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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
Important Notice
This document is delivered subject to the following conditions and
restrictions:
* 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.
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.
Document name
Gateway Location Register Product Description V100.doc
Roaming Applications
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Table of Contents
1.
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................5
2.
2.1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................5
2.2
2.3
3.
3.1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................8
3.2
3.3
3.4
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
5.
6.
6.1
7.
Summary ...................................................................................................................................22
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Abbreviations
Roaming Applications
HLR
HPMN
HS
Handset
GLR
MS
Mobile Station
MSC
PLMN
SGSN
SRM
UL
Update Location
VLR
VPMN
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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.
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
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Roaming Applications
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2.3
2.3.1
Platform
* Based on a Telco-grade cabinet
* Standard software infrastructure Java and C++ languages, Linux
operating systems
2.3.2
2.3.3
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
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3.
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
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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:
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
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Figure 7 depicts the call flow of the second and further updateLocation
Procedures in the Network:
3.3.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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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:
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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
Roaming Applications
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4.3.1
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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
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6.
Roaming Applications
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6.1
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Roaming Applications
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7.
7.1
Location Registration
7.1.1
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
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
7.1.5
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2. Therefore the location updating procedure is initiated toward the HLR for
this handling.
7.1.6
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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
GLR
Update Location
VLR number
HLR
If
difference
is
Restore Data
GLR number
Insert Sub. Data
CAMEL sub. Info.
Insert Sub. Data ack
7.2
Update Location
7.2.1
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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
SC
SMSIWMSC
HLR
GLR
MSC
VLR
SGSN
MS
RA Update
UpdateGprsLocation
ReadyForSM
alertServiceCentre
ServiceCentreAler
t
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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.
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.
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
5. Update Location or
Update GPRS Location
Second and
Further
Location
Updating
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
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
4. Update Location
5. Insert Subscriber Data
6. Insert Subscriber Data ack
the MSC area
restricted flag
is cleared
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.
*
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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
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
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(*))
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
2. Restore Data
3. Insert Subscriber Data
3. Insert Subscriber Data ack
4. Restore Data ack
8.
Purge MS Procedure
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
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