GPRS Basic Knowledge

Internal
GPRS Fundamental
ISSUE 3.0 www.huawei.com
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All rights reserved

GPRS principle is the basic part of the
whole system and the later products
learning. This slide will help us to
understand the GPRS system
networking and some important
procedure.
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All rights reserved Page 2

References
 3GPP protocol 23060

 Upon completion of this course, you
will be able to:
 Describe the GPRS networking
structure
 Describe the GPRS mobility
management procedure
 Describe the GPRS session
management procedure

Chapter 1 GPRS Network Structure
Chapter 2 Mobility Management
Chapter 3 Radio Resource Management
Chapter 4 Session Management

GPRS Network Structure
 What is GPRS?
 General Packet Radio Service
 What is the function of GPRS?
 In order to provide the data service out the scope of the fixed network
 GPRS network classification
 GSM GPRS
 UMTS GPRS
 GPRS network background
 GSM GPRS network reuse the existed GSM network

 UMTS GPRS network just change the RAN side

MSC/VLR
MSC/VLR SMS-GMSC
SMS-GMSC SCP
SCP GMLC
GMLC HLR
HLR EIR
EIR
SMS-IWMSC
SMS-IWMSC
SS7
Gs Gd Ge Lg Gr Gf Gc
Gn
BSS
BSS FR SGSN
SGSN GGSN
GGSN
PDN TE
TE
ATM Gi
Um Gb GPRS
DDN
Gn Backbone
ISDN Ga
Ethernet.etc
UTRAN
UTRAN SGSN
SGSN Ga CG
CG
ATM
Um Iu
BG
BG
Gp

 Some Abbreviation
 GPRS: General Packet Radio Service

 BSS: Base Station Subsystem
 UTRAN: UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network
 SGSN: Service GPRS Support Node
 GGSN: Gateway GPRS Support Node
 CG: Charging Gateway
 BG: Bordering Gateway
 PDN: Packet Data Network

 Abbreviations:
 MSC/VLR: Mobile Switch Center/Visitor Location Register

 SMS-GMSC: Gateway MSC For Short Message Service
 SMS-IWMSC: Short Message Service Interworking MSC
 SCP: Service Control Point
 GMLC: Gateway Mobile Location Center
 HLR: Home Location Register
 EIR: Equipment Identity Register

 Important Entity Function: SGSN
 Mobility management
− The MM functions are used to keep track of the current location of
an MS within the PLMN or within another PLMN.
 Session management
− SM function manages the PDP context of MS.
 Routing and transfer
− SGSN performs routing and forwarding of service data between
MS and GGSN.
 Charging
− SGSN can generate, store, convert and send CDRs.
 Lawful Interception
 NTP

 Important Entity Function : GGSN

 Session management
− SM function manages the PDP context of MS.
 Routing and transfer
− GGSN performs routing and forwarding of service data
between MS and internet.
 Charging
− GGSN can generate, store, convert and send CDRs.
 Dynamic IP allocation
 Service management
− Manage APN

 Important Entity Function: CG
 Real-time collection of GPRS CDRs

 Temporary storage and buffering of GPRS CDRs
 Pre-processing of GPRS CDRs
 Sending GPRS CDRs to the billing center

 Important Entity Function: DNS
SGSN GGSN(A)
ISP
ISP A
A
GPRS
GPRS backbone
backbone
ISP
ISP B
B
BSS
DNS Internet/
GGSN(B) Intranet
MS  Resolve the APN to a GGSN IP in the PDP active procedure

 Resolve the RAI to a SGSN IP in the inter-SGSN RAU procedure
 Resolve the RNCID to a SGSN IP in the relocation procedure (UMTS)

 Important Entity Function: HLR/AUC

 Saving and updating GPRS subscriber subscription data
 User authentication
 Providing location/routing information and processing
needed in mobility management and routing, for example
− Saving and updating user service SGSN number and
address
− GPRS user location deletion indication
− Whether MS is reachable

Typical Application
 E-mail from mobile to fixed network
HLR
BTS/No BSC/R GGSN

SGSN
deB NC Backbone
Access
MS server
ISP
Mail
server
e-mail

Typical Application
 E-mail from fixed to mobile network
HLR
BTS/No BSC/R GGSN

SGSN
deB NC Backbone
Access
MS server
ISP
Mail
server
e-mail

Summary
 GPRS network provides data service to the mobile subscribers.
 GPRS network is composed of SGSN, GGSN and CG. BG and
DNS provide special function during the data service.


2.1 Basic concepts
2.2 Attach and Detach
2.3 Security Function
2.4 Loaction Management
2.5 Service Request (UMTS only)

GMM (GPRS Mobility Management)
 Function of the Mobility Management
 keep track of the current location of an MS within the PLMN

or within another PLMN
 Subscription data management
 MS states management

GMM (GPRS Mobility Management)
 GMM main procedures

 Attach procedure
 RAU and periodic procedure
 Detach procedure
 GMM other procedures

 P-TMSI reallocation procedure
 Authentication procedure
 Identification procedure
 Subscriber management procedure

GMM States
IDLE IDLE
GPRS Detach
GPRS Attach GPRS Detach GPRS Attach or
Cancel Location
READY Implicit Detach READY

or
Cancel Location
READY timer expiry

READY timer expiry or
or PDU transmission PDU reception
Force to STANDBY
Force to STANDBY or
Abnormal RLC condition
STANDBY STANDBY
MM State Model of MS MM State Model of SGSN

