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Roaming Applications

Gateway Location Register

This material describing Starhome is for general information purposes and may be modified by Starhome at any
time without notice. This material is the proprietary and/or confidential information of Starhome, and may not be
disclosed, copied or transferred to any third party without Starhome's prior express consent. Starhome, its logo
and service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Starhome GmbH. All other marks are the property
of their respective holders.
Copyright 2002-2007 Starhome. All rights reserved.
Operator

February 2007

Gateway Location Register

Important Notice
This document is delivered subject to the following conditions and
restrictions:

* This document contains proprietary and/or confidential information


belonging to Starhome.

* Any unauthorized reproduction (electronic or mechanical), use, or

disclosure of this material, or any part thereof, is strictly prohibited. The


contents of this document or any part thereof may be used solely for the
purpose for which they are provided.

* This document is intended solely for the use of entities expressly


authorized by Starhome.

* Material describing Starhome is for general information purposes and


may be modified by Starhome at any time without notice.

* The text and graphics are for the purpose of illustration and reference

only. The specifications on which they are based are subject to change
without notice.

* Corporate and individual names and data used in examples herein are
fictitious unless otherwise noted.

* The information disclosed in this document is disclosed on an as is

basis, and Starhome shall not be liable for the accuracy or completeness
thereof.

* The system and the software described in this guide are furnished under

a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of
this license.

Copyright 2002-2007 Starhome. All rights reserved.


All company and brand products and service names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Document name
Gateway Location Register Product Description V100.doc

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Table of Contents
1.

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................5

2.

Starhomes Gateway Location Register ..............................................................................5

2.1

Overview .......................................................................................................................................5

2.2

Gateway Location Register.........................................................................................................5

2.3

IntelliGate Roaming SDP ........................................................................................................7


2.3.1
Platform .........................................................................................................................7
2.3.2
Mobile Network Interface............................................................................................7
2.3.3
Roaming Common Building Blocks ..........................................................................7
2.3.4
Operator Benefits.........................................................................................................7

3.

GLR Functional Description...................................................................................................8

3.1

Overview .......................................................................................................................................8

3.2

Service Node Architecture..........................................................................................................8

3.3

Service Functionality ..................................................................................................................9


3.3.1
Registration of subscribers changing VLR/SGSN within the Operators
network..........................................................................................................................9
3.3.2
Handling of Other MAP Operations ........................................................................10

3.4

Leakage Identifier ......................................................................................................................11

4.

Intelligent Application...........................................................................................................14

4.1

Overview .....................................................................................................................................14

4.2

Service Profiles...........................................................................................................................14
4.2.1
Country Profile ...........................................................................................................14
4.2.2
Network Profile ...........................................................................................................14

4.3

Web Provisioning Interface ......................................................................................................14


4.3.1
WEB Provisioning Screen Shots ..............................................................................15

5.

GLR Platform ............................................................................................................................17

6.

GLR Reporting Tools ..............................................................................................................19

6.1

GLR Reports Snapshots ...........................................................................................................20

7.

Summary ...................................................................................................................................22

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Figure 1: Conceptual GLR Architecture.............................................................................................6


Figure 2: Service Node Concept ..........................................................................................................8
Figure 3: Second and Further Location Updating Procedure in the Network ...........................10
Figure 4: Leakage Identifier Signaling Flow ....................................................................................11
Figure 5: Provisioning: Configuration Screen .................................................................................15
Figure 6: Provisioning: Actual Inbound Roaming Distribution....................................................16

Abbreviations

Roaming Applications

HLR

Home Location Register

HPMN

Home Public Mobile Network

HS

Handset

GLR

Gateway Location Register

MS

Mobile Station

MSC

Mobile Switching Center

PLMN

Public Land Mobile Network

SGSN

Serving GPRS Support Node

SRM

Signaling Relay Module

UL

Update Location

VLR

Visited Location Register

VPMN

Visited Public Mobile Network

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1.

