LTE Procedures

Objectives
Describe the cell search procedure.

Describe the RRC UE states and state transitions.
Describe the system information broadcast procedure.
Describe UE and E-UTRA measurement types.
Describe the idle mode procedures.
Describe the random access procedure.
Describe the state characteristics of RRC.
Describe the NAS protocol states and state transitions.
Describe the network attach procedure.
Describe the LTE pooling relationships.
Describe the LTE mobile identities.
Describe the tracking area identities.
Describe the initial context setup procedures.
Describe the intra MME/S-GW handover.
Describe the inter MME/S-GW handover.
9-3
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Cell Search Procedure
Cell Search Procedure
Cell search is the procedure by which a UE acquires its frequency reference, frame timing, and the Fast
Fourier Transform (FFT) symbol timing with the (best) cell, and also to identify the cell ID.. A scalable
overall transmission bandwidth corresponding to 6 resource blocks and upwards is supported within the
E-UTRA, therefore it doesnt matter whether 20 MHz or 1.4 MHz is used as the 6 resource blocks can
t within any of the supported bandwidths.
Acquiring P-SCH and S-SCH
On power up the UE will scan the available LTE frequencies and detect the center frequencies of the
bandwidth being used by the network(s). To be more specic the center 1.25 MHz bandwidth which
corresponds to 72 subcarriers (or 6 PRBs) and there the UE will nd the P-SCH, S-SCH and PBCH.
There are 504 unique physical layer cell identities available, these are grouped into 168 unique physical
layer group identities with each group containing three unique orthogonal physical layer identities.
Therefore a physical layer identity is identied by a number between 0167 representing the cell identity
group and a number in the range 02 representing the physical layer identity within the physical layer
identity groups.
Two channels are used to achieve this, the P-SCH and S-SCH. The P-SCH uses the same OFDM
waveform for all cells over 72 subcarriers and this is used for SCH symbol timing and frequency
acquisition. A S-SCH is used to determine the cell group ID where the three cell IDs relevant to
that group can be detected using reference symbols for correlation detections, where the maximum
correlation peak is obtained for the correct physical cell ID. This vastly reduces the amount of correlation
detections the UE has to do from 504 to 3.
A one-to-one mapping between the 3 Cell IDs in each Cell ID group and downlink reference signals are
applied in the system. By processing the downlink reference signals, the cell ID (one out of 3) is derived
within the cell ID group.
The physical cell id will give a unique combination of one orthogonal sequence and one pseudo-random
sequence. It is then possible to decode the PBCH and therefore decode the Master Information Block
(MIB).
3GPP TS 36.211 V8.1.0 (200711) Physical Channels and Modulation
9-4
LTE
Cell Search Procedure Version 1 Rev 2
Cell Search Procedure
4. The three cell IDs relevant to
that group can be detected
using reference symbols
from the downlink reference
signals for correlation
detections
2. P-SCH - SCH symbol timing
and frequency acquisition
3. S-SCH - cell group ID
1. There are 504 unique physical layer cell
identities available, these are grouped
into 168 unique physical layer group
identities with each group containing
three unique physical layer identities.
9-5
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 RRC UE States and State Transitions
RRC UE States and State Transitions
When the UE is rst switched on it will acquire the physical cell ID of a cell. At this time it will have
no RRC connection (or any other type) with the eNB, the UE is then said to be in RRC_IDLE state. If
the UE establishes a connection with the cell it will do it via RRC messages and hence it will move into
RRC_CONNECTED state.
RRC_IDLE State
The RRC_IDLE state can be characterised as follows:
Transfer of broadcast/multicast data to the UE.
A UE specic DRX maybe congured by the upper layers.
UE controlled mobility.
The UE will:
Monitor a paging channel to detect incoming calls.
Performs neighbour cell measurements and cell (re-) selections.
Acquires system information.
RRC_CONNECTED State
The RRC_CONNECTED state can be characterised as follows:
Transfer of unicast data to/from UE, transfer of broadcast/multicast data to the UE.
At the lower layers, the UE maybe congured with a UE specic DRX/DTX.
Network controlled mobility.
The UE will:
Monitor control channels associated with the shared data channel to determine if data is
scheduled for it.
Provides channel quality and feedback information.
Performs neighbouring cell measurements and measurement reporting.
Acquires system information.
9-6
LTE
RRC UE States and State Transitions Version 1 Rev 2
RRC UE States and State Transitions
E-UTRA
RRC IDLE
E-UTRA
RRC IDLE
GPRS Packet
transfer mode
GPRS Packet
transfer mode
GSM_CONNECTED
CELL_DCH
CELL_FACH
CELL_PCH
URA_PCH
Connection
establishment/release
CELL_DCH
CELL_FACH CELL_FACH
CELL_PCH
URA_PCH
CELL_PCH
URA_PCH
Connection
Connection
UTRA_IDLE
Reselection
UTRA_IDLE UTRA_IDLE
Reselection
Reselection
E-UTRA RRC
CONNECTED
Connection
E-UTRA RRC
CONNECTED
E-UTRA RRC
CONNECTED
Connection
Connection
GSM_IDLE/GPRS
Packet_Idle
Reselection
CCO,
Reselection
GSM_IDLE/GPRS
Packet_Idle
GSM_IDLE/GPRS
Packet_Idle
Reselection
CCO,
Reselection
Handover Handover
CCO with
NACC
CCO,
Reselection
WCDMA 3G LTE GSM/GPRS 2G
9-7
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 System Information (SI)
System Information (SI)
System Information (SI) is an RRC message carrying a number of System Information Blocks (SIBs)
that have the same scheduling requirements (i.e. periodicity). There may be more than one SI message
transmitted with the same periodicity. Each SIB contains a set of related system information parameters.
Several SIBs have been dened including the Master Information Block (MIB), that includes a limited
number of most frequently transmitted parameters, and SIB type 1 containing the scheduling information
that mainly indicates when the SI messages are transmitted, i.e. start times. SYSTEM INFORMATION
MASTER (SI-M) and SYSTEM INFORMATION 1 (SI-1) are special versions of an SI message only
carrying a single SIB, namely the MIB and SIB type 1 respectively. The SI-M message is carried on BCH
while all other SI messages are carried on DL-SCH.
