Handover Procedure

ETSI TS 123 009 V14.0.
0 (2017-03)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM);

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS);
Handover procedures
(3GPP TS 23.009 version 14.0.0 Release 14)
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

3GPP TS 23.009 version 14.0.0 Release 14 1 ETSI TS 123 009 V14.0.0 (2017-03)
Reference
RTS/TSGC-0423009ve00
Keywords
GSM,UMTS
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Foreword
The present document may refer to technical specifications or reports using their 3GPP identities, UMTS identities or
GSM identities. These should be interpreted as being references to the corresponding ETSI deliverables.
The cross reference between GSM, UMTS, 3GPP and ETSI identities can be found under
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Modal verbs terminology

In the present document "shall", "shall not", "should", "should not", "may", "need not", "will", "will not", "can" and
"cannot" are to be interpreted as described in clause 3.2 of the ETSI Drafting Rules (Verbal forms for the expression of
provisions).
"must" and "must not" are NOT allowed in ETSI deliverables except when used in direct citation.
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Contents
Intellectual Property Rights ................................................................................................................................2
Foreword.............................................................................................................................................................2
Modal verbs terminology....................................................................................................................................2
Foreword.............................................................................................................................................................6
1 Scope ........................................................................................................................................................7
2 References ................................................................................................................................................9
3 Abbreviations and definitions ................................................................................................................10
3.1 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
4 Role, functional composition of MSCs and interfaces for handover .....................................................12
4.1 MSC-A ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.1.1 Role of MSC-A ........................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1.2 Functional composition of MSC-A and its interfaces for handover ........................................................... 14
4.2 MSC-B ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
4.2.1 Role of MSC-B ........................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.2 Functional composition of MSC-B and its interfaces for handover............................................................ 17
4.3 3G_MSC-A ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.1 Role of 3G_MSC-A .................................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.2 Functional composition of 3G_MSC-A and its interfaces for handover/relocation .................................... 21
4.4 3G_MSC-B....................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4.1 Role of 3G_MSC-B .................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4.2 Functional composition of 3G_MSC-B and its interfaces for handover/relocation .................................... 26
4.5 MSC server enhanced for SRVCC features ..................................................................................................... 27
4.5.1 Role of SRVCC MSC ................................................................................................................................. 27
4.5.2 Functional composition of SRVCC MSC and its interfaces for handover/relocation ................................. 28
4.5.3 Role of vSRVCC MSC ............................................................................................................................... 28
4.5.4 Functional composition of vSRVCC MSC and its interfaces for handover/relocation ............................... 28
5 Handover initiation conditions ...............................................................................................................28
6 General description of the procedures for intra - MSC handovers .........................................................29
6.1 Procedure for Intra-MSC Handovers ................................................................................................................ 29
6.2 Procedure for Intra-3G_MSC Handovers ......................................................................................................... 31
6.2.1 Intra-3G_MSC Handover from UMTS to GSM ......................................................................................... 31
6.2.1.1 With no bearer or one bearer ................................................................................................................. 32
6.2.1.2 With multiple bearers (Optional functionality) ..................................................................................... 33
6.2.2 Intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS Handover .................................................................................................. 33
6.2.3 Procedure for Intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation ........................................................................................ 35
6.2.3.1 With no bearer or one bearer ................................................................................................................. 37
6.2.3.1.1 SRNS Relocation ............................................................................................................................. 37
6.2.3.1.2 Enhanced SRNS Relocation ............................................................................................................ 38
6.2.3.2 With multiple bearers (Optional functionality) ..................................................................................... 39
6.3 Internal Handover with MSC Support for Intra-BSS handover with AoIP ...................................................... 40
6.3.1 General Description of Internal Handover with MSC Support ................................................................... 40
6.3.2 BSS-initiated Internal Handover with MSC Support .................................................................................. 40
6.3.3 MSC-initiated BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support ........................................................................ 42
7 General description of the procedures for inter - MSC handovers .........................................................42
7.1 Basic handover procedure requiring a circuit connection between MSC-A and MSC-B ................................. 43
7.2 Basic handover procedure not requiring the establishment of a circuit connection between MSC-A and
MSC-B ............................................................................................................................................................. 45
7.3 Procedure for subsequent handover requiring a circuit connection .................................................................. 46
7.3.1 Description of subsequent handover procedure i): MSC-B to MSC-A....................................................... 47
7.3.2 Description of the subsequent handover procedure ii): MSC-B to MSC-B' ............................................... 48
7.4 Procedure for subsequent handover not requiring a circuit connection ............................................................ 49
ETSI
7.4.1 Description of the subsequent handover procedure without circuit connection i): MSC-B to MSC-A ...... 50
7.4.2 Description of the subsequent handover procedure without circuit connection ii): MSC-B to MSC-B' .... 50
8 General Description of the procedures for inter - 3G_MSC handovers .................................................51
8.1 Handover UMTS to GSM ................................................................................................................................ 51
8.1.1 Basic Handover procedure requiring a circuit connection between 3G_MSC -A and MSC-B .................. 52
8.1.1.1 With one circuit connection .................................................................................................................. 53
8.1.1.2 With multiple circuit connections (Optional functionality) .................................................................. 55
8.1.2 Basic UMTS to GSM Handover procedure not requiring the establishment of a circuit connection
between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B .............................................................................................................. 55
8.1.3 Procedure for subsequent UMTS to GSM handover requiring a circuit connection................................... 56
8.1.3.1 Description of subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A ................ 57
8.1.3.1.1 With one circuit connection ............................................................................................................. 57
8.1.3.1.2 With multiple circuit connections (Optional functionality) ............................................................. 57
8.1.3.2 Description of subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure ii): 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B' ............... 58
8.1.3.2.1 With one circuit connection .................................................................................................................. 58
8.1.4 Procedure for subsequent UMTS to GSM handover not requiring a circuit connection ............................ 60
8.1.4.1 Description of subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A ................ 61
8.1.4.2 Description of the subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure without circuit connection ii):
3G_MSC-B to MSC-B' ......................................................................................................................... 61
8.2 Handover GSM to UMTS ................................................................................................................................ 62
8.2.1 Basic Handover procedure requiring a circuit connection between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B ................... 63
8.2.2 Basic GSM to UMTS Handover procedure not requiring the establishment of a circuit connection
between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B .............................................................................................................. 66
8.2.3 Procedure for subsequent GSM to UMTS handover requiring a circuit connection................................... 67
8.2.3.1 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure i): MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A ................ 67
8.2.3.2 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure ii): MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' ............... 68
8.2.4 Procedure for subsequent GSM to UMTS handover not requiring a circuit connection ............................ 69
8.2.4.1 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure without circuit connection i):
MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A .......................................................................................................................... 70
8.2.4.2 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure without circuit connection ii):
MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' ......................................................................................................................... 70
8.3 SRNS Relocation.............................................................................................................................................. 71
8.3.1 Basic relocation procedure requiring a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B ............ 72
8.3.1.1 With one circuit connection .................................................................................................................. 73
8.3.1.2 With multiple circuit connections (Optional functionality) .................................................................. 75
8.3.1.2.1 3G_MSC-B does not support multiple bearers ................................................................................ 75
8.3.1.2.2 3G_MSC-B supports multiple bearers............................................................................................. 75
8.3.2 Basic relocation procedure not requiring the establishment of a circuit connection between
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B ...................................................................................................................... 76
8.3.3 Procedure for subsequent relocation requiring a circuit connection ........................................................... 77
8.3.3.1 Description of subsequent relocation procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A .................................. 78
8.3.3.2 Description of subsequent relocation procedure ii): 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B'................................. 79
8.3.4 Procedure for subsequent relocation not requiring a circuit connection ..................................................... 82
8.3.4.1 Description of subsequent relocation procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A .................................. 83
8.3.4.2 Description of subsequent relocation procedure ii): 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B'' ................................ 83
9 Detailed procedures in MSC-A ..............................................................................................................84
9.1 BSS/MSC and MS/MSC procedures in MSC-A (functional unit 1) ................................................................ 84
9.2 Call control procedures MSC-A (functional unit 2) ......................................................................................... 85
9.3 Handover control procedures MSC-A (functional unit 3) ................................................................................ 86
9.3A BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support control procedures ....................................................................... 87
9.4 MAP procedures in MSC-A (functional unit 4) ............................................................................................... 88
9.5 Interworking between Handover control procedures and MAP procedures in MSC-A ................................... 88
9.6 Compatibility with GSM Phase 1 ..................................................................................................................... 88
10 Detailed procedures in MSC-B ..............................................................................................................89
10.1 BSS/MSC (MS/BSS) procedures MSC-B (functional unit 1) .......................................................................... 89
ETSI
10.2 Call control procedures MSC-B (functional unit 2) ......................................................................................... 89

10.3 Handover control procedures MSC-B (functional unit 3) ................................................................................ 90
10.4 MAP procedures MSC-B (functional unit 4) ................................................................................................... 90
10.5 Interworking between Handover control procedures and MAP procedures in MSC-B ................................... 91
11 Detailed procedures in 3G_MSC-A .......................................................................................................91
11.1 RNC/BSC/3G_MSC and UE/MS/3G_MSC procedures in 3G_MSC-A (functional unit 1) ............................ 91
11.2 Call control procedures 3G_MSC-A (functional unit 2) .................................................................................. 91
11.3 Handover/Relocation control procedures 3G_MSC-A (functional unit 3) ....................................................... 93
11.4 MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-A (functional unit 4) ........................................................................................ 95
11.5 Interworking between Handover/Relocation control procedures and MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-A .......... 95
11.7 Protocol interworking ....................................................................................................................................... 96
12 Detailed procedures in 3G_MSC-B .......................................................................................................96
12.1 RNC/BSC/3G_MSC (UE/MS/RNC/BSC) procedures in 3G_MSC-B (functional unit 1) .............................. 96
12.2 Call control procedures 3G_MSC-B (functional unit 2) .................................................................................. 96
12.3 Handover/Relocation control procedures in 3G_MSC-B (functional unit 3) ................................................... 97
12.4 MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-B (functional unit 4)......................................................................................... 99
12.5 Interworking between Handover/Relocation control procedures and MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-B .......... 99
12.7 Protocol interworking ....................................................................................................................................... 99
12.8 Interactions between handover/relocation control procedures and other RANAP procedures ....................... 100
12.8.1 Interactions between handover/relocation control procedures and the security mode procedure ............. 100
12.8.1.1 Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation ................................................................................................ 100
12.8.1.2 Subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation ....................................................................................... 102
12.8.2 Interactions between handover/relocation control procedures and the RAB assignment procedure ........ 104
12.8.2.1 Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation ................................................................................................ 104
12.8.2.2 Subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation ....................................................................................... 106
12.8.3 Interactions between directed retry handover procedures and the RAB assignment procedure ............... 108
12.8.3.1 Intra-3G_MSC-B directed retry handover .......................................................................................... 108
12.8.3.2 Subsequent Inter-MSC directed retry handover .................................................................................. 109
13 Subsequent channel assignment using a circuit connection between MSC-A and MSC-B .................111
13.1 GSM handover ............................................................................................................................................... 111
13.2 UMTS to GSM handover ............................................................................................................................... 112
13.3 GSM to UMTS handover ............................................................................................................................... 114
13.4 SRNS Relocation............................................................................................................................................ 115
13.4.1 Without circuit connection........................................................................................................................ 115
13.4.2 With circuit connection (Optional functionality) ...................................................................................... 116
14 Directed retry handover ........................................................................................................................117
14.1 GSM handover ............................................................................................................................................... 117
14.2 GSM to UMTS handover ............................................................................................................................... 118
14.3 UMTS to GSM handover ............................................................................................................................... 120
15 SDL diagrams .......................................................................................................................................121
Annex A (informative): Change history .............................................................................................298
History ............................................................................................................................................................301
ETSI
Foreword
This Technical Specification (TS) has been produced by ETSI 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
The present document provides a mechanism giving reliable transfer of signalling messages within the 3GPP system.
The contents of the present document are subject to continuing work within the TSG and may change following formal
TSG approval. Should the TSG modify the contents of the present document, it will be re-released by the TSG with an
identifying change of release date and an increase in version number as follows:
Version x.y.z
where:
x the first digit:
1 presented to TSG for information;
2 presented to TSG for approval;
3 or greater indicates TSG approved document under change control.
y the second digit is incremented for all changes of substance, i.e. technical enhancements, corrections,
updates, etc.
z the third digit is incremented when editorial only changes have been incorporated in the document.
ETSI
1 Scope
The present document contains a detailed description of the handover procedures to be used in PLMNs. The purpose of
the handover procedures, as described in the present document, are to ensure that the connection to the Mobile Station
(MS) or User Equipment (UE) is maintained as it moves from one cell or radio network to another. The document
defines the circuit switched handover functionality based on the service requirements in 3GPP TS 22.129 [9]. For the
circuit switched handover functionality related to SRVCC and vSRVCC, it is based on the service requirements in
3GPP TS 23.216 [26].
The present document considers the following five handover cases:
i) handover between Base Station Subsystems (BSS) connected to the same MSC, this is termed an Intra-MSC
handover;
ii) handover between Radio Network Subsystems (RNS) connected to the same 3G_MSC, this is termed an Intra-
3G_MSC handover/relocation. This case also includes inter-system handover between RNS and BSS if the
3G_MSC supports the A-interface. In the context of this specification the term RNS refers also to a BSS when
serving a mobile station in Iu mode. Furthermore, this case includes Intra-3G_MSC enhanced SRNS relocation
between two RNSs;
iii) handover between Base Station Subsystems connected to different MSCs, this is termed an Inter-MSC handover.
This category can be sub-divided into three further procedures:
a) the Basic Inter-MSC Handover procedure, where the MS is handed over from a controlling MSC (MSC-A) to
another MSC (MSC-B);
b) the Subsequent Inter-MSC Handover procedure, where the MS is handed over from MSC-B to a third MSC
(MSC-B');
c) the Subsequent Inter-MSC handback, where the MS is handed back from MSC-B to MSC-A.
iv) handover between Radio Network Subsystems connected to different 3G_MSCs, this is termed an Inter-
3G_MSC handover/relocation. In the context of this specification the term RNS also refers to a BSS when
serving a mobile station in Iu mode. This category can be divided into three further sub-procedures:
a) the Inter-3G_MSC Handover procedure from UMTS to GSM, where the UE/MS is handed over from a
controlling 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A) to an MSC (MSC-B);
b) the Inter-3G_MSC Handover procedure from GSM to UMTS, where the UE/MS is handed over from a
controlling MSC (MSC-A) to a 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-B);
c) the Inter-3G_MSC Relocation procedure, where the UE is relocated from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B. This
procedure can also be combined with a hard change of radio resources (Hard Handover with switch in the
core network).
The MSC in items a) and b) this category can optionally be a 3G_MSC supporting the A-interface. The three sub-
procedures also cover subsequent handover/relocation to a third MSC-B' or 3G_MSC-B' and subsequent
handover/relocation back to MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A.
v) handover within one BSS connected via AoIP, supported by the same MSC, this is termed "BSS Internal
Handover with MSC Support". It is in fact a kind of external handover from MSC perspective and therefore a
subset of i) but described in detail in separate subclause 6.3 for clarity. The MSC in this category can be any of
MSC-A, MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A or 3G_MSC-B.
In both cases i) and iii) the same procedures as defined in the 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] and the 3GPP TS 24.008 [10] shall
be used on the A-interface and on the Radio Interface, respectively.
In case ii) the same procedures as defined in the 3GPP TS 25.413 [11] and the 3GPP TS 24.008 [10] shall be used on
the Iu-interface. If the 3G_MSC in case ii) also supports the A-interface, the 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] and the
3GPP TS 24.008 [10] shall be used on the A-interface.
In case iii) the handover procedures shall transport the A-interface messages between MSC-A and MSC-B described in
the Mobile Application Part (MAP), 3GPP TS 29.002 [12].
ETSI
In case iv) the handover procedures shall transport the A-interface messages between 3G_MSC and MSC described in
the Mobile Application Part (MAP), 3GPP TS 29.002 [12].
In case iv) the relocation procedure shall transport the Iu-interface messages between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B
described in the Mobile Application Part (MAP), 3GPP TS 29.002 [12].
The interworking between the 3GPP TS 29.002 [12] protocol and the 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] protocol is described in the
3GPP TS 29.010 [8].
Multicall supplementary service is not applicable in GERAN Iu mode and relocation of Multicalls is therefore only
possible within UTRAN.
Enhanced SRNS relocation is possible only within UTRAN between two RNSs conntected to the same 3G_MSC, i.e. in
case ii).
Handovers, which take place on the same MSC are termed Intra-MSC handovers; this includes both Inter-BSS and
Intra-BSS handovers.
Handovers, which take place on the same 3G_MSC are termed Intra-3G_MSC handovers; this includes Inter-RNS
handovers and optionally RNS to BSS and BSS to RNS handovers.
In the context of this specification the term InterSystem handover can also refer to a handover which takes place
between a Base Station serving a mobile station in Iu mode and a Base Station serving a mobile in A/Gb mode.
"Flexible Iu interface for handover/relocation" Option (see 3GPP TS 23.221 [19], subclause 4.2.1): Up to release 99 an
RNS can be connected only to one 3G_MSC. From release 4 onwards, as a network option, an RNS can have Iu
interfaces to more than one MSC. Such an additional Iu interface may be selected by an MSC during an intra-PLMN
relocation or intra-PLMN BSS to RNS handover procedure. This allows the MSC to use an Intra-3G_MSC handover
procedure according to case ii) instead of an Inter-3G_MSC handover procedure according to case iv). The decision
whether to use the Intra-3G_MSC handover procedure is implementation and configuration dependent. In a network
implementing this option, a global title based on the Global RNC-Id may optionally be used for the addressing of the Iu
interface messages.
"Intra Domain Connection of RAN Nodes to Multiple CN Nodes" Option (see 3GPP TS 23.236 [18]): when applied, a
BSS or an RNS can be connected to more than one MSC.
The present document also covers the requirements for handover in ongoing GSM voice group calls, directed retry and
handover without a circuit connection between (U)MSCs. The present document does not consider the case of
handovers between radio channels on the same BSS (Intra-BSS handover) or the handover of packet radio services
except for case v), the "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" for Intra-BSS handover in AoIP, involving the
MSC as described in subclause 6.3. The Inter-RNS handover case that results in a relocation is covered by the present
document, but not other Inter-RNS or Intra-RNS handover cases.
For voice broadcast calls in GSM, the speaker uses normal point-to-point handover procedures, whilst the listeners use
idle mode cell reselection procedures, as for the voice group call listeners.
Voice group calls is only applicable to GSM and handover of voice group calls is therefore only possible in GSM.
Inter-MSC hand-over imposes a few limitations on the system. After inter-MSC hand-over:
- call re-establishment is not supported.
The list of 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] features supported during and after Inter-MSC handover is given in
3GPP TS 49.008 [7].
In the Inter-MSC handover case, the interworking between a Phase 1 BSSMAP protocol possibly used by one MSC and
the Phase 2 BSSMAP protocol used in the Phase 2 MAP protocol on the E-interface is performed by this MSC.
This specification assumes TDM based Core Network and therefore PCM, ITU-T G.711 [16] encoded, voice channel
for speech calls between MSC-A and MSC-B and toward the other party. For bearer independent CS Core Network
architecture implementations see 3GPP TS 23.205 [23] and 3GPP TS 23.231 [24]. For handover including Out-Of-Band
transcoder control and transcoder free operation see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. For handover with Local Call Local Switch
(LCLS) see 3GPP TS 23.284 [29].
ETSI
NOTE 1: The message primitive names used in the SDL diagrams and message flows in the present document do
not represent the actual messages specified in the GSM or 3GPP stage 3 technical specifications. The
primitive names are only intended to be indicative of their use in the present document.
The MSC server enhanced for SRVCC and the MSC server enhanced for vSRVCC as specified in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26]
follows the procedures defined for 3G_MSC-A in the present specification with the exceptions and additions as
specified in subclause 4.5.
2 References
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of the present
document.
- References are either specific (identified by date of publication, edition number, version number, etc.) or
non-specific.
- For a specific reference, subsequent revisions do not apply.
- For a non-specific reference, the latest version applies. In the case of a reference to a 3GPP document (including
a GSM document), a non-specific reference implicitly refers to the latest version of that document in the same
Release as the present document.
[1] ITU-T Recommendation Q.118: "Abnormal conditions - Special release arrangements".
[2] Void.
[2a] 3GPP TR 21.905: "3G Vocabulary".
[3] 3GPP TS 43.068: "Voice Group Call Service (VGCS); Stage 2".
[4] 3GPP TS 45.008: "Radio Subsystem Link Control".
[5] 3GPP TS 48.008: "Mobile Switching Centre - Base Station System (MSC-BSS) Interface Layer 3
specification".
[6] 3GPP TS 48.058: "Base Station Controler - Base Transceiver Station (BSC-BTS) Interface Layer
3 specification".
[7] 3GPP TS 49.008: "Application of the Base Station System Application Part (BSSAP) on the
E-interface".
[8] 3GPP TS 29.010: "Information Element Mapping between Mobile Station - Base Station System
(MS-BSS) and Base Station System - Mobile-services Switching Centre (BSS-MSC); Signalling
procedures and the Mobile Application Part (MAP)".
[9] 3GPP TS 22.129: "Handover Requirements between UMTS and GSM or other Radio Systems".
[10] 3GPP TS 24.008: "Mobile Radio Interface Layer 3 specification; Core Network Protocols;
Stage 3".
[11] 3GPP TS 25.413: "UTRAN Iu interface RANAP signalling".
[12] 3GPP TS 29.002: "Mobile Application Part (MAP) specification".
[13] 3GPP TS 25.303: "UE functions and inter-layer procedures in connected mode".
[14] 3GPP TS 25.331: "Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification".
[15] 3GPP TS 29.108: "Application of the Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) on the E-
interface".
[16] ITU-T Recommendation G.711: "Pulse code modulation (PCM) of voice frequencies".
[17] 3GPP TS 23.135: "Multicall supplementary service; Stage 2".
ETSI
[18] 3GPP TS 23.236: "Intra Domain Connection of RAN Nodes to Multiple CN Nodes".
[19] 3GPP TS 23.221: "Architectural Requirements".
[20] 3GPP TS 25.401: "UTRAN Overall Description".
[21] 3GPP TS 23.195: "Provision of UE Specific Behaviour Information to Network Entities".
[22] 3GPP TS 23.172: "Technical realization of Circuit Switched (CS) multimedia service; UDI/RDI
fallback and service modification".
[23] 3GPP TS 23.205: "Bearer-independent circuit-switched core network; Stage 2"
[24] 3GPP TS 23.231: "SIP-I based circuit-switched core network; Stage 2"
[25] 3GPP TS 23.153: "Out of band transcoder control; Stage 2".
[26] 3GPP TS 23.216: "Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC)".
[27] 3GPP TS 29.280: "3GPP Sv interface (MME to MSC, and SGSN to MSC) for SRVCC".
[28] 3GPP TS 44.018: "Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification; Radio Resource Control (RRC)
protocol".
[29] 3GPP TS 23.284: "Local Call Local Switch; Stage 2".
[30] 3GPP TS 24.237: "IP Multimedia (IM) Core Network (CN) subsystem (IMS) service continuity;
Stage 3".
[31] 3GPP TS 23.237: "IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Service Continuity; Stage 2".
3 Abbreviations and definitions
3.1 Abbreviations
For the purpose of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
3G_MSC A third generation MSC that supports the Iu interface and optionally the A interface
3G_MSC-A The controlling 3G_MSC on which the call was originally established
3G_MSC-B The 3G_MSC to which the UE is handed over in a Basic Handover
3G_MSC-B' The 3G_MSC to which the UE is handed over in a Subsequent Handover
BSC Base Station Controller
BSS Base Station System
BSS-A The BSS from which the MS is being handed over
BSS-B The BSS to which the MS is being handed over
BTS Base Transceiver Station
CSG Closed Subscriber Group
CSS CSG Subscriber Server
E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
GERAN GSM EDGE Radio Access Network
ISC International Switching Centre
LCLS Local Call Local Switch
MS Mobile Station
MSC A second generation Mobile Services Switching Centre that only supports the A interface
MSC-A The controlling MSC on which the call was originally established
MSC-B The MSC to which the MS is handed over in a Basic Handover
MSC-B' The MSC to which the MS is handed over in a Subsequent Handover
MME Mobility Management Entity
RNC Radio Network Controller
RNS Radio Network Subsystem
SBSS Serving BSS
SNA Shared Network Area
ETSI
SRNS Serving RNS

