LB Interface

Lb Interface
GBSS12.0
Feature Parameter Description
Issue 01
Date 2010-06-30
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2011. All rights reserved.
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Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

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GSM BSS
Lb Interface Contents
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 Intended Audience......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Change History.............................................................................................................................. 1-1
2 Overview......................................................................................................................................2-1
3 Protocol Stack Scheme ...........................................................................................................3-1
4 Network Topologies .................................................................................................................4-1
5 Location Modes .........................................................................................................................5-1
6 Engineering Guidelines ...........................................................................................................6-1
7 Parameters..................................................................................................................................7-1
8 Counters ......................................................................................................................................8-1
9 Glossary ......................................................................................................................................9-1
10 Reference Documents .........................................................................................................10-1
Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential i

Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
GSM BSS
Lb Interface 1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
This document describes the protocol stack scheme, network topologies, and location modes of the Lb
interface. (GBFD-115404 Lb Interface)
1.2 Intended Audience

It is assumed that users of this document are familiar with GPRS basics and have a working knowledge
of GPRS telecommunication.
This document is intended for:
 Personnel working on Huawei GPRS products or systems
 System operators who need a general understanding of this feature
1.3 Change History

The change history provides information on the changes in different document versions.
There are two types of changes, which are defined as follows:
 Feature change
Feature change: refers to the change in the Lb Interface feature of a specific product version.
 Editorial change
Editorial change: refers to changes in the information that has already been included, or the addition of
information that was not provided in the previous version.
Document Issues
The document issues are as follows:
 01 (2010-06-30)
 Draft (2010-03-30)
01 (2010-06-30)
This is the first release of GBSS12.0.
Compared with issue draft (2010-03-30) of GBSS12.0, issue 01 (2010-06-30) of GBSS12.0 incorporates
the changes described in the following table.
Change Type Change Description Parameter Change

Feature change None. None.
Editorial change Parameters are presented in the form of Parameter ID None.
instead of Parameter Name.
Draft (2010-03-30)
This is the draft release of GBSS12.0.
Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 1-1

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 2 Overview
2 Overview
The Lb interface is a protocol-defined standard interface for interconnecting the BSC and the Serving
Mobile Location Center (SMLC). Through the Lb interface, the BSC implements the location services
(LCS) for MS locating based on the external SMLC.
The LCS can increase the operators' revenue. Operators can provide various LCSs for an MS based on
the location of the MS. These LCSs include weather forecasts, trip scheduling, emergency assistance,
stock information, business planning, and transportation information.
Huawei BSS equipment supports the standard Lb interface, and thus can be interconnected with the
SMLC of other vendors to provide the LCS in CELLID+TA mode or AGPS mode. To enable the Lb
interface function, you need to set SMLCMode to External on the Local Maintenance Terminal.
The SMLC performs functions such as selecting the location method, managing location process, and
predicting the location of the MS based on the measurement results provided by the MS.
Figure 2-1 shows the network topology of the Lb interface.
Figure 2-1 Network topology of the Lb interface
BTS
BSC MSC
Lb
BTS
SMLC

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 3 Protocol Stack Scheme
3 Protocol Stack Scheme

The Lb interface uses the SS7 links for communications. The application-layer protocols used by the Lb
interface consist of RRLP (3GPP TS 44.031), BSSLAP (3GPP TS 48.071), and BSSAP-LE (3GPP TS
49.031). The RRLP-related signaling is transparently transmitted by the BSS.
Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 show the protocol stack of the Lb interface.
Figure 3-1 Protocol stack among the MSC, BSC, and SMLC
BSSLAP BSSLAP
LSCF
Relay
LSCF BSSAP-LE
BSSAP BSSAP-LE
BSSAP
Network Network Network Network

Layer Layer Layer Layer
Physical Physical Physical Physical

Layer Layer Layer Layer
MSC BSC SMLC

A Lb
Figure 3-2 Protocol stack between the SMLC and the target MS
RRLP RRLP
(43.031) (43.031)
LSCF
Relay BSSLAP
RR BSSLAP (48.071)
(44.018) RR BSSAP-LE
BSSAP-LE (49.031)
L2 L2 Network Network
(LAPDm) (LAPDm) Layer Layer
L1 Physical Physical
L1 Layer
Layer
Target MS BSC SMLC

