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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

Signalling in Mobile Network

9 SIGNALING IN MOBILE NETWORKS


STRUCTURE
9.1

INTRODUCTION

9.2

OBJECTIVE

9.3

SIGNALING DEFINITIONS AND USES

9.4

SIGNALING TYPES

9.5

COMMON CHANNEL SIGNALING SYSTEM NUMBER 7

9.6

OSI REFERENCE MODEL VS. CCS7 PROTOCOLS

9.7

CCS7 PROTOCOLS IN VARIOUS NETWORK ELEMENTS

9.8

SUMMARY

9.9

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

9.10

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READINGS

9.1

INTRODUCTION

GSM, signaling is any transfer of data that enables speech and data connection
between users and supports mobility management and GSM services handling.

9.2

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this chapter is to understand the need and development of GSM
Signaling. On completion of this chapter, the trainee will get:
Overview about CCS 7.
To know about use of signaling in GSM,
To know about the various Application Part of CCS 7

9.3

SIGNALING DEFINITIONS AND USES

PSTN needs signaling for call establishing, call release and call maintaining. In
GSM, signaling can also be independent from speech. The different functions of signaling
are call control, control of services, and charging control. Mobile networks have some
special functions, such as location update, handover, subscriber administration, and short
message service.
GSM signaling can be divided into three main categories:
o Speech and data connection (set up, supervise and release a call)
o Mobility management (location update, handover)
o Subscriber administration (including all basic and supplementary GSM services)

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9.4

Signalling in Mobile Network

SIGNALING TYPES
Signaling messages can be categorized into two main types.
o Circuit-related Signaling
o Non-circuit-related Signaling

9.4.1

CIRCUIT-RELATED SIGNALING

Circuit-related Signaling occurs when the Signaling message contains information


about the circuit to be signaled and the origin and destination of the message. An example
of circuit-related Signaling is call-setup Signaling between two exchanges.
9.4.2

NON-CIRCUIT-RELATED SIGNALING

Non-circuit-related Signaling occurs when the Signaling message does not contain
information about the circuit, but instead contains other information depending on the use
of the Signaling.
LAI data and (TMSI)/ (IMSI) in case of location update
Short messages in case of sending or receiving a short message
Forwarding numbers in case of activation of the call forward supplementary
service B-Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number (MSISDN) in the Send
Routing Information (HLR Inquiry).

9.5

COMMON CHANNEL SIGNALING SYSTEM NUMBER 7

Common Channel Signaling (CCS) is a Signaling method that uses addressed


messages to convey Signaling information over a single channel. CCS supports both
circuit-related and non-circuit-related Signaling. Common Channel Signaling System
Number 7 can be abbreviated CCS7, CCS#7, SS7 and SS No. 7. CCS7 is the abbreviation
used in this training document. CCS7 is an internationally standardized CCS system that
is optimized for operation in digital telecommunication networks such as GSM. One of
the main advantages of CCS7 is that the Signaling does not have to go along the same
path as the speech. Therefore, CCS7 can support both circuit-related and noncircuitrelated Signaling.

9.6

OSI REFERENCE MODEL VS. CCS7 PROTOCOLS

Originally, CCS7 consisted of two parts. The first part, the MTP, was responsible
for transferring messages within a Signaling network. The second part, the User Part
(UP), was the user of the MTP. The UP was only used for circuit-related Signaling.
However, CCS7 was created for GSM-type networks. In GSM, CCS7 is also divided into
two parts, but they are called the Functional Part (FP) and the MTP. The user is the
functional part that sends, receives, and acts depending on received Signaling

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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

Signalling in Mobile Network

information. A comparison of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model


and the CCS7 protocols is shown in Figure.
The functional part of CCS7 is divided into two parts:
User part (common part)
Application part (GSM specific part)

