to notice
HLR to change SGSN number.
xii. HLR sends the CANCEL LOCATION message to notice the old 3G-SGSN to
cancel the location. The old 3G SGSN responses by the CANCEL LOCATION
ACK message. After the clocking of operation timeout is completed, the old
3G-SGSN deletes MM and PDP Context.
xiii. If the UE is in the state of PMM-CONNECTED, 3G-SGSN sends the LU
RELEASE COMMAND message to SRNS, after the clocking of data
forwarding is completed, SRNS responses by the LU RELEASE COMPLETE
message.
xiv. HLR sends the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA message to the new 2G-SGSN,
2G SGSN inserts subscription data to MM context and PDP context, and
responses by the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK message.

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xv. HLR confirms the modification is completed, and sends the UPDATE GPRS
LOCATION message to 2G-SGSN.
xvi. If the association is to be built up, the new 2G SGSN sends the LOCATION
UPDATE REQUEST message to VLR, and notices the new the UEC/VLR to
initiate location update; VLR can create or update association by saving SGSN
number.
xvii. If the user data mark in the VLR is not confirmed by HLR, VLR will notice HLR.
HLR cancels the old VLR and inserts the user data to the new VLR:
a) The new VLR sends the UPDATE LOCATION message to HLR.
b) HLR cancels the data in the old VLR by sending the CANCEL
LOCATION message to the old VLR.
c) The old VLR responses by the CANCEL LOCATION message.
d) HLR sends the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK message to the new
VLR.
e) The new VLR responses by the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK
message.
f) HLR responses to the new VLR by the UPDATE LOCATION ACK
message.
xviii. The new VLR assigns TMSI for the UE, and sends the LOCATION UPDATE
ACCEPT message to notice 2G-SGSN.
xix. The new 2G-SGSN verifies the validity of the UE in the new routing area, if all
the checks are successful, 2G SGSN builds up MM context and PDP context,
and establishes a logical link between the UE and 2G SGSN through 2G
SGSN, 2G SGSN responses the ROUTING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT
message to the UE.
xx. The UE confirms the new assigned PTMSI by sending the ROUTING AREA
UPDATE COMPLETE message, including confirming the data PDU sent to the
UE successfully before the routing area update is initiated.
xxi. After confirmed by the UE, 2G-SGSN sends the TMSI REALLOCATION
COMPLETE message to notice VLR TMSI that the assignment is completed
again.
xxii. 2G-SGSN and BSS execute BSS Packet Flow Context procedure.

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2.4.4.3 Handover From 2G to 3G in PS Domain
1. Intra-SGSN
When a UE radio interface hands over from GSM interface to UTRAN interface,
UTRAN interface and GSM interface are connected to one SGSN.
Figure 2-12 Inter-RAT Handover From GSM To UMTS in SGSN (Group Domain)

3. Security Functions
UE/MS BSS 2G+3G-SGSN SRNS
2. Routing Area Update Request
11. RAB Assignment Request
11. RAB Assignment
Response
13. Packet Transfer Resume
1. Intersystem change decision
12. Packet Transfer Resume
7. Routing Area Update Accept
8. Routing Area Update Complete
Set up Radio
Resources
C1
new
MSC/VLR
HLR old
MSC/VLR
4. Location Update Request
5a. Update Location
5b. Cancel Location
5c. Cancel Location Ack
5d. Insert Subscriber Data
5e. Insert Subscriber Data
5f. Update Location
6. Location Update Accept
9. TMSI Reallocation Complete
10. Service Request

i. The UE hands over from UTRAN to the cell which supports UTRAN interface.
ii. The UE initiates routing update request, the 2G+3G-SGSN stops forwarding
data to the UE and caches.
iii. Execute security function (optional).
iv. If it is joint routing update and attached by IMSI or the location area changes,
the 2G+3G-SGSN sends the LOCATION UPDATE message to VLR.

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v. If the user data in VLR is not confirmed by HLR, the new VLR notices HLR to
delete the user data in the old VLR, and inserts users in the new VLR.
vi. The new VLR assigns new VLR TUEI and notices the SGSN.
vii. The 2G+3G-SGSN checks whether the user is forbidden to roam, if it is
allowed, the 2G+3G-SGSN can assign new P-TUEI, and send the ROUTING
AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message to notice UE.
viii. The UE sends the ROUTING AREA UPDATE COMPLETE message to the
SGSN by using the new P-TUEI.
ix. If the UE accepts VLR TUEI, 2G+3G-SGSN sends the TUEI REALLOCATION
COMPLETE message to the new VLR.
x. If the UE needs to send signaling or uplink data, the UE can initiate the service
request process. If the 2G+3G-SGSN needs to forward signaling or downlink
data, the 2G+3G-SGSN will initiate the paging process.
xi. The 2G+3G-SGSN requests SRNS to build radio bearer by RAB assignment.
xii. Data forwarding recovers.
xiii. Combined with Step xii.
If the UE is CAMEL user, the following processes will be triggered:
i. CAMEL_GPRS_Routeing_Area_Update_Session
ii. CAMEL_GPRS_Routeing_Area_Update_Context.
2. Inter-SGSN
The process of group domain handover between SGSNs from GSM to UNTS is as
shown in figure below.

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Figure 2-13 Inter-RAT Handover From GSM To UMTS in SGSN (Group Domain)

UE/M
S
ne
w 3
G
-SGS
N
HLR GGS
N
ol
d 2
G
-SGS
N
8. Update PDP Context
Request
8. Update PDP Context
Response
9. Update GPRS
Location
12. Update GPRS
Location
Ack

2.
Routing Area Update
Request
4. SGSN Context
Response
5. Security
Functions

16.
Routing Area Update
Accept
10. Cancel
Location
10. Cancel
Location
Ack
11. Insert Subscriber
Data
Ack
11. Insert Subscriber
Data

17.
Routing Area Update
Complete
6. SGSN Context
Acknowledge
BS
S
SRN
S
3. SGSN Context
Request
20. RAB Assignment
Response
7. Forward
Packets
1. Inter-RAT
change decision
C
3
C
1

ne
w MSC/VLR

ol
d MSC/VLR
13. Location Update
Request
14a. Update
Location
14b. Cancel
Location
14b. Cancel
Location
Ack
14c. Insert Subscriber
Data
14d. Insert Subscriber
Data
Ack
14e. Update
Location
Ack
15. Location Update
Accept
18. TMSI Reallocation
Complete
Set up Radio
Resources
19. Service
Request
C
2
20. RAB Assignment
Request

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i. The UE or BSS determines to handover between systems for group domain,
which makes the UE handover to another new WCDMA cell, at the same time
the data transmission is stopped between the UE and the network.
ii. The UE sends routing area update request to the new 3G-SGSN. Routing area
update or joint RA/LA update or joint RA/LA update with IMSI attached will be
specified for the Update Type, before the message is sent to SGSN. Before
sending the user message to SGSN, SRNC will add the RAC and LAC routing
identifiers of the area where the UE locates.
iii. The 3G-SGSN obtains the address of the old 2G-SGSN through the old routing
area identifier from the UE, and then sends the SGSN CONTEXT REQUEST
message to the old 2G-SGSN, in order to obtain MM context and PDP context
of the user. The old 2G-SGSN verifies the P-TMSI signature of the UE, if the
P-TMSI signature is valid or 3G-SGSN indicates that the UE has already been
authenticated, the 2G-SGSN starts a timer.
iv. The old 2G-SGSN responds through the SGSN CONTEXT RESPONSE
message, which includes MM Context and PDP Context.
v. A security function process is initiated.
vi. The 3G-SGSN sends the SGSN CONTEXT ACKNOWLEDGE message to the
2G-SGSN, so the 2G-SGSN knows that the 3G-SGSN can accept the relevant
data packet of the activated PDP context.
vii. The 2G-SGSN copies and caches N-PDUs, and it starts to send data packet to
the 3G-SGSN. Before the timer times out, the extra N-PDUs received from
GGSN will be copied and sent to 3G-SGSN. After the timer times out, no
N-PDUs will be sent to 3G-SGSN.
viii. The 3G-SGSN sends the UPDATE PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message to
each GGSN related. Each GGSN updates its PDP context and responses the
UPDATE PDP CONTEXT RESPONSE message.
ix. The 3G-SGSN notices HLR that the SGSN has changed by sending the
UPDATE GPRS LOCATION message.
x. The HLR sends the CANCEL LOCATION message to the old 2G-SGSN. After
the 2G-SGSN timer times out, the old 2G- SGSN will delete MM context and
PDP context. The 2G-SGSN responds by sending the CANCEL LOCATION
ACK message.
xi. The HLR sends the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA message to the 3G-SGSN.
The 3G-SGSN builds up MM context and replies the INSERT SUBSCRIBER
DATA ACK message to the HLR.