System Information Blocks (SIBs)
These SIBs relate to information contain in both RRC_IDLE and RRC_CONNECTED modes.
Master Information Block (MIB)
The MIB denes the most essential physical layer information of the cell required to receive further
system information like downlink system bandwidth, number of transmit antennas and system frame
number. The MIB is transmitted on the BCH.
System Information Block Type 1 (SIB 1)
The SIB 1 contains information relevant when evaluating if a UE is allowed to access a cell and denes
the scheduling of other SIBs.
The SIB 2 contains common and shared channel information.
The IE SIB 3 contains cell re-selection information, mainly related to the serving cell.
The SIB 4 contains information about the serving neighbouring frequencies and intra-frequency
neighbouring cells relevant for cell re-selection, covering both E UTRA and other RATs. The
Information Element (IE) includes cell re-selection parameters common for a frequency as well as cell
specic re-selection parameters.
The SIB 5 contains information about other E UTRA frequencies and inter-frequency neighbouring cells
relevant for cell re-selection. The IE includes cell re-selection parameters common for a frequency as
well as cell specic re-selection parameters.
The SIB 6 contains information about UTRA frequencies and UTRA neighbouring cells relevant for cell
re-selection. The IE includes cell re-selection parameters common for a frequency as well as cell specic
re-selection parameters.
The SIB 7 contains information about GERAN frequencies and GERAN neighbouring cells relevant for
cell re-selection. The IE includes cell re-selection parameters common for a frequency as well as cell
specic re-selection parameters.
The SIB 8 contains information about CDMA2000 frequencies and CDMA2000 neighbouring cells
relevant for cell re-selection. The IE includes cell re-selection parameters common for a frequency as
well as cell specic re-selection parameters.
3GPP TS 36.331 V8.1.0 (200803) Radio Resource Control
9-8
LTE
System Information (SI) Version 1 Rev 2
System Information (SI)
Master Information Block (MIB) on BCH Master Information Block (MIB) on BCH
System Information Block Type 1 to 8 (SIB 1 to 8) on DL-SCH System Information Block Type 1 to 8 (SIB 1 to 8) on DL-SCH
MIB - Essential physical layer information
SIB 1 - If UE is allowed to access a cell and defines the scheduling of other SIBs
SIB 2 - Common and shared channel information
SIB 3 - Cell re-selection information, mainly related to the serving cell
SIB 4 8 Cell reselection parameters for different types of neighbours
9-9
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Physical layer Measurements
Physical layer Measurements
With the measurement specications L1 provides measurement capabilities for the UE and E-UTRAN.
These measurements can be classied in different reported measurement types: intra-frequency,
inter-frequency, inter-system, trafc volume, quality and UE internal measurements.
To initiate a specic measurement, the E-UTRAN transmits a RRC connection reconguration
message to the UE including a measurement ID and type, a command (setup, modify, release), the
measurement objects, the measurement quantity, the reporting quantities and the reporting criteria
(periodical/event-triggered).
When the reporting criteria are fullled the UE shall answer with a measurement report message to the
E-UTRAN including the measurement ID and the results.
UE Measurement Capabilities
The following UE measurements can be initiated:
Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) Is determined for a considered cell as the
linear average over the power contributions (in [W]) of the resource elements that carry
cell-specic reference signals within the considered measurement frequency bandwidth. For
RSRP determination the cell-specic reference signals R0 and if available R1 (second antenna)
accordingly can be used. If receiver diversity is in use by the UE, the reported value shall be
equivalent to the linear average of the power values of all diversity branches. This is applicable for:
RRC_IDLE intra-frequency.
RRC_IDLE inter-frequency.
RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency.
RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency.
E-UTRA Carrier Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) comprises the total received
wideband power observed by the UE from all sources, including co-channel serving and
non-serving cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise etc.
Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) is dened as the ratio NRSRP/(E-UTRA carrier
RSSI), where N is the number of RBs of the E-UTRA carrier RSSI measurement bandwidth. The
measurements in the numerator and denominator shall be made over the same set of resource.
This is applicable for:
RRC_IDLE intra-frequency.
RRC_IDLE inter-frequency.
RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency.
RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency.
UTRA FDD CPICH Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) , the received power on one code
measured on the Primary CPICH. This is applicable for:
RRC_IDLE inter-RAT.
RRC_CONNECTED inter-RAT.
UTRA FDD carrier RSSI The received wide band power, including thermal noise and noise
generated in the receiver for 3G cells, . This is applicable for:
RRC_IDLE inter-RAT.
UTRA FDD CPICH Ec/No The received energy per chip divided by the power density in the
band for 3G cells. This is applicable for:
RRC_IDLE inter-RAT.
GSM carrier RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator, the wide-band received power within the
relevant channel bandwidth. Measurement shall be performed on a GSM BCCH carrier. This is
applicable for:
RRC_IDLE inter-RAT.
CDMA2000 1x RTT Pilot Strength CDMA2000 1x RTT Pilot Strength measurement.
CDMA2000 HRPD Pilot Strength CDMA2000 HRPD Pilot Strength Measurement.
9-10
LTE
Physical layer Measurements Version 1 Rev 2
Physical layer Measurements
RRC connection reconfiguration message RRC connection reconfiguration message
Measurement report message
UE Serving and E-UTRA Neighbour Cell Measurements
Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)
E-UTRA Carrier Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)
Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ)
E-UTRAN Measurements
DL RS TX power
Received Interference Power
Thermal Noise Power
WCDMA 3G Neighbours
UTRA FDD CPICH Received Signal Code Power (RSCP)
UTRA FDD carrier RSSI
UTRA FDD CPICH Ec/No
GSM Neigbours
GSM carrier RSSI
CDMA2000 Neighbours
CDMA2000 1x RTT Pilot Strength
CDMA2000 HRPD Pilot Strength
E-UTRAN Measurement Abilities
The following E-UTRAN measurements can be initiated:
DL RS TX power Downlink reference signal transmit power is determined for a considered cell
as the linear average over the power contributions (in [W]) of the resource elements that carry
cell-specic reference signals which are transmitted by the eNode B within its operating system
bandwidth. For DL RSTXpower determination the cell-specic reference signals R0 and if available
R1.