9.7

CCS7 PROTOCOLS IN VARIOUS NETWORK ELEMENTS

When a subscriber makes a call, a functional part in the BSC sends the dialed
number to a functional part in the MSC. The functional part in the BSC is the BSSAP and
the functional part in the MSC is also the BSSAP. After the MSC analyses the dialed
number, the MSC knows that the call has to be routed to the PSTN because it is a PSTN
number. Thus, another functional part in the MSC will start sending call setup message
(the dialed number together with the CIC are included) to the PSTN. The ISUP is the
functional part in the MSC and in the PSTN in this case. Another Example is the location
update message is sent from the mobile to the VLR via the BSC. The BSSAP is a
functional part in both the BSC and VLR. If the VLR needs to ask subscriber data from
the HLR, another functional part will be used in the VLR and HLR. This functional part
is used only in the NSS areait is a GSM specific functional part. As a result, a MAP is
used in both the VLR and the HLR. The CCS7 protocols are shown in Figure.

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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

Signalling in Mobile Network

Base Station Subsystem Application Part


The Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP) is responsible for transferring the
GSM-specific messages between the MSC and BSC, and between the MSC and a mobile
station. The BSSAP can be divided into two subpartsDTAP and BSSMAP.
DTAP (Direct Transfer Application Part) handles the transfer of the Signaling
information between the MSC and the MS such as call setup, alerting, and location update
request messages. They are all sent transparently via the BSC to the MS.
BSSMAP (Base Station System Management Application Part) handles the Signaling
functions between the MSC and the BSS and performs other procedures such as handover
control and paging. The messages used in these procedures are sent directly from the
MSC to the BSC.
Mobile Application Part
The Mobile Application Part (MAP) is a GSM-specific protocol for only non circuitrelated applications inside the NSS area. AP procedures can be location registration,
handling of supplementary services, HLR inquiry, Inter-MSC handover, authentication,
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) checking, and support of short message
services. The operations defined within the MAP protocol are sent through the signaling
network by using TCAP, SCCP, and MTP services. For SCCP, MAP uses only a
connectionless service.
Intelligent Network Application Part
The Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) protocol is part of the Intelligent
Network (IN) implementation used for communication between a Service Switching
Point (SSP) and a Service Control Point (SCP). Both the SSP and SCP are part of the
basic IN network architecture.
Signaling Connection Control Part, SCCP
To be able to transfer messages from both user parts and application parts, there are two
levels that perform the routing function: the MTP level for user part messages and the
SCCP level for application part messages. Since the MTP was defined for general digital
telecommunications networks such as the PSTN, the MTP is well suited for the TUP and
NUP. But because the BSSAP, MAP, and INAP are defined especially for GSM, a special
protocol has to be established between the application parts and the MTP level. This
special protocol is called the Signaling Connection Control Part, SCCP .

9.8

SUMMARY

In GSM, CCS no 7 signaling is used and it can also be independent from speech. The
different functions of CCS 7 in GSM are call control, control of services, and charging
control. GSM networks have some special functions, such as location update, handover,
subscriber administration, and short message service which is handled by CCS 7.
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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

9.9

Signalling in Mobile Network

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

1.

Signalling in mobile networks have some special functions, such as


_________________, _______________, _________________________, and
___________________________.

2.

GSM
signalling
can
be
divided
into
__________________________________________

three

main

categories

____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
3. Signaling
messages
can
be
categorized
into
two
main
types_____________________________ & ______________________________
4.

Circuit-related Signaling occurs when the Signaling message contains information


about the ___________________ to be signaled and the ___________________
of the message.

5.

Originally, CCS7 consisted of ________ parts. The first part, the


_______________, was responsible for transferring messages within a Signaling
network. The second part, the _______________________, was the user of the
_________________.

6.

The Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP) is responsible for


transferring the GSM-specific messages between the __________ & _________,
and between the _______________ and _____________. The BSSAP can be
divided into two subparts___________ & __________________.

7.

The Mobile Application Part (MAP) is a GSM-specific protocol for only


_____________________ applications inside the NSS area.

8.