STN-SR Session Transfer Number for SR-VCC
UE A User Equipment is a terminal that supports USIM and the UMTS Uu interface
UE/MS A terminal that supports USIM, SIM, the Uu interface and the Um interface
UESBI UE Specific Behaviour Information
USIM UMTS Subscriber Identity Module
Other abbreviations used in the GSM specifications are listed in 3GPP TR 21.905 [2a].
3.2 Definitions
The following terms are used in this Technical Specification:
A/Gb mode: mode of operation of the MS when connected to the Core Network via GERAN and the A and/or Gb
interfaces. Throughout this specification the term GSM refers to GERAN A/Gb mode.
AoIP-Selected codec (Target): the codec selected by the target BSS, to be used by the UE/MS in GERAN A/Gb mode
after the handover to the BSS using A interface over IP.
AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor): a list of codecs for GERAN A/Gb mode derived by the anchor
MSC-A/3G_MSC-A based on the codecs supported by the MS and the codecs available at the anchor
MSC-A/3G_MSC-A for A interface over IP, and provided by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A to MSC-B/3G_MSC-B during Inter-
MSC handover/relocation with MAP signalling. Within the list, the codecs are ordered in decreasing order of priority,
the first entry in the list being the highest priority codec (preferred codec) and the last entry the lowest priority codec.
AoIP-Available Codecs list (MAP): a list of codecs for GERAN A/Gb mode available for the target AoIP interface
signalled via MAP.
CSG ID list: for a specific PLMN-ID the list of CSG IDs for which the MS has a valid subscription. The CSG ID list
for the registered PLMN can be derived from the CSG subscription data provided by the HLR or the CSS to the anchor
MSC. The CSG ID lists for the equivalent PLMNs can be derived from the CSG subscription data provided by the
HLR.
Iu mode: mode of operation of the MS when connected to the Core Network via GERAN or UTRAN and the Iu
interface. Throughout this specification the term UMTS refers to UTRAN or GERAN Iu mode.
Iur interface: the logical interface between two UTRAN RNSs.
Iur-g interface: the logical interface between two BSSs or a BSC and an RNC and it is only considered in Iu mode.
Iu Currently used codec: the codec used by the UE/MS in UTRAN or GERAN Iu mode before a handover or SRNS
relocation.
Iu Selected codec: the codec to be used by the UE/MS in UTRAN or GERAN Iu mode after the handover or SRNS
relocation.
Iu Supported Codecs List: a list of codecs supported by the MS and by the core network, provided by MSC-
A/3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B during Inter-MSC handover/relocation. The Iu Supported Codecs List may contain
separate list of codecs for UTRAN Iu mode and GERAN Iu mode. Within each list, the codecs are ordered in
decreasing order of priority, the first entry in the list being the highest priority codec (preferred codec) and the last entry
the lowest priority codec.
Default speech codec: In UTRAN Iu mode the default speech codec is the UMTS AMR or UMTS AMR2 codec,
dependent on the capabilities of the UE/MS. For a description of how the network determines the default UMTS speech
codec, see 3GPP TS 24.008 [10], subclause 5.2.1.11. If necessary, 3G_MSC-B shall use the Radio Resource
Information instead of the GSM Bearer Capability, since the GSM Bearer Capability is not available in MSC-B.
In GERAN Iu mode the default speech codec is the AMR FR codec.
SRVCC MSC: MSC server enhanced for SRVCC as defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26] subclause 5.3.2.
vSRVCC MSC: MSC server enhanced for vSRVCC as defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26] subclause 5.3.2a.
ETSI
UE Specific Behaviour Information - Iu (UESBI-Iu): information that is sent from the MSC to the RAN and that can
be used to derive specific information about the UE's capabilities.
For the purposes of the present document, the following terms and definitions given in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26] apply:
SRVCC
vSRVCC
SCC AS
CSG cell
CSG ID
4 Role, functional composition of MSCs and interfaces

for handover
4.1 MSC-A
4.1.1 Role of MSC-A
In the Intra-MSC handover case (including "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" with AoIP), the MSC-A
(simply termed MSC) controls the call, the mobility management and the radio resources before, during and after an
Intra-MSC handover. When BSSAP procedures have to be performed, they are initiated and driven by MSC-A.
If AoIP is supported by MSC-A and BSS, then the BSS or the MSC-A may initiate a "BSS Internal Handover with
MSC Support" as described in detail in subclause 6.3.
In the Inter-MSC handover case, MSC-A is the MSC which controls the call and the mobility management of the
Mobile during the call, before, during and after a basic or subsequent handover. When BSSAP procedures related to
dedicated resources have to be performed towards the MS, they are initiated and driven by MSC-A. The MSC-A -
MSC-B interface works as a MSC - BSS interface for a subset of BSSMAP procedures. These BSSMAP procedures,
described in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] are only those related to dedicated resources. The DTAP signalling is relayed
transparently by MSC-B between MSC-A and the MS.
During a basic handover, MSC-A initiates and controls all the handover procedure, from its initiation (reception of
Handover Required from BSS-A on A-interface) until its completion (reception of Handover Complete from MSC-B on
E-interface).
For handover to an area where "Intra Domain Connection of RAN Nodes to Multiple CN Nodes" is applied, MSC-A
can have multiple target CN nodes for each handover target in a pool-area as specified in 3GPP TS 23.236 [18].
During a subsequent handover back to MSC-A, MSC-A acts as a BSS towards MSC-B, which controls the handover
procedure until the termination in MSC-A of the handover radio resources allocation (sending of the Handover Request
Acknowledge to MSC-B from MSC-A). Then all handover related messages shall terminate at MSC-A (e.g. Handover
Detect/Complete from BSS-B, Handover Failure from BSS-A).
During a subsequent handover to a third MSC, MSC-A works towards MSC-B' as described above in the basic
handover paragraph and towards MSC-B as described above in subsequent handover paragraph.
In the Inter-System, inter-MSC handover case, MSC-A is the MSC which controls the call and the mobility
management of the Mobile during the call, before, during and after a basic or subsequent handover. When BSSAP
procedures related to dedicated resources have to be performed towards the MS, they are initiated and driven by
MSC-A. The MSC-A - 3G_MSC-B interface works as a MSC - BSS interface for a subset of BSSMAP procedures.
These BSSMAP procedures, described in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] are only those related to dedicated resources. The DTAP
signalling is relayed transparently by 3G_MSC-B between MSC-A and the MS.
ETSI
During a basic inter-system handover, MSC-A initiates and controls all the handover procedure, from its initiation
(reception of Handover Required from BSS-A on A-interface) until its completion (reception of Handover Complete
from 3G_MSC-B on E-interface).
During a subsequent inter-system handover back to MSC-A, MSC-A acts as a BSS towards 3G_MSC-B, which controls
the handover procedure until the termination in MSC-A of the handover radio resources allocation (sending of the
Handover Request Acknowledge to 3G_MSC-B from MSC-A). Then all handover related messages shall terminate at
MSC-A (e.g. Handover Detect/Complete from BSS-B, Handover Failure from BSS-A).
During a subsequent inter-system handover to a third MSC, MSC-A works towards 3G_MSC-B' as described above in
the basic inter-system handover paragraph and towards 3G_MSC-B as described above in subsequent inter-system
handover paragraph.
If MSC-A supports the "Provision of UE Specific Behaviour Information to Network Entities" (see
3GPP TS 23.195 [21]), it shall send UESBI-Iu to the target MSC during basic and subsequent handover, and basic and
subsequent inter-system handover.
MSC-A may support inter-MSC inter-system handover to a CSG cell. If MSC-A supports handover to a CSG cell, the
serving BSS is served by MSC-A and provides a CSG ID for the target cell, and the call is not an emergency call, then
MSC-A checks the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell using the CSG subscription data provided by the HLR
or the CSS before proceeding with the handover procedure. If there is no subscription data for this CSG ID or the CSG
subscription for the CSG ID has expired, the MSC-A considers the membership check as failed. If for a specific PLMN-
ID an entry with the same CSG ID exists in both CSS subscription data and HLR subscription data, the CSG
subscription data from the HLR shall take precedence over the data from CSS.
NOTE 1: If MSC-A does not support CSG membership checking, and a CSG cell is configured as possible
handover target, MSC-A will proceed with the handover to the CSG cell. If the CSG cell is not
configured as possible handover target, MSC-A will not proceed with the handover.
For handover of an emergency call to a CSG cell, MSC-A shall skip the CSG membership check and proceed with the
handover procedure.
For inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell, if the HLR or the CSS provided a CSG ID list for the target PLMN, MSC-A
shall validate the CSG membership of the UE in the target CSG cell using the CSG ID list for the target PLMN.
NOTE 2: Due to certain restrictions in the access stratum, inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell in a PLMN which is
not an equivalent PLMN for the UE is not supported; therefore, the target PLMN will always be an
equivalent PLMN.
If the HLR did not provide any CSG ID lists for the equivalent PLMNs, then based on operator's configuration the
MSC-A may allow the handover by validating the CSG membership of the UE in the target CSG cell using the CSG ID
list of the registered PLMN-ID. Otherwise, MSC-A shall reject the handover due to no CSG subscription information of
the target PLMN-ID available.
NOTE 3: If MSC-A uses the CSG ID list of the registered PLMN-ID for membership validation, as the UE is using
the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN, inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell of an equivalent PLMN
can only occur if the CSG ID of the cell is both in the CSG ID list of the registered PLMN used by MSC-
A and in the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN used by the UE. If the HLR provided CSG ID lists for
the equivalent PLMNs, this restriction does not apply.
For subsequent inter-MSC handover to a third 3G_MSC-B', if MSC-B/3G_MSC-B belongs to a different PLMN than
MSC-A, then as an operator option MSC-A may perform an additional CSG membership check for the target cell.
ETSI
4.1.2 Functional composition of MSC-A and its interfaces for handover

In order to simplify the description of the handover procedures the controlling MSC (MSC-A) can be considered to be
composed of five functional units, as shown in figure 1.
Signalling functions:
1) BSC/MSC (MS/BSC) Procedures MSC-A. This unit is used to control the signalling between the MSC, BSC and
MS. Interface A' is the connection to the old BSC and interface A'' is the connection to the new BSC, when an
Intra-MSC handover takes place. Interface x represents the interworking connection to the Handover Control
Procedures MSC-A.
2) Call Control Procedures MSC-A. This unit is used to control the call. Interface B' is used for normal call control
procedures. When a Basic handover from MSC-A to MSC-B is to be performed then interface B'' is employed to
provide a signalling and call control connection to MSC-B. If a Subsequent handover to MSC-B' is to be
performed then interface B''' is used. Similarly, when a Basic inter-system handover from MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B
is to be performed, then interface B'' is employed to provide a signalling and call control connection to
3G_MSC-B. If a subsequent inter-system handover to 3G_MSC-B' is to be performed, then interface B''' is used.
3) Handover Control Procedures MSC-A. This unit provides both the overall control of the handover procedure and
interworking between the internal interfaces (x, y and z).
4) MAP Procedures MSC-A. This unit is responsible for controlling the exchange of MAP messages between
MSCs during an Inter-MSC handover, or between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B during an Inter-system Inter-MSC
handover. This unit communicates with the Handover Control Procedures MSC-A via interface z.
Switching functions:
5) Switch and Handover Device MSC-A. For all calls, except for ongoing voice group calls (see 3GPP TS 43.068
[3] for a definition) this unit is responsible for connecting the new path into the network via interface B'. In the
case of ongoing voice group calls this unit is responsible for maintaining the connection between the down link
group call channels and the active uplink. In specific cases it may be unnecessary to take any explicit action in
the MSC concerning the handover device. The handover device interconnections are illustrated in figure 2.
ETSI
B
Signalling 2 Call
functions Control B
Procedures
MSC-A
B
y
A
1 BSC/MSC x 3 Handover
(MS/BSC) Control
A Procedures Procedures
MSC-A MSC-A
z
4 MAP
Procedures C
MSC-A
Switching control
Switching B
5 Switch
A functions
and B
Handover
A Device
MSC-A B
Figure 1: Functional composition of the controlling MSC (MSC-A) for supporting handover
For MS to MS calls in the same MSC the configuration in figure 2b applies. In this case interface B'' is internal to
MSC-A and does not connect to another MSC.
The handover device can either be a three-party bridge or a switching facility without three-party connection
capabilities. For a three-party bridge configuration the states of the handover device are as shown in table 1. The
three-party configuration exists in the intermediate state. This type of handover device may reduce the interruption time.
However, this may require noise reduction if one of the radio channels is unterminated at some time in the intermediate
state.
For a handover device consisting of a simple switch there will be no intermediate state.
Table 1: States of the handover device
Resulting
Case Initial Intermediate Connection
Connection Connection Successful Unsuccessful
Procedure Procedure
Figure 2a) B' to A' B' to A' and A'' B' to A'' B' to A'
Figure 2b) B' to A' B' to A' and B'' B' to B'' B' to A'
Figure 2c) B' to B'' B' to B''and B''' B' to B''' B' to B''
ETSI
A B
A
a) Intra-MSC Handover case.
A B
B
b) Basic Handover case and handover of MS to MS call in the same MSC.
B
c) Subsequent Handover case
NOTE: In a) and b) A is released after handover;

In c) B is released after handover.
Figure 2: Connections in the handover device (Unit 5)
4.2 MSC-B
4.2.1 Role of MSC-B
In the Intra-MSC-B handover cases (including "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" with AoIP), the MSC-B
keeps the control of the whole Intra-MSC-B handover procedure.
MSC-B notifies MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A of a successful Intra-MSC-B handover completion by using the A-
HANDOVER-PERFORMED message.
If AoIP is supported by MSC-B and BSS, then the BSS or the MSC-B may initiate a "BSS Internal Handover with MSC
Support" as described in detail in subclause 6.3.
The role of MSC-B is also to provide transcoder resources, if AoIP is supported and no transcoder is inserted in the
BSS.
In the Inter-MSC handover case, the role of MSC-B (MSC-B') is only to provide radio resources control within its area.
This means that MSC-B keeps control of the radio resources connection and release towards BSS-B. MSC-B will do
some processing on the BSSMAP information received on the E-interface or A-interface whereas it will relay the DTAP
information transparently between A-interface and E-interface. MSC-A initiates and drives a subset of BSSMAP
procedures towards MSC-B, while MSC-B controls them towards its BSSs to the extent that MSC-B is responsible for
the connections of its BSSs. The release of the dedicated resources between MSC-B and BSS-B is under the
responsibility of MSC-B and BSS-B, and is not directly controlled by MSC-A. When clearing is to be performed due to
information received from BSS-B, MSC-B shall transfer this clearing indication to MSC-A, to clear its connection with
BSS-B, to terminate the dialogue with MSC-A through the E-interface, and to release its circuit connection with
MSC-A, if any. In the same way, the release of the connection to its BSS-B, is initiated by MSC-B, when the dialogue
with MSC-A ends normally and a release is received from the circuit connection with MSC-A, if any, or when the
dialogue with the MSC-A ends abnormally.
ETSI
When a release is received by MSC-B for the circuit connection with MSC-A then MSC-B shall release the circuit
connection.
In the Inter-system Inter-MSC handover case, the role of MSC-B (MSC-B') is only to provide radio resources control
within its area. This means that MSC-B keeps control of the radio resources connection and release towards BSS-B.
MSC-B will do some processing on the BSSMAP information received on the E-interface or A-interface whereas it will
relay the DTAP information transparently between A-interface and E-interface. 3G_MSC-A initiates and drives a subset
of BSSMAP procedures towards MSC-B, while MSC-B controls them towards its BSSs to the extent that MSC-B is
responsible for the connections of its BSSs. The release of the dedicated resources between MSC-B and BSS-B is under
the responsibility of MSC-B and BSS-B, and is not directly controlled by 3G_MSC-A. When clearing is to be
performed due to information received from BSS-B, MSC-B shall transfer this clearing indication to 3G_MSC-A, to
clear its connection with BSS-B, to terminate the dialogue with 3G_MSC-A through the E-interface, and to release its
circuit connection with 3G_MSC-A, if any. In the same way, the release of the connection to its BSS-B, is initiated by
MSC-B, when the dialogue with 3G_MSC-A ends normally and a release is received from the circuit connection with
MSC-A, if any, or when the dialogue with the MSC-A ends abnormally.
When a release is received by MSC-B for the circuit connection with 3G_MSC-A then MSC-B shall release the circuit
connection.
For subsequent inter-MSC handover to an area where "Intra Domain Connection of RAN Nodes to Multiple CN Nodes"
is applied, MSC-B can have multiple target CN nodes for each handover target in a pool-area as specified in
3GPP TS 23.236 [18].
MSC-B may support subsequent inter-MSC inter-system handover to a CSG cell. If MSC-B supports handover to a
CSG cell, the serving BSS is served by MSC-B and provides a CSG ID for the target cell, and the call is not an
emergency call, then MSC-B checks the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell using the CSG subscription data
provided by the anchor MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A during the basic inter-MSC handover before proceeding with the
subsequent handover procedure. If there is no subscription data for this CSG ID or the CSG subscription for the CSG ID
has expired, MSC-B considers the membership check as failed.
NOTE 1: If MSC-B does not support CSG membership checking, and a CSG cell is configured as possible
handover target, MSC-B will proceed with the subsequent handover to the CSG cell. If the CSG cell is
not configured as possible handover target, MSC-B will not proceed with the handover.
For subsequent handover of an emergency call to a CSG cell, MSC-B shall skip the CSG membership check and
proceed with the handover procedure.
For subsequent inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell, if the anchor MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A provided a CSG ID list for
the target PLMN during the basic inter-MSC handover, MSC-B shall validate the CSG membership of the UE in the
target CSG cell using the CSG ID list for the target PLMN.
equivalent PLMN.
If the anchor MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A provided only a CSG ID list for the PLMN of MSC-B, then based on operator's
configuration the MSC-B may allow the handover by validating the CSG membership of the UE in the target CSG cell
using this CSG ID list. Otherwise, MSC-B shall reject the handover due to no CSG subscription information of the
target PLMN-ID available.
NOTE 3: If MSC-B uses the CSG ID list of the PLMN of MSC-B for membership validation, as the UE is using
the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN, inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell of an equivalent PLMN
can only occur if the CSG ID of the cell is both in the CSG ID list of the PLMN of MSC-B which is used
by MSC-B and in the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN which is used by the UE. If MSC-A or
3G_MSC-A provided a CSG ID list for the target PLMN of the subsequent inter-MSC handover, this
restriction does not apply.
4.2.2 Functional composition of MSC-B and its interfaces for handover

The functional composition of an MSC acting as MSC-B is essentially the same as that of MSC-A. However, there are
some differences. The functional units are as follows (see figure 3).
ETSI
1) BSC/MSC (MS/BSC) Procedures MSC-B. This unit is used to control the signalling between the MSC, BSC and
MS. Interface A'' is the connection to the new BSC, when an Intra-MSC handover takes place. Interface x
represents the interworking connection to the Handover Control Procedures MSC-B.
2) Call Control Procedures MSC-B. This unit is used for normal call control and signalling to MSC-A, or
3G_MSC-A in the case of inter-system inter-MSC handover.
3) Handover Control Procedures MSC-B. This unit provides both the overall control of the handover procedure and
interworking between the internal interfaces (x, y and z) in MSC-B.
4) MAP Procedures MSC-B. This unit is responsible for controlling the exchange of MAP messages between
MSC-A, or 3G_MSC-A, and MSC-B and for signalling to the VLR in MSC-B.
5) Switch MSC-B. For all calls, except ongoing voice group calls (see 3GPP TS 43.068 [3] for a definition) this
unit is responsible, with BSS-B, for connecting the circuit from MSC-A, or 3G_MSC-A, to BSS-B. This unit
may also need to act as a handover device for Intra-MSC handovers controlled by MSC-B. In the case of
ongoing voice group calls this unit is responsible for maintaining the connection between the group member
currently assigned the uplink and the distribution device. In specific cases it may be unnecessary to take any
explicit action in the MSC concerning the handover device.
Signalling 2 Call
functions Control B
Procedures
MSC-B
y
A
1 BSC/MSC x 3 Handover
(MS/BSC) Control
A Procedures Procedures
MSC-B MSC-B
z
4 MAP
Procedures C
MSC-B
Switching control
Switching
A functions 5
Switch B
MSC-B
A
Figure 3: Functional composition of MSC-B for supporting handover
4.3 3G_MSC-A
For roles and functional composition of the 3G_MSC-A working as pure GSM MSC, please see previous clause
("MSC-A").
ETSI
4.3.1 Role of 3G_MSC-A

In the Intra-3G_MSC-A handover/relocation case, 3G_MSC-A controls the call, the mobility management and the radio
resources before, during and after an Intra-3G_MSC-A handover/relocation. When RANAP or BSSMAP procedures
have to be performed, they are initiated and driven by 3G_MSC-A.
In a network implementing the "Flexible Iu interface for handover/relocation" option, 3G_MSC-A may optionally use a
global title based on the Global RNC-Id for the addressing of the Iu interface messages towards the target RNC.
For handover/relocation to an area where "Intra Domain Connection of RAN Nodes to Multiple CN Nodes" is applied,
3G_MSC-A can have multiple target CN nodes for each handover/relocation target in a pool-area as specified in
3GPP TS 23.236 [18].
In the case of intra-3G_MSC-A handover of a speech call, 3G_MSC-A controls the transcoder in the core network. The
3G_MSC-A determines, if a transcoder is required to be inserted or released in the CN.
If AoIP is supported by 3G_MSC-A and BSS, then the BSS or the 3G_MSC-A may initiate a "BSS Internal Handover
with MSC Support" as described in detail in subclause 6.3.
In the case of Inter-3G_MSC relocation, 3G_MSC-A links out the transcoder.
In the Inter-3G_MSC relocation case, 3G_MSC-A is the 3G_MSC that controls the call and the mobility management
of the UE during the call, before, during and after a basic or subsequent relocation. When RANAP procedures related to
dedicated resources have to be performed towards the UE, they are initiated and driven by 3G_MSC-A. The
3G_MSC-A - 3G_MSC-B interface works as a 3G_MSC - RNS interface for the RANAP procedures. The Direct
Transfer signalling is relayed transparently by 3G_MSC-B between 3G_MSC-A and the UE.
During a successful relocation the order to perform location reporting at change of Service Area is not transferred to the
target RNS. In the Intra-3G_MSC-A relocation case, the 3G_MSC-A re-issues the Location Reporting Control towards
the target RNS. In the Inter-3G_MSC relocation case, 3G_MSC-A keeps the control of the Location Report Control
procedure. However, re-issuing the Iu-LOCATION-REPORTING-CONTROL messages due to subsequent Intra-
3G_MSC-B relocations is the responsibility of 3G_MSC-B.
During a basic relocation, 3G_MSC-A initiates and controls all the relocation procedure, from its initiation (reception of
Relocation Required from RNS-A on Iu-interface) until its completion (reception of Relocation Complete from
3G_MSC-B on E-interface).
During a subsequent relocation back to 3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-A acts as an RNS towards 3G_MSC-B, which controls
the relocation procedure until the termination in 3G_MSC-A of the handover radio resources allocation (sending of the
Relocation Request Acknowledge to 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MSC-A). Then all relocation related messages shall
terminate at 3G_MSC-A (e.g. Relocation Detect/Complete from RNS-B, Relocation Cancel from RNS-A).
During a subsequent relocation to a third 3G_MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A works towards 3G_MSC-B' as described above in
the basic relocation paragraph and towards 3G_MSC-B as described above in subsequent relocation paragraph.
In the Inter-System, inter-3G_MSC handover case, 3G_MSC-A is the 3G_MSC which controls the call and the mobility
management of the UE/MS during the call, before, during and after a basic or subsequent inter-system handover. When
BSSAP procedures related to dedicated resources have to be performed towards the UE/MS, they are initiated and
driven by 3G_MSC-A. The 3G_MSC-A MSC-B interface works as a 3G_MSC BSS interface for a subset of
BSSMAP procedures. These BSSMAP procedures described in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] are those related to dedicated
resources. The DTAP signalling is relayed transparently by MSC-B between 3G_MSC-A and the UE/MS.
During a basic inter-system UMTS to GSM handover, 3G_MSC-A initiates and controls all the handover procedure,
from its initiation (reception of Relocation Required from RNS-A on Iu-interface) until its completion (reception of
Handover Complete from MSC-B on E-interface).
During a subsequent inter-system UMTS to GSM handover back to 3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-A acts as a BSS towards
3G_MSC-B, which controls the handover procedure until the termination in 3G_MSC-A of the handover radio
resources allocation (sending of the Handover Request Acknowledge to 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MSC-A). Then all
handover related messages shall terminate at 3G_MSC-A (e.g. Handover Detect/Complete from BSS-B, Relocation
Cancel from RNS-A).
ETSI
During a subsequent inter-system UMTS to GSM handover to a third 3G_MSC, 3G_MSC-A works towards MSC-B' as
described above in the basic inter-system handover paragraph and towards 3G_MSC-B as described above in
subsequent inter-system handover paragraph.
During a basic inter-system GSM to UMTS handover, 3G_MSC-A initiates and controls all the handover procedure,
from its initiation (reception of Handover Required from BSS-A on A-interface) until its completion (reception of
Handover Complete from 3G_MSC-B on E-interface).
During a subsequent inter-system GSM to UMTS handover back to 3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-A acts as an RNS towards
MSC-B, which controls the handover procedure until the termination in 3G_MSC-A of the handover radio resources
allocation (sending of the Handover Request Acknowledge to MSC-B from 3G_MSC-A). Then all handover related
messages shall terminate at 3G_MSC-A (e.g. Relocation Detect/Complete from RNS-B, Handover Failure from
BSS-A).
During a subsequent inter-system GSM to UMTS handover to a third 3G_MSC, 3G_MSC-A works towards
3G_MSC-B' as described above in the basic inter-system handover paragraph and towards MSC-B as described above
in subsequent inter-system handover paragraph.
3G_MSC-A may assign a priority level defined as RAB parameter in 3GPP TS 25.413 [11] for each bearer. In case of
relocation of a multicall configuration the 3G_MSC-B or the target RNC shall select the bearers to be handed over
according to the priority level, if the target cell is not able to accommodate all bearers. If a selection has to be made
between bearers of the same priority level, then the selection criteria are implementation dependent.
For network sharing (see 3GPP TS 25.401 [20], subclause 7.2.3) 3G MSC-A shall send the SNA information to
3G_MSC-B except for emergency calls.
If 3G_MSC-A supports the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]) and UE is engaged
with multiple bearers the following description applies:
- In the Intra-3G_MSC relocation case, the 3G-MSC-A tries to relocate all bearers to a new RNS.
- In the basic relocation case, the 3G-MSC-A tries to relocate all bearers to 3G_MSC-B. If 3G_MSC-A receives
an indication that the 3G_MSC-B does not support multiple bearers, then 3G_MSC-A shall be able to select one
bearer to be handed over according to 3GPP TS 22.129 [9] and tries again to relocate the selected bearer.
- In the subsequent relocation to a third 3G_MSC-B' case, the 3G-MSC-A tries to relocate all bearers to 3G_MSC-
B'. If 3G_MSC-A receives an indication that the 3G_MSC-B' does not support multiple bearers, then 3G_MSC-
A shall be able to select one bearer to be handed over according to 3GPP TS 22.129 [9] and tries again to
relocate the selected bearer.
- In the Intra-3G_MSC inter-system UMTS to GSM handover case and the basic inter-system UMTS to GSM
handover case, the 3G_MSC-A shall be able to select one bearer to be handed over according to
3GPP TS 22.129 [9] and tries to handover the selected bearer.
- In all cases described above, 3G_MSC-A shall release some calls which has been carried by the bearers failed to
set up in new RNS or the bearers not to be handed over.
If 3G_MSC-A supports the "Provision of UE Specific Behaviour Information to Network Entities" (see
3GPP TS 23.195 [21]), it shall send UESBI-Iu to the RNS-B during intra-3G_MSC handover/relocation and during
subsequent inter-3G_MSC handover/relocation back to 3G_MSC-A. Furthermore, 3G_MSC-A shall send UESBI-Iu to
the target MSC during basic and subsequent inter-MSC handover, and basic and subsequent inter-3G_MSC
handover/relocation.
For a SCUDIF call (see 3GPP TS 23.172 [22]) 3G_MSC-A may send information of the alternative radio access bearer
to the target RNS during the intra-3G_MSC handover/relocation and to the target MSC during basic and subsequent
inter-3G_MSC handover/relocation or assignment.
3G_MSC-A may support inter-system handover or SRNS relocation to a CSG cell. If 3G_MSC-A supports
handover/relocation to a CSG cell, the serving BSS or RNS is served by 3G_MSC-A and provides a CSG ID for the
target cell, and the call is not an emergency call, then 3G_MSC-A checks the CSG membership of the UE for the target
cell using the CSG subscription data provided by the HLR or the CSS before proceeding with the handover/relocation
procedure. If there is no subscription data for this CSG ID or the CSG subscription for the CSG ID has expired, the
3G_MSC-A considers the membership check as failed. If for a specific PLMN-ID the same CSG ID exists in both CSS
subscription data and HLR subscription data, the CSG subscription data from the HLR shall take precedence over the
data from CSS.
ETSI
NOTE 1: If 3G_MSC-A does not support CSG membership checking, and a CSG cell is configured as possible
handover target, 3G_MSC-A will proceed with the handover/relocation to the CSG cell; if the CSG cell is
not configured as possible handover target, 3G_MSC-A will not proceed with the handover/relocation.
For handover of an emergency call to a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-A shall skip the CSG membership check and proceed with
the handover/relocation procedure.
For inter-PLMN handover/relocation to a CSG cell, if the HLR or the CSS provided a CSG ID list for the target PLMN,
3G_MSC-A shall validate the CSG membership of the UE in the target CSG cell using the CSG ID list for the target
PLMN.
equivalent PLMN.
If the HLR did not provide any CSG ID lists for the equivalent PLMNs, then based on operator's configuration the
3G_MSC-A may allow the handover/relocation by validating the CSG membership of the UE in the target CSG cell
using the CSG ID list of the registered PLMN-ID. Otherwise, 3G_MSC-A shall reject the handover/relocation due to no
CSG subscription information of the target PLMN-ID available.
NOTE 3: If 3G_MSC-A uses the CSG ID list of the registered PLMN-ID for membership validation, as the UE is
using the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN, inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell of an equivalent
PLMN can only occur if the CSG ID of the cell is both in the CSG ID list of the registered PLMN used
by 3G_MSC-A and in the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN used by the UE. If the HLR provided
CSG ID lists for the equivalent PLMNs, this restriction does not apply.
For subsequent inter-MSC handover/relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B', if MSC-B/3G_MSC-B

