3G Networks: UMTS

Internetworks
|
UMTS

|
 UMTS

• UMTS stands for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. It came into existence
from GSM technology developed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project).
• UMTS network composed of three main parts: UE (User Equipment), Radio Access
Network (RAN) and Core Network. UMTS. UMTS also referred to as 3G is released in
several phases.
• The main features of 3G standardization by ITU includes support for circuit and packet
switching, support for both voice and data applications, support for seamless mobility for
both voice and data, improvement in spectral efficiency, legacy support for GSM/GPRS
systems, increase in voice quality, low round trip time and packet delays

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 3

 GSM Evolution to 3G
High Speed Circuit Switched Data
Dedicate up to 4 timeslots for data connection ~ 50 kbps
Good for real-time applications c.w. GPRS
Inefficient -> ties up resources, even when nothing sent
Not as popular as GPRS (many skipping HSCSD)

Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution

Uses 8PSK modulation
GSM 3x improvement in data rate on short distances
HSCSD Can fall back to GMSK for greater distances
9.6kbps (one timeslot)
GSM Data Combine with GPRS (EGPRS) ~ 384 kbps
Also called CSD Can also be combined with HSCSD

GSM GPRS
WCDMA
General Packet Radio Services EDGE
Data rates up to ~ 115 kbps
Max: 8 timeslots used as any one time
Packet switched; resources not tied up all the time
Contention based. Efficient, but variable delays
GSM / GPRS core network re-used by WCDMA (3G)

|
 UMTS Frequency Spectrum
• UMTS Band
– 2110 – 2170 Downlink 1920- 1980 uplink
– Utilizes the GSM bands in the 1800 and 900 bands as well

|
 UMTS Capabilities
• UMTS uses Wideband CDMA - WCDMA - as the radio transmission standard on the Air

interface. It employs a 5 MHz channel bandwidth. Using this bandwidth it has the capacity to

carry over 100 simultaneous voice calls, or it is able to carry data at speeds up to 2 Mbps in its

original format. However with the later enhancements of HSDPA and HSUPA included in

later releases of the standard the data transmission speeds have been increased to 14.4 Mbps.

• Many of the ideas that were incorporated into GSM have been carried over and enhanced for

UMTS. Elements such as the SIM have been transformed into a far more powerful USIM

(Universal SIM). In addition to this, the network has been designed so that the

enhancements employed for GPRS and EDGE can be used for UMTS.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 6

 UMTS Capabilities
• A new introduction for UMTS is that there are specifications that allow both Frequency Division
Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes. The first modes to be employed are FDD
modes where the uplink and downlink are on different frequencies.
• The TDD mode where the uplink and downlink are split in time with the base stations and then
the mobiles transmitting alternately on the same frequency is particularly suited to a variety of
applications such as where spectrum is limited and paired bands suitably spaced are not available,
where small cells are to be used. As a guard time is required between transmit and receive.
• A further advantage arises from the fact that more data is carried in the downlink (as a result of
internet surfing, video downloads etc..). This means that it is often better to allocate more capacity
to the downlink. When a TDD system is used it is possible to alter the balance between downlink
and uplink transmissions to accommodate this imbalance and thereby improve the efficiency.
• In this way TDD systems can be highly efficient when used in picocells for carrying Internet data.
The TDD systems have not been widely deployed, but this may occur more in the future. In view of
its character, it is often referred to as TD-CDMA (Time Division CDMA).

