3G-UMTS Call Flow (Originating Call)

Mobile Originating (MO) Call Flow in 3G

Call Initiation:
The user dials a number on the mobile station (MS) and presses the call button.
The MS sends a Channel Request message to the Node B via the RNC (Radio Network Controller).
Radio Resource Allocation:
The Node B allocates a dedicated channel for the call and informs the MS through an Immediate Assignment message.
Call Setup Request:
The MS sends a Call Setup Request to the RNC, which then forwards it to the MSC (Mobile Switching Center).
Authentication:
The MSC initiates the authentication process, involving the MS and the HLR (Home Location Register).
The MS is authenticated using an algorithm and authentication vectors received from the HLR.
Ciphering:
Once authenticated, the MSC initiates ciphering to secure the communication channel.
The MS and MSC exchange ciphering keys and start encrypted communication.
Mobile Station Classmark Update:
The MS sends its capabilities (e.g., LAI, PLMN identity, Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), Global
RNC-ID, IMSI, Mobile Station Classmark) to the MSC.
Assignment Request:
The MSC requests the RNC to establish a dedicated connection for the call.
Call Setup:
The MSC sets up the call and sends a Setup message to the called party’s MSC (if the called party is in a different network).
Routing Information:
The called party’s MSC queries its HLR to retrieve the called party’s location and routing information.
Paging:
The called party’s MSC sends a Paging message to the called party’s RNC, which then forwards it to the called party’s MS.
Call Confirmation:
The called party’s MS responds with a Page Response.
The called party’s MSC informs the calling party’s MSC that the called party is available.
Alerting:
The called party’s MS starts ringing, and an Alerting message is sent back to the calling party’s MSC, which forwards it to the
calling party’s MS.
Call Acceptance:
The called party answers the call, sending a Connect message to its MSC.
The Connect message is forwarded to the calling party’s MSC and then to the calling party’s MS.
Communication:
A voice path is established between the calling and called parties, allowing them to communicate.
Call Termination:
Either party can end the call by sending a Disconnect message.
The MSCs and RNCs release the dedicated channels and resources.
Mobile Terminating (MT) Call Flow in 3G
Incoming Call:
A call is initiated from an external network (e.g., PSTN) to a mobile subscriber.
The external network sends the call to the GMSC (Gateway MSC) of the mobile network.
HLR Query:
The GMSC queries the HLR to get the MSRN (Mobile Station Roaming Number) of the called party.
Routing:
The HLR provides the MSRN, which is used to route the call to the MSC where the called party is currently located.
Call Setup:
The serving MSC receives the call and sends a Paging message to the RNC to locate the called party’s MS.
Paging:
The RNC forwards the Paging message to the Node B, which broadcasts the paging message to the called party’s MS.
Page Response:
The called party’s MS responds with a Page Response, which is sent to the MSC via the RNC.
Call Setup Request:
The MSC sends a Call Setup message to the called party’s MS through the RNC and Node B.
Alerting:
The called party’s MS starts ringing and sends an Alerting message back to the MSC, which forwards it to the GMSC and then
to the calling party.
Call Acceptance:
The called party answers the call by sending a Connect message to the MSC.
The Connect message is forwarded to the calling party through the GMSC.
Communication:
A voice path is established, and both parties can communicate.
Call Termination:
Either party can end the call by sending a Disconnect message.
The MSC releases the resources and informs the RNC to release the radio resources.