UMTS

Universal Mobile
Telecommunications
System
Signalling

Signalling protocol details

Chapter contents

UMTS Protocol Internetworking Architecture

Part 1: Transport Network Protocols, CS and PS
Part 2: Radio Network Protocols, CS and PS
Part 3: System Network Protocols, CS and PS
Examples of UMTS procedures
UMTS Network Protocol Architecture

Uu Iub Iu E / Gn
NodeB RNC MSC VLR SGSN GMSC GGSN

User Plane
Control Plane
System Network Layer
User Plane
Control Plane
Radio Network Layer
User Plane
Control Plane
Transport Network Layer
Uu / Iub Control-Plane

MM / SM / CC MM/SM/CC

RRC RRC AAL2L3 NBAP

RLC RLC STC

MAC MAC SSCF- UNI

UP FP SSCOP

AAL2 AAL5

WCDMA NodeB ATM RNC

Uu / Iub User-Plane

Application data Application data

PDCP BMC PDCP BMC

RLC RLC

MAC MAC

UP FP

AAL2

WCDMA NodeB ATM RNC

Iur User- / Control-Plane

Control-Plane User-Plane

MM/SM/CC Application data

RRC AAL2L3 RNSAP PDCP BMC

STC SCCP

RLC MTP3-B M3UA RLC

MAC SSCF-NNI SCTP MAC

UP FP SSCOP IP UP FP

AAL2 AAL5 AAL2

RNC ATM RNC ATM RNC

IuCS User- / Control-Plane

Control-Plane User-Plane

MM/SM/CC Application data

RANAP AAL2L3 TAF AMR

SCCP STC RLP

MTP3-B M3UA

SSCF-NNI SCTP

SSCOP IP
Iu UP

AAL5 AAL2

RNC ATM MSC ATM RNC

IuPS User- / Control-Plane

Control-Plane User-Plane

MM / CC / SS Application data

RANAP IP

SCCP

MTP3-B M3UA
GTP-U
SSCF-NNI SCTP
UDP
SSCOP IP
IP

AAL5 AAL5

RNC ATM SGSN ATM RNC

E User- / Control-Plane

Control-Plane User-Plane

MAP Application data

TCAP ISUP

SCCP

MTP-L3

MTP-L2
MSC PCM MSC PCM MSC
VLR VLR VLR
Gn User- / Control-Plane

Control-Plane User-Plane

Application data

IP

GTP-C GTP-U

UDP UDP

IP IP

AAL5 AAL5

SGSN ATM Ethernet GGSN ATM Ethernet SGSN

Signalling Part 2

Radio Network Layer

ASN.1
RRC, NBAP, RNSAP and RANAP
AAL2L3 (ALCAP)
Iu UP, AMR, TAF, RLP
PDCP and BMC
Broadcast System Information

RNC

BCH: SYSTEM INFORMATION

or

PCH: PAGING TYPE 1

[ UE-Id, BCCH Modification Info ]

or

FACH: SYSTEM INFORMATION CHANGE IND.

RRC Connection Establishment

... a point-to-point bi-directional connection between RRC peer entities

in the UE and the UTRAN characterised by the allocation of a U-RNTI.
A UE has either zero or one RRC connection.
RNC

Idle
( RLC-SAP: TM, CCCH ) RRC CONNECTION REQUEST
[ RRC TAId, Initial UE Id, Establishment Cause ]
( RLC-SAP: UM, CCCH ) RRC CONNECTION SETUP
[ RRC TAId, new U-RNTI, SRB ]
( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC CONNECTION SETUP COMPLETE
Connected [ RRC TAId, UE Radio Acces Capability ]
Successful
Unsuccessful
( RLC-SAP: TM, CCCH ) RRC CONNECTION REQUEST
[ RRC TAId, Initial UE Id, Establishment Cause ]
( RLC-SAP: UM, CCCH ) RRC CONNECTION REJECT
[ RRC TAId, Cause ]
RRC Connection Release

RNC

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC CONNECTION RELEASE

[ RRC TAId, Release Cause ]

( RLC-SAP: UM / AM, DCCH ) RRC CONNECTION RELEASE COMPLETE

[ RRC TAId ]

( RLC-SAP: UM, CCCH ) RRC CONNECTION RELEASE

[ U-RNTI, RRC TAId, Release Cause ]
RRC Signalling Connection

RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) INITIAL DIRECT TRANSFER

[ CN Domain Id, NAS SDU ]
( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) DOWNLINK DIRECT TRANSFER
[ RRC TAId, CN Domain Id, NAS SDU ]
( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) UPLINK DIRECT TRANSFER
[ CN Domain Id, NAS SDU ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) SIGNALLING CONNECTION RELEASE