belongs to a different PLMN than 3G_MSC-A, then as an operator option MSC-A may perform an additional CSG
membership check for the target cell.
4.3.2 Functional composition of 3G_MSC-A and its interfaces for

handover/relocation
In order to simplify the description of the handover/relocation procedures the controlling 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A) can
be considered to be composed of five functional units, as shown in figure 4.
1) RNC/BSC/3G_MSC (UE/MS/RNC/BSC) Procedures 3G_MSC-A. This unit is used to control the signalling
between the 3G_MSC, RNC or BSC and UE/MS. Interface Iu' is the connection to the old RNC and interface Iu''
is the connection to the new RNC, when an Intra-3G_MSC relocation takes place. Interface Iu' is the connection
to the old RNC and interface A'' is the connection to the new BSC, when an Intra-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM
handover takes place. Interface A' is the connection to the old BSC and interface Iu'' is the connection to the new
RNC, when an Intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover takes place. Interface x represents the interworking
connection to the Handover/Relocation Control Procedures 3G_MSC-A.
2) Call Control Procedures 3G_MSC-A. This unit is used to control the call. Interface B' is used for normal call
control procedures. When a Basic relocation from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B is to be performed then interface
B'' is employed to provide a signalling and call control connection to 3G_MSC-B. If a Subsequent
handover/relocation to 3G_MSC-B' is to be performed then interface B''' is used. Similarly, when a Basic inter-
system handover from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B is to be performed, then interface B'' is employed to provide a
signalling and call control connection to 3G_MSC-B. If a Subsequent inter-system handover to 3G_MSC-B' is to
be performed then interface B''' is used.
3) Handover/Relocation Control Procedures 3G_MSC-A. This unit provides both the overall control of the
handover/relocation procedure and interworking between the internal interfaces (x, y and z).
4) MAP Procedures 3G_MSC-A. This unit is responsible for controlling the exchange of MAP messages between
3G_MSCs during an Inter-3G_MSC handover/relocation, or between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B during an Inter-
system Inter-3G_MSC handover. This unit communicates with the Handover/Relocation Control Procedures
3G_MSC-A via interface z.
ETSI
5) Switch and Handover/Relocation Device 3G_MSC-A. For all calls this unit is responsible for connecting the
new path into the network via interface B'. In specific cases it may be unnecessary to take any explicit action in
the 3G_MSC concerning the handover/relocation device. The handover/relocation device interconnections are
illustrated in figure 5.
B
Signalling 2 Call
functions Control B
Procedures
3G_MSC-A
B
y
Iu/A
1 RNC/BSC/ 3 HO/Rel
x
3G_MSC Control
Iu/A (UE/MS/RNC/BSC) Procedures
Procedures 3G_MSC-A
z
4 MAP
Procedures C
3G_MSC-A
Switching control
Switching B
5 Switch
Iu/A functions
and B
HO/Rel
Iu/A Device
3G_MSC-A B
Figure 4: Functional composition of the controlling 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A)

for supporting handover/relocation
For UE/MS to UE/MS calls in the same 3G_MSC the configuration in figure 5b applies. In this case interface B'' is
internal to 3G_MSC-A and does not connect to another 3G_MSC.
The handover/relocation device can be either a three-party bridge or a switching facility without three-party connection
capabilities. For a three-party bridge configuration the states of the handover/relocation device are as shown in table 2.
The three-party configuration exists in the intermediate state. This type of handover/relocation device may reduce the
interruption time. However, this may require noise reduction if one of the radio channels is unterminated at some time
in the intermediate state.
For a handover/relocation device consisting of a simple switch there will be no intermediate state.
ETSI
Table 2: States of the handover/relocation device
Resulting
Case Initial Intermediate Connection
Connection Connection Successful Unsuccessful
Procedure Procedure
Figure 5a) B' to Iu' B' to Iu' and Iu'' B' to Iu'' B' to Iu'
B' to Iu' B' to Iu' and A'' B' to A'' B' to Iu'
B' to A' B' to A' and Iu'' B' to Iu'' B' to A'
Figure 5b) B' to Iu' B' to Iu' and B'' B' to B'' B' to Iu'
Figure 5c) B' to B'' B' to B''and B''' B' to B''' B' to B''
Iu/A B
Iu/A
a) Intra-3G_MSC Handover/Relocation case.
Iu B
B
b) Basic Handover/Relocation case and handover/relocation of UE/MS to
UE/MS call in the same 3G_MSC.
B
c) Subsequent Handover/Relocation case
NOTE: In a) and b) Iu is released after handover/relocation;

In c) B is released after handover/relocation.
Figure 5: Connections in the handover/relocation device (Unit 5)
4.4 3G_MSC-B
For roles and functional composition of the 3G_MSC-B working as pure GSM MSC, please see previous clause
("MSC-B").
4.4.1 Role of 3G_MSC-B

In the Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation case, the 3G_MSC-B keeps the control of the whole Intra-3G_MSC-B
handover/relocation procedure. 3G_MSC-B notifies MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A of intra-3G_MSC-B InterSystem handover
and intra GSM handovers (including "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support"), by using the A-HANDOVER-
PERFORMED message.
- If the security algorithms have been changed during an intra-3G_MSC-B SRNS relocation; or
ETSI
- if the codec type or codec modes of the Iu Selected codec have been changed during this relocation and the Iu
Supported Codecs List was received by 3G_MSC-B before,
then 3G_MSC-B shall indicate the changed parameters, i.e. the selected UMTS algorithm(s) and/or the codec type and
codec modes of the Iu Selected codec, to MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING
request.
Encapsulated in the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request 3G_MSC-B shall send:
- an A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message, when encapsulated BSSAP is used on the E interface; or
- an Iu-LOCATION-REPORT message, when encapsulated RANAP is used on the E interface.
On reception of an order to perform location reporting at change of Service Area from 3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-B shall
be responsible to re-issue the Iu-LOCATION-REPORTING-CONTROL message after subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B
relocations/handovers. This shall be performed immediately after the successful completion of the Relocation Resource
Allocation procedure.
In a network implementing the "Flexible Iu interface for handover/relocation" option, in the Intra-3G_MSC
handover/relocation case, 3G_MSC-B may optionally use a global title based on the Global RNC-Id for the addressing
of the Iu interface messages towards the target RNC.
If AoIP is supported by 3G_MSC-B and BSS, then the BSS or the 3G_MSC-B may initiate a "BSS Internal Handover
with MSC Support" as described in detail in subclause 6.3.
If AoIP is supported and no transcoder is inserted in the BSS, then 3G_MSC-B shall provide transcoder resources.
For subsequent inter-MSC handover/relocation to an area where "Intra Domain Connection of RAN Nodes to Multiple
CN Nodes" is applied, 3G_MSC-B can have multiple target CN nodes for each handover target in a pool-area as
specified in 3GPP TS 23.236 [18].
The role of 3G_MSC-B is also to provide transcoder resources. For speech calls in UMTS, 3G_MSC-B shall select an
Iu Selected codec from the Iu Supported Codecs List provided by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER request. If the Iu Supported Codecs List was not received or 3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of
codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-B shall select the appropriate default speech codec.
If an intra-3G_MSC-B intersystem handover to UMTS is performed, the Iu Supported Codecs List was received by
3G_MSC-B during the basic inter MSC handover/relocation procedure and 3G_MSC-B supports the selection of codec
based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, then 3G_MSC-B shall indicate the Iu Selected codec to MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A
in MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request.
In the Inter-3G_MSC relocation case, the role of 3G_MSC-B (3G_MSC-B') is only to provide radio resources control
within its area. This means that 3G_MSC-B keeps control of the radio resources connection and release towards RNS-
B. 3G_MSC-B will do some processing on the RANAP information received on the E-interface or the RANAP
information received on the Iu-interface whereas it will relay the Direct Transfer information transparently between
Iu-interface and E-interface. 3G_MSC-A initiates and drives RANAP procedures towards 3G_MSC-B, while
3G_MSC-B controls them towards its RNSs to the extent that 3G_MSC-B is responsible for the connections of its
RNSs. The release of the dedicated resources between 3G_MSC-B and RNS-B is under the responsibility of
3G_MSC-B and RNS-B, and is not directly controlled by 3G_MSC-A. When clearing is to be performed due to
information received from RNS-B, 3G_MSC-B shall transfer this clearing indication to 3G_MSC-A, to clear its
connection with RNS-B, to terminate the dialogue with 3G_MSC-A through the E-interface, and to release its circuit
connection with 3G_MSC-A, if any. In the same way, the release of the connection to its RNS-B, is initiated by
3G_MSC-B, when the dialogue with 3G_MSC-A ends normally and a release is received from the circuit connection
with 3G_MSC-A, if any, or when the dialogue with the 3G_MSC-A ends abnormally.
When a release is received by 3G_MSC-B for the circuit connection with 3G_MSC-A then 3G_MSC-B shall release the
circuit connection.
In the Inter-system UMTS to GSM Inter-3G_MSC handover case, the role of 3G_MSC-B (3G_MSC-B') is only to
provide radio resources control within its area. This means that 3G_MSC-B keeps control of the radio resources
connection and release towards BSS-B. 3G_MSC-B will do some processing on the BSSMAP information received on
the E-interface or the BSSMAP information received on the A-interface whereas it will relay the DTAP information
transparently between A-interface and E-interface. 3G_MSC-A initiates and drives a subset of BSSMAP procedures
towards 3G_MSC-B, while 3G_MSC-B controls them towards its BSSs to the extent that 3G_MSC-B is responsible for
the connections of its BSSs. The release of the dedicated resources between 3G_MSC-B and BSS-B is under the
ETSI
responsibility of 3G_MSC-B and BSS-B, and is not directly controlled by 3G_MSC-A. When clearing is to be
performed due to information received from BSS-B, 3G_MSC-B shall transfer this clearing indication to 3G_MSC-A,
to clear its connection with BSS-B, to terminate the dialogue with 3G_MSC-A through the E-interface, and to release
its circuit connection with MSC-A, if any. In the same way, the release of the connection to its BSS-B, is initiated by
3G_MSC-B, when the dialogue with 3G_MSC-A ends normally and a release is received from the circuit connection
with 3G_MSC-A, if any, or when the dialogue with the MSC-A ends abnormally.
When a release is received by 3G_MSC-B for the circuit connection with 3G_MSC-A then 3G_MSC-B shall release the
circuit connection.
In the Inter-system GSM to UMTS Inter-3G_MSC handover case, the role of 3G_MSC-B (3G_MSC-B') is only to
provide radio resources control within its area. This means that 3G_MSC-B keeps control of the radio resources
connection and release towards RNS-B. 3G_MSC-B will do some processing on the BSSMAP information received on
the E-interface or the RANAP information received on the Iu-interface whereas it will relay the Direct Transfer
information transparently between Iu-interface and E-interface. MSC-A initiates and drives a subset of BSSMAP
procedures towards 3G_MSC-B, while 3G_MSC-B controls them towards its RNSs to the extent that 3G_MSC-B is
responsible for the connections of its RNSs. The release of the dedicated resources between 3G_MSC-B and RNS-B is
under the responsibility of 3G_MSC-B and RNS-B, and is not directly controlled by MSC-A. When clearing is to be
performed due to information received from RNS-B, 3G_MSC-B shall transfer this clearing indication to MSC-A, to
clear its connection with RNS-B, to terminate the dialogue with MSC-A through the E-interface, and to release its
circuit connection with MSC-A, if any. In the same way, the release of the connection to its RNS-B, is initiated by
3G_MSC-B, when the dialogue with MSC-A ends normally and a release is received from the circuit connection with
MSC-A, if any, or when the dialogue with the MSC-A ends abnormally.
When a release is received by 3G_MSC-B for the circuit connection with MSC-A then 3G_MSC-B shall release the
circuit connection.
At intra-PLMN handover/relocation, 3G_MSC-B shall send Service Handover related information to the BSC/RNC if
and only if this Service Handover information is received from 3G_MSC-A. 3G_MSC-B shall not modify Service
Handover related information received from a 3G_MSC-A within the same PLMN.
For network sharing (see 3GPP TS 25.401 [20], subclause 7.2.3) when SNA information is received by 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-A, 3G MSC-B shall send the SNA information to the RNS.
If 3G_MSC-B does not support the optional supplementary service Multicall (see 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]) and 3G_MSC-
A requests to relocate multiple bearers, 3G_MSC-B shall indicate that it does not support multiple bearers to 3G_MSC-
A.
If 3G_MSC-B supports the optional supplementary service Multicall (see 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]) and UE is engaged
with multiple bearers the following description applies:
- In the basic relocation case, the 3G_MSC-B shall be able to allocate a Handover Number for each bearer. The
3G_MSC-B shall also be able to select some bearers to be handed over according to the priority level defined as
RAB parameters in 3GPP TS 25.413 [11] so that the number of bearers will fulfill the maximum number of
bearers supported by the 3G_MSC-B. If a selection has to be made between bearers of the same priority level,
then the selection criteria are implementation dependent.
- In the Intra-3G_MSC relocation case, the 3G_MSC-B tries to relocate all bearers to a new RNS.
- In the subsequent relocation back to the 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B' case, the 3G_MSC-B tries to
request to the 3G_MSC-A to relocate all bearers to the 3G_MSC-A or to the 3G_MSC-B'.
- In the Intra-3G_MSC inter-system UMTS to GSM handover case and the subsequent inter-system UMTS to
GSM handover back to the 3G_MSC-A or to a third MSC-B' case, the 3G_MSC-B shall be able to select one
bearer to be handed over according to 3GPP TS 22.129 [9] and tries to handover the selected bearer.
If 3G_MSC-B supports the "Provision of UE Specific Behaviour Information to Network Entities" (see
3GPP TS 23.195 [21]), and if it received UESBI-Iu from MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A during the basic inter-MSC
handover/relocation, then 3G_MSC-B shall store the UESBI-Iu and forward it to RNS-B during basic inter-MSC
handover/relocation and subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation.
If 3G_MSC-B supports SCUDIF calls (see 3GPP TS 23.172 [22]), and if it received information of alternative radio
access bearer from 3G_MSC-A during the basic inter-MSC handover/relocation or assignment, then 3G_MSC-B shall
ETSI
store that information and forward it to RNS-B during basic inter-MSC handover/relocation or assignment and
subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation.
3G_MSC-B may support subsequent inter-system handover or SRNS relocation to a CSG cell. If 3G_MSC-B supports
handover/relocation to a CSG cell, the serving BSS or RNS is served by 3G_MSC-B and provides a CSG ID for the
target cell, and the call is not an emergency call, then 3G_MSC-B checks the CSG membership of the UE for the target
cell using the CSG subscription data provided by the anchor MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A during the basic inter-MSC
handover/relocation before proceeding with the subsequent handover/relocation procedure. If there is no subscription
data for this CSG ID or the CSG subscription for the CSG ID has expired, 3G_MSC-B considers the membership check
as failed.
NOTE 1: If 3G_MSC-B does not support CSG membership checking, and a CSG cell is configured as possible
handover target, 3G_MSC-B will proceed with the subsequent handover to the CSG cell. If the CSG cell
is not configured as possible handover target, 3G_MSC-B will not proceed with the handover.
For subsequent handover/relocation of an emergency call to a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-B shall skip the CSG membership
check and proceed with the handover/relocation procedure.
For subsequent inter-PLMN handover/relocation to a CSG cell, if the anchor MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A provided a CSG
ID list for the target PLMN during the basic inter-MSC handover/relocation, 3G_MSC-B shall validate the CSG
membership of the UE in the target CSG cell using the CSG ID list for the target PLMN.
equivalent PLMN.
Based on operator's configuration, if the anchor MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A provided only a CSG ID list for the PLMN of
3G_MSC-B, the 3G_MSC-B may allow the handover/relocation by validating the CSG membership of the UE in the
target CSG cell using this CSG ID list. Otherwise, 3G_MSC-B shall reject the handover/relocation due to no CSG
subscription information of the target PLMN-ID available.
NOTE 3: If 3G_MSC-B uses the CSG ID list of the PLMN of 3G_MSC-B for membership validation, as the UE is
using the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN, inter-PLMN handover to a CSG cell of an equivalent
PLMN can only occur if the CSG ID of the cell is both in the CSG ID list of the PLMN of 3G_MSC-B
which is used by 3G_MSC-B and in the CSG ID list of the equivalent PLMN which is used by the UE. If
MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A provided a CSG ID list for the target PLMN of the subsequent inter-MSC
handover, this restriction does not apply.
4.4.2 Functional composition of 3G_MSC-B and its interfaces for

handover/relocation
The functional composition of a 3G_MSC acting as 3G_MSC-B is essentially the same as that of 3G_MSC-A.
However, there are some differences. The functional units are as follows (see figure 6).
1) RNC/BSC/3G_MSC (UE/MS/RNC/BSC) Procedures 3G_MSC-B. This unit is used to control the signalling
between the 3G_MSC, RNC, BSC and UE/MS. Interface Iu' is the connection to the old RNC and interface Iu'' is
the connection to the new RNC, when an Intra-3G_MSC relocation takes place. Interface Iu' is the connection to
the old RNC and interface A'' is the connection to the new BSC, when an Intra-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM
handover takes place. Interface A' is the connection to the old BSC and interface Iu'' is the connection to the new
RNC, when an Intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover takes place. Interface x represents the interworking
connection to the Handover/Relocation Control Procedures 3G_MSC-B.
2) Call Control Procedures 3G_MSC-B. This unit is used for normal call control and signalling to 3G_MSC-A or
MSC-A in the case of inter-system inter-3G_MSC handover.
3) Handover/Relocation Control Procedures 3G_MSC-B. This unit provides both the overall control of the
handover/relocation procedure and interworking between the internal interfaces (x, y and z) in 3G_MSC-B.
4) MAP Procedures 3G_MSC-B. This unit is responsible for controlling the exchange of MAP messages between
3G_MSC-A, or MSC-A, and 3G_MSC-B and for signalling to the VLR in 3G_MSC-B.
ETSI
5) Switch 3G_MSC-B. For all calls this unit is responsible, with RNS-B, for connecting the circuit from
3G_MSC-A, or MSC-A, to RNS-B. This unit may also need to act as a handover/relocation device for Intra-
3G_MSC handovers/relocation controlled by 3G_MSC-B. In specific cases it may be unnecessary to take any
explicit action in the 3G_MSC concerning the handover/relocation device.
Signalling 2 Call
functions Control B
Procedures
3G_MSC-B
y
Iu/A
1 RNC/BSC/ 3 HO/Rel
x
3G_MSC Control
Iu/A (UE/MS/RNC/BSC) Procedures
Procedures 3G_MSC-B
z
4 MAP
Procedures C
3G_MSC-B
Switching control
Switching
Iu/A functions 5
Switch B
3G_MSC-B
Iu/A
Figure 6: Functional composition of 3G_MSC-B for supporting handover/relocation
4.5 MSC server enhanced for SRVCC features

4.5.1 Role of SRVCC MSC
SRVCC MSC takes the roles of 3G_MSC-A as defined in subclause 4.3.1 with the following modification for an
SRVCC handover:
- During a SRVCC handover, SRVCC MSC initiates and controls all the Circuit Switch handover procedure, from
its initiation (i.e., reception of SRVCC PS to CS Request via the Sv-interface as defined in 3GPP TS 29.280 [27]
from MME) until its completion (i.e., reception of Relocation/Handover Complete from 3G_MSC-B or MSC-B
on E-interface or from RANAP or BSSMAP procedure if the target access network is connected via the same
SRVCC MSC);
- Call flows on the interaction between Sv signalling and the handover signalling with the target network by
SRVCC MSC is defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26];
- SRVCC MSC initiates a normal call setup procedure to SCC AS with STN-SR for session continuity procedure
as defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26]; and
- After SRVCC handover is completed, the UE is connected to SCC AS via target CS domain access. The
subsequent handover to another BSS/RAN or inter-MSC HO follows the procedures defined for 3G_MSC-A.
There is no handover back to E-UTRAN via the Sv interface.
ETSI
4.5.2 Functional composition of SRVCC MSC and its interfaces for

handover/relocation
Functional composition of SRVCC MSC and its interfaces for handover/relocation follows the 3G_MSC-A as defined
in subclause 4.3.2 with the following modification for an SRVCC handover:
- Interface Iu/A is not used. This is replaced by Sv interface;
- Interface B' is used for normal call control procedure to SCC AS for SRVCC session continuity procedures as
defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26]; and
- During SRVCC procedure, B' is a one-way connection with SCC AS and is not connected to Sv interface. After
SRVCC procedure is completed, B' is connected to A/Iu.
4.5.3 Role of vSRVCC MSC

vSRVCC MSC takes the role of an SRVCC MSC as described in subclause 4.5.1 with the following modifications for a
vSRVCC handover:
- During a vSRVCC handover, vSRVCC MSC initiates and controls all the Circuit Switch handover procedure,
from its initiation (i.e., reception of SRVCC PS to CS Request via the Sv-interface as defined in
3GPP TS 29.280 [27] from MME) until its completion (i.e., reception of Relocation/Handover Complete from
3G_MSC-B on E-interface or from RANAP procedure if the target access network is connected via the same
vSRVCC MSC);
- Call flows on the interaction between Sv signalling and the handover signalling with the target network by
vSRVCC MSC are defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26];
- vSRVCC MSC performs query to SCC AS to determine whether to perform the SRVCC or vSRVCC procedure,
as defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26] and 3GPP TS 24.237 [30];
- vSRVCC MSC initiates a normal call setup procedure to SCC AS with STN-SR for session continuity procedure
as defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26]; and
- After vSRVCC handover is completed, the UE is connected to SCC AS via target CS domain access. The
subsequent handover to another RAN or inter-MSC HO follows the procedures defined for 3G_MSC-A. There is
no handover back to E-UTRAN via the Sv interface.
4.5.4 Functional composition of vSRVCC MSC and its interfaces for

handover/relocation
Functional composition of vSRVCC MSC and its interfaces for handover/relocation follows an SRVCC MSC for an
SRVCC handover as specified in subclause 4.5.2. In addition, the following modifications to subclause 4.5.2 are
required for a vSRVCC handover:
- Interface B' is used for performing query to SCC AS to determine whether to perform the SRVCC or vSRVCC
procedure, as defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26] and 3GPP TS 24.237 [30];
- Interface B' is used for normal call control procedure to SCC AS for vSRVCC session continuity procedures as
defined in 3GPP TS 23.216 [26]; and
- During vSRVCC procedure, B' is a one-way connection with SCC AS and is not connected to Sv interface. After
vSRVCC procedure is completed, B' is connected to Iu.
5 Handover initiation conditions

Handover may be initiated by the network based on RF criteria as measured by the MS or the Network (signal level,
Connection quality, power level propagation delay) as well as traffic criteria (e.g. current traffic loading per cell,
interference levels, maintenance requests, etc.).
ETSI
In order to determine if a handover is required, due to RF criteria, it is typically the MS that shall take radio
measurements from neighbouring cells. These measurements are reported to the serving cell on an event driven or
regular basis. When a network determines a need for executing a handover the procedures given in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5],
3GPP TS 25.303 [13], 3GPP TS 25.331 [14] are followed.
The decision process used to determine when to perform soft handover or hard handover will typically differ.
Depending on the support for soft or hard handover the Intra-MSC and Inter-MSC handover may differ.
In the case of an ongoing GSM voice group call (see 3GPP TS 43.068 [3]) the criteria described above shall only apply
to the mobile station currently assigned the uplink and other users with a dedicated connection, no actions shall be taken
for the listening users.
6 General description of the procedures for intra - MSC

handovers
This clause gives a brief overview of the procedures that shall be followed when performing Intra-MSC handovers.
Detailed explanation of these procedures can be found in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] and 3GPP TS 24.008 [10].
There are three types of GSM handover that involve a single BSS and a single MSC. These are "Internal Handover",
"BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" and" External Handover".
An "Internal Handover" takes place between channels on a cell or cells controlled by a single BSS, without reference to
the MSC, although the MSC maybe informed of its occurrence after completion. This typical case can be used by the
BSS e.g. if the A-Interface User Plane is not to be modified. This "Internal Handover" may take place with AoTDM or
with AoIP and is not considered in the present document.
A "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" shall only be used if AoIP is supported by both MSC and BSS and if the
A-Interface User Plane has to be modified. In that case the BSS or the MSC may initiate a "BSS Internal Handover with
MSC Support" procedure as described in detail in subclause 6.3 in this document.
NOTE: From Core Network perspective this "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" is an "External
Handover", because the MSC is actively involved, although it is called "Internal Handover" in 3GPP TS
48.008, because the call stays within one BSS.
Handovers between channels on the same cell or between cells on the same BSS which are controlled by the MSC (as
defined prior to the introduction of AoIP) are termed "External Handovers" and use identical procedures to those for
Inter-BSS-Intra-MSC handovers. "External Handovers" are also specified with AoIP User Plane transport, for example
the handover from speech to data services.Handovers from a BSS to an RNS controlled by the same 3G_MSC are intra-
3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handovers. Handovers from an RNS to a BSS controlled by the same 3G_MSC are intra-
3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handovers.
There are two types of handover in UMTS: soft handover and hard handover. The first one is fully performed within
UTRAN, without involving the core network. The second one may be also performed within UTRAN or GERAN, or
between GERAN and UTRAN, or the core network may be involved if the Iur or Iur-g interface between RNSs does
not exist. This case of hard handover involving the core network is covered in the present document, together with
SRNS relocation with Iur or Iur-g interface.
6.1 Procedure for Intra-MSC Handovers

