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Interoperability Between GSM and Wcdmagbss14004 PDF
Interoperability Between GSM and Wcdmagbss14004 PDF
GBSS14.0
Issue 04
Date 2013-04-12
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Contents
1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope..................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Intended Audience..............................................................................................................................................2
1.3 Change History...................................................................................................................................................2
2 Overview.........................................................................................................................................5
3 Iur-g Interface Between GSM and WCDMA...........................................................................6
4 Measurement of Neighboring WCDMA Cells........................................................................7
5 GSM/WCDMA Inter-RAT Cell Reselection............................................................................9
5.1 Cell Reselection from WCDMA to GSM.........................................................................................................10
5.1.1 Cell Reselection from WCDMA to GSM for MSs in Idle Mode............................................................10
5.1.2 WCDMA-to-GSM NACC.......................................................................................................................10
5.2 Cell Reselection from GSM to WCDMA.........................................................................................................11
5.2.1 Cell Reselection Based on Cell Ranking.................................................................................................11
5.2.2 Optimized GSM-to-WCDMA Cell Reselection in Packet Transfer Mode.............................................12
5.2.3 Fast WCDMA Reselection at 2G CS Call Release.................................................................................13
5.2.4 NC2 between GSM and WCDMA..........................................................................................................15
5.2.5 Forced NC2 Between GSM and WCDMA.............................................................................................20
5.3 BSC supporting Blind Search...........................................................................................................................21
7.1.2 Procedure.................................................................................................................................................29
7.2 GSM-to-WCDMA PS Handover......................................................................................................................31
7.2.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................31
7.2.2 Procedure.................................................................................................................................................33
8 Related Features...........................................................................................................................36
9 Impact on the Network...............................................................................................................40
9.1 GSM/WCDMA Interoperability.......................................................................................................................40
9.1.1 Impact on System Capacity.....................................................................................................................40
9.1.2 Impact on Network Performance.............................................................................................................40
9.2 GSM/WCDMA Service Based Handover........................................................................................................40
9.2.1 Impact on System Capacity.....................................................................................................................40
9.2.2 Impact on Network Performance.............................................................................................................40
9.3 GSM/WCDMA Load Based Handover............................................................................................................40
9.3.1 Impact on System Capacity.....................................................................................................................41
9.3.2 Impact on Network Performance.............................................................................................................41
9.4 2G/3G Cell Reselection Based on MS State....................................................................................................41
9.4.1 Impact on System Capacity.....................................................................................................................41
9.4.2 Impact on Network Performance.............................................................................................................41
9.5 BSC supporting Blind Search...........................................................................................................................41
9.5.1 Impact on System Capacity.....................................................................................................................41
9.5.2 Impact on Network Performance.............................................................................................................41
9.6 Fast WCDMA Reselection at 2G CS Call Release..........................................................................................41
9.6.1 Impact on System Capacity.....................................................................................................................41
9.6.2 Impact on Network Performance.............................................................................................................42
10 Engineering Guidelines...........................................................................................................43
10.1 When to Use Interoperability Between GSM and WCDMA.........................................................................43
10.1.1 GSM/WCDMA Interoperability............................................................................................................43
10.1.2 GSM/WCDMA Service Based Handover.............................................................................................43
10.1.3 GSM/WCDMA Load Based Handover.................................................................................................43
10.1.4 2G/3G Cell Reselection Based on MS State.........................................................................................44
10.1.5 BSC supporting Blind Search................................................................................................................44
10.1.6 Fast WCDMA Reselection at 2G CS Call Release...............................................................................44
10.2 Information to Be Collected...........................................................................................................................44
10.2.1 GSM/WCDMA Interoperability............................................................................................................44
10.2.2 GSM/WCDMA Service Based Handover.............................................................................................44
10.2.3 GSM/WCDMA Load Based Handover.................................................................................................44
10.2.4 2G/3G Cell Reselection Based on MS State.........................................................................................44
10.2.5 BSC supporting Blind Search................................................................................................................45
10.2.6 Fast WCDMA Reselection at 2G CS Call Release...............................................................................45
10.3 Network Planning...........................................................................................................................................45
10.3.1 GSM/WCDMA Interoperability............................................................................................................45
11 Parameters...................................................................................................................................50
12 Counters....................................................................................................................................134
13 Glossary.....................................................................................................................................152
14 Reference Documents.............................................................................................................153
1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
This document describes the Interoperability Between GSM and WCDMA feature, including
its technical description, feature dependencies, network impact, and engineering guidelines. The
technical description includes measurement of neighboring WCDMA cells, GSM/WCDMA
inter-RAT cell reselection, and GSM/WCDMA inter-RAT CS/PS handover.
The Interoperability Between GSM and WCDMA feature involves the following features:
l Personnel who need to understand the Interoperability Between GSM and WCDMA feature
l Personnel who work with Huawei GSM products
l Feature change: refers to a change in the Interoperability Between GSM and WCDMA
feature of a specific product version.
l Editorial change: refers to a change in wording or the addition of information that was not
described in the earlier version.
Document Issues
The document issues are as follows:
l 04 (2013-04-12)
l 03 (2012-12-31)
l 02 (2012-08-30)
l 01 (2012-04-28)
l Draft A (2012-02-15)
04 (2013-04-12)
This is the fourth release of GBSS14.0. Compared with issue 03 (2012-12-31) of GBSS14.0,
issue 04 (2013-04-12) of GBSS14.0 incorporates the changes described in the following table
03 (2012-12-31)
This is the third release of GBSS14.0. Compared with issue 02 (2012-08-30) of GBSS14.0, issue
03(2012-12-31) of GBSS14.0 incorporates the changes described in the following table
02 (2012-08-30)
This is the second release of GBSS14.0.
Compared with issue 01 (2012-04-28) of GBSS14.0, issue 02 (2012-08-30) of GBSS14.0
incorporates the changes described in the following table.
01 (2012-04-28)
This is the first release of GBSS14.0.