Inter-MSC handover, authentication, International Mobile Equipment Identity


(IMEI) checking, and support of short message services. The operations defined
within the __________________ protocol

9.

The Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) protocol is part of the Intelligent
Network (IN) implementation used for communication between a
______________________________& _________________________________.

10. SCCP stands for ___________________________________________________.

9.10 REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READINGS

The GSM system for mobile communication-Michel


Mouly & MarieBernadette Pautet.
GSM system Engineering-Asha Mehrotra (Artech House Publisher).

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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

GSM Subscriber Creation

10 GSM SUBSCRIBER CREATION


STRUCTURE
10.1

INTRODUCTION

10.2

OBJECTIVES

10.3

ROLE OF CSC

10.4

MAIN CATEGORIES OF SUBSCRIBER

10.5

IMPORTANT FACTS

10.6

GETTING NEW CONNECTION

10.7

NEW CONNECTION WORK FLOW

10.8

SAMPLE CAF FOR PREPAID SUBSCRIBER

10.9

SUMMARY

10.10 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

10.1 INTRODUCTION
In the highly competitive environment of Mobile Communication Operations, Subscriber
handling is one of the key issues that needs at most attention and care. For better
customer care every Mobile Service provider gives high importance to the smooth and
effective functioning of CSCs (Customer Service Centre). The mobile subscriber base of
any mobile service operator depends on How well the CSCs are handling the subscriber
requirements / needs.

10.2 OBJECTIVES
After reading this unit, you should be able to:
Understand two basic types of subscriber category.
Understand Preliminary steps in subscriber creation.
Understand the basic role of CCN, CSR and CRM.

10.3 ROLE OF CSC


Technically speaking CSC can be referred as Customer Care Node (CCN). The executive
at CSC are referred as Customer Service Representatives.
The main tasks of Customer Service Centre are: Sale of New SIMs.
Handling of requests from customers regarding telephony services
and billing queries.
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Activation / deactivation of mobile numbers.


Inventory and SIM management.
Provisioning / de-provisioning of various services to the subscribers.
Swapping of SIM and MSISDN.
Payment and Collection.

10.4 MAIN CATEGORIES OF SUBSCRIBER


There are two main category of Mobile Subscriber:Post-paid Subscriber- Bill is dispatched after usage period (one month period). Post paid
SIMs are plain SIM, need post data feeding (Creation).
Pre-Paid Subscriber- Bill amount is deducted from the pre available balance after
every usage. Pre-Paid SIMs are pre-created and are in deactivated state, need activation
from CCN. In BSNL, one Activation server is employed for this purpose.

10.5 IMPORTANT FACTS


The pre activated pre-paid SIM have IMSI and MSISDN mapped
and associated with SIM serial number. (SIM serial number is
printed on the back side of the SIM)
On the network side subscriber is created in HLR by creating
MSISDN and then mapping it with the available IMSI. So in HLR
we can find the IMSI and MSISDN of the subscriber.
IMSI and associated authentication data of the mobile subscriber
resides in AuC at the network side.

10.6 GETTING NEW CONNECTION


1. The Customer goes to CSC for giving request for new mobile
connection.
2. CSR give Customer Agreement form (CAF) to the customer as per
his request.
3. (a) Customer completely fill the CAF as per his requirement of
services.
(b) It is ensured by CSR that customer is aware of terms and
condition mentioned on the back side of CAF. The signature of the
customer is taken on both side of the CAF.

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GSM Subscriber Creation

4. (a) Using the CAF details the CSR creates a new customer using the
SIM provided to CCN and a MSISDN available in the
inventory.
(b) The new customer will be created in Customer relation
management (CRM) application. In BSNL Kenan FX software (of
Comverse) is used for CRM and Billing purpose.
5. After all the data entry by CSR and activation process initiation, the
new SIM is handed over to the customer.
6. Mobile services get activated within 24 hrs and now new customer
becomes new subscriber of BSNL Mobile Services.