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xii. The HLR confirms that the modification is completed, and responds to the
3G-SGSN through the UPDATE GPRS LOCATION message by returning an
UPDATE GPRS LOCATION ACK.
xiii. If the association is to be built up, and the joint RA/LA update attached by IUEI
is specified for Update Type, or the LA changes in the routing area update, the
new SGSN will sends the LOCATION UPDATE REQUEST message to the
VLR, and notices the new VLR to initiate location update, the VLR creates or
updates association by saving SGSN number.
xiv. If the user data identifier in the VLR is not confirmed by the HLR, the VLR will
notice the HLR. The HLR cancels the old VLR and inserts user data to the new
VLR.
a) The new VLR sends Update Location to the HLR.
b) The HLR cancels the old data in the VLR by sending the CANCEL
LOCATION message to the old VLR.
c) The old VLR responds through the CANCEL LOCATION message.
d) The HLR sends the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK to the new VLR.
e) The new VLR responds through the INSERT SUBSCRIBER DATA ACK
message.
f) The HLR responds to the new VLR through the UPDATE LOCATION
ACK message.
xv. The new VLR assigns a new TUEI and notices the 3G-SGSN through the
LOCATION UPDATE ACCEPT message.
xvi. The 3G-SGSN verifies the UE in the new routing area, if all the checks are
passed, the 3G-SGSN builds up the MM context and PDP context of the user.
The 3G-SGSN sends the ROUTING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message to
the UE.
xvii. The UE confirms the new assigned PTMSI by sending the ROUTING AREA
UPDATE COMPLETE message.
xviii. If the confirmation is obtained from the UE, the 3G-SGSN sends the TMSI
REALLOCATION COMPLETE message to the new VLR.
xix. If the UE has uplink data or signaling, it will send the SERVICE REQUEST
message to the SGSN. The requested service will be specified in Service Type
(data or signaling)
xx. If the UE has sent the service request, the 3G-SGSN sends the RAB
ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message to request SRNS to build a radio access

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bearer. The SRNS sends the RADIO BEARER SETUP REQUEST message
to the UE. The UE responds through the RADIO BEARER SETUP
COMPLETE message. The SRNS sends the RAB ASSIGNMENT
RESPONSE message to the SGSN. The SRNS sends N-PDUs to the UE.

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3 2G/3G Interoperability Parameters
3.1 2G/3G Interconnection Parameters
1. Parameters Provided to 3G by 2G
The radio parameters provided to 3G by 2G include the country code (MCC),
network code (MNC), location area code (LAC), cell ID (CI), network color code
(NCC), base station color code (BCC), band indication (900 or 1800) and BCCH.
Error! Reference source not found. shows an example of parameters for 2G, and
all the parameters are decimal in the example.
Table 3-1 Parameters Provided to 3G by 2G
MCC MNC LAC CI NCC BCC
Band
Indication
BCCH
460 2 2 2 0 0 900 10

2. Parameters Provided to 2G by 3G
The radio parameters provided to 2G by 3G include country code (MCC), network
code (MNC), location area code (LAC), RNC ID (RNC ID), cell ID (C_ID), downlink
frequency point, primary scrambling code, and frequency bandwidth. Error!
Reference source not found. shows an example of parameters for 3G, and all the
parameters are decimal in the example.
Table 3-2 Parameters Provided to 2G by 3G
MCC MNC LAC
RNC
ID
C_ID
Downlink
ARFCN
Primary
Scrambling
Code
Frequency
Bandwidth
460 2 20 1 1501 10687 126 5
3.2 Typical Selection and Reselection Parameters
The reselection parameters from WCDMA to GSM/GPRS are delivered in the SIB3 and
SIB11 WCDMA messages. The content of the current cell is delivered in the SIB3
message, and the content of the neighbor cells is delivered in the SIB11 message.

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Table 3-3 Key 2G->3G Cell Reselection Parameters
FDD_Qoffset FDD Reselection Offset 0 ()
FDD_Qmin Minimum value of Ec/No of UTRAN reselection cell 7(12 dB)
Qsearch_I
Threshold for UE to start UTRAN cell reselection
measurement
7 (always)
Table 3-4 Key 3G->2G Cell Reselection Parameters
Parameter Description
Baseline
Value
Qqualmin Lowest access quality of 3G cell signal 18 dB
QRxLevMin Lowest access strength of 3G cell signal 115 dBm
SSearchRat
Inter-RAT measurement trigger threshold for cell
reselection
6 dB
QHyst1S Reselection delay of serving cell 1 10 dB
Qoffset1SNSib11
Quality offset 1 of serving and neighbor cells in
SIB11
10 dB
Qoffset1SNSib12
Quality offset 2 of serving and neighbor cells in
SIB12
0 dB
Treselection Time duration of cell reselection timer 1 s
3.2.1 Key 2G->3G Reselection Parameters
3.2.1.1 FDD_Qoffset
Description
If a UTRAN neighbor cell has been switched on (a 3G cell itself should meet certain
conditions) and it satisfies the demand of starting measurement that is set in the cell,
a UE can reselect the UTRAN neighbor cell after it meets the three conditions
below:
The RSCP (received signal code power) of the neighbor cell is higher than the
RLA_C.
The RSCP of the neighbor cell is higher than the RLA_Cs of all the GSM
neighbor cells by at least FDD_Qoffset (FDD reselection offset), and it lasts at
least 5 seconds (if it reselected a GSM cell 15 seconds ago, the FDD_Qoffset
still needs 5 dB increment).
The Ec/No of the neighbor cell is higher than or equal to the FDD_Qmin set in
the cell (the minimum Ec/No of the UTRAN reselection cell).

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If there are more than one UTRAN cells that can meet the conditions above, the cell
with the highest RSCP is selected.
Impact on the network performance
This parameter is set to 8, which shows that the signal offset between GSM and 3G
is 0. However, the 3G system is usually in the 2G band, and the propagation loss is
large. It is better to set to 0 according to the actual experience, which means that the
impact of the 3G signal is not taken into account in the reselection process from
GSM to 3G, in order to improve the reselection success rate from 2G to 3G.
Parameter configuration (iBSC V6.20.614C)
OMC GERAN Subnet User ID BSC Management NE User ID Configuration
Set ID BSC Global Resource ID BS Configuration BS ID Cell ID UTRAN
Cell Control Basic Attribute 1
3.2.1.2 FDD_Qmin
Description
When it reselects the UTRAN neighbor cell, it requires that the value of Ec/No is not
less than the value of the cell.
Impact on the network performance
It is a key 2G->3G reselection parameter and the recommended value is 7(-12 dB)
for network optimization. The difference of the reselection judgment thresholds
between the WCDMA and GSM/GPRS systems should be at least 4 dB, such as the
SsearchRAT parameter for WCDMA and the FDD_Qmin parameter for
GSM/GPRS.
It is set to 7 in order to improve the reselection success rate from 2G to 3G.
Parameter configuration (iBSC V6.20.614C)
OMC GERAN Subnet User ID BSC Management NE User ID Configuration
Set ID BSC Global Resource ID BS Configuration BS ID Cell ID UTRAN
Cell Control Basic Attribute 1
3.2.1.3 Qsearch_I
Description
When the RLA_C of the cell is lower (0~6) or higher (8~14) than the threshold, a UE
starts the measurement of the UTRAN reselection cells. 7 refers to always and 15
refers to never.

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Impact on the network performance
For the Qsearch_I parameter, the UE measures the inter-RAT cells all the time after
it enters the cell that is expected for interoperability. As long as the 3G system signal
condition is satisfied for residence, it will reselect the system.
If the system is requested to support the GSM->3G reselection, it is recommended
to set to 7 for a cell with inter-RAT neighbor cells, in order to improve the reselection
success rate from 2G to 3G. It is set to 15 for closing the measurement.
Parameter configuration (iBSC V6.20.614C)
OMC GERAN Subnet User ID BSC Management NE User ID Configuration
Set ID BSC Global Resource ID BS Configuration BS ID Cell ID UTRAN
Cell Control Basic Attribute 1
3.2.2 Key 3G->2G Reselection Parameters
3.2.2.1 Qqualmin
Description
This parameter shows the minimum level of quality demand for selection and
reselection which is satisfied by a cell. When it is CPICH Ec/No for measurement, as
long as the quality value of the measured cell is bigger than the Qqualmin, it can
satisfy the condition of cell selection. The default value is -18 dB.
Table 3-5 Qqualmin Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qqualmin(dB)
Abbreviation QQualMin
Description
This parameter shows the minimum level of quality demand for
selection and reselection which is satisfied by a cell. When it is
CPICH Ec/No for measurement, as long as the quality value of the
measured cell is bigger than the Qqualmin, it can satisfy the
condition of cell selection. The default value is -18 dB.
Value Range
and Stepsize
[-24, 0] dB; Step 1 dB
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
-18 dB
Impact on the network performance

