1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

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not permitted without written authorization.

Dimensioning Rules for CS and PS traffic

with BSS Software Release B9

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CONTENTS

1. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS...........................................................................................................4
2. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................4
3. DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................................5
4. AIR INTERFACE..............................................................................................................................5
5. A-BIS INTERFACE ..........................................................................................................................6
5.1

Number of time-slots available per A-bis Multidrop link.........................................................6

5.2

Usage of A-bis timeslots ........................................................................................................6

5.3

Transport of Signaling on the A-bis interface.........................................................................7

5.4

5.3.1

General .....................................................................................................................7

5.3.2

A-bis signaling multiplexing modes...........................................................................7

5.3.3

Rules for usage of signaling multiplexing..................................................................7

Two A-bis links per BTS ........................................................................................................ 8

6. BSC DIMENSIONNING RULES ....................................................................................................10

6.1

6.2

BSC equipment overview.....................................................................................................10

6.1.1

A9120 (G2) BSC .....................................................................................................10

6.1.2

A9130 BSC Evolution..............................................................................................10

BSC A-bis connectivity.........................................................................................................11

6.2.1

Maximum number of TRXs .....................................................................................11

6.2.2

Maximum number of BTSs and Cells .....................................................................12

6.2.3

Mix of Full Rate and Dual Rate TRX.......................................................................12

6.2.4

The particular case of cell splitting..........................................................................12

6.2.5

Introduction of CS-3, CS-4 and EDGE....................................................................13

6.2.6

Abis PCM links and signaling links .........................................................................13

6.3

BSC A-ter connectivity .........................................................................................................15

6.4

CS Traffic Handling Capability .............................................................................................16

6.4.1

Maximum BSC capacity figures ..............................................................................16

6.4.2

The moderation factor.............................................................................................17

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

7. A-TER INTERFACE .......................................................................................................................17

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7.1

Definitions ............................................................................................................................17

7.2

Mixed A-ter CS/PS links.......................................................................................................18

7.3

Ater Time slots not usable for traffic ....................................................................................19

7.4

Minimum number of A-ter links ............................................................................................20

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7.5

Number of SS7 channels .....................................................................................................20

7.6

Number of GSL channels ....................................................................................................21

7.7

A-ter interface configuration rules ........................................................................................21

8. TRANSCODER DIMENSIONING RULES .....................................................................................22

8.1

Connection to the EVOLIUM G2 TC ................................................................................22

8.2

Connection to the A9125 TC................................................................................................22

8.3

Minimum number of A links .................................................................................................22

9. MFS DIMENSIONING RULES.......................................................................................................23

9.1

A9135 MFS configurations...................................................................................................23

9.1.1

MFS based on DS10 systems : ..............................................................................23

9.1.2

MFS based on AS800 systems :.............................................................................23

9.2

A9130 MFS configurations...................................................................................................24

9.3

GP/ GPU capacity................................................................................................................24

10. GB INTERFACE.............................................................................................................................25
10.1 Configuration rules...............................................................................................................25
10.2 General dimensioning rules .................................................................................................26
11. ANNEX 1: STANDARD TRAFFIC MODEL....................................................................................27
12. ANNEX 2: A-BIS INTERFACE CONFIGURATION........................................................................28
12.1 Number of time-slots required with the different Signaling Multiplexing schemes...............28
12.2 Typical cases where Signaling Multiplexing is very advantageous......................................28
12.3 Configurations with 2 A-bis links ..........................................................................................30
12.3.1 Principles.................................................................................................................30

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

12.3.2 Example : BTS with 16 Full Rate TRX. ..................................................................30

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1. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
[1]

3DC 21006 0003 TQZZA

Use of Moderation Factor for BSS traffic assessment

[2]

3DC 21016 0003 TQZZA

EVOLIUM A9120 Base Station Controller Product Description

[4]

3DC 21016 0005 TQZZA

EVOLIUM A9135 MFS Product Description

[5]

3GPP Technical

Multiplexing and Multiple Access on the Radio Path

Specification 05.02
[6]

3DC 21034 0001 TQZZA

EVOLIUM G2 Transcoder Product Description

[7]

3DC 21016 0007 TQZZA

EVOLIUM A9125 Compact Transcoder Product Description1

[8]

3DC 21144 0047 TQZZA

GPRS Master Channels in Release B8

[9]

3DC 21144 0032 TQZZA

GPRS Radio Resource Management in Release B7

[10]

3DC 21150 0323 TQZZA

GSM/GPRS/EDGE Radio Network Design Process For Alcatel

BSS Release B9

[11]

3DC 21019 0007 TQZZA

Evolium A9130 BSC/MFS Evolution Product Description

2. INTRODUCTION
This document provides dimensioning rules of the A9120 (G2) BSC, A9135 MFS and A9130
BSC/MFS Evolution equipments with the BSS release B9.
When not explicitly mentioned otherwise,

BSC will refer to both A9120 BSC and A9130 BSC Evolution;

MFS will refer to both A9135 MFS and A9130 MFS Evolution

It also provides the rules to dimension the interfaces in the BSS Air interface, A-bis interface, A-ter

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

interface and Gb interface.

Product name may also be found with previous ALCATEL naming as A925 transcoder

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3. DEFINITIONS
A 64 kbit/s channel on the A-bis interface is called an A-bis timeslot.
A 16 kbit/s channel on the A-bis interface is called an A-bis nibble.
A transmission channel established for carrying (E)GPRS traffic is called a GCH (GPRS channel).
One GCH uses one A-bis and one A-ter nibble.
In this document, EDGE may be used instead of E-GPRS, for wording simplification purpose.

4. AIR INTERFACE
The maximum number of TRX per cell is 16.
Radio configuration of GSM cells :
There is one timeslot devoted to CCCH per cell.
The maximum number of SDCCH channels per cell is 88.These SDCCH channels may be static or
dynamic. At least one static SDCCH (SDCCH/4 or SDCCH/8) must be positioned on the BCCH TRX,
for recovery.
The maximum number of SDCCH per TRX on an EVOLIUM BTS is 24.
In a multiband cell, all SDCCH are in the primary band of the cell.
In a concentric cell, all SDCCH are in the outer zone.