10.7 NEW CONNECTION WORK FLOW

Figure 1
The interrogation of subscriber related parameters is done from CSC.
To process the change of Mobile Number request received from the existing
mobile subscriber, the necessary instructions are initiated from the CSC.
Moreover using Kenan FX the CSR can Add / Delete facilities, change billing
Plans on customer account as per the customer request at any point of time.

10.8 SAMPLE CAF FOR PREPAID SUBSCRIBER

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GSM Subscriber Creation

10.9 SUMMARY
The Customer Care Nodes or the Customer Service Centre, provides
assistance to the mobile subscriber for his Billing, GSM add-on services
and GPRS related requests. The activation, deactivation suspension of

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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

GSM Subscriber Creation

subscribers, provisioning / de-provisioning of various services to the


subscribers is also done at CSC.

10.10 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS


1.

Write the full form of CAF and CRM.

2.

SIM serial number is never printed on the SIM.(True / False)

3.

On the network side subscriber is created in VLR.(True / False)

4.

Authentication data of the mobile subscriber resides in___________.

5.

Kenan FX software is used for _________and ____________ purpose.

6.

After all the data entry by __________ and activation process initiation, the
_____________ is handed over to the customer.

7.

Draw the new connection network flow diagram.

8.

The pre activated pre-paid SIM have __________ and _____________mapped


and associated with SIM serial number. (SIM serial number is printed on the back
side of the SIM)

9.

Write down the various categories of mobile subscriber and briefly describe them.

10. Analyse the mobile market, which category of subscriber is higher and why?

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Mobile Communication System (MCS)

Mobile Services VAS

11 MOBILE SERVICES VAS, ACTIVATION / DEACTIVATION.


STRUCTURE
11.1

INTRODUCTION

11.2

OBJECTIVE

11.3

VAS

11.4

WHY VAS

11.5

MARKET SIZE AND REVENUE POTENTIAL

11.6

VAS VALUE CHAIN

11.7

VAS : AN END USER PERSPECTIVE

11.8

GPRS ( GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE) BASED SERVICES

11.9

NEW VAS IN 3G

11.10 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR VAS


11.11 CONCLUSION:
11.12 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

11.1 INTRODUCTION
In India, Mobile VAS has become a big part of the mobile user's life today.
With huge mobile phone subscribers in India today and having the second largest
subscriber base in the whole world - Indian Telecom Industry has started witnessing an
era when Users buy mobile phones not just to be in touch, but to express themselves, their
attitude, feelings and interests.

11.2 OBJECTIVE
Today mobile phones have moved beyond their fundamental role of voice
communications and are increasingly being used to provide a number of value added
services. Proliferation of mobile services has given an opportunity to service providers to
develop new VAS applications and generate new revenue streams. Customers
continuously want more application and services from their phone. They use their cellular
phones to play games, read news headlines, surf the Internet, keep a tab on astrology, and
listen to music, make others listen to their music, or check their bank balance.

11.3 VAS
Value Added Services are those services which are not part of basic voice but are availed
by telecom service providers to enrich their offerings.
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Mobile Services VAS

Typically, in nineties SMS and itemized billing would be categorized as VAS. Later on
with the evolution of mobile networks from GSM to GPRS and EDGE Personalized
Ringtones, Caller Ringback tones(CRBT), SMS based information, Multi media
messaging (MMS) etc became the main value added services.
VAS data services are based on bearers like SMS, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary
Services Data), WAP,GPRS, EDGE and 3G.