Compared with issue draft A (2012-02-15) of GBSS14.0, issue 01 (2012-04-28) of GBSS14.0
has no change.
Draft A (2012-02-15)
This is a draft.
Compared with issue 01 (2011-03-31) of GBSS13.0, draft A (2012-02-15) of GBSS14.0
incorporates the changes described in the following table.
2 Overview
WCDMA and GSM will coexist for a long time. Therefore, Huawei GSM BSS provides GSM/
WCDMA interoperability, which allows inter-RAT handovers and inter-RAT cell reselections
between GSM and WCDMA.
GSM/WCDMA interoperability supports smooth evolution from GSM to WCDMA, which
helps reduce operators' capital expenditure (CAPEX). This feature provides operators with both
WCDMA and GSM networks complete support for a seamless coverage from GSM to WCDMA.
For example, with the cell reselection or handover function, operators can keep providing
services for a dual-mode MS that moves away from the WCDMA coverage, thereby improving
user experience.
In areas covered by both GSM and WCDMA networks, Interoperability between GSM and
WCDMA balances traffic loads between two networks. For example, when the traffic load in a
GSM cell is too high, Interoperability between GSM and WCDMA can hand over some calls in
the GSM cell to a WCDMA cell.
Interoperability between GSM and WCDMA also allows operators to set different service access
policies in areas covered by both GSM and WCDMA networks. For example, GSM is
preferentially selected for handling CS services and WCDMA for PS services.
NOTE
All MSs mentioned in this document are multi-mode MSs that support both GSM and WCDMA.
Load information exchange is a prerequisite for the Interoperability Between GSM and
WCDMA feature. Load information exchange consists of the following types:
l Load information exchange through the core network (CN): Load information, which is
carried in the information elements (IEs) in the signaling for handovers, is exchanged
between the GSM BSC over the A interface and the WCDMA RNC over the Iu interface.
In this situation, load information exchanges irregularly. Therefore, unnecessary handover
attempts may occur.
l Load information exchange through the Iur-g interface: Load information is exchanged
between the GSM BSC and the WCDMA RNC through the Iur-g interface instead of the
CN. Through the Iur-g interface, the GSM BSC and WCDMA RNC can exchange load
information with each other by performing information exchange and common
measurement. This simplifies the GSM/WCDMA interoperability procedure, shortens the
handover delay, and increases the handover success rate.
Figure 3-1 shows the position of the Iur-g interface on a network.
To support cell reselection and handover from GSM to WCDMA, the BSS sends the neighboring
WCDMA cell list and parameters for cell reselection and handover through system information
(SI) to MSs. MSs then measure neighboring WCDMA cells based on the received information.
SI consists of SI2quater and Measurement Information. SI2quater is sent on the BCCH, and
Measurement Information is sent on the SACCH. The Send2QuterFlag parameter specifies
whether to send SI2quater.
MSs in GSM cells measure both the signal level of neighboring GSM cells and the signal quality
of neighboring WCDMA cells. The BSS controls the neighboring cell measurement to avoid
unnecessary measurements and reduce the power consumption of MSs. MSs in idle mode or
packet transfer mode can perform inter-RAT cell reselection. MSs in dedicated mode can
perform inter-RAT handover. Operators can set different measurement parameters for MSs
operating in different modes.
When an MS is in idle mode, it determines whether to measure information about neighboring
WCDMA cells based on the value of QI and the receive level of the serving cell. The conditions
for triggering measurement depend on the value of QI.
l If QI is set to a value within the range of 0 to 6, the measurement is triggered when the
receive level of the serving cell is lower than QI.
l If QI is set to a value within the range of 8 to 14, the measurement is triggered when the
receive level of the serving cell is higher than QI.
l If QI is set to 7, MSs always measure neighboring WCDMA cell information.
l If QI is set to 15, MSs do not measure neighboring WCDMA cell information.
Normally, MSs in packet transfer mode determine whether to measure the information about
neighboring WCDMA cells according to the value of QI and the receive level of the serving
cell. If any of the following conditions are met, MSs in packet transfer mode determine whether
to measure neighboring WCDMA cell information based on the value of QP and the receive
level of the serving cell.
l The GSM cell has a PBCCH, and QP is broadcast on the PBCCH.
l The serving GSM cell does not have a PBCCH but QP is broadcast on the BCCH. In
addition, MSs have received the Packet Cell Change Order message or the Packet
Measurement Order message that carries the GPRS cell reselection parameters of one or
more WCDMA cells.
5.1.1 Cell Reselection from WCDMA to GSM for MSs in Idle Mode
When an MS moves to the GSM coverage area and reselects a GSM cell, the MS initiates a
location update to the GSM network if the location area is changed. The GSM network handles
the location update regardless of whether the MS is from a WCDMA cell.
In the BSS, the cell reselection procedure from WCDMA to GSM is the same as that between
GSM cells. Therefore, this procedure is not described in this document.
After the RNC determines that an MS should reselect a GSM cell, it sends a Cell Change Order
From UTRAN message to the MS. If the WCDMA-to-GSM NACC procedure is applied, the
Cell Change Order From UTRAN message carries the IE "Geran System Information" that
contains the SI1, SI3, and SI13 of the target GSM cell.
Before performing WCDMA-to-GSM NACC, the RNC obtains the SI of the target GSM cell
through the RAN Information Management (RIM) procedure. The RIM procedure consists of
SI request and SI update procedures.
l SI request procedure: This procedure is initiated by the source RNC, requesting the SI about
the target GSM cell.
l SI update procedure: This procedure is initiated by the target BSC, instructing the source
RNC to update the SI about the target GSM cell.
After receiving the Cell Change Order From UTRAN message, the MS leaves the WCDMA cell
and reselects the GSM cell. After the cell reselection is complete, the MS uses the SI about the
target GSM cell in the initial packet access procedure. In this manner, the period of packet service
disruption is shortened.
During the WCDMA-to-GSM NACC procedure, the RIM procedure must be supported on the
Gb interface. To support the RIM procedure, the BSC must be configured with the RIMSUP
parameter for the NSE to indicate whether the RIM procedure is supported.