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If the value of this parameter increases, the condition of cell selection is difficult to
be satisfied; if the value of this parameter decreases, the condition of cell selection
is easy to be satisfied. However, it is likely that a UE cannot receive the system
message borne by the PCCPCH correctly after it resides in the cell.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: view Configuration Management RNC NE RNC Radio
Resource Management Utran cell Utran cell xx Modify Advanced Parameter
SCCPCH
3.2.2.2 SsearchRAT
Description
This parameter shows the trigger threshold Ssearch,RAT of inter-RAT measurement for
reselection. The UE is used to determine whether to carry out the inter-RAT
measurement. When the HCS is not used, if the quality of the serving cell is higher
than the Ssearch,RAT , the inter-RAT measurement will not be performed, if the quality
of the serving cell is not higher than the Ssearch,RAT or the Ssearch,RAT is not configured,
the inter-RAT measurement will be performed. For details, refer to TS 25.304.
Table 3-6 SsearchRAT Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Ssearch, RAT(dB)
Abbreviation SSearchRat
Description
This parameter shows the trigger threshold Ssearch, RAT of
inter-RAT measurement for reselection. The UE is used to determine
whether to carry out the inter-RAT measurement. When the HCS is
not used, if the quality of the serving cell is higher than the Ssearch,
RAT, the inter-RAT measurement will not be performed, if the quality
of the serving cell is not higher than the Ssearch, RAT or the
Ssearch, RAT is not configured, the inter-RAT measurement will be
performed. For details, refer to TS 25.304.
Value Range
and Stepsize
[0, 20] dB; Step 2 dB
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
6 dB
Impact on the network performance
This parameter works as the trigger threshold of inter-RAT measurement in the
selection and reselection processes for the HCS cell.

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The factors that should be taken into account for parameter configuration include:
cell residence and UE battery consumption.
The higher the parameter is, the easier the inter-RAT measurement is triggered and
the more the UE battery consumes. The smaller the parameter is, the more difficult
the inter-RAT measurement is triggered; and it cannot reside in the cell with good
quality in time, which causes call loss easily.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View Configuration Management RNC NE RNC Radio
Resource Management Advanced Parameter Manage ueCnst Waiting Time
for Receiving "In Sync" from L1 in Connected Mode (T312 in Connected Mode)
3.2.2.3 QRxLevMin
Description
This parameter shows the minimum threshold of received level for selection and
reselection which is satisfied by a cell. When it is CPICH RSCP for measurement,
the quality value of the measured cell is bigger than the Qrxlevmin, which can just
satisfy the condition of cell selection.
Table 3-7 QRxLevMin Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qrxlevmin(dBm)
Abbreviation QRxLevMin
Description
This parameter shows the minimum threshold of received level for
selection and reselection which is satisfied by a cell. When it is
CPICH RSCP for measurement, the quality value of the measured
cell is bigger than the Qrxlevmin, which can just satisfy the condition
of cell selection.
Value Range
and Stepsize
[-115,-25] dBm step 2dBm
Unit dBm
Default Value
(Remarks)
-115 dBm
Impact on the network performance
The higher this parameter is, the more difficult UE resides in the cell, which leads to
be off the network. The lower this parameter is, the easier it is to reside, but it may
lead to that a UE cannot receive the system message borne by PCCPCH correctly
after it resides in the cell.

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Adjustment recommendation: it is not adjusted generally, and it is not recommended
to be adjusted.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
OMC path: View Configuration Management RNC NE RNC Radio Resource
Management UltranCell UltranCellXXX Modify Advanced Parameter UTRAN
Cell Indicator of Cell Re-establishment when OCNS Codes Changed
3.2.2.4 QHyst1S
Description
This parameter shows the delay parameter of FDD cell reselection for judgment
when the measurement value is CPICH RSCP or Cpich EcNo. In the rule of value R
ordering for reselection, the R value of serving cell is equal to the measurement
value and reselection delay. When the measurement value is Cpich RSCP,
calculate and order the R values according to the Qhyst1s. When the measurement
value is Cpich EcNo, first calculate and order the R values according to the Qhyst1s,
the UTRAN cell ranks at the top, then calculate and order the R values according to
the signal quality of Cpich EcNo.
Table 3-8 QHyst1S Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qhyst1s(dB)
Abbreviation QHyst1S
Description
This parameter shows the delay parameter of FDD cell reselection for
judgment when the measurement value is CPICH RSCP or Cpich
EcNo. In the rule of value R ordering for reselection, the R value of
serving cell is equal to the measurement value and reselection delay.
When the measurement value is Cpich RSCP, calculate and order the
R values according to the Qhyst1s. When the measurement value is
Cpich EcNo, first calculate and order the R values according to the
Qhyst1s, the UTRAN cell ranks at the top, then calculate and order
the R values according to the signal quality of Cpich EcNo.
Value Range
and Stepsize
[0, 40] dB; Step2 dB
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
10 dB
Impact on the network performance

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The higher this parameter is, the more difficult the reselection is triggered, and the
less sensitive it is relatively for the signal variation. The lower this parameter is, the
easier the reselection is triggered, and the more ping-pong reselections occur,
which increase the signaling load.
Adjustment recommendation: It can be set to be higher properly for the scenario
where the signal changes fast.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: view Configuration Management RNC NE RNC Radio
Resource Management Utran cell Utran cell xx Modify Advanced Parameter
PICH
3.2.2.5 Qoffset1s,n in SIB11(dB)
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells when the
measurement value is CPICH RSCP. It is used for cell ordering in the reselection
rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in the SIB11. The R value of the neighbor
cell is equal to be the measured signal quality of the neighbor cell subtracting this
offset.
Note:
For idle or connected mode, when the SIB12 is not broadcast, it is equal to the value of
Qoffset1SNSib11 when the reselection measurement value is RSCP; for connected
mode, when the SIB12 is broadcast, it is equal to the value of Qoffset1SNSib12 when the
reselection measurement value is RSCP.
Table 3-9 Qoffset1s,n in SIB11(dB) Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qoffset1s,n in SIB11(dB)
Abbreviation Qoffset1SNSib11
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells
when the measurement value is CPICH RSCP. It is used for cell
ordering in the reselection rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in
the SIB11.
Value Range
and Stepsize
OMCR: [-50, 50] dB;
Unit dB

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Wireless Parameter Name
Default Value
(Remarks)
0 dB
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuring this parameter include
the degree of difficulty for reselection and the tendentiousness of reselection.
The lower this parameter is, the easier it reselects this neighbor cell. The higher this
parameter is, the more difficult it reselects this neighbor cell. It can be set to be
different values for different GSM neighbor cells, in order to control the
tendentiousness of reselection for different GSM neighbor cells.
Adjustment recommendation:
For a co-frequency neighbor cell, adjust the value of this parameter in order to
reselect cell when the neighbor cell is better than the source cell.
For a different-frequency or inter-RAT neighbor cell, it is configured according to the
service planning of the multi-carrier networking.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View Configuration Management RNC NE RNC Radio
Resource Management UltranCell UltranCellXXX Neighboring Cell
Advanced Parameter Manager Qoffset1s,n in SIB11(dB)
3.2.2.6 Qoffset1s,n in SIB12(dB)
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells when the
measurement value is CPICH RSCP. It is used for cell ordering in the reselection
rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in the SIB12.
Note:
For idle or connected mode, when the SIB12 is not broadcast, it is equal to the value of
Qoffset1SNSib11 when the reselection measurement value is RSCP; for connected
mode, when the SIB12 is broadcast, it is equal to the value of Qoffset1SNSib12 when the
reselection measurement value is RSCP.

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Table 3-10 Qoffset1s,nin SIB12(dB) Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qoffset1s,n in SIB12(dB)
Abbreviation Qoffset1SNSib12
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells
when the measurement value is CPICH RSCP. It is used for cell
ordering in the reselection rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in
the SIB12.
Value Range
and Stepsize
OMCR: [-50, 50]dB
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
0 dB
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuring this parameter include
the degree of difficulty for reselection and the tendentiousness of reselection.
The lower this parameter is, the easier it reselects this neighbor cell. The higher this
parameter is, the more difficult it reselects this neighbor cell. It can be different
values for different UMTS neighbor cells, in order to control the tendentiousness of
reselection for different UMTS neighbor cells.
Adjustment recommendation:
Generally the SIB12 is not used, it is not recommended to adjust this parameter.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View -> Configuration Management -> RNC NE -> RNC Radio
Resource Management -> UltranCell -> UltranCellXXX -> Neighboring Cell ->
Advanced Parameter Manager -> Qoffset1s,n in SIB12(dB)
3.2.2.7 Treselection
Description
This parameter shows the timer duration of reselection. To be a serving cell, a new
cell must be the best cell according to the ordering R principle, and it lasts for
Treselections, which can be selected the new serving cell.