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 7

 UMTS Technologies
• Radio interface: The UMTS radio interface provides the basic definition of the radio signal. W-CDMA
occupies 5 MHz channels and has defined formats for elements such as synchronization and power
control

• CDMA technology : 3G UMTS relies on CDMA to enable multiple handsets or user equipment to have
access to the base station. Using a scheme known as direct sequence spread spectrum, different UEs
have different codes and can all talk to the base station even though they are all on the same frequency

• UMTS network architecture: The architecture for a UMTS network was designed to enable packet
data to be carried over the network, whilst still enabling it to support circuit switched voice. All the
usual functions enabling access to the network, roaming etc… are also supported

• UMTS modulation schemes: Within the CDMA signal format, a variety of forms of modulation are
used. These are typically forms of phase shift keying.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 8

 UMTS Technologies
• UMTS channels: As with any cellular system, different data channels are required for passing payload
data as well as control information and for enabling the required resources to be allocated. A variety
of different data channels are used to enable these facilities to be accomplished.

• UMTS TDD: There are two methods of providing duplex for 3G UMTS. One is what is termed
frequency division duplex, FDD. This uses two channels spaced sufficiently apart so that the receiver
can receive whilst the transmitter is also operating. Another method is to use time vision duplex, TDD
where short time blocks are allocated to transmissions in both directions. Using this method, only a
single channel is required Read more about the TDD system.

• Handover: One key area of any cellular telecommunications system is the handover (handoff) from
one cell to the next. Using CDMA there are several forms of handover that are implemented within
the system.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 9

 Benefits of CDMA in UMTS

1. Improved spectral efficiency: The use of CDMA as the multiple access technology, combined with the QPSK
modulation format used provides significant improvements in terms of the spectral efficiency. Figures for the
performance improvements gained vary considerably dependent upon the conditions, but the scheme gives some
significant benefits. Some calculated estimates give figures as high as three or four times that of technologies such as
GSM, although in reality the benefits may be a bit less.

2. Adjacent cells may use the same channel frequency: As a result of the way in which spread spectrum signals
such as CDMA operate.

3. Improved handover: Within CDMA it is possible to do what is termed a "soft handover" where the UE
communicates with two base stations at the same time. This significantly improves handover reliability.

4. Enhanced security: The use of spread spectrum and the multiple spreading codes for CDMA significantly reduces
the possibility of eavesdropping, although within GSM eavesdropping of the transmitted signal was not the problem
it was for the original analogue systems where anyone with a scanner radio receiver could listen to telephone
conversations.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 10

 UMTS Architecture
Base Station
Network Subsystem
Mobile Station Subsystem Other Networks

MSC/ GMSC
BSC VLR PSTN
BTS
ME
SIM

EIR HLR AUC PLMN

RNS
GGSN
SGSN
Node RNC Internet
ME B
USIM

UTRAN
+
SD

Note: Interfaces have been omitted for clarity purposes.

|
 UMTS Network Architecture
• UMTS network architecture consists of three domains
– Core Network (CN): provides all the central processing and management for the system. It
is the equivalent of the GSM Network Switching Subsystem or NSS. Ensures switching,
routing and transit for user traffic

– UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN): also known as the Radio Network
Subsystem, RNS, is the equivalent of the previous Base Station Subsystem or BSS in GSM. It
provides and manages the air interface access method for user equipment in the network.

– User Equipment (UE): is the name given to what was previous termed the mobile Station, or
cellphone. The new name was chosen because of the considerably greater functionality that
the UE could have. It could also be anything between a mobile phone used for voice to a
data terminal attached to a computer with no voice capability.
Terminals work as air interface counterparts for base stations. The various identities are: IMSI,
TMSI, P-TMSI, TLLI, MSISDN, IMEI, IMEISV

|
 User Equipment (UE)

• UE RF Transceiver: handle all elements of the signal, both for the receiver and for the
transmitter. One of the major challenges for the RF power amplifier was to reduce the power
consumption.
• Baseband processing: This is mainly the digital circuitry that performs the encoding and
decoding of data. It ought to be optimized to reduce power consumption.
• Battery: While consumption has been minimized within the circuitry of the phone, there has
to be source of power to ensure mobility and portability. This has necessitated the use of new
and improved battery technology
• Universal Subscriber Identity Module, USIM: In the case of UMTS the SIM is termed as
USIM. This is a more advanced version of the SIM card used in GSM and other systems, but
embodies the same types of information. It contains the IMSI, MSISDN) and other details e.g.
the preferred language to enable the correct language information to be displayed, especially
when roaming, and a list of preferred and prohibited Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN).
The USIM also contains a SMS storage area. Similarly "phone book" numbers and call information
of the numbers of incoming and outgoing calls are stored.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 13