[ RRC TAId, CN Domain Id ]
RRC Security mode control

RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) SECURITY MODE COMMAND

[ RRC TAId, CN Domain Id, Ciphering Mode Info,
Integrity Mode Info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) SECURITY MODE COMPLETE

[ RRC TAId ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) SECURITY MODE COMMAND

[ RRC TAId, CN Domain Id, Ciphering Mode Info,
Integrity Mode Info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) SECURITY MODE FAILURE

[ RRC TAId , Failure Cause ]
RRC Radio Bearer Setup

RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RADIO BEARER SETUP *

[ RRC TAId, SRB and RB Info / List etc. ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RADIO BEARER SETUP * COMPLETE

[ RRC TAId ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RADIO BEARER SETUP *

[ RRC TAId, SRB and RB Info / List etc. ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RADIO BEARER SETUP * FAILURE

[ RRC TAId , Failure Cause ]
RRC Cell Update

RNC

( RLC-SAP: TM, CCCH ) CELL UPDATE

[ U-RNTI, CN Domain Id, Update Cause ]

( RLC-SAP: UM, CCCH / DCCH ) CELL UPDATE CONFIRM

[ RRC TAId, RB Information ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) optional reconfiguration *

[ RRC TAId, reconf. specific info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) CELL UPDATE

[ U-RNTI, CN Domain Id, Update Cause ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC CONNECTION RELEASE

[ U-RNTI, RRC TAId, Release-Cause ]
RRC URA Update

RNC

( RLC-SAP: TM, CCCH ) URA UPDATE

[ U-RNTI, Update Cause ]

( RLC-SAP: UM, CCCH / DCCH ) URA UPDATE CONFIRM

[ RRC TAId, opt. New U-RNTI ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) optional reconfiguration *

[ RRC TAId, reconf. specific info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) URA UPDATE

[ U-RNTI, Update Cause ]

( RLC-SAP: UM, CCCH ) RRC CONNECTION RELEASE

[ U-RNTI, RRC TAId, Release-Cause ]
RRC Inter-RAT Handover to UTRAN

RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) HANDOVER TO UTRAN COMMAND

[ New U-RNTI, SRB and RB Info / List etc. ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) HANDOVER TO UTRAN COMPLETE

[ CN Domain Id ]
RRC Inter-RAT Handover from UTRAN

RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) HANDOVER FROM UTRAN COMMAND

[ RRC TAId, RAB Info, GSM/cdma2000 Info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) HANDOVER FROM UTRAN COMMAND

[ RRC TAId, RAB Info, GSM/cdma2000 Info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) HANDOVER FROM UTRAN FAILURE

[ RRC TAId , Failure Cause, Inter-RAT Message ]
RRC Inter-RAT Cell Change from UTRAN

RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM UTRAN

[ RRC TAId, RAB Info / List, GPRS Info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM UTRAN

[ RRC TAId, RAB Info / List, GPRS Info ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) CELL CHANGE ORDER FROM UTRAN FAILURE

[ RRC TAId , Inter-RAT Change Failure ]
NBAP

Node B Application Part

Cell Configuration Management
Common Transport Channel Configuration
System Information Management
Resource Event Management
Measurements on common and dedicated resources
Radio Link Management of dedicated resources
Radio Link Supervision

Specified in 3GPP 25.433

NBAP Elementary Procedure

Two classes of elementary procedures:

Class 1: Elementary procedure with response,
success or failure
Class 2: Elementary procedure without response
NBAP Initiating Message is transporting the procedure request
For Class 1 elementary procedure the response is transmitted
Success: Successful Outcome Message
Failure: Unsuccessful Outcome Message
The elementary procedure is identified by the parameter
Procedure Identification Code.

