GPRSSYS

GPRS Air Interface

Training Document

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 GPRS Air Interface

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Copyright © Nokia Oyj 2004. All rights reserved.

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 Contents

Contents

1 Module objectives................................................................................5

2 Introduction 6
2.1 The GPRS radio interface: key functions.............................................6

3 Air interface layering............................................................................9

3.1 Operation 10
3.2 Physical RF layer (optional topic)......................................................11
3.3 Physical Link layer (optional topic).....................................................11
3.4 Medium Access Control layer (optional topic)....................................12
3.5 Radio Link Control layer (optional topic)............................................13

4 Additional GPRS channels in GSM...................................................14

4.1 Channel organisation in GSM/GPRS.................................................14
4.1.1 Physical channel and TDMA-Frame...............................................14
4.1.2 Bursts 15
4.2 GSM – logical channels and their mapping in physical channels.......16
4.2.1 GSM – logical channels..................................................................16
4.2.2 Multiframes in GSM........................................................................18
4.2.3 Radio block20
4.3 GSM – additional logical channels and their mapping in physical
channels......................................................................20
4.3.1 GPRS – additional logical channels................................................20
4.3.2 Additional Multiframes with GPRS..................................................22

5 GPRS multislot capabilities...............................................................24

6 Channel coding (optional topic)........................................................25

6.1 GPRS 25
6.1.1 CS-1 27
6.1.2 CS-2 27
6.1.3 CS-3 28
6.1.4 CS-4 28
6.1.5 CS selection and identification........................................................29
6.1.6 Multislot handsets...........................................................................29
6.2 Air interface performance..................................................................30

7 Radio resource management............................................................33

7.1 Available resources for GPRS...........................................................33
7.2 GPRS resource for subscribers: Uplink resource allocation..............34

8 Data transfer 37
8.1 Mobile originated packet transfer.......................................................38
8.2 Mobile terminated packet transfer......................................................39

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9 Modulation 42
9.1 GMSK 42
9.2 EDGE 42
9.2.1 EDGE coding schemes...................................................................44
9.2.2 Incremental Redundancy and Link adaptation................................45

10 Key points 47

11 Review questions.............................................................................48

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1 Module objectives
At the end of the module the participant will be able to:
• Explain the functions of the air interface in the Physical, MAC and RLC
layers
• Differentiate between physical and logical GPRS channels
• List and describe the GPRS air interface logical channels and their
functions
• Explain the GPRS TDMA frame, multiframe and superframe structure
• List and compare four different coding schemes and the puncturing
concept
• Describe multiple timeslot usage
• Describe briefly the process of channel allocation, in the uplink and
downlink
without using any references.

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2 Introduction
All communication between the mobile station (MS) and the GPRS/GSM
network takes place over the air interface. It is the most important interface in
the current mobile network as it is the cause of the bottleneck in current GPRS
network performance.

Uplink Direction
Downlink Direct ion

MS Um GSM/ GPRS Net work

Figure 1. The air interface

1 The GPRS radio interface: key functions

The GPRS air interface consists of asymmetric and independent uplink and
downlink channels. It is asymmetric because the radio resources allocated to an
MS in the uplink and downlink may be different. The downlink carries data
from the network to multiple MSs and does not require contention arbitration.
The uplink resources are shared among multiple MSs and require contention
resolution for orderly use of the radio resources. Entities communicating over
the air interface perform a number of functions as summarised below:
• Modulation is the process of converting binary signals into a
transmittable signal using a carrier frequency. The physical RF layer
performs this function. The GMSK modulation scheme is used in
GSM/GPRS and the 8-PSK scheme is used in EGPRS.
• Timing advance is needed because as the distance between the
transmitter and receiver vary, timing advance is used to estimate the time
at which the mobile stations in a cell should transmit signals so that they
arrive at the base station (BTS) in time synchronisation and without any
collisions.
• Synchronisation deals with synchronisation between the transmitter and
the receiver so that the receiver can know the rate and time at which to
sample incoming bit stream. This is a physical layer function.

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• Power control is the process of controlling the transmitted power by an

MS so as to maintain a good radio link but at the same minimise the
interference with neighbouring cells reusing the same frequency.
• Channel coding is needed because information transmitted over the air
interface is corrupted by noise, interference and fading. Thus binary 1s
and 0s are converted into a format which maximises the data throughput
through the air interface. In the GPRS standard, four coding schemes CS
1-4 are defined. In the EGPRS standard, 8 coding schemes MCS 1-8 are
defined.
• Puncturing is the intentional removal of a number of bits at predefined
positions in a radio block so as to reduce the number of bits to size 456
bits. Puncturing is used in CS-2, 3, and 4.
• Interleaving is a technique used to protect information transmitted over
the air interface. It uses the idea of "not carrying all your eggs in one
basket". By distributing information to be transmitted over a number of
containers, the chances of getting data through the air interface are better.
This is interleaving. This function is performed in the MS and the BTS.
• Framing involves packing of information into time bursts, frames,
hyperframes, radio blocks, etc. Different framing structure is used for
GSM and GPRS since one physical channel can be shared by a number of
GPRS users.
• Medium access control (MAC) is used when a number of mobile
stations are trying to access a medium in an orderly manner.
• Segmentation involves breaking up of variable size large data blocks
into fixed size smaller blocks for efficient transmission over the air
interface. Segmented data has to be reassembled at the other end of the
air interface. RLC and SNDCP layer perform segmentation and
reassembly.
• Congestion control procedures are needed for detection and recovery
from congestion on the air interface. This function is implemented in the
LLC layer.
• Ciphering is the process of converting transmitted information into a
ciphered data that can only be read by authorised persons. All user data
transmitted on the air interface is ciphered for security purposes. The
LLC layer in the MS and SGSN performs this function.
• Multiplexing is the process of combining a number of signals together
for transmission over a channel. Time division multiplexing is used in the
GSM/GPRS air interface. Multiplexing of data from a number of sources
is also performed at the SNDCP layer.
• Signal measurements: A mobile station is continuously monitoring the
signal strength received from the BTS and other cells. These
measurements are used for several purposes.

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• Handover is the process of changing from one BTS to another. All of the
handover signalling takes place over the air interface.

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3 Air interface layering

The GPRS air interface can be modelled as a hierarchy of layers as shown in
Figure 2. Layering is an important concept in the development of
communication protocols. Each layer performs a specific function and provides
services to the layers above it and uses the services provided by the layers
below it.

MS Um BSS (PCU, CCU)

IP / X.25

SNDCP

LLC

• LLC segmentation/ re-assembly

RLC • acknowledged/ unacknowledged
Radio Link RLC mode
Control Radio Link • Backward Error Correction BEC
Control

MAC MAC • Access signalling procedures

Medium Access Medium Access • physical channel bundling
Control Control • sub-multiplexing

GSM RF • physical channel organisation

GSM RF • channel coding
phy. link & RF phy. link & RF
• GSMK

Figure 2. GPRS air interface layered model

RLC/MAC layer and the Physical layer are important layers. The Physical layer
is the lowest layer of the hierarchy and is divided into two distinct sub-layers,
namely Physical RF layer and the Physical Link layer. Its primary role is to
enable communication over the air interface. These layers are described in
Sections 3.2 and 3.3.
The RLC/MAC layer refers to the RLC and MAC layers of the protocol
architecture. It provides services for communication over the GPRS radio
interface. The MAC layer also controls access to the shared medium and
contention resolution between a number of mobile stations and the network.
The RLC/MAC layer uses the services of the Physical Link layer. The MAC
layer functions may allow a single MS to use several physical channels
simultaneously. The RLC function defines the procedures for selective

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retransmission of unsuccessfully delivered RLC data blocks. These layers are

described in 3.4 and 3.5.
The LLC layer above RLC/MAC layer uses the services of the RLC/MAC.
Now we shall have a look at the functions of each of the layers.