Introduction
As the mobile telecom market becomes more and more competitive, mobile
network operators are looking for revenue assurance by enlarging their
inbound roaming revenue while lowering their cost.
The inbound market provides the VPMN operator the majority of total
roaming revenue, therefore the control of number of inbound roamers
become more and more crucial.
To help enable operators lower cost and optimize inbound roaming traffic
Starhome provides its Gateway Location Register (GLR) product.

2.

Starhomes Gateway Location Register

2.1

Overview
Starhomes solution for inbound management is based on the functionality
of the 3GPP Gateway Location Register Node GLR (3GPP 29.120 & 23.119).
The GLR provides the VPMN the ability to significantly reduce the amount of
signaling messages sent to its signaling provider, towards other HPMNs,
therefore reducing its expenses. This eventually provides the ability to take
control of the inbound roamers activities within the network. In addition it
provides a set of tools enabling the inbound roamer to register in the
network, regardless of other decisions made by the HPMN.

2.2

Gateway Location Register


The GLR is a node between the VLR and/or SGSN and the HLR, which may
be used to optimize the location updating and the handling of subscriber
profile data across network boundaries. When a subscriber is roaming, the
GLR functions as the HLR towards the VLR and SGSN in the visited network,
and as the VLR and SGSN towards the HLR in the home network.
Figure 1 below depicts the conceptual architecture of the Gateway Location
Register.

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Figure 1: Conceptual GLR Architecture

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2.3

IntelliGate Roaming SDP


The IntelliGateTM Roaming Service Delivery Platform (RSDP) is designed to
efficiently provide multiple roaming services. The modular design, together
with common building blocks, facilitates rapid deployment and delivery of
voice and data roaming applications. Based on independent distributed
process architecture, the IntelliGate offers maximum scalability, enhanced
fault tolerance and optimal performance.
The IntelliGate platform architecture is comprised of the following layers:

2.3.1

Platform
* Based on a Telco-grade cabinet
* Standard software infrastructure Java and C++ languages, Linux
operating systems

* Monitoring uses standard HPoV and other technologies


* Billing utilizes standard tools and interface supporting TAP and other
standards

2.3.2

Mobile Network Interface


A variety of external interfaces support any voice or data mobile application
including: SS#7 MAP, IN, ISUP protocols and variants, IP protocols, Mobile
Data, SMS protocols, MMS protocols, OSA and management tools.

2.3.3

Roaming Common Building Blocks


This layer provides the common software building blocks required for the
delivery and deployment of any roaming application including: trigger
analysis, data covering, subscriber data and visit management.

2.3.4

Operator Benefits
* Field proven platform with more than 75 installations world wide
* Enables quick deployment of new roaming services resulting in faster ROI
* Dozens of existing applications for VHE, roaming optimization and
infotainment

* Provides low risk integration with mobile networks using existing


validated interfaces

* Optimizes network costs by leveraging common service resources to


deploy new services

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3.

GLR Functional Description

3.1

Overview
The GLR solution is based on SS7 network. As handsets of all types adhere
to the GSM standard in regards to the basic network selection process, this
solution is completely handset independent.
The GLR intercepts all MAP traffic sent from Operators VLR/SGSN to the
Home networks, whenever an inbound roamer turns the HS on, enters the
network or moves from one VLR/SGSN to another.
The solution is comprised of an IntelliGate-based application integrated to
Operators network as a Signaling Relay.

3.2

Service Node Architecture


The IntelliGate is connected in a parallel mode, functioning as a standard
Service Node platform.
As the IntelliGate controls the outgoing and incoming MAP traffic, the
GMSC/GSTP of Operator routes the international MAP traffic to the
IntelliGate Roaming SDP prior to sending it to the international STP. This
traffic is then sent to the STP for further processing.

Figure 2: Service Node Concept

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3.3

Service Functionality
Once a subscriber selects an Operators network, the GLR starts to optimize
the signaling traffic and keep the subscriber in the Operators network.
Upon receiving the UpdateLocation, the GLR checks the IMSI attempting the
registration, and operates in accordance with the following operation modes:

* 1st time registration in Operators network; subscriber arrives from HPMN


or from another network (from the same or different country)

* Registration of subscribers changing VLR/SGSN within Operators


network

In addition, the GLR maintains other relevant MAP messages between HLR
and VLR/SGSN per each specific IMSI, such as MT Calls, SMS MO&MT,
USSD and other subscriber related services, and manages the VLR/SGSN
addressing in front of the HPMN, all the above according 3GPP
recommendations.