QI is the start level for measuring neighboring WCDMA cells. In the NC0 or NC1 cell reselection
for MSs in idle or packet transfer mode, MSs start to search for neighboring WCDMA cells
when the level of the serving cell is lower than the value of QI (when QI is set to a value within
the range of 0 to 6) or higher than the value of QI (when QI is set to a value within the range of
8 to 14). When QI is set to 7, MSs always search for neighboring WCDMA cells.
Ec/No and Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) of the Common Pilot Channel (CPICH) are
commonly used during neighboring WCDMA cell measurement. An MS starts GSM-to-
WCDMA cell reselections if the following conditions are met and last for more than five seconds:
In WCDMA, Ec/No is the ratio of energy per modulating bit to the noise spectral density. It is equivalent
to C/I in GSM.
Where,
l RLA_C is the average receive level. In a GSM-to-WCDMA cell reselection, the RSCP of
the neighboring WCDMA cell must meet the following requirements:
– RSCP > Average receive level of the serving cell + FDDQOFF
– RSCP > Receive level of each neighboring GSM cell + FDDQOFF
l FDDQOFF is the receive level difference between the candidate WCDMA cell and the
serving GSM cell. This parameter is a key factor for controlling the GSM-to-WCDMA cell
reselection. The greater the value of FDDQOFF is, the more difficult it is for the GSM-
to-WCDMA cell reselection condition to be met, and more MSs will camp on the GSM
cell.
l FDDQMIN is the minimum Ec/No threshold for GSM-to-WCDMA cell reselection. The
greater the value of FDDQMIN is, the more difficult it is to meet the cell reselection
condition. FDDQMINOFFSET is offset of the minimum Ec/No threshold for GSM-to-
WCDMA cell reselection. An MS determines the minimum receive level of a candidate
WCDMA cell for cell reselection based on FDDQMIN and FDDQMINOFFSET. That
is, FDDQMIN and FDDQMINOFFSETdo not determine the cell reselection from GSM
to WCDMA directly but guarantee the signal quality of the candidate WCDMA cell.
l FDD_RSCP_threshold is calculated as follows:
– If FDD_RSCPmin is broadcast in the serving cell, then FDD_RSCP_threshold =
FDDRSCPMIN - min((P_MAX - 21 dBm), 3 dB).
– If FDD_RSCPmin is not broadcast in the serving cell and Qrxlevmin and
Pcompensation can be obtained in the serving cell, then FDD_RSCP_threshold =
Qrxlevmin + Pcompensation + 10 dB.
– If FDD_RSCPmin is not broadcast in the serving cell and Qrxlevmin and
Pcompensation cannot be obtained in the serving cell, then FDD_RSCP_threshold =
-102dBm (the default value of FDD_RSCPmin).
Where,
– P_MAX is the maximum RF output power of an MS in a WCDMA cell.
– Qrxlevmin is the minimum required RX level in a WCDMA cell.
– Pcompensation is max(UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH – P_MAX, 0).
– UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH is the maximum TX power level an MS may use when
accessing a WCDMA cell on RACH.
– FDDRSCPMIN is used to calculate the FDD_RSCP_threshold of the target cell for a
GSM-to-WCDMA cell reselection.
If multiple WCDMA cells meet the cell reselection conditions, the MS selects the cell with the
highest RSCP as the target cell.
The GSM-to-WCDMA cell reselection cannot be triggered within five seconds after the
WCDMA-to-GSM cell reselection. In case of a cell reselection occurring within the previous
15 seconds, FDDQOFF is increased by 5 dB.
If both the conditions for the GSM-to-WCDMA cell reselection and those for the GSM-to-GSM
cell reselection are met, the MS selects a WCDMA cell as the target cell.
An MS in packet transfer mode searches for neighboring FDD cells based on the value of the
Qsearch_P IE contained in the PACKET MEASUREMENT ORDER message. If an MS does
not obtain the Qsearch_P IE, the MS searches for neighboring FDD cells based on the value of
the Qsearch_I IE. The value of Qsearch_P is specified by the QP parameter. When QP is set to
15, MSs in packet transfer mode are not allowed to reselect to an neighboring FDD cell.
Overview
When an MS terminates a call in the GSM network, it camps on the cell in which the call is
released and then starts neighboring cell measurement. When a neighboring WCDMA cell meets
the requirements for cell reselection, the MS reselects the WCDMA cell. The WCDMA cell
reselection is initiated after the MS receives the SI and performs the related calculation.
When the feature Fast WCDMA Reselection at 2G CS Call Release is activated, the BSS selects
the best neighboring WCDMA cell based on the measurement information after the MS in a
GSM cell terminates a CS call. Then, the BSS sends the MS the cell information through the
Channel Release message, instructing the MS to camp on that WCDMA cell. With this feature,
an MS can camp on a WCDMA cell without performing cell reselection decisions, accelerating
cell reselection. This feature allows the MS to camp on the WCDMA cell for a longer period.
In addition, the number of location area updates is reduced, and the paging success rate is
increased, increasing the revenue of operators in the WCDMA network.
NOTE
The WCDMA network in this document refers to the UTRAN FDD. FDD stands for frequency division
duplex (FDD).
Procedure
After an MS in a GSM cell releases a CS call, the BSC sends the MS a Channel Release message
that carries the IE "Cell selection indicator after release of all TCH and SDCCH". This IE carries
the neighboring WCDMA cell information, facilitating the MS to reselect a WCDMA cell. This
feature needs the support of both the network and the MS.
Figure 5-2 shows the cell reselection procedure for an MS-terminated call.
1. After receiving a Release Complete message from the MS, the MSC sends a Clear Command
message to the BSC, instructing the BSC to release the occupied resources on the A and Um
interfaces.
2. The BSC sends a Channel Release message to the MS, instructing the MS to release the TCH
or SDCCH on the Um interface. The Channel Release message may carry the IE "Cell selection
indicator after release of all TCH and SDCCH", which contains the information about the target
neighboring WCDMA cell.