PMM (Packet Mobility Management)
 The function of PMM is similar to GMM.
 PMM other procedures  PMM main procedures
P-TMSI reallocation Attach
Authentication RAU and periodic RAU
Identification Detach
Subscriber management Service request

SRNS relocation

PMM States
PM M- PMM-
D ETACH ED D ETAC H ED
Detach, D etach,
P S D etach PS Attach R eject, P S D etach PS Attach Reject,
PS Attach RAU Rej ect PS Attach RA U R eject
P S S ignalling PS S ignalling
Connection Releas e PMM- Connection Releas e PMM-
P MM-IDL E CONNE CTE D P MM-IDL E CONNE CTE D
SM-A CT IVE or S M-ACT IV E or SM-A CT IVE or S M-ACT IV E or
INA CT IVE P S S ignalling INACTIV E INA CT IVE PS S ignalling INAC TIV E
Connection Establish Connection Establish
Serving RNC
reloc ation
MS MM States 3G-SGSN MM States

Mobility Management Timer Functions
 READY Timer Function (GSM only)
 The READY timer controls the time an MS remains in READY

state in the MS and the SGSN. When the READY timer expires,
the MS and SGSN MM contexts shall return to STANDBY state.
 Periodic RA Update Timer Function
 Upon expiry of the periodic RA update timer, the MS shall start a

periodic routeing area update procedure.
 Mobile Reachable Timer Function
 If the mobile reachable timer expires, the SGSN shall clear PPF.
 After expiry of the mobile reachable timer the SGSN may
perform an implicit detach.

MS Operation Modes for GSM
 Class‑A mode of operation: The MS is attached to both GPRS

and other GSM services, and the MS supports simultaneous
operation of GPRS and other GSM services.
 Class‑B mode of operation: The MS is attached to both GPRS
and other GSM services, but the MS can only operate one set of
services at a time.
 Class‑C mode of operation: The MS is exclusively attached to
GPRS services.

UE Operation Modes for UMTS
 PS/CS mode of operation: The MS is attached to both the PS

domain and CS domain, and the MS is capable of simultaneously
operating PS services and CS services.
 PS mode of operation: The MS is attached to the PS domain only
and may only operate services of the PS domain. However, this
does not prevent CS-like services to be offered over the PS domain
(e.g. VoIP).
 CS mode of operation: The MS is attached to the CS domain only
and may only operate services of the CS domain. However, this
does not prevent PS-like service to be offered over the CS domain.

Network Operation Modes for GSM
Mode Circuit Paging GPRS Paging Paging co-

Channel Channel ordination
Packet Paging Packet Paging
Channel Channel
CCCH Paging CCCH Paging
I Yes
Channel Channel
Packet Data Not Applicable
Channel
II No
Channel Channel
CCCH Paging Packet Paging
Channel Channel
III No
Channel Channel

Network Operation Modes for UMTS
Mode Network configuration Combined procedure

by MT
I Gs interface is present Yes
II Gs interface is not present No

2.1 Basic concepts

Attach Procedure
 Function
 An MS/UE shall perform a GPRS Attach to the SGSN

in order to obtain access to the GPRS services.
 If the MS/UE is connected via a GSM radio, it shall
perform a GSM GPRS Attach procedure.
 If the MS/UE is connected via a UMTS radio access
network, it shall perform a UMTS GPRS Attach
procedure

Attach Procedure
(IMSI or PTMSI+RAI) (PTMSI)
(IMSI)
(Identity Type = IMSI)
(IMSI)

Attach Procedure

Attach Procedure
 Results after any attach procedure:
 SGSN get subscriber data from HLR

 HLR recorded the MS’s serving SGSN number
 SGSN and MS create MM context for the MS
 MS can request Session Management services

Reject Caused by GPRS Core Network
Cause in attach reject Actions in PS domain Actions in CS domain
Illegal MS The MS shall set the GPRS update status to If the MS is IMSI attached, the MS
GU3 ROAMING NOT ALLOWED The shall in addition set the update
Illegal ME
SIM/USIM shall be considered as invalid for status to U3 ROAMING NOT
GPRS services until switching off or the ALLOWED, shall delete any TMSI,
SIM/USIM is removed LAI and ciphering key sequence
number
GPRS services not allowed The MS shall set the GPRS update status to no effect
GU3 ROAMING NOT ALLOWED; The
SIM/USIM shall be considered as invalid for
GPRS services until switching off or the
SIM/USIM is removed.
GPRS services not allowed in this shall set the GPRS update status to GU3
PLMN ROAMING NOT ALLOWED
PLMN not allowed shall set the GPRS update status to GU3 The MS shall perform a PLMN
ROAMING NOT ALLOWED), shall reset the selection
Location area not allowed
GPRS attach attempt counter and shall
Roaming not allowed in this location change to state GMM-DEREGISTERED
area
No Suitable Cells In Location Area shall set the GPRS update status to GU3 The MS shall search for a suitable
ROAMING NOT ALLOWED cell in another location area in the
same PLMN

MM Context
Field Description A/Gb Iu mode
mode
IMSI IMSI is the main reference key. X X
MM State Mobility management state, IDLE, STANDBY, READY, PMM‑DETACHED, PMM‑IDLE, or X X