11.4 WHY VAS


In the fast evolving mobile telephony space, Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) from
Voice services are plateauing as plain voice service is increasingly becoming
commoditized. In such a scenario, innovative Value Added Services offer an opportunity
to Telecom Service Providers to differentiate their offerings in the market. Service
providers are bringing new value added services in order to satisfy the growing demand
of Indian consumers. Many a times customers choose a particular service provider
depending upon the VAS offerings from that service provider. So as the competition is
becoming fierce to acquire and retain customers. Mobile service providers are making all
out efforts to introduce newer and newer services to woo customers.
Value Added Services used by a particular customer are often extension of his persona.
Understanding needs of different segment of users is essential for offering right kind of
services. Thus unlike voice business, market dynamics play an important role in VAS
business. Understanding the market needs and accordingly applying the principles of
Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) to decide a particular service, have a key
role. These fundamental aspects about VAS can not be overlooked while formulating a
strategy for VAS business.
A glimpse of various types of VAS is depicted in Exhibit 1.
NEWS: National, International, Business.
Finance: Stocks, Forex Rates, Commodity Prices.
Entertainment: Games, TV, Jokes, Bollywod Songs.
Travel: Railway Airline
Downloads: Logos, Ringbones, Caller Tunes
Astrology Services: Horoscope/Prediction
Contest: Reality Shows
MMS: Picture Massages, Clippings
Music on Demand: Sing a Song and download.
Cricket: Cricket, Score, Clipping, Commentary
GPRS/WAP/UMTS: Mobile Internet, Chat, TV, video call
Call Alert: When Mobile is Switched off, Busy
Health: Health, Tips, Beauty Tips
m-commerce: Transaction-Based Services
Miscellaneous: Devotional songs, Movies & Music
Voice Based Applications.
Exhibit 1: A Glimpse of Various Types VAS.
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11.5 MARKET SIZE AND REVENUE POTENTIAL


With voice increasingly becoming a commodity and the current Mobile VAS industry
being expected to earn more revenue compare to voice call revenue in mobile .MVAS
industry is attracting wireless operators, handset manufacturers, content developers, music
& film companies, cartoon artists, game makers and musicians for ring tones, music,
gaming, sports, mobile imagery, WAP, wall papers, logos, SMS based contests and
streaming audio and video.
Though presently VAS contributes a low percentage of revenue of mobile operators, it
holds a huge potential for growth in future.

11.6 VAS VALUE CHAIN


For the VAS to make an impact Network, Devices (Handsets) and Applications are
critically important. VAS value chain primarily consists of six entities involved in the
flow as depicted in Exhibit 2. Content owner owns the content and Aggregator modifies
that content to suit requirement of Consumer and device capability. Software developer
and Technology Enabler assist Aggregator in modifying the content.

Exhibit 2: VAS Value Chain.


Telecom Service Provider presently dominates the revenue share arrangement in VAS
industry. Overall revenue share split of approx 70:30 applies to both GSM and CDMA
operators. However this is not the case in developed countries where major share of VAS
revenue is kept by content owner.

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Exhibit 3: Present Revenue Share Arrangement.

11.7 VAS : AN END USER PERSPECTIVE


Understanding consumer perspective of VAS is significant for correct positioning of the
VAS. From end user perspective, the important considerations are- i) Services as per user
need.
ii) Simplicity to use.
iii) Reliability, and
iv) Affordability.
Different segment of customers are interested in different kind of services. For younger
generation entertainment may be primary, for business executives company data and
financial transaction may be more important whereas middle aged people may be more
interested in sports updates. This calls for Segmenting the end user according to their
profile. For a service provider it is important that its offerings cater to a larger section of
the end users.

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11.8

Mobile Services VAS

GPRS ( GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE) BASED


SERVICES

These services are available on short code through content providers own WAP site.
A wide range of corporate and consumer applications are enabled by non-voice mobile
services such as SMS and GPRS. This section will introduce those that are particularly
suited to GPRS.
a) Chat
b) Textual and Visual Information
c) Still Images
d) Moving Images
e) Web Browsing
f) Internet Email
g) Vehicle Positioning
h) MMS
The Multimedia Messaging service (MMS).
It is an advanced messaging service, which allows you to send Wallpapers, Video clips,
picture message.
In GPRS Network user can get the Max. /Theoretically speed upto 171.2 Kbps. To use
GPRS service user need the Handset setting.