All TRX can be declared as Full rate or Dual Rate TRX. Mixtures of DR TRX and FR TRX are
supported.

Packet configuration:
The maximum number of PDCH in one cell is 60.
There may be one primary master channel (PBCCH)

and up to 3 secondary master channels

(PCCH) in one cell, all on BCCH TRX.

In a multiband cell, all packet traffic is in the primary band of the cell.
In a concentric cell, all packet traffic is in the outer zone.

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

In case of cell split over two BTS, packet traffic is supported over the master sector only.

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5. A-BIS INTERFACE
5.1 Number of time-slots available per A-bis Multidrop link
-

This number depends on :

-

The type of the multidrop link : Closed Loop or Open Chain,

Whether time-slot zero (TS0) transparency1 is used or not,

The BTS generation.

The table below indicates the number of time-slots available per PCM link according to the possible
choices:
OPEN CHAIN MULTIDROP

CLOSED LOOP MULTIDROP

G1 or G2 BTS A9100 BTS (*)

G1 BTS (**)

G2 or
EVOLIUM BTS

WITH TS0 TRANSPARENCY

30

31

28

29

TS0 USAGE

31

31

30

30

(*) Improvement with EVOLIUM BTS: In case all BTSs of a Multidrop are EVOLIUM BTSs,
and if TS0 transparency is used, then the time-slot used for transmission supervision can be
saved (because the OML of EVOLIUM BTS supports also the transmission supervision
information)
(**) This column applies as soon as there is one G1 BTS in a closed multidrop.

5.2 Usage of A-bis timeslots

On the A-bis interface, there are basic timeslots, extra timeslots, and timeslots devoted to signalling.
One timeslot on the air interface is mapped on one basic 16kbit/s nibble on the A-bis interface.
As a consequence, each TRX corresponds to two A-bis basic timeslots. Additional extra timeslots
can be configured for the transport of packet. This makes sense when CS3/CS4 or EDGE has been
activated. If the cell transports voice only, or GPRS up to CS-2, there is no reason to add extratimeslots.
The number of extra timeslots per BTS is determined by the Operator. The granularity is one A-bis
timeslot.
For large BTS (up to 24 TRX or important packet traffic), two A-bis links may be used. The second A-

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

bis link transports voice, packet and signalling traffic.

1 Time slot 0 transparency means the BSS cannot use TS0, which is reserved by the transmission equipment for O&M

purpose. Time Slot 0 Usage means the BSS can use TS0.

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5.3 Transport of Signaling on the A-bis interface

5.3.1 General
In addition to data, signalling has to be transported on the A-bis interface. There are two types of
information to be conveyed:
-

RSL : Radio Signaling Link. There is one RSL per TRX

OML : O&M link. There is one OML per BTS. The OML link is always on the first A-bis link.

When signalling multiplexing is not used, each signalling link (OML or RSL) is transported on a 64
kbit/s Abis channel. This configuration is however not recommended, as it is wasting bandwidth on
the Abis interface. The following section presents the various signalling multiplexing mode offered by
the ALCATEL BSS.
5.3.2 A-bis signaling multiplexing modes
There are three types of Signaling Multiplexing:
-

Static Signaling Multiplexing consists of multiplexing on one A-bis time-slot (64 kbit/s) up to 4
RSLs (Radio Signaling Link) of 16 kbit/s each belonging to the same BTS. The OML uses an
additional A-bis time-slot (64 kbit/s).

Statistical Signaling Multiplexing 64k consists of multiplexing on one A-bis time-slot (64 kbit/s)
up to 4 RSLs (Radio Signaling Link) of a BTS plus its OML. Each RSL and each OML has a
transfer rate of maximum 64 kbit/s (but not all simultaneously).

Statistical Signaling Multiplexing 16k : the basic nibble corresponding to the radio timeslot 0 of
each TRX carries the RSL of this TRX and possibly the OML of the BTS. This feature requires
that no traffic, but only signaling (BCCH or SDCCH) is affected on timeslot 0 of each TRX. In this
case no additional timeslot is required on the A-bis for signaling.

5.3.3 Rules for usage of signaling multiplexing

5.3.3.1 Rules for Signaling Static multiplexing on 64 kbit/s channel
Static Signaling multiplexing can only be used if all the following conditions are met:
-

- Full rate only (no Dual Rate).

- Each TRX carries 8 SDCCH channels maximum

5.3.3.2 Rules for Signaling Statistical multiplexing on 16 kbit/s channel

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

Statistical Signaling multiplexing 16 k can only be used if all the following conditions are met:
-

EVOLIUM BTS and Micro-BTS,

Full rate only TRX (no Dual Rate).

Each TRX carries 8 SDCCH channels maximum

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The Time-Slot 0 of each TRX must not be assigned to traffic (but to BCCH/CCCH or SDCCH)

5.3.3.3 Rules for Signaling Statistical multiplexing on 64 kbit/s channel

-

Statistical Signaling multiplexing 64 k can only be used on EVOLIUM BTS and Micro-BTS.

The multiplexing ratio depends on the signaling load and on the configuration of the TRX (Dual
Rate or Full Rate).

It is not possible to mix the RSL of Full-Rate TRX and Dual-Rate TRX in the same 64 kbit/s

timeslot.
-

Multiplexing ratio :
Full Rate TRX

Dual rate TRX

Normal

High signaling

Normal

High signaling

signaling load

load

signaling load

load

4:1

2:1

2:1

1:1

The signalling load is entered by the OMC-operator when choosing the multiplexing scheme. The
high signalling load is recommended in the case where several TRX in a cell are configured with
more than 8 SDCCH, which may be the case with multiband or concentric cells.

In other cases the normal signalling load option should be advised.