PMM‑CONNECTED.
P‑TMSI Packet Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity. X X
P‑TMSI Signature A signature used for identification checking purposes. X X
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity X X
MSISDN The basic MSISDN of the MS. X X
Routeing Area Current routeing area. X X
Cell Identity Current cell in READY state, last known cell in STANDBY or IDLE state. X
Cell Identity Age Time elapsed since the last LLC PDU was received from the MS at the SGSN. X
Service Area Code Last known SAC when initial UE message was received or Location Reporting procedure was X
executed.
Service Area Code Age Time elapsed since the last SAC was received at the 3G‑SGSN. X
VLR Number The VLR number of the MSC/VLR currently serving this MS. X X
New SGSN Address The IP address of the new SGSN where buffered and not sent N‑PDUs should be forwarded to. X X
Authentication Vectors Authentication and ciphering parameters (authentication triplets or quintets). X X
Kc Currently used A/Gb mode ciphering key. X 2)
CKSN Ciphering key sequence number of Kc. X 2)
Ciphering algorithm Selected ciphering algorithm (GEA). X X
CK Currently used Iu mode ciphering key. 1) X

MM Context
IK Currently used Iu mode integrity key. 1) X
KSI Key Set Identifier. 1) X
MS Radio Access Capability MS radio access capabilities. X
MS Network Capability MS network capabilities. X X
DRX Parameters Discontinuous reception parameters. X X
Radio Priority SMS The RLC/MAC radio priority level for uplink SMS transmission. X
MNRG Indicates whether activity from the MS shall be reported to the HLR. X X
NGAF Indicates whether activity from the MS shall be reported to the MSC/VLR. X X
PPF Indicates whether paging for PS and CS services can be initiated. X X
Subscribed Charging Characteristics The charging characteristics for the MS, e.g. normal, prepaid, flat-rate, and/or hot billing X X
subscription.
SMS Parameters SMS-related parameters, e.g. operator-determined barring. X X
Recovery Indicates if HLR or VLR is performing database recovery. X X
GPRS‑CSI Optional GPRS CAMEL subscription information, see 3GPP TS 23.016 X X
ODB for PS parameters Indicates that the status of the operator determined barring for packet oriented services. X X
 The information marked with a "1)" may be maintained if authentication is performed by the UMTS
authentication procedure.
 The information marked with a "2)" may be maintained if authentication is performed by the GSM
authentication procedure.

Detach Procedure
 Function
 The GPRS Detach procedure allows an MS to inform the network
that it does not want to access the SGSN-based services any
longer
 The GPRS Detach procedure allows the network to inform an MS
that it does not have access to the SGSN-based services any more
 The following three entity can initiate the detach procedure

 MS
 SGSN
 HLR

Detach Procedure
 Results after any Detach procedure:
 The SGSN shall not service the detached MS, unless reattach
 The MS is in idle or PMM-DETACHED state
 The MS is detached either explicitly or implicitly:
 Explicit detach: The network or the MS explicitly requests detach

 Implicit detach: The network detaches the MS, without notifying the
MS, a configuration-dependent time after the mobile reachable timer
expired, or after an irrecoverable radio error causes disconnection of
the logical link.

Detach Types
 The different types of detach are:
 IMSI detach;
 GPRS detach;
 combined GPRS / IMSI detach (MS-initiated only).
 The MS can make an IMSI detach in one of two ways depending on

whether it is GPRS-attached or not:
 A GPRS-attached MS sends a Detach Request message to the SGSN,
indicating an IMSI detach. This can be made in combination with GPRS
detach.
 An MS that is not GPRS-attached makes the IMSI detach as already
defined in A/Gb mode or UMTS.

Detach Procedure (MS Initiated)
MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN GGSN MSC/VLR
1. Detach Request
2. Delete PDP Context Request
2. Delete PDP Context Response
C1
3. IMSI Detach Indication
4. GPRS Detach Indication
5. Detach Accept C2
6. PS Signalling Connection Release

Detach Type IE of Detach Request
Type of detach (octet 1)
In the MS to network direction:
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Bits
3 2 1
Detach type Power Type of detach 0 0 1 GPRS detach
IEI off
0 1 0 IMSI detach
0 1 1 Combined GPRS/IMSI detach
All other values are interpreted as Combined
Power off (octet 1) GPRS/IMSI detach by this version of the
protocol.
In the MS to network direction:
Bit
In the network to MS direction:
4
Bits
0 normal detach
3 2 1
1 power switched off
0 0 1 re-attach required
In the network to MS direction the Power off 0 1 0 re-attach not required
bit shall be spare and set to zero.
0 1 1 IMSI detach (after VLR failure)
All other values are interpreted as re-attach not
required by this version of the protocol.