Received Interference Power The uplink received interference power, including thermal noise,
within one physical resource blocks bandwidth of resource elements.
Thermal Noise Power The uplink thermal noise power within the UL system bandwidth.
9-11
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Idle Mode Procedures
Idle Mode Procedures
When an UE is switched on, it attempts to make contact with a PLMN. The particular PLMN to be
contacted may be selected either automatically or manually.
The UE looks for a suitable cell of the chosen PLMN and chooses that cell to provide available services,
and tunes to its control channel. This choosing is known as "camping on the cell". The MS will then
register its presence in the registration area of the chosen cell if necessary, by means of a Location
Registration (LR), GPRS attach or International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) attach procedure.
If the UE loses coverage of a cell, or nd a more suitable cell, it reselects onto the most suitable cell
of the selected PLMN and camps on that cell. If the new cell is in a different registration area, an LR
request is performed.
If the UE loses coverage of a PLMN, either a new PLMN is selected automatically, or an indication of
which PLMNs are available is given to the user, so that a manual selection can be made.
Registration is not performed by UEs only capable of services that need no registration.
The purpose of camping on a cell in idle mode is fourfold:
It enables the UE to receive system information from the PLMN.
If the UE wishes to initiate a call, it can do this by initially accessing the network on the control
channel of the cell on which it is camped.
If the PLMN receives a call for the UE, it knows (in most cases) the registration area of the cell in
which the MS is camped. It can then send a "paging" message for the UE on control channels of all
the cells in the registration area. The UE will then receive the paging message because it is tuned
to the control channel of a cell in that registration area, and the UE can respond on that control
channel.
It enables the UE to receive cell broadcast messages.
If the UE is unable to nd a suitable cell to camp on, or the SIM is not inserted, or if it receives certain
responses to an LR request (e.g., "illegal MS"), it attempts to camp on a cell irrespective of the PLMN
identity, and enters a "limited service" state in which it can only attempt to make emergency calls.
The idle mode tasks can therefore be subdivided into three processes:
PLMN selection.
Cell selection and reselection.
Location registration.
3GPP TS 23.122 V8.1.0 (200803) NAS functions in Idle Mode
3GPP TS 36.304 V8.1.0 (200803) UE procedures in Idle Mode
9-12
.
LTE
Idle Mode Procedures Version 1 Rev 2
Idle Mode Procedures
PLMN Selection PLMN Selection
Manual Mode Manual Mode
Indication to user Indication to user
Automatic Mode Automatic Mode
PLMNs
available
Cell Selection
and Reselection
PLMNs
selected
Cell Selection
and Reselection
Cell Selection
and Reselection
PLMNs
selected
PLMNs
selected
NAS Control
Radio
measurements
NAS Control
Radio
measurements
Location
Registration
Registration area
changes
Location
Registration
Location
Registration
Registration area
changes
Registration area
changes
Service requests Service requests
Location area
response
Location area
response
9-13
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Cell Selection and Reselection
Cell Selection and Reselection
Cell Selection Process
The UE uses one of the following two cell selection procedures:
1. Initial Cell Selection
This procedure requires no prior knowledge of which RF channels are E-UTRA carriers. The UE
scans all RF channels in the E-UTRA bands according to its capabilities to nd a suitable cell. On
each carrier frequency, the UE searches for the strongest cell. Once a suitable cell is found this
cell shall be selected.
2. Stored Information Cell Selection
This procedure requires stored information of carrier frequencies and optionally also information
on cell parameters, from previously received measurement control information elements or from
previously detected cells. Once the UE has found a suitable cell the UE shall select it. If no suitable
cell is found the Initial Cell Selection procedure shall be started.
Service Types in Idle Mode
The action of camping on a cell is necessary to get access to some services. The levels of service are
dened for the UE:
Limited service (emergency calls on an acceptable cell);.
Normal service (for public use on a suitable cell).
Operator service (for operators only on a reserved cell).
The cells themselves are then categorized according to which services they offer.
Acceptable Cell
An "acceptable cell" is a cell on which the UE may camp to obtain limited service (originate emergency
calls). Such a cell shall full the following requirements, which is the minimum set of requirements to
initiate an emergency call in a E-UTRAN network:
The cell is not barred.
The cell selection criteria are fullled.
Suitable Cell
A "suitable cell" is a cell on which the UE may camp on to obtain normal service. Such a cell shall full
all the following requirements:
The cell is part of either:
the selected PLMN, or;
the registered PLMN, or;
a PLMN of the Equivalent PLMN list.
according to the latest information provided by the NAS.
The cell is not barred.
The cell is part of at least one Tracking Area (TA) that is not part of the list of "forbidden LAs for
roaming", which belongs to a PLMN that fulls the rst bullet above.
The cell selection criteria are fullled.
For a cell identied as Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell by system information, the CSG ID
is part of the CSG white list.
If more than one PLMN identity is broadcast in the cell, the cell is considered to be part of all TAs with
Tracking Area Identities (TAIs) constructed from the PLMN identities and the Tracking Area Code
(TAC) broadcast in the cell.
