Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
1 Overview.....................................................................................................................................................1
2.1.1 Overview..............................................................................................................................15
i
3.3.1 Inter-Frequency Hard Handover under the Same RNC........................................................28
4.1 Overview.........................................................................................................................................37
4.6.1 DCH-DCH............................................................................................................................50
4.6.2 CCH-DCH............................................................................................................................54
ii
4.6.3 CCH-CCH............................................................................................................................55
5.1 Overview.........................................................................................................................................57
5.5.1 Overview..............................................................................................................................63
iii
1 Overview
Access layer and non-access layer signaling flows are actually so named from the
perspective of protocol stack. In the protocol stack, the RRC layer, RANAP layer, and
the protocol layers below them are access layers, while the MM, SM, CC, and SMS
layers above them are known as non-access layers. Simply put, the flow at the access
layer is the flow where the RNCs and NodeBs at the radio access layer need to take
part in the processing. The flow at a non-access layer refers to a signaling flow where
only UEs and CNs, but not RNCs or NodeBs, need to take part in the processing. The
signaling at the access layer paves the way for the signaling interaction at a non-access
layer. Through the signaling interaction at the access layer, a signaling path is
established between the UE and CN so that the signaling flow at a non-access layer can
be started.
The flows at the access layer include PLMN selection, cell selection, and radio
resource management flows. The radio resource management flows are the flows at the
RRC layer, including the RRC connection setup flow, flow of the signaling setup
between UEs and CNs, RAB setup flow, call release flow, handover flow, and SRNS
redirection flow. For the handover and SRNS redirection flows, the cross-RNC and
cross-SGSN/MSC cases exist. In such cases, SGSN/MSC is also needed. Therefore,
from the perspective of protocol stack, the flows at the access layer are all bottom layer
flows, through which bottom layer bearer is established for the signaling flows at upper
layers.
The non-access flow layer flows mainly include the CS domain mobility management,
the CS domain call control, the PS domain mobility management, and the PS domain
1
session management.
The following is the overview that briefly describes the basic signaling flow.
At first, the whole business flow from power on, to business, and then to power off can
be viewed in the case that the user is not mobile, which is described as follows.
1. When a subscriber UE is powered on, the signaling interaction at the access layer
is performed first. PLMN selection is then performed to select the network of a carrier,
followed by cell selection to reside in an appropriate cell. After that, an RRC
connection is established and the signaling connection on the Iu interface is set up. At
this point, through the signaling flows at these access layers, a signaling channel is
established between the UE and the CN in preparations for the signaling flows at non-
access layers.
2
Chapter 1 Overview
3. After the flows such as authentication pass, the UE enters the service-related
flows at non-access layers. Such flows include the call connection flows of the circuit
domain and the session management flows of the packet domain. Through these flows,
the service bearer links are established for the service. After that, the subscriber can
start to make a call or access the Internet.
4. When the subscriber finishes using the service, the call connection flows of the
circuit domain and the session management flows of the packet domain are also
performed to tear down the service bearer links.
5. If the subscriber powers off his/her mobile phone, the mobility management flows
at non-access layers are performed between the UE and CN to separate the circuit
domain from the packet domain.
At this point, the whole flow in which a subscriber powers on his/her mobile phone,
uses the service, and powers off the mobile phone without moving is complete. This
shows that the completion of the service process requires the cooperation between the
signaling flows at the access layer and those at non-access layers. The flows at the
access layer establish the signal bearer for the flows at non-access layers.
The version below describes one service flow with which the user make the called
service.
2. If no signaling connection exists between the UE and the CN, the signaling flows
at the access layer are performed between the UE, the RNC, and the CN to establish an
RRC connection and Iu interface signaling connection.
4. After that, service bearer links are established through the call connection flows of
the circuit domain and session management flows of the packet domain so that the
service can be performed.
3
UMTS Signaling Flow
5. When the service is finished, the related service bearer links are torn down.
6. Then, the signaling connections at the access layer, including the signaling
connection on the Iu interface and the RRC connection, are released.
The previously described two flows mainly describe in general how to make services in
the case that the subscriber has no position change. This is only an overall and simple
description while various detailed flows are described in the subsequent chapters and
sections.
As mobile communication has the mobile feature, flows related to a variety of hanlding
mobilities are produced. For example, when the subscriber does not develop the
service, the position is changed, so as to produce such flows of mobility management
as position renewal; when the subscriber develops the service, the position changes so
as to produce such flows as handover and SRNS repositioning.
A UE has two basic operation modes: idle mode and connection mode. Upon being
powered on, the UE stays in the idle mode while the mode is distinguished through
such access level flags as IMSI, TMSI or P-TMSI. Because UTRAN does not save the
UE information of the idle mode, the UTRAN can only page all UEs in one cell or all
UEs at the same time.
Only when a UE finishes the construction of the RRC connection can the UE changes
its idle mode to the connection mode: CELL_FACH or CELL_DCH state. The UE
connection mode, which is also called as the UE RRC state, reflects the UE connection
level and which kind of transfer channel the UE can use. When the RRC connection is
released, the UE changes its connection mode to the idle mode.
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Chapter 1 Overview
When UE is in the connection mode, there are following four kinds of state:
1. CELL_DCH state
The cell to which the UE belongs can be obtained through the current active set of
the UE;
The UE can use the dedicated transport channel, uplink/downlink shard transport
channel, or a combination of these transport channels.
When the UE is in idle mode, the RRC connection is established on the dedicated
channel, and therefore the UE enters the CELL_DCH state from idle mode;
When in the CELL_FACH state, the UE uses the common transport channel and
uses the dedicated transport channel after a channel switchover. The UE enters the
5
UMTS Signaling Flow
2. CELL_FACH state
A default uplink public channel or uplink shared transfer channel (such as RACH)
is assigned to the UE
The UE position in the cell level is known by UTRAN, which is the cell where the
UE initiated the latest cell renewal.
Monitor the BCH transfer channels and the decoding system information
messages of the current service cell
When the current cell turns to be another UTRA cell, one renewal process of the
cell is initiated.
Unless one new cell is selected, the allocated C-RNTI in the current cell is used as
the UE flag of the public transfer channel.
Transmit the uplink signaling and small data packet in the RACH
In the CELL_RACH state, if the data service is not activated during a period of
time, the UE will enter the CELL_PCH state so as to reduce the power
comsumption. Furthermore, when the UE temporary gets rid of the CELL_PCH
state and implements the cell renewal, after the renewal is finished, it will return
the CELL_PCH if no requirements are necessary in the UE and the network side.