5.4 Two A-bis links per BTS

Up to B8, a secondary A-bis link carried only extra A-bis timeslots for packet traffic.
In B9, the TWIN TRX gives the opportunity to put more TRX than 12 TRX inside a single BTS rack.
For this purpose, it is possible to configure a secondary A-bis link with basic A-bis nibbles in B9.
All topologies previously supported with the B8 feature Two incoming A-bis links per BTS are
supported (both Abis links may be mapped on a different TSUs for G2 BSC).
By default, the first A-bis link is filled up as much as possible.
Some additional flexibility is brought: It is possible to limit the number of TRX in the first A-bis link
(e.g. to optimise the filling of TSUs of a G2 BSC, when both links are connected to different TSUs).
Two parameters MAX_FR_TRE_PRIMARY and MAX_DR_TRE_PRIMARY define the maximum
number of TRX of a BTS, which are mapped on the first A-bis link (respectively for Full Rate and
Dual Rate).
Dual Rate TRX are mapped first, then Full Rate TRX, then Extra A-bis timeslots.
The OML of a BTS is always mapped on the first A-bis link.
1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

The TCH and the RSL of a TRX are grouped on the same A-bis link.
All A-bis signalling modes are supported (with Statistical Signaling Submultiplexing 64 k, the multiplexing
mode per sector is not supported, i.e. the multiplexing mode is valid for the whole BTS).

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Some examples are described in Annex 2.

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6. BSC DIMENSIONNING RULES

6.1 BSC equipment overview
6.1.1 A9120 (G2) BSC
The G2 BSC range available with the BSS Software Release B9 is:
Configuration
number
1
2
3
4
5
6

BSC G2 EQUIPMENT
32 TRX-FR;
128 TRX-FR;
192 TRX-FR;
288 TRX-FR;
352 TRX-FR;
448 TRX-FR;

16A,
24A,
40A,
48A,
64A,
72A,

nb of cabinets

6 A-bis-ITF
24 A-bis -ITF
36 A-bis -ITF
54 A-bis -ITF
66 A-bis -ITF
84 A-bis -ITF

1
1
2
2
3
3

For more details on G2 BSC HW, please refer to the BSC product description [2].
6.1.2 A9130 BSC Evolution
Two main types of configuration are available with the BSS Software release B9 for the BSC
Evolution, in one cabinet:
-

Standard configuration: BSC Evolution with one telecom sub-rack

-

- Rack Sharing (RS) configuration: 2 BSCs Evolution with one telecom sub-rack
equipped for each BSC.

Configuration

Nb. Of equipped
telecom
subracks

Number of CCP
boards (*)

Number of LIU
boards

BSC-EV-200

BSC-EV-400

BSC-EV-600

16

600-2001

24

BSC-EV-RS 400-400

16

BSC-EV-RS 600-400

24

BSC-EV-RS 600-600

32

BSC-EV-RS

(*) Spare CCP boards included

Note: The A-bis connectivity is provided in section 6.2 and A-ter connectivity is provided in section
1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

6.3 .

The 600-200 configuration should be reserved for capacity extension purposes, otherwise the 400-400
configuration shall be preferred.

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6.2 BSC A-bis connectivity

There is a set of rules to be respected to determine the maximum amount of TRXs and BTSs that
can be connected to a BSC.
6.2.1 Maximum number of TRXs
6.2.1.1 A9120 G2 BSC
Some

rules

refer

to

the

BSC

equipment

as

whole,

others

to

the

A-bis Terminal Sub-Unit (A-bis TSU) capacity.

The following table gives the maximum TRX connectivity.
BSC G2 EQUIPMENT
Configuration 1
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 4
Configuration 5
Configuration 6

Max. Nb. of TRXFR

32
128
192
288
352
448

Max. Nb. of TRXDR

14
62
92
140
170
218

Note : At least one TCU in each BSC rack must be allocated in Full Rate.
That is the reason why it is not possible to have more than 218 DR TRX in configuration #6.
When the maximum number of DR TRX is reached, there are still up to 4 potential FR TRX for
configurations (1) & (2), 8 FR TRX for configurations (3) & (4), and 8 FR TRX for configurations (5) &
(6).
It is not possible to mix FR TRX and DR TRX in a single TCU.
6.2.1.2 A9130 BSC Evolution
The following table gives the maximum TRX connectivity.
Configuration

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

BSC-EV-200
BSC-EV-400
BSC-EV-600
BSC-EV-RS 600-200
BSC-EV-RS 400-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-600

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Max. Nb. of TRXFR

200
400
600
800
800
1000
1200

Max. Nb. of TRXDR

100
200
300
400
400
500
600

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6.2.2 Maximum number of BTSs and Cells

The maximum number of BTS and cells depends whether the TRXs are configured in Full Rate or in
Dual Rate mode.
6.2.2.1 A 9120 BSC (G2-BSC)

Full Rate TRX

Dual Rate TRX

BSC G2 EQUIPMENT

max. BTSs

max. Cells

max. BTSs

max. Cells

Configuration 1
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 4
Configuration 5
Configuration 6

23
95
142
214
255
255

32
120
192
240
264
264

14
62
92
140
170
218

14
62
92
140
170
218

6.2.2.2 A9130 BSC (BSC-Evolution)

Full Rate TRX

Dual Rate TRX

Configuration

max. BTSs

max. Cells

max. BTSs

max. Cells

BSC-EV-200
BSC-EV-400
BSC-EV-600
BSC-EV-RS 600-200
BSC-EV-RS 400-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-600

150
255
255
405
510
510
510

200
264
264
464
528
528
528

100
200
255
355
400
455
510

100
200
264
364
400
464
528

Note:

For BSC-EV-200 and BSC-EV-400, the maximum number of BTS and cells with dual Rate
TRX is lower than with Full Rate, because it is equal to the maximum number of TRX with
dual rate.