Barred and Reserved Cells
A cell is barred or reserved if it is so indicated in the system information
9-14
LTE
Cell Selection and Reselection Version 1 Rev 2
Cell Selection and Reselection
Stored
information
cell selection
Cell information
stored for PLMN
Stored
information
cell selection
Cell information
stored for PLMN
Go here whenever a new
PLMN is selected
1
PLMN is selected
PLMN is selected
1
Initial
cell selection
No cell information
stored for PLMN
No suitable cell found
Initial
cell selection
No cell information
stored for PLMN
No suitable cell found
Suitable cell found Suitable cell found Suitable cell found Suitable cell found
Camped
normally
2
Camped
normally
Camped
normally
22
No suitable
cell found
No suitable
cell found
Suitable
cell found
Cell selection
when leaving
connected
mode
Return to idle
mode
Connected
mode
Leave idle
mode
Cell selection
when leaving
connected
mode
Return to idle
mode
Connected
mode
Leave idle
mode
Connected
mode
Connected
mode
Leave idle
mode
Cell selection
Evaluation
process
Trigger
Cell selection
Evaluation
process
Trigger Suitable
cell found
Suitable
cell found
No suitable
cell found
NAS indicates
that registration
on selected
PLMN is
rejected
No suitable
cell found
No suitable
cell found
NAS indicates
that registration
on selected
PLMN is
rejected
No suitable
cell found
Any cell
selection
Any cell
selection
Go here when
no USIM in
the UE
Go here when
no USIM in
the UE
USIM inserted
1
USIM inserted
1
Camp on
any cell
Acceptable
cell found
Camp on
any cell
Acceptable
cell found
Cell
reselection
Evaluation
process
Trigger Suitable
cell found
Cell
reselection
Evaluation
process
Trigger Suitable
cell found
Cell selection
when leaving
connected
mode
Return to
idle mode
Acceptable
cell found
Connected
mode
(emergency
calls only)
Leave idle
mode
Connected
mode
(emergency
calls only)
Leave idle
mode
No acceptable
cell found
No acceptable
cell found
No acceptable
cell found
No acceptable
cell found
Suitable cell
found
2
Suitable cell
found
Suitable cell
found
2
9-15
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Cell Selection Criteria
Cell Selection Criteria
The cell selection criterion S is fullled when:
Srxlev > 0
Where:
Srxlev = Q
rxlevmeas
Qrxlevmin Pcompensation
Parameter Meaning
Srxlev Cell selection RX level value (dB)
Q
rxlevmeas
Measured cell RX level value (RSRP)
Qrxlevmin Minimum required RX level in the cell
(dBm)
Pcompensation (FFS)
The Qrxlevmin parameter is found in the SIB Type 1 and is broadcast to the UE in its control channel.
The parameter Pcompensation is labeled as For Further Study (FFS) in the current version in the 3GPP
specication listed below.
9-16
.
LTE
Cell Selection Criteria Version 1 Rev 2
Cell Selection Criteria
SIB Type 1 on DL-SCH
Srxlev > 0 Where:
Srxlev = Qrxlevmeas Qrxlevmin - Pcompensation
9-17
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Cell Reselection Criteria
Cell Reselection Criteria
Once the UE performs selection onto a particular cell the UE will continue to take measurements on the
serving cell. There are parameters to decide whether the UE should begin to take measurements of
other LTE intra or inter frequency neighbours or indeed other RATs. Of course the user/network may
decide to force the UE onto another cell and this is taken into consideration too.
Intra-frequency Measurement Rules
The following rules are used by the UE to limit needed measurements by the UE:
If S
ServingCell
> S
intrasearch
, UE may choose to not perform intra-frequency measurements;
If S
ServingCell
<= S
intrasearch
, UE shall perform intra-frequency measurements.
Non Intra-frequency Measurement Rules
The UE applies the following rules for E-UTRAN inter-frequencies and inter-RAT frequencies which are
indicated in system information and for which the UE has priority:
For an E-UTRAN inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency with a reselection priority higher than the
reselection priority of the current E-UTRA frequency the UE shall perform measurements of higher
priority E-UTRAN inter-frequenc or inter-RAT frequencies.
For an E-UTRAN inter-frequency with a equal or lower reselection priority than the reselection
priority of the current E-UTRA frequency and for inter-RAT frequency with lower reselection priority
than the reselection priority of the current E-UTRA frequency:
If S
ServingCell
> S
nonintrasearch
UE may choose not to perform measurements of inter-RAT frequencies
or inter-frequencies of equal or lower priority.
If S
ServingCell
<= S
nonintrasearch
the UE shall perform measurements of inter-RAT frequencies or
inter-frequencies cells of equal or lower priority.
Where S
ServingCell
is the S-value of the serving cell.
Mobility States of a UE
There are also parameters broadcast in system information to detect whether the UE is in:
Normal mobility state.
Medium mobility state.
High mobility state.
If for instance the UE is detected in high mobility state then cells which have been designated as small
cells (micro and pico cells) shall be discouraged for reselection purposes by using speed dependant
scaling rules. The exact implementation of this is FFS at the time of writing.
9-18
.
LTE
Cell Reselection Criteria Version 1 Rev 2
Cell Reselection Criteria
Intra Frequency Inter Frequency or Inter R AT
System Information
Sintrasearch
Snonintrasearch
System Information
Sintrasearch
Snonintrasearch
SServingCell > Sintrasearch
SServingCell<= Sintrasearch
SServingCell > Sintrasearch
SServingCell<= Sintrasearch
SServingCell > Snonintrasearch
SServingCell<= Snonintrasearch
UE speed dependant rules also apply
9-19
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Intra-frequency Cell Reselection Criteria
Intra-frequency Cell Reselection Criteria
Once the criteria has been met to measure intra-frequency neighbours then the UE will rank all cells that
meet criterion S. It might be that the operator either wants to apply a hysteresis to the serving cell to
prevent numerous unnecessary reselections. Or an offset might be applied to the neighbour to either
make the neighbour more or less attractive.
Cell Ranking Criterion
The intra-frequency neighour cells are ranked according to the R criteria.
Rs = Q
meas,s
+ Qhyst
s
Rn = Q
meas,n
Qoffset
Where:
Qmeas Averaged RSRP measurement quantity used in cell reselections.
Qoffset Qoffset
s,n
+ Qoffset
frequency
Qoffset
s,n
This species the offset between two cells.
Qoffset
frequency
Frequency specic offset for equal priority frequencies.
The cell that is ranked highest by the R criterion will cause the UE to reselect if the following is true:
The new cell is better ranked than the serving cell during a time interval Treselections.
Detect whether the UE is in high mobility state, if so apply scaling factor to this cell.