Detach Procedure (SGSN Initiated)
MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN GGSN MSC/VLR
1. Detach Request
C1
4. Detach Accept
C2

Detach Procedure (HLR Initiated)
MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN GGSN HLR MSC/VLR
1. Cancel Location
2. Detach Request
C1
5. Detach Accept
C2
6. Cancel Location Ack

Purge Function
 Function
 The Purge function allows an SGSN to inform the HLR that it

has deleted the MM and PDP contexts of a detached MS
 After the MS detach from the network:
 The SGSN may delete the MM/PDP context immediately

 the SGSN may keep the MM/PDP context for some time of the
detached MS
 Purge Timer Function
 Allows the SGSN to inform the HLR that it has deleted the MM
and PDP contexts of a detached MS.
 The purge timer is set longer than the mobile reachable timer

Purge Function
SGSN HLR
1. Purge MS
2. Purge MS Ack

2.1 Basic concepts

Authentication Function
 Function
 Permit the network to check whether the identity provided

by the mobile station is acceptable or not;
 Provide parameters enabling the mobile station to calculate
a new ciphering key ; （ UMTS and GSM ）
 Provide parameters enabling the mobile station to calculate
a new UMTS integrity key; （ UMTS only ）
 Permit the mobile station to authenticate the network.
（ UMTS only ）

 Authentication types:
 GSM Authentication
− Using triplet: RAND, SRES, Kc
− Using GPRS Encryption Algorithm (GEA)
 UMTS Authentication
− Using quintet: RAND, XRES, AUTN, CK, IK
▪ AUTN: for UE authenticate network
▪ IK: for data integrity function
− Using UMTS Encryption Algorithm (UEA)
 These procedures are used independent of the GSM or UTRAN
RANs, i.e. each procedure may be executed in A/Gb mode or in Iu
mode.

MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN HLR/Auc
1a. Send Authentication Info
1b . Send Authentication Info ack

2a. Authentication and Ciphering Request
2b. Authentication and Ciphering Response

Authentication Function(3G)
MS VLR/SGSN HE/HLR
Authentication data request
Generate authentication
Distribution of vectors AV(1..n)
authentication
vectors from HE
to SN Authentication data response
AV(1..n)
Store authentication vectors
Select authentication vector AV(i)
User authentication request

RAND(i) || AUTN(i)
Verify AUTN(i)
Compute RES(i)
Authentication and
key establishment
User authentication response
RES(i)
Compare RES(i) and XRES(i)
Compute CK(i) and IK(i) Select CK(i) and IK(i)

Authentication Function (2G-3G)
Release 99+ Release 98- or Release 99+
CK, IK  Kc
HLR/AuC RES  SRES HLR/AuC
Quintets Triplets Triplets Triplets
Release 99+ VLR/SGSN Release 98- Release 99+ Release 98-

VLR/SGSN VLR/SGSN VLR/SGSN
CK, IK  Kc
CK, IK  Kc RES  SRES Kc  CK, IK
CK [Kc] [Kc] [Kc] CK [Kc] [Kc] [Kc]

IK IK
UTRAN GSM BSS UTRAN GSM BSS

RAND RAND RAND RAND RAND RAND RAND RAND
AUTN AUTN [AUTN] SRES
SRES SRES SRES SRES
RES RES SRES
ME capable of ME not ME
UMTS AKA
capable of UMTS R99+ UE R98- UE R99+ UE
AKA or
Kc  CK, IK R98- UE
CK, IK CK, IK Kc Kc
Kc Kc Kc Kc Kc Kc
CK, IK  Kc CK, IK  Kc CK, IK  Kc CK, IK  Kc

RES  SRES RES  SRES
SIM
USIM
UMTS security GSM security GSM security context

context context

Scope and Start of Ciphering
 In A/Gb mode, the scope of ciphering is from the ciphering function
in the SGSN to the ciphering function in the MS.
 In Iu mode, the scope of ciphering is from the ciphering function in
the UTRAN to the ciphering function in the MS.
MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN
Scope of GSM GPRS ciphering
Scope of UMTS ciphering
 In A/Gb mode, the MS starts ciphering after sending the

Authentication and Ciphering Response message.
 In Iu mode, the start of ciphering is controlled by the security mode
procedure after authentication procedure.

Identity Check
 Function
 Get IMSI from MS

 Check the IMEI
MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN EIR
1. Identity Request
1. Identity Response
2. Check IMEI
2. Check IMEI Ack

P‑TMSI Reallocation
 Function
 The SGSN may reallocate the P‑TMSI at any time

 The reallocation procedure can be performed by the
P‑TMSI Reallocation procedure
 The P‑TMSI can be included in the Attach or Routeing Area
Update procedures.
MS BSS/UTRAN SGSN
1. P-TMSI Reallocation Command
2. P-TMSI Reallocation Complete

2.1 Basic concepts

Location Management
 Function
 A mechanisms for cell and PLMN selection;

 A mechanism for the network to know the Routeing Area for MSs
in STANDBY, PMM‑IDLE, READY, and PMM‑CONNECTED
states;
 A mechanism for the 2G‑SGSN to know the cell identity for MSs in
READY state;
 A mechanism for the UTRAN to know the URA identity or cell
identity for MSs in PMM‑CONNECTED state;
 A mechanism for the UTRAN to indicate to an MS in RRC
Connected mode when a Routeing Area Update procedure shall
be performed by providing the RAI;
 A mechanism for the network to know the address of the serving
RNC handling an MS in PMM‑CONNECTED state. This
mechanism is the serving RNC relocation procedure

Layered Location Management Mode (2G)
•HLR
•SGSN
•SGSN number
•BSS
•ready state: cell number
•MS •Standby state: RAI

Layered Location Management Mode (3G)
•HLR
•SGSN
•SGSN number
•RNC
•PMM-connect state: RNCID,RAI,SAI
•MS •PMM-idle: RAI

Network Architecture
PDN
 Routeing area update Gi

GGSN
procedure
 SGSN can manage the old SGSN
Gn/Gp Gn/Gp
new SGSN
MS location Gn
information via RAU