If... Then...
The information about neighboring The BSC carries the information (including
WCDMA cells is carried in a measurement FDD-ARFCN and FDD_CELL_INFORMA-
report (MR) TION) about the best neighboring WCDMA
cell in the Channel Release message,
instructing the MS to reselect that
neighboring WCDMA cell.
No neighboring WCDMA cell information is The BSC does not carry the IE "Cell selection
carried in an MR or the value of indicator after release of all TCH and
CELLSELECTAFTERCALLREL is NO SDCCH" in the Channel Release message.
(No)
3. After receiving the Channel Release message, the MS releases the main signaling link. Then,
the MS sends a DISC frame to the BTS, instructing the BTS to release the TCH or SDCCH.
If... Then...
The Channel Release message contains the IE The MS attempts to camp on the cell indicated
"Cell selection indicator after release of all in the Channel Release message.
TCH and SDCCH"
The Channel Release message does not The MS attempts to camp on the cell where
contain the IE "Cell selection indicator after the TCH or SDCCH is already released.
release of all TCH and SDCCH"
5. If step 4 fails, the MS performs a normal cell reselection procedure to camp on any appropriate
cells.
Figure 5-3 Procedure for NC2 cell reselection between GSM and WCDMA
1. An MS in the GPRS Mobility Management (GMM) Ready state periodically sends Packet
Measurement Report messages or Packet Enhanced Measurement Report messages to the
BSC. These MRs contain the RSCP of neighboring WCDMA cells.
2. After receiving a packet MR, the BSC processes the measurement results. Then, the BSC
determines whether to perform a cell reselection.
3. If the BSC determines to initiate a cell reselection, it sends the Packet Cell Change Order
message to the MS to instruct the MS to reselect the specified target WCDMA cell. Target
cell reselection is based on the NC2 cell reselection algorithm.
4. If a cell reselection fails, the MS sends the Packet Cell Change Failure message to the BSC.
After receiving this message, the BSC subtracts PENALTYRXLEV from the receive level
of the target cell. If the receive level of the target cell is less than PENALTYRXLEV, the
BSC sets the receive level of the target cell to 0.
The NC2 cell reselection algorithms include the service-based NC2 cell reselection
algorithm, quality-based NC2 cell reselection algorithm, and load-based NC2 cell
reselection algorithm.
Table 5-1 lists the values of Service UTRAN CCO Value part and their meanings.
Table 5-1 Values of Service UTRAN CCO Value part and their meanings
Coding Bits Meaning
If the value of Service UTRAN CCO Value part is 000, the MS triggers a service-based cell
reselection and selects the neighboring WCDMA cell with the highest receive level.
If no neighboring WCDMA cell is available, the MS proceeds to perform a quality-based, load-
based, or coverage-based NC2 cell reselection.
l Receive level of the neighboring GSM candidate cell > Max(Receive level of the serving
cell, MINACCRXLEV) + RESELHYST.
l Measured RSCP of the neighboring WCDMA cell > FDDRSCPQUALTHRSH.
l When NC2LoadResel is set to Support(Support), the neighboring GSM candidate cells
under the same BSC are not congested.
l When Service UTRAN CCO Value part is set to 010 or 001, none of the neighboring
WCDMA cells is selected as the target cell.
Then, the highest level candidate cell within the highest priority cells is selected as the target
cell. If a neighboring WCDMA cell is selected, an NC2 cell reselection from GSM to WCDMA
is triggered.
When the serving cell is overloaded and the receive level in this cell is lower than
LOADRESELMAXRXLEV, load-based NC2 cell reselection is triggered.
l If the channel multiplexing rate of a cell is higher than LOADRESELSTARTTHRSH, the
cell load is heavy. Then, the load-based NC2 cell reselection should be enabled.
l In a load-based NC2 cell reselection, only the MS whose signal level is lower than
LOADRESELMAXRXLEV can be reselected to a neighboring cell.
In load-based NC2 cell reselection, the cell with the highest priority is selected as the target cell
from the candidate GSM cells. The priority of a cell is determined by its receive level and
characteristics information such as cell type, and support for EDGE. Alternatively, the candidate
WCDMA cell with the highest receive level is selected as the target cell. If NC2LoadResel is
set to Support(Support), the characteristics information about a cell also includes the load of
GSM candidate cells under the same BSC.
In load-based NC2 cell reselection, a candidate cell must meet the following conditions:
l Receive level of the neighboring GSM cell > Max(Receive level of the serving cell,
MINACCRXLEV) + RESELHYST.
l Measured RSCP of the neighboring WCDMA cell > FDDRSCPQUALTHRSH.
l When NC2LoadResel is set to Support(Support), the neighboring GSM candidate cells
under the same BSC are not congested.
l When Service UTRAN CCO Value part is set to 010 or 001, none of the neighboring
WCDMA cells can be selected as the candidate cell.
Then, the highest level candidate cell within the highest priority cells is selected as the target
cell. If a neighboring WCDMA cell is selected, an NC2 cell reselection from GSM to WCDMA
is triggered.
When none of the conditions for initiating a service-based, quality-based, and load-based NC2
cell reselection are met and the P/N criterion for initiating a coverage-based NC2 cell reselection
is met, a coverage-based NC2 cell reselection is initiated.
The P/N criterion for initiating a coverage-based NC2 cell reselection is as follows: In the period
specified by RESELWATCHPERIOD, the number of times that the receive level of the serving
cell is lower than the value of MINACCRXLEV reaches the value of
RESELWORSENLEVTHRSH.
In coverage-based NC2 cell reselection, the cell with the highest priority is selected as the target
cell from the candidate GSM cells. The priority of a cell is determined by its receive level and
characteristics information such as cell type, and support for EDGE. Or, the candidate WCDMA
cell with the highest receive level is selected as the target cell. If NC2LoadResel is set to Support
(Support), the characteristics information about a cell also includes the load of the GSM
candidate cells under the same BSC.
