Protocol Architecture

GSM Protocol Stack

In any telecommunication system, signaling is required to coordinate among the necessarily distributed functional entities of the network. GSM uses the CCITT SS7 protocols for its signaling. The transfer of signaling information in GSM follows the layered OSI model.

Layer 1: Physical Layer : Radio Transmission Layer 2: Data Link Layer (DLL) : Provides error-free transmission between adjacent entities,
based on the ISDNs LAPD protocol for the Um and Abis interfaces, and on SS7s Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) for the other Layer interfaces.

Layer 3: Networking or Messaging Layer: Responsible for the communication of network

resources, mobility and call-related management messages between various network entities.

GSM
Protocol Architecture

Overview of Interfaces
Um Radio interface between MS and BTS each physical channel supports a number of logical channels Abis between BTS and BSC primary functions: traffic channel transmission, terrestrial channel management, and radio channel management A between BSC and MSC primary functions: message transfer between different BSCs to the MSC

 The data link layer over the radio link is based on a modified LAPD (Link Access Protocol for the D channel) referred to as LAPDm. On the Abis interface, the layer 2 protocol is based on the LAPD from ISDN. The Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) level 2 of the SS7 protocol is used at the A interface

Physical Layer : Layer I

Handles all radio specific entities: -creation of bursts -multiplexing of bursts into TDMA frame -synchronization with BTS -detection of idle channels Modulation Techniques Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) Channel Coding Speech Coding Interleaving Power control methodology to minimize the co-channel interference Time synchronization approaches At physical layer, the air interface uses RF radio transmission A-bis interface between BTS and BSC uses 64 Kb/s on wire cable, optical fiber, or microwave links based on the best availability and ease of installation All other interfaces use the SS7 Message Transfer Part Level 1(MTP 1) with channel rates of 64 Kb/s and medium can be coaxial cable or fiber optic cable
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Data Link Layer : Layer II

Signaling and control data are conveyed through Layer II and Layer III messages in GSM Purpose of Layer II is to check the flow of packets for Layer III DLL checks the address and sequence for Layer III Also manages Acks for transmission of the packets. Data link layer uses ISDN Link Access Protocol D (LAP-D) and version called LAP-Dm on radio link to MS. LAP-Dm uses GSM RF interface framing and synchronization scheme. All other inter faces use the SS7 MTP level2 protocol for the data link layer.

Layer III Message

Radio Resource Management (RR), Mobility Management (MM) and Connection Management (CM).

Radio Resource Management (RR)

Handles all procedures necessary to establish, maintain and release dedicated radio connections. -Channel allocation -Handover -Power Control -Frequency Hopping Location management involves the procedures and signaling for location updating, so that the mobiles current location is stored at the HLR, allowing incoming calls to be properly routed. Security involves the authentication of the mobile, to prevent unauthorized access to the network, as well as the encryption of all radio link traffic.

Mobility Management (MM)

- Assumes a reliable RR connection

- Responsible for - location management and - Security

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Connection Management (CM)

The CM functional layer is divided into three sub layers. - Call Control (CC) - Supplementary Services - Short Message Service

Call Control (CC) sub layer - manages call routing, establishment, maintenance, and release and is closely related to ISDN call control.

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Connection Management (CM)

Supplementary Services sub layer - manages the implementation of the various supplementary services (Call Forwarding/waiting/hold ) and also allows users to access and modify their service subscription.

Short Message Service sub layer - handles the routing and delivery of short messages both from
and to the mobile subscriber.

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