 User Equipment (UE)

• The UMTS user equipment (UE) is the combination of the subscriber's mobile equipment and the
UMTS subscriber identity module (USIM). Similar to the SIM in GSM/GPRS networks, the USIM is
a card that inserts into the mobile equipment and identifies the subscriber to the core network.
• The USIM card has the same physical characteristics as the GSM/GPRS SIM card and provides the
following functions:
– Supports multiple user profiles on the USIM

– Updates USIM information over the air

– Provides security functions

– Provides user authentication

– Supports inclusion of payment methods

– Supports secure downloading of new applications

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 14

 UTRAN

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Intro to Telecom | 16

 UTRAN: Node B
• Node B is the radio transceiver unit for communication between radio cells. Each Node B
unit can provide service for one or more cells. A Node B unit can be physically located with
an existing GSM base transceiver station (BTS) to reduce costs of UMTS implementation.
• Node B connects to the user equipment (UE) over the Uu radio interface using wide-band
code division multiple access (WCDMA). A single Node B unit can support both frequency
division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) modes. Wide band CDMA
technology is selected for UTRAN air interface
• The Iub interface provides the connection between Node B and the RNC using
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Node B is the ATM termination point.
• The main function of Node B is conversion of data on the Uu radio interface. This function
includes error correction and rate adaptation on the air interface.

|
 UTRAN: Node B
• Node B monitors the quality and strength of the connection and calculates the frame error rate,
transmitting this information to the RNC for processing. The functions of Node B include:
– Air interface transmission and reception
– Modulation and demodulation

– CDMA physical channel coding

– Micro diversity

– Error handling

– Closed loop power control

• Node B also enables the UE to adjust its power using a technique called downlink transmission
power control. Predefined values for power control are derived from RNC power control
parameters

|
 UTRAN: RNC
• The radio network controller (RNC) performs functions that are equivalent to the base
station controller (BSC) functions in GSM/GPRS networks. The RNC provides centralized
control of the Node B elements in its covering area.
• It handles protocol exchanges between UTRAN interfaces (Iu, Iur, and Iub). Because the
interfaces are ATM-based, the RNC performs switching of ATM cells between the
interfaces. Circuit-switched and packet-switched data from the Iu-CS and Iu-PS interfaces
are multiplexed together for transmission over the Iur, Iub, and Uu interfaces to and from
the user equipment (UE).
• The RNC provides centralized operation and maintenance of the radio network system
(RNS) including access to an operations support system (OSS).

|
 UTRAN: RNC
• The RNCs use the Iur interface. There is no equivalent to manage radio resources in
GSM/GPRS networks. In GSM/GPRS networks, radio resource management is performed in
the core network. In UMTS networks, this function is distributed to the RNC, freeing the
core network for other functions.
• A single serving RNC manages serving control functions such as connection to the UE,
congestion control, and handover procedures. The functions of the RNC include:
– Radio resource control Power Control
– Admission control Handover Control
– Channel allocation Ciphering
– Macro diversity Segmentation and Reassembly
– Broadcast signaling Open loop power control

|
 UTRAN interfaces
The UMTS standards are structured in a way that the internal functionality of the different network
elements is not defined. Instead, the interfaces between the network elements is defined and in
this way, so too is the element functionality.

There are several interfaces that are defined for the UTRAN elements:

• Iub : The Iub connects the NodeB and the RNC within the UTRAN.
• Iur : The Iur interface allows communication between different RNCs within the UTRAN. The
open Iur interface enables capabilities like soft handover.
• Iu : The Iu interface connects the UTRAN to the core network.