6.2.3 Mix of Full Rate and Dual Rate TRX

The Half-Rate Flexibility feature allows defining the number of Dual Rate TRX in each BTS sector.
6.2.4 The particular case of cell splitting

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

Cell splitting is available from release B7 onwards. This feature enables to share a cell between 2
BTSs. This feature enables for example to extend a site, adding a new BTS without modifying the
arrangement of the already existing BTS(s).

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The connection to the BSC of the A-bis links coming from these BTSs shall not follow any specific
rule. For G2 BSC, the BTS can be connected to the same or to different A-bis TSUs.
However, in the particular case of Multi-band Cell usage, one must be aware that all radio signalling
is concentrated on the primary band. Thus it is recommended to mix the 900 MHz BTSs and the
1800 MHz BTSs in each A-bis TSU, so as to enable a better signalling load distribution at TCU level.
6.2.5 Introduction of CS-3, CS-4 and EDGE
6.2.5.1 A9120 (G2) BSC
Introduction of CS-3, CS-4 and EDGE has impacts on A-bis dimensioning and on the BSC TRX
connectivity.
Extra-timeslots defined on the A-bis links are cross-connected inside the BSC and consume some
BSC connectivity.
Two A-bis extra timeslots are equivalent to one Full Rate TRX in terms of connectivity in the BSC.In
other words, one extra timeslot is equivalent to FR TRX.
Note : the system maps extra-timeslots on any FR TCU of the A-bis TSU to which the A-bis link is
connected.
6.2.5.2 A9130 BSC evolution
The introduction of CS3, CS4 and EDGE has no impact on the BSC TRX connectivity.
For more details on Abis transmission resource dimensioning please refer to [10].
6.2.6 Abis PCM links and signaling links
6.2.6.1 A9120 BSC specific rules and A-bis TSU capacity
Each A-bis TSU includes 8 TCUs (Terminal Control Unit) and six G.703 A-bis interfaces, which allow
connecting six A-bis PCM trunks.
The table below indicates the number of A-bis TSU for each G2 BSC configuration.
BSC G2 EQUIPMENT

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

Configuration 1
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 4
Configuration 5
Configuration 6

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Nb. Of A-bis
TSU
1
4
6
9
11
14

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The following rules, relative to the A-bis TSU, must be respected:

-

All TRXs of all BTSs of a same A-bis multidrop are handled by a single A-bis TSU.

Each TCU can handle 6 signaling links (LAPD), i.e. typically: (4 RSLs + 2 OMLs for 4 TRXs+ 2
BTSs ) or (3 RSLs + 3 OMLs for 3 TRXs+ 3 BTSs).

Each TCU can handle either Full Rate or Dual Rate traffic (but not both).

Each TCU can handle 32 Traffic Channels, i.e. 4 Full-Rate TRXs or 2 Half-Rate TRXs.

The traffic channels and the RSL of a given TRX are handled by the same TCU.

In case of Signaling Multiplexing, all RSLs of a given 64 kbit/s A-bis time-slot are handled by the
same TCU (this rule applies for both Static and Statistical Signaling Multiplexing)

6 A-bis open chain multidrop links can be connected to one A-bis TSU. In case of closed loop
multidrop links, both ends of an A-bis multidrop loop must be connected to the same A-bis-TSU.
Hence up to 3 A-bis closed loop multidrop links can be connected to 1 A-bis-TSU.

In each cabinet, there is at least one TCU configured in Full Rate.

Remarks:
-

It is possible to mix within a same TCU, RSLs which are multiplexed (static and/or statistical) and
RSLs which are not multiplexed.

Recommendations:
-

It is recommended not to dimension a BSC over 90% of its maximum connectivity.

Leaving free some spare capacity in all A-bis TSUs will simplify further extensions.

6.2.6.2 A9130 BSC

The number of Abis-PCM links for each configuration is provided in the table below.
Configuration

Max. Nb. Of Abis links

BSC-EV-200
BSC-EV-400
BSC-EV-600
BSC-EV-RS 600-200
BSC-EV-RS 400-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-600

96
96
176
272
192
272
352

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

Signaling capacity: For A9130 BSC, there are up to 441 HDLC channels at 64 kbit/s dedicated to
transport the Abis signaling (OML and RSL) per BSC. If signaling multiplexing is not used, the
maximum number of TRX and BTS indicated in sections 6.2.1.2 and 6.2.2.2 cannot be reached.
ALCATEL recommends using signaling multiplexing (see section 5.3 for details).

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6.3 BSC A-ter connectivity

6.3.1.1 A9120 G2-BSC
The maximum number of A-ter interfaces is given in the table below. This maximum number of A-ter
interfaces is the total available for CS and PS services. Each A-ter link can be either fully dedicated
to PS or CS, or it is also possible to split some A-ter links between CS and PS. The detailed
information on how to split an Ater-link between CS & PS is detailed in section 7.2.
BSC G2 EQUIPMENT

Max. Nb. of
A-ter itf
4
6
10
12
16
18

Configuration 1
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 4
Configuration 5
Configuration 6

6.3.1.2 A9130 BSC Evolution

The maximum number of A-ter interfaces for PS and CS is given in the table below.
Configuration

Ater CS(*)

Ater PS(**)

BSC-EV-200
BSC-EV-400
BSC-EV-600
BSC-EV-RS 600-200
BSC-EV-RS 400-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-600

10
20
30
40
40
50
60

6
12
18
24
24
30
36

(*) With BSC evolution, the A-ter links provided for CS can be used for CS and PS. These links can
be either fully dedicated to PS or CS, or it is also possible to split some A-ter links between CS and
PS. The detailed information on how to split an Ater-link between CS & PS is detailed in section 7.2.

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

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(**) With BSC evolution the Ater links provided to PS are dedicated to PS only.