3. CELL_PCH state
No uplinking actve UE positions can be known by the UTRAN in the cell level,
6
Chapter 1 Overview
which refers to the cell reported by the UE in the CELL_FACH state when the
latest cell renewal is initiated.
According to the DRX cycle monitor the paging time, and receive the paging
information on the PCH.
Monitor the BCH transfer channel of the current service cell to decode the system
information
In such case, the DCCH logic channel cannot be used. If the network tries to
initiate any activities, it needs to send one paging request on the PCCH logic
channel of the cell where the UE is located.
There are two ways for the UE to be converted to the CELL_FACH state: one way is to
make paging through the UTRAN while another way
4. URA_PCH state
The UE uses the DRX technology to monitor the information on the PCH transfer
channel at some specific paging time.
The UE position is known by the UTRAN in the URA level, the specific one is the
URA reported in the CELL_FACH state when the latest URA renewal is initiated.
According to the DRX cycle monitor the paging time, and receive the paging
information on the PCH.
Monitor the BCH transfer channel of the current serive cell to decode the system
information
In such case, the DCCH logic channel cannot be used. If the network tries to
initiate any activities, it needs to send one paging request on the PCCH logic
7
UMTS Signaling Flow
In the URA_PCH state, no resources are allocated for the data transfer. Therefore,
if the UE has the data to transmit, firstly it is required to be coverted to the
CELL_FACH state.
When all the dedicated physical channels are released, the state transitions to
CELL_FACH. The state transition is completed through clear signaling (for example,
physical channel reconfiguration, radio bearer reconfiguration, radio bearer release,
radio bearer establishment, and transport channel reconfiguration)
This state transition is completed through clear signaling (for example, physical
channel reconfiguration, radio bearer reconfiguration, radio bearer release, radio bearer
establishment, and transport channel reconfiguration).
This state transition is completed through clear signaling (for example, physical
channel reconfiguration, radio bearer reconfiguration, radio bearer release, radio bearer
establishment, and transport channel reconfiguration)
For DCH, multiple physical channel allocation policies should be provided. Such
allocation may be permanent (a DCH release message is needed) or based on time
segment or data volume.
For each burst packet, resource configuration can be completed through the fast
signaling on the DCH.
For each radio frame, the UE and network use the Transport Format Combination
Indicator (TFCI) to indicate the current data rates (respectively corresponding to uplink
8
Chapter 1 Overview
and downlink traffic). In TDD mode, however, DCH and DSCH or USCH may be
mapped to different CCTrCHs, with their respective TFCIs completely independent.
DCH transport does not change because the DSCH/USCH exists at the same time. If
the configured combination set (the transport format set for a transport channel) is
found to be insufficient to maintain the QoS required by a transport channel, the
network starts a transport format set (TFS) for the transport channel for
reconfiguration. The reconfiguration can be completed during or between data
transport. In addition, on the network, physical channels can be configured and the
peak data rates can be increased or decreased.
For uplink data transport, the UE reports the service traffic observed to the network so
that the network can re-assess the current resource allocation. This report should
contain the volume of data to be transported, buffer statuses within the UE, and so on
Whether to use macro diversity (soft handover) depends on the data quantity and
frequency.
RRC connection mobility is processed by measurement report, soft handover, and non-
synchronization/synchronization.
7. UE measurement (CELL_DCH)
The UE should use the connection mode measurement control information received in
other states until the UE is assigned new measurement control information
In FDD mode, a UE with a specific capability (This UE supports the reception on one
SCCPCH and one DPCH simultaneously) can read the system information broadcast
on the FACH.
9
UMTS Signaling Flow
reconfiguration)
This state transition occurs when the UTRAN instructs the UE to enter the CELL_PCH
state through clear signaling, such as cell update confirmation and radio bearer
reconfiguration
The UE enters the idle mode after releasing the RRC connection
This state transition occurs when the UTRAN instructs the UE to enter the URA_PCH
state through clear signaling, such as URA update confirmation and radio bearer
reconfiguration.
In the CELL_FACH state, the UE listens on a FACH. The UE should be able to send
uplink control signals and send small packets on the RACH.
The network can assign in advance transport channel parameters, such as the transport
format set, to the UE for use when the UE uses the DCH. When a physical channel is
assigned to the DCH, the UE should enter the CELL_DCH state and is used as the TFS
allocated in advance to the DCH
For uplink data transport, the UE reports the service traffic observed to the network so
that the network can re-assess the current resource allocation. This report should
contain the volume of data to be transported, buffer statuses within the UE, and so on.
When user data or control data is transmitted, a selection process is started to determine
whether to transport the data through a common transport channel or to transition to the
CELL_DCH state. This selection is dynamic and dependent on specific parameters,
such as service parameters (data size and packet burst frequency)
In FDD mode, the UTRAN can assign CPCH resources to the UE in the CELL_FACH
state. After being assigned CPCH resources, the UE continues to listen on the FACH.
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Chapter 1 Overview
The UE may use the RACH to send uplink control signals and small packets. The UE
can also choose to send large packets (larger than the packets carried on the RACH) on
the CPCH. The UE chooses either the RACH or one CPCH to maximally use the
available capacity on the channel
In FDD mode, for each CPCH used, the UE provides the UTRAN with CPCH
measurement data, including data, queue length (the size of the current data buffer),
average access time, and the service traffic of each CPCH used. Based on the
measurement information, the UTRAN can periodically reassign network resources.
The UTRAN assigns a CPCH set to each cell and assigns one to the UE. The UE can
dynamically access these CPCH resources without UTRAN control.
In this state, the UE location on the cell level is known. When the UE selects a new cell
to observe the common downlink channel of the new cell, the UE uses the cell update
process to report to the UTRAN. Data transport can initiated on the downlink FACH
without paging in advance.
The UE listens on the system information about the UE itself and neighboring cells on
the broadcast channel and BCCH, and determines whether to perform a cell location
update based on this information
The UE should perform cell re-selection and start the cell update process when
selecting a new UTRA cell. If another non-UTRA radio access system cell is selected,
the UE should enter the idle mode and complete access according to the system
specifications
7. UE measurement (CELL_FACH)
By default, the UE should use the measure control information broadcast in system
information. The network, however, can also provide measurement control information
in MEASUREMENT CONTROL messages. In this case, the messages have a higher
priority.