The CRNC Communication Context contains all info for the CRNC to
communicate with a specific UE.
The Context is identified by the parameter
CRNC Communication Context Identifier.
NBAP Example Procedure

NodeB RNC

INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: RADIO LINK SETUP,
Transaction-Id, C-Id, Channel parameter ]
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
[ Procedure Code: RADIO LINK SETUP,
Transaction-Id, Channel parameter ]
Successful
Unsuccessful
INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: RADIO LINK SETUP,
Transaction-Id, C-Id, Channel parameter ]
UNSUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
[ Procedure Code: RADIO LINK SETUP,
Transaction-Id, Cause ]
RNSAP

Radio Network Subsystem Application Part

Signalling similar to NBAP, because RNSAP can be a logical
part of the connection SRNC Node B.
CCCH Signalling, information transfer between UE and SRNC
Relocation execution
Paging
2 Classes for Elementary Procedures; Class 1 and 2
SCCP uses SSN=143 for RNSAP identification

Specified in 3GPP 25.423

RNSAP Example Procedure 1

DRNC SRNC

Receive msg.
from UE containing
S-RNTI and SRNC ID
as addressing info

INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: UPLINK SIGNALLING TRANSFER,
Transaction Id, C-RNTI, S-RNTI, L3 Information ]

INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: DOWNLINK SIGNALLING TRANSFER,
Transaction Id, Cell-Id, D-RNTI, L3-Information ]
RNSAP Example Procedure 2

CRNC SRNC

INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: PAGING,
Transaction Id, URA- or Cell-Id, SRNC-Id, S-RNTI, IMSI, Paging Cause ]

DRNC SRNC

INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: RADIO LINK SETUP
Transaction Id, SRNC-Id, S-RNTI, UL and DL DPCH Info, RL Info ]

SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
[ Procedure Code: RADIO LINK SETUP,
Transaction Id, RL Id and Info ]
RANAP

Radio Access Network Application Part

Transfer of NAS-PDU between CN and UTRAN
Overall RAB management
Relocating of SRNC
Controlling the security mode of UTRAN
Paging the UE
Release of RAB and the Iu connection resources
SCCP uses SSN=142 for RANAP identification

Specified in 3GPP 25.413

RANAP Elementary Procedure

Three classes of elementary procedures:

Class 1: Elementary procedure with response
( success and / or failure )
Class 2: Elementary procedure without response
Class 3: Elementary procedure with possibility of
multiple responses ( success and/or failure )
RANAP Initiating Message is transporting the procedure request
For Class 1 elementary procedure the response is transmitted
Success: Successful Outcome Message
Failure: Unsuccessful Outcome Message
For Class 3 elementary procedure the response is transmitted as
Outcome Message
RANAP Example Procedure

RNC MSC

INITIATING MESSAGE
Class 2
[ Procedure Code: INITIAL UE MESSAGE,
CN Domain Id, LAI, SAI, Iu Signal.Conn.Id, NAS PDU ]
INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: SECURITY MODE CONTROL,
Class 1 Integrity protection info, key status ]
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
[ Procedure Code: SECURITY MODE CONTROL,
Integrity protection algorithm ]

INITIATING MESSAGE
[ Procedure Code: RAB ASSIGNMENT,
Class 3 RAB Id and Info, Cause ]
OUTCOME
[ Procedure Code: RAB ASSIGNMENT,
Success or failure IEs for RAB Id and Info ]
AAL2L3

ATM Adaptation Layer Type 2 Layer 3 Signalling

AAL2L3 provides the signalling capability to establish, release
and maintain AAL type 2
point-to-point connections, i.e. transport bearers.
AAL2L3 represent the ALCAP functionality

Specified in ITU-T Q.2630

AAL2L3 Architecture

AAL2 Service Endpoint AAL2 Switch AAL2 Service Endpoint

AAL2 user AAL2 user

A2SU-SAP A2SU-SAP

AAL2L3

Nodal Nodal
function Nodal function function

Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol

entity entity entity entity

STC STC STC STC

MTP3B MTP3B
AAL2L3 Message Format
4 byte 1 byte 1 byte

DSAID MsgID MsgComp Parameter

Message compatibility
Instructions how to handle
erroneous messages
List of some
Message ID parameters
Establish request OSAID CID SSI
Destination Signalling
Association Identifier Establish confirm OSAID
0 unknown Release request Cause
Release confirm Cause (opt)
Reset request OSAID CID
Reset confirm
Block confirm OSAID CID
OSAID: Originating Signal. Assoc. Id Block request
CID: Connection element Id. Confusion Cause
SSI: Service Specific Information
Unblock request OSAID CID
Unblock confirm
AAL2L3 Procedure Establish and Release

E.g. RNC MSC

Allocate
ESTABLISH REQUEST OSAID = x
Memorize
DSAID = x [ DSAID = 0, OSAID = x, CID, SSI ]
Allocate
OSAID = y ESTABLISH CONFIRM Memorize
DSAID = y
[ DSAID = x, OSAID = y ]
AAL type 2 connection established
RELEASE REQUEST
[ DSAID = y, Cause ]
RELEASE CONFIRM
Successful [ DSAID = x ]
Unsuccessful
ESTABLISH REQUEST
[ DSAID = 0, OSAID = n, CID, SSI ]
RELEASE CONFIRM
[ DSAID = n, Cause ]
Procedures on Iub and Iur Interface