In coverage-based NC2 cell reselection, a candidate cell must meet the following conditions:
l Receive level of the neighboring GSM candidate cell > Max(Receive level of the serving
cell, MINACCRXLEV) + RESELHYST.
l Measured RSCP of the neighboring WCDMA candidate cell >
FDDRSCPQUALTHRSH.
l When NC2LoadResel is set to Support(Support), the neighboring GSM candidate cell
under the same BSC are not congested.
l When Service UTRAN CCO Value part is set to 010 or 001, none of the neighboring
WCDMA cells can be selected as the candidate cell.
Then, the highest level candidate cell within the highest priority cells is selected as the target
cell. If a neighboring WCDMA cell is selected, an NC2 cell reselection from GSM to WCDMA
is triggered.
these MSs support this function. If these MSs support this function, the BSC sends a Packet
Measurement Order message to these MSs. The Packet Measurement Order message
contains NC2 and the inter-RAT measurement control parameters,
includingPsBestFddCellNum, PsFddCellRptOff, PsFddCellRptThd,
PsFddRptThr2Ecno, and PsFddRptThr2Rscp.
2. NC2 decision
Using the MRs sent by the MS, the BSC makes the GSM/WCDMA NC2 decision and
selects a target neighboring WCDMA cell that meets the following condition:
Measured RSCP of the neighboring WCDMA cell > FDDRSCPQUALTHRSH
The BSC checks the PS service duration for the MS. If the service duration is greater than
the value of FddReselTimeThd and the MS is still in packet transfer mode, the BSC
instructs the MS to reselect a WCDMA cell.
The WCDMA/TD-SCDMA frequencies configured by running the BSC6900 MML command SET
GCELL3GARFCN are preferentially used. The detailed explanation is as follows:
l If WCDMA/TD-SCDMA frequencies have been configured by running the BSC6900 MML command
SET GCELL3GARFCN, the BSC sends the information about the configured frequencies to the MS
regardless of whether WCDMA/TD-SCDMA frequencies are configured by running the BSC6900
MML command SET G3GARFCN.
l If WCDMA/TD-SCDMA frequencies have not been configured by running the BSC6900 MML
command SET GCELL3GARFCN, the BSC sends the WCDMA/TD-SCDMA frequencies
configured by running the BSC6900 MML command SET G3GARFCN to the MS.
6.2.1 Overview
Handover from GSM to WCDMA is supported when INTERRATOUTBSCHOEN is set to
YES(Yes).
The BSS determines whether to initiate an inter-RAT handover from GSM to WCDMA. The
process is as follows:
1. An MS in dedicated mode obtains the neighboring WCDMA cell list and other information
from measurement information.
2. The MS reports the measurement result to the BSS through an MR.
3. After receiving the measurement result, the BSS determines whether to initiate a handover
based on the measurement result and the handover algorithm.
Inter-RAT handover from GSM to WCDMA can be classified into emergency handover and
better 3G cell handover. The algorithm for emergency handover from GSM to WCDMA is the
same as that for general emergency handover. For details, see the Handover Feature Parameter
Description.
In the GSM network, the HOOPTSEL parameter specifies whether a GSM cell or a WCDMA
cell is preferentially selected as the target cell.
Better 3G cell handover can be performed only when both INTERRATOUTBSCHOEN and
BET3GHOEN are set to YES(Yes). As the measurement result of a WCDMA cell can be
reported in the format of RSCP or Ec/No, the methods for handover decision differ accordingly.
l When the value of FDDREP is RSCP(RSCP), the better 3G cell handover is triggered if
during HOSTAT3G, the following condition is met for the period specified by
HODURT3G:
l When the value of FDDREP is EcN0(Ec/N0), the better 3G cell handover is triggered if
the following condition is met for the period specified by HODURT3Gwithin
HOSTAT3G:
CPICH Ec/No > HOECNOTH3G
6.3.1 Overview
Operators can provide more diversified services when GSM and WCDMA coexist in a mixed
network. Services of different types can be carried on different networks to optimize the
utilization of resources. For example, voice services and low-rate data services are carried on
the GSM network, and high-rate data services are carried on the WCDMA network to allow
high peak throughput.
6.3.2 Procedure
If INTERRATOUTBSCHOEN is set to YES(Yes), the BSC applies different handover
algorithms for MSs to be handed over from a GSM cell to a WCDMA cell according to the
setting of InterRatServiceLoadHoSwitch.
l If InterRatServiceLoadHoSwitch is set to CnService-based(CN Service-based), the BSC
processes handovers according to the service handover attributes of the core network (CN)
as follows:
– If the service handover indicator of the CN is Handover to UTRAN or cdma2000
should be performed, the MS should be handed over to a WCDMA cell. In this case,
the BSC selects a WCDMA cell from the neighboring cell list as the target cell and
starts the handover from GSM to WCDMA.
– If the service handover indicator of the CN is Handover to UTRAN or cdma2000
should not be performed, a GSM cell should be preferentially selected as the serving
cell. In this case, the BSC does not start the handover from GSM to WCDMA. If a
handover is required during the call, a GSM cell is preferentially selected as the target
cell.
– If the service handover indicator of the CN is Handover to UTRAN or cdma2000
shall not be performed, the MS must not be handed over to a WCDMA cell. In this
case, the BSC will not hand over the MS to a WCDMA cell, and selects only a GSM
cell as the target cell if a handover is required.
l If InterRatServiceLoadHoSwitch is set to Service-based(Service-based), the BSC
removes the WCDMA candidate cell whose uplink/downlink traffic is in the minor
congestion level. If the MS is performing a CS service, the MS accesses the current GSM
cell.
l If InterRatServiceLoadHoSwitch is set to Load-based(Load-based) and the value of the
IE "Service Handover" in the ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message sent from the CN is
handover to UTRAN or cdma2000 should be performed, the BSC selects a neighboring
WCDMA cell whose uplink and downlink loads meet the following condition from
WCDMA candidate cells:
G2GLoadAdjustCoeff x Load of the current GSM serving cell – 10 x Load of the neighboring
WCDMA cell ≥ 10 x G2G3GLdBlcDeltaThrd – 1000
If multiple neighboring WCDMA cells meet the preceding condition, the BSC starts the directed
retry to the WCDMA cell with the highest receive quality. If no neighboring WCDMA cell meets
the preceding condition, the BSC selects a GSM cell as the target cell.