1 Operation
The access to the GPRS uplink uses a Slotted-Aloha based reservation protocol.
Each layer of the GPRS protocol architecture performs three functions:
• receives data (protocol data unit or PDU) from the layer above it
• performs some processing on it
• sends it to the layer below it.
This operation carried on until the lowest layer, Physical RF layer, where the
information is transmitted through the air interface. At the receiver, each layer
extracts the relevant data and sends it to the higher layer.

Network Network PDU (NPDU) e.g. IP-packet

SNDCP SNDCP PDU (SN-PDU)

LLC
LLC-PDU LLC-PDU

RLC RLC Block RLC Block

MAC MAC Block

Phys. Link channel coding

Phys. RF Burst Burst Burst Burst

Figure 3. GPRS protocol data units

The network protocol data units (N-PDUs) are sent to SNDCP layers. Here they
are segmented into one or more subnetwork protocol data units (SN-PDUs).
The SN-PDUs are then sent to the LLC layer where they are encapsulated into

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one or several LLC frames/PDUs. At the RLC layer, the LLC PDUs are
segmented into one or more RLC data blocks to which a RLC and MAC header
may be added. At the RLC/MAC layer, a selective ARQ (Automatic Repeat
Request) protocol (including block numbering) between the MS and the
network provides retransmission of erroneous RLC data blocks. When a
complete LLC frame is successfully transferred across the RLC layer, it is
forwarded to the LLC layer above it. The radio blocks are normally carried by
four normal bursts in GPRS and EGPRS. Though, there are some exceptions to
this rule. The format of the radio block will be discussed later.

3.2 Physical RF layer (optional topic)

The Physical RF layer is the lowest layer of the GPRS protocol stack across the
GPRS air interface. It performs two functions:
• Modulation of the physical waveforms based on the sequence of bits
received from the Physical Link layer.
• Demodulation of received waveforms into a sequence of bits. These bits
are transferred to the Physical Link layer for interpretation.
Modulation techniques used in GPRS and EGPRS are described in Section 9,
and demodulation techniques are also covered in GSM 5 Series Specifications
(5.01 - 5.04…).

3.3 Physical Link layer (optional topic)

The Physical Link layer operates above the Physical RF layer. It provides all of
the services needed for information transfer over the physical channel between
the MS and the network. These functions include:
• Data unit framing: Placement of data into bursts, frames, radio blocks,
superframes, etc.
• Channel coding: Conversion of binary 1s and 0s into a format that
maximises the data throughput.
• Detection and correction of errors due to noise in the physical medium.
• Procedures for detecting congestion on the air interface.
• Procedures for synchronising MS and network including determining and
adjusting of timing advance for MS to correct for variances in
propagation delay.
• Procedures for monitoring and evaluation of radio link signal quality.
• Procedures for cell (re-) selection.

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• Procedures for transmitter power control and battery power conservation

procedures, for example, Discontinuous Reception (DRX) procedures.
Detailed information about this functionality can be found in the subsequent
sections and in GSM 5 Series Specifications (5.01 - 5.04…).

4 Medium Access Control layer (optional topic)

The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer operates above the Physical Link
layer. Its functions are the following:
• Uplink and downlink multiplexing of data and control signalling
• Handling contention resolution, collision detection, and recovery for
mobile originated channel access
• Scheduling of access attempts, including queuing of packet accesses for
mobile terminated channel access
• Handling priority of data and control messages.
Different radio block structures are used for GPRS and EGPRS data transfer
and control message. A GPRS radio block for data transfer consists of one
MAC header, one RLC header, and one RLC data block. It is always carried in
four normal bursts (discussed later).
The descriptions of the radio block structure fields are given below:
• MAC header contains an 8-bit control field which is different for uplink
and downlink directions.
• RLC header contains a variable length control field which is different
for uplink and downlink directions.
• RLC data field contains one or more LLC PDUs.
• Block check sequence (BCS) is used for error detection and correction.
The Physical Link layer appends BCS.
For EGPRS, a radio block for data transfer consists of a combined RLC/MAC
header, a header check sequence, one or two RLC data blocks, and BCS.

RLC/MAC Header RLC Data BCS

Header Check
Sequence
Figure 4. EGPRS radio block structure for data transfer

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For GPRS and EGPRS control messages, a radio block for control message
transfer consists of a MAC header, RLC/MAC control message, and the BCS.

SNDCP
user data radio link signalling &
control data
LLC LLC PDU

& segmentation

…C Data RLC Data RLC D…

RLC
Radio Link
Control
RLC RLC Data BCS
Header

MAC MAC RLC RLC Data BCS MAC RLC/MAC Control BCS
Medium Access Header Header Header Messages
Control

Phy. Link

Phy. RF BCS = Block Check Sequence

Figure 5. RLC and MAC Radio Blocks

3.5 Radio Link Control layer (optional topic)

The GPRS RLC function is responsible for the following actions:
• Transfer of Logical Link Control layer PDUs (LLC-PDU) to the MAC
layer
• Segmentation and re-assembly of LLC-PDUs into RLC data blocks
• Backward Error Correction (BEC) procedures for selective re-
transmission of incorrect code words in the acknowledged mode of
transmission
• During a transmission, the coding schemes can be adjusted to the radio
channel conditions.

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4 Additional GPRS channels in GSM

1 Channel organisation in GSM/GPRS

In GSM, 25 MHz spectrum has been frequency divided into 124 bands, each
having a bandwidth of 200 kHz. On each of the 200 kHz bands a carrier can be
transmitted at the centre frequency of the band. So the carriers are frequency
division multiplexed.

UPLINK DOWNLINK
GSM900: 890 MHz - 915 MHz 935 MHz - 960 MHz
GSM1800: 1710 MHz - 1785 MHz 1805 MHz - 1880 MHz

123 ... 123 ...

200 kHz
Channel 1 - 124
guard band
1 - 374

Duplex frequency 45 MHz / 95 MHz

Figure 6. FDD and FDMA organisation in GSM

Each carrier is further time divided into timeslots (TSL) and each timeslot is
referred to as a physical channel as information can be transmitted in it. It is
possible to share a physical channel amongst many processes or users. These
are referred to as logical channels.

1.1 Physical channel and TDMA-Frame

In GSM, the physical channel is a timeslot offering a data rate of 22.8 kbits/sec.
The GPRS physical channel is called a packet data channel (PDCH). Each
PDCH is a shared medium between multiple MSs and the network. In GPRS,
different packet logical channels can be transported in the same physical
channel (PDCH) in the same way as in the traditional GSM air interface.

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 Key points

A TDMA frame is defined as a grouping of eight bursts or TSs which are

numbered 0 to 7 as shown below. It has duration of 4.615ms (8 x 577µ s).

5
4

e
tim
3
2
Physcial channel, 1
e.g. allocatedto one 0
subscriber with FR voice & 7
no frequency hopping 6
5
4
3
2 TDMA frame
1 =8 timeslots
0
7
6
5
4
3
2
TDMA frame
1
0
frequency
200 kHz

Figure 7. Physical channel and TDMA frame

TDMA frames are transmitted one after another. Every TDMA frame is
allocated a frame number. Frame numbers are broadcasted by BTS on the
synchronising channel (SCH) and this is used for frame level synchronisation
between the MS and BSS. The numbering repeats every hyperframe, which has
duration of 3 hours, 28 minutes, 53 seconds, and 760 milliseconds. Frame
numbers are also used for ciphering thus making it difficult for hackers to
decipher messages being transmitted.
In GSM, 51 (26-frame) multiframes or 26 (51-frame) multiframes go to make
up a superframe of duration 6.12 seconds. 2048 superframes go to make up a
hyperframe of duration 3 hours 28 minutes 53 seconds 760 ms (577µ s * 8 *
52* 25 * 2048). There are 2 662 400 frames in a hyperframe. This represents
the maximum value of the frame number, since the TDMA frame number (FN)
is repeated once per hyperframe.