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Table 3-11 Treselection Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Treselection(s)
Abbreviation TReselection
Description
This parameter shows the timer duration of reselection. To be a
serving cell, a new cell must be the best cell according to the ordering
R principle, and it lasts for Treselections, which can be selected the
new serving cell.
Value Range
and Stepsize
[0, 31]s; step 1s
Unit S
Default Value
(Remarks)
1s
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuring this parameter include
the signal quality variation and ping-pong reselection.
This parameter is used to avoid the ping-pong reselection. If it is set to be too lower,
the ping-pong reselection is easy to occur. If it is set to be too higher, the reselection
is slower, which may lead to call loss.
Adjustment recommendation: In the scenario of high-speed railway or highway, it is
set to be lower in order to speed up the reselection speed and improve the call
success rate.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View Configuration Management RNC NE RNC Radio
Resource Management Advanced Parameter Manage ueCnst Waiting Time
for Completion of Cell Update When Radio Link Fails and Radio Bearer(s)
Associated with T315 Exist (T315)
3.2.2.8 Qhyst2s(dB)
Description
This parameter shows the delay parameter of FDD cell reselection for judgment
when the measurement value is CPICH Ec/No. In the rule of value R ordering for
reselection, the R value of serving cell is equal to the measurement value and
reselection delay. Refer to TS 25.304 for details.

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Table 3-12 Qhyst2s(dB) Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qhyst2s(dB)
Abbreviation QHyst2S
Description
This parameter shows the delay parameter of FDD cell reselection for
judgment when the measurement value is CPICH Ec/No. In the rule
of value R ordering for reselection, the R value of serving cell is equal
to the measurement value and reselection delay. Refer to TS 25.304
for details.
Value Range
and Stepsize
[0, 40] dB; Step 2 dB
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
2 dB
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuring this parameter include
the signal variation and ping-pong reselection.
The higher this parameter is, the more difficult the reselection is triggered, and the
less sensitive it is relatively for the signal variation. The lower this parameter is, the
easier the reselection is triggered, and the more ping-pong reselections occur,
which increase the signaling load.
Adjustment recommendation: it can be set to be higher properly for the scenario
where the signal varies very fast.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View -> Configuration Management -> RNC NE -> RNC Radio
Resource Management -> RCP Scrambling Code Configuration Information ->
Ending No. of RCP Scrambling Code
3.2.2.9 Qoffset2s,n in SIB11(dB)
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells when the
measurement value is CPICH Ec/No. It is used for cell ordering in the reselection
rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in the SIB11. The R value of the neighbor
cell is equal to be the measured signal quality of the neighbor cell subtracting this
offset.

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Table 3-13 Qoffset2s,n in SIB11(dB) Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qoffset2s,n in SIB11(dB)
Abbreviation Qoffset2SNSib11
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells
when the measurement value is CPICH Ec/No. It is used for cell
ordering in the reselection rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in
the SIB11. The R value of the neighbor cell is equal to be the
measured signal quality of the neighbor cell subtracting this offset.
Value Range
and Stepsize
OMCR: [-50, 50] dB;
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
0 dB
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuring this parameter include
the degree of difficulty for reselection and the tendentiousness of reselection.
The lower this parameter is, the easier it reselects this neighbor cell. The higher this
parameter is, the more difficult it reselects this neighbor cell. It can be set to be
different values for different UMTS neighbor cells, in order to control the
tendentiousness of reselection for different UMTS neighbor cells.
Adjustment recommendation:
For a co-frequency neighbor cell, adjust the value of this parameter in order to
reselect cell when the neighbor cell is better than the source cell.
For a different-frequency or inter-RAT neighbor cell, it is configured according to the
service planning of the multi-carrier networking.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View -> Configuration Management -> RNC NE -> RNC Radio
Resource Management -> UltranCell -> UltranCellXXX -> Neighboring Cell ->
Advanced Parameter Manager -> Qoffset2s,n in SIB11(dB)
3.2.2.10 Qoffset2s,n in SIB12(dB)
Description

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This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells when the
measurement value is CPICH Ec/No. It is used for cell ordering in the reselection
rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in the SIB12.
Table 3-14 Qoffset2s,n in SIB12(dB) Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Qoffset2s,n in SIB12(dB)
Abbreviation Qoffset2SNSib12
Description
This parameter shows the quality offset of serving and neighbor cells
when the measurement value is CPICH Ec/No. It is used for cell
ordering in the reselection rule. This parameter is broadcast to UE in
the SIB12.
Value Range
and Stepsize
OMCR: [-50, 50] dB;RNC: D=P+50, [0, 100]
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
0 dB
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuring this parameter include
the degree of difficulty for reselection and the tendentiousness of reselection.
The lower this parameter is, the easier it reselects this neighbor cell. The higher this
parameter is, the more difficult it reselects this neighbor cell. It can be set to be
different values for different UMTS neighbor cells, in order to control the
tendentiousness of reselection for different UMTS neighbor cells.
Adjustment recommendation:
Generally the SIB12 is not used, it is not recommended to adjust this parameter.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View -> Configuration Management -> RNC NE -> RNC Radio
Resource Management -> UltranCell -> UltranCellXXX -> Neighboring Cell ->
Advanced Parameter Manager -> Qoffset2s,n in SIB12(dB)
3.2.3 Recommended Values of Key Reselection Parameters
1. 3G->2G Reselection

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Table 3-15 Recommended Values of Key 3G ->2G Reselection Parameters
Parameter Description
Baseline
Value
Value of
Unicom
Qqualmin
Lowest access quality of 3G cell
signal
-18 dB -18 dB
QRxLevMin
Lowest access strength of 3G cell
signal
-115 dBm -115 dBm
SSearchRat
inter-RAT measurement trigger
threshold for cell reselection
6 dB 4dB
QHyst1S Reselection delay of serving cell 1 10 dB 10 dB
Qoffset1SNSib11
Quality offset 1 of serving and
neighbor cells in SIB11
10 dB 0 dB
Qoffset1SNSib12
Quality offset 2 of serving and
neighbor cells in SIB12
0 dB 0 dB
Treselection
Time duration of cell reselection
timer
1 s 1 s
Note:
The values of Unicom are different according to the different requirements from each city.
The values above are only for reference, the values for each project depend on the
actual.
2. 2G->3G Reselection
Table 3-16 Key 2G ->3G Reselection Parameters
FDD_Qoffset FDD Reselection Offset 0 ()
FDD_Qmin
Minimum value of Ec/No of UTRAN
reselection cell
7(-12 dB)
Qsearch_I
Threshold for UE to start UTRAN cell
reselection measurement
7 (always)
Note:
It shows - when the FDD_Qoffset is set to 0. The reason for setting it to be 0 is that
UE does not need to consider the strength comparison between 2G and 3G. If it
requires the UE to select 3G as far as possible in the field, this parameter can be set
to 0.
It is only reference for 2G parameters, which should be set according to the demands of
each project.

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3.3 Typical Inter-RAT Handover Parameters
The key handover control parameters from WCDMA to 2G are mainly determined by the
parameters that trigger the 2D, 2F and 3A events. The lower the trigger thresholds of 2D
and 3A are, the more traffic stays in the 3G network. But the lower the two parameters
are, the worse 3G signal there is for handover and the easier the call drops occur. The 2D
and 3A parameters are set to be higher, thus the service can be switched to 2G cell
before the WCDMA signal gets worse, in order to decrease the call drop rate. Through
the test results, in order to avoid the call drop in the edge of 3G network, it should start
the inter-RAT measurement in the condition of a better 3G signal, which means that the
2D event trigger level should be too lower for the circuit domain service in the different
system. However, the thresholds of 2D and 3A cannot be too higher, or it will lead to that
a large number of 3G subscribers switch to the 2G cells and the GSM traffic increases.
These key parameters are described below.
3.3.1 2D/2F Event Threshold
Description
This parameter shows the absolute threshold configured for 2D/2F event (used for
judging the quality of the carrier frequency being used).
Table 3-17 2D/2F Event Configured Threshold
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name
Absolute threshold configured for 2D/2F event (used for judging the
quality of the carrier frequency being used).
Abbreviation ThreshUsedFreq[MAX_INTER_MEAS_EVENT]
Description
This parameter shows the absolute threshold configured for 2D/2F
event (used for judging the quality of the carrier frequency being
used). The MAX_INTER_MEAS_EVENT is the maximum number of
inter-frequency measurement event, and the value is 6.
Value Range
and Stepsize
CPICH RSCP: [-115,-25] dBm;CPICH Ec/No: [-24,0] dB
Pathloss: [30,165] dB
Unit dBm /dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
Reported parameter of UE periodical measurement when the
measurement value is CPICH Ec/No: -
Reported parameter of UE inter-frequency event when the
measurement value is CPICH Ec/No: [-13, -5]dB
Reported parameter of UE periodical measurement when the
measurement value is CPICH RSCP: -
Reported parameter of UE inter-frequency event when the
measurement value is CPICH RSCP: [-95, -80] dBm
Impact on the network performance