3.3.1

Registration of subscribers changing VLR/SGSN within the


Operators network
As the IntelliGate functions as a standard GLR, it controls all location
updates generated by the inbound roamers.
When the IntelliGate receives an updateLocation message from a newly
visited VLR/SGSN, it stores the subscriber information for the user (i.e., at
second or further location update to the IntelliGate). The IntelliGate stores
the new VLR Number and new serving MSC Number included in the received
message.
Thereafter, the IntelliGate initiates insertSubscriberData procedure and
Cancel Location procedure, based on the most updated subscriber data
(stored from previous update procedure). Following these procedures, the
IntelliGate replies to updateLocation message from the VLR.
When these events have concluded, the subscriber will have successfully
changed its location, and the HLR will not be updated. With this operation,
the IntelliGate avoids a possible network redirection to happen.
In addition, the IntelliGate performs other GLR MAP procedures such as
VLR/SGSN subscriber location management, and activates the GLR
functionality, as specified in the 3GPP recommendations for Gateway
Location Register.

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Figure 7 depicts the call flow of the second and further updateLocation
Procedures in the Network:

Figure 3: Second and Further Location Updating Procedure in the Network

3.3.2

Handling of Other MAP Operations


The IntelliGate will continue to maintain other MAP operations. The
IntelliGate will route the relevant messages towards the active VLR/SGSN
and on the other side to the HLR.
Starhomes GLR ALSO supports other MAP procedures to maintain full MAP
standard and service continuity. The following procedures are supported in
the GLR functionality:

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Location Updating Procedures


Unsupported Services Procedures
Restoration of subscriber data in a new VLR
CAMEL Phases Interaction support
Short Message Service
Retrieval of routing information procedures
Packet Switched Service Procedures
Regional Restriction Procedures
Recovery and Restoration Procedures

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3.4

Leakage Identifier
The cell Leakage Identifier is an optional report, integrated with the GLR
solution, which provides the VPMN the ability to identify from which location
the inbound roamers are leaving its network to the benefit of one of the
competing networks in country.
This report provides resolution per Cell ID within a specific VLR the inbound
roamer left from and the exact MSC number of the competing network.
The Cell Leakage Identifier is based on several signaling messages flow which
allows the GLR service to identify the leakage scenario and collect
information accordingly.
The VPMN can collect information on real-time or on history basis in order to
be able to optimize its network radio coverage based on the results of this
reports.
The results of Cell Leakage Identifier are provided in Business Objects report
generation tool.
The following flow describes the logic of Cell Leakage Identifier functionality:

Figure 4: Leakage Identifier Signaling Flow

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The following report is generated as an output of the Leakage Identifier:

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4.

Intelligent Application

4.1

Overview
The GLR solution is controlled by an application and user-friendly
provisioning tool enabling Operator to configure the behavior of the solution
- in accordance with its marketing and technical strategies - those using the
signaling sophisticated mechanisms to act as a standard GLR platform.

4.2

Service Profiles

4.2.1

Country Profile
Operator will be able to configure, per home country, whether to activate or
deactivate the Gateway Location Manager Service. When deactivating the
service for a certain country, the application will relay all registration
attempts. Operator will also be able to apply different profiles to different
countries.

4.2.2

Network Profile
Operator is able to configure, per visited network, whether to activate or
deactivate the Gateway Location Register Service. When deactivating the
application for a certain network, the application will accept all registration
attempts, regardless of any pre-configured decision parameters.
Operator is also able to apply different profiles to different networks.

4.3

Web Provisioning Interface


The GLR service is equipped with Starhomes standard web provisioning tool,
which allows online control and reporting capabilities related specifically to
this service.

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4.3.1

WEB Provisioning Screen Shots

Figure 5: Provisioning: Configuration Screen

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Figure 6: Provisioning: Actual Inbound Roaming Distribution

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5.