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6.4 CS Traffic Handling Capability

The maximum traffic handling capacity is mainly limited by the number of A-ter interface channels
available for traffic
6.4.1 Maximum BSC capacity figures
6.4.1.1 A9120 G2-BSC
These figures are guaranteed with respect to the call mix specified in annex 1.
G2-BSC configuration
Configuration 1
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 4
Configuration 5
Configuration 6

Maximum Traffic
(ERLANG)
160 Erlang
620 Erlang
1050 Erlang
1300 Erlang
1700 Erlang
1900 Erlang

Maximum BHCA
11,520
44,640
75,600
93,600
122,400
136,800

These figures correspond to a blocking probability on the A-ter interface of 0.1%.

Note that a conf. 6 BSC can reach a 2000 Erlangs capacity with a less constraining traffic model.
Also in that case, the blocking rate will reach 0.24%, instead of 0.1%.
BHCA: Busy Hour Call Attempts.
6.4.1.2 A9130 BSC evolution
The figures below are guaranteed with respect to the call mix specified in annex 1 (TCH holding
time = 50s).
BSC-Evolution Configuration
BSC-EV-200
BSC-EV-400
BSC-EV-600
BSC-EV-RS 600-200
BSC-EV-RS 400-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-400
BSC-EV-RS 600-600

Maximum Traffic
(ERLANG)
900
1800
2600(*)
3500(*)
3600
4400(*)
5200(*)

Maximum BHCA
64 800
129 600
187 200
252 000
259 200
316 800
374 400

(*) Limitation with B9 release. Target for further releases is 900 ERLANG per CCP for all
configurations

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

BHCA: Busy Hour Call Attempts.

The BSC Evolution architecture applies a separation between user plane and control plane. The
traffic in ERLANG represents the user plane capacity while the BHCA expresses the control plane
capacity.

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6.4.2 The moderation factor

When dimensioning a network, one must check that the nominal traffic generated by the different
BTSs does not exceed the maximum traffic handling capacity of the BSC to which they are
connected.
However it has been noticed that the actual traffic encountered in a BSC is generally significantly
lower than the sum of traffic capacities of all connected BTS. This comes from the fact that the
nominal traffic is not reached simultaneously in each cell and that all TRXs or all traffic channels are
not all necessary to handle the actual traffic.
To account for this and avoid over-estimating the number of BSCs necessary for a given network,
the notion of Moderation Factor has been introduced. The Moderation Factor is defined as the ratio
between the actual traffic encountered in the BSC at its busy hour and the theoretical traffic figure.
The value of the Moderation Factor can vary very significantly depending on the network context.
Except for very dense urban areas, a maximum value of 0.8 may be used. Significantly lower values
may even be used in many cases.
It must be noted that using the Moderation Factor is also recommended for the assessment of the
number of A-ter Interfaces and of transcoders.
More details on the Moderation Factor can be found in document [1].

7. A-TER INTERFACE
7.1 Definitions
The A-ter1 interface is both the interface between the BSC and the TC, and between the BSC and
the MFS.

The A-ter interface may transport pure circuit, it is then called A-ter CS.

When it transports packet traffic, it is called A-ter PS.

It is possible to mix PS and CS traffic on one single A-ter link, it is then called A-ter CS/PS.

On the A-ter CS interface, a 64 kbit/s timeslot transmits information for 4 Circuit Switch calls
(whatever they use FR or HR codecs).
On the A-ter PS interface, a 64 kbit/s timeslot supports 4 GCHs.

Strictly speaking, the A-ter interface is an internal G2 BSC interface it is the interface between the

DTC and the ASMB boards. On this interface, a 64 kb/s timeslot transmits information for a single

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

CS call (FR or HR).

The actual interface between the BSC and the TC is the Atermux interface.
However, in order to simplify the wording, the Atermux interface is simply called A-ter interface.

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7.2 Mixed A-ter CS/PS links

The number of 64 kbit/s time-slots assigned to PS traffic (and PS signalling) is configured by the
Operator at the OMC-R, with the following granularity: 4, 8, 15, 22, and 29 timeslots (full PS) per
PCM, as depicted in the following table:

PS TS

15

22

29

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

10

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

11

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

12

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

13

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

14

TCH

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

15

O&M

O&M

O&M

O&M

O&M

16

SS7

SS7

SS7

SS7

SS7

17

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

18

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

19

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

20

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

21

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

22

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

23

TCH

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

24

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

25

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

26

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

27

TCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

28

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

29

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

30

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

31

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

GCH

A-ter CS/PS configurations

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The MFS transparently routes the 64 kbit/s timeslots used for voice towards the transcoder.
The MFS has the possibility to split the traffic on a link to the transcoder for the CS traffic and a link
to the SGSN for PS traffic.
It is also possible to route both CS and packet traffic (Gb) to the transcoder. The same granularity
between CS & PS is kept.
The figure below displays the different types of links between the MFS and the SGSN.

A/Gb

T
A-ter CS C
+ Gb

MSC

Gb

A-ter CS
+PS
BSC
Alcatel
MFS
9135

SGSN

A-ter CS

T
C
MSC

A-ter CS +PS
BSC
Alcatel 9135
MFS

Gb

SGSN

Note: The above figure applies to both A9130 and A9135 MFS.

7.3 Ater Time slots not usable for traffic

Specific A-ter timeslots are not usable for traffic. It is the case for:
-

Transmission alarm bits: Timeslot 15 of each A-ter interface is used to transport transmission
alarm bits (sub-multiplexing of TS0 alarms), and cannot be used for traffic.

Transport of signalling
- One timeslot per A-ter link for transport of SS7 on timeslot 16.

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

- On A-ter used for PS, one GSL may be configured. It is then transported on timeslot 28.

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Transport of O&M information between BSS and OMC-R

- A9120 BSC: When this connection is performed through the A-ter Interface, and not
using an external X25 network, 2 additional timeslots must be dedicated to the O&M link
from the BSC to the OMC-R if. In this case timeslot 31 is used on A-ter links N1 & 2.
- A9130 BSC: The O&M information is transported to the OMC with IP over Ater. The IP
transport uses the TS 31 of the Atermux 1 to N (N is between 2 and 16, with a default
value of 4: the IP bandwidth is between 128 Kbits and 1 Mbits/s with a default value of
256 Kbit/s). This IP bandwidth is configurable by the operator.