Um Lb

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 4 Network Topologies
4 Network Topologies
The TDM or IP transmission mode can be used for the interconnection between the SMLC and the BSC.
If the TDM or IP transmission mode is used for the interconnection, set ITFT of the destination signaling
point (DSP) to Lb. In addition, select the name of the operator to which the SMLC belongs by setting the
Owned Operators parameter. Select the subsystem number of the peer SMLC by setting the Peer
Subsystem parameter.
The SMLC can be interconnected with the BSC directly or be interconnected with the BSC through the
signaling transfer point (STP).
 Direct interconnection
The BSC directly interconnects with the SMLC in TDM or IP transmission mode. Figure 4-1 shows the
network topology.
When the optical fiber connection in TDM transmission mode is adopted, the CN side must transparently transmit the
timeslots for the Lb interface to the SMLC.
Figure 4-1 Direct interconnection
BTS
BSC SMLC
BTS
 Interconnection through STP

The BSC is interconnected with the SMLC through the STP equipment, and the intermediate
transmission can be in either TDM or IP mode. Figure 4-2 shows the network topology.
When the optical fiber connection in TDM transmission mode is adopted, the CN side must transparently transmit the
timeslots for the Lb interface to the SMLC.

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 4 Network Topologies
Figure 4-2 Interconnection through STP
BTS
BSC STP SMLC
BTS

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 5 Location Modes
5 Location Modes
 CellID+TA mode
The CellID+TA location algorithm implements the location estimation through TA values of calls. In
CellID+TA mode, the SMLC need not interact with the MS to obtain information. Instead, the SMLC
only needs to exchange the BSSAP-LE-layer signaling with the BSC. Then, the SMLC sends a TA
request to the BSC. After receiving the TA request, the BSC sends the TA response message carrying
the TA value of the target MS to the SMLC. Upon receiving the TA response message from the BSC,
the SMLC calculates the MS location accordingly.
Figure 5-1 shows the procedure of the location in CellID+TA mode.
Figure 5-1 CellID+TA mode
MSC BSC SMLC
BSSAP Perform Location Request
BSSAP-LE Perform Location Request
BSSLAP TA Request
BSSLAP TA Response
BSSAP-LE Perform Location Response
BSSAP Perform Location Response
1. The MSC sends a BSSAP Perform Location Request message to the BSC on the SCCP link. The
location type contained in the message is set to CellID+TA.
2. The BSC forwards the BSSAP-LE Perform Location Request message containing the location
request to the SMLC over the Lb interface.
When the SMLC is overloaded, the BSC rejects some location requests so that fewer requests are sent to the SMLC. In
this manner, the load of the SMLC is relieved. This can be implemented by setting the timers Lb Congest Protect Timer1
and Lb Congest Protect Timer2.
After receiving a location request message from the MSC, the BSC forwards the message to the SMLC and starts the
timer specified by Wait Location Response Timer. If the timer expires, the BSC instructs the SMLC to stop processing
the location request.
3. After receiving the location request from the BSC, the SMLC sends the BSSLAP TA Request
message to the BSC for requesting the TA value.
4. After receiving the BSSLAP TA Request message, the BSC sends the BSSLAP TA Response
message containing the TA value, the latest measurement report, and the cell identifier to the SMLC.
5. After receiving the response message, the SMLC estimates the MS location. After estimating the
location, the SMLC sends the BSSAP-LE Perform Location Response message containing the

GSM BSS
location result to the BSC. The failure causes such as congestion or call drop are also contained in
the message if the location fails.
6. The BSC forwards the BSSAP Perform Location Response message containing the location result to
the MSC. The location procedure is complete.
 AGPS mode
The AGPS location algorithm implements the location with the help of the GPS. In this location mode,
the location-related assistance data exchange between the SMLC and the MS is required.
Figure 5-2 shows the procedure of the location in AGPS mode.
Figure 5-2 AGPS mode
MSC MS BSC SMLC
BSSAP Perform Location Request
BSSAP-LE Perform Location Request
RRLP Positioning Capability Request

RRLP Positioning
Capability Request
RRLP Positioning
Capability Response
RRLP Positioning Capability Response
RRLP Assistance data

RRLP Assistance data
RRLP Assistance data Ack
RRLP Assistance data Ack
RRLP Measure Position RRLP Measure Position Request

Request
RRLP Measure Position
Response
RRLP Measure Position Response
BSSAP-LE Perform Location Response

BSSAP Perform Location Response
1. The MSC sends a BSSAP Perform Location Request message to the BSC. The location type in the
message is set to AGPS.
2. The BSC forwards the BSSAP-LE Perform Location Request message containing the location
request to the SMLC over the Lb interface.
When the SMLC is overloaded, the BSC rejects some location requests so that fewer requests are sent to the SMLC. In
this manner, the load of the SMLC is relieved. This can be implemented by setting the timers Lb Congest Protect Timer1
and Lb Congest Protect Timer2.
After receiving a location request message from the MSC, the BSC forwards the message to the SMLC and starts the
timer specified by Wait Location Response Timer. If the timer expires, the BSC instructs the SMLC to stop processing
the location request.
3. After receiving the location request from the BSC, the SMLC sends the RRLP Positioning Capability
Request message to the MS through the BSC for requesting the support capability.