11.9 NEW VAS IN 3G


In 3 G higher bandwidth, maximum up-to 2 Mbps, would be available to end users.This
will enable provisioning bandwidth hungry applications and services with rich

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multimedia content to customers. BSNL has planned Video on Demand (VoD), video
streaming and other multi-media applications in 3 G network.
BSNL Live is a WAP Portal which offers one stop shop for all Information,
Entertainment, and Communication related requirements. Through BSNL Live one can
access on demand Videos clips for various categories like Bolloywood, Astrology,
recipes/ cookery, entertainment, cricket, comics/ animation, Movies and Movie trailers,
Music, Multimedia games and wallpapers, and different tones/tunes etc. It enables us to
get many Value Added Services in much simpler and friendly way.
BSNL Live provides a variety of services to suit our every day mood. To name a few
following services are on offer Movies: Movies will be streamed on demand i.e. the content will be played in real time
on your mobile from BSNL Live directly without first getting stored.
Videos: Video clips of 3-5 minutes on an average are available on demand. We can
choose videos and download from the available huge library of content. The categories of
content varies from astrology, recipes/ cookery, entertainment, cricket to beauty tips/
clips, comics/ animation, Movies and Movie trailers, Music, Multimedia games and
wallpapers, and other different tones/tunes.
Music - Full track song download: You can download full track audio songs (mp3)
of our choice through BSNL Live.
Games: Various Categories of Games viz. Regular (Simple & premium) and
multiplayer branded games are available. We can see only games which are compatible
with our handsets. Thus one needs not to worry about compatibility of games. At the time
of download the customer will be required to pay charges of games.
Accessing BSNL Live:
Any handset with WAP browsing capability can be used to access BSNL Live. BSNL
Live can be accessed by all GSM (2.5 G and 3G) subscribers. However the videos,
movies and full track songs and multiplayer games are heavy on data and to access these
services one needs to have a 3G connection otherwise his experience will be greatly
reduced and the downloads for audio and video clips will take longer time. Before one
can access the BSNL Live, one needs to have correct settings in his mobile.
APN Settings may be got done in the following way:The Handset setting is required to access the different GPRS/ 3G services by user.
a) All the settings required to access BSNL Live & avail different services on
BSNL Live will be pushed to your handset by BSNL.
b) One can also ask for the settings by sending <make> space <model> of your handset to
58355 by SMS e.g. <Nokia> space <N79> to 58355. After you send the SMS you will in
response get several settings on your handset viz.bsnllive / bsnlstream /bsnl
mms/bsnlnet etc.
c) One may also call BSNL Customer Care Center 1503 (Toll Free) to know the settings.

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d) To get the setting via Internet ,Go to internet site: http://www.cellone.in.


And Click on GPRS/MMS Settings(Red arrow).

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Once we get all the settings, we have to save all of them. Out of these several settings the
one pertaining to BSNL Live (will appear as bsnllive) should be saved as default. In
some handsets the word Bookmark is used instead of default. Thereafter whenever one
wants to access BSNL Live one can click on his Web browser in his mobile; the BSNL
Live bookmark will be visible and clicking on it will leads to the Welcome page.
Settings for movie streaming (will appear as bsnlstream) may also be saved in mobile.

11.10 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR VAS


With a move to lay down regulation for VAS players, TRAI had issued a consultation
paper for licensing VAS. At present, VAS providers are neither regulated nor licensed
and mainly they act as channel partners of telecom operators. Telecom service providers
by virtue of being owners of the network have near monopolistic advantage in revenue
share agreement.
Concerns have been raised about security related issues with respect to VAS. Recently
there was a standoff between the Department of Telecom and RIM (the maker of the
BlackBerry smart phone). RIM ( Research In Motion), the Canadian company, was under
scrutiny after security agencies had expressed fear that terror group might exploit this
loophole as data sent between BlackBerry devices bypassed the network of Indian
telecom service providers and therefore could not be monitored by the countrys
intelligence agency. The appropriate regulatory regime for VAS is likely to provide
clarity and transparency in tracking the source.