The UE should read the BCH to obtain valid system information. For each acquisition,
11
UMTS Signaling Flow
the UE may need the different combinations of the system information broadcast on the
BCH. The system information on the broadcast channel is arranged based on the time
the UE spends in obtaining the information needed.
After the system information is modified, the time arrangement information is updated
to reflect the change in the system information transported on the BCH. The new time
arrangement information is broadcast on the FACH to notify the UE of the change. If
the change is applicable to the UE, the modified system information is read on the
BCH.
The UE transitions to the CELL_FACH state is realized through the paging (paging
type 1) from the UTRAN or any uplink access.
The UE may use DRX to reduce power consumption. When the DRX is used, only one
paging occasion is needed for each DRX interval. The network may instruct the UE to
use a specific DRX interval length. The UE should determine its paging occasion in a
mode the same as the idle mode
In the CELL_PCH state, the UE mobility is performed through the cell re-selection
process.
The UE should perform cell re-selection. When selecting a new UTRA cell, the UE
transites to the CELL_FACH state and starts a cell update process in the new cell. After
the cell update process is performed, if neither the UE nor the network transports data ,
the UE should return to the CELL_PCH state.
If another non-UTRA radio access system cell is selected, the UE should enter the idle
mode and complete access according to the system specifications.
When the UE activity is low, the UTRAN may order the UE to transition to the
URA_PCH state to reduce frequent cell updates. This transition is completed through
the CELL_FACH state. The UTRAN may provide a inactive timer and an optional
12
Chapter 1 Overview
counter used to count the number of cell updates. When the number of cell updates
exceeds a certain limit (network parameter), the UTRAN orders the UE to transition to
the URA_PCH state.
4. UE measurement (CELL_PCH)
The UE should read the BCH to obtain valid system information. For each acquisition,
the UE may need the different combinations of the system information broadcast on the
BCH. The system information on the broadcast channel is arranged based on the time
the UE spends in obtaining the information needed.
Any activity will cause the UE to transition to the CELL_FACH state. For example, the
RACH performs uplink access or the paging (paging type 1) from the UTRAN.
Note that an RRC connection cannot be released in the URA_PCH state. The UE must
first transition to the CELL_FACH state before releasing the signing.
The UE may use DRX to reduce power consumption. When the DRX is used, only one
paging occasion is needed for each DRX interval. The network may instruct the UE to
use a specific DRX interval length. The UE should determine its paging occasion in a
mode the same as the idle mode.
In the URA_PCH state, the location of the UE on the URA level is known.
In this state, mobility is completed through the URA re-selection process. The UE
should perform cell re-selection. When selecting a new UTRA cell (This URA cell is
13
UMTS Signaling Flow
not the one originally used by the UE), the UE should transition to the CELL_FACH
state and initiate a URA update to the network. After the URA update process is
performed, if neither the UE nor the network transports data , the UE should return to
the URA_PCH state.
If another non-UTRA radio access system cell is selected, the UE should enter the idle
mode and complete access according to the system specifications.
4. UE measurement (URA_PCH)
In the URA_PCH state, the mechanism of sending and updating system information is
the same as that in CELL_PCH state.
14
2 Network Selection Flow
2.1.1 Overview
When the UE powers on or is in the roaming mode, its primary task is to find out the
network and connect to it because the network service can be obtained only in this way.
Therefore, in the idle mode, the UE action is vital to the UE. How can the UE
implement the function? The following describes the flow.
In the idle mode, the UE action can be divided in details into PLMN selection and
reselection, cell choice and reselection and position registration. The relationships
between these three flows are described in the following figure.
PLMN Selection
Indication
and Reselection
to user Location PLMNs
Registration available
response
PLMN
selected
NAS Control
Cell Selection
and Reselection
Radio measurements
Registration
Area
changes
CM requests
Location
Registration
15
After being powered on, the UE first selects a PLMN. After selecting a PLMN, the UE
begins to select a cell belonging to this PLMN. When such a cell is found, the
information about the neighboring cell can be obtained from the system information
(broadcast). Thus, the UE can select a cell with the best signals among these cells and
reside in the cell. Then, the UE initiates the location registration process (attach or
location update). If the operation succeeds, the UE resides in the cell. The UE resides
in the cell for four purposes:
When the UE resides in the cell and the registration succeeds, as the UE moves, the
signal strengths of the current cell and the neighboring cell keep changing. In this case,
the UE needs to select a most suitable cell. This is known as the cell re-selection
process. This most suitable cell is not necessarily the cell that currently has the best
signals. The reason is this: suppose the UE is at the edge of a cell and moves to and fro
between the two cells, which happen to belong to different LAs or RAs. Thus, the UE
needs to keep initiating location updates. This wastes not only resources but also the
UE energy. Therefore, there are certain rules as to which cell to be reselected among all
the cells.
After the UE reselects a cell, if the cell is found to belong to another rLA or RA, the
UE initiates the location update process so that the network obtains the latest UE
location information. The UE discovers LA or RA changes through the SIB1 in the
system broadcast information
If the location registration or update fails, for example, when the network rejects the
UE, or when the current PLMN is out of the coverage area, the UE can perform PLMN
re-selection to select another usable PLMN.
The purpose of PLMN selectionand reselection is to select one applicable (that can
provide the normal service), best PLMN. Through which can the UE realize the
purpose? The UE can maintain one PLMN list, which will list the PLMN according to
16
Chapter 1 Overview
the priority, and then search from the higher priority to the lower priority so it is natural
to find out the PLMN with the highest priority. In addition, there are two kinds of
modes to select and reselect: automatic and manual. In brief, the automatic network
selection is to select one PLMN for the UE according to the PLMN priority sequence
while the manual network selection is to display all the currently applicable networks
to the subscriber, give him/her the righ to select one PLMN.
If the UE stores information, such as frequency and scrambling code, related to the
PLMN, the UE performs a cell search (stored information cell selection) by using the
information. Thus, a network can be found quickly. This is because in most cases, the
UE is powered off and on in the same place. For example, the UE is powered off at
night and is powered on in the morning. Such information is stored in the SIM card or
the non-volatile memory of the mobile phone
1. Cell search
The purpose of cell search is to find a cell, which, though, may not belong to the
selected PLMN. The steps of cell search are as follows (A frequency needs to be locked
first, of course):
The UE obtains timeslot synchronization through the primary SCH. After timeslot
synchronization, frame synchronization needs to be performed. Frame synchronization
is completed through the synchronization code of the secondary SCH. In this
procedure, the scrambling code group of the cell is also determined. Then, the UE
associates each scrambling code of the scrambling code group on the CPICH until it
finds the greatest one among the related results. Thus, the primary scrambling code is
determined.