Gr
procedure in RAI level Iu
Iu
Gr
IU
IU
 Relocation procedure
(UMTS only) RNC2
Iur RNC1 HLR/AUC
RNC4 RNC3
 Move the Iu interface

to the other RNC RA4 RA5 RA9 RA10
 Handover procedure RA1 RA2 RA3

RA6 RA7 RA9
 Move the radio link to

the other BTS/NodeB
MS

Routeing Area Update Procedure
 RAU procedure will happen in the following two case:
 MS entered a new Route Area

 Periodic RAU ( after periodic timer expires)
 In the viewpoint of SGSN:
 intra-SGSN RAU
 Inter-SGSN RAU

Routeing Area Update Procedure
Gn
SGSN SGSN
RAI 1 RAI 2 RAI 3 RAI 4
cell
Inter SGSN -RAU
Intra SGSN-RAU
MS

Inter-SGSN RAU Procedure (2G)




Serving RNS Relocation Procedure
HLR/AuC HLR/AuC
GGSN GGSN
old MSC/VLR old SGSN new SGSN new MSC/VLR old MSC/VLR old SGSN new SGSN new MSC/VLR
source SRNC target RNC source RNC target SRNC
LA1, RA1 LA2, RA2 LA1, RA1 LA2, RA2
MS MS
 Before relocation  After relocation

Serving RNS Relocation Procedure
Source Target Old New
MS GGSN
RNC RNC SGSN SGSN
1. Decision to perform
SRNS relocation
2. Relocation Required
3. Forward Relocation Request
4. Relocation Request
Establishment of Radio Access Bearers
4. Relocation Request Acknowledge
5. Forward Relocation Response
C1
6. Relocation Command
7. Forwarding of data
8. Relocation Commit
9. Relocation Detect
10. UTRAN Mobility Information 11. Update PDP Context Request
10. UTRAN Mobility Information Confirm 11. Update PDP Context Response
12. Relocation Complete
12. Forward Relocation Complete
12. Forward Relocation Complete Acknowledge

13. Iu Release Command
13. Iu Release Complete
14. Routing Area Update C2
C3

2.1 Basic concepts

Service Request Procedure
 The Service Request procedure is used by a 3G‑MS in PMM‑IDLE

state to request the establishment of a secure connection to a
3G‑SGSN.
 The MS in PMM‑IDLE state initiates this procedure in order to send
uplink signalling messages (e.g. Activate PDP Context Request),
user data, or as paging response, or after the MS has regained
radio coverage.
 This procedure is also used by an MS in PMM‑CONNECTED state
to request resource reservation for active PDP contexts.

Service Request Procedure –MS initiated
M S R N C S G S N H LR G G S N
1 . R R C C o n n e c t io n R e q u e s t
1 . R R C C o n n e c t io n S e tu p
2 . S e r v ic e R e q u e s t
3 . S e c u r ity F u n c tio n s
4 . S e r v ic e A c c e p t
4 . R a d io A c c e s s B e a r e r A s s ig n m e n t
R equest
5 . R a d io B e a r e r S e tu p
6 . R a d io B e a r e r S e tu p
C o m p le t e
6 . R a d io A c c e s s B e a r e r A s s ig n m e n t
R esponse
7 . S G S N - I n it ia t e d P D P C o n t e x t M o d if ic a t io n
8 . U p lin k P D U

Service Request Procedure － network
initiated
MS RNC SGSN HLR GGSN
1. Downlink PDU
2. Paging
2. Paging
3. RRC Connection Request
3. RRC Connection Setup
4. Service Request
5. Security Functions
6. Radio Access Bearer Assignment

6. Radio Bearer Setup Request
6. Radio Bearer Setup

Complete 6. Radio Access Bearer Assignment
Response
7. SGSN-Initiated PDP Context Modification Procedure
8. Downlink PDU

Service Type IE of Service Request Msg.
 MS initiated
 Service type= signalling.

 Service type= data.
 Network initiated
 Service type= paging response

Summary
 Attach, location management, security function and detach
procedures are the main procedures in PS core network.
 SRNS relocation procedure and Service request procedure are
newly added in UMTS PS core network.


Paging Summary
 The MM state in SGSN and MS before paging:
 PMM-IDLE
 STANDBY mode
 Change MM state in MS to PMM-Connected or Ready after
successful paging.
 Identification of MS in Paging message:
 P-TMSI is used to identify the MS

 If P-TMSI is invalid or MS not respond ,then use IMSI

Paging for GPRS (2G)
 Function
 An MS in STANDBY state is paged by the SGSN before a

downlink transfer to that MS
 Paging move the MS state from STANDBY to READY.
 Any uplink data from MS is a valid response to paging

Paging for GPRS (2G)
MS BSS SGSN
1. PDP PDU
STANDBY 2. Paging Request
3. GPRS Paging Request

(IMSI, P‑TMSI,
Area, Channel
4. Any LLC Frame
Needed, QoS,
(Receive Ready or 5. Any LLC Frame DRX
Information frame) Parameters)
READY

Paging Initiated by CN (3G)
 PS Paging Initiated by 3G‑SGSN without RRC Connection for CS
 A CN node requests paging only for MSs in PMM‑IDLE state

 The RNS controls whether the MS has an established RRC
connection or not
 MS has no RRC connection
 Paging Type 1 is transferred on the Paging channel