The procedure for a successful External Intra-MSC handover is shown in figure 7. It is assumed that selection of a
candidate MS has already taken place within the BSS based upon the criteria presented in clause 5. The exact algorithm,
in the BSS, for determining a candidate MS is not addressed in the present document. The procedures discussed do not
make use of the Mobile Application Part (MAP), represented by signalling function 4 in figure 2 and figure 3. The
procedure described in this clause covers case i).
ETSI
MS MS
BSS-A MSC-A BSS-B
A-Handover-Required
A-Handover-Request
A-Handover-Request-Ack
A-Handover-Command
RI-HO-Command
RI-HO-Access
A-Handover-Detect
RI-HO-Complete
A-Handover-Complete
A-Clear-Command
A-Clear-Complete
Figure 7: Basic External Intra-MSC Handover Procedure
The successful operation of the procedure is as follows. When the BSS (BSS-A), currently supporting the MS,
determines that the MS requires to be handed over it will send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message to the MSC
(MSC-A). The A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message shall contain a list of cells, or a single cell, to which the MS can
be handed over. The list of cells shall be given in order of preference based upon operator determined criteria (These
criteria are not addressed within the present document and are operator dependent). When the MSC-A receives the A-
HANDOVER-REQUIRED message it shall begin the process of handing over the MS to a new BSS (BSS-B). (NOTE:
BSS-A and BSS-B maybe the same BSS). The MSC-A shall generate an A-HANDOVER-REQUEST message to the
selected BSS (BSS-B). When BSS-B receives the A-HANDOVER-REQUEST message it shall take the necessary
action to allow the MS to access the radio resource of BSS-B, this is detailed in 3GPP TS 48.058 [6] and in
3GPP TS 45.008 [4]. The switching of the radio resource through the necessary terrestrial resources is detailed in
3GPP TS 24.008 [10] and 3GPP TS 48.008 [5].
Once resource allocation has been completed by BSS-B it shall return an A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK. to
MSC-A. When this message is received by MSC-A it shall begin the process of instructing the MS to tune to a new
dedicated radio resource. An A-HANDOVER-COMMAND will be sent by the MSC-A to BSS-A. On receipt of the A-
HANDOVER-COMMAND message BSS-A will send the radio interface message RI-HANDOVER-COMMAND,
containing a Handover Reference number previously allocated by BSS-B, to the MS. The MS will then access the new
radio resource using the Handover Reference number contained in the RI-HANDOVER-ACCESS message. The
number will be checked by BSS-B to ensure it is as expected and the correct MS has been captured. If this is the correct
MS then the BSS-B shall send an A-HANDOVER-DETECT to MSC-A. When the MS is successfully communicating
with the BSS-B a RI-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message will be sent by the MS to BSS-B. The BSS-B will then send
an A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message to MSC-A.
NOTE: The A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK from BSS-B contains the complete Radio Interface message that
shall be sent by BSS-A to the MS in the RI-HANDOVER-COMMAND, MSC-A transparently passes this
radio interface message onto BSS-A.
After MSC-A has received the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message from BSS-B it shall begin to release the
resources allocated on BSS-A. In figure 7 the resource is released by using the A-CLEAR-COMMAND sequence.
In the case of ongoing GSM voice group calls the clearing of resources on BSS-A shall not be used if the resources are
still be used on the down link.
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt, for example A-HANDOVER-FAILURE returned from BSS-A or BSS-
B, then MSC-A will terminate the handover to BSS-B. Under these conditions MSC-A may optionally take one of a
number of actions:
i) retry the handover to the same cell;
ETSI
ii) select the next cell from the list contained in the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message and attempt a handover
to the new cell;
iii) await the next A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message;
iv) send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT to BSS-A, if an A-HANDOVER-COMMAND has not already

been sent.
The exact action taken is dependent on whether the failure occurs before or after the A-HANDOVER-COMMAND has
been sent.
In all cases the existing connection to the MS shall not be cleared except in the case of expiry of the timer for receipt of
A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE.
During the period that the MS is not in communication with the network MSC-A shall queue all appropriate messages.
All messages shall be delivered to the MS once communication is resumed . In the case of an Intra-MSC handover on
MSC-B then the messages shall be queued by MSC-B.
In the case of ongoing GSM voice group calls if a failure occurs when handing over a user on a dedicated channel then
the procedures described above may optionally be applied.
For the case of subsequent Inter-BSS Intra-MSC-B or Inter-BSS Intra-3G_MSC-B handover the following applies:
If handover to an A over IP capable BSS-B is performed, MSC-B/3G_MSC-B includes a Codec List (MSC preferred)
in the A-HANDOVER-REQUEST message to BSS-B. MSC-B/3G_MSC-B may select the codecs for the Codec List
(MSC preferred) from the channel type information and the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), if this list was
provided by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a detailed description of the
handling of these codec lists by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A and MSC-B/3G_MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. If the AoIP-
Supported Codecs List (Anchor) was not provided or MSC-B/3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of codecs from
the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), then MSC-B/3G_MSC-B shall create the Codec List (MSC preferred) using
the channel type information received from MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the A-HANDOVER-REQUEST message included
in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
After successful completion of the Intra-MSC-B handover or Intra-3G_MSC-B handover, if MSC-B/3G_MSC-B

received the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), MSC-B/3G_MSC-B may send the new AoIP-Selected Codec
(Target) and AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-
SIGNALLING request transporting the A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message, if the following conditions are
fulfilled: MSC-B/3G_MSC-B created a Codec List (MSC preferred) from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor)
received from MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, the target BSS-B uses A interface over IP and BSS-B does not insert a transcoder.
6.2 Procedure for Intra-3G_MSC Handovers

6.2.1 Intra-3G_MSC Handover from UMTS to GSM
The procedure for a successful Intra-3G_MSC handover from UMTS to GSM is shown in figure 8. It is assumed that
selection of a candidate UE/MS has already taken place within the RNS based upon the criteria presented in clause 5.
The exact algorithm, in the RNS, for determining a candidate UE/MS is not addressed in the present document. The
procedures discussed do not make use of the Mobile Application Part (MAP), represented by signalling function 4 in
figures 4 and 6. The procedure described in this clause covers case ii).
ETSI
UE/MS UE/MS
RNS-A 3G_MSC-A BSS-B
Iu-Relocation-Required
A-Handover-Request
Iu-Relocation-Command
RRC-HO-Command
RI-HO-Access
A-Handover-Detect
RI-HO-Complete
A-Handover-Complete
Iu-Release-Command
Iu-Release-Complete
Figure 8: Basic Intra-3G_MSC Handover from UMTS to GSM Procedure
6.2.1.1 With no bearer or one bearer

The successful operation of the procedure is as follows. When the RNS (RNS-A), currently supporting the UE/MS,
determines that the UE/MS requires to be handed over to GSM it will send an IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message
to the 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A). The IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message shall contain a single cell, to which the
UE/MS can be handed over. When the 3G_MSC-A receives the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message it shall begin
the process of handing over the UE/MS to a BSS (BSS-B). The 3G_MSC-A shall generate an A-HANDOVER-
REQUEST message to the selected BSS (BSS-B). When BSS-B receives the A-HANDOVER-REQUEST message it
shall take the necessary action to allow the UE/MS to access the radio resource of BSS-B, this is detailed in
3GPP TS 48.058 [6] and in 3GPP TS 45.008 [4]. The switching of the radio resource through the necessary terrestrial
resources is detailed in 3GPP TS 24.008 [10] and 3GPP TS 08.08 [5].
Once resource allocation has been completed by BSS-B it shall return an A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK. to
3G_MSC-A. When this message is received by 3G_MSC-A it shall begin the process of instructing the UE/MS to tune
to a new dedicated radio resource. An IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND will be sent by the 3G_MSC-A to RNS-A. On
receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND message RNS-A will send the radio resource control message RRC-
HANDOVER-COMMAND, containing a Handover Reference number previously allocated by BSS-B, to the UE/MS.
The UE/MS will then access the new radio resource using the Handover Reference number contained in the RI-
HANDOVER-ACCESS message. The number will be checked by BSS-B to ensure it is as expected and the correct
UE/MS has been captured. If this is the correct UE/MS then the BSS-B shall send an A-HANDOVER-DETECT to
3G_MSC-A. When the UE/MS is successfully communicating with the BSS-B a RI-HANDOVER-COMPLETE
message will be sent by the UE/MS to BSS-B. The BSS-B will then send an A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message to
3G_MSC-A.
NOTE: The A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK from BSS-B contains the complete radio resource control
message that shall be sent by RNS-A to the UE/MS in the RRC-HANDOVER-COMMAND, 3G_MSC-A
transparently passes this radio interface message onto RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A has received the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message from BSS-B it shall begin to release the
resources allocated on RNS-A. In figure 8 the resource is released by using the IU-RELEASE-COMMAND sequence.
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt, for example A-HANDOVER-FAILURE returned from BSS-B, then
3G_MSC-A will terminate the handover to BSS-B and send an IU-RELOCATION-PREPARATION-FAILURE
message to RNS-A.
If RNS-A has decided to cancel the handover, it sends IU-RELOCATION-CANCEL message to 3G_MSC-A. The
3G_MSC-A will then terminate the handover towards BSS-B (if initiated) and send IU-RELOCATION-CANCEL-
ACKNOWLEDGE message to RNS-A.
ETSI
In all cases the existing connection to the UE/MS shall not be cleared except in the case of expiry of the timer for
receipt of A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE.
During the period that the UE/MS is not in communication with the network 3G_MSC-A shall queue all appropriate
messages. All messages shall be delivered to the UE/MS once communication is resumed. In the case of an Intra-
3G_MSC handover from UMTS to GSM on 3G_MSC-B then the messages shall be queued by 3G_MSC-B.
For the case of subsequent Inter-system UMTS to GSM Intra-3G_MSC-B handover the following applies:
If handover to an A over IP capable BSS-B is performed, 3G_MSC-B includes a Codec List (MSC preferred) in the A-
HANDOVER-REQUEST message to BSS-B. 3G_MSC-B may select the codecs for the Codec List (MSC preferred)
from the channel type information and the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), if this list was provided by MSC-
A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a detailed description of the handling of these codec
lists by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. If the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor)
was not provided or 3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of codecs from the AoIP-Supported Codecs
List(Anchor), then 3G_MSC-B shall create the Codec List (MSC preferred) using the channel type information received
from MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the A-HANDOVER-REQUEST message included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
request.
After successful completion of the Inter-system UMTS to GSM Intra-3G_MSC-B handover, if 3G_MSC-B received the
AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), MSC-B/3G_MSC-B may send the new AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and
AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request
transporting the A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message, if the following conditions are fulfilled: 3G_MSC-B created
a Codec List (MSC preferred) from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), the target BSS-B uses A interface over
IP and BSS-B does not insert a transcoder.
6.2.1.2 With multiple bearers (Optional functionality)

If 3G_MSC-A supports the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]), 3G_MSC-A shall
have the following functionality additionally to the description in subclause 6.2.1.1.
Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A 3G_MSC-A shall select one bearer to be handed
over if the UE is engaged with multiple bearers. After that, 3G_MSC-A generates an A-HO-REQUEST message for the
selected bearer to BSS-B.
When an A-HO-REQUEST-ACK is received from BSS-B, 3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND, which

indicates the bearers not to be handed over as bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives A-HO-COMPLETE message from BSS-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via BSS-B, which
has been carried by the bearers not to be handed over, and then sends IU-RELEASE-COMMAND to RNS-A.
6.2.2 Intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS Handover

The procedure for a successful Intra-3G_MSC handover is shown in figure 9. It is assumed that selection of a candidate
UE/MS has already taken place within the BSC based upon the criteria presented in clause 5. The exact algorithm, in
the BSC, for determining a candidate UE/MS is not addressed in the present document. The procedures discussed do
not make use of the Mobile Application Part (MAP), represented by signalling function 4 in figures 4 and 6. The
procedure described in this clause covers case ii).
In case of subsequent handover the following applies. If 3G_MSC-B supports location reporting at change of Service
Area and if encapsulated BSSAP signalling is used on the E-interface, 3G_MSC-B shall always initiate the Location
Reporting Control procedure at change of Service Area towards the target RNS since no request for Location Reporting
can be received from MSC-A. In that case, the Location Reporting Control procedure shall be initiated by 3G_MSC-B
after the Relocation Resource Allocation procedure has been executed successfully.
The change of Service Area shall be reported to MSC-A within an A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message.
In the case of ongoing voice group calls, the handover does not take place since voice group calls are not supported in
UMTS.
ETSI
UE/MS UE
BSS-A 3G_MSC-A RNS-B
A-Handover-Required
Iu-Relocation-Request
Iu-Relocation-Request-Ack
A-Handover-Command
RI-HO-Command
Iu-Relocation-Detect
RRC-HO-Complete
Iu-Relocation-Complete
A-Clear-Command
A-Clear-Complete
Figure 9: Basic External Intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS Handover Procedure
The successful operation of the procedure is as follows. When the BSS (BSS-A), currently supporting the UE,
determines that the UE requires to be handed over to UMTS it will send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message to
the 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A). The A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message shall contain a single cell, to which the UE can
be handed over. When the 3G_MSC-A receives the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message it shall begin the process of
handing over the UE to a new RNS (RNS-B). The 3G_MSC-A shall generate an Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST
message to the selected RNS (RNS-B). For handover of a speech call to UTRAN Iu mode, 3G_MSC-A shall include a
NAS Synch Indicator in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST message.
If 3G_MSC-A supports inter-system handover to a CSG cell and BSS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the A-
HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, then 3G_MSC-A shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell as
described in subclause 4.3.1 before generating the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST message. If the UE fails the CSG
membership check and the target cell is a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-A shall send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT
to BSS-A.
When RNS-B receives the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST message it shall take the necessary action to allow the UE to
access the radio resource of RNS-B, this is detailed in the 3GPP TS 25.300 series and the 3GPP TS 25.200 series of
3GPP Technical Specifications. The switching of the radio resource through the necessary terrestrial resources is
detailed in the 3GPP TS 25.430 series and 3GPP TS 25.413 [11].
Once resource allocation has been completed by RNS-B, it shall return an Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK. to
3G_MSC-A. When this message is received by 3G_MSC-A it shall begin the process of instructing the UE to tune to a
new dedicated radio resource. An A-HANDOVER-COMMAND will be sent by the 3G_MSC-A to BSS-A. On receipt
of the A-HANDOVER-COMMAND message BSS-A will send the radio interface message RI-HANDOVER-
COMMAND. The UE will then access the new radio resource. On detection of the UE, the RNS-B shall send an Iu-
RELOCATION-DETECT to 3G_MSC-A. When the UE is successfully communicating with the RNS-B an RRC-
HANDOVER-COMPLETE message will be sent by the UE to RNS-B. The RNS-B will then send an Iu-
RELOCATION-COMPLETE message to 3G_MSC-A.
NOTE: The Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK from RNS-B contains the complete RRC message that shall be
sent by BSS-A to the MS in the RI-HANDOVER-COMMAND, 3G_MSC-A transparently passes this
radio interface message onto BSS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A has received the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message from RNS-B, it shall begin to release the
resources allocated on BSS-A. In figure 9 the resource is released by using the A-CLEAR-COMMAND sequence.
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt, for example, A-HANDOVER-FAILURE returned from BSS-A or
Iu-RELOCATION FAILURE returned from RNS-B, then 3G_MSC-A will terminate the handover to RNS-B. Under
these conditions 3G_MSC-A may optionally take one of a number of actions:
ETSI
i) await the next A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message;
ii) send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT to BSS-A, if an A-HANDOVER-COMMAND has not already

been sent.
The exact action taken is dependent on whether the failure occurs before or after the A-HANDOVER-COMMAND has
been sent.
In all cases the existing connection to the UE shall not be cleared except in the case of expiry of the timer for receipt of
Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE.
During the period that the UE is not in communication with the network 3G_MSC-A shall queue all appropriate
messages. All messages shall be delivered to the UE once communication is resumed. In the case of an Intra-3G_MSC
GSM to UMTS handover on 3G_MSC-B then the messages shall be queued by 3G_MSC-B.
6.2.3 Procedure for Intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation

The procedure for a successful Intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation is shown in figures 10 and 11. For a successful Intra-
3G_MSC Enhanced SRNS Relocation the procedure is shown in figures 11a and 11b. SRNS Relocation and Enhanced
SRNS Relocation are used to relocate the serving RNS functionality from one RNS to another. The procedures may or
may not involve change of the radio resources assigned for the corresponding UE. Whether or not the Relocation
includes change of radio resources assigned for the UE does not affect the SRNS Relocation procedure or Enhanced
SRNS Relocation procedure in the Core Network.
In case of subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B SRNS relocation or Intra-3G_MSC-B Enhanced SRNS relocation the following
applies:
- If 3G_MSC-B has previously received an order to perform location reporting at change of Service Area from
3G_MSC-A and if 3G_MSC-B also supports Location Reporting Control, it shall issue the Iu-LOCATION-
REPORTING-CONTROL message towards the target RNS immediately after successful completion of
relocation. Upon receipt of Iu-LOCATION-REPORT, 3G_MSC-B shall forward it towards 3G_MSC-A via E
interface.
If 3G_MSC-B supports location reporting at change of Service Area and if encapsulated BSSAP signalling is
used on the E-interface, 3G_MSC-B shall always initiate the Location Reporting Control procedure at change of
Service Area towards the target RNS, since no request for Location Reporting can be received from MSC-A. In
that case, if an SRNS relocation is used, the Location Reporting Control procedure shall be initiated by
3G_MSC-B after the Relocation Resource Allocation procedure has been executed successfully; otherwise
3G_MSC-B shall initiate the Location Reporting Control procedure when the completion of the Enhanced SRNS
Relocation has been confirmed by the target RNS. The change of Service Area shall be reported to MSC-A
within an A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message.
It is assumed that selection of a candidate UE has already taken place within RNS based upon the criteria presenting in
clause 5. The exact algorithm, in RNS, for determining a candidate UE is not addressed in the present document. The
procedure discussed does not make use of the Mobile Application Part (MAP), represented by signalling function 4 in
figures 4 and 6. The procedure described in this clause covers case ii).
ETSI
UE UE
RNS-A 3G_MSC-A RNS-B
Iur-SRNC-Relocation-Commit
Iu- Release-Command
Iu- Release-Complete
Figure 10: Basic intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation Procedure
UE UE
RR-HO-Command Detection of UE in
target RNS
RR-HO-Complete
Iu- Release-Command
Figure 11: Basic intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation Procedure combined with hard change
of radio resources (Hard Handover with switch in the Core Network)
ETSI
UE UE
Iur-Enhanced Relocation Request
Iur-Enhanced Relocation Response
Iu-Enhanced Relocation
Complete Request
Complete Response
Complete Confirm
Iu- Release-Command
Figure 11a: Basic intra-3G_MSC Enhanced SRNS Relocation Procedure
UE UE
Iur-Enhanced Relocation Request
Iur-Enhanced Relocation Response
RR-HO-Command
Iu-Enhanced Relocation RR-HO-Complete
Complete Request
Complete Response
Complete Confirm
Iu- Release-Command
Figure 11b: Basic intra-3G_MSC Enhanced SRNS Relocation Procedure combined with hard change
of radio resources (Hard Handover with switch in the Core Network)
6.2.3.1 With no bearer or one bearer
6.2.3.1.1 SRNS Relocation

The successful operation of the SRNS Relocation procedure is as follows. When the Serving RNS (RNS-A) makes the
decision to perform the SRNS Relocation procedure it will send an IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message to the
3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A). The IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message shall contain the identifier of the target RNS to
which the Relocation is to be performed. When the 3G_MSC-A receives the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message
it shall begin the process of relocating the serving RNS functionality to the new RNS (RNS-B). The 3G_MSC-A shall
generate an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST message to the selected RNS (RNS-B). For the relocation of a speech call to
UTRAN Iu mode, 3G_MSC-A shall include the NAS Synch Indicator in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST, if the Iu
Selected codec to be used after the relocation is different from the Iu Currently used codec.
If 3G_MSC-A supports SRNS Relocation to a CSG cell and RNS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the IU-
RELOCATION-REQUIRED message, then 3G_MSC-A shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell
as described in subclause 4.3.1 before generating the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST message. If the UE fails the CSG
ETSI
membership check and the target cell is a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-A shall send an IU-RELOCATION-PREPARATION-
FAILURE to RNS-A.
When RNS-B receives the IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST message it shall take the necessary action to establish the
new Iu transport bearers for each Radio Access Bearer related to 3G_MSC-A for the UE in question, this is detailed in
the 3GPP TS 25.430 series and 3GPP TS 25.413 [11].
Once resource allocation has been completed by RNS-B it shall return an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-
ACKNOWLEDGE to 3G_MSC-A. When this message is received by 3G_MSC-A, and 3G_MSC-A is ready for the
move in Serving RNS functionality, it shall indicate the completion of the preparation phase on the core network side
for the SRNS Relocation. An IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND message is sent by 3G_MSC-A to RNS-A. RNS-A acts
as follows:
i) if the procedure is a SRNS Relocation without change of radio resources, which means that the Iur interface
between RNS-A and RNS-B can be used for the procedure, the RNS-A shall send IUR-SRNS-RELOCATION-
COMMIT message to the RNS-B to trigger the Relocation execution. See figure 10.
ii) if the procedure is a SRNS Relocation with change of radio resources, which means that the Iur interface
between RNS-A and RNS-B is not used for the procedure, the RNS-A shall trigger the handover procedure on
the air interface by sending the RRC-HANDOVER-COMMAND to the UE. The UE will then access the new
radio resources. See figure 11.
NOTE: The IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE from RNS-B may optionally contain a

transparent container, which is transferred by 3G_MSC-A to the RNS-A using the IU-RELOCATION-
COMMAND message.
When the relocation execution trigger is received, RNS-B shall then take the necessary action to assume the role of
Serving RNS and shall send an IU-RELOCATION-DETECT message to 3G_MSC-A. When the UE is successfully in
communication with the RNS-B, then RNS-B shall send an IU-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message to 3G_MSC-A.
After 3G_MSC-A has received the IU-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message from RNS-B, it shall begin to release the
resources associated to the RNS-A. In figures 10 and 11, the resources are released by using the
IU-RELEASE-COMMAND sequence.
If a failure occurs during the SRNS Relocation attempt, then 3G_MSC-A will terminate the relocation to RNS-B. For
example, if IU-RELOCATION-FAILURE is returned from RNS-B then 3G_MSC-A will terminate the relocation to
RNS-B and send IU-RELOCATION-PREPARATION-FAILURE to RNS-A. If IU-RELOCATION-CANCEL is
returned from RNS-A, then 3G_MSC-A will terminate the relocation to RNS-B and send IU-RELOCATION-
CANCEL-ACKNOWLEDGE to RNS-A.
In all cases the existing connection to the UE shall not be cleared except in the case of expiry of the timer for receipt of
Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE.
During the period that the UE is not in communication with the network, 3G_MSC-A shall queue all appropriate
messages. All messages shall be delivered to the UE once communication is resumed. In the case of an Intra-3G_MSC
SRNS Relocation (with or without change of radio resources) on 3G_MSC-B, then the messages shall be queued by
3G_MSC-B.
6.2.3.1.2 Enhanced SRNS Relocation

The successful operation of the Enhanced SRNS Relocation procedure is as follows. When the Serving RNS (RNS-A)
makes the decision to perform the Enhanced SRNS Relocation procedure it will send an IUR-ENHANCED-
RELOCATION-REQUEST message to the new RNS (RNS-B). The IUR-ENHANCED RELOCATION-REQUEST
message shall contain the necessary information to set up a CS Radio Access Bearer in RNS-B.
When RNS-B receives the IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-REQUEST message it shall take the necessary actions to
establish the new Iu transport bearers for the Radio Access Bearer related to 3G_MSC-A for the UE in question, as
described in detail in the 3GPP TS 25.430 series and 3GPP TS 25.413 [11], and the new transport bearers for the Radio
Access Bearer related to RNS-A. to enable data forwarding. RNS-B shall initialize the Iu UP towards RNS A, if
necessary.
ETSI
Once resource allocation has been completed by RNS-B it shall return an IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-
RESPONSE message to RNC-A. If the resources cannot be allocated, RNS-B returns an IUR-ENHANCED-
RELOCATION-FAILURE message to RNS-A, and RNS-A terminates the procedure.
After transmission of the IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-RESPONSE message RNS-B and RNS-A act as follows:
i) If the procedure is an Enhanced SRNS Relocation without change of radio resources, RNS-B shall send an IU-
ENHANCED RELOCATION-COMPLETE-REQUEST message to 3G_MSC-A and start data fowarding
towards RNS-A for UL data. After receipt of the IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-RESPONSE message
RNS-A shall start data forwarding towards RNS-B for DL data. See figure 11a.
ii) If the procedure is an Enhanced SRNS Relocation with change of radio resources, when RNS-A receives the
IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-RESPONSE message, it shall trigger the handover procedure on the air
interface by sending the RRC-HANDOVER-COMMAND to the UE and start data forwarding towards RNS-B
for DL data. The UE will then access the new radio resources. When the UE is successfully in communication
with the RNS-B, then RNS-B shall start data forwarding towards RNS-A for UL data and send an IU-
ENHANCED RELOCATION-COMPLETE-REQUEST message to 3G_MSC-A. See figure 11b.
After 3G_MSC-A has received the IU-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-COMPLETE-REQUEST message from RNS-B,

it shall start to configure the necessary Iu resources for the RNS-B and send the IU-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-
COMPLETE-RESPONSE message to RNS-B. If the necessary resources cannot be allocated or a failure occurs in
3G_MSC-A, it shall send an IU-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-COMPLETE-FAILURE message to RNS-B.
After RNC-B has received the IU-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-COMPLETE-RESPONSE message, it shall start to

configure the Iu transport bearer for each Radio Access Bearer between the MSC-A and RNC-B and perform Iu UP
initialization, if necessary. After the completion of the Iu UP initialization, RNS-B shall send an IU-ENHANCED-
RELOCATION-COMPLETE-CONFIRM message to 3G_MSC-A.
After 3G_MSC-A has received the IU-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-COMPLETE-CONFIRM message from RNS-B,

it shall begin to release the resources associated to the RNS-A. In figures 11a and 11b, the resources are released by
using the IU-RELEASE-COMMAND sequence.
6.2.3.2 With multiple bearers (Optional functionality)

For SRNS Relocation, upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A, 3G_MSC-A generates an IU-
RELOCATION-REQUEST message, which may include multiple bearers, to RNS-B.
When an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK is received from RNS-B, 3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELOCATION-

COMMAND, which indicates the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B as bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives a IU-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message from RNS-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release the
calls via RNS-B, which have been carried by the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B, and then sends IU-RELEASE-
COMMAND to RNS-A.
For Enhanced SRNS Relocation, RNC-A generates an IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-REQUEST message, which

may include multiple bearers, to RNS-B. If resources for at least one bearer are reserved in RNS-B, RNS-B shall return
an IUR-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-RESPONSE message, which indicates the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B as
bearers to be released, to RNC-A.
When the UE is successfully in communication with the RNS-B, then RNS-B shall send an IU-ENHANCED-
RELOCATION-COMPLETE-REQUEST message, which indicates the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B as bearers to
be released, to 3G_MSC-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives the IU-ENHANCED-RELOCATION-COMPLETE-REQUEST message from RNS-B,

3G_MSC-A shall release the calls via RNS-B, which have been carried by the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B, and
then sends IU-RELEASE-COMMAND to RNS-A.
ETSI
6.3 Internal Handover with MSC Support for Intra-BSS

handover with AoIP
6.3.1 General Description of Internal Handover with MSC Support
If the A-Interface User Plane is carried over IP (or shall be handed over to IP) and one or more of the A-Interface User
Plane parameters need to be modified, for example the Codec Type, or the Codec Configuration (BSS determines that
no compatible Codec Type or Codec Configuration exists for the target cell), or the IP Transport Layer Address, or the
UDP Port, or the CSData Redundancy Level, or the A-Interface Type itself (e.g. from TDM to IP or vice versa), then a
"BSS Internal Handover with MSC support" shall be performed (see 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] subclause 3.1.5c.1).
The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC support" for AoIP is performed by the MSC that is currently serving the
connected BSS (in the following just termed "serving MSC"); it may be either MSC-A, MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A or
3G_MSC-B.
NOTE: The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC support" involves the serving MSC actively in the handover. It is
therefore in average slower and more resource demanding than the BSS Internal Handover without MSC
support. In order to guarantee a high radio network performance the MSC needs to react quickly and
handle this handover with high priority.
The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC support" applies only if both BSS and Core Network support the AoIP
procedures and messages, and an A-Interface User Plane connection has been established beforehand. The procedures
and messages for this "BSS Internal Handover with MSC support" are described in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5].
The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" can be initiated either:
a) by the BSS, by sending the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message; or:
b) by the serving MSC, by sending the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-ENQUIRY message.
6.3.2 BSS-initiated Internal Handover with MSC Support