GLR Platform
The GLR platform is designed as a high availability platform.
The platform is offered in Dual-Node or Quad-Node clustering architecture
based on the customer requirements and its network load.
The GLR is operated as Active-Active node while working in load sharing. In
addition the GLR can be operated in Host-Standby architecture in addition
to the standard load sharing across the nodes.
The GLR platform consists the following main elements:
MTP & SCCP SS7 stacks Ulticoms based product that operates in loadsharing clustering mode between the platforms

* Front End Process (FEP) a process which provides enhanced STP and

SCCP GW capabilities, for example:


SCCP Called Party routing decisions
SCCP Calling Party routing decisions
MAP Operation Code routing decisions etc.
* GLR the GLR application process that is deployed across the platforms
in dual process structure or quad process structure for enhanced loadsharing capabilities
* MAP and TCAP Libreries
The following architecture shows the GLR solution in Dual-Node solution

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The following architecture shows the GLR solution in Quad-Node solution,


while signaling activities and GLR application activities are shredded
between the platforms.

Due to the modular architecture of the GLR it can be configure to address:

* Higher capacity needs by multiplying the clusters deployed (8 Nodes, 12


Nodes etc.)

* Geographical redundancy solution between sites for a single operator


solutions, group operator solution or signaling provider solution.

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6.

GLR Reporting Tools


The GLR service is equipped with an optional reporting tool based on
Business Objects.
The reporting tool provides the customer the ability to generate history based
reports that provide information about the inbound roamers activities in the
networks.
The following reports are included:

* Inbound roaming distribution - The report shows the current

distribution of roamers per HPMN and the rate of success registration


attempts out of total attempts.
The report can be filtered per Home Country / Home Network / All and
per Date (Day/Week/Month/Year)
The report generation can be in Table / Graph
* Number of Update Location GSM - Counts the total number of GSM
LUs during a period of time.
The report can be filtered per Home Network / All and per Date
(Day/Week/Month/Year)
The report generation can be in Table / Graph
* Number of Update Location GSM sent to HLR / Managed locally by
GLR
The report can be filtered per Home Network / All and per Date
(Day/Week/Month/Year)
The report generation can be in Table / Graph
* Leakage Identifier Report [Optional]
The report provides information about leakage of inbound roamers
from the VPMN, on Cell ID resolution to a competing or neighboring
network
The report can be filtered per Home Network / All and per Date
(Day/Week/Month/Year)
The report generation can be in Table / Graph

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6.1

GLR Reports Snapshots

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7.

GLR Call Flows

7.1

Location Registration

7.1.1

1st Location updating procedure in the VPMN

1. When the GLR receives an Update Location message from a VLR and does
not hold the subscribers information for the user (i.e. at first location
updating to the GLR), the GLR:
* Stores the VLR Number and serving MSC Number included in the received
message, and Sends an Update Location message to the HLR with the GLR
Number as VLR Number, and as MSC Number.
2. The HLR stores the GLR Number from received message as respectively
VLR Number and serving MSC Number. Thereafter the HLR initiates insert
subscriber data procedure and cancel location procedure.
3. When the GLR receives Insert Subscriber Data message from the HLR, the
GLR stores the subscribers information in the message and transport it to
the VLR.
4. After these procedures, the HLR replies to an Update Location message
from the GLR and the GLR transports the response to the VLR.

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7.1.2

Second and further Location Updating procedure in the


VPMN

5. When the GLR receives an Update Location message from newly visited
VLR and holds the subscriber information for the user (i.e. at second or
further location updating to the GLR), the GLR stores the new VLR Number
and new serving MSC Number included in the received message.
6. Thereafter the GLR initiates insert subscriber data procedure and cancel
location procedure.
7. After these procedures, the GLR replies to an Update Location message
from the VLR.