4.1.2 Bursts

Channels and frames represent the organisation of the radio interface resources.
A burst is an electro-magnetical “impuls, which is used to transmit user

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information. Within GSM, the transmission of bursts must be synchronised to

the channel and frame organisation.
Each burst has duration of 577 milliseconds and contains 148 bits of
information. Between successive burst, there is a guard interval of 30
microseconds that is equivalent to 8.25 bits.
There are five types of bursts:
• Normal burst carries traffic and controls channels in the uplink and
downlink direction. It contents include: 3 tail bits, 57 encrypted bits,
1 flag bit, 26-bit training sequence, 1 flag bit, 57 encrypted bits, 3 tail
bits, and a guard period of 8.25-bit length.
• Frequency correction burst is broadcasted in the BCH and is called the
FCCH. It serves as the BTS beacon. The contents of this burst are 3 tail
bits, 142 fixed bits (all coded as 0), 3 tail bits, and a guard period.
• Synchronising burst is used on the synchronising channel SCH to
transmit information that is used to time-synchronise the MS with the
GSM network. This burst contains a long training sequence as well as the
TDMA Frame Number (FN) and the Base Station Identity Code (BCIC).
It contains 3 tail bits, 39 encrypted bits, 64 bit synchronising sequence,
39 encrypted bits, 3 tail bits, and a guard period of 8.25-bit length.
• Access burst is used for Random Access by an MS. It has a longer guard
period as the mobile could be far away from the BTS and not know the
timing advance required to work the base station. Its contents include
3 tail bits, 41-bit synchronising sequence, 36 encrypted bits, 3 tail bits,
and a guard period of 68.25-bit length.
• Dummy burst carries no information and uses a fixed bit pattern which
consist of 3 tail bits, 58 mixed bits, 26 bit training sequence, 58 mixed
bits, 3 tail bits and a guard period of 8.25-bit length.

2 GSM – logical channels and their mapping in physical

channels

2.1 GSM – logical channels

Logical channels imply partial use of physical channels by many sources. Thus
each physical channel can contain a number of logical channels. Each logical
channel performs a well-specified task. In GSM, a number of logical channels
are defined:
• Traffic channels (TCH) that are used to carry GSM data and speech in
both directions. There are two types of TCH, namely TCH/F and TCH/H.

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• Control channels (CCH) perform all of the control functions and are
subdivided into BCH, CCCH, and DCCH.
− Frequency correction channel (FCCH) is a downlink, broadcast,
signalling channel that is used for carrying information that allows
MS to tune in to the BTS.
− Synchronising channel (SCH) is a downlink, broadcast,
signalling channel that is used for carrying the identity of a BTS
(BSIC) and frame-synchronisation (RFN) between MS and BTS.
− Broadcast common channel (BCCH) is a downlink, broadcast,
signalling channel that is used to covey cell specific information to
MS in a cell.
• Common control channels (CCCH) are bi-directional, point-to-
multipoint, signalling channels that are used to establish dedicated
channel. There are three types of CCCHs:
− Paging channels (PCH) are downlink, broadcast channels, which
are used to page for subscribers for mobile terminated calls.
− Random access channel (RACH) is an uplink channel that is used
by MS to request a dedicated control channel.
− Access grant channels (AGCH) are downlink channels used to
assign an MS to a specific DCCH in response to a RACH.
Logical
channelsare FCCH Frequency correction
usedto BCH
transmit a SCH Framesynchronisation + BSIC
well defined DL
Broadcast of cell information,
content BCCH e.g. channel combination
DL PCH Pagingmobiles

UP
RACH Requestingdedicated channel
Signalling CCCH
and Control DL AGCH Allocatingdedicated/ traffic CH

Signallingbetween MSand BTS

SDCCH e.g. Authentication, SMS, LUP
DCCH
SACCH Measurements, TA, PC, ...
DL & UP
Extra signallingwithin
FACCH 26TDMA Multiframe

TCH/ F full ratetraffic channel

Traffic
DL & UP TCH/ H half ratetraffic channel

Figure 8. Logical Channels in GSM

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• Dedicated Control Channels (DCCH) are channels, which are

exclusively allocated to a MS to exchange signalling and control
information with the PLMN network.
- Standalone dedicated control channels (SDCCH) are used for
exchanging signalling information (MS authentication, location
updates, and TCH assignment) between MS and BTS before a TCH
is allocated.
- Slow associated control channels (SACCH) are used mainly for the
transmission of radio link control information between the MS and
the BTS. For instance, measurement reports are sent uplink and
power control and timing advance commands downlink.
- Fast associated control channels (FACCH) are used on traffic
channel resources (26 multiframes). They are used for instance
during the handover process.

2.2 Multiframes in GSM

The conventional GSM multiframes are either

• 26 TDMA frames s (duration 120 ms) used for TCH, or
• 51 TDMA frame (duration 235.38) used for signalling.
Multiframes describe, how logical channel information is multiplexed/
organised via a physical channel.
TDMA Frame

TS 0 TS 1 TS 2 TS 3 TS 4 TS 5 TS 6 TS 7

The logical channel information must be

transmitted on a physical channels TCH

SACCH
Multiframes specify, at which position 26 TDMA
within a physical channel a specific Frame
logical channel information is e.g.
transmitted used for
GSM
TCH speech

idle

Figure 9. 26 TDMA Multiframe

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 Key points

Figure above demonstrates how for full rate speech is transmitted via the radio
interface. In this example, TS 6 was allocated to the mobile subscriber. This
timeslot is the physical channel resource for the mobile subscriber. Speech
transmission is organised over 26 TDMA frames. Of course, the mobile
subscriber in our example is only using TS 6 in each TDMA frame. The first 12
TDMA frames within a 26 TDMA multiframe are used for speech transmission.
As a consequence, TCH/F can be found here. TDMA frame 13 (or TS 13) is
than used for radio link management. TA and PC commands are transmitted
downlink, and uplink, we can find measurement reports here. This information
is transmitted via the SACCH. The next 12 TDMA frames are used for speech
again, and then there is an idle frame, where the mobile phone as time to make
measurements in the neighbourhood. Then, the next 26 TDMA multiframe
begins.
In the figure below, you can see an example of a 51 TDMA multiframe

R
0 F
S R
R
R
R
B R
R

C
F = FCCH R
R

F S = SCH R

10 R

S B = BCCH R

1 Radio Block C = PCH + AGCH

R
R
= 4 Frames
= 456 info. bits
C R = RACH R
R

I = IDLE FRAME R
R
R
C R

20 F All on timeslot zero R

S
of successive TDMA
R
R

frames. R
R
C
R
R
R
R
C
R
F
30 R
S R
R
R
R
C
R
R
R
R
C
R
40 F R
S R
time

R
R

C R
R
R
R

C R
R
50 I R

Downlink 51-TDMA-Frame Uplink

Figure 10. 51 TDMA Multiframe example: CCCH multiframe

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2.3 Radio block

GSM uses radio blocks for signalling (see also figure above). Hereby a specific
content is transmitted via four consecutive TDMA frames in the same timeslot
position. All logical channels, which were specified additionally with GPRS,
use the radio block structure.