The BSS-initiated "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" starts with an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-
REQUIRED message from the BSS to the serving MSC, for further details see 3GPP TS 48.008 [5], subclause 3.1.5c.
An example sequence is shown in figure 6.3.2.1
MS BSS-A Serving MSC
A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER REQUIRED
A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND
RI-HO-Command
RI-HO-Access
A-HANDOVER-DETECT
RI-HO-Complete
A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE
Figure 6.3.2.1: BSS-Initiated Internal Handover Execution
The A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message contains a reason for the required handover and the currently
valid Codec List (BSS Supported). It shall also contain an AoIP Transport Layer Address and UDP Port, if the BSS
ETSI
requires an IP-based target User Plane. The Codec List (BSS supported) contains the key requirements from the BSS,
like target Codec Type(s), target Codec Configuration(s) and target A-interface Type(s) (TDM and/or IP), and may
contain the required Redundancy Level for CSData, etc.
When sending the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message the BSS starts a timer "T25"
(3GPP TS 48.008 [5]) and it expects an answer from the serving MSC within that timer period. If "T25"
(3GPP TS 48.008 [5]) expires before the MSC has answered, then the BSS ignores any subsequent (late) answer from
the serving MSC after expiry of timer "T25" (3GPP TS 48.008 [5]). The BSS will not send any new A-INTERNAL-
HANDOVER-REQUIRED message before timer "T25" (3GPP TS 48.008 [5]) has expired or before the Internal
Handover Preparation is terminated by other reasons.
When the serving MSC receives the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message it shall start timer T105 (see
subclause 9.3A). The serving MSC shall not send any answer to the BSS after timer T105 has expired. Both timers
("T25" 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] and T105) shall be configured (by O&M) to minimise the likelihood that the answer from
serving MSC to BSS crosses with a new or repeated A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message from the BSS
to the serving MSC, i.e. the timer T105 shall always expire before "T25" (3GPP TS 48.008 [5]) expires.
If the serving MSC is able to fulfil the required "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support", then it shall generate and
send an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND message to the BSS and stop timer T105. This answer shall contain
the exact new A-Interface User Plane parameters, e.g. Codec Type, Codec Configuration, A-Interface Type, either
TDM Circuit Identity Code or IP Transport Layer Address and UDP Port (see 3GPP TS 48.008 [5]). While T25 is still
running the BSS can either accept or reject the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND.
When the BSS receives the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND message it takes the necessary action to allow
the MS to access the radio resource of the new cell in BSS, this is detailed in 3GPP TS 48.058 [6] and in
3GPP TS 45.008 [4]. The switching of the radio resource through the necessary terrestrial resources is detailed in
3GPP TS 44.018 [28] and 3GPP TS 48.008 [5]. On receipt of the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND message
the BSS will send e.g. the radio interface message RI-HANDOVER-COMMAND, containing a Handover Reference
number previously allocated to the MS. The MS will then access the new radio resource using the Handover Reference
number contained in the RI-HANDOVER-ACCESS message. The number will be checked by BSS to ensure it is as
expected and the correct MS has been captured.
As BSS and MS proceed with the handover the BSS may send an A-HANDOVER-DETECT message to the serving
MSC to enable fast User Plane switching on the Core Network side. As soon as the MS and BSS have completed the
handover the BSS send an A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message to serving MSC. Both BSS and serving MSC will
then release the no longer needed BSS and Core Network resources.
If the serving MSC is unable to support the required Internal Handover due to whatever reason then it shall send an A-
INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT message to the BSS (if T105 has not expired already). The serving
MSC shall not send an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT message after an A-INTERNAL-
HANDOVER-COMMAND has been sent to the BSS.
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt and the BSS sends an A-HANDOVER-FAILURE message, then the
serving MSC shall terminate the handover and shall revert back to using the resources used before the handover attempt
was made.
The serving MSC shall supervise the "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" procedure after sending the A-
INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND using the same timer (T102) as used for Intra-MSC handover, see
subclauses 9.3 and 11.3.
In all cases the existing connection to the MS shall not be cleared, except in the case of expiry of the timer T102 before
receipt of A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE.
Whilst the MS is not in communication with the Core Network (i.e. in the time span between sending of A-
INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND and the reception of A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE or an A-HANDOVER
FAILURE) the serving MSC shall queue all appropriate messages towards the MS. All these messages shall be
delivered to the MS once the communication is resumed.
For the case of subsequent Intra-BSS handover with support from MSC-B or 3G_MSC-B the following applies:
After successful completion of the Intra-BSS handover, if MSC-B/3G_MSC-B received the AoIP-Supported Codecs
List (Anchor), MSC-B/3G_MSC-B may send the new AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and AoIP-Available Codecs List
(MAP) to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request transporting the
A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message, if the following conditions are fulfilled: MSC-B/3G_MSC-B created a Codec
ETSI
List (MSC preferred) from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor) received from MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, the BSS uses
A interface over IP and the BSS does not insert a transcoder.
6.3.3 MSC-initiated BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support

During a call the MSC may request to modify the A-Interface User Plane, for example to change the Codec Type or
Codec Configuration on the A-Interface to optimise end-to-end speech quality by avoiding transcoding.
The serving MSC may initiate a "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" by sending an A-INTERNAL-
HANDOVER-ENQUIRY message to the BSS containing, within the Speech Codec (MSC Chosen) IE, the serving
MSC's preferred speech Codec Type and Codec Configuration and A-Interface Type.
If accepted by the BSS, the BSS responds with an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, as described in
subclause 6.3.2, with reason "Response to an INTERNAL HANDOVER ENQUIRY". Then the "BSS Internal
Handover with MSC Support" may start.
If the BSS does not accept the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-ENQUIRY message, then it returns an A-HANDOVER-
FAILURE message to the serving MSC.
7 General description of the procedures for inter - MSC

handovers
The following clauses describe two options for the Basic and Subsequent Handover procedures. The first, as described
in subclauses 7.1 and 7.3 respectively, provides for a circuit connection between MSC-A and MSC-B. The second, as
described in subclauses 7.2 and 7.4 respectively, provides for a Basic and Subsequent Handover without the provision
of a circuit connection between MSC-A and MSC-B.
In all the above mentioned clauses, the following principles apply:
a) during the handover resource allocation, except for the messages explicitly indicated in b and c below, only the
handover related messages that are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] -
shall be transferred on the E-interface;
b) the trace related messages that are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - can
be sent by the MSC-A on the E-interface after successful handover resource allocation. In
subclauses 7.1 and 7.2, it is however allowed at basic handover initiation on the E-Interface to transfer one trace
related message that is part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - together with
the applicable handover related message. The applicable handover related message shall always appear as the
first message;
c) during the handover resource allocation for subsequent inter-MSC handover according to subclauses 7.3 and 7.4,
it is allowed to transfer either DTAP or RANAP Direct Transfer messages on the E-Interface between MSC-A
and MSC-B. RANAP Direct Transfer messages shall be used for this purpose if and only if the basic handover
procedure was an inter MSC SRNS relocation;
d) during the handover execution, ie while the MS is not in communication with the network, the MSC-A shall
queue all outgoing BSSAP or RANAP messages until the communication with the MS is resumed;
e) during the execution of a basic inter-MSC handover to MSC-B or a subsequent inter-MSC handover to a third
MSC-B, only the handover related messages and the A-Clear-Request message that are part of the applicable
BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] may be sent by the target MSC on the E-interface;
f) during a subsequent inter-MSC handover back to MSC-A or to a third MSC-B, MSC-B may initiate either an
Iu-Release-Request procedure or an A-Clear-Request procedure on the E-interface. An Iu-Release-Request
procedure shall be initiated only if the basic handover procedure was an inter-MSC SRNS relocation;
g) finally, during supervision, ie while the MS is not in the area of MSC-A after a successful Inter-MSC handover,
the subset of BSSAP procedures and their related messages - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - shall apply on
the E-Interface. As the only exception to this rule, in case of a subsequent inter-MSC SRNS relocation back to
3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B, during the relocation resource allocation, the relocation and trace related
ETSI
messages that are part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 29.108 [15] - shall be
transferred on the E-interface (see subclause 8.3, a and b).
If a subsequent inter-MSC handover/relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B is cancelled, then

the supervision continues, and BSSAP procedures and their related messages shall apply on the E-interface.
NOTE: A subsequent inter-MSC SRNS relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B can occur, e.g.,
if after the basic inter-MSC handover to 3G_MSC-B the MS performed a subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B
GSM to UMTS inter-system handover;
h) during the intra-MSC-B handover execution, if any, the MSC-B shall queue all outgoing BSSAP messages until
the communication with the MS is resumed.
7.1 Basic handover procedure requiring a circuit connection

between MSC-A and MSC-B
The procedure used for successful Inter-MSC Handover is shown in figure 12. Initiation of the handover procedure is
described in clause 5. The procedure described in this clause makes use of messages from the 3GPP TS 48.008 [5] and
of the transport mechanism from the Mobile Application Part (MAP) (3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). After an Inter-MSC
handover further Intra-MSC handovers may occur on MSC-B, these handovers will follow the procedures specified in
the previous clause.
MS/BSS-A BSS-B/MS
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B

A-HO-REQUIRED
MAP-Prep-Handover req. MAP-Allocate-Handover-Number req.
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
MAP-Prep-Handover resp. MAP-Send-Handover-Report req.
IAM
MAP-Send-Handover-Report resp. (1)
A-HO-COMMAND ACM
MAP-Process-Access-Sig req. A-HO-DETECT
A-CLR-CMD/COM MAP-Send-End-Signal req. A-HO-COMPLETE
ANSWER
RELEASE
End of call
MAP-Send-End-Signal resp.
NOTE 1: Can be sent at any time after the reception of IAM.
Figure 12: Basic Handover Procedure requiring a circuit connection
The handover is initiated as described in subclause 6.1. (This is represented by A-HO-REQUIRED in figure 12. Upon
receipt of the A-HO-REQUIRED from BSS-A, MSC-A shall send a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to MSC-B
including a complete A-HO-REQUEST message.
ETSI
NOTE: MSC-A shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER requests while a MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER response is pending or before any timeouts.
The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request shall carry in the A-HO-REQUEST all information needed by MSC-B for
allocating a radio channel, see 3GPP TS 48.008 [5]. For compatibility reasons, the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
request will also identify the cell to which the call is to be handed over. For speech calls, MSC-A shall also include the
Iu Supported Codecs List to be used by MSC-B for subsequent intra-MSC-B intersystem handover to UMTS and intra-
MSC-B SRNS relocation.
If MSC-A supports A interface over IP, then for speech calls MSC-A may include the AoIP-Supported Codecs List
(Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. If handover to an A over IP capable BSS-B is performed,
MSC-B shall include a Codec List (MSC preferred) in the A-HO-REQUEST message to BSS-B. MSC-B may select the
codecs for the Codec List (MSC preferred) from the channel type information and the AoIP-Supported Codecs List
(Anchor), if this list was provided by MSC-A in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a detailed description
of the handling of these codec lists by MSC-A and MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. If the AoIP-Supported Codecs
List was not provided or MSC-B does not support the selection of codecs from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List
(Anchor), then MSC-B shall create the Codec List (MSC preferred) using the channel type information received from
MSC-A in the A-HO-REQUEST message included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
If MSC-A supports handover to a CSG cell, the target cell belongs to the registered PLMN or an equivalent PLMN, and
the HLR or the CSS provided CSG subscription data, MSC-A shall include the CSG subscription data for the registered
PLMN and, if available, for the equivalent PLMNs in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
MSC-B will return the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response after having retrieved a Handover Number from its
associated VLR (exchange of the messages MAP-allocate-handover-number request and MAP-send-handover-report
request). The Handover Number shall be used for routing the connection of the call from MSC-A to MSC-B. If a traffic
channel is available in MSC-B the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, sent to MSC-A will contain the complete
A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE message received from BSS-B, containing the radio resources definition to be
sent by BSS-A to the MS and possible extra BSSMAP information, amended by MSC-B due to the possible
interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface and the BSSMAP protocol used on the
A-interface. If the traffic channel allocation is queued by BSS-B, the A-QUEUING-INDICATION may optionaly be
sent back to MSC-A. The further traffic channel allocation result (A-HO-REQUEST-ACK or A-HO-FAILURE) will be
transferred to MSC-A using the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request. If the traffic channel allocation is
not possible, the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response containing an A-HO-FAILURE will be sent to MSC-A.
MSC-B will do the same if a fault is detected on the identity of the cell where the call has to be handed over. MSC-B
simply reports the events related to the dialogue. It is up to MSC-A to decide the action to perform if it receives
negative responses or the operation fails due to the expiry of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER timer.
If A interface over IP is supported, then for speech calls via an A over IP capable BSS-B the selection of the speech
codec shall be as described in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5], and if no transcoder is inserted in the BSS-B then MSC-B shall
insert a transcoder.
If MSC-A provided an AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request and
MSC-B selected the codecs for the Codec List (MSC preferred) from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor),
MSC-B may send the AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) to MSC-A in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER response.
If BSS-B does not support A interface over IP or MSC-A did not include the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor) in
the MAP-PREPARE HANDOVER request, then MSC-B shall not include the AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and
AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response. Reception of AoIP-Selected
Codec (Target) and AoIP Available Codecs List (MAP) from MSC-B with the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
response indicates to MSC-A that the target access supports A interface over IP.
If an error related to the TCAP dialogue or to the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request is returned from MSC-B, this
will be indicated to MSC-A and MSC-A will terminate the handover attempt. MSC-A may retry the handover attempt
using the cell identity list, if provided, or may reject the handover attempt towards BSS-A. The existing connection to
the MS shall not be cleared.
ETSI
When the A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE has been received, MSC-A shall establish a circuit between MSC-A
and MSC-B by signalling procedures supported by the network. In figure 12 this is illustrated by the messages IAM
(Initial Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message) of Signalling System no 7. MSC-B awaits the
capturing of the MS (subclause 6.1) on the radio path when the ACM is sent and MSC-A initiates the handover
execution when ACM is received (illustrated by the A-HO-COMMAND and described in the subclause 6.1.
If the BSS-A was connected via an A interface over IP and no transcoding performed in the BSS then MSC-A shall
remove the transcoder between the MSC and the other party.
MSC-B transfers to MSC-A the acknowledgement received from the correct MS (A-HO-DETECT/A-HO-
COMPLETE). The A-HO-DETECT, if received, is transferred to MSC-A using the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-
SIGNALLING request. The A-HO-COMPLETE, when received from the correct MS, is included in the MAP-SEND-
END-SIGNAL request and sent back to MSC-A. The circuit is through-connected in MSC-A when the A-HO-DETECT
or the A-HO-COMPLETE is received from MSC-B. The old radio channel is released when the A-HO-COMPLETE
message is received from MSC-B. The sending of the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request starts the MAP supervision
timer for the MAP dialogue between MSC-A and MSC-B. When the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request including the
A-HO-COMPLETE message is received in MSC-A the resources in BSS-A shall be cleared.
In order not to conflict with the PSTN/ISDN signalling system(s) used between MSC-A and MSC-B, MSC-B must
generate an answer signal when A-HO-DETECT/COMPLETE is received.
MSC-B shall release the Handover Number when the circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B has been established.
If the circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B cannot be established (e.g. an unsuccessful backward message is received
instead of ACM). MSC-A terminates the inter-MSC handover attempt by sending an appropriate MAP message, for
example an ABORT. MSC-A may retry the handover at this point, see subclause 6.1.
MSC-A shall retain overall call control until the call is cleared by the fixed subscriber or the MS and there is no further
call control functions to be performed (e.g. servicing waiting calls, echo cancellers).
When MSC-A clears the call to the MS it also clears the call control functions in MSC-A and sends the MAP-SEND-
END-SIGNAL response to release the MAP resources in MSC-B.
MSC-A may terminate the procedure at any time by sending an appropriate MAP message to MSC-B. If establishment
of the circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B has been initiated, the circuit must also be cleared.
The handover will be aborted by MSC-A if it detects clearing or interruption of the radio path before the call has been
established on MSC-B.
7.2 Basic handover procedure not requiring the establishment

of a circuit connection between MSC-A and MSC-B
The basic handover procedures to be used when no circuit connection is required by MSC-A are similar to those
described in subclause 7.1 for circuit switched calls. The main differences to the procedures described in subclause 7.1
relate to the establishment of circuits between the network entities and the Handover Number allocation.
In the case of ongoing GSM voice group calls the circuit connections are already established therefore the procedures
described in this clause are also applicable. When applied to ongoing voice group calls the clearing of resources on
BSS-A shall not be used if the resources are still be used on the down link. Consequently the A-CLEAR-COMMAND
message shall not be sent, but an HANDOVER-SUCCEEDED message shall be sent.
In the case of basic handover, MSC-A shall specify to MSC-B that no Handover Number is required in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER request (see 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). As for the basic handover using a circuit connection, the
A-HO-REQUEST is transmitted at the same time. Any subsequent Handover Number allocation procedure will not be
invoked until the completion of the basic handover procedure (see clause: Subsequent Channel Assignment using a
circuit connection). MSC-B shall then perform the radio resources allocation as described in subclause 7.1. The
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response shall be returned to MSC-A including either the response of the radio
resources allocation request received from BSS-B (A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE/A-HO-FAILURE with
possible extra BSSMAP information. These extra information are amended by MSC-B due to the possible interworking
between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface and the BSSMAP protocol used on the A-interface) or
potentially the A-QUEUING-INDICATION . The basic handover procedure will continue as described in subclause 7.1
except that no circuit connection will be established towards MSC-B.
ETSI
The relevant case for the basic handover without circuit connection is shown in figure 13. As can be seen the major
differences to the equivalent figure 12 is the omission of any circuit establishment messaging and the omission of
handover number allocation signalling.
MS/BSS-A BSS-B/MS
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B

A-HO-REQUIRED
MAP-Prep-Handover req.
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
A-HO-COMMAND MAP-Prep-Handover resp.
A-CLR-CMD/COM MAP-Send-End-Signal req. A-HO-COMPLETE
End of link
Figure 13: Basic Handover Procedure without circuit connection
7.3 Procedure for subsequent handover requiring a circuit

connection
After the call has been handed over to MSC-B, if the MS leaves the area of MSC-B during the same call, subsequent
handover is necessary in order to continue the connection.
The following cases apply:
i) the MS moves back to the area of MSC-A;
ii) the MS moves into the area of a third MSC (MSC-B').
In both cases the call is switched in MSC-A; the circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B shall be released after a successful
subsequent handover has been performed.
ETSI
7.3.1 Description of subsequent handover procedure i): MSC-B to MSC-A

The procedure for successful handover from MSC-B back to MSC-A is shown in figure 14.
MS/BSS-B BSS-A/MS
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B

A-HO-REQUIRED
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover req.
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover resp. A-HO-COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
MAP-Send-End-Signal resp. A-CLR-CMD/COM
Release
Figure 14: Subsequent handover procedure i):successful handover

from MSC-B to MSC-A using a circuit connection
The procedure is as follows.
MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to MSC-A indicating the new MSC
number(MSC-A number), indicating also the identity of the cell where the call has to be handed over and including a
complete A-HO-REQUEST message. (NOTE: MSC-B shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-
HANDOVER requests while a handover attempt is pending or before any timeouts). Since MSC-A is the call
controlling MSC, this MSC needs no Handover Number for routing purposes; MSC-A can immediately initiate the
search for a free radio channel.
When a radio channel can be assigned, MSC-A shall return in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER
response the complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE message received from the BSS-B and possible extra
BSSMAP information, amended by MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on
the E-interface and the BSSMAP protocol used on the A-interface. If the traffic channel allocation is queued by BSS-B,
the A-QUEUING-INDICATION may optionaly be sent back to MSC-B. The further traffic channel allocation result
(A-HO-REQUEST-ACK or A-HO-FAILURE) will be transferred to MSC-B using the MAP-FORWARD-ACCESS-
SIGNALLING request.If a radio channel cannot be assigned or if a fault is detected on the target cell identity, or the
target cell identity in the A-HO-REQUEST is not consistent with the target MSC number, the MAP-PREPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response containing an A-HO-FAILURE message shall be given to MSC-B, in addition
MSC-B shall maintain the connection with the MS.
If the procedure in MSC-A is successful then MSC-B can request the MS to retune to the new BSS-B on MSC-A. This
is illustrated in figure 14 by the A-HO-COMMAND message. The operation is successfully completed when MSC-A
receives the A-HO-COMPLETE message.
After handover MSC-A shall release the circuit to MSC-B.
MSC-A must also terminate the MAP procedure for the basic handover between MSC-A and MSC-B by sending an
appropriate MAP message. MSC-B will clear the resources in BSS-A when the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response is
received.
ETSI
7.3.2 Description of the subsequent handover procedure ii): MSC-B to

MSC-B'
The procedure for successful handover from MSC-B to MSC-B' is shown in figure 15.
The procedure consists of two parts:
- a subsequent handover from MSC-B back to MSC-A as described in subclause 7.3.1 (the same procedures apply
if MSC-A is replaced by 3G_MSC-A); and
- a basic handover from MSC-A to MSC-B' as described in subclause 7.1.
MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to MSC-A indicating a new MSC number
(which is the identity of MSC-B'), indicating also the target cell identity and including a complete A-HO-REQUEST,
MSC-A then starts a basic handover procedure towards MSC-B'.
(Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request towards MSC-B'. For a detailed description of the handling of
this codec list by MSC-A and MSC-B' see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
When MSC-A receives the ACM from MSC-B', MSC-A informs MSC-B that MSC-B' has successfully allocated the
radio resources on BSS-B' side by sending the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response containing the
complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE received from BSS-B' and possible extra BSSMAP information,
amended by MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface
between MSC-A and MSC-B' and the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface between MSC-A and MSC-B. Now
MSC-B can start the procedure on the radio path.
For MSC-A the handover is completed when it has received the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL REQUEST from MSC-B'
containing the A-HO-COMPLETE received from the BSS-B'. The circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B is released.
MSC-A also sends the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response to MSC-B in order to terminate the original MAP
dialogue between MSC-A and MSC-B. MSC-B releases the radio resources when it receives this message.
If the traffic channel allocation is queued by the BSS-B', the A-QUEUING-INDICATION may optionally be sent back
to MSC-B. If no radio channel can be allocated by MSC-B' or no circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B' can be
established or a fault is detected on the target cell identity or the target cell identity in the A-HO-REQUEST is not
consistent with the target MSC number, MSC-A informs MSC-B by using the A-HO-FAILURE message included in
the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response. MSC-B shall maintain the existing connection with the
MS.
When the subsequent handover is completed, MSC-B' is considered as MSC-B. Any further inter-MSC handover is
handled as described above for a subsequent handover.
ETSI
MS/BSS
MSC-B VLR-B
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B
A-HO-REQUIRED
MAP-Prepare-Handover req. MAP-Allocate-Handover-Number req.
MAP-Prepare-Handover resp. MAP-Send-Handover-Report req.
IAM
MAP-Send-Handover-Rep. resp. (1)
ACM
MAP-Prep-Sub-Ho resp.
A-HO-COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
MAP-Process-Access-Signalling req.
A-HO-COMPLETE
MAP-Send-End-Signal req.
Answer
Release
A-CLR-CMD/COM
(end of call)
Release
Figure 15: Subsequent handover procedure ii): Successful handover

from MSC-B to MSC-B'requiring a circuit connection
7.4 Procedure for subsequent handover not requiring a circuit

connection
As for the subsequent handover with a circuit connection, the same two cases of subsequent handover apply:
i) the MS moves back to the area of MSC-A;
ii) the MS moves into the area of a third MSC (MSC-B').
ETSI
7.4.1 Description of the subsequent handover procedure without circuit

connection i): MSC-B to MSC-A
The procedure for successful handover from MSC-B back to MSC-A without circuit connection is shown in figure 16.
The only difference with the figure 14, is that no circuit release is needed between MSC-A and MSC-B.
MS/BSS-B BSS-A/MS
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B

A-HO-REQUIRED
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
Figure 16: Subsequent handover procedure i): Successful handover

from MSC-B to MSC-A not requiring a circuit connection
7.4.2 Description of the subsequent handover procedure without circuit

connection ii): MSC-B to MSC-B'
The procedure for successful handover from MSC-B to MSC-B' is shown in figure 17.
- a subsequent handover from MSC-B back to MSC-A as described in subclause 7.4.1(the same procedures apply
- a basic handover from MSC-A to MSC-B' as described in subclause 7.2.
The only difference to the equivalent figure 15 is the omission of the circuit and handover number allocation
signallings.
ETSI
MS/BSS
MSC-B VLR-B
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B
A-HO-REQUIRED
MAP-Prepare-Handover req.
MAP-Prepare-Handover resp.
A-HO-COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
A-CLR-CMD/COM
(end of link)
Figure 17: Subsequent handover procedure ii): Successful handover

from MSC-B to MSC-B' without circuit connection
8 General Description of the procedures for inter -

3G_MSC handovers
8.1 Handover UMTS to GSM

The following clauses describe two options for the Basic and Subsequent UMTS to GSM Handover procedures. The
first, as described in subclauses 8.1.1 and 8.1.3 respectively, provides for a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B. The second, as described in subclauses 8.1.2 and 8.1.4 respectively, provides for a Basic and Subsequent
Handover without the provision of a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. 3G_MSC can also be a
pure GSM MSC.
b) the trace related messages that are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7]- can
be sent by the 3G_MSC-A on the E-interface after successful handover resource allocation. In the
subclauses 8.1.1 and 8.1.2, it is however allowed at basic handover initiation on the E-Interface to transfer one
trace related message that is part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - together
ETSI
with the applicable handover related message. The applicable handover related message shall always appear as
the first message;
c) during the handover resource allocation for subsequent inter-MSC inter-system handover according to
subclauses 8.1.3 and 8.1.4, it is allowed to transfer either DTAP or RANAP Direct Transfer messages on the E-
Interface between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. RANAP Direct Transfer messages shall be used for this purpose
if and only if the basic handover procedure was an inter MSC SRNS relocation;
d) during the handover execution, i.e. while the UE/MS is not in communication with the network, the 3G_MSC-A
shall queue all outgoing BSSAP or RANAP messages until the communication with the UE/MS is resumed;
e) during the execution of a basic inter-system inter-MSC handover to MSC-B or a subsequent inter-system inter-
MSC handover to a third MSC-B, only the handover related messages and the A-Clear-Request message that
are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] may be sent by the target MSC on
the E-interface;
f) during a subsequent inter-system inter-MSC handover back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third MSC-B, 3G_MSC-B
may initiate either an Iu-Release-Request procedure or an A-Clear-Request procedure on the E-interface. An Iu-
Release-Request procedure shall be initiated only if the basic handover procedure was an inter-MSC SRNS
relocation;
g) finally, during supervision, i.e. while the UE/MS is not in the area of 3G_MSC-A after a successful Inter-
3G_MSC handover, the subset of BSSAP procedures and their related messages - as defined in
3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - shall apply on the E-Interface. As the only exception to this rule, in case of a subsequent
inter-MSC SRNS relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B, during the relocation resource
allocation, the relocation and trace related messages that are part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in
3GPP TS 29.108 [15] - shall be transferred on the E-interface (see subclause 8.3, a and b).