7.1.3

LMSI Handling
The LMSI is a Local Mobile Station Identity that the VLR allocates to each
IMSI. The VLR can send the LMSI within the updateLocation message
towards the HLR side.
As the GLR handles several VLRs within the VPMN and there might be a
case, in which 2 VLRs allocated the same LMSI number (each one to a
different IMSI), the GLR will need to manage this.
This section refers only to the interaction of VLR. SGSN will not use LMSI.
8. On location updating the VLR creates and allocates the LMSI number
(denote LMSIv) for the user and sends it to the GLR in Update Location
message.
9. When the GLR receives the message, it creates and allocates another
LMSI number (denote LMSIg) and associates LMSIg with received LMSIv.
10.
The GLR notifies LMSIg to the HLR sending updateLocation message.
(only on first registration)
11.
The GLR, on receipt of a message, shall translate the LMSIg to
LMSIv and send it to the associated VLR.

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7.1.4

Unsupported Services Procedure


The procedure can be used to handle the case where the VLR does not
support the full set of services required by the user.
1. When the GLR receives the insertSubscriberData Acknowledge message
indicating Service Not Supported, it initiates the location updating
procedure toward the HLR.
2. The HLR takes some appropriate reaction (e.g. initiates service
substitution or roaming restriction etc.) and determines whether to accept
the location updating request or not for the user. The HLR generates a new
profile (i.e. the profile after service substitution), which must be forwarded by
the GLR to the VLR.
3. The GLR must also maintain a copy of the actual service profile for the
subscriber (i.e. the profile before service substitution). This profile shall be
used in each new Location Updating procedure.

7.1.5

Restoration of subscriber data in a new VLR


1. When the user returns to an MSC/SGSN area that is not restricted due to
regional subscription or an area that supports the services subscribed, the
GLR identifies the need to notify the HLR of the return.

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2. Therefore the location updating procedure is initiated toward the HLR for
this handling.

7.1.6

CAMEL Phases Interaction support


This section refers to the case where the subscriber IMSI is valid and the
subscriber has indication of CAMEL service (i.e. O-CSI, SS-CSI etc.)
In case the IMSI has no CAMEL records from previous received
insertSubscriberData messages this section is not relevant and should be
skipped.
It is possible that all the VLRs within a VPLMN do not support the same
phase of CAMEL. This could happen in the case of an incremental upgrade
of these VLRs within the VPLMN. In this case, it is possible that the HLR
may receive frequent changes of the CAMEL supported phase information in
the updateLocation request message from the GLR. The effect is that the HLR
would perceive the GLR as a VLR that changes its CAMEL supported phase.
1. When the GLR receives the updateLocation request message from the
subscriber, the GLR checks that the CAMEL supported phase it previously

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received for that subscriber matches the CAMEL supported phase carried by
updateLocation request message.
2. If a difference is detected, the GLR sends restoreData (updateLocation in
3GPP reference [16]) to the HLR indicating the relevant CAMEL phase in
order to obtain the proper CAMEL subscription information that corresponds
to the current VLR.
3. In order to perform this scenario, the CAMEL supported phase
information needs to be added to the IMSI record in GLR table.

MS

VLR

Location update req.

GLR

Update Location
VLR number

Store the received CAMEL


Supported phase information

HLR

Compare the CAMEL Supported


phase between that held in the
GLR and newly received in the
MAP LU

If

difference

is

Restore Data
GLR number
Insert Sub. Data
CAMEL sub. Info.
Insert Sub. Data ack

Location update conf.

7.2

Update Location

Insert Sub. Data


CAMEL sub. Info.

Insert Sub. Data ack


Restore Data

Short Message Service


The support of Short Message Service is relevant only to Mobile Terminated
SMS sent to inbound roamers.
The GLR shall control the MTForwardSM messages sent to MSC or the
SGSN.
Note: The following section describes the required functionality related to the
GLR. For 3GPP specific SMS scenarios handling, refer to reference [16].

7.2.1

Functionality of the GLR


1. When receiving a short message from the SMS-GMSC the GLR is
responsible for the following operations:
* Retrieve the MSC / SGSN Number from the identity of the recipient MS;

Transferring the short message to the MSC / SGSN.