Having standardised interfaces within various areas of the network including the UTRAN allows
network operators to select different network entities from different suppliers.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 22

 3G UMTS Core Network
• The 3G UMTS core network architecture is a migration of that used for GSM with
further elements overlaid to enable the additional functionality demanded by UMTS.
• Based on the different ways in which data may be transported, the UMTS core network
may be split into two :

– Circuit switched elements: These elements are primarily based on the GSM
network entities and carry data in a circuit switched manner, i.e. a permanent
channel for the duration of the call.
– Packet switched elements: These network entities are designed to carry packet
data. This enables much higher network usage as the capacity can be shared and
data is carried as packets which are routed according to their destination.

Some network elements, particularly those that are associated with registration are shared
by both domains and operate in the same way that they did with GSM.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 23

UMTS CORE: Circuit Switched Elements
The circuit switched elements of the UMTS core network architecture include the
following network entities:

– Mobile switching centre (MSC):   This is essentially the same as that

within GSM, and it manages the circuit switched calls under way.
– Gateway MSC (GMSC):   This is effectively the interface to the external
networks.

What is the interface between the two nodes and what's the function of this
interface?

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 24

UMTS CORE: Packet Switched Elements

• Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN):   It is a core component introduced in GPRS and its use has been

carried over into the UMTS network architecture.

– Mobility management   It handles location updates based on the mobile's current location.

– Session management:   It manages the data sessions providing the required quality of service and also

managing what are termed the PDP (Packet data Protocol) contexts, i.e. the pipes over which the data

is sent.

– Interaction with other areas of the network:   The SGSN also manages its elements within the network

by communicating with other areas of the network, e.g. MSC and other circuit switched areas.

– Billing:   The SGSN is also responsible billing. It achieves this by monitoring the flow of user data across

the GPRS network. CDRs (Call Detail Records) are generated by the SGSN before being transferred to

the charging entities (Charging Gateway Function, CGF).

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 25

UMTS CORE: Packet Switched Elements

• Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN):   It is a central element within the UMTS

packet switched network. It handles inter-working between the UMTS packet switched

network and external packet switched networks, and can be considered as a very

sophisticated router. In operation, when the GGSN receives data addressed to a specific

user, it checks if the user is active and then forwards the data to the SGSN serving the

particular UE.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 26

 UMTS Shared Elements
The shared elements of the 3G UMTS core network architecture include the following network
entities:
• Home location register (HLR): This database contains all the administrative information
about each subscriber along with their last known location. In this way, the UMTS network is
able to route calls to the relevant RNC / Node B.
• Equipment identity register (EIR): The EIR is the entity that decides whether a given UE
equipment may be allowed onto the network. Each UE equipment has a number known as the
International Mobile Equipment Identity. This number, is embedded in the equipment and is
checked by the network during registration.
• Authentication Centre (AuC) : The AuC is a protected database that contains the secret key
also contained in the user's USIM card.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 27

 UMTS Handover
• Handover is as important for UMTS as any other form of cellular t system. As with any
other cellular system it is essential that UMTS handover is performed seamlessly so
that the user is not aware of any change.
• There are three basic types of handover in UMTS:
– Hard handover: This form of handover is essentially the same as that used for 2G
networks where one link is broken and another established.
– Soft handover: This form of handover is a more gradual and the UE communicates
simultaneously with more than one Node B or base station during the handover
process.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 28

 UMTS Handover
– Softer handover: Not a full form of UMTS handover, but the UE communicates
with more than one sector managed by the same NodeB.
– UMTS GSM inter RAT handover: This form of handover occurs when mobiles have
to change between Radio Access Technologies.