GSM BSS
When forwarding the RRLP Positioning Capability Request message to the MS, the BSC starts the timer specified by Wait
MS Location Response Timer. If the timer expires, the BSC instructs the SMLC to stop processing the location request.
The value of Wait MS Location Response Timer must be smaller than the value of Wait Location Response Timer.
4. After receiving the RRLP Positioning Capability Request message, the MS returns the RRLP
Positioning Capability Response message to the SMLC. In this way, the SMLC obtains the support
capability of the MS.
5. After receiving one or more RRLP Assistance data messages containing the assistance information
from the SMLC, the MS sends the RRLP Assistance data Ack message to the SMLC.
6. After obtaining the support capability of the MS, the SMLC determines the location algorithm
according to the support capability of the MS and the network requirements. Then, the SMLC sends
the RRLP Measure Position Request message containing the assistance information such as a
specific location algorithm to the MS through the BSC.
7. After receiving the assistance information, the MS estimates the location based on the AGPS. Then,
the MS sends the RRLP Measure Position Response message containing the estimated location to
the SMLC.
8. After receiving the required location information, the SMLC sends the BSSAP-LE Perform Location
Response message containing the location result to the BSC.
9. The BSC sends the BSSAP Perform Location Response message containing the location result to
the MSC. The location procedure is complete

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 6 Engineering Guidelines
6 Engineering Guidelines
 When the external SMLC adopts the TDM transmission mode, only the TDM-based A/Ater interface
board can be configured with the Lb interface.
 When the external SMLC uses the IP transmission mode, only the IP-based Abis interface board can
be configured with the Lb interface.
 When the BSC does not use the RAN Sharing function, each BSC can connect to a maximum of one
SMLC.
 When the BSC uses the RAN Sharing function, each BSC can connect to a maximum of four SMLCs
and each telecom operator only can be configured with one SMLC.
 Each SMLC can be configured with a maximum of one DSP or M3UA destination entity. The Lb
interface and the A interface must use the same network indicator.
 When the Lb interface uses the TDM transmission mode, each SMLC can be configured with a
maximum of 16 MTP links.
 When the Lb interface uses the TDM transmission mode and is configured in the TC subrack, the type
of the SS7 signaling link of the Lb interface must be consistent with that of the A interface.
 When the Lb interface uses the IP transmission mode, each SMLC can be configured with a maximum
of 16 M3UA links.
 When the Lb interface uses the IP transmission mode and the STP, the Lb interface must use an STP
different from that used by the A interface.
 The SMLCs that are connected to the same BSC must use the same transmission mode, either the
TDM transmission mode or the IP transmission mode can be used.
 The intra-BSC Lb interface must be configured in the same subrack as the inter-BSC connection if the
BSC meets the following conditions:
− The A interface uses the TDM transmission mode, and the BSC is configured with the function of
local multiple signaling points.
− The BSC is configured with the IP-based Lb interface and the IP-based inter-BSC connection

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 7 Parameters
7 Parameters
Table 7-1 Parameters Description
Parameter ID NE MML Command Description
SMLCMode BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Whether the built-in SMLC
GEXTSMLC(Mandatory) or external SMLC is used in the BSS.
MOD
GEXTSMLC(Optional) GUI Value Range:
NOTSUPPORT(Not Support),
INNER(Inner), OUTER(Outer)
Actual Value Range: NOTSUPPORT,
INNER, OUTER
Unit: None
Default Value: None
ITFT BSC6900 ADD Meaning: This parameter indicates
ADJMAP(Mandatory) the type of the adjacent node.
MOD
ADJMAP(Mandatory) GUI Value Range: ABIS(Abis
RMV Interface), A(A Interface),
ADJMAP(Mandatory) ATER(ATER Interface),
IUR_G(IUR_G Interface)
Actual Value Range: ABIS, A, ATER,
IUR_G
Unit: None
Default Value: None
OPNAME BSC6900 MOD GCELL(Optional) Meaning: Name of the operator. This
ADD GCELL(Optional) parameter uniquely identifies an
operator.
GUI Value Range: None

Actual Value Range: 0~255
characters
Unit: None
Default Value: None
DESTSSN BSC6900 ADD Meaning: No. of the subsystem where
GIURGCONN(Mandatory) the Iur-g common connection is
established to the co-BSC6900 RNC
GUI Value Range: 0~7

Unit: None
Default Value: None

GSM BSS

WaitSMLCLocationResponse BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Timer of waiting for the
GEXTSMLC(Optional) SMLC's response to the MS location
MOD request sent from the MSC. If the
GEXTSMLC(Optional) SMLC does not send any response to
the MS location request before the
timer expires, then the MS location
fails. In this case, the BSC sends a
Perform Location Abort message to
the SMLC for stopping the MS
location and sends an MS location
failure indication to the MSC.