Obviously, if the UE already knows some information about the cell, such as the
frequency used and even the primary scrambling code, the above-mentioned procedure
17
UMTS Signaling Flow
From the above-mentioned procedure, the UE obtains the scrambling code of the
PCCPCH, whose channel code is known and unique through the whole UTRAN. Thus,
the UE can read the information of the broadcast channel.
When reading the MIB, the UE can determine whether the found PLMN is the one
intended, because there is a PLMN domain in the MIB. If yes, the UE finds another
SIB and obtains its contents based on the scheduling information in other SIBs
contained in the MIB. If not, the UE has to look for the next frequency, starting the
procedure all over again (from cell search).
If the current PLMN is the one intended by the UE, the UE reads SIB3 and obtains
"Cell selection and re-selection". Through the information obtained, the UE performs
calculations to determine whether the cell residence standards are met. If yes, the UE
considers the cell a suitable cell. The UE resides in the cell and reads the other system
information needed and initiates the location registration procedure.
If the above-mentioned conditions are not met, the UE reads SIB11 and obtains the
information on the neighboring cells. Thus, the UE can perform calculations and
determines whether the neighboring cell meets the cell selection residence standards.
If the UE finds that any neighboring meets the cell residence standards, the UE resides
in the cell, reads other system information needed, and initiates the location registration
procedure.
If the UE finds no cell that meets the cell residence standards, the UE considers that
there is coverage and continues the PLMN selection and re-selection.
In idle mode, the UE keeps monitoring the signal quality of the current cell and
neighboring cells to select the best cell for providing services. This is known as cell re-
selection. If the cell re-selection conditions are met within the re-selection time, the UE
selects the cell, resides in the cell, and reads the broadcast messages of the cell. Cell re-
selection is complete.
18
Chapter 1 Overview
When the UE returns to the idle mode from the connection mode, it is required to make
the cell choice to find one situable cell. This choice process is the same as the ordinary
celll choice process. However, at this time, the choice of a cell is to select the cell used
in the connection mode. If no suitable cells are found in these cells, the stored
information cell selection should be used.
Refer to the related content of MM and GMM for these flows. Herein these flows are
omitted.
19
3 Handover Flow in the System
1. Intra-mode handover: Softer handover, soft handover, and hard handover are intra-
mode handovers. A hard handover can be a intra-frequency handover or inter-
frequency handover
2. Transition Between Modes: It refers to the transition to the UTRA TDD mode.
During a hard handover, before a new link is established, the old link of a mobile
station is released. That is, a channel can be established only after it is released. The old
channel is torn down before being synchronized with the new channel. The old and the
new channels do not take effect at the same time.
During a soft handover or softer handover, the mobile station and UTRAN maintain at
least one link between them. That is, a channel is removed before a new channel is
established. The original channel is removed only after the new channel takes effect.
Basic Concepts:
21
2. Monitor set: Cells not in the active set but monitored according to the adjacent
cell list assigned by the UTRAN belong to the monitor set. The UE measures the cells
in the monitor set. If the measurement results meet certain conditions, these cells may
be added to the active set. Therefore, the monitor set is sometimes known as the
candidate set.
3. Detected Set: Set of cells in neither the active set nor the monitor set.
During the measurement control phase, the network sends measurement control
messages to notify the UE of the parameters of the measurement. During the
measurement report phase, the UE sends measurement report messages to the network.
During the handover decision phase, the network makes a handover decision based on
the measurement report. During the handover execution, phase, the UE and network
carry out the signaling flow and give responses according to the signaling.
Difference between a soft handover and a softer handover is as follows: Soft handover
22
Chapter 1 Overview
During a softer handover, a mobile station is located where the coverage of two
adjacent sectors of a base station overlaps. The mobile station and base station
communicate with each other through two air interface channels. There is one air
interface channel in each sector. Thus, two spread spectrum codes need to be used in
the downlink and the mobile station can distinguish these signals. The mobile station
receives and processes these two signals through Rake receiver. This process is very
similar to multi-path reception except that despread spectrum codes are need to be
generated for each sector to ensure correct despread spectrum operations. In the uplink,
a similar process is performed on the base station: The code division channel of the
mobile station is received in each sector, sent to the same baseband Rake receiver, and
merged to the maximum ratio through a normal method. During a softer handover, for
each connection, only one power control loop is active.
During a soft handover, a mobile station is located where the coverage of two sectors
of different base stations overlaps. Same as a softer handover, the mobile station and
two base stations perform communication through two different air interface channels
at the same time. Same as a softer handover, the mobile station receives two channels
(signals) through merging to the maximum ratio by using a Rake receiver. From the
perspective of the mobile station, there is very little difference between a soft handover
and a softer handover. In the uplink, however, the difference between a soft handover
and a softer handover is very great: Two base stations receive the code division
channels from the mobile station, but the received data is sent to the RNC for selective
merging. This is because the frame reliability indicator provided for external loop
power control needs to be used in the RNC to select the better frame from the two
candidate frames. Such selection occurs each time the interlacing interval is complete.
That is, the selection occurs ever 10 ms to 80 ms.
23
UMTS Signaling Flow
In this case, the radio uplink can be merged in NodeB or the SRNC. If the radio uplink
is merged in NodeB, it is known as a softer handover.
24
Chapter 1 Overview
The softer handover flow is basically the same as the soft handover flow between
NodeBs. The only difference is that a softer handover is a handover in NodeB, with Iub
interface message as RADIO LINK ADDITION REQUEST, while the switching Iub
interface message between NodeBs is RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST.
Soft Handover Between RNCs in the Same MSC uses the Iur interface:
25
UMTS Signaling Flow
Hard handovers correspond to Iub interface operations and Uu interface operations. Iub
interface operations correspond to radio link reconfiguration. Uu interface operations
26
Chapter 1 Overview
are completed through the following five types of operations, of which physical
channel reconfiguration is the most commonly performed operation.
1. Upper-layer planning
The upper layer obtains the scheduling information of the compression mode, lowers
the data rate, and inserts DTX bits when a radio frame mapping is established to create
transfer slots.