Each of the different types of handover is used on different occasions dependent upon the
conditions.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 29

 Inter-RAT Example: Handover from UTRAN to GSM

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 30

 Inter-RAT Example: Handover from UTRAN to GSM
• UE receives HANDOVER FROM UTRAN command from network with GSM HANDOVER
COMMAND message included. HANDOVER COMMAND has all the information UE requires
to continue normal services in GSM system.
• RRC in UE sends the HANDOVER COMMAND message content to RR layer. UE releases all
UMTS radio resources. Now the UE will work like a GSM MS. Now MS send GSM HANDOVER
ACCESS message to BSS. This message is sent several times to make sure it is received.
• BSS responds with PHYSICL INFORMATION message. This message contains timing advance
information. After receiving PHYSICAL INFORMATION message UE stops sending
HANDOVER ACCESS message. In response MS sends HANDOVER COMPLETE message to
network.

12/7/21 T. Nkinyili Internetworks | 31

 3G Partnership Project (3GPP)

• 3GPP defining migration from GSM to UMTS (W-CDMA)

– Core network evolves from GSM-only to support GSM, GPRS and new W-CDMA facilities

• 3GPP Release 99
– Adds 3G radios

• 3GPP Release 4
– Adds softswitch/ voice gateways and packet core

• 3GPP Release 5
– First IP Multimedia Services (IMS) w/ SIP & QoS

• 3GPP Release 6
– “All IP” network; contents of r6 still being defined

|
3G rel99 Architecture (UMTS) — 3G Radio
2G MS (voice only)
CN

BSS

E PSTN
Abis
A
PSTN
B
BSC C
MSC GMSC
Gb D
BTS VLR
Gs
SS7
H
2G+ MS (voice & data)
IuCS
RNS
Gr HLR
AuC
ATM Gc
Iub
IuPS
Gn Gi
PSDN
RNC IP
SGSN GGSN
Node B
3G UE (voice & data)

BSS — Base Station System
BTS — Base Transceiver Station
BSC — Base Station Controller
RNS — Radio Network System
RNC — Radio Network Controller
CN — Core Network SGSN — Serving GPRS Support Node
MSC — Mobile-service Switching Controller GGSN — Gateway GPRS Support Node
VLR — Visitor Location Register
HLR — Home Location Register
AuC — Authentication Server
GMSC — Gateway MSC
UMTS — Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

|
3G rel4 Architecture (UMTS) — Soft Switch
2G MS (voice only)
CN
CS-MGW
Nb
BSS
CS-MGW
A
Abis Nc PSTN PSTN
Mc
Mc
B
BSC C
MSC Server GMSC server
Gb D
BTS VLR
Gs SS7
H
2G+ MS (voice & data)
IuCS
RNS IP/ATM
Gr HLR
AuC
ATM Gc
Iub
IuPS
Gn Gi
PSDN
RNC
SGSN GGSN
Node B

3G UE (voice & data)

BSS — Base Station System
BTS — Base Transceiver Station
BSC — Base Station Controller
RNS — Radio Network System
RNC — Radio Network Controller
CN — Core Network SGSN — Serving GPRS Support Node
MSC — Mobile-service Switching Controller GGSN — Gateway GPRS Support Node
VLR — Visitor Location Register
HLR — Home Location Register
AuC — Authentication Server
GMSC — Gateway MSC

|
3G rel4 Architecture (UMTS) — Soft Switching
2G MS (voice only)
CN
CS-MGW
Nb
BSS
CS-MGW
A
Abis Nc PSTN PSTN
Mc
Mc
B
BSC C
MSC Server GMSC server
Gb D
BTS VLR
Gs SS7
H
2G+ MS (voice & data)
IuCS
RNS IP/ATM
Gr HLR
AuC
ATM Gc
Iub
IuPS
Gn Gi
PSDN
RNC
SGSN GGSN
Node B
3G UE (voice & data)
BSS — Base Station System CN — Core Network SGSN — Serving GPRS Support Node
BTS — Base Transceiver Station MSC — Mobile-service Switching Controller GGSN — Gateway GPRS Support Node
BSC — Base Station Controller VLR — Visitor Location Register
HLR — Home Location Register
RNS — Radio Network System AuC — Authentication Server
RNC — Radio Network Controller GMSC — Gateway MSC

| page 35
 3G Release 4
TS 23.205 Split
TS 29.414 Bearer
BICC Circuit switched
call control server
Mc (MSC Server)
H.248
MEGACO
Nb
TDM
ATM
NodeB Media
IP
Media PSTN
Gateway Gateway
USIM IP/AAL5 (CS-MGW)