Radio
Block

Frame 0 TS0 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 TS5 TS6 TS7

Frame 1 TS0 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 TS5 TS6 TS7

Frame 2 TS0 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 TS5 TS6 TS7

Frame 3 TS0 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 TS5 TS6 TS7

Figure 11. Radio block: four bursts in consecutive frames

3 GSM – additional logical channels and their mapping in

physical channels

3.1 GPRS – additional logical channels

GPRS introduces several new logical channels to the GSM air interface. There
are no dedicated signalling channels as in GSM. The PDCH are used for data
and signalling.
• Packet broadcast control channel (PBCCH) is a downlink-only
channel for broadcasting packet data (GPRS) specific system information
messages to all GPRS-enabled mobile stations in a cell. If the PBCCH is
not allocated, the packet-data-specific system information is broadcast on
the BCCH.
• Packet common control channel (PCCCH) consists of logical channels
used for common control signalling for packet data. There are four types
of PCCCH:

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− Packet random access channel (PRACH) is an uplink-only

channel, which the MSs use for uplink traffic channel request and
for obtaining the timing advance. The normal GSM RACH can
also be used for this, in case there is no PCCCH allocated in the
cell.
− Packet paging channel (PPCH) is a downlink-only paging
channel used to page the MS prior to downlink packet transfer. The
PPCH can be used for paging of both CS and PS data services. The
normal GSM PCH can be used for GPRS in case there is no
PCCCH allocated in the cell.
− Packet access grant channel (PAGCH) is a downlink-only
channel used for resource assignment during the packet transfer
establishment phase. The normal GSM AGCH can be used in case
there is no PCCCH allocated in the cell.
− Packet notification channel (PNCH) (only in GPRS Phase 2) is a
downlink-only channel used for the PTM-M notifications to a
group of MSs before PTM-M packet transfer.
• Packet data traffic channel (PDTCH) is reserved for GPRS packet data
transfer. A PDTCH corresponds to the resource allocated to a single MS
on one physical channel for user data transmission. In multislot operation,
one MS may use multiple PDTCHs in parallel for individual packet
transfer. PDTCH are uni-directional as opposed to TCH in GSM.
• Packet associated control channel (PACCH) (bi-directional) is a
signalling channel dedicated for a certain MS. The signalling information
could include acknowledgements, power control, resource assignments,
or reassignment messages
• Packet timing advance control channel (PTCCH) is used in uplink
direction for the transmission of random access bursts to estimate the
timing advance for one mobile. In the downlink direction one PTCCH is
used to transmit timing advance information to several MSs. PTCCH
information is transmitted in positions 12 and 38 of the 52-multiframe
structure.

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DL Broadcast of packet data

PBCCH specific information

DL Paging MSs for packet data

PPCH and circuit switched services
UP
PRACH MS initiates uplink transfer
Signalling PCCCH
and Control DL PAGCH Resource assignment to an MS
DL
PNCH Notifying PtM Packet Transfer

UP & DL PACCH Signalling: resource allocation,

acknowledgements, PC, TA, etc.
PDCCH UL Used by MS to send random
PTCCH/U
burst to BSS for timing advance
DL Used to send timing advance
PTCCH/D Information to MSs of one PDCH
Packet PTCH
PDTCH Packet Data Transfer; (multislot)
Traffic Channel DL & UP

Figure 12. Additional logical channels with GPRS

3.2 Additional Multiframes with GPRS

GPRS means the introduction of a new TDMA multiframe: the 52 TDMA

multiframe. Each multiframe consists of 416 (52 x8) bursts. Even if an
operator only offers GPRS services (and no circuit switched services, two
multiframe types are required:
• 51 TDMA multiframe (duration 235.38) used for signalling, and
• 52 TDMA multiframe used for user traffic and – optionally – for
signalling
All GPRS operators offer of course circuit switched services, so that in this
case, 26, 51, and 52 TDMA multiframes can be found in one cell. They can
even co-exist on the same TRX.
If one TSL is allocated for GPRS, then one multiframe of 52 frames will
contain:
• 12 radio blocks that can used packet data channels (PDCH)
• 2 idle frames that are used for interference measurements
• 2 frames for PTCCH that are used for timing advance control.

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Radio Block
= 4 TS in consecutive idle frame
= 1 frame PTCCH
TDMA frames

B0 B1 B2 T B3 B4 B5 i B6 B7 B8 T B9 B10 B11 i

52 TDMA Frame = PDCH Multiframe

Uplink on one PDCH: Downlink on one PDCH:

Multiplexing of Multiplexing of
• PDTCH & PACCH, or • PDTCH, PACCH
• PDTCH, PACCH & PRACH • PDTCH, PACCH & PCCCH, incl.
PBCCH (indicated by BCCH)
• PDTCH, PACCH and PCCCH
(indicated by (P)BCCH)

Figure 13. The multiframe structure of the packet data channel (PDCH)

A number of MSs can share a single timeslot in uplink and downlink direction
by assigning different radio blocks of one PDCH to different MSs. Since the
GPRS radio interface consists of asymmetric and independent uplink and
downlink channels, we need to be some mechanism for multiplexing and
resource sharing. This is covered in radio channel allocation.
The MAC function defines the procedures that enable multiple MSs to share a
common transmission medium, which may consist of several physical channels.
The MAC function provides arbitration between multiple MSs attempting to
transmit simultaneously, and provides collision avoidance, detection and
recovery procedures. The downlink carries packets from the network to multiple
MSs and does not require contention arbitration. The uplink is shared among
multiple MSs and requires contention control procedures.

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5 GPRS multislot capabilities

One requirement, which had to be met with GPRS, was to over increased data
rates to the subscribers. Two solutions for increased data rates were introduced
in GPRS:
 New coding schemes: coding schemes are algorithms DOCUMENTTYPE
to add redundancy to
the user information. By adding redundancy, the reliability of the
TypeUnitOrDepartmentHere
transmission via the radio interface can be increase. But the more
TypeYourNameHere TypeDateHere
redundancy is added, the less user data can be transmitted during a certain
period of time. Coding schemes are discussed in the next section.
 Channel bundling: Not only one physical channel, but up to 8 physical
channels can be allocated to one MS. This can be done asymetrically, i.e. if a
subscriber wants to download a huge file, several downlink physical
channels can be allocated to him, and only one physical channel for uplink
data transmission. The number of physical channels is limited to 8, because
all physical channels allocated to one subscriber must be located on the same
TRX. The vast majority of GPRS-MS supports only channel bundling of up
to 3 physical channels in one direction. Why?
Since each MS has only one transponder, the start of the TDMA frame on
the uplink is delayed by three timeslot periods from the corresponding start
of the TDMA frame in the downlink as shown below. This allows the mobile
to receive, process, and transmit using the same timeslot number. The time
between the transmission and reception is also used for performing
measurements on the signal quality from neighbouring cells for handover
purposes. If the MS has two timeslots, then the uplink and downlink will be
separated by a smaller gap. The maximum number of timeslots that a single
transponder MS can use is thus limited to three.

Downlink 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1

1-slot Uplink 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Monitor

Downlink 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1
2-slot Uplink 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Monitor

Downlink 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1
3-slot Uplink 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Monitor

Figure 14. Gap between uplink and downlink transmissions

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6 Channel coding (optional topic)

6.1 GPRS
Coding scheme CS-1 is used in GSM. In the GPRS standards, there are four
possible air-interface-coding schemes namely CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4. Coding
scheme CS1 has the highest error correction and the lowest data throughput,
while CS4 has no error correction but the highest data throughput. Thus CS-2 to
CS-4 offer higher throughput rates at the cost of less protection against
transmission errors.

Increasing data throughput rates

CS-1 CS-2 CS-3 CS-4

Increasing protection against errors

Figure 15. Comparison of coding schemes

ETSI standards require that all coding schemes (CS-1 to CS-4) are mandatory
for mobile stations supporting GPRS. However, for a network supporting
GPRS, only CS1 is mandatory. In Nokia GPRS Release 1, the coding schemes
CS1 and CS2 are supported. The network selects the coding scheme to be used.

CS-4
CS-2, 3, 4 Cyclic Coding + Convolutional Code
Tail And Puncturing Reordering,
In: x bits Partioning,
RLC Data Block 16 +4 bits
Adding Stealing
+MAC header Out: 456 bits
Flages
Interleaving
Fire Code +Tail Convolutional Code
In: 184 bits In: 228 bits
CS-1 Out: 228 bits Out: 456 bits

Information bits Interleaved bits

Figure 16. Coding processing

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The processing used in GPRS channel coding and interleaving is depicted in

Figure 16. The RLC data blocks are coded with a systematic block code for
error-detection purposes. CS-1 is coded with a fire code and CS-2, 3, and 4 are
coded with a cyclic redundancy coding scheme (CRC). Both these schemes add
parity bits to the RLC data block. Tail bits are also added. For error-correction
purposes, the resulting data blocks are encoded with a 1/2-rate convolution
code, except in CS-4, and punctured if necessary to fit into 456-bit radio blocks
structure. The block structures of the coding schemes are shown in CS-1 to
CS-3 are shown in Figure 17. The final radio block size is 456 bits for CS-1 to
CS-4. The composition of the radio block is tabulated.