2. Other MAP messages related to the SMS service shall be relayed to the far
end.

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Specific SMS scenarios related to GLR functionality

Description:
1. The following scenarios provide information about the MNRF, MNRG and
MCEF flags, with interaction of GLR and MS reach-ability.
2. The GLR shall have only the MNRF and the MNRG for the MessageWaiting. The GLR does not have other datum for the Message-Waiting service
element.
o MS Not-Reachable Set Flag
Required Functionality:
The MNRG and MNRF in the GLR are set in the following way:
1. When the GLR identifies that a response message to MTForwardSM is
having an error cause equal to Absent Subscriber.
o

a.

The MNRF flag is set when the MTForwardSM was sent to a VLR

b.

The MNRG flag is set when the MTForwardSM was sent to a SGSN
o MS No-Reachable Clear Flag
Required Functionality:
The MNRG and MNRF in the GLR are cleared in the following way:
1. When the GLR that a response message to MTForwardSM is having an
error cause equal to MS Memory Capacity Exceeded.

a.

The MNRF flag is cleared when the MTForwardSM was sent to a VLR

b.

The MNRG flag is cleared when the MTForwardSM was sent to a SGSN

o
2. The GLR Receives a readyForSM message from the VLR indicating MS is
reachable and available for receiving MT Short Message.
The following 2 flows depict the scenario of MNRF/MNRG Clear by the GLR:

SC

SMSGMSC

HLR

GLR

MSC

VLR

SGSN

MS

ReadyForSM
ReadyForSM
alertServiceCentre
ServiceCentreAler
t

Figure 7: The alert procedure when the MS becomes reachable, MNRF is set

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SC

SMSGMSC

HLR

GLR

MSC

VLR

SGSN

MS

ReadyForSM
ReadyForSM
alertServiceCentre
ServiceCentreAler
t

Figure 8: The alert procedure when the MS becomes reachable, MNRG is set
3. When the GLR receives updateLocation or updateGPRSLocation the GLR
shall invoke readyForSM to the HLR if and only if MNRF or MNRG is set.

SC

SMSIWMSC

HLR

GLR

MSC

VLR

SGSN

MS

LA Update
UpdateLocation
ReadyForSM
alertServiceCentre
ServiceCentreAler
t

Figure 9: Alert procedure; GLR receives UpdateLocation,


MNRF or MNRG is set

SC

SMSIWMSC

HLR

GLR

MSC

VLR

SGSN

MS

RA Update
UpdateGprsLocation
ReadyForSM
alertServiceCentre
ServiceCentreAler
t

Figure 10: Alert procedure; GLR receives UpdateGPRSLocation,


MNRF or MNRG is set
Packet Switched Service Procedures
Description:

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1. The GLR shall handle only MAP signaling messages related to GPRS.
2. All GTP signaling messages shall be handled directly between the GGSN
and the SGSN.
o

a.
The SGSN Address (IP Address) within the updateGPRSLocation message
is not translated and maintained as originally sent by the SGSN (changed and
modified by GLR in 3GPP reference [16]). Only SGSN Number (Global Title) is
translated to the GLR Number.

GPRS Attach Procedure

Required Functionality:
This shall be handles as the GSM updateLocation and cancelLocation
handling. For the specific procedure requirements refer to section Error!
Reference source not found..
Regional Restriction Procedure
Description:
In the case that GLR is introduced, during second and subsequent location
updating, there is no interaction between the GLR and the HLR. However,
the regional restriction service needs the location updating procedure
towards the HLR.

MS Enters a Restricted Area

Required Functionality:
1. The GLR shall store the Zone Code List sent by the HLR in the
insertSubscriberData message.
2. On the location updates the GLR sends its stored Zone Code list to the
VLR and/or SGSN.
3. The GLR stores also the MSC area restricted flag and/or the SGSN area
restricted flag. These flags are set False if the location updating procedure
executed successfully.
4. When the GLR receives the insertSubscriberData Acknowledge message
indicating MSC area restricted or SGSN area restricted and the
MSC/SGSN area restricted flag is set as False, the GLR initiates the
location updating procedure toward the HLR.
5. In addition, the GLR sets the MSC/SGSN area restricted flag True.
6. Also, the HLR sets the MSC/SGSN area restricted flag True, and the
location updating for the IMSI is rejected.
7. These flags contribute to the MS Not Reachable state for handling of
terminating traffic (i.e. mobile terminated call and mobile terminated SMS
and so on) in the HLR.