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11.11 CONCLUSION:
For the orderly and fast growth of VAS industry and the entire VAS ecosystem the
challenges and hurdles before the industry needs to be addressed promptly. The revenue
from mobile advertising is likely to open a new revenue stream for VAS players. Mobile
advertising will benefit operators, VAS players, advertisers as well as consumers. On the
user front awareness is likely to remain a problem for high end VAS. However traditional
VAS- SMS, CRBT and Ring-tones are likely to continue to grow with increased user
awareness. A facilitating regulatory framework and transparency in allocation of the
spectrum would go a long way in encouraging the service providers to aggressively push
VAS. VAS players entering into partnership with handset manufactures for implementing
embedded applications and service providers bundling the handsets may lead to greater
adoption of VAS.
Competition is really becoming fierce in VAS space and each service provider including
BSNL is making all out effort to grab a share of VAS market. BSNL has introduced
numerous VAS services on its 3G platform BSNL Live and other VAS services. There
is a need to create awareness about recently introduced services and to popularize the
services.

11.12 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS


1.

What are VAS services? How the differ from normal voice and SMS services.

2.

Why VAS is used in mobile network?

3.

What is the principle of STP in VAS services?

4.

List any five VAS services.

5.

What are STK services?

6.

Write four APNs of BSNL and there uses.

7.

List GPRS based VAS services?

8.

Explain VAS Value Chain?

9.

List and explain the end user perspective & the important considerations for VAS.

10. Explain Regulatory Framework for VAS?

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12 GSM CALL FLOW


STRUCTURE
12.1

INTODUCTION

12.2

OBJECTIVE

12.3

MOBILE ORIGINATED (MO) CALL

12.4

MOBILE TERMINATED (MT) CALL

12.5

SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS)

12.6

SUMMARY

12.7

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

12.8

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READINGS

12.1 INTODUCTION
In this we will discuss the call processing aspect and look into specifics case of a mobile
originated (MO) call and a mobile terminated (MT) call. We also look into short message
(SMS)

12.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of the chapter is to understand the concept of call flow in GSM
network. On completion of this chapter, the trainee will get:
To know about use of RF channel in Call setup ,
To know about the MO call , MT call and SMS

12.3 MOBILE ORIGINATED (MO) CALL


There are four distinct phase of a mobile originated call1.
2.
3.
4.

Setup phase.
Ringing phase.
Conversation phase.
Release phase.

Out of these phases the setup phase is the most important phase and includes
authentication of the subscriber, Ciphering of data over radio interface, validation of
mobile equipment, validation of subscriber data at VLR for requests service and
assignment of a voice channel on A-interface by MSC. Whenever MS wants to initiate an
outgoing call or want to send an SMS it requested for a channel to BSS over RACH. On
receiving request from MS, BSS assigns a stand-alone dedicated control channel
(SDCCH) to MS over access grant channel (AGCH). Once a SDCCH has been allocated
to MS all the call set up information flow takes place over SDCCH.

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MS now sends a Call Set up Request to the MSC/VLR certain check are performed
at MSC/VLR like- whether the requested service is provisioned for the subscriber or not,
whether the dialed digits are sufficient or not after this MSC sends Assignment command
to the BSS which contains a free voice channel on A-interface On getting this message
BSS allocates a free TCH to the MS and informs the MS to attach to it. MS on attaching
to this TCH informs the BSS about it. On receiving a response from the BSS, MSC
switches the speech path toward the calling MS. Thus at the end of Assignment the
speech path is through from MS to MSC.
After assignment MSC sends a network set-up message to the PSTN requesting that
a call be set up. The PSTN may involve several switching exchanges before finally
reaching the final local exchange responsible for applying the ringing tone to the
destination phone. The local exchange will generate the ringing tone over the trunk, or
series of trunk (if several intermediate switching exchange are involved), to the MSC. At
this point in time MS will hear ringing tone. This is ringing phase.
When the destination party goes off hook, PSTN informs the MSC of this event. At
this point, MS is connected to the destination party and billing is started. This is the
conversation phase
Under normal condition, the termination of a call is MS initiated or network
initiated. In this scenario, we have assumed that MS initiates the release of the call by
pressing end button and MS send a disconnect message to the MSC and All the
resources between MSC and the MS are released.