MAC Header

USF MAC RLC Data/Control Block

(3 bits) (5 bits) (176/288/307 bits)

Cyclic or Fire Coding

USF BCS Tail

40/16 bits (4 bits)

Rate 1/2 Convolution Coding Stage

Precoded USF
3/6/12 bits

Puncturing Stage

456 bits

Figure 17. Radio block structure for CS1 to CS3

Table 1. Coding parameters for the GPRS coding schemes

Scheme Code USF Pre- Radio Block BCS Tail Coded bits Punctured Data rate
rate coded excl. USF bits kb/s
USF and BCS
CS-1 1/2 3 3 181 40 4 456=2*(3+181+40+4) 0 9.05
CS-2 ≈ 2/3 3 6 268 16 4 588=2*(6+268+16+4) 132 13.4
CS-3 ≈ 3/4 3 6 312 16 4 676=2*(6+312+16+4) 220 15.6
CS-4 1 3 12 428 16 - 456=428+12+16 0 21.4

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6.1.1 CS-1

CS-1 scheme in GPRS is identical to the CS-1 scheme used in GSM, which is
used for signalling on the SDCCH, SACCH, and FACCH channels. In GPRS,
CS 1 is used for Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH) and Packet Timing
Advance Control Channel on Uplink (PTCCH/U).
In CS-1 you start with a MAC data or control block of 181 bits, which contains
a 176-bit RLC block and a 5-bit MAC header. The USF has eight states, which
are represented by a binary 3-bit field. The 3-bit USF header is added to the
MAC block and the 184-bit block is sent to the fire coder, which adds the block
check sequence of 40 bits and a 4-bit tail field of 0000. The resulting 228-bit
field is then input to the 1/2-rate convolution coder that produces an output code
of 456 encoded bits. This 456-bit block is then transmitted in a radio block in
four consecutive bursts of 114 bits each as discussed earlier. Puncturing is not
used in CS-1. The effective throughput in CS-1 is calculated as follows for a
456-bit radio block:
• Number of data bits in one radio block = 181 bits
• Duration of radio block = 20 ms
• Effective throughput rates = 181/20 ms = 9.05 kbits/sec
• Number of overhead bits = 456-181= 275 bits
• Percentage of overhead = 275/456= 60%
The first step of the coding procedure is to add a Block Check Sequence (BCS)
for error detection. For CS-1 to CS-3, the second step consists of pre-coding
USF (except for CS-1), adding four tail bits and a half-rate convolution coding
for error correction that is punctured to give the desired coding rate.

6.1.2 CS-2

In CS-2 you start with a MAC data block of 268 bits, which contains a 263-bit
RLC data block and a 5-bit MAC header. The 3-bit USF header is pre-coded for
extra protection and extended to 6 bits in CS-2. To the pre-coded 6-bit USF and
268 data block, a 16-CRC-bit field, and a 4-bit tail block is appended to give a
total of 294 bits. The 16-bit CRC for BCS is calculated over the whole uncoded
MAC data block. This 294-bit block containing pre-coded USF, MAC data
block, CRC, and tail is then input to the 1/2-rate convolutional coder that
produces an output code of 588 encoded bits. It is not possible to fit this
encoded block into a 456-bit radio block so puncturing is used to reduce the
size of the encoded block. Thus 132 bits are deleted from pre-defined positions
from the output bit sequence. Any coding scheme that uses puncturing is more
vulnerable to errors in data transmission. This coding rate is referred to as
approximately 2/3 because the input to the encoder was 294 bits and the output
after puncturing was 456 bits. The effective throughput in CS-2 is calculated as
follows for a 456-bit radio block:

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• Number of data bits in one radio block = 268 bits

• Duration of radio block = 20 ms
• Effective throughput rates = 268/20 ms = 13.4 kbits/sec
• Number of overhead bits = 456-268= 188 bits
• Percentage of overhead = 188/456= 41%

1.3 CS-3

The MAC data block in CS-3 is 312 bits, which contains a 307-bit RLC data
block and a 5-bit MAC header. As in CS-2, the 3-bit USF header is pre-coded
and extended to 6 bits, to which a 312 MAC block, a 16 parity bit field and a
4-bit tail block is appended to give a total of 338 bits. This block is then input to
the 1/2-rate convolutional coder that produces an output code of 676 encoded
bits. Puncturing is used to reduce the size of the encoded block to 456 bits by
deleting 220 bits from pre-defined positions. This coding rate is referred to as
approximately 3/4 or 338/456. The effective throughput in CS-3 is calculated as
follows for a 456 bit radio block:
• Number of data bits in one radio block = 312 bits
• Duration of radio block = 20 ms
• Effective throughput rates = 312/20 ms = 15.6 kbits/sec
• Number of overhead bits = 456-312= 144 bits
• Percentage of overhead = 144/456= 32%

1.4 CS-4

The input to CS-4 is a 428-MAC data block that consists of 5-bit MAC header
and 423-bit RLC data block. A 12-bit pre-coded USF field and a 16-bit CRC
field is added to give a 456-bit block. The 16-bit CRC field is computed from
the MAC data block. No convolutional coding or puncturing is applied in CS-4
as shown below, which implies that there is no forward error correction. Most
amount of protection against transmission errors is given to the USF field only
for backward error correction purposes.

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Radio Block

USF BCS
block
no coding
code

456 bits

Figure 18. Radio block structure for CS-4

The effective throughput in CS-4 is calculated as follows for a 456-bit radio

block:
• Number of data bits in one radio block = 428 bits
• Duration of radio block = 20 ms
• Effective throughput rates = 312/20 ms = 21.4 kbits/sec
• Number of overhead bits = 456-428= 28 bits
• Percentage of overhead = 28/456= 6.1%

6.1.5 CS selection and identification

The dynamic selection of the coding scheme to be used is dependent on the

reception quality, error rate, and the equipment being used. The CS can also
change during a transaction. Furthermore, all active MSs in a GPRS cell have to
decode the downlink information being transmitted. Thus a method to identify
the CS being currently used in a radio block is needed. The stealing flags, which
occur within four bursts of one radio block, are used to identify the CS being
used.

6.1.6 Multislot handsets

In GSM, the MS typically uses one channel (timeslot) for uplink and one for
downlink. In GPRS it is possible to have a multislot MS, for example a 3-slot
MS with the same or different (asymmetric) uplink and downlink capability.
GPRS allows up to eight air interface timeslots to be combined together to give
higher rate connections. In the 8-TSL MS, a single GPRS user has exclusive use
of all eight timeslots.

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Table 2. Comparison of coding schemes CS-1 to CS-4

Channel Coding CS-1 CS-2 CS-3 CS-4

Scheme
Single TSL Data 9.05 kbit/s 13.4 kbit/s 15.6 kbit/s 21.4 kbit/s
Rate
3-TSL Data Rate 27.15 kbit/s 40.2 kbit/s 46.8 kbit/s 64.2 kbit/s
8-TSL Data Rate 72.0 kbit/s 107.2 kbit/s 124.8 kbit/s 171.2kbit/s

2 Air interface performance

The figure below shows some results of Nokia simulations to determine the air
interface throughput rate for each coding scheme in different carrier-to-
interference ratios (C/I). The simulations were made for two cases: With one
timeslot and three timeslots allocated for GPRS. Remember that several users
could share the throughput.
Depending on the value of C/I ratio, the CS that produces the best throughput
can be found. For C/I of around 15 dB, CS-2 would give a little above 10 kbit/s,
CS-1 and CS-3 around 8 kbit/s, and CS-4 1 kbit/s per timeslot. For current
networks CS-1 and CS-2 are the viable options.