Unit: s
Default Value: 300
WaitMSLocationResponse BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Timer of waiting for the
GEXTSMLC(Optional) MS's response to the location
MOD measurement request sent from the
GEXTSMLC(Optional) BSC. If the BSC does not receive the
measurement information reported by
the MS before the timer expires, then
the MS location fails.

Unit: s
Default Value: 280
LBCongestProtect1 BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Timer of increasing the Lb
GEXTSMLC(Optional) flow control level when the BSC
MOD receives an SMLC congestion
GEXTSMLC(Optional) indication. If the BSC receives
another SMLC congestion indication
before the timer expires, the flow
control level remains unchanged.

Unit: s
Default Value: 20

GSM BSS

LBCongestProtect2 BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Timer of decreasing the Lb
GEXTSMLC(Optional) flow control level. If no SMLC
MOD congestion indication is received
GEXTSMLC(Optional) within the valid period of the timer, the
BSC decreases the flow control level
by one until the flow control level is
decreased to 0.

Unit: s
Default Value: 30

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 8 Counters
8 Counters
For the counters, see the BSC6900 GSM Performance Counter Reference.

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 9 Glossary
9 Glossary
For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see the Glossary.

GSM BSS
Lb Interface 10 Reference Documents
10 Reference Documents
This chapter lists the reference documents related to the Lb interface.
[1] 3GPP TS 22.071: "Location Services (LCS); Service description - Stage 1".
[2] 3GPP TS 23.271: "Functional stage 2 description of location services".
[3] 3GPP TS 24.030: "Location Services (LCS); Supplementary service operations; Stage 3".
[4] 3GPP TS 43.059: "Functional Stage 2 Description of Location Services in GERAN".
[5] 3GPP TS 44.018: "Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification; Radio Resource Control Protocol".
[6] 3GPP TS 44.031: "Location Services (LCS); Mobile Station (MS) - Serving Mobile Location Center
(SMLC); Radio Resource LCS Protocol (RRLP)".
[7] 3GPP TS 44.071: "Location Services (LCS); Mobile radio interface layer 3 Location Services (LCS)
specification".
[8] 3GPP TS 48.031: "Location Services (LCS); Serving Mobile Location Center – Serving Mobile
Location Center (SMLC - SMLC); SMLCPP specification".
[9] 3GPP TS 48.071: "Serving Mobile Location Center – Base Station Subsystem (SMLC-BSS)
interface Layer 3 specification".
[10] 3GPP TS 49.031: "Location Services (LCS); Base Station System Application Part LCS Extension
(BSSAP-LE)".
[11] BSC6900 Feature List
[12] BSC6900 Optional Feature Description
[13] GBSS Reconfiguration Guide
[14] BSC6900 GSM Parameter Reference
[15] BSC6900 GSM MML Command Reference
[16] BSC6900 GSM Performance Counter Reference


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HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Trademarks and Permissions

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential i

1.2 Intended Audience

1.3 Change History

Change Type Change Description Parameter Change

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 1-1

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 2-1

3 Protocol Stack Scheme

Network Network Network Network

Physical Physical Physical Physical

MSC BSC SMLC

Target MS BSC SMLC

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-1

Figure 4-1 Direct interconnection

 Interconnection through STP

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-1

Figure 4-2 Interconnection through STP

BSC STP SMLC

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-2

MSC BSC SMLC

BSSAP Perform Location Request

BSSAP-LE Perform Location Request

BSSAP-LE Perform Location Response

BSSAP Perform Location Response

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 5-1

RRLP Positioning Capability Request

RRLP Assistance data

RRLP Measure Position RRLP Measure Position Request

BSSAP-LE Perform Location Response

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 5-2

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 5-3

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 6-1

GUI Value Range: None

GUI Value Range: 0~7

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 7-1

Parameter ID NE MML Command Description

GUI Value Range: 0~1000

GUI Value Range: 0~1000

GUI Value Range: 0~300

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 7-2

Parameter ID NE MML Command Description

GUI Value Range: 0~300

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 7-3

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 8-1

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 9-1

Issue 01 (2010-06-30) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 10-1

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