PS Paging Initiated by 3G‑SGSN without RRC Connection for CS
MS RNS MSC/VLR
3G-SGSN
1. PDP PDU or
PMM IDLE Downlink signaling
2. Paging
3. Paging Type1 (PCH paging)
(IMSI, P‑TMSI,
4. Service Request Area, CN
4. Service Request Domain
Indicator, DRX
PMM parameters)
CONNECTED

 PS Paging Initiated by 3G‑SGSN with RRC Connection for CS
 A CN node requests paging only for MSs in PMM‑IDLE state

 The RNS controls whether the MS has an established RRC
connection or not
 In this case, MS has an established RRC connection for CS service
 Paging Type 2 is base on the establish RRC connection

PS Paging Initiated by 3G‑SGSN with RRC Connection for CS
MS RNS MSC/VLR
Connection Established
3G-SGSN
1. PDP PDU or
PMM IDLE Downlink signalling
2. Paging
3. Paging Type2 (RRC paging)
(IMSI, P‑TMSI,
4. Service Request Area, CN
4. Service Request Domain
Indicator, DRX
PMM parameters)
CONNECTED

CS Paging (GSM only)
 When an MS is both IMSI and GPRS-attached in a network that
operates in mode I, the MSC/VLR executes paging for circuit-
switched services via the SGSN. If the MS is in STANDBY state, it
is paged in the routeing area and in the null routeing area (see
clause "Routeing Area Identity “ of TS23060). If the MS is in READY
state, it is paged in the cell. The SGSN converts the MSC paging
message into an SGSN paging message.
MS BSS SGSN MSC/VLR
1. Page
2. Paging Request
3. Paging Request
4. SABM (Paging Response)

5. SCCP Connection Request (Paging Response)

CS Paging (UMTS only)
 When an MS is both IMSI- and GPRS-attached in a network that

operates in mode I, the MSC/VLR executes paging for circuit-
switched services via the SGSN.
 In the MSC, a paging timer supervises the paging procedure.
MS RNS 3G-SGSN MSC/VLR
1. Page
2. Paging
3. Paging Request
4. RRC Initial Direct Transfer (Paging Response)
5. RANAP Initial UE (Paging Response)

Summary
 In UMTS, Paging type 1 for UE without RRC connection with
RNC, Paging type 2 for UE with RRC connection with RNC.
 CS paging can be executed via PS.


4.1 Basic concepts
4.2 PDP Context Activation Procedure
4.3 PDP Context Modification Procedure
4.4 PDP Context Deactivation Procedure
4.5 Preservation Procedure (UMTS only)

Session Management
 Function
 Establish and monitor a packet tunnel from MS to GGSN, and
allocate system resource for the packet service.
 Important Procedure
 PDP Context Activation
 PDP Context Modification
 PDP Context Deactivation

PDP Context
 PDP Context: Packet Data Protocol context
 PDP context contains all the information needed to transfer user

data between MS and GGSN.
 The context includes parameters such as Routing, QoS (Quality
of Service), Charging ID etc.
 PDP context exists in MS, SGSN, GGSN.

PDP Context
Each MM context contains zero or more of the following PDP contexts:
Field Description A/Gb mode Iu mode
PDP Context Identifier Index of the PDP context. X X
PDP State Packet data protocol state, INACTIVE or ACTIVE. X X
PDP Type PDP type, e.g. PPP or IP. X X
PDP Address PDP address, e.g. an IP address. X X
APN Subscribed The APN received from the HLR. X X
APN in Use The APN currently used. This APN shall be composed of the APNNetwork X X
Identifier and the APN Operator Identifier.
NSAPI Network layer Service Access Point Identifier. X X
TI Transaction Identifier. X X
TEID for Gn/Gp Tunnel Endpoint Identifier for the Gn and Gp interfaces. X X
TEID for Iu Tunnel Endpoint Identifier for the Iu interface. X
GGSN Address in Use The IP address of the GGSN currently used. X X
VPLMN Address Allowed Specifies whether the MS is allowed to use the APN in the domain of the X X
HPLMN only, or additionally the APN in the domain of the VPLMN.
QoS Profile Subscribed The quality of service profile subscribed. X X

PDP Context
QoS Profile Requested The quality of service profile requested. X X
QoS Profile Negotiated The quality of service profile negotiated. X X
Radio Priority The RLC/MAC radio priority level for uplink user data transmission. X
Packet Flow Id Packet flow identifier. X
Aggregate BSS QoS Profile The aggregate BSS quality of service profile negotiated for the packet flow that X
Negotiated this PDP context belongs to.
Send N‑PDU Number SNDCP sequence number of the next downlink N‑PDU to be sent to the MS. X
Receive N‑PDU Number SNDCP sequence number of the next uplink N‑PDU expected from the MS. X
GTP‑SND GTP‑U sequence number of the next downlink N‑PDU to be sent to the MS. X X
GTP‑SNU GTP‑U sequence number of the next uplink N‑PDU to be sent to the GGSN. X X
PDCP‑SND Sequence number of the next downlink in-sequence PDCP‑PDU to be sent to X

the MS.
PDCP‑SNU Sequence number of the next uplink in-sequence PDCP‑PDU expected from the X
MS.
Charging Id Charging identifier, identifies charging records generated by SGSN and GGSN. X X
PDP Context Charging The charging characteristics of this PDP context, e.g. normal, prepaid, flat-rate, X X
Characteristics and/or hot billing.
RNC Address in Use The IP address of the RNC currently used. X