More than 1 second has elapsed since the UE camped on the current serving cell.
9-20
LTE
Intra-frequency Cell Reselection Criteria Version 1 Rev 2
Intra-frequency Cell Reselection Criteria
Intra Frequency
1. Rank cells by criterion S
2. Ranked by Rs < Rn for
Treselection
3. UE has been camped on serving
cell for > 1 sec
4. Speed taken into account
Rs = Qmeas,s + Qhysts
Rn Qmeas,n Qoffset
Qoffset = Qoffsets,n + Qoffsetfrequency
System information Treselection, Qhysts,
Qoffsets,n, Qoffest frequency
9-21
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Inter-frequency and Inter-RAT Cell Reselection Criteria
Inter-frequency and Inter-RAT Cell Reselection Criteria
It might be the case that the UE needs to move to a different LTE frequency or other RAT. The other RAT
maybe WCDMA 3G, GSM or CDMA2000. The criteria to detect whether a reselection to these cells is
different to that of intra-frequency reselections and this procedure is explained here.
Cell Ranking Criterion
In this the inter-frequency and inter-RAT cell reselection may occur, but it has a dependency on whether
the neighbour cell is:
Higher priority RAT or frequency.
Lower priority RAT or frequency.
Equal priority RAT or frequency.
Higher Priority RAT or Frequency
In this case the UE will reselect if:
The S
nonServingCell,x
of a cell of a higher priority RAT or frequency is greater than Thresh
x, high
during a
time interval Treselection
RAT
; and
more than 1 second has elapsed since the UE camped on the current serving cell.
Lower Priority RAT or Frequency
In this case the UE will reselect if:
No cell of a higher priority RAT or frequency fullls the criteria above; and
S
ServingCell
< Thresh
serving, low
and the S
nonServingCell,x
of a cell of a lower priority frequency RAT or frequency
is greater than Thresh
x, low
during a time interval Treselection
RAT
; and
more than 1 second has elapsed since the UE camped on the current serving cell.
Equal Priority RAT or Frequency
Cell reselection to a cell on an equal priority frequency shall be based on ranking for Intra-frequency Cell
Reselection.
S
nonServingCell,x
is the S-value of a non-serving inter-RAT or inter-frequency cell. In all the above criteria the
value of Treselection
RAT
is scaled when the UE is in the medium or high mobility state.
If more than one cell meets the above criteria, the UE shall reselect a cell ranked as the best cell on the
highest priority RAT among the cells meeting the criteria.
9-22
LTE
Inter-frequency and Inter-RAT Cell Reselection Criteria Version 1 Rev 2
Inter-frequency and Inter-RAT Cell Reselection Criteria
Inter Frequency or Inter R AT Inter Frequency or Inter R AT
System information TreselectionRAT, Threshx, high,
Threshserving, low, Threshx, low
System information TreselectionRAT, Threshx, high,
Threshserving, low, Threshx, low
Higher Priority RAT or Frequency
1. SnonServingCell,x > Threshx, high for
TreselectionRAT
2. UE has been camped on serving cell for > 1 sec
Lower Priority RAT or Frequency
1. No cell of a higher priority RAT or frequency fulfills the
criteria above; and
2. SServingCell < Threshserving, low and
SnonServingCell,x > Threshx, low for TreselectionRAT
3. UE has been camped on serving cell for > 1 sec
Equal Priority RAT or Frequency
Based on ranking for Intra-frequency Cell Reselection
9-23
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Random Access Procedure
Random Access Procedure
The random access procedure is common between FDD and TDD and the size of the cell is irrespective
to the procedure. The random access procedure is performed for the following ve events:
Initial access from RRC_IDLE.
Initial access after radio link failure (sending RRC connection re-establishment).
Handover requiring random access procedure.
DL data arrival during RRC_CONNECTED requiring random access procedure (UL sync status
non-synchronized).
UL data arrival during RRC_CONNECTED requiring random access procedure (UL sync status
non-synchronized or there are no PUCCH resources for scheduling resources available).
Furthermore, the random access procedure takes two distinct forms:
Contention based (applicable to all ve events). In this case a signature is chosen by the UE that
may also be chosen by other UEs in the network at the same time.
Non-contention based (applicable to only handover and DL data arrival). In this case a signature
is assigned to the UE that is unique, so it cannot be duplicated by any other UE in that cell at the
same time.
This can be thought of in a different way: the random access procedure is utilized when ever UE is not
uplink synchronized and it wants to exchange data with the eNode B. There are two distinct scenarios:
1. UE is not UL synchronized and not authenticated (RRC_IDLE).
2. UE has lost UL synchronization, but it is authenticated (RRC_CONNECTED).
Normal DL/UL transmission can take place after the random access procedure.
Initial Access from RRC_IDLE
For the purposes of this discussion we shall concentrate on the initial access from RRC_IDLE.
This is a contention based procedure and is shown in the slide opposite and described in the four
numbered bullets below:
1. Random access preamble on the RACH in the uplink:
5 bits random ID.
1 bit to indicate the size of the scheduled transmission (from a group of signatures broadcast
on SI).
2. Random access response generated by MAC on DL-SCH:
Semi- synchronous with the random access preamble as it must arrive within a exible window.
No HARQ.
It contains the random ID transmitted on random access preamble, timing alignment info,
initial uplink grant and temporary (could become permanent) Cell Radio Network Temporary
Identier (C-RNTI);
This message could be delivered to multiple UEs in one DL-SCH message.
3. First scheduled transmission on UL-SCH. In this case it is a RRC Connection Request:
Uses HARQ.
Size of transport block depends on the UL grant conveyed in random access response.
Conveys NAS UE identier (SAE- TMSI (S-TMSI) if there is one).
4. Contention resolution on DL-SCH: In this case it is the RRC Connection Setup.
Addressed to C-RNTI.
UE with correct C-RNTI responds with HARQ feedback.