Qmux protocol (Transmission equipment supervision1).

- In A9120 BSC rack, there is one sub-channel (on timeslot 14) on the first two A-ter
links (links N 1, 2, 7, 8, 13 & 14) that is dedicated to the Qmux protocol. Three other
subchannels are used for TCH.
- In each A9130 BSC, there is one sub-channels (on timeslot 14) on the Ater links N
1, 7, 13, 19, 25 and 2, 8, 14, 20, 26 that is dedicated to the Qmux protocol
(Transmission equipment supervision, two Qmux channels per cluster of 6 Ater link one
for redundancy). The three other sub-channels are used for TCH.

7.4 Minimum number of A-ter links

The minimum number of A-ter links connected to a BSS is 2.

7.5 Number of SS7 channels

The number of SS7 64 kbit/s channels required depends on the traffic mix.
There is a maximum of one SS7 64 kbit/s channel par A-ter link.
-

With the Alcatel traffic mix presented in Annex 1, it is recommended to have one SS7 channel
per A-ter link.
For A9120 G2 BSC there is a maximum of 16 SS7 channels. This number of channels
is sufficient to cope with the signalling load corresponding to the G2 BSC maximum
committed capacity and BHCA from section 6.4.1.1, with the Alcatel traffic mix
presented in Annex 1, with a maximum 0,4 ERLANG per signalling channel.
For A9130 BSC-Evolution there is a maximum of 16 SS7 channels per BSC (so up to
32 in case of rack-sharing configurations, with 2 logical BSC). This number of channels
is sufficient to cope with the signalling load corresponding to the BSC evolution
maximum committed capacity and BHCA from section 6.4.1.2, with the Alcatel traffic

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

mix presented in Annex 1with maximum 0,6 ERLANG per signalling channel2.

2 As the ALCATEL BSC always balance the load on all signalling links in the BSC to MSC direction, in case of switch-over

due to the loss of one signalling link, there is no risk of overloading SS7 in the transmit direction. In the receive direction, the
possibility to allow more than 0,4 ERLANG per link set depends on the MSC strategy for load balancing in case of switchover
(load balancing or N+1 redundancy or intermediate algorithm). It must also be noted that the traffic mix presented in Annex 1

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With a different traffic mix than the one presented in Annex 1, the number of SS7 channels may
be adjusted so that the average SS7 load is about 0,4 ERLANG per channel. However, the
A9130 BSC-Evolution is able to cope with a signalling load up to 0,6 ERLANG per channel. The
MSC ability to cope with this load and the way used by the MSC to balance the traffic in the
MSC-to-BSC direction in case of loss of one link must however be checked before allowing 0,6
ERLANG per SS7 link.

7.6 Number of GSL channels

Each GPU or GP board requires at least one GSL channel.
There can be 0 or 1 GSL per A-ter link.
The required number of GSL channels depends on the traffic. The different parameters to calculate it
are given in document [10].
For security reason, it is recommended to have at least 2 GSL channels per GPU or GP board.
The maximum number of GSL per BSC is 24.

7.7 A-ter interface configuration rules

On the A-ter interface, from one up to 8 PCM can be connected to each GPU board (A9135 MFS),
and up to 13 PCM1 to each GP board (A9130 MFS). Each PCM link can be dedicated to packet
traffic or shared between CS and PS traffic.
For security reasons, the time-slots assigned to PS traffic should be spread among different A-ter
PCMs. However, when there is enough PS traffic to fill 2 or more PCMs, there is an advantage to
dedicate complete PCMs to PS rather than mixing PS with CS traffic. Indeed, doing so avoids
connecting the A9135 MFS to the Transcoder, with A-ter PCMs not fully devoted to circuit-switched
traffic, and thus avoids wasting transcoder resource.
It is possible to set PS time-slots on all A-ter PCMs; indeed, this can be useful in the case of
configurations with only 2 A-ter PCMs in order to ensure better security.
However, it is recommended not to carry PS traffic on the first A-ter PCM so that it can be connected

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

directly to the transcoder in order to enable MFS installation without O&M interruption on the BSC.

corresponds to a very high signalling load per user, and that in most cases the average signalling load per user is such that
0,4 ERLANG per signalling link is not reached with the highest capacity.
1 Reaching 13 Ater links per GP is possible only for MFS configurations allowing more than 13 links per GP ( max 13 Ater +
3Gb. See section 9.3, on page 24 for details on MFS and GP capacity.

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8. TRANSCODER DIMENSIONING RULES

8.1 Connection to the EVOLIUM G2 TC
Each BSC rack must be connected to only one TC G2 rack. But one TC rack can be connected to
several BSC racks.
(Please refer to the EVOLIUM G2 TC product description [6] for more details.)

8.2 Connection to the A9125 TC

It is possible to connect up to 24 BSCs on one A9125 Compact TC.
At least 2 A-ter links per BSC are required.
It is also possible to connect one BSC to different TC racks.
(Please refer to the A9125 TC product description [7] for more details.)

8.3 Minimum number of A links

The minimum number of A-ter links connected to a BSS is 2.
-

- If the O&M link to the OMC-R is not conveyed by the A-ter interface, each A-ter link needs to be
connected to a minimum of one A interface link (total 2 A links).

- If the O&M link to the OMC-R is conveyed by the A-ter interface, each A-ter link needs to be

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

connected to 2 A interface links (total 4 A links).