12.4 MOBILE TERMINATED (MT) CALL


The different phases of a mobile terminated call are
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- Routing analysis
- Paging.
- Call setup.
- Call release.

The phases of mobile terminated (MT) call are similar to a mobile originated (MO)
call except routing analysis and paging phase. Call to a mobile subscriber in a PLMN first
comes to gateway MSC (GMSC). GMSC is the MSC, which is the capable of querying
HLR for subscriber routing information. GMSC need not to be part of home PLMN,
though it is normal practice to have GMSC as part of PLMN in commercially deployed
networks.
GMSC Send / Routing / Info-Request (SRI request) is sent to HLR. SRI request
contains MSISDN of the subscriber. HLR sends Provide / Roaming / Number-request
(PRN request)to the VLR. VLR responds to PRN request with PRN response message,
which carries an MSRN (mobile subscriber roaming number), which can be used for
routing toward visiting MSC in the network. HLR returns MSRN to GMSC (MSC that
queried HLR) in SRI response message. On getting MSRN the GMSC routes the call
towards VMSC The purpose of this entire exercise is to locate where the terminating
mobile subscriber is.

VMSC uses the LAI provided by the VLR to determine which BSSs should page the
MS. MSC transmit a message to each of these BSS requesting that a page be performed.
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Included in the message is the TMSI of the MS. Each of the BSSs broadcasts the TMSI
of the mobile in a page message on paging channel (PCH).
When MS detects its TMSI broadcast on the paging channel, it responds with a
channel request message over Random Access Channel (RACH). Now onward case is
same as we have in MO call.
The mobile-to-mobile call scenario is a combination of phases encountered in
mobile originated (MO) and mobile terminated (MT) call.

MNP Call Scenario

12.5 SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS)


SMS is a simple bearer service and acts as a bi-directional alphanumeric paging
service, which allows value added service provision as well as management services
provision such as advice of charge. A short message can carry at most 160 characters (it
can be less depending upon the type of characters and their coding scheme). The SMS
could be either in broadcast mode (via CBCH channel) or in a point-to-point mode (via
either SDCCH channel if mobile is in idle state, or SACCH if the mobile is in dedicated
mode).

12.6 SUMMARY
Mo Call includes authentication of the subscriber, Ciphering of data over radio interface,
validation of mobile equipment, validation of subscriber data at VLR for requests service
and assignment of a voice channel on A-interface by MSC and mobile terminated (MT)
call are similar to a mobile originated (MO) call except routing analysis and paging phase
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12.7 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS


11. Write down the four distinct phase of a mobile originated call
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
12. Whenever MS wants to initiate an outgoing call or want to send an SMS it
requested for a channel to BSS over _____________. On receiving request from
MS, BSS assigns a ___________________ to MS over ______________.
13. . The different phases of a mobile terminated call are
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
14. . A short message can carry at most ________________ characters
15. . Normally in idle mode short message is carried on _______________ channel in
air interface
16. Speech is carried on_______________ channel in air interface
17. The SMS could be either in broadcast mode via ___________ channel or in a
point-to-point mode via either ____________ channel if mobile is in idle state, or
_____________ if the mobile is in dedicated mode.
18. In MO call MSRN is used (True/False)
19. TMSI is used for routing of mobile call (True/False)
20. MSRN is a number similar to ______________________.

12.8 REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READINGS

The GSM system for mobile communication-Michel


Mouly & MarieBernadette Pautet.
GSM system Engineering-Asha Mehrotra (Artech House Publisher).
ETSI standard ETS 300303 July 1994 on ISDN, ISDN-GSM, PLMN signalling
interface.

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