Split MSC into bearer and control

Bearer independent CS Internet
Corporate
New MGCP, new CS call control

Streaming MMS service using PS

streaming service 26.233

|
3G rel5 Architecture (UMTS) — IP MultiMedia
2G MS (voice only)
CN
CS-MGW
Nb
BSS
CS-MGW
A/IuCS
Abis Nc PSTN PSTN
Mc
Mc
B
BSC C
MSC Server GMSC server
Gb/IuPS D
BTS VLR
Gs SS7
H
2G+ MS (voice & data) ATM
IuCS
RNS IP/ATM
Gr HSS
AuC
Gc
Iub
IuPS
Gn Gi
IP Network
RNC
SGSN GGSN
Node B
3G UE (voice & data) IM-MGW
IM
IM — IP Multimedia sub-system Gs PSTN
MRF — Media Resource Function IP
CSCF — Call State Control Function Mc
Mg
MGCF — Media Gateway Control Function (Mc=H248,Mg=SIP) MRF
MGCF
IM-MGW — IP Multimedia-MGW

CSCF

|
 3G Release 5

BICC Circuit switched 23.228 IMS

call control server
25.933 IP UTRAN

SIP RTP
H.248
STACK or
UDP/IP or AAL2 AAL2 TDM
Iu cs ATM
Iu b IP
NodeB
PSTN
Iu ps
USIM IP/AAL5

Native IP UTRAN option

Internet
Call Session Control Function Corporate

IP multimedia control sub system

(IMS) – IPv6, SIP based SIP IP Multimedia
CSCF

QoS enhancements (end-to-end)

|
Application Layer

 The “Application Layer” is responsible for providing services to users via

applications regardless of the device and method in which the user accesses the
network. The Application Layer itself is not a real network as such important
operator parts of the application Layer may, however, be realized in what are
called Service Networks.

Control Layer

The “Control Layer” contains nodes that control and direct traffic (both Circuit
and Packet Switched). The Control Layer is realized in a Core Network. The
WCDMA Core Network will contain, for example, MSCs, HLR/HSS,
GMSC/TSC, SGW and possibly IMS.

| page 39
Connectivity Layer
The “connectivity Layer” consists of the transport nodes (M-MGW, SGSN
and GGSN) and connects to the various access networks.

The Access Network consists of the base stations and controllers in the mobile
networks(GSM, UMTS, CDMA) or fixed access, transport and connectivity
network that are able to handle different types of traffic (e.g. Circuit Switched
and Packet Switched data). For WCDMA, the Access Network is realized as the
WCDMA Radio Access Network.

| page 40
Media Gateway:
WCDMA Core

Application Service enablers Application

Servers Servers
Services/applications

MSC HLR/AuC/FNR GMSC/Transit

Server Server
SGW
Control

PSTN/
ISDN
MGW
MGW
Connectivity
SGSN Internet
WCDMA GGSN Intranets
EDGE
GSM
Control
User data
| page 41
Mobile IP Applications
• WiMAX networks
• WLAN to cellular roaming
• Inter GGSN or PDSN roaming

Wi-Fi

FA

Mobile
Node WAP ESS Internet

FA
RAN
Mobile
HA
Core
Home
SGSN Network

|
Mobile IP Interworking with UMTS/GPRS
• Recommends use of FA Care Of Addresses (CoA), not collocated, to conserve IPv4
addresses