1 Timeslot 3 Timeslots
Typical NW C/I Typical NW C/I
Minimum Average Minimum Average
16 50
CS-3
14 CS-3
CS-2 40
12 CS-2
CS-4
10 CS-4
30
Kbit/s

Kbit/s

8
CS-1 CS-1
6 20
4
10
2
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
C/I C/I

Figure 19. Simulated network throughput of user data for GPRS coding
schemes (non-frequency hopping, polling interval = 18 blocks)

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At low values of C/I ratio, CS-1 performs best. At around 15 dB, CS-2
performance is better than CS-1. Above C/I ratio of 18 dB, CS-3 is better than
CS-1. A similar analysis can be performed for three-timeslots case.

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Table 3. Throughput for C/I values of 12, 15, and 20dB

C/I ratio CS-1 CS-2 CS-3 CS-4 Best

performance
12dB 8 kb/s 6 kb/s 4 kb/s 0.5 kb/s CS-1
15dB 8 kb/s 10kb/sec 8 kb/sec 1 kb/s CS-2
20dB 8kb/sec 12 kb/sec 14 kb/sec 5 kb/sec CS-3

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7 Radio resource management

7.1 Available resources for GPRS

GSM timeslots are used for used for circuit switched (CS) traffic and assigned
by the GSM network, whereas timeslots for packet switched (PS) traffic are
assigned by the PCU. One question that arises is how many timeslots are to be
reserved for each type of service? Circuit switched traffic has priority over
packet switched traffic. But when there are idle GSM timeslots, one would like
to transmit as much PS traffic on it.
GPRS timeslots are classified into dedicated, default and additional timeslots:
• Dedicate timeslots are exclusively reserved for GPRS traffic and no CS
traffic can be transmitted on them. If congestion occurs for circuit
switched traffic, then only dedicated GPRS traffic channels can carry PS
traffic.
• Default timeslots are by default for GPRS traffic channels that can be
dynamically configured to handle CS load if needed. The default
timeslots are always switched to the PCU when allowed by the CS traffic
load.
• Additional timeslots by default carry CS traffic but can be dynamically
configured into a GPRS timeslot when required. During peak GPRS
traffic periods, additional channels are switched to GPRS use, but only if
the CS traffic load permits that to occur.
All full rate or dual rate traffic channels are capable of carrying GPRS traffic
channels. The operator can set the following:
• GPRS capacity cell by cell and TRX by TRX
• Amount of dedicated timeslots
• Amount of default timeslots
• Amount of additional timeslots
• BCCH TRX or non-BCCH TRX is preferred for GPRS.
Figure 20 shows how the boundary between CS and PS territory can move
dynamically.

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Figure 20. Radio Resource Management

2 GPRS resource for subscribers: Uplink resource allocation

When a number of mobile stations (MSs) are trying to access a shared medium,
there is a need for orderly access to that medium so that no two stations transmit
at the same time resulting in a collision of data packets. This function is referred
to as medium access control (MAC). The MAC layer of the GPRS protocol
performs this function. GSM/GPRS uses Slotted Aloha in that each MS station
can only start transmitting at the beginning of a TSL interval.
Medium access control is relevant to the uplink direction only. It is not relevant
to data transmitted in the downlink direction from a single BTS to all the MSs
in a cell. This is because there is no contention when there is only one source in
the downlink direction. A further complication is added because in GPRS one
PDCH is shared amongst many MSs. So there is a need for the BSS (PCU) to
indicate the radio blocks that are reserved for each active GPRS user for uplink
transmission.
There are three uplink resource allocation methods defined in the GPRS
standards:
• Fixed allocation of uplink radio resources
• Dynamic allocation of uplink radio resources
• Extended dynamic allocation of uplink.
In fixed resource allocation, the MS is simply given a list of timeslots and a list
of allocated radio blocks per timeslot in which the MS station can transmit. The
MS also needs to know when it can transmit on the allocated resources. This is
usually stated in terms of the absolute frame number. This resource allocation
method is mandatory for the network and the MS.
For dynamic resource allocation in the uplink direction, a field called Uplink
State Flag (USF) is used. The USF is a 3-bit field that is transmitted in the
MAC header of every block in the downlink direction. Each MS that wants to
transmit data requests a USF value in the PRACH message and is allocated a
3-bit USF value (xyz) in PAGCH message for a particular PDCH. Each active

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MS then checks the USF value of each radio block that it is transmitted by the
BTS. The following rule is applied:
"If the USF value xyz occurs in the MAC header of downlink block j, it
identifies that the MS (xyz) may transmit on the corresponding uplink block
j+1".
What if there are more than one PDCH available for GPRS data transmission?
In the initial assignment message on the PAGCH (AGCH), the MS gets a list of
PDCHs and one corresponding USF value for each PDCH. The MS monitors
the USF values in downlink transmission on the assigned PDCHs. The MS may
transmit in uplink direction in the radio blocks that currently have the same USF
value that was given to it earlier in the assignment message.
An example of the USF usage is shown in Figure 21. In the example, the user
on the right has been given USF value 1 (binary 001). The user on the left has
been given USF value 2 (binary 010) in this particular PDCH. The USFs are set
so that the user on the right may use radio blocks B0 to B4, and the user on the
left may use radio blocks B5 to B9. There is a parameter called USF
Granularity, which, if set to 1 in a downlink radio block j, allows MS to
transmit in the j+1 uplink block and the next 4 uplink block.

B11
B10
B9
B8 =3
B7 USF
B6
B5 =2
USF

B0
B4
B3 B5
B1
B2
B1 B6
B2

B0 =1
USF B7
B8
B3

B9
B4

USF=2: USF=1:
B5- B9 B0- B4

Figure 21. Usage of Uplink State Flag (USF)

The USF has only eight values (3 bits) so, in theory, only eight (23) users can
simultaneously share one PDCH physical channel in uplink direction. The
binary pattern 111 can be reserved for indicating PRACH blocks, that is, for

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mobiles to send resource allocation requests in the uplink direction. If the binary
pattern 111 is reserved for PRACH, then only up to seven MS can share a
PDCH.
Downlink multiplexing of radio blocks destined for different MSs is enabled
with another identifier called Temporary Flow Identifier (TFI), which is
included in each radio block.

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8 Data transfer
The Problem
The user data packets of many subscribers are transmitted on the same TRX.
But how can the receiver decide, to whom a radio block or RLC Data Block
belongs to? Two problems can be observed:
 Several subscribers can use (more or less)
simultaneously the same physical channel.
 The user data of one subscriber can be transmitted on
several physical channels of the same carrier.
Therefore, when radio resources are dedicated to the subscriber, the data flow
must be uniquely identified. Unlike circuit switched data transfer, packet data
transfer is unidirectional, asymmetric, and independent. Consequently, a unique
identification is required both for uplink and downlink traffic.
The Temporary Flow Identity (TFI) is a 5-bit field allocated by the PCU that
is part of each data block transmitted across the air interface. The TFI uniquely
identifies a data transfer session1 in the uplink or downlink direction. Each TFI
is unique for the allocated PDCHs. But the same TFI may be used in the uplink
and downlink direction since these directions are independent of each other.
There are two modes of packet data transfer over the air interface:
• Acknowledged mode for RLC/MAC operation uses selective ARQ
mechanism to acknowledge correctly received RLC data blocks. These
data blocks are numbered with unique sequence numbers called a block
sequence number (BSN). The sender transmits data blocks using a
sliding window scheme. The receiver sends ACK or NACK to identify
the last correctly received RLC data block up to an indicated BSN. Every
time an ACK or NACK is received, the size of the sending sliding
window is modified and the erroneous blocks are retransmitted. There is
an acknowledgement procedure in the LLC layer.
• Unacknowledged mode for RLC/MAC operation does not use ACK
and NACK or retransmission of erroneous data blocks. It uses forward-
error-correction technique to recover the original data blocks.
The important logical channels that are used for data transfer are the following:
• Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH) is used by the MS in the
uplink to initiate uplink transfer for sending data or signalling
information.
• Packet Paging Channel (PPCH) is used to page an MS prior to
downlink packet transfer.