Change spreading spectrum factors to improve data rates. For example, the physical
layer changes the timeslot sequence number assigned by the upper layer from the
timeslot format corresponding to the spreading spectrum factor 128 to the timeslot
format corresponding to the spreading spectrum factor 64. This effectively doubles the
number of symbols for valid physical timeslots and creates blank timeslots.
3. Puncturing methods
With the spread spectrum factor and channelized code sequence unchanged, the
puncturing of rate matching module in the code, multiplexing link at the physical layer
can be used to lower the data rates. The transfer gap lengths (TGL) generated in this
way, however, are relatively short.
27
UMTS Signaling Flow
A compression mode is generally used for the downlink. If the uplink enters the
compression mode, the downlink must enter the compression mode in cooperation at
the same time.
The hard handover between different RNCs under the same MSC does not use the Iur
interface process, which is the same as the hard handover process between different
MSCs. Both are the hard handover process accompanied by repositioning.
28
Chapter 1 Overview
All the inter-system handovers in the CS domain are initiated by the network side and
completed through handover commands. There are three possibilities of CS system cut-
aways: 1) Based on a measurement report, the RNC determines that a handover to the
GSM system needs to be performed; 2) The CN specifies to perform a handover when
29
UMTS Signaling Flow
delivering RAB designation, namely, a inter-CS system switching; Direct retry (For
example, when no resource is available for distribution) In terms of flow, a CS-domain
inter-system cut-away consists of two phases: Iu interface CS-domain inter-system cut-
away preparation and Uu interface inter-system cut-away request. Iu interface CS-
domain inter-system cut-away preparation phase corresponds to the relocation
preparation message. Uu interface inter-system cut-away request phase corresponds to
the cut-away message HANDOVER FROM UTRAN COMMAND. CS-domain inter-
system cut-aways involve the Iu interface relocation process and Uu interface system
CS-domain cut-away process. The Iu interface relocation process corresponds to the
resource allocation message. The Uu interface system CS-domain cut-away process
corresponds to the HANDOVER TO THE UTRAN COMPLETE message, with the Uu
interface system CS-domain cut-away process as an intermediate process.
30
Chapter 1 Overview
RELOCATION REQUIRED
HANDOVER REQUEST
HANDOVER RESPONSE
RELOCATION COMMAND
HANDOVER FROM UTRAN COMMAND
HANDOVER COMPLETE
HANDOVER DETECT
HANDOVER COMPLETE
IU RELEASE COMMAND
IU RELEASE COMPLETE
RADIO LINK DELETION REQUEST
HANDOVER REQUIRD
RELOCATION REQUEST
31
RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST
HANDOVER COMMAND
HANDOVER TO UTRAN COMMAND
RELOCATION DETECT
HANDOVER TO UTRAN COMPLETE
RELOCATION COMPLETE
UMTS Signaling Flow
CLEAR COMMAND
CLEAR COMPLETE
2G 3G new M S /
UE B SS SR N S
SG SN SG SN VLR
I n te r sy ste m c h a n g e d e c isio n
32
R o u te in g A r e a U p d a te
S G S N C o n te x t R e q u e st
S R N S C o n te x t R e q u e st
S R N S C o n te x t R e sp o n se
S G S N C o n te x t R e sp o n se
S R N S D a ta F o r w a r d C o m m a n d
F o r w a r d P a c k e ts
F o r w a r d P a c k e ts
I u R e le a se C o m m a n d
Chapter 1 Overview
I u R e le a se C o m p le te
L o c a tio n U p d a te R e q u e st
L o c a tio n U p d a te A c c e p t
R o u te in g A r e a U p d a te
R o u te in g A r e a U p d a te C o m p le te
T M S I R e a llo c a tio n
HANDOVER REQUIRD
33
RELOCATION REQUEST
RELOCATION DETECT
HANDOVER TO UTRAN COMPLETE
UMTS Signaling Flow RELOCATION COMPLETE
CLEAR COMMAND
CLEAR COMPLETE
1. Cell update process among the cells in the RNC : Depending on parameter
differences, this process can be divided into two flows: one requiring reconfiguration
(returning the RB/Trch/Phy reconfiguration complete message) and the other requiring
no reconfiguration (If a parameter such as a newly assigned C_RNTI, the UE needs to
return the Mobility Info Confirm message).
34
Chapter 1 Overview
2. Cell update process among different RNC cells :This process is further divided
into two flows: one requiring relocation (updating SRNC) and the other requiring no
relocation (updating DRNC).
35
UMTS Signaling Flow
36
4 Call Service Flow
4.1 Overview
When the UE finds a cell and reads the system messages of the cell, the UE can obtain
the parameter configuration information about the system and the conditions for
network access
There are two types of call establishment: UE as the caller and UE as the callee. The
difference between the two is that when the UE acts as the callee, the system needs to
page the UE in the specified area through the paging flow before the call is established.
Regardless of whether the UE acts as the caller or callee, call establishment and call
release contain the following procedure:
The paging initiated by the CN is used to establish a signaling connection. The paging
initiated by the CN can be collaborated or non-collaborated. Through the RANAP
PAGING message, the CN indicates whether the RNC needs to perform UTRAN
collaborated paging.
In collaborated paging, the RNC checks whether the UE has any other CN-domain
signaling connection. If the UE has any other CN-domain signaling connection and is
in the CELL_DCH or CELL_FACH state, the paging message is delivered through the
37
DCCH channel of the existing connection on the radio interface. If the UE has any
other CN-domain signaling connection and is in the CELL_PCH or URA_PCH state,
the paging message is delivered through the PCCH channel on the radio interface. If
the UE has no other CN-domain signaling connection, the paging message is delivered
through the PCCH channel.
In non-collaborated paging, the RNC directly delivers the paging message through the
PCCH channel in the paging area specified by the CN without checking whether UE
has any CN-domain signaling connection not in the paging domain.
In paging initiated by the UTRAN, the UE in the CELL_PCH or URA_PCH state can
be paged. The UE initiates a cell update process through a paging response to transit
the user state from CELL_PCH or URA_PCH to CELL_FACH. Alternatively, when
the system information changes, the UTRAN triggers the UE (in idle mode,
CELL_PCH or URA_PCH state) to read the system information after the update again
goes through paging messages.
If the UE is in idle mode or in the CELL_PCH or URA_PCH state. The RNC pages the
UE by using the PAGING TYPE1 message through the PCCH channel.
The RNC pages the UE by using the PAGING TYPE2 message through the DCCH
channel.
The UTRAN generally pages the UE in idle mode, CELL_PCH, or URA_PCH state by
using the PAGING TYPE1 message through the PCCH channel.