the supervision continues, and BSSAP procedures and their related messages shall apply on the E-interface.
NOTE: A subsequent inter-MSC SRNS relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B can occur, e.g.,
if after the basic inter-MSC handover to 3G_MSC-B the MS performed a subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B
GSM to UMTS inter-system handover;
h) during the intra-3G_MSC -B handover execution, if any, the 3G_MSC -B shall queue all outgoing BSSAP or
RANAP messages until the communication with the UE/MS is resumed.
8.1.1 Basic Handover procedure requiring a circuit connection between

3G_MSC -A and MSC-B
The procedure used for successful Inter-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM Handover is shown in figure 18. Initiation of the
UMTS to GSM handover procedure is described in clause 5. The procedure described in this clause makes use of
messages from the 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] and of the transport mechanism from the Mobile Application Part (MAP)
(3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). After an Inter-3G_MSC relocation/handover, Intra-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handover may
occur on 3G_MSC -B, this handover will follow the procedures specified in a previous clause.
ETSI
UE/MS/RNS-A BSS-B/MS/UE
3G_MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B

Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED MAP-Prep-Handover req. MAP-Allocate-Handover-Number req.
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
IAM
Iu-RELOCATION- ACM
COMMAND
Iu-RELEASE- MAP-Send-End-Signal req. A-HO-COMPLETE

CMD/COM
ANSWER
RELEASE
End of call
Figure 18: Basic UMTS to GSM Handover Procedure requiring a circuit connection
8.1.1.1 With one circuit connection

The UMTS to GSM handover is initiated as described in subclause 6.2.1. (This is represented by Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED in figure 18). Upon receipt of the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A, 3G_MSC-A shall send a
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to MSC-B including a complete A-HO-REQUEST message.
NOTE: 3G_MSC-A shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER requests while a MAP-PREPARE-
The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request shall carry in the A-HO-REQUEST all information needed by MSC-B for
allocating a radio channel, see 3GPP TS 08.08. For compatibility reasons, the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request
will also identify the cell to which the call is to be handed over. For speech calls, 3G_MSC-A shall also include the Iu
Supported Codecs List to be used by MSC-B for subsequent intra-MSC-B intersystem handover to UMTS and intra-
MSC-B SRNS relocation.
If 3G_MSC-A supports A interface over IP, then for speech calls 3G_MSC-A may include the AoIP-Supported Codecs
List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. If handover to an A over IP capable BSS-B is performed,
MSC-B shall include a Codec List (MSC preferred) in the A-HO-REQUEST message to BSS-B. MSC-B may select the
codecs for the Codec List (MSC preferred) from the channel type information and the AoIP-Supported Codecs List
(Anchor), if this list was provided by 3G_MSC-A in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a detailed
description of the handling of these codec lists by 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. If the AoIP-
Supported Codecs List (Anchor) was not provided or MSC-B does not support the selection of codecs from the AoIP-
Supported Codecs List, then MSC-B shall create the Codec List (MSC preferred) using the channel type information
received from 3G_MSC-A in the A-HO-REQUEST message included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
If 3G_MSC-A supports handover/relocation to a CSG cell, the target cell belongs to the registered PLMN or an
equivalent PLMN, and the HLR or the CSS provided CSG subscription data, 3G_MSC-A shall include the CSG
ETSI
subscription data for the registered PLMN and, if available, for the equivalent PLMNs in the MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER request.
MSC-B will return the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response after having retrieved a Handover Number from its
associated VLR (exchange of the messages MAP-allocate-handover-number request and MAP-send-handover-report
request). The Handover Number shall be used for routing the connection of the call from 3G_MSC-A to MSC-B. If a
traffic channel is available in MSC-B the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, sent to 3G_MSC-A will contain the
complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE message received from BSS-B, containing the radio resources
definition to be sent by RNS-A to the UE/MS and possible extra BSSMAP information, amended by MSC-B due to the
possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface and the BSSMAP protocol used on the
A-interface. If the traffic channel allocation is queued by BSS-B, the A-QUEUING-INDICATION may optionally be
sent back to 3G_MSC-A. The further traffic channel allocation result (A-HO-REQUEST-ACK or A-HO-FAILURE)
will be transferred to 3G_MSC-A using the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request. If the traffic channel
allocation is not possible, the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response containing an A-HO-FAILURE will be sent to
3G_MSC-A. MSC-B will do the same if a fault is detected on the identity of the cell where the call has to be handed
over. MSC-B simply reports the events related to the dialogue. It is up to 3G_MSC-A to decide the action to perform if
it receives negative responses or the operation fails due to the expiry of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER timer.
If A interface over IP is supported, then for speech calls via an A over IP capable BSS-B the selection of the speech
codec shall be as described in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5], and if no transcoder is inserted in the BSS-B then MSC-B shall
insert a transcoder.
If 3G_MSC-A provided an AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request and
MSC-B may send the AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) to 3G_MSC-A in the
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response.
If BSS-B does not support A interface over IP or 3G_MSC-A did not include the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor)
in the MAP-PREPARE HANDOVER request, then MSC-B shall not include the AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and
AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response. Reception of the AoIP-Selected
Codec (Target) and AoIP Available Codecs List (MAP) from MSC-B with the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
response indicates to 3G_MSC-A that the target access supports A interface over IP.
If an error related to the TCAP dialogue or to the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request is returned from MSC-B, this
will be indicated to 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-A will terminate the handover attempt. 3G_MSC-A rejects the handover
attempt towards RNS-A. The existing connection to the UE/MS shall not be cleared.
When the A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE has been received, 3G_MSC-A shall establish a circuit between
3G_MSC-A and MSC-B by signalling procedures supported by the network. In figure 18 this is illustrated by the
messages IAM (Initial Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message) of Signalling System no 7. MSC-B
awaits the capturing of the UE/MS (subclause 6.2.1) on the radio path when the ACM is sent and 3G_MSC-A initiates
the UMTS to GSM handover execution when ACM is received (illustrated by the Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND and
described in subclause 6.2.1). 3G_MSC-A removes the transcoder from the path to the other party.
MSC-B transfers to 3G_MSC-A the acknowledgement received from the correct UE/MS (A-HO-DETECT/A-HO-
COMPLETE). The A-HO-DETECT, if received, is transferred to 3G_MSC-A using the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-
SIGNALLING request. The A-HO-COMPLETE, when received from the correct UE/MS, is included in the MAP-
SEND-END-SIGNAL request and sent back to 3G_MSC-A. The circuit is through connected in 3G_MSC-A when the
A-HO-DETECT or the A-HO-COMPLETE is received from MSC-B. The old radio channel is released when the A-
HO-COMPLETE message is received from MSC-B. The sending of the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request starts the
MAP supervision timer for the MAP dialogue between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B. When the MAP-SEND-END-
SIGNAL request including the A-HO-COMPLETE message is received in 3G_MSC-A, the resources in RNS-A shall
be cleared.
In order not to conflict with the PSTN/ISDN signalling system(s) used between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B, MSC-B must
generate an answer signal when A-HO-DETECT/COMPLETE is received.
MSC-B shall release the Handover Number when the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B has been established.
If the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B cannot be established, (e.g. an unsuccessful backward message is
received instead of ACM), 3G_MSC-A terminates the inter-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handover attempt by sending an
appropriate MAP message, for example an ABORT.
ETSI
3G_MSC-A shall retain overall call control until the call is cleared by the fixed subscriber or the UE/MS and there is no
further call control functions to be performed (e.g. servicing waiting calls, echo cancellers).
When 3G_MSC-A clears the call to the UE/MS it also clears the call control functions in 3G_MSC-A and sends the
MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response to release the MAP resources in MSC-B.
3G_MSC-A may terminate the procedure at any time by sending an appropriate MAP message to MSC-B. If
establishment of the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B has been initiated, the circuit must also be cleared.
The UMTS to GSM handover will be aborted by 3G_MSC-A if it detects clearing or interruption of the radio path
before the call has been established on MSC-B.
8.1.1.2 With multiple circuit connections (Optional functionality)

Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A 3G_MSC-A shall select one bearer to be handed
over if the UE is engaged with multiple bearers. After that, the 3G_MSC-A generates an A-HO-REQUEST message for
the selected bearer and sends it to MSC-B over MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
When MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response including an A-HO-REQUEST-ACK is received from MSC-B,

3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers not to be handed over as bearers to be
released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request from MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via MSC-
B, which has been carried by the bearers not to be handed over, and then 3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELEASE-
COMMAND to RNS-A.
8.1.2 Basic UMTS to GSM Handover procedure not requiring the

establishment of a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and
MSC-B
The basic UMTS to GSM handover procedures to be used when no circuit connection is required by 3G_MSC-A are
similar to those described in clause 8.1.1 for circuit switched calls. The main differences to the procedures described in
clause 8.1.1 relate to the establishment of circuits between the network entities and the Handover Number allocation.
In the case of basic UMTS to GSM handover, 3G_MSC-A shall specify to MSC-B that no Handover Number is
required in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request (see 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). As for the basic UMTS to GSM
handover using a circuit connection, the A-HO-REQUEST is transmitted at the same time. Any subsequent Handover
Number allocation procedure will not be invoked until the completion of the basic UMTS to GSM handover procedure
(see clause: Subsequent Channel Assignment using a circuit connection). MSC-B shall then perform the radio resources
allocation as described in subclause 8.1.1. The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response shall be returned to
3G_MSC-A including either the response of the radio resources allocation request received from BSS-B (A-HO-
REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE/A-HO-FAILURE with possible extra BSSMAP information. These extra information
are amended by MSC-B due to the possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface and
the BSSMAP protocol used on the A-interface) or potentially the A-QUEUING-INDICATION. The basic UMTS to
GSM handover procedure will continue as described in subclause 8.1.1 except that no circuit connection will be
established towards MSC-B.
The relevant case for the basic UMTS to GSM handover without circuit connection is shown in figure 19. As can be
seen the major differences to the equivalent figure 18 is the omission of any circuit establishment messaging and the
omission of handover number allocation signalling.
ETSI
UE/MS/RNS-A BSS-B/UE/MS

Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED MAP-Prep-Handover req.
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
Iu-RELOCATION- MAP-Prep-Handover resp.
COMMAND
Iu-RELEASE- MAP-Send-End-Signal req. A-HO-COMPLETE

CMD/COM
End of link
Figure 19: Basic UMTS to GSM Handover Procedure without circuit connection
8.1.3 Procedure for subsequent UMTS to GSM handover requiring a

circuit connection
After the call has been handed over to 3G_MSC-B, if the UE/MS leaves the area of 3G_MSC-B during the same call
and enters a GSM area, subsequent UMTS to GSM handover is necessary in order to continue the connection.
i) the UE/MS moves back to the area of MSC-A;
ii) the UE/MS moves into the area of a third MSC (MSC-B').
In both cases the call is switched in 3G_MSC-A; the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B shall be released after a
successful subsequent handover has been performed the same procedures apply if 3G_MSC-A is replaced by MSC-A.
ETSI
8.1.3.1 Description of subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure i): 3G_MSC-B

to MSC-A
The procedure for successful UMTS to GSM handover from MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A is shown in figure 20.
UE/MS/BSS-B RNS-A/UE/MS
MSC-A 3G_MSC-B VLR-B

Iu-RELOCATION-
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover req. REQUIRED
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover resp. Iu-RELOCATION-
A-HO-DETECT COMMAND
A-HO-COMPLETE
MAP-Send-End-Signal resp. Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/COM
Release
Figure 20: Subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure i): successful UMTS
to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A using a circuit connection
8.1.3.1.1 With one circuit connection

3G_MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to MSC-A indicating the new MSC
number (MSC-A number), indicating also the identity of the cell where the call has to be handed over and including a
complete A-HO-REQUEST message. (NOTE: 3G_MSC-B shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-
HANDOVER requests while a handover attempt is pending or before any timeouts). Since MSC-A is the call
controlling MSC, this MSC needs no Handover Number for routing purposes; MSC-A can immediately initiate the
search for a free radio channel.
When a radio channel can be assigned, MSC-A shall return in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER
response the complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE message received from the BSS-B and possible extra
BSSMAP information, amended by MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on
the E-interface and the BSSMAP protocol used on the A-interface. If the traffic channel allocation is queued by BSS-B,
the A-QUEUING-INDICATION may optionally be sent back to 3G_MSC-B. The further traffic channel allocation
result (A-HO-REQUEST-ACK or A-HO-FAILURE) will be transferred to 3G_MSC-B using the MAP-FORWARD-
ACCESS-SIGNALLING request. If a radio channel cannot be assigned or if a fault is detected on the target cell
identity, or the target cell identity in the A-HO-REQUEST is not consistent with the target MSC number, the
MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response containing an A-HO-FAILURE message shall be given to
3G_MSC-B, in addition 3G_MSC-B shall maintain the connection with the UE/MS.
If the procedure in MSC-A is successful then 3G_MSC-B can request the UE/MS to retune to the new BSS-B on
MSC-A. This is illustrated in figure 20 by the Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND message. The operation is successfully
completed when MSC-A receives the A-HO-COMPLETE message.
After UMTS to GSM handover MSC-A shall release the circuit to 3G_MSC-B.
MSC-A must also terminate the MAP procedure for the basic UMTS to GSM handover between MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B by sending an appropriate MAP message. 3G_MSC-B will clear the resources in RNS-A when the
MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response is received.
8.1.3.1.2 With multiple circuit connections (Optional functionality)

If 3G_MSC-B supports the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]), 3G_MSC-B shall
have the following functionality additionally to the description in subclause 8.1.3.1.1.
ETSI
Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A which indicates the target is BSS, 3G_MSC-B shall
select one bearer to be handed over if the UE is engaged with multiple bearers. After that, the 3G_MSC-B generates an
A-HO-REQUEST message for the selected bearer and sends it to 3G_MSC-A over MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-
HANDOVER request with indication of RAB ID of the selected bearer.
When MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response including an A-HO-REQUEST-ACK is received from

the 3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-B sends IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers not to be handed over
as bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives A-HO-COMPLETE message from BSS-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via BSS-B, which
has been carried by the bearers not to be handed over, and then 3G_MSC-A sends MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response to 3G_MSC-B.
8.1.3.2 Description of subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure ii):

3G_MSC-B to MSC-B'
The procedure for successful UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B' is shown in figure 21.
- a subsequent UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A as described in subclause 8.1.3.1
(the same procedures apply if 3G_MSC-A is replaced by MSC-A); and
- a basic handover from 3G_MSC-A to MSC-B' as described in subclause 7.1.

3G_MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-A indicating a new MSC
number (which is the identity of MSC-B'), indicating also the target cell identity and including a complete
A-HO-REQUEST, 3G_MSC-A then starts a basic handover procedure towards MSC-B'.
List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request towards MSC-B'. For a detailed description of the handling
of this codec list by 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B' see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
When 3G_MSC-A receives the ACM from MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A informs 3G_MSC-B that MSC-B' has successfully
allocated the radio resources on BSS-B' side by sending the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response
containing the complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE received from BSS-B' and possible extra BSSMAP
information, amended by 3G_MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the
E-interface between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B' and the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface between
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. Now 3G_MSC-B can start the procedure on the radio path.
For 3G_MSC-A the UMTS to GSM handover is completed when it has received the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
REQUEST from MSC-B' containing the A-HO-COMPLETE received from the BSS-B'. The circuit between
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B is released. 3G_MSC-A also sends the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response to
3G_MSC-B in order to terminate the original MAP dialogue between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. 3G_MSC-B
releases the radio resources when it receives this message.
If the traffic channel allocation is queued by the BSS-B', the A-QUEUING-INDICATION may optionally be sent back
to 3G_MSC-B. If no radio channel can be allocated by MSC-B' or no circuit between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B' can be
established or a fault is detected on the target cell identity or the target cell identity in the A-HO-REQUEST is not
consistent with the target MSC number, 3G_MSC-A informs 3G_MSC-B by using the A-HO-FAILURE message
included in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response. 3G_MSC-B shall maintain the existing
connection with the UE/MS.
When the subsequent UMTS to GSM handover is completed, MSC-B' is considered as MSC-B. Any further inter-MSC
handover is handled as described earlier for a subsequent handover.

If 3G_MSC-B supports the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]), 3G_MSC-B shall
have the following functionality additionally to the description in subclause 8.1.3.2.1.
ETSI
Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-B 3G_MSC-B shall select one bearer to be handed over
if the UE is engaged with multiple bearers. After that, the 3G_MSC-B generates an A-HO-REQUEST message for the
selected bearer and sends it to 3G_MSC-A over MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request with
indication of RAB ID of the selected bearer.
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request from 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A starts a

basic handover procedure towards MSC-B'.
When 3G_MSC-A receives the ACM from MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A informs 3G_MSC-B that MSC-B' has successfully
allocated the radio resources on BSS-B' side by sending the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response
containing the complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACK received from BSS-B' and possible extra BSSAP information,
amended by 3G_MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface
between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B' and the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface between 3G_MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B.
When MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response including an A-HO-REQUEST-ACK is received from

3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-B sends IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers not to be handed over as
bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request from MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via
MSC-B', which has been carried by the bearers not to be handed over, and then 3G_MSC-A sends MAP-SEND-END-
SIGNAL response to 3G_MSC-B.
ETSI
UE/MS/BSS/RNS
MSC-B VLR-B
3G_MSC-A 3G_MSC-B VLR-B
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
IAM
ACM
Iu-RELOCATION-CMD
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
Answer
Release
Iu-RELEASE-CMD/COM
(end of call)
Release
Figure 21: Subsequent handover procedure ii): Successful UMTS to GSM handover
from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B' requiring a circuit connection
8.1.4 Procedure for subsequent UMTS to GSM handover not requiring a

circuit connection
As for the subsequent UMTS to GSM handover with a circuit connection, the same two cases of subsequent handover
apply:
i) the UE/MS moves back to the area of MSC-A;
ii) the UE/MS moves into the area of a third MSC (MSC-B').
ETSI
8.1.4.1 Description of subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to

MSC-A
The procedure for successful UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B back to MSC-A without circuit connection is
shown in figure 22. The only difference with the figure 20, is that no circuit release is needed between MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B.
UE/MS/BSS-B RNS-A/UE/MS

Iu-RELOCATION-
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover resp. Iu-RELOCATION-
A-HO-DETECT COMMAND
A-HO-COMPLETE
MAP-Send-End-Signal resp. Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/COM
Figure 22: Subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure i): Successful UMTS
to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A not requiring a circuit connection
8.1.4.2 Description of the subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure without

circuit connection ii): 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B'
The procedure for successful UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B' is shown in figure 23.
- a subsequent UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A as described in subclause 8.1.4.1
(the same procedures apply if 3G_MSC-A is replaced by MSC-A); and
- a basic handover from 3G_MSC-A to MSC-B' as described in subclause 7.2.
signallings.
ETSI
UE/MS/BSS/RNS
MSC-B VLR-B
Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED
Iu-RELOCATION-CMD
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
Iu-RELEASE-CMD/COM
(end of link)
Figure 23: Subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure ii): Successful UMTS
to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B' without circuit connection
8.2 Handover GSM to UMTS

The following clauses describe two options for the Basic and Subsequent GSM to UMTS Handover procedures. The
first, as described in subclauses 8.2.1 and 8.2.3 respectively, provides for a circuit connection between (3G_)MSC-A
and (3G_)MSC-B. The second, as described in subclauses 8.2.2 and 8.2.4 respectively, provides for a Basic and
Subsequent Handover without the provision of a circuit connection between (3G_)MSC-A and (3G_)MSC-B. In all the
above mentioned clauses, the following principles apply:
b) the trace related messages that are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - can
be sent by the MSC-A on the E-interface after successful handover resource allocation. In
subclauses 8.2.1 and 8.2.2, it is however allowed at basic handover initiation on the E-Interface to transfer one
trace related message that is part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - together
with the applicable handover related message. The applicable handover related message shall always appear as
the first message;
c) during the handover resource allocation for subsequent inter-MSC inter-system handover according to
Interface between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. RANAP Direct Transfer messages shall be used for this purpose if
and only if the basic handover procedure was an inter MSC SRNS relocation;
ETSI
d) If 3G_MSC-B or 3G-MSC-B supports location reporting at change of Service Area, 3G_MSC-B or 3G_MSC-
B' shall always initiate the Location Reporting Control procedure at change of Service Area towards the target
RNS since no request for Location Reporting can be received from MSC-A. In that case, the Location Reporting
Control procedure shall be initiated by 3G_MSC-B or 3G-MSC-B after the Relocation Resource Allocation
procedure has been executed successfully. The change of Service Area shall be reported to MSC-A within an A-
HANDOVER-PERFORMED message;
e) during the handover execution, i.e. while the UE/MS is not in communication with the network, the MSC-A
shall queue all outgoing BSSAP or RANAP messages until the communication with the UE/MS is resumed;
f) during the execution of a basic inter-system inter-MSC handover to 3G_MSC-B or a subsequent inter-system
inter-MSC handover to a third 3G-MSC-B, only the handover related messages and the A-Clear-Request
message that are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] may be sent by the
target MSC on the E-interface;
g) during a subsequent inter-system inter-MSC handover back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-
B may initiate either an Iu-Release-Request procedure or an A-Clear-Request procedure on the E-interface. An
Iu-Release-Request procedure shall be initiated only if the basic handover procedure was an inter-MSC SRNS
relocation;
h) finally, during supervision, i.e. while the UE/MS is not in the area of MSC-A after a successful Inter-3G_MSC
GSM to UMTS handover, the subset of BSSAP procedures and their related messages - as defined in
3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - shall apply on the E-Interface. As the only exception to this rule, in case of a subsequent
inter-MSC SRNS relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B, during the relocation resource
allocation, the relocation and trace related messages that are part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in
3GPP TS 29.108 [15] - shall be transferred on the E-interface (see subclause 8.3, a and b).

the supervision continues, and BSSAP procedures and their related messages shall apply on the E-interface;
i) during the intra-3G_MSC-B GSM to UMTS handover execution, if any, the 3G_MSC-B shall queue all
outgoing BSSAP or RANAP messages until the communication with the UE/MS is resumed.
8.2.1 Basic Handover procedure requiring a circuit connection between

MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B
The procedure used for successful Inter-3G_MSC Handover from GSM to UMTS is shown in figure 24. Initiation of
the GSM to UMTS handover procedure is described in clause 5. The procedure described in this clause makes use of
messages from the 3GPP TS 48.008 [5], 3GPP TS 25.413 [11] and of the transport mechanism from the Mobile
Application Part (MAP) (3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). After an Inter-3G_MSC handover further Intra-3G_MSC handovers
may occur on 3G_MSC-B, these handovers will follow the procedures specified in the previous clauses.
ETSI
RNS-B/UE/MS
UE/MS/BSS-A
A-HO-REQUIRED
Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK
IAM
A-HO-COMMAND ACM
MAP-Process-Access-Sig req. Iu-RELOCATION-DETECT
A-CLR-CMD/COM MAP-Send-End-Signal req. Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE
ANSWER
RELEASE
End of call
NOTE: Can be sent at any time after the reception of IAM.
Figure 24: Basic GSM to UMTS Handover Procedure requiring a circuit connection
The GSM to UMTS handover is initiated as described in subclause 6.2.2. (This is represented by A-HO-REQUIRED in
figure 24). Upon receipt of the A-HO-REQUIRED from BSS-A, MSC-A shall send a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
request to 3G_MSC-B including a complete A-HO-REQUEST message.
NOTE: MSC-A shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER requests while a MAP-PREPARE-
The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request shall carry in the A-HO-REQUEST all information needed by 3G_MSC-B
for allocating radio resources in RNS-B, see 3GPP TS 48.008 [5].
The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request shall also carry the identity of the target RNS to which the call is to be
handed over, see 3GPP TS 29.002 [12].
If MSC-A supports inter-system handover to a CSG cell and BSS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the A-
HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, then MSC-A shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell as
described in subclause 4.1.1 before generating the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. If the UE fails the CSG
membership check and the target cell is a CSG cell, MSC-A shall send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT to
BSS-A.
If MSC-A supports inter-system handover to a CSG cell, the target cell belongs to the registered PLMN or an
equivalent PLMN, and the HLR or the CSS provided CSG subscription data, MSC-A shall include the CSG
subscription data for the registered PLMN and, if available, for the equivalent PLMNs in the MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER request.
ETSI
3G_MSC-B will return the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response after having retrieved a Handover Number from
its associated VLR (exchange of the messages MAP-allocate-handover-number request and MAP-send-handover-report
request). The Handover Number shall be used for routing the connection of the call from MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B.
For speech calls, if 3G_MSC-B supports the selection of codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-B
shall select an Iu Selected codec from the Iu Supported Codecs List, generate associated RAB parameters and connect a
transcoder. If the Iu Supported Codecs List was not received or 3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of codec
based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-B shall select the appropriate default speech codec.
For handover to UTRAN Iu mode, 3G_MSC-B shall also generate a NAS Synch Indicator for the Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST message. If the Iu Supported Codecs List was received by 3G_MSC-B and 3G_MSC-B supports the
selection of codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, then the Iu Selected codec shall be indicated in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER response, sent from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A.
If A over IP is supported by MSC-A, then for speech calls MSC-A may include the AoIP-Supported Codecs List
(Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to be used by 3G_MSC-B for subsequent intra-MSC-B
intersystem handover to A over IP capable BSC. For a detailed description of the handling of this codec list by MSC-A
and 3G_MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
If radio resources are available in RNS-B the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response will contain the complete A-
HO-REQUEST-ACK message generated from the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK received from RNS-B,
containing the radio resources definition to be sent by BSS-A to the UE/MS. If the radio resource allocation is not
possible, the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response containing an A-HO-FAILURE will be sent to MSC-A.
3G_MSC-B will do the same if a fault is detected on the identity of the cell where the call has to be handed over.
3G_MSC-B simply reports the events related to the dialogue. It is up to MSC-A to decide the action to perform if it
receives negative responses or the operation fails due to the expiry of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER timer.
If an error related to the TCAP dialogue or to the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request is returned from 3G_MSC-B,
this will be indicated to MSC-A and MSC-A will terminate the handover attempt. MSC-A shall reject the handover
attempt towards BSS-A. The existing connection to the UE/MS shall not be cleared.
When the A-HO-REQUEST-ACK has been received, MSC-A shall establish a circuit between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B
by signalling procedures supported by the network. In figure 24 this is illustrated by the messages IAM (Initial Address
Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message) of Signalling System no 7. 3G_MSC-B awaits the capturing of the
UE/MS (subclause 6.2.2) on the radio path when the ACM is sent and MSC-A initiates the handover execution when
ACM is received (illustrated by the A-HO-COMMAND and described in subclause 6.2.2).
If the BSS-A was connected via an A interface over IP and no transcoding performed in the BSS then MSC-A shall
remove the transcoder between the MSC and the other party.
3G_MSC-B transfers to MSC-A the acknowledgement received from the correct UE/MS (A-HO-DETECT/A-HO-
COMPLETE). The Iu-RELOCATION-DETECT, if received, is converted to A-HO-DETECT and transferred to
MSC-A using the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request. The Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE, when
received from the correct UE/MS, is converted to A-HO-COMPLETE and included in the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
request and sent back to MSC-A. The circuit is through-connected in MSC-A when the A-HO-DETECT or the
A-HO-COMPLETE is received from 3G_MSC-B. The old radio channel is released when the A-HO-COMPLETE
message is received from 3G_MSC-B. The sending of the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request starts the MAP
supervision timer for the MAP dialogue between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. When the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
request including the A-HO-COMPLETE message is received in MSC-A the resources in BSS-A shall be cleared.
In order not to conflict with the PSTN/ISDN signalling system(s) used between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-B
must generate an answer signal when Iu-RELOCATION-DETECT/COMPLETE is received.
3G_MSC-B shall release the Handover Number when the circuit between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B has been
established.
If the circuit between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B cannot be established (e.g. an unsuccessful backward message is
received instead of ACM). MSC-A terminates the inter3G_MSC handover attempt by sending an appropriate MAP
message, for example an ABORT.
MSC-A shall retain overall call control until the call is cleared by the fixed subscriber or the UE/MS and there is no
ETSI
When MSC-A clears the call to the UE/MS it also clears the call control functions in MSC-A and sends the MAP-
SEND-END-SIGNAL response to release the MAP resources in 3G_MSC-B.
MSC-A may terminate the procedure at any time by sending an appropriate MAP message to 3G_MSC-B. If
establishment of the circuit between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B has been initiated, the circuit must also be cleared.
The GSM to UMTS handover will be aborted by MSC-A if it detects clearing or interruption of the radio path before
the call has been established on 3G_MSC-B.
8.2.2 Basic GSM to UMTS Handover procedure not requiring the

establishment of a circuit connection between MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B
The basic GSM to UMTS handover procedures to be used when no circuit connection is required by MSC-A are similar
to those described in subclause 8.2.1 for circuit switched calls. The main differences to the procedures described in
subclause 8.2.1 relate to the establishment of circuits between the network entities and the Handover Number allocation.
In the case of basic GSM to UMTS handover, MSC-A shall specify to 3G_MSC-B that no Handover Number is
required in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request (see 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). As for the basic GSM to UMTS
handover using a circuit connection, the A-HO-REQUEST is transmitted at the same time. Any subsequent Handover
Number allocation procedure will not be invoked until the completion of the basic GSM to UMTS handover procedure
(see clause: Subsequent Channel Assignment using a circuit connection). 3G_MSC-B shall then perform the radio
resources allocation as described in subclause 8.2.1. The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response shall be returned to
MSC-A including either the translated response of the radio resources allocation request received from RNS-B (A-HO-
REQUEST-ACK/A-HO-FAILURE). The basic GSM to UMTS handover procedure will continue as described in
clause 8.2.1 except that no circuit connection will be established towards 3G_MSC-B.
The relevant case for the basic GSM to UMTS handover without circuit connection is shown in figure 25. As can be
seen the major differences to the equivalent figure 24 are the omission of any circuit establishment messaging and the
omission of handover number allocation signalling.
UE/MS/BSS-A RNS-B/UE/MS
A-HO-REQUIRED
A-HO-COMMAND MAP-Prep-Handover resp.
MAP-Process-Access-Sig req. Iu-RELOCATION-DETECT
A-CLR-CMD/COM MAP-Send-End-Signal req. Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE
End of link
Figure 25: Basic GSM to UMTS Handover Procedure without circuit connection
ETSI
8.2.3 Procedure for subsequent GSM to UMTS handover requiring a

circuit connection
After the call has been handed over to MSC-B, if the UE/MS leaves the GSM area of MSC-B during the same call and
enters a UTRAN area, subsequent GSM to UMTS handover is necessary in order to continue the connection.
i) the UE/MS moves back to the area of 3G_MSC-A;
ii) the UE/MS moves into the area of a third 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-B').
In both cases the call is switched in 3G_MSC-A; the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B shall be released after a
successful subsequent handover has been performed.
8.2.3.1 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure i): MSC-B to