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Visited NW
old VLR/
old SGSN

Home NW
GLR

new VLR/
new SGSN

1. Update Location
or Update GPRS Location

HLR
2. Update Location
or Update GPRS Location
3. Insert Subscriber Data
(Zone Code List)

Store
Zone Code List

First Location
Updating

4. Insert Subscriber Data


(Zone Code List)

5. Update Location or
Update GPRS Location
Second and
Further
Location
Updating

6. Insert Subscriber Data


(Zone Code List)
Aware of whole new
MSC area restricted

7. Insert Subscriber Data ack


(MSC area restricted)
Identifies restricted and
Decides to initiate UL

8. Update Location or
Update GPRS Location
9. Insert Subscriber Data
10. Insert Subscriber Data ack
(MSC area restricted)
the MSC area
restricted flag
is set

12. Update Location ack or


Update GPRS Location ack
(Rejected)

11. Update Location ack or


Update GPRS Location ack
(Rejected)

Figure 11: Regional Restriction Procedure (MS Enters a restricted Area)

MS Leave the Restricted Area

Required Functionality:
1. When the GLR receives the insertSubscriberData ACK message indicating
MSC/SGSN area restricted and the MSC/SGSN area restricted flag is set
as True, The GLR rejects the location updating procedure for the IMSI. No
interaction with the HLR is needed.
2. When the user returns to an MSC area that is not restricted due to
regional subscription, i.e., when the GLR receives the insertSubscriberData
ACK message NOT indicating MSC/SGSN area restricted and the
MSC/SGSN area restricted flag is set as True, the GLR initiates the
location updating procedure toward the HLR.
3. In addition, the GLR sets the MSC/SGSN area restricted flag False.

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Visited NW
VLROLD

Home NW

VLRNEW

GLR

HLR

The Regional Restriction Procedure was initiated on location updating


In the previously visited VLR
1. Update Location
2. Insert Subscriber Data
(Zone Code List)
Aware of Not whole
new MSC area
restricted

3. Insert Subscriber Data ack


Identifies No more restricted
and Decides to initiate UL

4. Update Location
5. Insert Subscriber Data
6. Insert Subscriber Data ack
the MSC area
restricted flag
is cleared

8. Update Location ack

7. Update Location ack

Figure 12: Regional Restriction Procedure (MS leaves the restricted area)
Recovery and Restoration Procedures

GLR Failure/Restart

The StarHome GLR should conform to the section 7.6.1 of the document
[16].
o VLR/SGSN number retrieve for unknown IMSI
On receiving of provideRoamingNumber or MTForwardSM for which the iMSI
is not found neither in the server memory nor in the persistent storage, the
GLR should send MTForwardSM with SMS Type 0 to each one of the
network VLRs/SGSNs (only in case of initial MTForwardSM sent to SGSN).
The GLR should start sending SMS type 0 to the VLR corresponding to the
GLR GT received in the SCCP called address of the PRN/MT_FSM.
Based on the MTForwardSM response the GLR should determine the VLR in
which the subscriber is attached. This is achieved by the response to the
SMS Type 0 message.
*

Roaming Applications

Positive response Subscriber is attached

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*
Negative response (i.e. Absent Subscriber) Subscriber is not in this
VLR area.
By receiving the Positive response, the GLR should update the VLR/SGSN
number in its Memory and in the persistent storage and relay the
provideRoamingNumber or initial MTForwardSMto the VLR/SGSN.
The ISD information remains missing.
By receiving a new UL/UL_GPRS from the same subscriber, The GLR shall
do the following