2. The UTRAN initiates the paging that triggers UE state transition to transit the UE
state from CELL_PCH or URA_PCH to CELL_FACH;
3. When the system information changes, the UTRAN initiates the paging that
triggers the UE to read the updated system information. In this case, the value label of
the master information block (MIB) is contained in the "BCCH modification info" in
PAGING TYPE 1 message.
38
Chapter 1 Overview
UE UTRAN
PAGING TYPE 1
The UTRAN sends the PAGING TYPE1 message when an appropriate paging
opportunity is available to start the paging process. The UTRAN can select multiple
paging opportunities to repeatedly page a UE to increase the possibility of the UE
correctly receiving paging messages.
The UE in idle mode or PCH state monitors the appropriate paging opportunities and
receives the paging messages from the network layer.
UE UTRAN
PAGING TYPE 2
The UTRAN sends the PAGING TYPE2 message through the DCCH channel to
initiate the paging process. Such paging is also known as dedicated paging. The UE
receives and reads the contents in the PAGING TYPE 2 message and reports the
paging reason, paging record category identifier, and other information to the non-
39
UMTS Signaling Flow
This process does not affect any other RRC process running on the UE side.
If the UE finds any protocol error in the PAGING TYPE 2 message received, the UE
discards the paging message, uses the AM RLC mode through the uplink DCCH, and
sends the RRC STATUS message to the UTRAN.
In this case, the UTRAN pages the UE by sending a PAGING TYPE1 message.
In this case, the UTRAN pages the UE by sending a PAGING TYPEE2 message.
In this case, the UTRAN first transitions the state of the UE from CELL_PCH or
URA_PCH to CELL_FACH by sending a PAGING TYPE1 message. Then, the
UTRAN pages the UE by sending a PAGING TYPE2 message.
In this case, the UTRAN pages the UE by 1. sending a PAGING TYPE1 message so
that the state of the UE transitions to CELL_FACH.
When the RNC receives an RRC connection request from the UE, the RNC determines
whether to accept or reject the request based on a specific algorithm. If the RNC
accepts the request, the RNC determines whether to establish the RRC connection on a
40
Chapter 1 Overview
dedicated channel or common channel based a specific radio resource algorithm. The
RRC connection establishment flows vary with RRC connection establishment
channels. If the RRC connection cannot be established, the RNC rejects the
establishment of the RRC connection.
If the RRC connection is set up on the special channel, the RNC needs to allocate the
special radio resource for the UE, sets up the radio links, and sets up the ALCAP user
side carrier of the Iub interface for the radil links.
UE NodeB RNC
2.Allocate parameters
such asRNTI、L1、
L2
3. RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST
NBAP NBAP
2. According to the RRC connection request cause and the system resource state, the
RNC decides that the UE is set up on the special channel, and allocates RNTI, radio
41
UMTS Signaling Flow
3. The RNC sends the NodeB the RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST to request the
NodeB for allocating the specific radio link resources necessary for the RRC
connection.
5. The RNC uses the ALCAP protocols to set up the Iub interface user side transfer
bearer, and implements the synchronous process between the RNC and the NodeB.
6. Through the downlink CCCH channel, the RNC sends the UE the RRC
CONNECTION SETUP message, which includes the special channel information
included in the RNC.
7. After the UE verifies that the RRC connection setup succeeds, the newly setup
uplink DCCH channel sends the RNC the RRC CONNECTION SETUP COMPLETE
message. The RRC connection setup process is finished.
When the RRC connection is set up on the public channek, because the newly setup
cell public resources have been used, it is not required to set up the radio link or the
data transfer bearer on the user side. It is only necessary to map the logic channel used
by the UE on the cell public channel, and the rest process is similar to the situation that
the RRC is connected to set up on the special channel.
42
Chapter 1 Overview
UE NodeB RNC
2.Allocate parameters
such as RNTI、L1、
L2
If the RNC judges that this RRC connection request cannot be set up (such as the
resources are insufficient), the RNC directly sends the UE the RRC CONNECTION
REJECT message, in which the cuase of rejecting the RRC connection is indicated.
UE RNC
43
UMTS Signaling Flow
What the RRC connection sets up is the signaling connection between the UE and the
RNC, so it is also required to go on setting up the signaling connection between the UE
and the CN so as to transmit the direct transfer information. When the RNC receives
the first piece of direct information (the INITIAL DIRECT TRANSFER information),
it sets up a signaling connection between the RNC and the CN, which is set up above
the SS7 SCCP.
After the signaling connections of the UE and CN are set up successfully, the
information the UE sends is sent to the RNC through the UPLINK DIRECT
TRANSFER information while the RNC coverts the information to the DIRECT
TRANSFER information; the information that the CN sends to the UE is sent to the
RNC through the DIRECT TRANSFER message while the RNC converts the
information to the DOWNLINK DIRECT TRANSFER message to be sent to the UE.
The initial direct transfer process is used to set up one signaling connection between
the RNC and the CN, and meanwhile bear one piece of initial NAS information. The
content of the NAS information is not explained in the RNC, but is forwarded to the
CN.
Description: When the UE stays at the CELL_PCH or the URA_PCH state, the UE will
at first make the cell renewal for making the initial direct transfer while the state is
transferred into the CELL_FACH state. The renewal reason is Uplink Data Transfer.
After the cell renewal successfully ends, the UE will go on with the initial direct
transfer.
44
Chapter 1 Overview
UE SRNC CN
2.INITIAL UE MESSAGE
RANAP RANAP
3.CONNECITON CONFIRM(SUCCESS)
SCCP SCCP
4.CONNECTION REFUSE(FAILURE)
SCCP SCCP
1. After the RRC connection is set up, the UE sends the RNC the INITIAL DIRECT
TRANSFER information through the RRC connection while the information carries
such content as initial NAS information and NC flags sent to the CN by the UE.
2. The RNC receives the initial direct transfer information of the UE, and sends the
SCCP CONNECTION REQUEST information through the Iu interface while the
information data is the INITIAL UE MESSAGE sent to the CN by the RNC. The
information includes the information content sent to the CN by the UE.
For the NAS content carried during the initial direct transfer process, the CN will send
the UE the acceptance or refusal information to the service through the downlink direct
transfer process.
45
UMTS Signaling Flow
UE SRNC CN
2.DIRECT TRANSFER
RANAP RANAP
2. The RNC routes the message according to the CN identifier in the message and
sends the NAS information carried in the message to the CN through a DIRECT
TRANSFER message on Iu interface. The uplink direct transfer process is complete.