NOTE
If there is no WCDMA candidate cell, or the directed retry to the WCDMA cell fails, the BSC starts the
reassignment procedure to a GSM cell.
l When InterRatServiceLoadHoSwitch is set to Dynamic-based(Dynamic Service/Load-
based):
If the current cell has a normal load, the service-based WCDMA-to-GSM handover
algorithm is applied.
If the current cell has a high load, the load-based WCDMA-to-GSM handover algorithm
is applied.
6.4.1 Overview
In a mixed network where GSM and WCDMA coexist, MSs in connected mode can be handed
over between GSM and WCDMA to balance the overall network load and enlarge system
capacity.
If the GSM cell that the MS camps on is congested, the BSC redirects the MS to the WCDMA
network according to the load of the WCDMA network.
6.4.2 Procedure
If both INTERRATOUTBSCHOEN and OutSysLoadHoEn are set to YES(Yes), the following
conditions must be met to trigger the handover between GSM and WCDMA for MSs in
connected mode:
l The flow control level of the current system is smaller than or equal to SYSFLOWLEV.
l The load on the serving cell is greater than or equal to TRIGTHRES.
l The Service Handover attribute of the service is not handover to UTRAN or cdma2000
shall not be performed.
This section describes the GBFD-119502 PS Handover Between GSM and WCDMA feature.
PS handover is introduced in 3GPP Release 6.
This feature involves WCDMA-to-GSM and GSM-to-WCDMA PS handovers.
7.1.1 Overview
WCDMA-to-GSM PS handovers are initiated by the RNC. PS handovers have two phases:
handover preparation and handover execution. On the BSS side, the preparation and execution
procedures for WCDMA-to-GSM PS handovers are the same as those for inter-BSC handovers
in the GSM system.
WCDMA-to-GSM PS handovers are supported when SPTINTERRATINBSCPSHO is set to
SUPPORT(Support).
7.1.2 Procedure
This section uses an inter-SGSN WCDMA-to-GSM PS handover as an example. The procedures
for the intra-SGSN and inter-SGSN WCDMA-to-GSM PS handovers are similar. The only
difference is that during intra-SGSN WCDMA-to-GSM PS handover, there is no inter-SGSN
signaling interaction because the GSM cell and the WCDMA cell use the same SGSN.
Figure 7-1 shows the signaling procedure during handover preparation.
2. The RNC sends a Relocation Required message to the 3G SGSN, with the IE "Relocation
Type" set to UE Involved in relocation of SRNS.
3. The 3G SGSN checks the IE "Target Cell Identifier" and determines that the handover is an
inter-RAT handover. Then, the 3G SGSN sends a Forward Relocation Request message to the
2G SGSN of the target cell.
4. The 2G SGSN sends a PS Handover Request message to the BSS, requesting the BSS to
reserve resources for the handover. The 2G SGSN then activates the PFC for the handover.
5. The BSS reserves resources and allocates a TBF for the handover based on the PFC.
6. The BSS creates the Target BSS to Source BSS Transparent Container, which contains the
PS handover command.
7. The BSS responds to the 2G SGSN with a PS Handover Request Acknowledge message and
is then ready to receive downlink data.
8. The 2G SGSN responds with a Forward Relocation Response message. The handover
preparation is complete.
Figure 7-2 shows the signaling procedure during handover execution.
1. The 3G SGSN receives downlink data from the GGSN and sends the data to the MS through
the RNC.
3. The RNC forwards packet data to the 2G SGSN through the 3G SGSN.
4. The RNC suspends uplink and downlink data transfer, and sends a Handover From UTRAN
Command message to the MS. After receiving this message, the MS suspends the uplink data
transmission.
5. The RNC sends a Forward SRNS Context (RAB contexts) message to the 2G SGSN through
the 3G SGSN. Then, the 2G SGSN responds with a Forward SRNS Context Acknowledge
message.
6. The MS executes the handover. In this step, the MS sends access bursts (ABs) to the target
BSS and accesses the target GSM cell. Then, the MS receives the timing advance (TA) from the
BSS.
7./7a. After accessing the cell, the MS processes the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) container and
then sends an exchange identifier (XID) Response message to the 2G SGSN to resume the uplink
data transfer.
8. After receiving the first correct RLC/MAC block, the BSS sends a PS Handover Complete
message to inform the 2G SGSN that the handover is successful. The 2G SGSN then forwards
uplink data to the GGSN.
9. After receiving the PS Handover Complete message, the 2G SGSN sends a Forward
Relocation Complete message to inform the 3G SGSN that the handover is complete. The 3G
SGSN then responds with a Forward Relocation Complete Acknowledge message.
10. The 2G SGSN sends an Update PDP Context Request message to the GGSN. The GGSN
then updates the PDP context fields and returns an Update PDP Context Response message.
From now on the GGSN sends new incoming downlink IP packets to the 2G SGSN instead of
to the 3G SGSN.
11. The 3G SGSN sends an Iu Release Command message to the RNC to release related
resources. After sending all necessary data to the MS, the RNC returns an Iu Release Complete
message to the 3G SGSN.
13. The MS starts the routing area update. The handover is complete.
7.2.1 Overview
The conditions for triggering GSM-to-WCDMA PS handovers are defined in the GSM system,
and the handovers are initiated by the BSC. PS handovers have two phases: handover preparation
and handover execution.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for GSM-to-WCDMA PS handover are as follows:
Trigger Conditions
The triggering conditions for GSM-to-WCDMA PS handover vary according to the setting of
NCO:
l When NCO is set to NC0(NC0) or NC1(NC1):
NACCSPT is set to YES(Yes). The MS sends the BSC a PACKET CELL CHANGE
NOTIFICATION message, and target cell information contained in the message indicates
that the target cell is a WCDMA cell. SPTINTERRATOUTBSCPSHO is set to SUPPORT
(Support).