Initiate a RESTORE_DATA session to the HLR

Update the ISD information and HLR_number parameter

Forward the ISD message to the new VLR/SGSN

Visited NW

Home NW

VLR

GLR

HLR
1. Provide Roaming Number

2. MTForwardSM [Type 0]
3. MTForwardSM positive ack
4. Provide Roaming Number
5. Provide Roaming Number ack

6. Provide Roaming Number ack

Figure 13: VLR/SGSN number Retrieve for unknown IMSI

HLR Restart/Failure

Description:
In the case of HLR restart when the GLR receives a Reset message from a
HLR, it marks all subscriber records for which the HLR Number matches the
HLR Number received in the Reset message and relay the Reset message to
the associated VLR.
Required Functionality:
1. When the HLR restart occurs and the GLR receives a Reset message, the
GLR identifies affected users by received HLR number and sets the indicator
(LSIC) not confirmed for the users.
* If the HLR included an HLR ID list [MCC+MNC+MSIN] in the Reset
message, then only those subscriber records for which the leading digits of
the IMSI match one of the HLR-IDs in the HLR-ID list will be marked.

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*
If the HLR does not includes an HLR-ID list in the Reset message, the
GLR shall add this information when the data shall be the MCC+MNC of the
invoking HLR (converting the CC+NDC to MCC+MNC)
2. The GLR sends Reset messages to the VLR/SGSN where the affected
users are roaming. The Reset message includes the GLR number as HLR
number and HLR-ID list if the GLR receives it from the HLR. Receiving
VLR/SGSN may regard the users as affected by HLR number or HLR-ID list
(if present).
3. When the affected user accesses the network, the VLR/SGSN initiates an
updateLocation procedure to the GLR. If the GLR identifies that the indicator
(LSIC) set to not confirmed for the user, it relays the message to the HLR.
4. When the HLR receives the updateLocation message, it initiates the
insertSubscriberData procedure. During the procedure the GLR relays the
messages between the serving node and HLR transparently.
5. When the VLR/SGSN receives the updateLocation ACK message, the
restoration procedure is completed.
6. The GLR sets the LSIC to Comfirmed
Visited NW

Home NW
GLR

VLR

HLR
Restart
1. Reset (HLR No, HLR id List(*))

Mark subscriber records


for all affected users
2. Reset (GLR No, HLR id List(*))

The VLR received Mobile Originated Activity/Location Updating Request


Or Mobile Terminated Request
3. Update Location
Identify this registration
comes form affected user
3. Update Location
4. Insert Subscriber Data

4. Insert Subscriber Data

4. Insert Subscriber Data ack

4. Insert Subscriber Data ack

5. Update Location ack

5. Update Location ack

(*) This parameter is optionally provided by HLR

Figure 14: HLR Reset

VLR Failure/Restart

Description:
In the case of VLR restart, the VLR retrieves subscriber data from the GLR to
recover its database.

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Required Functionality:
1. When the VLR receives provideRoamingNumber message, it identifies that
no IMSI record exists and creates a skeleton IMSI record and returns the
provideRoamingNumber ACK message with MSRN to the HLR via the GLR.
The GLR only relays these messages.
2. The VLR also sends the restoreData message to the GLR when it identifies
that no IMSI record exists in order to recover subscriber record for the IMSI.
3. The GLR that receives the message initiates insert subscriber procedure
to the VLR.
4. The recovery of IMSI record in the VLR is completed after it receives
restoreData ACK message.
Visited NW

Home NW

VLR

GLR

HLR

Restart
1. Provide Roaming Number
1. Provide Roaming Number ack

1. Provide Roaming Number


1. Provide Roaming Number ack

2. Restore Data
3. Insert Subscriber Data
3. Insert Subscriber Data ack
4. Restore Data ack

Figure 15: VLR Reset


oOther MAP Procedures
The following MAP procedures shall be handled by the GLR when only the
Address Translation and Message Relaying functions are active (no specific
session handling is required):

8.

Authentication Information Retrieval procedure

Subscriber Data management procedure

Supplementary services procedures

Purge MS Procedure

Subscriber and Equipment Trace

Summary
Starhomes Gateway Location Register service provides a comprehensive and
flexible set of tools allowing the visited mobile network operator to control its
inbound roaming community in the best optimized way while reducing
signaling costs. The service activates operations to keep the visitor in the

Roaming Applications

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Gateway Location Register

network as much as possible, while following the 3GPP recommendations for


Gateway Location register.

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