46
Chapter 1 Overview
When the CN needs to send the NAS message to the UE on the existing signaling
connection, it enables the downlink direct transfer process. The signaling flow of the
downlink direct transfer is shown in the following figure.
UE SRNC CN
1.DIRECT TRANSFER
RANAP RANAP
The UE receives and reads the DOWNLINK DIRECT TRANSFER message carrying
the NAS information. If the received message contains a protocol error, the UE sends
an RRC STATUS message on the uplink DCCH in AM RLC mode.
The vendors, specifications, and capabilities of UEs are different. Therefore, after an
RRC connection is established, the UE should send UE capability information to the
UTRAN so that the network side configures the UE according to the capability
47
UMTS Signaling Flow
2. After an RRC connection is established, when the RNC finds that the
corresponding capability information does not exist, the RNC sends a UE
CAPABILITY ENQUIRY message to the UE. The UE sends the UE capability
information to the RNC through a UE CAPABILITY INFORMATION message;
Through the UE capability information query, the UTRAN requests the UE for
enabling the UE capability query process, shown in the following figure.
UE UTRAN
UE CAPABILITY ENQUIRY
Through the downlink DCCH logic channel, the UTRAN introduces the AMRLC
mode to send the UE CAPABILITY ENQUIRY message to implement the UE
capability information query process.
capability information changes during the RRC connection, the UE initiates the UE
capability information update process.
The UE capability information update process is used to transfer the radio network
related capabilities supported by the UE to the UTRAN.
49
UMTS Signaling Flow
Depending on the RRC connection states before and after the RAB establishment, there
are three scenarios for the RAB establishment flow:
1. DCH-DCH: Before the RAB is established, an RRC connection uses the DCH.
After the RAB is established, an RRC connection uses the DCH;
2. CCH-DCH: Before the RAB is established, an RRC connection uses the CCH.
After the RAB is established, an RRC connection uses the DCH;
3. CCH-CCH: Before the RAB is established, an RRC connection uses the CCH.
After the RAB is established, an RRC connection uses the CCH;
4.6.1 DCH-DCH
When the current RRC state of the UE is DCH, the RAB assigned can be established
on DCH only. Based on radio link reconfiguration, the RAB establishment flow can be
divided into two scenarios:
The difference between the two is whether the new configuration parameter can be
used immediately when the NodeB and UE receive the configuration message
delivered by the Serving Radio Network Controller (SRNC).
2. Upon receiving the configuration message delivered by the SRNC, the UE also
cannot immediately use the new configuration parameter. Instead, the UE obtains the
synchronization time specified by the SRNC in the message;
3. At the synchronization time specified by the SRNC, NodeB and UE use the new
configuration parameter at the same time.
50
Chapter 1 Overview
The figure of RAB Setup Flow of Synchronously Reconfiguring Radio Links is shown
in the following figure.
UE NodeB SRNC CN
2.ALCAP setup
3. RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION
PREPARE (Synchronised)
NBAP NBAP
4. RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION
READY (Synchronised)
NBAP NBAP
2. Upon receiving the RAB establishment request, the SRNC maps the QoS
parameters of the RAB to AAL2 link feature parameters and radio resource feature
parameters. The ALCAP of Iu interface initiates the user plane transport bearer
establishment process according to the AAL2 link feature parameters (For the PS
domain, this step does not exist).
4. NodeB allocates the resources accordingly and then sends a RADIO LINK
RECONFIGURATION READY message to the SRNC to which the NodeB belongs,
notifying the SRNC that the radio link reconfiguration preparation is complete.
51
UMTS Signaling Flow
5. The ALCAP of the Iub interface in the SRNC initiates the user plane transport
bearer establishment process on Iub interface. NodeB and SRNC exchange the
uplink/downlink synchronization frames of the DCH frame protocol for
synchronization.
6. The SRNC sends a RADIO BEARER SETUP message of the RRC protocol to the
UE.
9. Upon receiving the RADIO BEARER SETUP COMPLETE message, the SRNC
returns a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the CN. The RAB
establishment flow is complete.
In this case, synchronization and reconfiguration of radio links does not need to be
performed among SRNC, NodeB, and UE. Upon receiving the configuration message
delivered by the SRNC, the NodeB and UE immediately use the new configuration
parameter.
52
Chapter 1 Overview
UE NodeB SRNC CN
2.ALCAP setup
2. Upon receiving the RAB establishment request, the SRNC maps the QoS
parameters of the RAB to AAL2 link feature parameters and radio resource feature
parameters. The ALCAP of Iu interface initiates the user plane transport bearer
establishment process according to the AAL2 link feature parameters (For the PS
domain, this step does not exist).
53
UMTS Signaling Flow
5. The ALCAP of the Iub interface in the SRNC initiates the user plane transport
bearer establishment process on Iub interface. NodeB and SRNC exchange the
uplink/downlink synchronization frames of the DCH frame protocol for
synchronization.
6. The SRNC sends a RADIO BEARER SETUP message of the RRC protocol to the
UE.
7. After executing radio bearer setup, the UE sends a RADIO BEARER SETUP
COMPLETE message to the SRNC
8. Upon receiving the RADIO BEARER SETUP COMPLETE message, the SRNC
returns a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the CN. The RAB
establishment flow is complete.
4.6.2 CCH-DCH
When a RRC connection is established on a CCH, the RNC can establish the assigned
RAB on a DCH according to the QoS parameters in the RAB assignment message. In
this case, the RRC connection state needs to be changed from CCH to DCH.
UE NodeB SRNC CN
1. RABASSIGNMENT REQUEST
RANAP RANAP
2. ALCAP setup
NBAP NBAP
54
Chapter 1 Overview
2. Upon receiving the RAB establishment request, the SRNC maps the QoS
parameters of the RAB to AAL2 link feature parameters and radio resource feature
parameters. The ALCAP of Iu interface initiates the user plane transport bearer
establishment process according to the AAL2 link feature parameters (For the PS
domain, this step does not exist).
3. The SRNC starts the radio link establishment process on Iub interface and sends a
RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST message to the controlled NodeB to request the
NodeB to assign the specific radio link resources required for the RRC connection.
5. The RNC establishes the Iub interface user plane transport bearer through ALCAP
and completes the synchronization between the RNC and NodeB.