Location Update on Iub

MOC on Iub
Soft Handover
SRNS Relocation
Location Update on Iub 1/3

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: TM, RACH ) RRC Connection Request

[ IMSI or TMSI, Cause=Registration ]

NBAP: Initiating Message [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Setup ]

NBAP: Successful Outcome [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Setup ]

AAL2L3: Establish Request ( DCCH )

AAL2L3: Establish Confirm

(DCCH) FP: UL DL SYNC

Location Update on Iub 2/3

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: UM, FACH ) RRC: RRC Connection Setup [ IMSI or TMSI ]

NBAP: Initiating Message [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Restoration ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: RRC Connection Setup Complete

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: LUREQ ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTREQ ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: UPLINK Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTRESP ]

Location Update on Iub 3/3

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Security Mode Command

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Security Mode Complete

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: LUACC ]

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC: RRC Connection Release

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC: RRC Connection Release Complete

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC: Radio Link Deletion

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC: RRC Connection Release Complete

AAL2L3: Release Request

AAL2L3: Release Confirm

Mobile Originating Call on Iub 1/5

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: TM, RACH ) RRC Connection Request

[ IMSI or TMSI, Cause=Originating Conversational Call ]

NBAP: Initiating Message [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Setup ]

NBAP: Successful Outcome [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Setup ]

AAL2L3: Establish Request ( DCCH )

AAL2L3: Establish Confirm

(DCCH) FP: UL DL SYNC

Mobile Originating Call on Iub 2/5

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: UM, FACH ) RRC: RRC Connection Setup [ IMSI or TMSI ]

NBAP: Initiating Message [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Restoration ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Measurement Control

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: RRC Connection Setup Complete

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: CMSREQ ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTREQ ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Uplink Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTRESP ]

Mobile Originating Call on Iub 3/5

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Security Mode Command

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Security Mode Complete

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Uplink Direct Transfer [ NAS: SETUP ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: CPROC ]

NBAP: Initiating Message

[ Procedure Code: Synchronised Radio Link Reconfiguration Preparation ]
NBAP: Successful Outcome
[ Procedure Code: Synchronised Radio Link Reconfiguration Preparation ]
AAL2L3: Establish Request ( DTCH )

AAL2L3: Establish Confirm

Mobile Originating Call on Iub 4/5

NodeB RNC

(DTCH) FP: UL DL SYNC

NBAP: Initiating Message

[ Procedure Code: Radio Link Reconfiguration Commit ]
( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Radio Bearer Setup

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Radio Bearer Setup Complete

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: ALERT ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: CONNECT ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Uplink Direct Transfer [ NAS: CONNECT ACK ]

--- End to end connection ---

Mobile Originating Call on Iub 5/5

NodeB RNC

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Uplink Direct Transfer [ NAS: DISC ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Downlink Direct Transfer [ NAS: RELEASE ]

( RLC-SAP: AM, DCCH ) RRC: Uplink Direct Transfer [ NAS: RELEASE COMP ]

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC: Connection Release

( RLC-SAP: UM, DCCH ) RRC: Connection Release Complete

NBAP: Initiating Message [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Deletion ]

NBAP: Successful Outcome [ Procedure Code: Radio Link Deletion ]

AAL2L3: Release Request ( DTCH )
AAL2L3: Release Confirm
AAL2L3: Release Request ( DCCH )
AAL2L3: Release Confirm
Soft Handover Link addition

New NodeB DRNC SRNC

RRC: Measurement Report

RNSAP: RL Setup Request

NBAP: RL Setup
NBAP: RL Setup Response
RNSAP: RL Setup Response

Iub Bearer Setup

UP FP: Downlink Synch.

UP FP: Uplink Synch.