Source:
3GPP

|
Tight integration proposed by 3GPP
HLR

GPRS Tunneling Protocol GGSN

Access Controller, RADIUS/SS-7

Client Authenticator RADIUS Relay HLR GGSN
GW

EAPoL RADIUS
RADIUS
Gr Interface
Client -
Authentication
Create PDP Context {IP, transparent mode APN,
IMSI/NSAPI, MSISDN, dynamic address requested}
Create PDP Context Response {End User Address}
DHCP Discover

Client – DHCP Offer

IP Address
DHCP Request
Assignment
DHCP Ack {address = End User
address from GGSN} Lease
expiration
Delete PDP Context Request

|
 High Level IMS Architecture

ABBREVIATIONS

SERVICE
PLANE
SCIM: Service Capability Interaction Manager
MRFC: Multimedia Resource Function Controller SCIM
CSCF: Call Session Control Function (Service Broker Platform)
HSS: Home Subscriber Server
HLR: Home Location Register
PDF: Policy Decision Function MRFC S-CSCF
HSS
BGCF: Breakout Gateway Control Function

CONTROL
I-CSCF HLR
MGCF: Media Gateway Control Function

PLANE
MGW: Media Gateway P-CSCF BGCF
GGSN: Gateway P\GPRS Support Node
SGSN: Serving GPRS Support Node PDF MGCF

MRFP PSTN
Node B RNC MG MG PLMN
W W
BTS BSC
SGSN GGSN
Intranet/
Internet
WLAN
RAN TRANSPORT PLANE

|
Migration To 3G
2.75G 3G
Multimedia
Intermediate
2.5G Multimedia

2G Packet Data

1G Digital Voice
Analog Voice
GPRS W-CDMA
GSM
EDGE (UMTS)
115 Kbps
NMT 9.6 Kbps 384 Kbps Up to 2 Mbps

GSM/
TD-SCDMA
TDMA GPRS
(Overlay)
TACS 2 Mbps?
115 Kbps
9.6 Kbps

iDEN iDEN
9.6 Kbps PDC (Overlay)
9.6 Kbps
AMPS CDMA 1xRTT cdma2000
CDMA 1X-EV-DV

14.4 Kbps
PHS
(IP-Based) 144 Kbps Over 2.4 Mbps
/ 64 Kbps
64 Kbps
PHS 2003 - 2004+
2003+
2001+
1992 - 2000+ Source: U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray
1984 - 1996+

|
Mobile Wireless Spectrum

Bands Frequencies GSM/

(MHz) (MHz) Regions EDGE WCDMA CDMA2000

450 450-467 Europe x x

480 478-496 Europe x
800 824-894 America x x
900 880-960 Europe/APAC x x
1500 Japan PDC x
1700 1750-1870 Korea x
1800 1710-1880 Europe/APAC x x x
1900 1850-1990 America x x x
1885-2025 &
2100 Europe/APAC x x
2100-2200
2500 2500-2690 ITU Proposal x

|
Prospects for Global Roaming

• Multiple vocoders (AMR, EVRC, SMV,…)

• Six or more spectral bands
– 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2500, …? MHz
• At least four modulation variants
– GSM (TDMA), W-CDMA, CDMA2000, TD-SCMDA

The handset approach

• Advanced silicon
• Software defined radio
• Improved batteries

|
 3GPP2 Reference Architecture
MSC/VLR
HLR
SS7

A
Reference
Point A1 A2 A 5

Radio
A9 A11 Pi External IP
Source Network
Network
BSC
(RN) A8 PCF A10
PDSN

Aquinter Aquater
Ater A3 Reference Reference
Reference Point Point
Point A7 (R-P Interface)

Source
BTS
Target
BSC Ref: 3GPP2 A.S0011

Ref: 3GPP2 A.S0011

|
Ole Sangale Road, Madaraka Estate. PO Box 59857-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (+254) (0)703 034000/200/300 Fax : +254 (0)20 607498
Email: info@strathmore.edu Website: www.strathmore.edu
|