NOTE
The purpose of setting NACCSPT to YES(Yes) when NCO is set to NC0(NC0) or NC1(NC1) is to
enable MSs to send the BSC PACKET CELL CHANGE NOTIFICATION messages rather than to
use the NACC feature. With the PACKET CELL CHANGE NOTIFICATION message, MSs can
perform GSM-to-WCDMA PS handovers.
l When NCO is set to NC2(NC2):
The MS sends the BSC an MR, and the BSC detects that the target cell is a WCDMA cell
that uses the PS handover algorithm. SPTINTERRATOUTBSCPSHO is set to SUPPORT
(Support).
Handover Algorithms
GSM-to-WCDMA PS handover algorithms are classified into the service-based handover
algorithm, quality-based handover algorithm, load-based handover algorithm, and coverage-
based handover algorithm. Each handover algorithm has the same triggering conditions and
target cell selection mechanism as the corresponding NC2 cell reselection algorithm. For
example, the service-based handover algorithm has the same triggering conditions and target
cell selection mechanism as the service-based NC2 cell reselection algorithm. For detailed cell
reselection algorithms, see section 5.2.4 NC2 between GSM and WCDMA.
7.2.2 Procedure
On the BSS side, the GSM-to-WCDMA PS handover procedure is similar to the inter-BSC PS
handover procedure. The differences are as follows:
1. The source BSS decides to initiate a PS handover to a WCDMA cell. At this point, both uplink
and downlink user data is transmitted over the following: TBFs between the MS and the source
BSS, BSSGP PFC tunnels between the source BSS and the 2G SGSN, GTP tunnels between the
2G SGSN and the GGSN.
2. The source BSS sends a PS Handover Required message, which carries the Target RNC
Identifier information, to the 2G SGSN.
3. After detecting that the handover is an inter-RAT handover to WCDMA based on the Target
RNC Identifier, the 2G SGSN sends a Forward Relocation Request message to the 3G SGSN.
4. The 3G SGSN sends a Relocation Request message to request the target RNC to reserve
resources in the target WCDMA cell.
The target RNC responds with a Relocation Request Acknowledge message after resources are
reserved in the target RNC.
6. The 3G SGSN sends a Forward Relocation Response message to the 2G SGSN. The handover
preparation is complete.
The 2G SGSN continues to receive downlink and uplink user plane data.
1. After receiving a Forward Relocation Response message from the 3G SGSN, the 2G SGSN
may forward downlink data to the target RNC through the 3G SGSN. The target RNC then
sends the data to the MS over the air interface.
2. The 2G SGSN continues the PS handover by sending a PS Handover Required
Acknowledge message to the BSS. Before sending this message, the 2G SGSN, based on
QoS, may suspend downlink data transfer for any PDP contexts.
3. The 2G SGSN forwards the GTP-U context to the target RNC.
4. The BSS sends a PS Handover Command message containing the Handover to UTRAN
Command message to the MS, instructing the MS to hand over to the target WCDMA cell.
5. The MS accesses the WCDMA cell.
6. After detecting that the MS has accessed the target cell, the RNC sends a Relocation Detect
message to the 3G SGSN.
7. The MS sends a Handover to UTRAN Complete message to the RNC.
8. When the new source RNC-ID + S-RNTI are successfully exchanged with the MS, the
RNC sends a Relocation Complete message to inform the 3G SGSN that the handover is
complete.
9. The 3G SGSN sends a Forward Relocation Complete message to inform the 2G SGSN that
the handover is complete and the reserved resources should be released.
10. The 3G SGSN sends an Update PDP Context Request message to the GGSN. The GGSN
updates the PDP context fields. After the PDP context fields are updated, the GGSN sends
new incoming downlink IP packets to the 3G SGSN instead of to the 2G SGSN.
11. The 2G SGSN performs the PFC procedure to release the corresponding resources.
12. The MS updates the route area. The handover is complete.
8 Related Features
10 Engineering Guidelines
When setting inter-RAT cell reselection parameters and handover thresholds, take note of the correlation
between the GSM and TD-SCDMA parameters to prevent ping-pong cell reselections and handovers: Set
FddRptThreshold2Ecno and FddRptThreshold2Rscp to 10.
It is recommended that the GSM/WCDMA Interoperability feature be used with the following
function:
l Early classmark sending function: Set ECSC to YES(Yes) to enable this function. With
this function, the BSC quickly determines whether MSs camping on a GSM cell are dual-
mode MSs.
When setting inter-RAT cell reselection parameters and handover thresholds, take note of the correlation
between the GSM and TD-SCDMA parameters to prevent ping-pong cell reselections and handovers.
It is recommended that the 2G/3G Cell Reselection Based on MS State feature be used with the
following function:
l Early classmark sending function: Set ECSC to YES(Yes) to enable this function. With
this function, the BSC quickly determines whether MSs camping on a GSM cell are dual-
mode MSs.
Whether the CN for GSM CS services supports GSM/WCDMA service-based handovers: used
to determine whether this feature is allowed.
Load information about GSM cells, such as TCH congestion rate and proportion of TCHHs to
all TCHs in GSM cells: used to set parameters related to this feature.
RF Planning
N/A
Network Topology
For GSM cells to be enabled with the GSM/WCDMA Interoperability feature, plan neighboring
cell configurations based on the topology of the adjacent WCDMA network. A GSM cell can
be configured with a maximum of 64 neighboring WCDMA cells. These neighboring cells can
use a maximum of three frequencies, with each frequency supporting a maximum of 32
neighboring WCDMA cells.