RRC: Active Set Update (RL Addition)

RRC: Active Set Update Complete
Soft Handover Link deletion

NodeB DRNC SRNC

RRC: Measurement Report

RRC: Active Set Update (RL Deletion of NodeB)
RRC: Active Set Update Complete

RNSAP: RL Deletion Request

NBAP: RL Deletion

NBAP: RL Deletion Response

RNSAP: RL Deletion Response

Iub Bearer Release

SRNS Relocation

RNC-1 MSC RNC-2

User data flow via RNC-1
RANAP: Relocation Required
RANAP: Relocation Request
RANAP: Relocation Req Ack
RRC: Relocation Command
Data Forwarding
RNC-1 > RNC-2
RNSAP: SRNS Relocation Commit (optional)
RANAP: Relocation Detect

RRC Procedures
RANAP: Relocation Complete
RANAP: Iu Release Command
RANAP: Iu Release Complete

User data flow via RNC-2

Radio Network User Plane

Iu UP
AMR
RLP / TAF
PDCP
BMC
Iu User Plane Protocol

UTRAN Frame protocol for transmission of user data over Iu Interface.

Meet the needs of CS and PS domain user data traffic.
Independent of transport layer, i.e. not interface specific.
Two modes of operation:
Transparent mode
null-protocol
non-real time data in plain GTP-U format
Support mode
Support mode for predefined SDU size (SMpSDU)
Rate control, time alignment
Procedure control function, e.g. AMR speech data

Specified in 3GPP 25.415

Iu UP Transparent Mode

RNC SGSN

RANAP: RAB_Assignment
[ RAB-ID, UP-Mode = Transparent ]

RANAP: RAB_Assignment ack

[ RAB-ID ]
GTP-U:
GTP-U:

RANAP: Iu-Release
[ RAB-ID, Cause ]

RANAP: Iu-Release ack UP channel

[ RAB-ID ]
Iu UP Support Mode Data Frames

Transmission of data

PDU-Type = 0 FN FQC RFCI Header CRC Payload CRC Payload

PDU-Type = 1 FN FQC RFCI Header CRC Spare Payload

6-bit CRC 10-bit CRC data

Frame Number of header of data
0 - 15

RAB sub-Flow Combination Indicator

Frame Quality 1 AMR SID 5 AMR 6,7 kbit/s
Classification 2 AMR 4,75 kbit/s 6 AMR 7,4 kbit/s
0 Good frame 3 AMR 5,15 kbit/s 7 AMR 7,95 kbit/s
1 Bad frame 4 AMR 5,9 kbit/s 8 AMR 10,2 kbit/s
9 AMR 12,2 kbit/s

Note: UMTS AMR: PDU_Type 0 shall be used !

Iu UP Support Mode Control Frames

Transmission of control information

Ack Mode Procedure Header Payload

PDU-Type = 14 FN Procedure data
Nack Version Indicator CRC CRC

Procedure Indicator
0 Initialisation
1 Rate Control
2 Time Alignment
3 Error Event

Iu UP Mode Version
0 Version 1

15 Version 16

Acknowledge / Negative Acknowledge

0 Control procedure frame
1 ACK
2 NACK
Iu UP Support Mode simple message flow

RNC MSC

RANAP: RAB_Assignment
[ RAB-ID, UP-Mode = SMpSDU, Binding ID ]
RANAP: RAB_Assignment ack
[ RAB-ID ]
Iu UP PDU=14: Procedure-Initialisation
[ Sub-flow Indicator ]
Iu UP PDU=14: Acknowledge

Iu UP PDU=0: i.e. AMR

Iu UP PDU=0: i.e. AMR

RANAP: Iu-Release
[ RAB-ID, Cause ]
RANAP: Iu-Release ack UP channel, RAB
[ RAB-ID ]
Adaptive Multi-Rate Codec AMR

Multi-Rate speech coder

Source controlled rate scheme
8 source rates between 4,75 kBit/s and 12,2 kBit/s
changes are possible every 20 ms

Voice activity detector with comfort noice generation (Silence

Descriptor Frames, SID)
Two types of AMR frames:
AMR Interface Format 1 (IF1) used for standard speech transmission
in UMTS
AMR Interface Format 2 (IF2) used for ITU H series

Specified in 3GPP 26.101

AMR IF1 Frame Architecture

Header Auxiliary Information Core Frame (speech and comfort noice)

Frame Mode Mode Codec

FQI Class A bits Class B bits Class C bits
Type Indication Request CRC
very less leased
Mode Indication
important important important
Mode Request
data bits. data bits. data bits.
specifies AMR
codec mode
Values: 0-7 8-bit CRC
(see Frame Type) for error detection

Frame Quality Indicator

0 Bad frame, corrupted frame
1 Good frame
Frame Type
0 AMR 4,75 kbit/s 7 AMR 12,2 kbit/s
1 AMR 5,15 kbit/s 8 AMR SID
2 AMR 5,9 kbit/s 9 GSM-EFR SID
3 AMR 6,7 kbit/s
4 AMR 7,4 kbit/s
5 AMR 7,95 kbit/s
6 AMR 10,2 kbit/s
Signalling Part 3

System Network Layer

Circuit Switched:
Mobility Management and Call Control
control plane between CN nodes
Packet Switched:
Mobility and Session Management
control plane between CN nodes
Location Based Services
CS Mobility Management

Procedures well known from GSM

MM procedures to establish and release connections.
Transfer of Call Management (CM) sublayer messages.
MM common procedures for security functions, e.g.
Authentication procedure.
MM specific procedures for location functions like
Periodic location updating or IMSI attach procedure.
UE identified by IMSI or TMSI.