3G_MSC-A
The procedure for successful GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A is shown in figure 26.
UE/MS/RNS-B BSS-A/UE/MS
A-HO-REQUIRED
Iu-RELOCATION-DETECT
Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE
Release
Figure 26: Subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure i): successful handover
from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A using a circuit connection
If MSC-B supports inter-system handover to a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-A provided CSG subscription data during the basic
inter-MSC handover, and BSS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message,
then MSC-B shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell as described in subclause 4.2.1 before
generating the MAP-PREPARE- SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request. If the UE fails the CSG membership check
and the target cell is a CSG cell, MSC-B shall send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT to BSS-A.
MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-A indicating the new MSC
number (3G_MSC-A number), indicating also the identity of the target RNS where the call has to be handed over and
including a complete A-HO-REQUEST message. (NOTE: MSC-B shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER requests while a handover attempt is pending or before any timeouts). Since
3G_MSC-A is the call controlling MSC, this MSC needs no Handover Number for routing purposes; 3G_MSC-A can
immediately initiate the search for free radio resources. 3G_MSC-A then inserts a transcoder between its RNS and the
connection to the other party.
When radio resources can be assigned, 3G_MSC-A shall return in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER
response the complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACK message generated from the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK
received from the RNS-B and possible extra BSSMAP information, amended by 3G_MSC-A due to the possible
interworking between the BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface and the RANAP protocol used on the Iu-
interface. If radio resources cannot be assigned or if a fault is detected on the target cell identity, or the target cell
ETSI
identity in the A-HO-REQUEST is not consistent with the target MSC number, the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-
HANDOVER response containing an A-HO-FAILURE message shall be given to MSC-B, in addition MSC-B shall
maintain the connection with the UE/MS.
If the procedure in 3G_MSC-A is successful then MSC-B can request the UE/MS to retune to the new RNS-B on
3G_MSC-A. This is illustrated in figure 26 by the A-HO-COMMAND message. The operation is successfully
completed when 3G_MSC-A receives the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message.
After GSM to UMTS handover 3G_MSC-A shall release the circuit to MSC-B.
3G_MSC-A must also terminate the MAP procedure for the basic handover between 3G_MSC-A and MSC-B by
sending an appropriate MAP message. MSC-B will clear the resources in BSS-A when the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response is received.
8.2.3.2 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure ii): MSC-B to

3G_MSC-B'
The procedure for successful GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' is shown in figure 27.
- a basic GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B' as described in subclause 8.2.1.
If MSC-B supports inter-system handover to a CSG cell and BSS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the A-
HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, then MSC-B shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell as
described in subclause 8.2.3.1 before initiating the procedure, and reject the handover if necessary.
MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to MSC-A indicating a new MSC number
(which is the identity of 3G_MSC-B'), indicating also the identity of the target RNS where the call has to be handed
over and including a complete A-HO-REQUEST, MSC-A then starts a basic handover procedure towards 3G_MSC-B'.
(Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request towards 3G_MSC-B'. For a detailed description of the handling
of this codec list by MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B' see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
When MSC-A receives the ACM from 3G_MSC-B', MSC-A informs MSC-B that 3G_MSC-B' has successfully
allocated the radio resources on RNS-B' side by sending the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response
containing the complete A-HO-REQUEST-ACK generated from the RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK received from
RNS-B' and possible extra BSSMAP information, amended by MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the
BSSMAP protocol carried on the E-interface between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B' and the BSSMAP protocol carried on
the E-interface between MSC-A and MSC-B. Now MSC-B can start the procedure on the radio path.
For MSC-A the handover is completed when it has received the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL REQUEST from
3G_MSC-B' containing the A-HO-COMPLETE generated from Iu-RECOLATION COMPLETE received from the
RNS-B'. The circuit between MSC-A and MSC-B is released. MSC-A also sends the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response to MSC-B in order to terminate the original MAP dialogue between MSC-A and MSC-B. MSC-B releases the
radio resources when it receives this message.
If no radio resources can be allocated by 3G_MSC-B' or no circuit between MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B' can be established
or a fault is detected on the target cell identity or the target cell identity in the A-HO-REQUEST is not consistent with
the target MSC number, MSC-A informs MSC-B by using the A-HO-FAILURE message included in the MAP-
PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response. MSC-B shall maintain the existing connection with the UE/MS.
When the subsequent GSM to UMTS handover is completed, 3G_MSC-B' is considered as 3G_MSC-B. Any further
inter-MSC handover is handled as described above for a subsequent handover.
ETSI
UE/MS/BSS/RNS
3G_MSC-B VLR-B
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B
A-HO-REQUIRED
IAM
ACM
A-HO-COMMAND
Answer
Release
A-CLR-CMD/COM
(end of call)
Release
Figure 27: Subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure ii): Successful handover
from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' requiring a circuit connection
8.2.4 Procedure for subsequent GSM to UMTS handover not requiring a

circuit connection
As for the subsequent GSM to UMTS handover with a circuit connection, the same two cases of subsequent handover
apply:
i) the UE/MS moves back to the area of 3G_MSC-A;
ii) the UE/MS moves into the area of a third 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-B').
ETSI
8.2.4.1 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure without circuit

connection i): MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A
The procedure for successful GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A without circuit connection is
shown in figure 28. The only difference with the figure 26, is that no circuit release is needed between 3G_MSC-A and
MSC-B.
UE/MS/RNS-B BSS-A/UE/MS
A-HO-REQUIRED
Figure 28: Subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure i): Successful handover
from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A not requiring a circuit connection
8.2.4.2 Description of subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure without circuit

connection ii): MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B'
The procedure for successful GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' is shown in figure 29.
- a basic GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B' as described in subclause 8.2.2.
signallings.
ETSI
UE/MS/BSS/RNS
3G_MSC-B VLR-B
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B

A-HO-REQUIRED
A-HO-COMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION_COMPLETE
A-CLR-CMD/COM
(end of link)
Figure 29: Subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure ii): Successful handover
from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' without circuit connection
8.3 SRNS Relocation

The following clauses describe two options for the Basic and Subsequent Relocation procedures. The first, as described
in subclauses 8.3.1 and 8.3.3 respectively, provides for a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. The
second, as described in subclauses 8.3.2 and 8.3.4 respectively, provides for a Basic and Subsequent Relocation without
the provision of a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B.
a) during the relocation resource allocation, except for the messages explicitly indicated in b and c below, only the
relocation related messages that are part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 29.108 [15] -
b) the trace related messages that are part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 29.108 [15] -
can be sent by the 3G_MSC-A on the E-interface after successful relocation resource allocation. In the
clauses 8.3.1 and 8.3.2, it is however allowed at basic relocation initiation on the E-Interface to transfer one trace
invocation related message that is part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 29.108 [15] -
together with the applicable relocation related message. The applicable relocation related message shall always
appear as the first message;
c) during the relocation resource allocation for subsequent inter-MSC SRNS relocation according to
Interface between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. RANAP Direct Transfer messages shall be used for this purpose
if and only if the basic handover procedure was an inter MSC SRNS relocation;
ETSI
d) the Iu-Location Reporting Control message which belongs to the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in
3GPP TS 29.108 [15] - can be sent by the 3G_MSC-A on the E-interface after successful relocation resource
allocation;
e) during the relocation execution, i.e. while the UE is not in communication with the network, the 3G_MSC-A
shall queue all outgoing RANAP or BSSAP messages until the communication with the UE is resumed;
f) during the execution of a basic inter-MSC SRNS relocation to 3G_MSC-B or a subsequent inter-MSC SRNS
relocation to a third 3G-MSC-B, only the relocation related messages and the Iu-Release-Request message that
are part of the applicable RANAP subset - as defined in 3GPP TS 29.108 [15] may be sent by the target MSC
on the E-interface;
g) during a subsequent inter-MSC SRNS relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-B
may initiate either an Iu-Release-Request procedure or an A-Clear-Request procedure on the E-interface. An Iu-
Release-Request procedure shall be initiated only if the basic handover procedure was an inter-MSC SRNS
relocation;
h) finally, during supervision, i.e. while the UE is not in the area of 3G_MSC-A after a successful Inter-3G_MSC
relocation, the subset of RANAP procedures and their related messages - as defined in 3GPP TS 29.108 [15] -
shall apply on the E-Interface. As an exception to this rule, 3G_MSC-B shall notify 3G_MSC-A of a
successfully completed subsequent intra-MSC-B intra GSM or inter-system handover by using the Internal
Handover Indication procedure as specified in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7]. Furthermore, in case of a subsequent inter-
MSC intra GSM or inter-system handover back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B, during the handover
resource allocation, the handover and trace related messages that are part of the applicable BSSAP subset - as
defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7] - shall be transferred on the E-interface (see list items a and b in clause 7,
subclauses 8.1 and 8.2, respectively).

the supervision continues, and RANAP procedures and their related messages shall apply on the E-interface.
NOTE: A subsequent inter-MSC intra GSM or GSM to UMTS inter-system handover back to 3G_MSC-A or to a
third 3G_MSC-B can occur, e.g., if after the basic inter-MSC SRNS relocation to 3G_MSC-B the MS
performed a subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B UMTS to GSM inter-system handover;
i) during the intra-3G_MSC-B relocation execution, if any, the 3G_MSC-B shall queue all outgoing RANAP
messages until the communication with the UE is resumed.
j) after successful completion of the Intra-3G_MSC-B relocation, if 3G_MSC-B or 3G-MSC-B has previously
received an order to perform location reporting at change of Service Area from 3G_MSC-A, it shall act as
specified in subclause 6.2.3.
8.3.1 Basic relocation procedure requiring a circuit connection between

3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B
The procedure used for successful Inter-3G_MSC SRNS relocation is shown in figure 30. Initiation of the relocation
procedure is described in clause 5. The procedure described in this clause makes use of messages from the
3GPP TS 25.413 [11] and of the transport mechanism from the Mobile Application Part (MAP) (3GPP TS 29.002 [12]).
After an Inter-3G_MSC SRNS relocation further Intra-3G_MSC relocations may occur on 3G_MSC-B, these
relocations will follow the procedures specified in a previous clause.
ETSI
RNS-A RNS-B

IU-RELOC-REQUIRED
IU-RELOC-REQUEST
IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACK
IAM
IU-RELOC-COMMAND ACM
MAP-Process-Access-Sig req. IU-RELOC-DETECT
IU-REL-CMD/COM MAP-Send-End-Signal req. IU-RELOC-COMPLETE
ANSWER
RELEASE
End of call
Figure 30: Basic SRNS Relocation Procedure requiring a circuit connection
8.3.1.1 With one circuit connection

The relocation is initiated as described in subclause 6.2.3. (This is represented by IU-RELOC-REQUIRED in
figure 30). Upon receipt of the IU-RELOC-REQUIRED from RNS-A, 3G_MSC-A shall send a MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-B including a complete IU-RELOC-REQUEST message. (NOTE: 3G_MSC-A shall
not send further MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER requests while a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response is pending
or before any timeouts). The MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request shall carry in the IU-RELOC-REQUEST all
information needed by 3G_MSC-B for allocating radio resources in the case of SRNS relocation without Iur interface,
see 3GPP TS 25.413 [11].
For speech calls, 3G_MSC-A shall include the Iu Currently used codec and the Iu Supported Codecs List in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER request. 3G_MSC-A shall configure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the
appropriate default speech codec. For a relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if this codec is different from the Iu Currently
used codec, 3G_MSC-A shall also include the NAS Synch Indicator for the default speech codec in the Iu-
RELOCATION-REQUEST.
Alternatively, if 3G_MSC-B is known to support the use of the Iu Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-A may configure
the RANAP RAB parameters according to the preferred codec and indicate this to 3G_MSC-B by including the RAB
configuration indicator in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if the
preferred codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec, 3G_MSC-A shall also include the NAS Synch Indicator
for the preferred codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST. The decision to use this option is based on internal
configuration information in 3G_MSC-A.
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request shall also carry the identity of the target RNS to which the call is to be
relocated, see 3GPP TS 29.002 [12].
If 3G_MSC-A supports SRNS Relocation to a CSG cell and RNS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the IU-
RELOCATION-REQUIRED message, then 3G_MSC-A shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell
as described in subclause 4.3.1 before generating the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. If the UE fails the CSG
ETSI
membership check and the target cell is a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-A shall send an IU-RELOCATION-PREPARATION-
FAILURE to RNS-A.
If 3G_MSC-A supports SRNS Relocation to a CSG cell, the target cell belongs to the registered PLMN or an equivalent
PLMN, and the HLR or the CSS provided CSG subscription data, 3G_MSC-A shall include the CSG subscription data
for the registered PLMN and, if available, for the equivalent PLMNs in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
3G_MSC-B will return the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response after having retrieved one or several Handover
Numbers from its associated VLR (exchange of the messages MAP-allocate-handover-number request and MAP-send-
handover-report request). The Handover Numbers shall be used for routing the connections of the calls from
3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B.
If A over IP is supported by 3G_MSC-A, then for speech calls 3G_MSC-A may include the AoIP-Supported Codecs
List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to be used by 3G_MSC-B for subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B
intersystem handover to an A over IP capable BSS. For a detailed description of the handling of this codec list by
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
shall select an Iu Selected codec from the Iu Supported Codecs List and connect a transcoder. If the Iu Supported
Codecs List was not received or 3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs
List, 3G_MSC-B shall select the appropriate default speech codec.
3G_MSC-B shall reconfigure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the Iu Selected codec:
- if the RAB configuration indicator is included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request and the codec
selected by 3G_MSC-B is different from the preferred codec; or
- if the RAB configuration indicator is not included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request and the codec
selected by 3G_MSC-B is different from the appropriate default speech codec.
Additionally, for a relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if the Iu Selected codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec,
3G_MSC-B shall include the NAS Synch Indicator for the Iu Selected codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST. If
the Iu Supported Codecs List was received by 3G_MSC-B and 3G_MSC-B supports the selection of codec based on the
Iu-Supported Codecs List, then the Iu Selected codec shall be indicated in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response,
sent from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A.
If radio resources are available in 3G_MSC-B, the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response will contain the complete
IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE message received from RNS-B, containing the radio resources definition to
be sent by RNS-A to the UE (in case of relocation without Iur interface) and possible extra RANAP information,
amended by 3G_MSC-B due to the possible interworking between the RANAP protocol carried on the E-interface and
the RANAP protocol used on the Iu-interface. If the radio resource allocation is not possible, the MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER response containing an IU-RELOCATION-FAILURE will be sent to 3G_MSC-A. 3G_MSC-B will do
the same if a fault is detected on the identity of the RNS where the call has to be relocated. 3G_MSC-B simply reports
the events related to the dialogue. It is up to 3G_MSC-A to decide the action to perform if it receives negative responses
or the operation fails due to the expiry of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER timer.
If an error related to the TCAP dialogue or to the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request is returned from 3G_MSC-B,
this will be indicated to 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-A will terminate the relocation attempt. The existing connection to
the UE shall not be cleared.
When the IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE has been received, 3G_MSC-A shall establish a circuit between
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B by signalling procedures supported by the network. In figure 30 this is illustrated by the
messages IAM (Initial Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message) of Signalling System no 7.
3G_MSC-B awaits the capturing of the UE (subclause 6.2.3) on the radio path when the ACM is sent and 3G_MSC-A
initiates the relocation execution when ACM is received (illustrated by the IU-RELOC-COMMAND and described in
subclause 6.2.3). 3G_MSC-A shall remove the transcoder between the MSC and other party.
3G_MSC-B transfers to 3G_MSC-A the acknowledgement received from the correct UE (IU-RELOC-DETECT/IU-
RELOC-COMPLETE). The IU-RELOC-DETECT, if received, is transferred to 3G_MSC-A using the MAP-
PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request. The IU-RELOC-COMPLETE, when received from the correct UE, is
included in the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request and sent back to 3G_MSC-A. The circuit is through connected in
3G_MSC-A when the IU-RELOC-DETECT or the IU-RELOC-COMPLETE is received from 3G_MSC-B. The old
radio resources are released when the IU-RELOC-COMPLETE message is received from 3G_MSC-B. The sending of
the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request starts the MAP supervision timer for the MAP dialogue between 3G_MSC-A
ETSI
and 3G_MSC-B. When the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request including the IU-RELOC-COMPLETE message is
received in 3G_MSC-A, the resources in RNS-A shall be released.
In order not to conflict with the PSTN/ISDN signalling system(s) used between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B,
3G_MSC-B must generate an answer signal when IU-RELOC-DETECT/COMPLETE is received.
3G_MSC-B shall release the Handover Number when the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B has been
established.
If the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B cannot be established, (e.g. an unsuccessful backward message is
received instead of ACM) 3G_MSC-A terminates the inter-3G_MSC relocation attempt by sending an appropriate
MAP message, for example an ABORT.
3G_MSC-A shall retain overall call control until the call is cleared by the fixed subscriber or the UE and there is no
When 3G_MSC-A clears the call to the UE it also clears the call control functions in 3G_MSC-A and sends the MAP-
SEND-END-SIGNAL response to release the MAP resources in 3G_MSC-B.
3G_MSC-A may terminate the procedure at any time by sending an appropriate MAP message to 3G_MSC-B. If
establishment of the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B has been initiated, the circuit must also be cleared.
The relocation will be aborted by 3G_MSC-A if it detects release or interruption of the radio path before the call has
been established on 3G_MSC-B.
8.3.1.2 With multiple circuit connections (Optional functionality)
8.3.1.2.1 3G_MSC-B does not support multiple bearers

Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A, 3G_MSC-A generates IU-RELOCATION-

REQUEST and sends a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-B including the IU-RELOCATION-
REQUEST message, which may include multiple bearers. If 3G_MSC-A receives an indication that 3G_MSC-B does
not support multiple bearers, 3G_MSC-A shall select one bearer to be handed over if the UE is engaged with multiple
bearers. 3G_MSC-A reconstructs IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST and sends again a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
request to 3G_MSC-B including the IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST message, which includes only the selected bearer.
When MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response including an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK is received from

3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers not to be handed over as
bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request from 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via
3G_MSC-B, which has been carried by the bearers not to be handed over, and then 3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELEASE-
COMMAND to RNS-A.
8.3.1.2.2 3G_MSC-B supports multiple bearers

If 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC_B support the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]),
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B shall have the following functionality additionally to the description in subclause 8.3.1.1.
Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A, 3G_MSC-A generates IU-RELOCATION-

REQUEST and sends a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-B including the IU-RELOCATION-
REQUEST message, which may include multiple bearers.
When MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request including an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST message is received by the

3G_MSC-B and the number of bearers included in the IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST message has exceeded the
maximum number of bearers supported by 3G_MSC-B, the 3G_MSC-B shall select several bearers so that the number
of bearers will fulfil the range of 3G_MSC-B capability. In this case 3G_MSC-B shall reconstruct IU-RELOCATION-
REQUEST message to cope with the capability of 3G_MSC-B. The 3G_MSC-B shall retrieve multiple Handover
Numbers from its associated VLR (exchange of the messages MAP-allocate-handover-number request and MAP-send-
ETSI
handover-report request several times). The number of Handover Numbers depends on the number of RAB IDs in the
reconstructed IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST.
After the completion of Handover Number allocation 3G_MSC-B may select several bearers and reconstruct IU-
RELOCATION-REQUEST again if the number of successfully allocated Handover Numbers is less than the number of
required bearers, and sends IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST to RNS-B.
After the reception of IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK from RNS-B, the 3G_MSC-B shall generate Relocation
Number List, which includes couples of RAB ID (See 3GPP TS 25.413 [11]) and Handover Number successfully
allocated. Then the 3G_MSC-B sends MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response including Relocation Number List back
to the 3G_MSC-A.
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response 3G_MSC-A shall establish circuits between 3G_MSC-A
and 3G_MSC-B by signalling procedures supported by the network according to the Relocation Number List. When
3G_MSC-A receives all the results from attempted circuits (the results may be successful ACM message or
unsuccessful backward message for each attempt) and if at least one circuit has been successfully established,
3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B and the
bearers associated with circuits which has failed to set up as bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request from 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via
3G_MSC-B, which has been carried by the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B and the bearers associated with circuits
which has failed to set up, and then 3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELEASE-COMMAND to RNS-A.
If no circuit connection has been successfully established 3G_MSC-A terminates the inter-3G_MSC relocation attempt
by sending an appropriate MAP massage, for example ABORT.
8.3.2 Basic relocation procedure not requiring the establishment of a

circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B
The basic SRNS relocation procedures to be used when no circuit connection is required by 3G_MSC-A are similar to
those described in subclause 8.3.1 for circuit switched calls. The main differences to the procedures described in
subclause 8.3.1 relate to the establishment of circuits between the network entities and the Handover Number allocation.
In the case of basic relocation, 3G_MSC-A shall specify to 3G_MSC-B that no Handover Number is required in the
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request (see 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]). As for the basic relocation using a circuit
connection, the IU-RELOC-REQUEST is transmitted at the same time together with the identity of the target RNS to
which the call is to be relocated. Any subsequent Handover Number allocation procedure will not be invoked until the
completion of the basic relocation procedure (see clause: Subsequent Channel Assignment using a circuit connection).
3G_MSC-B shall then perform the radio resources allocation as described in subclause 8.3.1 if applicable. The MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER response shall be returned to 3G_MSC-A including either the response of the radio resources
allocation request received from RNS-B (IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE/IU-RELOC-FAILURE with
possible extra RANAP information. This extra information is amended by 3G_MSC-B due to the possible interworking
between the RANMAP protocol carried on the E-interface and the RANAP protocol used on the Iu-interface). The basic
relocation procedure will continue as described in subclause 8.3.1 except that no circuit connection will be established
towards 3G_MSC-B.
The relevant case for the basic relocation without circuit connection is shown in figure 31. As can be seen the major
differences to the equivalent figure 30 are the omission of any circuit establishment messaging and the omission of
handover number allocation signalling.
ETSI
RNS-A RNS-B

IU-RELOC-REQUIRED
IU-RELOC-REQUEST
IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACK
MAP-Prep-Handover resp.
IU-RELOC-COMMAND
MAP-Process-Access-Sig req. IU-RELOC-DETECT
IU-REL-CMD/COM MAP-Send-End-Signal req. IU-RELOC-COMPLETE
End of link
Figure 31: Basic SRNS relocation procedure without a circuit connection
8.3.3 Procedure for subsequent relocation requiring a circuit connection

After the call has been relocated to 3G_MSC-B, if the UE leaves the area of 3G_MSC-B during the same call,
subsequent relocation is necessary in order to continue the connection when no Iur interface exists between the involved
RNSs, or to optimise the transmission path when the Iur interface is used.
i) the UE moves back to the area of 3G_MSC-A;
ii) the UE moves into the area of a third 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-B').
In both cases the call is switched in 3G_MSC-A; the circuit between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B shall be released
after a successful subsequent relocation has been performed.
If 3G_MSC-A is replaced by MSC-A in the procedures, then a subsequent relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B'
shall not be possible since MSC-A does not support the RANAP protocol.
ETSI
8.3.3.1 Description of subsequent relocation procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A

The procedure for successful relocation from 3G_MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A is shown in figure 32.
RNS-B RNS-A
Iu-RELOCATION-
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST-ACK MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover resp. Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION-
DETECT
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMPLETE MAP-Send-End-Signal resp. Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/COM
Release
Figure 32: Subsequent relocation procedure i) successful relocation

from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A using a circuit connection

If 3G_MSC-B supports SRNS Relocation to a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-A provided CSG subscription data during the basic
inter-MSC handover/relocation, and RNS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the IU-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED message, then 3G_MSC-B shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell as described in
subclause 4.4.1 before generating the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request. If the UE fails the CSG
membership check and the target cell is a CSG cell, 3G_MSC-B shall send an IU-RELOCATION-PREPARATION-
FAILURE message to RNS-A.
3G_MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-A indicating the new

3G_MSC number (3G_MSC-A number), indicating also the identity of the target RNS where the call has to be
relocated and including a complete IU-RELOC-REQUEST message.
For speech calls, 3G_MSC-B shall configure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the appropriate default speech
codec. For a relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if this codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec, 3G_MSC-B
shall also include the NAS Synch Indicator for the default speech codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST.
Alternatively, if 3G_MSC-A is known to support the use of the Iu Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-B may configure
the RANAP RAB parameters according to the preferred codec and indicate this to 3G_MSC-A by including the RAB
configuration indicator in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request. For a relocation to UTRAN Iu
mode, if the preferred codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec, 3G_MSC-B shall also include the NAS
Synch Indicator for the preferred codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST.
NOTE: 3G_MSC-B shall not send further MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER requests while a

relocation attempt is pending or before any timeouts.
Since 3G_MSC-A is the call controlling 3G_MSC, this 3G_MSC needs no Handover Number for routing purposes;
3G_MSC-A can immediately initiate the relocation towards the target RNS.
For speech calls, 3G_MSC-A shall select an Iu Selected codec and connect a transcoder.
3G_MSC-A shall reconfigure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the Iu Selected codec:
- if the RAB configuration indicator is included in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request,

and the codec selected by 3G_MSC-A is different from the preferred codec; or
ETSI
- if the RAB configuration indicator is not included in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER

request and the codec selected by 3G_MSC-A is different from the appropriate default speech codec.
Additionally, for a relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if the Iu Selected codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec,
3G_MSC-A shall include the NAS Synch Indicator for the Iu Selected codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST.
When relocation can be initiated, 3G_MSC-A shall return in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER

response the complete IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE message received from the RNS-B and possible
extra RANAP information, amended by 3G_MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the RANAP protocol
carried on the E-interface and the RANAP protocol used on the Iu-interface. If a radio resource cannot be assigned or if
a fault is detected on the target RNS identity, or the target RNS identity in the IU-RELOC-REQUEST is not consistent
with the target 3G_MSC number, the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response containing an IU-
RELOC-FAILURE message shall be given to 3G_MSC-B, in addition 3G_MSC-B shall maintain the connection with
the UE.
If the procedure in 3G_MSC-A is successful then 3G_MSC-B can request the UE to retune to the new RNS-B on
3G_MSC-A in the case of relocation without Iur interface, or request RNS-B to become serving RNS in the case of
relocation with Iur interface. This is illustrated in figure 32 by the IU-RELOC-COMMAND message. The operation is
successfully completed when 3G_MSC-A receives the IU-RELOC-COMPLETE message.
After relocation 3G_MSC-A shall release the circuit to 3G_MSC-B.
3G_MSC-A must also terminate the MAP procedure for the basic relocation between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B by
sending an appropriate MAP message. 3G_MSC-B will release the resources in RNS-A when the MAP-SEND-END-
SIGNAL response is received.