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The 2D and 2F events are the switch of the compact model. The lower the 2D
threshold is, the more difficult the 2D is triggered. The lower the 2F threshold is, the
easier the 2F is triggered. As the requested signal quality and inter-RAT handover
policies are different according to different service types, so the inter-RAT
measurement thresholds are divided into CS and PS signaling. When a cell is in the
center of carrier frequency coverage, it will use the Ec/No measurement value as
the criterion of the 2D and 2F events. Therefore, if the compact model is expected to
start as early as possible, set the 2D event threshold to be higher, otherwise set it to
be lower. If the ping-pong handover is expected to decrease in the start and stop
processes of the compact model, it can increase the difference between the 2D and
2F thresholds. The easier the event is triggered, the more number of average
handover time there is, which increases the handover success rate, but consumes
the system resources.
Note:
It can choose Ec/Io or RSCP as the trigger threshold of each event, according to the
actual situation. At the edge of the cell coverage, the system is usually limited for the
uplink loss, which triggers the inter-RAT handover caused by coverage. The range of
Ec/Io is relatively smaller, which is not suitable for the handover caused by coverage as it
varies very fast, so it is recommended to adopt the RSCP. For the center of the cell
coverage, there is more interference and the system is usually limited for the downlink
interference, which triggers the inter-RAT handover. Therefore, the Ec/Io can better
reflect the interference degree of the system.
Currently it adopts RSCP for the trigger threshold of each event.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View->Configuration Management->RNC NE->RNC Radio
Resource Management->Modify Advanced Parameter->UE Inter-frequency
Measurement Configuration-> Absolute Threshold of the Quality of the Currently
Used Frequency for 2B/2D/2F
3.3.2 3A/3C Event Threshold
Description
This parameter shows the absolute threshold value for judging the quality of other
system, which is configured for 3A/3C event. The value range and unit of this
parameter are related to the measurement value of other system cell, which is only
for the GSM Carrier RSSI of GSM system now, corresponding to the CPICH RSCP

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of local system. Therefore, the value range and unit of this parameter correspond to
the CPICH RSCP.
Table 3-18 3A/3C Threshold Parameter
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name
Absolute threshold value for judging the quality of other system,
which is configured for 3A/3C event
Abbreviation ThreshSys[MAX_RAT_MEAS_EVENT]
Description
This parameter shows the absolute threshold value for judging the
quality of other system, which is configured for 3A/3C event. The
value range and unit of this parameter are related to the
measurement value of other system cell, which is only for the GSM
Carrier RSSI of GSM system now, corresponding to the CPICH
RSCP of local system. Therefore, the value range and unit of this
parameter correspond to the CPICH RSCP.
MAX_RAT_MEAS_EVENT is the maximum number of inter-RAT
measurement event, and the value is 4.
Value Range
and Stepsize
CPICH RSCP: [-115,-25]dBm step 1dBm
CPICH Ec/No: [-24,0] dB step 1dB
Unit dBm /dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
Periodically-reported parameter when the measurement value is
CPICH Ec/No of local system: -
Reported parameter by UE event when the measurement value is
CPICH Ec/No of local system: [-6, -24]
Periodically-reported parameter when the measurement value is
CPICH RSCP of local system: -
Reported parameter by UE event when the measurement value is
CPICH RSCP of local system: [-95, -115]
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuration include the
compression moulding start time, the average handover times, and the handover
success rate.
For the 3A/3C, the lower it is, the more difficult it is triggered, or the higher it is, the
easier it is triggered.
For the 3B, the higher it is, the more difficult it is triggered, or the lower it is, the
easier it is triggered.
Adjustment recommendation:
i. In order to avoid the capacity loss caused by starting compression moulding,
as long as the compression moulding of inter-RAT measurement is enabled by
2D event trigger, it is expected to switch to the 2G system as soon as possible,
so the 2G system threshold should not be higher.

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ii. If the quality of inter-RAT neighbor cell is also poor, the service switches
rashly. There is a high rate of call drop, and the service quality cannot be
guaranteed after handover. So this threshold cannot be set to be lower, in
order to guarantee the service to be normal.
Note:
According to the current 3G strategy, let the 3G subscribers enjoy the 3G services as far
as possible, and it adopts the 3A event trigger for the network.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View->Configuration Management->RNC NE->RNC Radio
Resource Management-> Modify Advanced Parameter->UE Inter-RAT
Measurement Configuration Information-> Absolute Threshold of the Quality of
Other RAT for 3A/3B/3C
3.3.3 Hysteresis(Rat)
Description
This parameter shows the delay for judging whether a event satisfies the event
trigger condition.
Table 3-19 Hysteresis(Rat) Parameter Description
Wireless Parameter Name
Full Name Hystersis(dB)
Abbreviation Hysteresis[MAX_RAT_MEAS_EVENT]
Description
This parameter shows the delay for judging whether a event satisfies
the event trigger condition. Using this parameter will generate a
difference value between the state of triggering an event and the left
state of triggering an event, which avoids that even a little variation
can change the trigger state. It is configured for different events
individually with different values.
The MAX_INTER_MEAS_EVENT is the maximum number of
inter-frequency measurement event, and the value is 6.
Value Range
and Stepsize
(0, 0.5..14.5) dB step 0.5 dB
Unit dB
Default Value
(Remarks)
Periodically-Reported parameter by UE when the measurement
value is CPICH Ec/No: -
Reported parameter by UE inter-frequency event when the

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Wireless Parameter Name
measurement value is CPICH Ec/No: [4,4,4,4,4,4]dB
Periodically-Reported parameter by UE when the measurement
value is CPICH RSCP: -
Reported parameter by UE inter-frequency event when the
measurement value is CPICH RSCP: [4,4,4,4,4,4]dB
Reported parameter by UE inter-frequency event when the
measurement value is CPICH Ec/No (GSM): [4, 4]dB
Reported parameter by UE inter-frequency event when the
measurement value is CPICH RSCP (GSM): [4, 4]dB
Impact on the network performance
The factors that should be taken into account for configuration include the average
handover times, handover success rate, terminal movement speed and the
handover area size.
The higher this parameter is, the less probability the inter-frequency event is
triggered, and the less times of average handover there are, which increases the
risk of call drop.
The lower this parameter is, the more probability the inter-frequency event is
triggered, and the more times of average handover there are, which may lead to a
mistake handover.
Adjustment recommendation: For the scenario of small handover area or terminal
moving fast, in order to complete the handover timely, it can be set to be lower
properly. On the contrary, it needs to be set to be a little higher.
This parameter is related to the measurement value and event type. If decreasing
the delay, it can increase the probability of reporting the corresponding events. On
the contrary, it can decrease the probability of reporting the corresponding events if
increasing the delay.
Parameter configuration
Log on the OMC-R and set in the path below.
Interface Path: View->Configuration Management->RNC NE->RNC Radio
Resource Management-> Modify Advanced Parameter->UE Inter-RAT
Measurement Configuration Information-> Hysteresis

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3.3.4 Recommended Values of Key Inter-RAT Handover Parameters
Table 3-20 3G->2G Parameters List
Parameter Definition Class Unit
Baseline
Value
Value of
Unicom
CPICH Ec/Io 2D
Threshold
2D quality threshold
CS dB 13 -13
PS dB 13 -13
CPICH RSCP 2D
Threshold
2D strength threshold
CS dBm 95 -95
PS dBm 95 -105
Hysteresis2D
Delay range for 2D
judgment
CS/PS dB 4 4
TimeToTrigger2D
Timer to trigger Event
2D
CS/PS ms 640 640
CPICH Ec/Io 2F
Threshold
2F quality threshold
CS dB 5 -5
PS dB 5 -5
CPICH RSCP 2F
Threshold
2F strength threshold
CS dBm 80 -90
PS dBm 80 -100
Hysteresis2F
Delay range for 2D
judgment
CS/PS dB 4 4
TimeToTrigger2F
Timer to trigger Event
2F
CS/PS ms 640 640
CPICH Ec/Io 3A
Threshold
3A quality threshold CS dB 6 -6
3A quality threshold PS dB 6 -6
CPICH RSCP 3A
Threshold
3A strength threshold
CS dBm 95 -92
PS dBm 95 -102
Hysteresis3A 3A delay window CS/PS dB 4 4
TimeToTrigger3A
Timer to trigger Event
3A
CS/PS ms 100 100
Note:
The values of Unicom are different according to the different requirements from each city.
The values above are only for reference, the values for each project depend on the
actual.
3.4 Setting for 2G/3G Inter-RAT Neighbor Cells
To set the 2G/3G inter-RAT neighbor cells, the general methods are as follows:

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The setting for the neighbor cell is based on the different interoperability strategies
of 2G/3G.
When the coverage is not continuous within the UMTS network, the interoperability
between the whole network and 2G system should be taken into account. The
method of configuring 2G neighbor cells for the whole network is the same as the
method of configuring neighbor cells within the system, and the traffic congestion of
the neighbor cells should also be taken into account.
When the coverage is continuous within the UMTS network, and it only switches
between the edge of the UMTS system and 2G system, it only needs to configure
the neighbor cells for the edge base stations, and the principles below should be
considered:
The co-location and co-direction cells are set to be the neighbor cells.
Generally, GSM900 is preferred, and the traffic-balancing and capacity of
GSM900/1800 also should be considered.
The congestion GSM cells are not to be set as far as possible.