Specified in 3GPP 24.008

CS Call Control

Procedures well known from GSM

CC establishes and releases CC connections between UE and
CN.
Activation of voice/multimedia codec.
Based on 3G-324M, variant of H.324. See 3GPP 26.111.

Interworking with RANAP for establishment of a RAB.

CC SETUP QoS will be mapped onto RANAP RAB assignment.

Specified in 3GPP 24.008

CS MOC Example

MSC VLR
MM: CM Service Request
[ Mobile Identity, MS Classmark ]
MM: CM Service Accept
CC: Setup
[ Called Party Number, Bearer Capability ]
CC: Call Proceeding
MM: Authentication Request
MM: Authentication Response
CC: Alert
CC: Connect
CC: Connect Ack.
Call set-up
Call release CC: Disconnect [ Cause ]
CC: Relase
CC: Reease Complete
PS Mobility Management

Procedures well known from GPRS (GMM)

GMM protocol makes use of a signalling connection between UE and
SGSN.
GMM establishes and releases GMM contexts, e.g. GPRS Attach.
GMM specific procedures for location functions like
Periodic routing area updating.
New message implemented to provide service to CM sublayer on top
of GMM:
SERVICE REQUEST message
Initiated by UE, used to establish a secure connection to the network and
to request the bearer establishment for sending data.
UE identified by IMSI or P-TMSI

Specified in 3GPP 24.008

PS Session Management

Procedures well known from GPRS (SM)

Counterpart to CS CC protocol, i.e.
it is used to establish and release packet data sessions.
SM procedures to setup and release one or more
PDP contexts.
PDP Contexts are handled in UE and GGSN.
SGSN represents interworking function.

Specified in 3GPP 24.008

PS Activate PDP Context Example

SGSN

GMM: Service Request

[ Mobile Identity, MS Classmark ]
GMM: Service Accept

SM: Activate PDP Context Request

[ APN, Type of PDP-Address, QoS ]

SM: Activate PDP Context Accept

Connection [ PDP-Address, QoS ]
set-up
Connection
release SM: Deactivate PDP Context Request
SM: Deactivate PDP Context Accept
Iu Procedures

Location Update on IuCS

MOC on IuCS
MTC on IuCS
Attach on IuPS
PDP Context on IuPS
Location Update on IuCS 1/2

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

RRC Connection Request

NBAP: Radio Link Setup

AAL2L3: Establish
RRC Connection Setup

Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: LUREQ ]

CR RANAP: * Initial UE Message [ MM: LUREQ ]

CC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: AUTREQ ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTREQ ]
UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTRESP ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: AUTRESP ]

DT1 RANAP: * Common ID

Location Update on IuCS 2/2

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

Security Mode Command DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Security Mode Control ]

Security Mode Complete

DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Security Mode Control ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: LUACC ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: LUACC ]

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Iu Release ]

RRC Connection Release

NBAP: Radio Link Deletion

AAL2L3: Release DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Iu Release ]

RLSD

RLC
MOC on IuCS 1/4

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: CMSREQ ]

CR RANAP: * Initial UE Message [ MM: CMSREQ ]
CC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: AUTREQ ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTREQ ]
UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTRESP ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: AUTRESP ]

DT1 RANAP: * Common ID

Security Mode Command DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Security Mode Control ]

Security Mode Complete

DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Security Mode Control ]

UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: SETUP ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : SETUP ]
MOC on IuCS 2/4

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: CPROC ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: CPROC ]
DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ RAB Assignment ]
NBAP: Synchronised Radio Link
Reconfiguration Preparation

AAL2L3: Establish Request AAL2L3: Establish Request

AAL2L3: Establish Confirm AAL2L3: Establish Confirm

Iu UP: ProcCode [ Initialisation ]

Iu UP: Ack

Radio Bearer Setup

DT1 RANAP: Outcome [ RAB Assignment ]
MOC on IuCS 3/4

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : ALERT ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ALERT ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : CONNECT ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: CONNECT ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : CONN ACK ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: CONN ACK ]