1
A data transfer session is not a PDP session! It refers only to a set of RLC blocks to be
transmitted. A TFI can change quite often during an active PDP context (= end user
“session”).

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• Packet Access Grant Channel (PAGCH) is used in the packet transfer

establishment phase to send resources assignment to an MS.
• Packet Data Traffic Channel (PDTCH) is a channel allocated for data
transfer either in the uplink (PDTCH/U) or downlink (PDTCH/D)
direction.

1 Mobile originated packet transfer

Mobile originated packet transfer can begin after a mobility management (MM)
and one or several PDP contexts have been established. Let us assume that the
subscriber is running a bursty application and has already sent some data via the
air interface. Now the user wants to continue the data transfer. To do so, the
subscriber temporarily needs some resources. So the MS sends a request to the
PCU for radio resources and the PCU responds with a radio resource
assignment message. Thereafter data transmission begins and positive
acknowledgement (ACK) and negative acknowledgements (NACK) are sent by
the peer entity. The sequence of events that take place are shown in Figure 22
and described below:

MS Network

Packet Channel Request

PRACH or RACH
Packet Immediate Assignment
PAGCH or AGCH
Packet Resource Request
(Optional) PACCH
Packet Resource Assignment
(Optional) PACCH

Figure 22. Mobile originated packet transfer (access and allocation)

1. Packet Channel Request:

The uplink packet transfer is initiated by a Packet Channel Request. This
can be done on the RACH or PRACH.
2. Packet Immediate Assignment:
On the network side, resources for data transfer have to be allocated to
the subscriber. The reservation considers the resources, demanded with
the Packet Channel Request.
− If the MS used a RACH, it could only be indicated that a GPRS
service is demanded and the network can assign uplink resources

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on one or two PDCHs. This might not be enough. Therefore, the

mobile originated packet transfer is split into two phases. The
AGCH is used for the Packet Immediate Assignment.
− Using a PRACH, the MS can deliver more adequate information
about the requested resources. Consequently, one or more PDCHs
can be allocated to the subscriber. The PAGCH is used for the
Packet Immediate Assign. Power control (PC) and timing advance
(TA) information are included in this message.
With the Packet Channel Request and the Packet Immediate Assignment, the
one-phase access has been completed.
The two-phase access then is optional. It is initiated by the MS, when it is not
satisfied with the uplink resources allocated to it.
3. Packet Resource Request:
This message is used to carry the complete description of the requested
resources for the uplink transfer.
4. Packet Resource Assignment:
This message is the network’s response, indicating the resources reserved
for uplink transfer. Power control (PC) and timing advance (TA)
information are included in this message.
Both Packet Resource Request and Packet Resource Assignment are realised on
a PACCH.

8.2 Mobile terminated packet transfer

When a packet is received from an external network by the GGSN, it contains a
source and destination IP address. The GGSN has to translate the destination IP
address to a PDP context TID or establish a tunnel with SGSN serving MS. The
packet is then tunnelled to the SGSN using the GTP protocol. The SGSN
translates TID into a TLLI and NSAPI, which identifies a logical connection
between SGSN and MS. Thereafter the SGSN sends the packet using the
SNDCP protocol to the MS.
Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.

Figure 23 Downlink multiplexing of data

Mobile terminated packet transfer is only possible if MS is in the Ready state

and is initiated by the network using the Packet Resource Assignment message
as shown in Figure 25. In case there is a PCCCH allocated in the cell, the
Packet Resource Assignment is transmitted on the PAGCH. In case there is no
PCCCH allocated in the cell, the Packet Resource Assignment is transmitted on

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the AGCH. The Packet Resource Assignment message includes the list of
PDCH(s) that will be used for downlink transfer as well as the PDCH carrying
the PACCH. The MS will have to monitor all the PDCH and identify its
downlink data using the TFI, which is part of each downlink data block.

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.

Figure 24 Multislot use in downlink

The TFI is an identifier that is included in every radio link control (RLC) header
belonging to a particular temporary block flow (TBF) and in the control
messages associated to the LLC frame transfer in order to address the peer RLC
entities. The more often a TFI allocated to specific user is included in the
downlink RLC header the higher the DL bit rate will be. Theoretically a user
can thus have all eight slots in a TDMA frame/multiframe structure. In practice
there are other limitations such as MS capability. The timing advance and
power control information is also included, if available. Otherwise, the MS may
be requested to respond with an access burst.

MS Network

PACCH or
Packet Resource Assignment PAGCH or
AGCH

Figure 25. Mobile terminated packet transfer

The release of radio resources is initiated by the network by terminating the

downlink transfer and polling the MS for a final Packet Ack/Nack.

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 Key points

MS Network

Access and Assignment

Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block (polling)
PDTCH
temporary Packet Ack/Nack
PACCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Packet Resource Reassignment
PACCH
Packet Resource Reassignment Ack
PACCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block
PDTCH
Data Block (last, polling)
PACCH
final Packet Ack/Nack
PACCH

Figure 26. Downlink data transfer

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9 Modulation
Modulation is the process of encoding binary data onto a carrier of frequency
Fc. All modulation schemes modify the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the
carrier. The input to the modulation scheme is the digital data (or modulating
data) that is to be transmitted and is usually measured in bits per second. The
modulator output is the modulated signal and is usually measured in symbols
per second.

Digital data Modulated data

bits/sec symbols/sec
MODULATO
MOD R
ULATOR

Figure 27. Modulation

1 GMSK
The GMSK modulation scheme is used for GSM and GPRS as it provides
minimum spectral requirements and constant output power. In this scheme, each
bit is represented by one symbol. The symbol rate is approximately 270.8
ksymbols per second, which corresponds to 270.833 kbit/s.

2 EDGE
To enhance data service GSM can use an additional technique
called Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). EDGE is
a radio-based high-speed mobile data standard. EDGE improves
network capacity and data rates, for both circuit switched and
packet switched data.

EDGE uses 200 kHz radio channels, which are the same as
current GSM channel widths. From a technical perspective,

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EDGE allows the GSM and GPRS network to offer a set of new
radio access bearers to its core network. EDGE is designed to
improve spectral efficiency through link quality control. EDGE
requires wider transmission channel widths and features
flexible time slots to mix and match all forms of
communications, including voice, data, and video. Although
EDGE boosts the GSM and GPRS network, introducing EDGE to
the existing network has little technical impact, since it is fully
based on GSM and requires relatively small changes to network
hardware and software. Thus operators do not have to make
any changes to the network structure or invest in new
regulatory licenses.

The 8PSK modulation scheme is used for EGPRS. This is one of the
improvements EDGE brings since the throughput of this modulation scheme is
three times higher than of GMSK. In this scheme, the transmitted symbols are
one of eight sinusoids, which have the same amplitude and frequency but differ
in phase. The digital data bits are combined into groups of three bits. Thus there
are eight possible combinations starting from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1). Each of the 3-bit
patterns is then matched to one of 8PSK symbols. The mapping is done in such
a way that there is a single bit difference between adjacent symbols. This is
referred to as Gray coding. It ensures that if a symbol is received in error as an
adjacent symbol, only one of the bits will be in error.

Digital bits Symbol Phase

(1,1,1) 0 0
(0,1,1) 1 π /4
(0,1,0) 2 π /2
(0,0,0) 3 3π /4
(0,0,1) 4 π
(1,0,1) 5 -3π /4
(1,0,0) 6 -π /2
(1,1,0) 7 -π /4

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 GPRS Air Interface

(0,1,0)
(0,0,0)
(0,1,1)
(0,0,1) (1,1,1)
I

(1,0,1) (1,1,0)
(1,0,0)

Figure 28. PSK modulation scheme

The 8PSK symbols are continuously rotated with 3π /8 radians per symbol
before pulse shaping. The symbol rate is approximately 270.833 ksymbols/sec,
which corresponds to 812.5 kbit/sec.