3GPP TS 36.300 V8.4.0 (2008-03) Overall Description
9-24
LTE
Random Access Procedure Version 1 Rev 2
Random Access Procedure
RRC_IDLE UE monitoring System Information and Paging
No uplink synchronization with network
Random access procedure used to
synchronize with the eNB
UE monitoring System Information and Paging
No uplink synchronization with network
Random access procedure used to
synchronize with the eNB
Random Access Preamble
1
PRACH
1
11
PRACH
Random Access Response
2
DL-SCH
2
22
DL-SCH
Scheduled transmission
(RRC Connection Request)
3
UL-SCH
Scheduled transmission
(RRC Connection Request)
33
UL-SCH
Contention resolution
4
(RRC Connection Setup)
DL-SCH
4
44
(RRC Connection Setup)
DL-SCH
(NAS PDU)
(RRC Connection Setup Complete)
55
UL-SCH
9-25
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Physical Random Access Procedure
Physical Random Access Procedure
The physical random access procedure is carried out within the transmission of the random access
preamble and the random access response. The remaining messages shown on the previous slide are
delivered by the higher layers on the shared data channel and are not considered part of the L1 random
access procedure. However the L1 physical random access procedure must receive its parameters of
operation from the higher layers to operate.
L1 Physical Random Access Parameters
The UE will discover the parameters by listening to downlink SI and radio resource control information
messages. The content of these messages includes:
Number of non-dedicated/dedicated random access preambles.
Size of the random access preambles groups.
Power ramping step.
The maximum number of preamble transmissions in an attempt.
Value of backoff timer.
Parameters to indicate the TTI window for random access response.
This information is then stored by the UE so when a random access procedure is required the MAC layer
can use these parameters to initialize the random access procedure.
Random Access Procedure Initialization
If the Random Access Preamble and PRACH resource are explicitly signalled (non-contention based)
the UE may proceed with the transmission. In the case where the UE is making initial access this will
not be the case and the random access preamble will be selected by the UE as follows:
Select one of the two groups of random access preambles congured by RRC.
Randomly select a random access preamble within the selected group. The random function shall
be such that each of the allowed selections can be chosen with equal probability.
Random Access Preamble Transmission
The random access procedure will be performed as follows:
Set the initial access power using a open loop power control mechanism.
Determine the next available random access occasion.
Set the preamble transmission counter to zero.
Instruct the physical layer to transmit a preamble using the selected PRACH resource,
corresponding RA-RNTI, preamble index and transmit power.
Random Access Response Reception
Once the random access preamble is transmitted, the UE shall monitor the [PDCCH] in the TTI window
for random access response(s). The UE may stop monitoring for random access response(s) after
successful reception of a random access response corresponding to the random access preamble
transmission.
The random access response may contain an overload indication in which case the UE will start a
backoff timer that makes the UE wait before attempting another access.
If no Random Access Response is received within the TTI window, or if all received random access
responses contain random access preamble identiers that do not match the transmitted random access
preamble, the random access response reception is considered not successful and the UE shall:
If the preamble transmission counter is less than maximum allowed transmissions, then increment
the preamble transmission counter by 1.
Increase the power of the UE by the power ramping step.
Retransmit the preamble.
If the preamble transmission counter is equal to the maximum allowed transmissions, then indicate to
higher layers that the access attempt has failed.
9-26
.
LTE
Physical Random Access Procedure Version 1 Rev 2
Physical Random Access Procedure
Start Start Start
Obtain random access
parameters from system
information
information
information
Select the random access
preamble from the random
access group
access group
access group
Set initial power and determine
the next available RACH
occasion
occasion
occasion
Set the preamble transmission
counter to zero
counter to zero
counter to zero
Transmit preamble Transmit preamble Transmit preamble
Response from eNB Response from eNB
Increment counter
and increase the
power
N
Increment counter
and increase the
power
N
Increment counter
and increase the
power
Increment counter
and increase the
power
N
Send NACK to L3
Y
Send NACK to L3
YY
Process the received timing
alignment value
If an UL grant was received,
process the UL grant value
If the UE does not have a C-RNTI,
a Temporary C-RNTI shall be set
Y
alignment value
Y
alignment value
Y
Counter equals max
count?
N
Counter equals max
count?
Counter equals max
count?
N
If a successful access is made because the UE received the random access preamble identier
corresponding to the transmitted random access preamble then the UE shall include these procedures:
Process the received timing alignment value.
If an UL grant was received, process the UL grant value.
If the UE does not have a C-RNTI, a Temporary C-RNTI shall be set to the value received in the
random access response message no later than at the time of the rst transmission corresponding
to the UL grant provided in the random access response message.
3GPP TS 36.321 V8.1.0 (2008-03) E-UTRA MAC Protocol Specication
9-27
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 State Characteristics of the RRC
State Characteristics of the RRC
The physical random access procedure showed how the UE makes initial contact with the network and
is able to send the RRC Connection Request message. The slide opposite summarises the states; idle
and connected available within the RRC and what services and procedures can be accessed by the UE
in both of these states.
RRC Idle
The following services and procedures can be accessed in RRC_IDLE:
Paging.
Cell selection and reselection.
BCCH information read.
The following characteristics are applied to RRC_IDLE:
No S1 connection.
No measurement control.
UE not known by the eNB.
RRC Connected
The following services and procedures can be accessed in RRC_CONNECTED:
Data can be received and transmitted using the C-RNTI.
Unicast (and multicast) services.
Handovers.
Measurement of neighbour cells.
The following characteristics are applied to RRC_CONNECTED:
S1 connected.
UE is known by C-RNTI.
What is required now is to be registered with the network and to be able to access services from the
network. This is achieved by the UE initiating an Attach Procedure when it sends the RRC Connection
Request message. The attach procedure and mobility management states for the NAS are described
next.
9-28
.