Iu UP: Type 0 [ AMR data ]

Iu UP: Type 0 [ AMR data ]
Iu UP: Type 0 [ AMR data ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : DISC ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: DISC ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : RELEASE ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: RELEASE ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : REL COMP ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: REL COMP ]
MOC on IuCS 4/4

NodeB RNC MSC

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Iu Realease ]

RRC Connection Release

NBAP: Radio Link Deletion

AAL2L3: Relase ( DTCH )

AAL2L3: Relase ( DCCH )
DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Iu Release ]

AAL2L3: Release Request

AAL2L3: Release Confirm

RLSD

RLC
MTC on IuCS 1/5

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

UDT RANAP: Paging

( PCH ) Paging Type 1

RRC Connection Request

NBAP: Radio Link Setup

AAL2L3: Establish ( DCCH )

UL DL SYNC

RRC Connection Setup

RRC Connection Setup Comp

Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: PRES ]

CR RANAP: * Initial UE Message [ MM: PRES ]

CC
MTC on IuCS 2/5

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: AUTREQ ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTREQ ]
UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: AUTRESP ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ MM: AUTRESP ]

DT1 RANAP: * Common ID

Security Mode Command DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Security Mode Control ]

Security Mode Complete

DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Security Mode Control ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : SETUP ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: SETUP ]

UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: CCONF ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : CCONF ]
MTC on IuCS 3/5

NodeB RNC MSC

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ RAB Assignment ]

Synchronised Radio Link
Reconfiguration Preparation

AAL2L3: Establish Request AAL2L3: Establish Request

AAL2L3: Establish Confirm AAL2L3: Establish Confirm

Iu UP: ProcCode [ Initialisation ]

NBAP: Radio Bearer Setup Iu UP: Ack

DT1 RANAP: Outcome [ RAB Assignment ]

MTC on IuCS 4/5

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ALERT ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ CC: ALERT ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: CONNECT ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ CC: CONNECT ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: CONN ACK ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ CC: CONN ACK ]

Iu UP: Type 0 [ AMR data ]

Iu UP: Type 0 [ AMR data ]
Iu UP: Type 0 [ AMR data ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : DISC ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: DISC ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : RELEASE ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: RELEASE ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [CC : REL COMP ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: REL COMP ]
MTC on IuCS 5/5

NodeB RNC MSC

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Iu Realease ]

RRC Connection Release

NBAP: Radio Link Deletion

AAL2L3: Relase ( DTCH )

AAL2L3: Relase ( DCCH )
DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Iu Release ]

AAL2L3: Release Request

AAL2L3: Release Confirm

RLSD

RLC
Attach on IuPS 1/2

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC SGSN

RRC Connection Request

NBAP: Radio Link Setup

AAL2L3: Establish
RRC Connection Setup

Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: ATRQ ]

CR RANAP: * Initial UE Message [ GMM: ATRQ ]

CC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ GMM: ACRQ ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ACRQ ]
UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ACRE ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ GMM: ACRE ]
Attach on IuPS 2/2

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

Security Mode Command DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Security Mode Control ]

Security Mode Complete

DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Security Mode Control ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ GMM: ATAC ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ATAC ]

UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ACOM ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ GMM: ACOM ]

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Iu Release ]

RRC Connection Release

NBAP: Radio Link Deletion

AAL2L3: Release DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Iu Release ]

RLSD
RLC
PDP Context on IuPS 1/3

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

Initial Direct Transfer [ NAS: SREQ ]

CR RANAP: * Initial UE Message [ GMM: SREQ ]
CC

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ GMM: ACRQ ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ACRQ ]
UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: ACRE ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ GMM: ACRE ]

DT1 RANAP: * Common ID

Security Mode Command DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Security Mode Control ]

Security Mode Complete

DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Security Mode Control ]
PDP Context on IuPS 2/3

* : Initiating Message
NodeB RNC MSC

UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: APCR ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [SM : APCR ]

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ RAB Assignment ]

NBAP: Synchronised Radio Link
Reconfiguration Preparation

AAL2L3: Establish

NBAP: Radio Bearer Setup

DT1 RANAP: Outcome [ RAB Assignment ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ SM : APCA ]

DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: APCA ]

Application data flow

on dedicated VPI/VCI
using AAL5
PDP Context on IuPS 3/3

NodeB RNC MSC

UL Direct Transfer [ NAS: DPCR ]

DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [SM : DPCR ]
DT1 RANAP: * Direct Transfer [ SM : DPCA ]
DL Direct Transfer [ NAS: DPCA ]

DT1 RANAP: InitiatingMsg [ Iu Realease ]

RRC Connection Release

NBAP: Radio Link Deletion

AAL2L3: Relase ( DTCH )

AAL2L3: Relase ( DCCH )
DT1 RANAP: SuccOutcome [ Iu Release ]

RLSD

RLC
CS-Control Plane between CN nodes

Standard SS#7 protocols are used as control plane transport layers.