2.1 EDGE coding schemes

Nine modulation and coding schemes, MCS-1 to MCS-9, are defined for the
EGPRS packet data traffic channels, and these are tabulated below. For all
EGPRS packet control channels the corresponding GPRS control channel
coding is used. ETSI standards state that MCS-1 to MCS-9 are mandatory for
MSs supporting EGPRS. However, an EPGRS network may support only some
of the MCSs.

Table 4. Coding parameters for the EGPRS coding schemes

Scheme Code Header Mod RLC Bits in a Family B T H Data rate

rate code rate blocks per radio block C kb/s
A C
RB S
I S
L
8PSK

MCS-9 1.0 0.36 2 2x592 A 2x12 2x6 59.2

MCS-8 0.92 0.36 2 2x544 A 54.4
MCS-7 0.76 0.36 2 2x448 B 44.8
MCS-6 0.49 1/3 1 592 A 29.6
544+48 8 27.2
MCS-5 0.37 1/3 1 448 B 12 6 22.4
MCS-4 1.0 0.53 1 352 C 17.6

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GMSK
MCS-3 0.80 0.53 1 296 A 14.8
272+24 13.6
MCS-2 0.66 0.53 1 224 B 11.2
MCS-1 0.53 0.53 1 176 C 8.8
NOTE: The italic captions indicate the padding

9.2.2 Incremental Redundancy and Link adaptation

Incremental Redundancy (IR) is an efficient combination of two techniques,

Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and Forward Error Correction (FEC). In the
ARQ method, when the receiver detects the presence of errors in a received
RLC block, it requests and receives a re-transmission of the same RLC block
from the transmitter. The process continues until an uncorrupted copy reaches
the destination.

The Forward Error Correction (FEC) method adds redundant information to the
user information at the transmitter, and the receiver uses the information to
correct errors caused by disturbances in the radio channel. In the IR scheme
(also known as Type II Hybrid ARQ scheme), all the redundancy is not sent
right away. Rather, only a small amount is sent first, which yields a high user
throughput if the decoding is successful. However, if decoding fails, a re-
transmission takes place according to the ARQ method.
Using IR, the transmitter transmits a different set of FEC information from the
same RLC block. These sets are called puncturing schemes, and there are two
(P1 and P2) or three (P1, P2 and P3) of them in each of the nine MCSs of
EGPRS. Supporting IR, the receiver is able to combine the necessary amount of
error correcting information. Since the combination includes more information
than any individual transmission, the probability of correct reception is
increased. IR co-operates with link adaptation, which selects the amount of
redundancy information transmitted in each transmission. The benefits of IR are
increased throughput due to better and automatic adaptation to different and
varying channel conditions and reduced sensitivity to link quality
measurements.

EDGE not only increases efficiency and speed, but also improves data
protection through link quality control. The system uses various measurements
of the past link to predict up coming channel quality. This prediction determines
the relevant protection of the information to be sent. The Link Adaptation
(LA) mechanism works to provide the highest throughput and lowest delay
available by adapting the protection of the information to be sent, according to
the link quality. Enabling LA requires accurate link quality measurements and a
set of modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) with different degrees of
protection.

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The IR and LA benefits can be combined. While IR improves throughput

by automatically adapting the total amount of transmitted
redundancy to the radio channel conditions, LA selects the
amount of redundancy for each individual transmission. This
helps reduce the number of re-transmissions, and thus keeps
the transfer delay reasonably low.

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10 Key points
• The GPRS radio interface consists of asymmetric and independent uplink
and downlink channels. In addition to sharing the downlink channels, the
MSs can also share a single timeslot in the uplink direction. The MAC
function on the air interface defines procedures that control the
multiplexing of several MSs on the same transmission medium.
• Entities communicating over the air interface have to perform a number
of functions: framing, channel coding, modulation, congestion control,
segmentation, medium access control, synchronisation, multiplexing,
timing advance, power control, handover, ciphering, interleaving, signal
measurements, puncturing, etc.
• The GPRS protocol stack contains Physical RF, Physical Link, MAC and
RLC, LLC and SNDCP layers. Each layer performs a well-defined
function. It accepts data from a higher layer, performs processing on,
adds a header, and passes it to the layer below it.
• GPRS introduces several new logical channels dedicated for GPRS
signalling and data transfer, mapped onto physical channels (PDCH).
• The mapping of logical channels is done over a multiframe comprising
52 TDMA frames, divided into 12 radio blocks (each consisting of four
TDMA frames), two PTCCH frames, and two idle frames. A radio block
is a set of four consecutive bursts from/to a given mobile station,
transmitted over four successive TDMA frames.
• Different coding schemes (CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4) and multislot usage
provides data rates from 9 to 170 kbps. Depending on the CS and # of
TSL, different throughput rates can be obtained. At present CS-1 and 2
are the viable options. Higher data rates can be obtained using EGPRS.
• Packet Resource Assignment and Reassignment messages play an
important role in controlling uplink and downlink data transfer.
• The USF flag is used for MAC in the uplink direction. It allows up to
seven mobile stations to share a timeslot in the uplink direction.
• The TFI field is a 5-bit field that is used for multiplexing in the uplink
and downlink directions.
• Due to flexible radio resource management, GPRS channels can be
seamlessly integrated with the existing GSM CS channels, allowing the
operator to configure the radio timeslots as per requirement and CS
traffic load.

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11 Review questions
1. Which fields are used for medium access control and multiplexing
multiple users on the uplink and downlink PDCH?

2. How many users can share the same Packet Data Channel (PDCH)
timeslot in the uplink direction?

3. How many frames, radio blocks, and bursts are there in a PDCH
multiframe?

4. What is the purpose of PTCCH?

5. Which layer is responsible for segmentation and reassembly of LLC

PDUs and Backward Error Correction (BEC) procedures?

6. Which coding scheme has adopted the same coding as used for SDCCH?

7. Which layer uses the functionality of USF?

8. Which coding scheme does not use FEC?

9. Which logical channels can be used for resource assignment?

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 References

References
• Nokia DX200 SGSN Product Description
• Nokia GPRS Charging Gateway Product Description
• Nokia GN2500 GGSN Product Description
• Nokia GPRS Solution Description
• Nokia GPRS System Description
• GSM 01.04 (ETR 350): Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2+); Abbreviations and acronyms
• GSM 02.60: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Stage 2
• GSM 03.60: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Stage 2 Service Description of the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
• GSM Specification 03.64 (Overall Description of the GPRS Radio
Interface. R.99)
• GSM 04.04: Digital cellular telecommunications system; Layer 1;
General requirements
• GSM 04.07: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Mobile radio interface signalling layer 3 General aspects
• GSM 04.08: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification
• GSM 04.60: Digital cellular telecommunications system(Phase 2+);
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Mobile Station (MS) – Base
Station System (BSS) interface; Radio Link Control/Medium Access
Control (RLC/MAC) protocol
• GSM 04.64: Digital cellular telecommunications system(Phase 2+);
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Logical Link Control (LLC)
• GSM 04.65: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Subnetwork Dependent
Convergence Protocol (SNDCP)
• GSM 05.01: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Physical layer on the radio path, General description
• GSM 05.02: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Multiplexing and multiple access on the radio path
• GSM 05.03: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Channel coding
• GSM 05.04: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Modulation
• GSM 05.05: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Radio transmission and reception

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 GPRS Air Interface

• GSM 05.08: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);

Radio subsystem link control
• GSM 05.10: Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Radio subsystem synchronisation
• GSM Specification 07.60
• GSM Specification 07.70
• GSM Specification 08.14
• GSM Specification 08.16
• GSM Specification 08.18
• GSM Specification 09.02
• GSM Specification 09.16
• GSM Specification 09.18
• GSM Specification 09.60
• GSM Specification 12.15

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