MM Context and PDP Context
HLR
MS BSC SGSN GGSN

Uu Gb/ Iu Gn
or RNC
MM context PDP context #1
MM context
PDP context #1 PDP context #1 .
. . .
. . .
PDP context #n PDP context #n PDP context #n

PDP State
INACTIVE
Deactivate PDP Context

Activate PDP or
Context MM state change to IDLE
or PMM-DETACHED
 PDP state ACTIVE

 inactive ： cannot transmit data
 active ： can transmit data

PDP Type and PDP Address
 PDP Type
 IPV4
 IPV6
 PPP
 PDP Address
 Static IP
− Public IP
− Allocate by the operator
 Dynamic IP
− Private IP
− Allocate by GGSN, DNCP or Radius

QoS
 QoS: quality of service
 It is a group of parameters that can define the network

ability, such as the bit rate for downlink or uplink data
transmission and the reliability class and so on
 It is end to end concept

APN
 APN structure: APN-NI+APN-OI
huawei.com.cn.mnc<MNC>.mcc<MCC>.gprs
APN APN
Network ID Operator ID
•Operator ID : fixed extension, must end with “.gprs”
•Network ID shall not end with “.gprs”

APN
APN1
IP1 GGSN1
APN1
APN2 MS APN SGSN GGSN2
APN2
APN3
APN GGSN IP
GGSN3
APN3
DNS APN1=GGSN1 IP1

APN2=GGSN2 IP2
APN3=GGSN3 IP3

APN
•internet  General APN
GGSN GGSN
•GuangDong province
SGSN SGSN
APN:CMNET
MS MS
Roaming

APN
 Local APN
VPN tunnel
GGSN GGSN
Province 1 Province 2
SGSN SGSN
APN:test.xy
MS MS
Roaming

APN
BTS BSC
/NodeB /RNC
ISP A
GGSN (A) ISP B
MS
•APN-NI/
SGSN GGSN (B)
Backbone Corp.
•Or APN-NI+APN-OI DNS Network
•APN-NI
DNS DNS
•APN-NI+APN-OI ＝
GGSN IP address

4.1 Basic concepts

Activation Procedure
 PDP context activation procedure
 To establish a PDP context between the MS and the SGSN,

the GGSN
 Activation procedure types:
 PDP context activation procedure
 Secondary PDP Context Activation Procedure
 Network-Requested PDP Context Activation Procedure

PDP Context Activation Procedure (2G)
MS BSS 2G-SGSN 2G-GGSN
1. Activate PDP Context Request
C1
3. Create PDP Context Request
3. Create PDP Context Response
4. BSS Packet Flow Context Procedures
C2
5. Activate PDP Context Accept

PDP Context Activation Procedure (3G)
MS UTRAN 3G-SGSN 3G-GGSN
1. Activate PDP Context Request

(PDP Type, PDP Address, Access Point Name,
QoS Requested) C1
4. Radio Access Bearer Setup （ Qo

Charging ID allocation
s）
IP address
5. Update PDP Context Request
6. Update PDP Context Response
C2

Handling in MS
 MS start and send “Active PDP context request” to SGSN
 Provide QoS parameter
 Provide a APN-NI
 Provide a static IP or null
 Receive ACCEPT from SGSN
 If the QoS not accept by MS, then starts delete PDP context
procedure.

Handling in SGSN
 Check subscriber data
 APN selection
 According to TS 23.060
 default APN, APN provide from MS and the APN subscribed in HLR
 APN-NI.APN-OI
 Interrogate DNS
 Hostfile/Cache/DNS server
 QoS negotiation
 QoS provided from MS, default QoS ,QoS subscribed in HLR
 Send message “Create PDP context request” to GGSN
 RAB assignment (UMTS only)
 Send message “Active PDP context accept” to MS
 Dynamic IP address
 QoS

Handling in GGSN
 Check the APN provided by SGSN
 QoS negotiation
 Allocate a dynamic IP to the MS
 Allocate a charging ID for the PDP context
 Return a CREATE PDP CONTEXT ACCEPT message to SGSN
 Dynamic IP
 QoS
 Charging ID
 Other information
 Update PDP context

Handling in RNC
 RAB assignment
MS SGSN GGSN
RAB assignment
RNC (Final negotiated
Qos)
Allocate radio resource Allocate Iu interface resource

Secondary PDP Context Activation Procedure
 The Secondary PDP Context Activation procedure may be used to

activate a PDP context while reusing the PDP address and other
PDP context information from an already active PDP context, but
with a different QoS profile.
 Procedures for APN selection and PDP address negotiation are not
executed.
 A unique TI and a unique NSAPI shall identify each PDP context
sharing the same PDP address and APN.

 For GPRS
MS BSS 2G-SGSN 2G-GGSN
1. Activate Secondary PDP Context Request
C1
5. BSS Packet Flow Context Procedures
C2
7. Activate Secondary PDP Context Accept

 For UMTS
1. Activate Secondary PDP Context Request
C1

4. Radio Access Bearer Setup
C2

Network-Requested PDP Context
Activation Procedure
MS SGSN HLR GGSN
1. PDP PDU
2. Send Routeing Info for GPRS
2. Send Routeing Info for GPRS Ack
3. PDU Notification Request
3. PDU Notification Response
4. Request PDP Context Activation
5. PDP Context Activation procedure

4.1 Basic concepts

Modification Procedures
 Modification procedures modify parameters that were negotiated

during an activation procedure for one or several PDP contexts.
 An MS, a GGSN, an SGSN, or an RNC can request a modification
procedure.
 The following parameters can be modified:
 QoS Negotiated;
 Radio Priority;
 Packet Flow Id;
 PDP Address (in case of the GGSN-initiated modification
procedure);
 TFT (in case of MS-initiated modification procedure).