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4 Interoperability Problems Analysis and
Optimization
The main points for evaluating the quality of inter-RAT interoperability is that, dual-mode
terminal can move smoothly from one network to another network, without off the network
or calls dropped. The key to achieve a smooth migration is how to adjust the relationship
between GSM and WCDMA, after a long period of optimization, the signal distribution of
GSM network has become more reasonable, so the adjustment should be primarily
focused on the WCDMA side. Specific adjustment principles are as follows:
Avoid a sudden decline of the signal in the border area of WCDMA coverage, if
there is a sudden decline in the border area of ECDMA, it is suggested to optimize
the network, increase the signal strength or reselect the WCDMA signal. This
principle also applies to the signal of internal WCDMA for different frequency
handover.
Avoid the overlap between the borders of WCDMA and GSM. if GSM has a good
coverage in the border of WCDMA, it helps to handover from WCDMA to GSM
successfully, on the contrary if the border of WCDMA is not set properly, the signal
strength of GSM network is not enough while handing over, it will increase the
failure possibility of inter-RAT measurement or signaling interaction, which causes
the dropped call.
Continuous signal coverage in WCDMA should be implemented as much as
possible, reduce the signal blind and weak zones, especially in the places with
many people, The WCDMA signal usually declines suddenly in these place, and it is
too late to handover and measure between systems and leads to a higher failure
probability of the system handover. By increasing the coverage, the inter-RAT
handover can be pushed to the edge of 3G coverage, which reduces the number of
inter-RAT handover.
The border of WCDMA network should be chosen in the area of low density people,
avoiding the area of higher density (stations, terminals, etc.). This will not only
reduce the number of inter-RAT handover, but also avoid signaling exchange
delay/failure due to lack of processing power, and eventually leading to dropped
calls. In addition, according to the specific environment, optimizing WCDMA
measurements and switching algorithm parameters to further improve the success
rate of inter-RAT handover.
Table 4-1 Optimization Methods of Typical Scenarios
Scenario FAQ Optimization Method
General
scenario
Rapid changes in local
signal or high-speed
1. First to improve the coverage through
network planning and optimization.

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Scenario FAQ Optimization Method
mobile users, easily
dropped calls
2. Trying the optimization method in the
scenario of fast signal changing, but pay
attention to the optimized performance of the
whole network
Still,
low-speed
If you use CPICH
RSCP measurement of
the whole network,
indoor still scenario
prone to frequent
handover of PS /
reselection
1. Using Ec / Io measurement, 3A events
reporting
2. Lower PS handover threshold, reducing the
probability of frequent handover / reselection.
Fast signal
changing
Elevator coverage
scenario, better
coverage outside the
elevator, it does not
meet the inter-RAT
measurement
conditions, the
coverage of the
elevator after closing is
poor, leading to high
rate of dropped calls
1. Increasing 3G coverage in the lift, 2G-3G
handover needs to be avoided.
2. Increasing 2D/2F threshold, 3A handover
quality threshold appropriately or reducing 2D
delay, so that UE (outside the elevator) can
start the inter-RAT measurement as soon as
possible.
3. PS service can rebuild automatically, in this
scenario, rebuilding is not obvious for the
users after calls are dropped, and it does not
need to optimize specially.
The analysis of typical reselection and handover problems are described below.
4.1 Reselection Problems Analysis and Optimization
Avoid the problems of excessive and failed reselections from WCDMA to GSM/GPRS for
dual-mode terminals in the edge of a WCDMA network, which decreases the inter-RAT
reselection probability and increases the paging success rate of the system.
The solution is to set the inter-RAT parameters of cell reselection reasonably, such as the
SsearchRAT parameter, if this parameter is set to be too small, the reselection from
WCDMA to GSM/GPRS may fail. However, it also cannot be set to be too higher,
otherwise the users in some places will reselect GSM/GPRS network too early or
ping-pong reselection may occur between systems, which does not meet the 3G
preferred strategy. So the inter-RAT parameters of cell reselection should be set
reasonably.
The parameters SsearchRAT of WCDMA and FDD_Qmin of GSM/GPRS should have
the interval of more than 4 dB. Additionally, the edge of WCDMA network reselection
cannot be set in the densely populated areas, in order to reduce the probability of cell
reselection between WCDMA and GSM/GPRS. At the same time it also reduces the
signaling interaction between systems and saves the resource of air interface, and the
terminal will save more energy. In the update period of the location area and routing area
after system reselection, the terminal will be barred for the outgoing calls as the calling
party, and barred for the incoming calls as the called party, so reducing the inter-RAT

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reselection probability can improve the paging success rate of the system
correspondingly.
4.2 Handover Problems Analysis and Optimization
The prerequisite is that the cell phone is set to dual-mode automatic network selection.
This configuration can be queried through the multiRAT_CapabilityList.supportOfGSM
and multiRAT_CapabilityList.supportOfMulticarrier parameters in the
RRCCONNECTIONSETUPCOMPLETE message. Generally, the dual-mode is set to
True. The reason for the inter-RAT failure handover is as shown in the table below.
Table 4-2 Inter-RAT Handover Failure
Information
Element/
Group Name
Need Multi Type and Reference
Semantics
Description
Inter-RAT
handover
failure cause
MD
Enumerated(Configuration
unacceptable, physical channel
failure, protocol error, inter-RAT
protocol error, unspecified)
Default value is
"unspecified".
11 spare values
are needed.
The returned message cell shows that gsm_MessageList is 06 28 XX. XX refers to the
GSM information as follows.
Figure 4-1 RR Cause Information Element


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4.2.1 Physical Channel Failure
If interRAT_HO_FailureCause.t = 2, it corresponds to the physical channel failure. This
phenomenon is due to the access failure on the air interface when the UE attempts to
access 2G interface. It may be caused by wrong configuration (handover to a cell that
does not exist) of neighbor cell (CGI), poor 2G signal (The threshold set in RNC for
handover to 2G is too small), external interference, or UE natural defects (Qualcomm cell
phones of Version 4240 have such kind of problem).
Currently the most common failure is that, the timer T3124 times out, the 2G RACH
channel cannot be accessed. If the neighbor cell is configured correctly, there are three
possible reasons as follows:
1. Uplink interference
Analysis
The GSM channel cannot be synchronized, and the engineers should check the
handover success rate of each 2G cell at the same time.
Solution
Delete the poor 2G neighbor cells. In some areas different frequencies vary widely,
the poor frequencies interfere a lot. If the handover success rate is lower than 80%,
it needs to summarize the rule of the deleted neighbor cells, and perform the RNC
neighbor cell deletion according to the rule.
2. Handover destination was refused before.
Analysis
For the operator's business marketing strategy, a part of the users are not allowed
to subscribe to 2G network.
Solution
Fundamental solutions: CN supports the service handover based on IUEI, which the
user attribute can be known by the access network.
Avoidance solution: Cancel the inter-RAT handover.
3. Abnormal cell phone
Analysis
The problem is related with the cell phone.

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Solution
If it is PS domain, avoid the handover of such kind of users, if it is CS domain, no
handle it or communicate with the cell phone users.
4.2.2 Wrong Configuration
Analysis
interRAT_HO_FailureCause.t = 1, corresponding to Configuration unacceptable
handoverFromUTRANFailure.interRATMessage.gsm_MessageList = 06 28 6f
This phenomenon is the most common failure in the foreign countries; it shows that most
inter-RAT handovers have failed, only individual cell phones with better compatibility are
successful: encryption configuration information is not filled completely.
Solution
Upgrade BSC or adopt with the CN from ZTE.
4.2.3 Protocol Error
interRAT_HO_FailureCause.t = 3, corresponding to protocol error. There is protocol error
in the location update request message received; the network sends location update
refuse message, the reasons are as follows:
Mandatory information unit error
Information unit does not exist or cannot be achieved
Invalid information unit content
Protocol error
interRAT_HO_FailureCause.t = 3, corresponding to inter-RAT protocol error
"inter-RAT protocol error" or "configuration unacceptable": UE does not accept the
HANDOVER FROM UTRAN COMMAND message issued by RNC, the message format
issued by RNC may have problem, or maybe UE does not support the inter-RAT
handover.
4.2.4 Parameter Configuration
2D event threshold is not set reasonably, generally the threshold is not advised to
set to be too high, it is recommended to set more than 100 dBm, in order to assure
the handover success rate; 2D event delay also should be set reasonably.