For circuit switched procedures ISDN user part is used to setup
connections and to control the traffic channel.
Procedures for network specific functions are handled by the MAP
protocol, known from GSM/GPRS.
Procedures for subscriber specific functions are handled by INAP and
CAP protocol, also know from GSM/GPRS.
More or less old specification numbers are used. Version number will
indicate the type of network standard
(GSM, GPRS or UMTS)
MAP Protocol architecture

MAP represents the application layer

uses TCAP as presentation and session layer
uses SCCP as transport and network layer
Enhancements for UMTS:
support of new UMTS Algorithms
support of new references, e.g. RAB-ID, RNC-ID
support of Location Service Management
MAP-SEND-ROUTING-INFO-FOR-LCS
MAP-PROVIDE-SUBSCRIBER-LOCATION
MAP-SUBSCRIBER-LOCATION-REPORT

Specified in 3GPP 29.002

MAP Interfaces

UE location, UE features,
subscription information HLR AuC
EIR

MSC VLR Check of MS Identity

SMSC
GMSC
IWMSC
GMLC

SGSN SLR Transport of SMS

CAMEL Application Part

Customised Application for Mobile network Enhanced Logic

represents an international INAP, i.e. Service Switching Function
(SSF) and Service Control Function (SCF) can be located in different
networks
uses same protocol stack as MAP
compatible to INAP Capability Set 1 (CS1)
example of usage: Roaming pre-paid customer credit control
gsmSCF
CAP
Specified in 3GPP 29.078
SGSN
MSC gprsSSF
gsmSSF

IP, DSS1, ISUP

SRF
PS-Control Plane between CN nodes

On the PS-CS interworking interfaces standard SS#7 transport

protocols with MAP, INAP or CAP on top are used.
On the GSN interworking control plane interfaces the GPRS
Tunneling Protocol (GTP-C) is used.
SGSN-GGSN: Create, modify and deletion of PDP Context
SGSN-SGSN: Exchange of UE specific information

On the GSN user plane interfaces GTP-U is used.

Transport of application data packets (IP, PPP)
GPRS Tunneling Protocol Interfaces

Three types of GTP protocols

1. GTP Control Plane
2. GTP User Plane
3. GTP
CGF
3.
2.

UTRAN SGSN GGSN

1. + 2.

SGSN

2.

UTRAN SGSN
other PLMN
GTP

Tunnel is identified by Tunnel Endpoint Identifier

C-Plane: TID-C; U-Plane: TID-D (Data)
GTP-C:
Establish, management and release of user specific tunnels between
GSNs for exchange of signalling information.
supports creation, modification and deletion of PDP Contexts
supports mobility management (relocation of RNC)

GTP-U:
Transport of application data

GTP:
Transport of charging data records from SGSN and GGSN to Charging
Gateway.

Specified in 3GPP 29.060

GTP C and U Example

SGSN GGSN
GTP-C-TM: Create PDP Context Request
[ TID-C, DL-TID-D, MSISDN, NSAPI, APN, PDP-Info ]

GTP-C-TM: Create PDP Context Response

[ TID-C, UL-TID-D, PDP-Address, Cause ]

GTP-U: Tunnel-PDU
[ UL-TID-D, ]
GTP-U: Tunnel-PDU
[ UL-TID-D, ]
GTP-U: Tunnel-PDU
PDP Context [ DL-TID-D, ]
set-up
PDP Context
release GTP-C-TM: Delete PDP Context Request
[ TID-C, NSAPI, Teardown Ind ]

GTP-C-TM: Delete PDP Context Response

[ TID-C, Cause ]
GTP Example

GTP: Data Record GTP: Data Record

SGSN Transfer Request CGF Transfer Request GGSN
CDR CDR

GTP: Data Record GTP: Data Record

Transfer Response Transfer Response

Attach
M-CDR
BS
Activate PDP
S-CDR
Context G-CDR +
Create PDP Context
creation of C-ID
MO-SMS
S-SMO-CDR

MT-SMS
S-SMT-CDR