SGSN-Initiated Modification Procedure
MS UTRAN SGSN GGSN
3. Modify PDP Context Request
4. Modify PDP Context Accept
C1
5. Radio Access Bearer Modification
6. Invoke Trace

GGSN-Initiated Modification Procedure
MS UTRAN SGSN GGSN


C1

MS-Initiated Modification Procedure
MS UTRAN SGSN GGSN


C1

RNC-initiated RAB Modification Procedure
 RNC modify RAB may cause SGSN modify PDP context.
MS RNC SGSN GGSN
1. RAB Modify Request
2. SGSN initiated PDP Context Modification Procedure

4.1 Basic concepts

MS Initiated Deactivation Procedure
 For GPRS
MS 2G-SGSN 2G-GGSN
1. Deactivate PDP Context Request
C1
4. Deactivate PDP Context Accept

MS Initiated Deactivation Procedure
 For UMTS
C1

5. Radio Access Bearer Release

SGSN-initiated Deactivation Procedure
MS UTRAN SGSN GGSN
C1


GGSN-initiated Deactivation Procedure
MS UTRAN SGSN GGSN

C1

4.1 Basic concepts

Preservation Procedures
 By sending a RAB Release Request or Iu Release Request

message to the SGSN, UTRAN initiates the release of one or more
RABs.
 The preservation procedure allows the active PDP contexts
associated with the released RABs to be preserved without
modification in the CN, and the RABs can then be re-established at
a later stage (e.g. by service request procedure).
 UTRAN uses the Iu Release Request to request release of all RABs
of an MS, and the RAB Release Request in other cases.

RAB Release Procedure
 UTRAN initiates a RAB release procedure to release one or several

RABs.

1. RAB Release Request
2. RAB Assignment Request

3. Release Radio
Bearer(s)
4. RAB Assignment Response

Iu Release Procedure
 UTRAN initiates an Iu release procedure to release all RABs of an

MS and the Iu connection.

1. Iu Release Request
2. Iu Release Command
3. Release of RRC Connection
4. Iu Release Complete

PDP Context Modification after RAB Release
After RAB/Iu Release the PDP contexts are modified as follows:
 Background or interactive traffic class PDP context:
 Be preserved with no modifications in UE, SGSN and GGSN.
 Streaming or conversational traffic class PDP context:
 Be preserved, but the maximum bit rate is downgraded to

0 kbit/s (for both uplink and downlink) in UE, SGSN and GGSN.

Re-establishment of RABs
 In case of uplink data to be transfer for the active PDP context

without RAB:
 Background or interactive traffic class PDP context:
− UE initiates the Service Request procedure (Service Type =

Data) to re-establish PDP context.
 Streaming or conversational traffic class PDP context:
− UE initiates the PDP context modification procedure to re-

establish PDP context, or deactivation procedure to delete
the PDP context.
 In case of downlink data to be transfer for the active PDP context
without RAB: CN must first page the UE, then re-establish the RAB
by network-initiated service request procedure.

Summary
 The session management function includes the flowing functions:

 PDP context activation function;
 PDP context modification function;
 PDP context deactivation function;
 PDP context preservation function.

Course Summary
 MM and SM function are the most

important function of GPRS/UMTS PS
core network.

Thank you
www.huawei.com
Copyright©2007 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The information contained in this document is for reference purpose only, and is subject to
change or withdrawal according to specific customer requirements and conditions.

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HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All rights reserved

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 3GPP protocol 23060

 3GPP protocol 29060

 3GPP protocol 24008

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Chapter 2 Mobility Management

Chapter 3 Radio Resource Management

Chapter 4 Session Management

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 General Packet Radio Service

 What is the function of GPRS?

 GPRS network classification

 GPRS network background

 GSM GPRS network reuse the existed GSM network

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 GPRS: General Packet Radio Service

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 MSC/VLR: Mobile Switch Center/Visitor Location Register

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 Important Entity Function : GGSN

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 Important Entity Function: CG

 Real-time collection of GPRS CDRs

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MS  Resolve the APN to a GGSN IP in the PDP active procedure

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 Important Entity Function: HLR/AUC

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 E-mail from mobile to fixed network

BTS/No BSC/R GGSN

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 E-mail from fixed to mobile network

BTS/No BSC/R GGSN

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 GPRS network provides data service to the mobile subscribers.

 GPRS network is composed of SGSN, GGSN and CG. BG and

DNS provide special function during the data service.

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Chapter 2 Mobility Management

Chapter 3 Radio Resource Management

Chapter 4 Session Management

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2.1 Basic concepts

2.2 Attach and Detach

2.3 Security Function

2.4 Loaction Management

2.5 Service Request (UMTS only)

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 Function of the Mobility Management

 keep track of the current location of an MS within the PLMN

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 GMM main procedures

 GMM other procedures

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READY Implicit Detach READY

READY timer expiry

MM State Model of MS MM State Model of SGSN

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 The function of PMM is similar to GMM.