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3A event parameter is not set reasonably.
When UE is moved from outdoor to indoor, WCDMA signal declines sharply,
however the signal in GSM cell is still very strong due to it has indoor distribution
system. In this scenario, if the parameter of inter-RAT handover in the WCDMA cell
is not set reasonably, it also can lead to the failure of inter-RAT handover.
Relocation failure: Check whether the LAC set by CN is complete; check the radio of
relocation failure, if it is more than 20%, please ask CN to check together.
4.2.5 Neighbor Cell Configuration
The configuration of neighbor cell is missing; the current WCDMA cell misses the
destination GSM neighbor cell (The detected most powerful GSM cell is not the
neighbor cell of the current service cell).
The configuration of neighbor cell is excessive: the configuration of GSM neighbor
cell in for the current WCDMA is excessive, agreement: the maximum quantity of
GSM cells measured by UE is 32.
4.2.6 Resource Refusing
There is no available radio resource in the current destination GSM cell.

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5 Cases Study
5.1 PLMN Selection and Reselection
5.1.1 Case 1
Phenomenon
In the A network, the handover from 3G->2G and reselection could not be performed by
using MOTO, NOKIA cell phones.
Case analysis
1. The voice could be handed over from 3G to 2G, but after hooking on, it returned to
3G from 2G at once, it could not reside in 2G even if it met the condition to reside.
2. The handover failed when the data service met the condition to hand over from 3G
to 2G.
3. UE in the 3G IDLE mode could not reselect 2G even if the condition was satisfied.
A network adopted different PLMN schemes for 3G/2G, The current 2G did not need to
change, and 3G adopted the different PLMN from that of 2G.
Network reselection scheme: While UE is residing in 3G, it can reselect 2G through the
normal cell reselection; while UE is residing in 2G, it can reselect 3G through equivalent
PLMN reselection.
Network handover scheme: The voice can be handed over from 3G to 2G, and it
reselects 3G back through equivalent PLMN after hooking on. PS data service can be
handed over from 3G to 2G, and it reselects 3G back through equivalent PLMN.
Problem location
The equivalent PLMN was used in PLMN selection, cell selection, reselection and
handover. When UE was reselecting, it could access normally only when it detected that
the cell was the permitted PLMN; for the case of different PLMNs, if 2Gs PLMN was not
set to be equivalent PLMN in 3G, the following phenomenon shows:
The voice could be handed over from 3G to 2G successfully, but after hooking on in
2G, the cell phone would not update location at once, but research PLMN, the
phenomenon was that the cell phone was off the network temporarily.

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When the data service met the condition to handover from 3G to 2G, after receiving
the CELL CHANGE ORDER issued by RNC, UE failed to search the 2G network,
and it returned CELL CHANGE ORDER FAIL.
UE in the 3G IDLE mode could not reselect 2G.
Solution
Set 2Gs PLMN to be equivalent PLMN on both 3Gs UEC and SGSN, the handover from
3G to 2G and reselection were normal.
Experience
Understand the restrictions of different PLMNs networking, and set the parameters
reasonably.
5.2 Cell Selection and Reselection
5.2.1 Case 1
Phenomenon
It could not reselect from 3G to 2G due to the measurement for different system was not
enabled by UE.
Problem location
If it was not set to enable the measurement for different systems in the FACH (MOD
CELLMEAS), RNC would not issue the information of GSM neighbor cell in SIB 11, even
if it already met the condition to enable the measurement for different systems in 3G, it
would not reselect due to there was no neighbor cell in the different systems.
Solution
Enable the measurement for different systems.
5.2.2 Case 2
Phenomenon
UE could not reselect from 2G to 3G due to 3G neighbor cell relationship was not set.
Problem location
After setting the reselection parameters for 2G=>3G, the radio signal had met the
condition for reselection to 3G, but the cell phone still could not reselect. The most direct
method was to use the background software of the cell phone to track the 2G message

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issued by the network and signal quality measured by UE. If the neighbor cell relationship
of 3G was not set in 2G, then there was no 2quater (2ter) message in the system
message.
Solution
Add the 3G cell as the neighbor cell of different systems for 2G cell on the 2G BSC.
5.3 Inter-RAT Handover
5.3.1 Case 1
Phenomenon
Frequent handover from 3G to 2G in the cell was caused by the handover parameters
configuration for RNC1 and RNC10.
Case analysis
We performed coverage test for this site by using Agilent tester, but the result showed
that the 3G signal of the three cells in the site was good, so the coverage problem was
excluded.
We performed CQT dialing test in one cell at TRI722W, in the process of test, both
parties called in 3G, and handed over to 2G within several seconds, and the call must be
ended for handing over to 3G, This 3G/2G handover always occurred in the tests of
dozens of times.
While moving from one cell (12552) of TRI255W which was the neighbor site of TRI722W
to another cell (17223) of TRI722W, in the soft handover area, UE remained in 3G
network when 12552 was the best cell, when 17223 became the best cell, UE handed
over to 2G network after 3 seconds. So we doubted that the problem existed in the 3 cells
of TRI722W.
Problem location
From the analysis above, we doubted that the inter-RAT handover parameters or
strategies of the 3 cells in TRI722W had problem, which speeded up the handover from
3G to 2G. We found that the judgment method of different system event of the 3 cells in
TRI722W was 3C Event Trigger, and the absolute threshold value of 3C event was -90
dBm, thus the 2G signal was very easy to achieve -90 dBm in the 3G coverage of the 3
cells in TRI722W, so the handover from 3G to 2G was easy to occur.
Solution
We modify the judgment method of different system event of the 3 cells in TRI722W to be
3A Event Trigger", in this way, the handover from 3G to 2G could happen only when the

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3G signal RSCP tested by UE was below -95 dBm and the 2G signal RSCP was above
-90 dBm, this method was hard to achieve. we tested afer the modification, there was no
handover from 3G to 2G in the call process within the coverage of TRI722W3G.
For the whole network
We found that the handover from 3G to 2G was very easy for the configuration 3C Event
Trigger and the 2G neighbor cell was configured, thus many call traffic volume of 3G was
absorbed by 2G, then we checked the sites distribution of 3C and 3A handover trigger
parameters for the whole network, as shown in the table below.
Table 5-1 3C Handover Trigger Parameters for the Whole Network and Sites
Distribution of 3A Handover Trigger Parameters
RNC ID
Number of NodeBs
With 3A Event
Trigger for
Inter-RAT Handover
Number of NodeBs
With 3C Event
Trigger for Inter-RAT
Handover
Number of NodeBs
With 3C Event
Trigger for Inter-RAT
Handover (Configured
With 2G Neighbors)
RNC1 68 106 20
RNC10 40 50 36
RNC2 120 0 0
Sum 228 156 56
1. If the judgment method of different system event was 3C Event Trigger, and the
absolute threshold value of 3C event was -90 dBm, thus the base station of 3C
different system trigger (2G neighbor cell was configured) could achieve -90 dBm
very easily, so the handover from 3G to 2G occurred very easily, from the statistic
form we could see that RNC1 had 20 base stations, and RNC10 had 36 base
stations, which belonged to this case, the 56 base stations totally were very easy to
handover from 3G to 2G, These sites mainly located around the airport highway and
TRIPOLI, but also there were some sites locating in the places where there were
high internal call traffic volume in TRIPOLI (for example, Fatah University, Libya's
largest university). Fortunately, it was better for the border sites; the handover to 2G
was easy, which could ensure the success rate of handover from 3G to 2G and
reduced the call drop rate due to the handover from 3G to 2G; However, for the
places where had relative densely 3G sites within TRIPOLI, the frequent handover
from 3G to 2G would result in the loss of many users and a decline in traffic. For this
case there were 2 methods to suggest:
The first method was to remove the 2G neighbor cells of the base stations which
has relative high call traffic volume in TRIPOLI, and ensure the users within the city
reside in the 3G network, but this method would lead to that 3G could not handover
to 2G in case of call drop for the indoor places where the signal was not good.
The second method was to change the judgment method of different system event
from 3C Event Trigger to 3A Event Trigger" for cells of base stations which had

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relative high call traffic volume in TRIPOLI, which also could ensure that the users in
the city reside in the 3G network.
2. The judgment method of different system event was 3A Event Trigger", which
made the handover from 3G to 2G occur only when the 3G signal RSCP tested by
UE was below -95 dBm and the 2G signal RSCP was above -90 dBm, this method
was hard to achieve.
3. The current locations of 3A Event Trigger" sites and 3C Event Trigger sites in
RNC1 and RNC10 were disordered.
The locations are shown in the figure below.
Figure 5-1 Sites Locations of 3A Event Trigger and 3C Event Trigger

is 3A Event Trigger" site; is 3C Event Trigger site; is 3C Event Trigger with 2G neighbor
sites configured (56).
Experience
For the 3C Event Trigger sites with 2G neighbor sites configured, we determined to test
2 sites in the dense area, on 28
th
Aug we tested the 3C Event Trigger sites with 2G
neighbor sites configured, RNC10s TRI101W and RNC1s TRI119W, in the test process
we found that the RSCP on the ground is around from -81 dBm to -86 dBm, which met
the requirement in the contract, it is around from -90 dBm to -100dBm in the car when UE
is in the different locations, thus 3C event is easy to be triggered by compression mode,
so it is easy to enter 2G, as the dense areas are the sensitive places for the customer
and there are many users, the 3G signal is the room is easy to be below -95 dBm, and
the users often enter 2G, which will cause the dissatisfaction of the 3G users, so change
the judgment method of different system event from 3C Event Trigger to 3A Event
Trigger", which ensures that the users reside in the 3G network.