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9. MFS DIMENSIONING RULES

9.1 A9135 MFS configurations
The A9135 MFS can accommodate from 1 to 2 telecommunication sub-racks.
One GPU board per sub-rack is always dedicated to the n+1 redundancy feature.
Each GPU board is connected to only one BSC.
But one BSC can be connected to several GPU (up to 6 from B7 Release onwards), depending on
packet traffic. These GPUs can belong to different MFS subracks.
All the BSCs connected to a given MFS must be connected to the same OMC-R as the MFS.
There can be more than one A9135 MFS per MSC, and one A9135 MFS can be connected to BSCs,
themselves connected to different MSCs.
One MFS can be connected to several SGSN units. One GPU is connected to only one SGSN.
One A9135 MFS can control up to 22 BSCs.
One MFS can manage up to 2000 cells.
The maximum number of cell adjacencies handled by the MFS is 40000.
Both maximum (cells and adjacencies) may be reached with one sub-rack, but in this case they
cannot be increased when adding a second sub-rack.
9.1.1 MFS based on DS10 systems :
From the B8 release onwards, the MFS based on DS10 systems can house up to 32 GPU boards.
Hence each A9135 MFS sub-rack can include up to 15 GPU boards plus 1 GPU board for
redundancy. The granularity is 1 GPU board.
9.1.2 MFS based on AS800 systems :
The MFS based on AS800 systems can house up to 24 GPU boards.
Hence each A9135 MFS sub-rack can include up to 11 GPU boards plus 1 GPU board for

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

redundancy. The granularity is 1 GPU board.

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9.2 A9130 MFS configurations

The A9130 MFS Evolution can accommodate from 1 to 2 telecommunication sub-racks. Each A9130
MFS Evolution racks can include up to 21 GP boards plus 1 GP board for redundancy without any
subrack constraints.
Each GP board is connected to only one BSC. But one BSC can be connected to several GP,
depending on packet traffic (These GPs can belong to different MFS subracks).
One A9130 MFS Evolution can control up to 21 BSCs.
All the BSCs connected to the different GPs of a same MFS must be connected to the same OMC-R
as the MFS.
There can be more than one A9130 MFS Evolution per MSC, and one A9130 MFS Evolution can be
connected to BSCs of several MSCs.
One A9130 MFS Evolution can manage up to 3000 cells.
The maximum number of cell adjacencies handled by the A9130 MFS Evolution is 60000.
Both maximum (cells and adjacencies) may be reached with one sub-rack, but in this case they
cannot be increased when adding a second sub-rack
The maximum number of external links per A9130 MFS is 256.

9.3 GP/ GPU capacity

A9135 MFS: One GPU board can support up to 16 external links (A-ter + Gb).

A9130 MFS: One GP board can support:

- up to 16 external links (A-ter + Gb), with a maximum of 16 GP board per MFS.
- When the number of GP boards in the MFS is more than 16, the number of external
links per GP is limited, so that the total number of links per MFS is not exceeded (12 per

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

GP for the maximum MFS configuration of 21 GP).

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GPRS PDCH
Max CS
CS2
CS3
CS4

Max nb of PDCH
per GPU (A9135)
240
220
204

Max nb of PDCH
per GP (A9130)

Max nb of PDCH
per GPU (A9135)
232
228
212
200
180
172
140
116
108

Max nb of PDCH
per GP (A9130)

960
892
804

EDGE PDCH
Max EGPRS MCS
MCS 1
MCS 2
MCS 3
MCS 4
MCS 5
MCS 6
MCS 7
MCS 8
MCS 9

856
836
796
772
704
660
448
380
348

Note: For the GP board; the maximum number of PDCH is indicated for the configuration with 16
links per GP.

10. GB INTERFACE
The maximum number of links from one GPU or GP board to the SGSN is 8.

10.1 Configuration rules

There are 2 ways to connect the MFS and the SGSN via the Gb interface:
- Through the Transcoder and the MSC.
- Bypassing the Transcoder and going either directly to the SGSN (through the MSC or not). This
is the recommended solution when the traffic is sufficient to justify A-ter PCMs completely
devoted to GPRS traffic. However, depending on the hardware and software versions, this is
not always possible, because of the GPU synchronisation issues1.
The links between the MFS and the SGSN or between the MSC and the SGSN can be direct point-

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

to-point physical connections or an intermediate Frame Relay Network can be used..

Ed
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For synchronisation issues, please refer to the A9135 MFS product description [4].

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The figure below displays the different types of links between the MFS and the SGSN.
A bis

A ter

A ter

BTS
BSC

TC

MSC

BTS

FRDN
Frame
Relay
Data
Network

BTS
MFS

SGSN

Remarks:
- The links going through the MSC can benefit from the multiplexing capability of the MSC in order
to reduce the number of ports required to the frame relay network towards the SGSN.

10.2 General dimensioning rules

The peak throughput of the Gb interface is equal to the peak LLC throughput multiplied by an
overhead factor which takes into account the Gb interface overheads.
- -This overhead factor depends on the mean frame size.
- The maximum number of Frame Relay bearer channels is 120 per GPU board (theoretical
value). It is however interesting to reduce the number of bearer channels to 2 (for redundancy
reason) in order to take benefit from the statistical effect of using larger bearer channels.
For more information on the method to determine the Gb peak throughput according to the traffic mix

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

expected within the BSC area and the Gb interface overheads, please refer to [10].

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11. ANNEX 1: STANDARD TRAFFIC MODEL

For comparison reasons, the following models are standardized with: BHCA = MOC + MTC = 1
BHCA : Busy Hour Call Attempt
MOC : Mobile Originating Call
MTC : Mobile Terminating Call
Mean holding time (s)
Events

Average ratio per

SDCCH

TCH

SCCP

Call Attempt
MO Call

0,6

4s

50s

54s

MT Call

0,4

4s

50s

54s

Internal Handover

External Handover

4s

Location Update

3s

3s

IMSI Attach

0.5

3s

3s

IMSI Detach

0.5

3s

3s

Originating SMS

0.3

3s

3s

0.7

3s

3s

(PtP)
Terminating SMS
(PtP)
Paging (as occurred

G2-BSC: 70

in the A interface )

Paging/s

Paging (as occurred

BSC-Ev: 95

in the A- interface)

Paging/s

(*) In rack-sharing configuration, the maximum paging rate corresponds to the rate for two logical
BSC.
-

The BSC can handle different call mixes. If a Customers traffic mix is significantly different from
the above Standard Traffic Model, Alcatel is prepared to study the possibility for the BSC to cope
with it.