LTE
State Characteristics of the RRC Version 1 Rev 2
State Characteristics of the RRC
UE not known in eNB
No Meas Control
No S1 Connection
BCCH Information
Cell (Re)selection
Paging
RRC_IDLE
UE is known by C-RNTI
S1 Connected
Meas of neighbour
cells
Handovers
Unicast and multicast
services
Data is rx/tx using C-RNTI
RRC_CONNECTED
RACH
RRC Messages
RRC NAS Messages
UE Power On
9-29
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 NAS Protocol States and State Transitions
NAS Protocol States and State Transitions
The NAS state model is based on a two-dimensional model which consists of EPS Mobility
Management (EMM) states describing the mobility management states that result from the mobility
management procedures e.g. Attach and Tracking Area Update procedures, and of EPS Connection
Management (ECM) states describing the signalling connectivity between the UE and the EPC.
The ECM and EMM states are independent of each other and when the UE is in EMM-CONNECTED
state this does not imply that the user plane (radio and S1 bearers) is established.
NAS and AS State Characteristics
The relation between NAS and AS states is characterised by the following principles:
EMM-DEREGISTERED & ECM-IDLE RRC_IDLE:
In this condition the UE is not known by the network. It has to select a PLMN and signal to the
network for its IMSI to become registered. This is achieved during the attach procedure, until
this occurs the location of the UE is unknown.
EMM-REGISTERED andECM-IDLE RRC_IDLE:
In this condition the UE has registered with the network, hence it has a SAE-Temporary Mobile
Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI) and its position is known at Tracking Area (TA) level so it has
a Tracking Area Identity (TAI) Code. An IP address will have been allocated to the UE by the
P-GW selected by the MME.
The UE will be able to perform cell reselections.
EMM-REGISTERED and ECM-CONNECTED with RBs established RRC_CONNECTED:
In this state the UE has a full context for data transmission and data reception. It is known by
the EPC on a cell level. In the case of an inter MME handover the EPC will be involved in the
handover.
9-30
.
LTE
NAS Protocol States and State Transitions Version 1 Rev 2
NAS Protocol States and State Transitions
Registration
No data transfer
PLMN selection
UE unknown
IMSI identifier
No RRC or EPC Context
RRC: Null
EMM-DEREGISTERED
&
ECM-IDLE
UE Power
On
DRX on DL
TA Update
UE known at TA level
S-TMSI, TA-ID & IP-Addr
EPC Context
RRC: IDLE
EMM-REGISTERED
&
ECM-IDLE
UL/DL data transfer
Handovers
UE known at Cell level
S-TMSI, TA-ID & IP-Addr
RRC & EPC Context
RRC: CONNECTED
EMM-REGISTERED
&
ECM-CONNECTED
Service Request
TA-update paging etc
De-Registration
Inactivity Periodic TA-update
timeout out of area
9-31
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 Network Attach Procedure
Network Attach Procedure
A UE/user needs to register with the network to receive services that require registration. This registration
is described as Network Attachment. The always-on IP connectivity for UE/users of the SAE system is
enabled by establishing a basic IP bearer during Network Attachment.
It is assumed that the random access procedure described on the previous page has already taken place
and the rst message to be transmitted on the DCCH will be the UL information transfer containing the
attach request message.
The procedure indicated on the slide opposite shows the information ow for the attach procedure.
Network Attach Information Flow
The procedure indicated on the slide opposite shows the information ow for the attach procedure. The
sequence of steps may change because of solutions for key issues as the specications evolve. The
steps are describe below:
1. The UE discovers the SAE/LTE access system(s) and performs access system and network
selection. If network sharing is present, a shared network may be selected.
2. The UE sends an attach request to the MME/UPE, including its old registration information, e.g.
temporary identity. If the UE has no old registration information it includes its permanent identity.
In case network sharing is applied the attach request includes information for selecting network or
MME/UPE. The Evolved RAN selects the MME/UPE. The attach request may include information
on Default IP Access Bearer (e.g. user preferred IP address and APN).
3. If old registration information was sent by the UE the MME/UPE tries to retrieve user information
from the old MME/UPE by sending the old registration information.
4. The old MME/UPE sends user information, e.g. the permanent user identity, to the MME/UPE.
5. The user/UE is authenticated in the new MME/UPE.
6. The MME/UPE registers itself as serving the UE in the HSS.
7. The user/UE information in the old MME/UPE is deleted or the user/UE is marked as not present.
8. The HSS conrms the registration of the new MME/UPE. Subscription data authorising the default
IP access bearer are transferred. Information for policy and charging control of the default IP access
bearer is sent to the MME/UPE.
9. An S-GW/P-GW is selected. The IP address conguration is determined by user preferences
received from the UE, by subscription data, or by HPLMN or VPLMN policies.
10. The S-GW/P-GW congures the IP layer with the determined user IP address. The user plane is
established and the default policy and charging rules are applied. The user plane establishment is
initiated by the UE or by the MME/UPE.
11. The MME/UPE provides the E-UTRAN with QoS congurations for the default IP access bearer,
e.g. the upper limits for transmission data rates.
12. The MME/UPE accepts the UEs network attachment and allocates a temporary identity to the UE.
Also the determined user IP address is transferred.
13. Roaming restrictions are checked and if violated the network attachment is rejected.
14. The UE acknowledges the success of the network attachment.
3GPP TR 23.882 V1.1415.0 (2008-0102) 3GPP SAE Technical Options and Conclusions
9-32
.