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5.3.2 Case 2
Phenomenon
3G neighbor cells were missed to configure for 2G, which resulted in the low call traffic
volume in the far 3G sites and no 3G signal.
Case analysis
To resolve the customer complaint, we added the site TRI358, the nearest 3G site from
the site was 16 km away, after the site operated normally, by observing KPI we found that
CS call traffic volume of each cell was lower, it was around 0.1 erl, and the customer
complained that there was no 3G signal, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 5-2 TRI358 Site Location

Problem location
Firstly we checked the cell parameters configuration in the 3G site, and there was no
error and alarm.
3G signal was normal by testing on site, and CS and PS services are normal.
For the test of inter-RAT handover, we found that 2G cannot handover to 3G, and it
We contacted with the engineer for 2G, and confirmed that the cell was missed to be
configured as neighbor cell in 2G.
The site was a single site, and there was only 2G site around within 16km, many local
users use 3G/2G terminals, the cell was missed to be configured as neighbor cell in 2G, it
caused that the cell phone in 2G cell cannot reselect to 3G cell, so the user complained
that there was no 3G signal, and there were few 3G users under the site.

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Solution
The configuration of 2G neighbor cell was completed and the problem was solved.
Experience
For the scenario of single 3G site or few sites, DO configure the 2G neighbor cells
reasonably, at the same time the information of 3G sites should also be configured
reasonably in 2G.
5.3.3 Case 3
Phenomenon
A failure 2G/3G handover case in Unicom of Chongqing Wanzhou
Case analysis
In the 2G/3G handover test, the cell phone did not hangover regularly, the data
configuration was correct by checking, but we found that no increment synchronization
was performed after data configuration, which led to the failure handover due to no data
issued to RNC.
Problem location
After the increment synchronization, the handover remained to fail, we captured the
signaling of RNC, and we knew that the 2G/3G handover switch of core network was not
enabled.
Solution
Perform increment synchronization for the data configuration, and issue the
configuration to RNC.
Enable the 2G/3G handover switch of core network
5.3.4 Case 4
Phenomenon
The success rate of 3G/2G handover was low due to the wrong configuration of neighbor
cell.
Case analysis
The success rate of handover for RNC1 was around 89%, after troubleshooting we found
that each of the three sectors in TRI119W was configured a wrong 2G neighbor cell, so
the success rates of handover were low for the site and the sites around, it was around

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18%, which resulted in that the success rate of handover was only 89% for the whole
network.
Problem location
1. We checked the handover parameters configuration of the relative sites, the
strategy was 3A event, the 2D threshold was -95dBm; the absolute threshold of the
cell was -95 dBm/-4; the absolute threshold of 2G cell was -90 dBm, so there was no
problem with the parameter configuration.
2. We checked the configuration of the neighbor cell, and found that a wrong 2G
neighbor cell TRI191 was configured for the site TRI119W, as shown in the figure
below.
Figure 5-3 Relative Location of TRI119W and TRI191

So far, the low success rate of handover was founded.
At the same time we found that TRI006W-1, TRI006W-3, TRI007W-1, TRI007W-2,
TRI007W-3 and TRI011W-3 were the 3G neighbor cells of TRI119W and the 3G cells in
the same active set could handover with the commutative 2G cells, so the success rates
of handover were low for these cells, too.
Solution
After the 2G neighbor cells of TRI119W were removed, the success rate of handover
increased to 93.5% for the whole network, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 5-4 Success Rate of Handover after Deleting 2G Neighbor Cells


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Experience
For the success rate of 3G/2G handover, we not only need to pay attention to the
neighbor cell of 3G cell , but also need to check whether the configuration of 2G neighbor
cell is correct as the neighbor cell of 3G cell.
5.3.5 Case 5
Phenomenon
The information of 2G LAC was missed in CN, which lead to the inter-RAT handover
cannot be performed.
Case analysis
For one new 3G site in Indonesia, the service was normal by testing, but the terminal
could not handover from 3G to 2G, finally the 3G signal turned to be weak and the call
was dropped. The information of 2G neighbor cell could be tested from TEMS; for the
handover between 2G/3G systems, generally we analyze it from the points below:
Missed/Wrong configuration for 2G neighbor cell
Problem of GSM network equipment
Problem of parameters (UEC, GSM) configuration
Problem location
1. We got the list of 2G neighbor cells from the customer and compared it with the
actual configuration, they were identical.
2. The number of sites without inter-RAT handover were around 4 or 5, the other sites
were normal, handed over to the cells under the same BSC, so the parameters
problem could be excluded; from the sites location figure we could see that, the sites
could not handover normally were from the same area, the related 2G sites
belonged to one LAC area, and there was no wrong configuration for LAC.
3. We traced the signaling of the cells which could not handover normally in the OMC
network management, and found that CN would fail to relocate directly each time
after RNC sent the request of relocation, as shown in the figure below.

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Figure 5-5 Relocation Failure

Figure 5-6 Signaling Flowchart of Inter-RAT Handover

From the signaling above we could find that after RNC sent the request of relocation, CN
refused directly, the reason was TRANAP_semantic_error, it is a kind of syntax error,
generally it is due to that the data does not match, so the problem was located at CN or
2G, finally the LAC codes of these related cells were not added in CN.
Solution
We created these LACs again in CN and the problem was solved, from OMC traffic
statistics, we could see the handover related specifications and the value of counter, the
figure below shows the chart of a typical site for inter-RAT handover.

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Figure 5-7 Inter-RAT Handover

Experience
If the GSM parameter were modified in the 2G system, the GSM parameters in the
3G system must be modified synchronously.
The problem analysis follows the principle from the whole to the part, and gradually
narrows the range until the problem is solved.
5.3.6 Case 6
Phenomenon
WCDMA system could not use PS and CS at the same time due to the configuration of
encryption algorithm in PS domain.
Case analysis
When a user used CS voice service firstly, then he used PS service simultaneously in the
process of calling, at this time the two services could be used at the same time; but when
the user used PS service first, and used CS voice service simultaneously (no matter
calling or called), the voice service could not be used, and it was busy tone in the
telephone, there was the RNAP_SECURITY_MODE_REJECT message in the traced
signaling.
Problem location
After the user used PS service first and made voice call simultaneously, there was the
RNAP_SECURITY_MODE_REJECT message found in the traced signaling, as shown in
the figure below.

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Figure 5-8 Failure Signaling of Security Mode

The detailed reason was as follows.
Figure 5-9 Value of Failure Reason

The value of failure reason showed that the latest issued integrity protection or encryption
information did not match the previous configuration; according to the analysis above, the
two services should be configured with different encryption algorithm; Then we checked
the encryption algorithm of each service separately: For PS: two encryption algorithms
were configured No Encryption and UEA1.
Figure 5-10 Encryption Algorithm for PS Service

For CS: Only one encryption algorithm UEA1 was configured here.
Figure 5-11 Encryption Algorithm for CS Service

According to the protocol:

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The CN initiates the procedure by sending the SECURITY MODE COMMAND message.
The message may contain the Encryption Information IE and shall contain the Integrity
Protection Information IE, specifying, in preferred order with the most preferred first in the
list, which ciphering, if any, and integrity protection algorithms may be used by the
UTRAN.
RNC will give priority to the first encryption algorithm in the list issued by core network.
The user first used PS service, so RNC chose the first encryption algorithm (No
Encryption) directly in the list issued by CN. Then at the same time he used voice service,
but UEC encryption algorithm for CS is UEA1. But before that RNC has recorded that the
user's encryption algorithm was No Encryption, then it was UEA1 at this time, the two
were founded to be different, so the RNAP_SECURITY_MODE_REJECT message was
issued, which led to that the voice service cannot be established. But PS service always
could be used.
Solution
We adjusted the order of encryption algorithm for PS service, ranked UEA1 at first as
follows.
Figure 5-12 Encryption Algorithm

Encryption algorithm UEA1 ranked first or only UEA1 was configured. When only using
only one service, no matter what encryption algorithm was configured for PS or CS, the
rejection phenomenon security mode would not appear, but there would be such problem
when using the concurrent services.
Experience
Why was it possible to use CS service first and then use PS service in the process of
calling? The reason is as follows:
For the case of using CS voice service, RNC will choose the first encryption algorithm
directly in the list issued by CN, and there is only one encryption algorithm UEA1. Then
use PS service in the process of calling, at this time RNC will not choose the first
encryption algorithm directly in the list issued by CN as above, because PS is not the first
service, so it will not choose the first encryption algorithm in the list, but it checks what
encryption algorithm has been configured for PS service and compares, then it finds that
UEA1 has indeed been configured for PS service, So PS is available. As the rule of RNC
choosing the first encryption algorithm in the list issued by CN, it is only for the first
service.

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