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

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Performances versus traffic mix are committed upon BSC load test completion.

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12. ANNEX 2: A-BIS INTERFACE CONFIGURATION

12.1 Number of time-slots required with the different Signaling Multiplexing
schemes
The table below gives the number of 64 kbit/s time-slots required with the different Signaling
Multiplexing schemes. The BTS is assumed to have n TRXs in total all working in Full-Rate mode,
and we shall use the notation roundup(x) when a value x is to be rounded up to the next higher
integer. For G2 sectored BTS, we shall note i, j and k the number of TRXs in sector 1,2,and 3.

Trafic (n TRX)
OML if EVOLIUM BTS
OML if non EVOLIUM BTS
(previous generation)
RSL if EVOLIUM BTS

RSL if non EVOLIUM BTS

( G2-BTS)

Without
Signaling
Multiplexing
2n (2 per TRX)
1 per BTS
1 per Sector

StaticSignaling
Multiplexing
2n (2 per TRX)
1 per BTS
1 per Sector

StatisticalSignaling
Multiplexing-64k
2n (2 per TRX)
0
Not applicable

StatisticalSignaling
Multiplexing-16k
2n (2 per TRX)
0
Not applicable

1 per TRX

Roundup (n/4)

1 per TRX

Roundup(i/4)+
Roundup(j/4)+
Roundup(k/4)

Roundup ( n/4)
or Roundup(n/2)
(*)
Not applicable

Not applicable

Number of A-bis time-slots required according to the different Signaling Multiplexing schemes

(*) Depends on signalling load: 4 for normal signalling load, 2 for high signalling load.

12.2 Typical cases where Signaling Multiplexing is very advantageous

With Static Multiplexing, a sectored site with 3 x G2 BTS having 4 TRXs requires:
3x[ 1+ 4x2+ roundup ( 4 / 4 )] = 30 time-slots . Hence, it is possible to connect this site
with only one A-bis PCM (except if Closed Loop with TS0 transparency)

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

With Statistical Multiplexing 64k, one EVOLIUM A9100 BTS having 3x4 TRXs requires
Normal signaling load:

3x4x2 + roundup ( 3x4/4 ) = 27 time-slots.

High Signaling load:

3x4x2 + roundup ( 3x4/2 ) = 30 time-slots.

With Statistical Multiplexing 64k, one EVOLIUM BTS A9100 having 3x2 TRXs requires:
Normal signaling load:

3x2x2 + roundup ( 3x2/4 ) = 14 time-slots.

High signaling load:

3x2x2 + roundup ( 3x2/2 ) = 15 time-slots.

Hence, it is possible to connect 2 such sites with only one A-bis PCM.

Ed
MRD

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With Statistical Multiplexing 16k, one EVOLIUM Micro-BTS A9110 with 2 TRX in full Rate
mode requires:
2x2 = 4 time-slots.
Hence, it is possible to connect 7 of such BTSs with only one A-bis PCM.

With Statistical Multiplexing 16k, one EVOLIUM BTS A9100 with 3x1 TRX requires:
3x2 = 6 time-slots.
Hence, it is possible to connect 5 such sites with only one A-bis PCM (if open chain or
closed loop with TS0 usage).

With Statistical Multiplexing 16k, one EVOLIUM BTS A9100 with 3x2 TRXs in full-rate mode
offering CS3/CS4 and EDGE thanks to one TRX Class 4 per sector requires:
3 x (1x2 + 4x2) = 30 time-slots.

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

Hence it is possible to connect 1 such site with only one A-bis PCM link.

Ed
MRD

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12.3 Configurations with 2 A-bis links

12.3.1 Principles
In B9, the TWIN TRX gives the opportunity to put more TRX than 12 TRX inside a single BTS rack.
For this purpose, it is possible to configure a secondary A-bis link with basic A-bis nibbles in B9.
By default, the first A-bis link is filled up as much as possible, but some additional flexibility is
brought:
It is possible to limit the number of TRX in the first A-bis link :
Two parameters MAX_FR_TRE_PRIMARY and MAX_DR_TRE_PRIMARY define the maximum
number of TRX of a BTS, which are mapped on the first A-bis link (respectively for Full Rate and
Dual Rate).
Dual Rate TRX are mapped first, then Full Rate TRX, then Extra A-bis timeslots.
The OML of a BTS is always mapped on the first A-bis link.
The TCH and the RSL of a TRX are grouped on the same A-bis link.

12.3.2 Example : BTS with 16 Full Rate TRX.

In the first case, MAX_FR_TRE_PRIMARY is set to 12 (default value), while on the second case

Second A-bis

RSL 13-16
TRX13
TRX13
TRX14
TRX14
TRX15
TRX15
TRX16
TRX16

First A-bis

OML+RSL1-4
TRX1
TRX1
TRX2
TRX2
TRX3
TRX3
TRX4
TRX4
RSL 5-8
TRX5
TRX5
TRX6
TRX6
TRX7
TRX7
TRX8
TRX8
RSL 9-12
TRX9
TRX9
TRX10
TRX10
TRX11
TRX11
TRX12
TRX12

MAX_FR_TRE_PRIMARY is limited to 8.

1AA 00014 0004 (9007)A4

MAX_FR_TRE_PRIMARY= 12

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Second A-bis

Ed

MRD

03
RSL 9-12
TRX9
TRX9
TRX10
TRX10
TRX11
TRX11
TRX12
TRX12
RSL 13-16
TRX13
TRX13
TRX14
TRX14
TRX15
TRX15
TRX16
TRX16

OML+RSL1-4
TRX1
TRX1
TRX2
TRX2
TRX3
TRX3
TRX4
TRX4
RSL 5-8
TRX5
TRX5
TRX6
TRX6
TRX7
TRX7
TRX8
TRX8

First A-bis

MAX_FR_TRE_PRIMARY= 8

This second option may be used for optimizing the filling of G2 BSC TSU.

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