LTE
Network Attach Procedure Version 1 Rev 2
Network Attach Procedure
HSS Old MME/UPE UE eNB
Random Access Random Access
MME
DCCH UL-SCH
UL INFORMATION TRANSFER
NAS: ATTACH REQUEST
Old S-TMSI, TAI (if none IMSI)
UE capabilities
IP version support
RRC_IDLE
RRC_CONNECTED
EMM Deregistered
and ECM_IDLE
S1-AP INITIAL UE MESSAGE
NAS: ATTACH REQUEST
Old S-TMSI, TAI (if none IMSI)
UE capabilities
IP version support
S1-AP DL NAS TRANSPORT
NAS: Authentication Request
RAND, AUTH, KSIASME
DCCH DL-SCH
DL INFORMATION TRANSFER
NAS: Authentication Request
RAND, AUTH, KSIASME
Calculate
AUTN, RES &
keys
DCCH UL-SCH
UL INFORMATION TRANSFER
NAS: Authentication response
RES
Authenticate
network
S1-AP UL NAS TRANSPORT
NAS: Authentication response
RES
Check RES
Select S-GW and
P-GW
Collect old registration information
AUTHENTICATION DATE REQ
IMSI
MCC+MNC
Network Type
AUTHENTICATION DATE RES
MME Security context(s)
RAND, XRES, CK, IK,
AUTH (AVs)
Register MME
Delete registration
S-GW P-GW UE eNB
MME
CREATE DEF. BEARER REQ
IMSI
MME context ID
P-GW address
Supported IP versions
CREATE DEF. BEARER REQ
S-GW address
S5 TEID
Supported IP versions
Allocate
user IP
CREATE DEF. BEARER RESP
P-GW address
S5 TEID
User IP
CREATE DEF. BEARER RESP
S-GW address
S1 TEID
User IP
INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQ
NAS: Attach Accept
S-TMSI
UE capabilities
Security context
S-GW address
S1 TEID
Calculate
E-UTRA
keys
RRC CONN. RECONFIG
NAS: Attach Accept
S-TMSI
Equivalent TA list
User IP
Security configuration
RRC CONN. RECONFIG COMPL
NAS: Attach Complete
INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP RESP
NAS: Attach Complete
S1 UE id
eNB address
S1 TEID
UPDATE BEARER REQ
eNB address
S1 TEID
UPDATE BEARER RESP
EMM Registered and
ECM_CONNECTED
Default IP
Connectivity
established i.e.
always on IP
connectivity
RRC_IDLE
EMM Registered and
ECM_IDLE
9-33
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 LTE Pooling Relationships
LTE Pooling Relationships
A pool area is dened in LTE/SAE as an area within which a UE may roam without need to change the
serving MME node. A pool area is served by one or more MMEs (pool of MMEs) in parallel. All the cells
controlled by a eNB belong to the same one (or more) pool area(s). Connectivity between eNBs and
UPEs may follow the MME-pool/pool area conguration or be independent of it.
MMEs and eNodeBs within Pool Areas
In SAE/LTE the entity that controls roaming activities of a UE across tracking areas within a pool area
and across pool areas is the MME. Actually, a pool area can be regarded as an area consisting of a list
of Tracking Areas and hence a list of eNBs that control cells within these tracking areas.
The relation between eNBs and MMEs along the pool area denition in the context of the S1-ex concept
is realised by conguration that enables e.g. an eNB to contact the MME in case of initial access/attach,
further it allows an MME to contact the relevant set of eNBs in case of paging.
The slide opposite depicts the pool area concept. As shown, a Pool Area in LTE/SAE is served by
a corresponding pool of MMEs. Pool areas might overlap, hence the RAN nodes (eNBs) within the
overlapping area may be served by more than one pool of MMEs.
UPEs and eNBs within Pool Areas
Selection of the UPE will take place at initial attach (after the authentication procedure has been
performed) or in course of an MME relocation with UPE involvement. In both cases, UPE selection has
to be regarded as a MME function, whereas the eNB is informed about the UPE to contact by means
of S1 signalling.
The slide opposite depicts the pool area concept with UPEs. As shown, there might be different kinds of
connectivity restrictions on S1 between eNBs and UPEs.
Scenario 1 These restrictions might follow the MME Pool / Pool Area conguration, i.e. a pool
of MMEs constitutes a service area that corresponds to the service area of a pool of UPEs
Scenario 2 There might be no restrictions at all, i.e. a pool of UPEs has full connectivity to all RAN
nodes and can be selected by all MMEs in a PLMN
Scenario 3 Or the UPE pool conguration is de-coupled from the MME pool/pool area denition.
In any case, it is the MME that should have knowledge about the UPE nodes that can be selected
and consequently the MME should be in the position to trigger a UPE relocation if needed.
9-34
LTE
LTE Pooling Relationships Version 1 Rev 2
LTE Pooling Relationships
eNB1
MME
eNB2 eNB3 eNB4 eNB5 eNB6 eNB7 eNB8 eNB9
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME Pool A MME Pool B
Pool Area X Pool Area Y
eNB1
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
UPE
UPE
UPE
UPE Pool 2
UPE
UPE
UPE
UPE Pool 3
UPE
UPE
UPE
UPE Pool 1
Scenario 3
eNB1
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
UPE
UPE
UPE
UPE Pool 1
UPE
UPE
UPE
UPE Pool 2
Scenario 1
eNB1
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
MME
UPE
UPE
UPE
UPE Pool 1
Scenario 2
9-35
LTE
Version 1 Rev 2 LTE Mobility Identities
LTE Mobility Identities
When the UE is in EMM-Registered state it will be identied by a S-TMSI within the MME and can be
reached within a Tracking Area Identity (TAI).
Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity
The MME shall allocate a Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) to the UE.
The GUTI has two main components:
one that uniquely identies the MME which allocated the GUTI; and
one that uniquely identies the UE within the MME that allocated the GUTI.
Within the MME, the mobile is identied by the M-TMSI.
The Globally Unique MME Identier (GUMMEI) is constructed from MCC, MNC and MME Identier
(MMEI).
In turn the MMEI is constructed from an MME Group ID (MMEGI) and an MME Code (MMEC). The
MMGEI is the MME pool ID and the MMEC is the MME within that pool.
The GUTI is constructed from the GUMMEI and the M-TMSI.
The operator needs to ensure that the MMEC is unique within the MME pool area and, if overlapping
pool areas are in use, unique within the area of overlapping MME pools.
SAE-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI)
For paging, the mobile is paged with the S-TMSI. The S-TMSI is constructed from the MMEC and the
M-TMSI.
The GUTI is used to support subscriber identity condentiality, and, in the shortened S-TMSI form, to
enable more efcient radio signalling procedures (e.g. paging and Service Request).
Tracking Area Identity (TAI)
This is the identity used to identify tracking areas. The Tracking Area Identity is constructed from the
Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC) and Tracking Area Code (TAC).
The TAI is assigned to a number of cells grouped together for paging purposes.
9-36
LTE

LTE Procedures

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