Logical channels in GSM The main types of signalling chnnels are: i) ii) iii) iv) Broadcast Channels BCH

Common Control Channels CCCH Associated Control Channels ACCH Standalone Dedicated Control Channel SDCCH

Broadcast Channels This channel is transmitted from BTS to MS. This channel comprise of information about system parameters including network identification, synchronization time, frequency with network etc. Broadcast channels include: Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) Synchronization Channel (SCH) Cell Broadcast Channel (CBCH)

Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) - DOWNLINK - This channel contains system parameters needed to identify the network and gain access. These parameters include the Location Area Code (LAC), the Mobile Network Code (MNC), the frequencies of neighboring cells, and access parameters. Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH) - DOWNLINK - This channel is used by the MS as a frequency reference. This channel contains frequency correction bursts. Synchronization Channel (SCH) - DOWNLINK - This channel is used by the MS to learn the Base Station Information Code (BSIC) as well as the TDMA frame number (FN). This lets the MS know what TDMA frame they are on within the hyperframe. Cell Broadcast Channel (CBCH) - DOWNLINK - This channel is not truly its own type of logical channel. The CBCH is for point-to-omnipoint messages. It is used to broadcast specific information to network subscribers; such as weather, traffic, sports, stocks, etc. Messages can be of any nature depending on what service is provided. Messages are normally public service type messages or announcements. The CBCH isnt allocated a slot for itself, it is assigned to an SDCCH. It only occurs on the downlink. The CBCH usually occupies the second subslot of the SDCCH. The mobile will not acknowledge any of the messages.

Common Control Channels CCCH is used for signalling between BTS and MS and its purpose is to request as well as grant network access to the subscriber.

Common Control Channels include: Paging Channel (PCH) Random Access Channel (RACH) Access Grant Channel (AGCH)

Paging Channel (PCH) - DOWNLINK - This channel is used to inform the MS that it has incoming traffic. The traffic could be a voice call, SMS, or some other form of traffic. Random Access Channel (RACH) - UPLINK This channel is used by a MS to request an initial dedicated channel from the BTS. This would be the first transmission made by a MS to access the network and request radio resources. The MS sends an Access Burst on this channel in order to request access. Access Grant Channel (AGCH) - DOWNLINK - This channel is used by a BTS to notify the MS of the assignement of an initial SDCCH for initial signaling.

Dedicated Control Channels This channel is used during the process of call setup and its activation. Dedicated control channels include: Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH) Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH)

Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) - UPLINK/DOWNLINK - This channel is used for signaling and call setup between the MS and the BTS. Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH) - UPLINK/DOWNLINK - This channel is used for control requirements such as handoffs. There is no TS and frame allocation dedicated to a FAACH. The FAACH is a burst-stealing channel, it steals a Timeslot from a Traffic Channel (TCH). Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH) - UPLINK/DOWNLINK - This channel is a continuous stream channel that is used for control and supervisory signals associated with the traffic channels.

Associated Control Channels This channel is used for signaling associated with calls and call-setup. An ACCH is always allocated along with a TCH or a SDCCH.