Hardware Planning
N/A
RF Planning
N/A
Network Topology
N/A
Hardware Planning
N/A
RF Planning
N/A
Network Topology
N/A
Hardware Planning
N/A
RF Planning
N/A
Network Topology
N/A
Hardware Planning
N/A
RF Planning
N/A
Network Topology
l If INPUT3GARFCNENTYPE is set to FDD, The BSC supporting Blind Search feature
supports a maximum of eight 3G frequencies.ARFCN1 through ARFCN8 are valid,
whereas ARFCN9 through ARFCN16 are invalid.
l If INPUT3GARFCNENTYPE is set to TDD, The BSC supporting Blind Search feature
supports a maximum of sixteen 3G frequencies. ARFCN1 through ARFCN16 are valid.
Hardware Planning
N/A
RF Planning
N/A
Network Topology
N/A
Hardware Planning
N/A
Other features are optional and can be enabled based on individual needs.
Parameter Optimization
If the number of allowed FDD calls is great, MSs are likely to camp on GSM cells. In addition
to optimizing WCDMA coverage, modify the settings of SI-related parameters to increase the
possibility of GSM-to-WCDMA cell reselection. You are advised to set QI to 7 to ensure that
MSs always search for 3G cells. In addition, you are advised to set FDDQMINOFFSET,
FDDRSCPMIN, and FDDQMIN to small values, and FDDQOFF to a large value.
Parameter Optimization
If the inter-RAT outgoing cell handover success rate is low, set RSCPOFF to a small value for
increasing the number of candidate cells, and set HOSTAT3G to a large value for reducing the
number of handovers.
If the call drop rate is high, set ECNOOFF, HODURT3G, and TRIGTHRES to small values
for accelerating handover decisions.
10.12 Troubleshooting
None
11 Parameters
capability of the
MS.
GUI Value
Range:NO(No),
YES(Yes)
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:NO, YES
Default
Value:YES
(Yes)
receive level.
See 3GPP TSs
45.008 and
25.304. The
values of this
parameter
correspond to
the following
decibel values:
0: -20 dB, 1: -6
dB, 2: -18 dB, 3:
-8 dB, 4: -16 dB,
5: -10 dB, 6: -14
dB, 7: -12 dB.
GUI Value
Range:0~7
Unit:dB
Actual Value
Range:-20, -6,
-18, -8, -16, -10,
-14, -12
Default Value:7
receive level.
See 3GPP TSs
45.008 and
25.304.
GUI Value
Range:0~7
Unit:dB
Actual Value
Range:0~7
Default Value:0
strongest
receive level.
See 3GPP TSs
45.008 and
25.304. The
values of this
parameter
correspond to
the following
decibel values:
0: - (always
select a cell if
acceptable) 1:
-28 dB, 2: -24
dB, ... 15: 28 dB.
GUI Value
Range:0~15
Unit:4dB
Actual Value
Range:Negative
infinity, -28~28
Default Value:8
GUI Value
Range:
0~49;255
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:0~49,
255
Default Value:
255
"RSCP
Threshold"; If
multiple FDD
cells meet the
preceding
conditions, the
MS reselects the
cell with the
strongest
receive level.
See 3GPP TSs
45.008 and
25.304. The
values of this
parameter
correspond to
the following
decibel values: 0
= -114 dBm, 1 =
-112 dBm, 2 =
-110 dBm, ... 14
= -86 dBm, 15 =
-84 dBm.
GUI Value
Range:0~15
Unit:2dBm
Actual Value
Range:-114~-84
Default Value:0
Support),
SUPPORT
(Support)
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:NOTSU
PPORT,
SUPPORT
Default
Value:NOTSUP
PORT(Not
Support)
dB 49: 0 dB <=
CPICH Ec/Io.
GUI Value
Range:0~49
Unit:dB
Actual Value
Range:0~49
Default Value:
35
BSC
preferentially
selects a
neighboring 2G
cell as the
handover target
cell.
GUI Value
Range:Pre_2G_
Cell(Preference
for 2G cell),
Pre_3G_Cell
(Preference for
3G cell),
Pre_2G_CellTh
res(Preference
2G cell by
thresh)
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:Pre_2G_
Cell,
Pre_3G_Cell,
Pre_2G_CellTh
res
Default
Value:Pre_2G_
CellThres
(Preference 2G
cell by thresh)
GUI Value
Range:0~63
Unit:dB
Actual Value
Range:0~63
Default Value:
50
(Dynamic
Service/Load-
based),
CnService-
based(CN
Service-based),
OFF(OFF)
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:Service-
based, Load-
based,
Dynamic-based,
CnService-
based, OFF
Default
Value:OFF
(OFF)
Default
Value:PERMIT
(Permit)
GUI Value
Range:FORBID
(Forbid),
PERMIT
(Permit)
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:FORBID
, PERMIT
Default
Value:PERMIT
(Permit)
search for 3G
cells.
GUI Value
Range:0~15
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:-98, -94,
-90, -86, -82,
-78, -74,
(always), -78,
-74, -70, -66,
-62, -58, -54,
Positive infinity
(never)
Default Value:7
Begin
Threshold)/
(Inner Flow
Control Discard
All Threshold -
Inner Flow
Control Discard
Begin
Threshold) x
100]/10+1
(round-down for
division
operation). If the
value is smaller
than Inner Flow
Control Discard
Begin
Threshold,
Level 0 is used.
If the value is
equal to or
greater than
Inner Flow
Control Discard
Begin
Threshold, the
level is
calculated. The
value range is
from 0 to 11. 2)
Flow control
threshold for the
CPU to start to
discard the
channel access
messages and
paging
messages: 80%
Flow control
threshold for the
CPU to discard
all channel
access messages
and paging
messages: 100%
CPU usage
smaller than
80%
corresponds to
level 0. CPU
usage equal to or
greater than
CPU flow
control
threshold 80%
corresponds to
level 2. An
increase of 5%
means an
increase of 2
levels. Level 10
is the highest.
The level value
can be 0, 2, 4, 6,
8, and 10.
GUI Value
Range:0;8~11
Unit:None
Actual Value
Range:0, 8~11
Default Value:
10
12 Counters
13 Glossary
For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see the Glossary.
14 Reference Documents