6. The SRNC sends a RADIO BEARER SETUP message of the RRC protocol to the
UE.
7. After executing radio bearer setup, the UE sends a RADIO BEARER SETUP
COMPLETE message to the SRNC.
8. Upon receiving the RADIO BEARER SETUP COMPLETE message, the SRNC
returns a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the CN. The RAB
establishment flow is complete.
4.6.3 CCH-CCH
When a RRC connection is established on a CCH, the RNC can continue to establish
the assigned RAB on a CCH according to the QoS parameters in the RAB assignment
message.
55
UMTS Signaling Flow
UE NodeB SRNC CN
2. ALCAP setup
2. After the SRNC receives the RAB setup request, the SRNC maps the RAB QoS
parameter as the AAL2 link feature parameter and the radio resource feature parameter.
According to the AAL2 link feature parmameter, the Iu interface ALCAP enables the
transfer bearer setup process of the Iu interface user side.
3. The SRNC sends the UE the RADIO BEARER SETUP message of the RRC
protocol.
4. After the UE implements the radio bearer setup, the UE sends the SRNC the
RADIO BEARER SETUP COMPLETE message.
5. After the SRNC receives the information that the radio bearer has implemented
the setup, the SRNC sends the CN the RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message. The
RAB setup process is finished.
56
5 Service Release Flow
5.1 Overview
Service release flows fall into two types: high-layer release request initiated by the UE
and high-layer release request initiated by the CN. Regardless of release type, the
ultimate resource release process is initiated by the CN.
For a UE, such a scenario may exist: An RRC connection corresponds to multiple
RABs (For example, VP service and Web Browse service are performed at the same
time), and CS-domain and PS-domain correspond to a Iu signaling connection
respectively. Service release flow is roughly divided into several scenarios.
If multiple RABs are established in CS domain, the CN initiates the RAB release
flow only for the RAB that needs to be released, without releasing the Iu signaling
connection.
If only one RAB is established in PS domain, the CN first initiates the RAB
release flow for the RAB. When the release is complete, the CN sends an IU
RELEASE COMMAND message before releasing the Iu signaling connection on
Iu-PS interface. When the service release is complete, the SRNC determines
whether the RRC connection corresponds to any Iu signaling connection (CS
domain). If not, the RRC connection release process is initiated.
57
If multiple RABs are established in PS domain, the CN initiates the RAB release
flow only for the RAB that needs to be released, without releasing the Iu signaling
connection.
The Iu connection release flow is generally initiated directly the CN and can also be
initiated by the CN at the request of the UTRAN. The Iu connection release request
flow is used by the UTRAN to request the CN to initiate the Iu connection release
process.
RNC CN
IU RELEASE REQUEST
58
Chapter 1 Overview
RNC CN
2. Upon receiving the message, the RNC clears the related resources in the UTRAN.
The RNC sends an IU RELEASE COMPLETE message to the CN. The Iu connection
release process is complete.
1. DCH-DCH: Before the RAB is released, an RRC connection uses the DCH. After
the RAB is released, an RRC connection uses the DCH;
2. CCH-CCH: Before the RAB is released, an RRC connection uses the CCH. After
the RAB is released, an RRC connection uses the CCH
3. DCH-CCH: Before the RAB is released, an RRC connection uses the DCH. After
the RAB is released, an RRC connection uses the CCH;
Only the RAB release flow in the DCH-DCH scenario is described. The RAB release
flows in the other scenarios are similar.
Similar to the RAB establishment flow, on a radio interface, there are two scenarios for
the DCH-DCH RAB release:
The RAB release flow of the DCH-DCH synchronous reconfiguration of radio links is
described
NodeB Serving CN
UE
Serving RNS RNC
1 RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST
RANAP RANAP
[Release]
2RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION
PRPARE
NBAP NBAP
[DCH Deletion]
4. The SRNC sends a RADIO BEARER RELEASE message to the UE to start the
bearer release flow.
60
Chapter 1 Overview
8. The SRNC uses ALCAP. In case of AAL2 bearer, the SRNC sends an AAL2
release message to start releasing the Iu data transport bearer between the SRNC and
CN (This step is not needed for the PS domain).
9. The SRNC sends a RANAP RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE to the CN. The
release flow is complete.
Note that, when the RNC user plane becomes abnormal, the RANAP sends a RAB
RELEASE REQUEST message to the CN to request the CN to release the affected
RAB.
RNC CN
Joint Release Flow of CS-Domain lu Signaling Connection and RAB is shown in the
following figure.
61
UMTS Signaling Flow
4. The SRNC sends a RADIO BEARER RELEASE message to the UE to start the
bearer release flow.
8. The SRNC uses ALCAP. In case of AAL2 bearer, the SRNC sends an AAL2
release message to start releasing the Iu data transport bearer between the SRNC and
62
Chapter 1 Overview
CN.
5.5.1 Overview
After the RAB is released, the SRNC determines whether any Iu signaling connection
borne by the same RRC exists in the system. If all the Iu signaling connections
corresponding to the UE are released, the RRC connection is released. To release an
RRC connection is to release the signaling links between the UE and UTRAN and all
the radio bearers. Through the RRC connection release flow, all the signaling
connections related to the UE are released on the radio interface.
Based on the resource consumption by the RRC connection, there are two types of
connection release: release of an RRC connection established on a dedicated channel
and release of an RRC connection established on a common channel.
If the DCCH is available during the RRC connection release, the UTRAN sends an
RRC CONNECTION RELEASE message through the downlink DCCH. Otherwise,
the UTRAN sends an RRC CONNECTION RELEASE message through the downlink
CCCH.
The signaling flow of RRC Connection Release Set up on Special Channels is shown
in the following figure.
63
UMTS Signaling Flow
UE NodeB SRNC
5.ALCAP Release
4. When the resources in the NodeB are deleted, NodeB returns a RADIO LINK
DELETION RESPONSE message to the SRNC.
5. The RNC uses ALCAP to initiate the releasing of the user plane transport bearer
on Iub interface.The RRC connection release flow is complete.
64
Chapter 1 Overview
UE NodeB SRNC
The SRNC sends an RRC CONNECTION RELEASE message through the CCCH to
the UE to initiate the RRC connection release flow, and the UE releases the resources.
Description:
The UTRAN may send the RRC CONNECTION RELEASE message for several times
to ensure that the UE receives the message correctly. The RRC SN values of these
messages are the same. The number of message retransfers and transfer interval are
controlled by the network.
65