If 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC_B support the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]),
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B shall have the following functionality additionally to the description in
subclause 8.3.3.1.1.
Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-A, 3G_MSC-B generates IU-RELOCATION-

REQUEST which may include several bearers and sends it to 3G_MSC-A over MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-
HANDOVER request.
3G_MSC-A sends IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST to RNS-B and receives IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK.
When MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response is received from 3G_MSC-A, 3G_MSC-B sends IU-

RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B as bearers to be released, to RNS-
A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives IU-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message from RNS-B, 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via
RNS-B, which has been carried by the bearers failed to set up in RNS-B, and then 3G_MSC-A sends MAP-SEND-
END-SIGNAL response to 3G_MSC-B.
8.3.3.2 Description of subsequent relocation procedure ii): 3G_MSC-B to

3G_MSC-B'
The procedure for successful relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' is shown in figure 33.
- a subsequent relocation from 3G_MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A as described in subclause 8.3.3.1; and
- a basic relocation from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B' as described in subclause 8.3.1.

If 3G_MSC-B supports SRNS Relocation to a CSG cell and RNS-A includes a CSG ID for the target cell in the IU-
RELOCATION-REQUIRED message, then 3G_MSC-B shall check the CSG membership of the UE for the target cell
as described in subclause 8.3.3.1.1 before initiating the procedure, and reject the handover if necessary.
ETSI
3G_MSC-B sends the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-A indicating a new

3G_MSC number (which is the identity of 3G_MSC-B'), indicating also the target RNS identity and including a
complete IU-RELOC-REQUEST, 3G_MSC-A then starts a basic relocation procedure towards 3G_MSC-B'.
For speech calls, 3G_MSC-B shall configure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the appropriate default speech
codec. For a relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if this codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec, 3G_MSC-B
shall also include the NAS Synch Indicator for the default speech codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST.
Alternatively, if 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B are known to support the use of the Iu Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-
B may configure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the preferred codec and indicate this to 3G_MSC-A by
including the RAB configuration indicator in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request. For a
relocation to UTRAN Iu mode, if the preferred codec is different from the Iu Currently used codec, 3G_MSC-B shall
also include the NAS Synch Indicator for the preferred codec in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST. The decision to use
this option is based on internal configuration information in 3G_MSC-B.
List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request towards 3G_MSC-B'. For a detailed description of the
handling of this codec list by 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B' see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
When 3G_MSC-A receives the ACM from 3G_MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A informs 3G_MSC-B that 3G_MSC-B' has
successfully allocated the radio resources on RNS-B' side by sending the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-
HANDOVER response containing the complete IU-RELOC-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE received from RNS-B' and
possible extra RANAP information, amended by 3G_MSC-A due to the possible interworking between the RANAP
protocol carried on the E-interface between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B' and the RANAP protocol carried on the
E-interface between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. Now 3G_MSC-B can start the procedure on the radio path if needed.
For 3G_MSC-A the relocation is completed when it has received the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL REQUEST from
3G_MSC-B'containing the IU-RELOC-COMPLETE received from the RNS-B'. The circuit between 3G_MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B is released. 3G_MSC-A also sends the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response to 3G_MSC-B in order to
terminate the original MAP dialogue between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. 3G_MSC-B releases the radio resources
when it receives this message.
If no radio resource can be allocated by 3G_MSC-B' or no circuit between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B' can be
established or a fault is detected on the target RNS identity or the target RNS identity in the IU-RELOC-REQUEST is
not consistent with the target 3G_MSC number, 3G_MSC-A informs 3G_MSC-B by using the IU-RELOC-FAILURE
message included in the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response. 3G_MSC-B shall maintain the
existing connection with the UE.
When the subsequent relocation is completed, 3G_MSC-B' is considered as 3G_MSC-B. Any further inter-3G_MSC
relocation is handled as described above for a subsequent relocation.

If 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B support the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]),
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B shall have the following functionality additionally to the description in
subclause 8.3.3.2.1.
Upon receipt of the IU-RELOCATION-REQUIRED from RNS-B 3G_MSC-B generates an IU-RELOCATION-

REQUEST message which may include multiple bearer and sends it to 3G_MSC-A over MAP-PREPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request.
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER request from 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A starts a

basic relocation procedure towards 3G_MSC-B'.
8.3.3.2.2.1 3G_MSC-B' does not support multiple bearers
If 3G_MSC-A receives an indication that 3G_MSC-B' does not support multiple bearers, 3G_MSC-A shall select one
bearer to be handed over. 3G_MSC-A reconstructs IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST and sends again a MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER request to 3G_MSC-B' including the IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST message, which includes only the
selected bearer. Upon receipt of MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response from 3G_MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A shall
reconstructs IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK to indicate the bearers not to be handed over as the bearers failed to
set up in IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK and send it over MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER
response to 3G_MSC-B.
ETSI
When MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response is received from 3G_MSC-A 3G_MSC-B sends IU-

RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers failed to set up as bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request from 3G_MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via
3G_MSC-B', which has been carried by the bearers failed to set up, and then 3G_MSC-A sends MAP-SEND-END-
8.3.3.2.2.2 3G_MSC-B' supports multiple bearers
If some of circuit connections failed to set up between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A shall reconstruct IU-
RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK message so that the IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK includes only the bearers
which have successfully established circuit connection and sends it to 3G_MSC-B over MAP-PREPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response.
When MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQUENT-HANDOVER response is received from 3G_MSC-A 3G_MSC-B sends IU-

RELOCATION-COMMAND, which indicates the bearers failed to set up as bearers to be released, to RNS-A.
After 3G_MSC-A receives MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request from 3G_MSC-B', 3G_MSC-A shall release calls via
3G_MSC-B', which has been carried by the bearers failed to set up, and then 3G_MSC-A sends MAP-SEND-END-
ETSI
RNS-B RNS-B'
3G_MSC-B' VLR-B'

Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST-ACK
IAM
ACM
Iu-RELOCATION-CMD
Iu-RELOCATION-
DETECT
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMPLETE
Answer
Release
Iu-RELEASE-CMD/COM
(end of call)
Release
Figure 33: Subsequent relocation procedure ii) Successful SRNS relocation

from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' requiring a circuit connection
8.3.4 Procedure for subsequent relocation not requiring a circuit

connection
As for the subsequent relocation with a circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B, the same two cases of
subsequent relocation apply:
i) the UE moves back to the area of 3G_MSC-A;
ii) the UE moves into the area of a third 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-B').
If 3G_MSC-A is replaced by MSC-A in the procedures, then a subsequent relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B'
shall not be possible since MSC-A does not support the RANAP protocol.
ETSI
8.3.4.1 Description of subsequent relocation procedure i): 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A

The procedure for successful relocation from 3G_MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A without circuit connection is shown in
figure 34. The only difference with the figure 32 is that no circuit release is needed between 3G_MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B.
RNS-B RNS-A
Iu-RELOCATION-
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST-ACK MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover resp. Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION-
DETECT
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMPLETE MAP-Send-End-Signal resp. Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/COM
Figure 34: Subsequent relocation procedure i) successful relocation

from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B not requiring a circuit connection
8.3.4.2 Description of subsequent relocation procedure ii): 3G_MSC-B to

3G_MSC-B''
The procedure for successful relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' is shown in figure 35.
- a subsequent relocation from 3G_MSC-B back to 3G_MSC-A as described in subclause 8.3.4.1; and
- a basic relocation from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B' as described in subclause 8.3.2.
signallings.
ETSI
RNS-B RNS-B'
3G_MSC-B' VLR-B'

Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST-ACK
Iu-RELOCATION-CMD
Iu-RELOCATION-
DETECT
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMPLETE
Iu-RELEASE-CMD/COM
(end of link)
Figure 35: Subsequent relocation procedure ii) Successful SRNS relocation

from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B' not requiring a circuit connection
9 Detailed procedures in MSC-A
9.1 BSS/MSC and MS/MSC procedures in MSC-A (functional

unit 1)
The handover procedures in this functional unit consist of:
i) signalling between the MS and the MSC;
ii) signalling between the BSS and the MSC for access management.
ETSI
9.2 Call control procedures MSC-A (functional unit 2)

The call control procedures related to handover in MSC-A can be divided into two functional entities:
- the first entity is the call control procedure as part of the normal interworking between the PSTN/ISDN and the
PLMN; for an MS originating call MSC-A is the originating exchange, for an MS terminating call MSC-A is the
destination exchange;
- the second entity is the call control procedure for the connection between MSC-A and MSC-B in case of a
handover from MSC-A to MSC-B. For this call control procedure the following applies.
Call set-up:
- the connection to MSC-B is set up by procedures relevant to the signalling system used in the PSTN/ISDN to
which MSC-A is connected. The call is set up by using the MS Handover Number received from MSC-B as part
of the MAP procedure;
- the call set-up direction will always be from MSC-A to MSC-B, even when the call was originally established by
the MS. Functional unit 2 (see figure 2) should therefore keep information on call set-up direction in order to be
able to interpret correctly any clearing signals (see below);
- the unit should indicate the address complete condition to functional unit 3 and through-connect without
awaiting the answer signal from MSC-B. This applies also to signalling systems where address complete signals
are not supported. In such cases an artificial address complete is established by functional unit 2.
Call clearing:
- call clearing consists of two parts: after inter-MSC handover, clearing of the MS-BSS connection and clearing of
the inter-MSC connection. If a request to release the call is generated by the network while the MS is re-tuning
from one BSS to another BSS, then MSC-A shall begin clearing the call to the network and queue the call
release to the MS until the MS has resumed communication. This includes the case when MSC-B and/or MSC-B'
are involved;
- the MAP procedures are used to transfer information between MSC-B and MSC-A in order to maintain full call
control within MSC-A. MSC-A determines, based on information received from MSC-B, the appropriate signals
(according to 3GPP TS 24.008 [10]) to be sent to the MS, and sends this information to MSC-B;
- when MSC-A clears the call to the MS it also clears the call control functions in MSC-B and sends the MAP-
SEND-END-SIGNAL response to release the MAP resources in MSC-B. The clearing of the connection is by
procedures relevant to the signalling system in the PSTN/ISDN to which MSC-A is connected;
- when the Signalling System no 7 ISDN User Part is used, the normal symmetric release procedures apply on
both the connection to the fixed network and to MSC-B;
- when a signalling system is used without a symmetric release possibility, some notice should be given to the
clear-forward and clear-back procedures;
- for MS terminating calls the following conditions apply on clear-forward and clear-back:
- when a clear-forward signal is received on interface B' (see figure 1), MSC-A clears the circuit to MSC-B by
normal clear-forward procedures;
- when a clear-back signal is received from MSC-B, MSC-A starts normal clear-back procedures towards the
fixed network (interface B') and sends the clear-forward signal on interface B'' in order to clear the
connection with MSC-B.
NOTE 1: This case corresponds to a fault situation.
- for MS originated calls the following applies:
- when MSC-A receives a clear-back signal from MSC-B, this signal must be interpreted as indicating a clear-
forward condition. MSC-A then clears both the connection on interface B' (see figure 1) and to MSC-B by
normal clear-forward procedures.
ETSI
- when MSC-A receives a clear-back signal on interface B', MSC-A should distinguish between national and
international connections:
- for international connections where the Q.118 [1] supervision is done in the ISC, MSC-A sends a clear-
forward signal on both interface B' to the fixed network and interface B'' to MSC-B;
- for national connections or for international connections where the Q.118 [1] supervision is not done in
the ISC, a timer is started according to national practice for clear-back supervision and MSC-A proceeds
as follows:
i) if a clear-back signal is received from MSC-B, MSC-A interprets this as indicating a clear-forward
condition and proceeds by clearing the connections on interface B' and to MSC-B by normal clear-
forward procedures;
ii) if the timer expires, MSC-A proceeds by normal clear-forward of the connections on interface B' and
to MSC-B.
9.3 Handover control procedures MSC-A (functional unit 3)

The procedures of functional unit 3 are given in terms of SDL diagrams in figure 41. To easily distinguish the interface
concerned the messages received or sent from this unit are prefixed with either 'MAP' for a MAP message, 'A' for an A-
Interface message or 'I' for an ISDN/PSTN message.
The procedures of functional unit 3 include:
i) initiation. The initiation condition is shown by the signal A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED.
The diagram also includes queuing when there is no channel available. Calls for which handover has been
initiated should be queued with priority higher than normal calls. They should have lower priority than
emergency calls.
ii) handover of calls within the area of MSC-A, i.e. handover case i). In this case MSC-A controls the procedures on
both the previous and the new radio channel, using signals A-HANDOVER-REQUEST and A-HANDOVER-
COMMAND. The handover procedure is completed when A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is received. If this
signal is not received (expiry of timer T102), the radio path and the connection on interface B' are released.
In the case of ongoing GSM voice group calls for subsequent users of the VGCS channel uplink the original
connection shall always be maintained.
For handover devices with three-party capabilities the handover device is first set up so that all interfaces A', A''
and B' are connected (illustrated by the signal 'set up handover device'). This is done when the Handover
Command is sent to the MS . The device is connected in its final position (i.e. A'' to B' for case ii)) (illustrated by
the signal 'connect handover device') when A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is received.
iii) handover to MSC-B . This procedure is the one described in subclauses 7.1 and 7.2. For handover devices with
three-party capabilities the handover device is set-up when MSC-A sends the Handover Command to the MS ,
i.e. the interfaces A', B' and B'' are then connected. The device is connected in its final position (i.e. B' to B'')
when the successful procedure indication is received from functional unit 4.
iv) subsequent handover to MSC-A . The procedure is described in subclauses 7.3 and 7.4. When a handover to
MSC-A indication is received from functional unit 4, the handover device is set up so that interfaces B', B'' and
A' are connected (for handover devices with three-party capabilities). When A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is
received, the device is connected in its final position (i.e. B' to A').
If A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is not received (expiry of timer T104), the handover device releases interface
A', B' and B''.
ETSI
v) subsequent handover to a third MSC (MSC-B') . The procedure is described in subclauses 7.3 and 7.4. The
handover device is set up in its initial position, (i.e. interconnection of interfaces B', B'' and B''') when the
connection to MSC-B' has been established. MSC-B is informed via functional unit 4 that the connection has
been established and that the procedure on the radio path can be initiated. The device is connected in its final
position (i.e. B' to B''') when a successful procedure indication is received from functional unit 4. MSC-B is
informed that all procedures in MSC-B can be terminated (illustrated by the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response). The device returns to the state where B' and B'' are connected if the subsequent handover procedure
fails.
Timers in MSC-A.
The procedures are supervised by timers in order to avoid a deadlock when responses are not received or the procedures
fail. The following timers are defined:
T101: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free channel. If T101 expires, a no channel indication is
generated, a retry procedure could be applied as described in subclause 6.1. T101 is set by O&M,
T102: this timer supervises the time for handover completion for handover between BSSs in MSC-A. T102 is set
by O&M,
T103: this timer supervises the time between issuing an A-HANDOVER-COMMAND from MSC-A and
receiving a successful procedure indication from MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time between
sending an A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to MSC-B and receiving a successful procedure
indication from MSC-B'. If T103 expires, the handover procedure is terminated. T103 is set by O&M,
T104: this timer supervises the time between sending of an A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to MSC-B and
receiving the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE from BSS-B on MSC-A. If the timer expires, the new radio
channel is released. T104 is set by O&M.
9.3A BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support control

procedures
The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" for AoIP is performed by the MSC that is currently serving the
connected BSS (in the following just termed "serving MSC"), it may be either MSC-A, MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A or
3G_MSC-B.
The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" control procedures in serving MSC include:
i) Handover enquiry. This procedure is only part of the MSC-initiated "BSS Internal Handover with MSC
Support" described in subclause 6.3.3. The MSC initiates the handover enquiry by sending an A-INTERNAL-
HANDOVER-ENQUIRY message and starting timer T106.
The handover enquiry phase is completed when an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message is

received from the BSS with cause code "response to an INTERNAL HANDOVER ENQUIRY message". If this
message is not received (expiry of timer T106), or the BSS responds with an A-HANDOVER-FAILURE
message, or the BSS sends an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message with another cause code, then
the MSC terminates the MSC-initiated "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support".
ii) Initiation. The initiation condition is given by reception of the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED

message. This starts the Internal Handover Preparation phase for the serving MSC; the serving MSC starts timer
T105. Calls for which Internal Handover Preparation has been initiated should be handled with priority higher
than normal calls. They should have lower priority than emergency calls. During that phase the serving MSC
considers the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED parameters, tries to allocate the necessary resources.
The Internal Handover Preparation phase for the serving MSC ends when the serving MSC sends the A-
INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND message or an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT
message or when timer T105 expires.
If the serving MSC can not perform the "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support", then it shall send an A-
INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT Message to the BSS and shall release all potentially allocated
resources as if no A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message was received.
ETSI
If timer T105 expires before the serving MSC could send the A-INTERNAL HANDOVER-COMMAND
message, then the serving MSC shall consider the Internal Handover Preparation phase as terminated without
success and shall release any allocated resources for the Internal Handover such that the status returns as it was
prior to receiving the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message. No response shall be sent to the BSS
after the expiry of timer T105.
ii) Execution. Serving MSC controls the "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" by sending the A-
INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND message. The "BSS Internal Handover with MSC Support" is
completed when the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message is received. If this signal is not received (expiry of
timer T102), the radio path and all the connections and resources associated to that call shall be released.
For handover devices with three-party capabilities, the handover device is first set up so that all interfaces A', A''
and B' are connected. This is perfomed before the A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-COMMAND message is sent to
the BSS. The handover device may be adjusted when the A-HANDOVER-DETECT message is received. The
handover device is connected in its final position (i.e. A'' to B') when the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message
is received.
Timers in serving MSC for Internal Handover Preparation
fail. The following additional timers are defined:
T105: this timer supervises the Internal Handover Preparation procedure between BSS and serving MSC. T105 is
set by O&M in relation to timer "T25" (3GPP TS 48.008 [5]). T105 defines the maximum time a serving MSC
may take to respond to an "INTERNAL HANDOVER REQUIRED" message. Timer "T25"
(3GPP TS 48.008 [5]) defines the minimum time the BSS will to wait before it can send a new or repeated
(INTERNAL) HANDOVER REQUIRED message or an A-HANDOVER FAILURE. T105 shall be configured
to be atleast one round trip delay shorter than the time configured for "T25" (3GPP TS 48.008 [5]) to minimise
the risk of crossing messages.
T106: this timer supervises the time between sending of an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-ENQUIRY message to
the BSS and receiving an A-INTERNAL-HANDOVER-REQUIRED or A-HANDOVER-FAILURE message
from the BSS. If T106 expires, the handover procedure is terminated. T106 is set by O&M and should be
sufficiently long so that no late responses from BSS can be expected after its expiry.
9.4 MAP procedures in MSC-A (functional unit 4)

The MAP procedures for handover are defined in 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]. They include:
- procedures for basic handover;
- procedures for subsequent handover.
These procedures are as outlined in clause 7.
9.5 Interworking between Handover control procedures and

MAP procedures in MSC-A
The interworking between the Handover control procedures and the MAP procedures for handover is defined in
3GPP TS 29.010 [8]. It includes:
- interworking at basic handover initiation;
- interworking at subsequent handover completion.
This interworking is not described in the present document.
9.6 Compatibility with GSM Phase 1

If the MSC-A initiates an Inter-MSC handover procedure according to Phase 2 MAP and BSSMAP protocols while
using a Phase 1 BSSMAP protocol towards BSS-A, MSC-A has to perform the protocol interworking.
ETSI
The same holds if a Phase 2 BSSMAP protocol is used between MSC-A and BSS-A and the E-interface supports only
Phase 1 protocol.
10 Detailed procedures in MSC-B
10.1 BSS/MSC (MS/BSS) procedures MSC-B (functional unit 1)

The handover procedures in this functional unit consist of:
i) signalling between the MS and the MSC;
ii) signalling between the BS and the MSC for access management.
Signals exchanged with functional unit 3 are indicated in subclause 10.3.
10.2 Call control procedures MSC-B (functional unit 2)

These procedures relate to the call control in MSC-B of the "handover" connection with MSC-A. For these procedures
the following apply:
Call set-up:
- the connection is set up by MSC-A. MSC-B should provide, if possible, the following backward signals:
- signals indicating unsuccessful call set-up and, if possible, the cause of call failure;
- address complete signal;
- answer signal (see note).
NOTE: The answer signal is not related to answering by the MS and it has no meaning in the handover procedure
between MSC-A and MSC-B. But after successful handover or successful subsequent channel assignment
using a circuit connection between MSC-A and MSC-B this signal is needed for bringing the connection
in the answered state in the intermediate PSTN/ISDN exchanges.
- there will be no indication that the call applies to a handover. This information has to be derived from the MS
Handover Number received during call set-up in relation to the earlier MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
request/MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response procedure between MSC-A and MSC-B.
Call clearing:
- call clearing consists of two parts after inter-MSC handover: clearing of the BSS-MS connection and clearing of
the inter-MSC connection, this case is only applicable to calls successfully handed over. If a request to release
the call is generated by the network while the MS is re-tuning from one BSS to another BSS, then MSC-B shall
begin clearing the call to the network and queue the call release to the MS until the MS has resumed
communication;
- the MAP is used to transfer information between MSC-A and MSC-B in order to make it possible for MSC-B to
send the appropriate signals to the MS, specified in 3GPP TS 24.008 [10], and still leave the call control to
MSC-A. MSC-A normally initiates release of the connection between MSC-A and MSC-B. Exceptionally
MSC-B is allowed to release the connection if no MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response is received, or if the
Handover is to be aborted.
- when the Signalling System no 7 ISDN User Part is used, the normal symmetric release procedures apply. When
a signalling system is used without a symmetric release possibility or a fault condition occurs, the following may
apply:
- when MSC-B receives a clear-forward signal from MSC-A, it shall release the radio resources;
- in fault situation eg. machine malfunction or loss of the connection on interface A, MSC-B may send a clear-
back signal to MSC-A.
ETSI
10.3 Handover control procedures MSC-B (functional unit 3)

The procedures of functional unit 3 are given in form of SDL diagrams in figure 42. To easily distinguish the interface
concerned the messages received or sent from this unit are prefixed with either 'MAP' for a MAP message, 'A' for an
A-Interface message or 'I' for an ISDN/PSTN message. The procedure in functional unit 3 include:
i) handover from MSC-A.
This case is initiated by MSC-A, and includes allocation and establishment of the new radio channel. The
procedure is outlined in subclauses 7.1 and 7.2.
ii) intra-MSC handovers within the area controlled by MSC-B.
This procedure is the same as that of i) in subclause 9.3, except that the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED is received
by MSC-B. After successful completion of the intra-MSC handover, MSC-B shall notify MSC-A by sending an
A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message.
iii) subsequent handover to another MSC (MSC-A or MSC-B').
The initiation procedure is essentially the same as that of i) of subclause 9.3. The Handover Command to the MS
is now generated by MSC-B after the A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE is received from MSC-A (via
functional unit 4). The procedure is terminated in MSC-B when MSC-B receives a terminate procedure
indication from functional unit 4.
Timers in MSC-B.
The following procedures are supervised by timers in order to avoid a deadlock when responses are not received or the
procedures fail.
The following timers are defined:
T201: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free channel. T201 is set by O&M;
T202: this timer supervises the time for handover completion for handover between BSSs in MSC-B. If T202
expires, the radio path and the connection on interface B' are released. T202 is set by O&M;
T204: this timer supervises the time between sending of address complete message to MSC-A and receiving the
A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE from BSS-B on MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time between issuing
the handover command to the MS and receiving the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response from MSC-A,
for a subsequent handover. In the case of a handover without circuit connection between MSC-A and
MSC-B this timer supervises the time between issuing the A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to the
MSC-A and receiving the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE from BSS-B on MSC-B. If the timer expires, then
any new radio channel is released. T204 is set by O&M;
T210: this timer is used to supervise the time for establishing a circuit connection from MSC-A to MSC-B. When
T210 expires, the allocated channel in MSC-B is released. T210 is set by O&M. This timer is not started
when MSC-A explicitly indicates that no handover number is needed;
T211: this timer is used to control the time between requesting a subsequent handover (A-HO-REQUEST to the
MSC-A) and receiving the response from MSC-A (A-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE/A-HO-FAILURE). If
T211 expires, the existing connection with the MS is maintained. T211 is set by O&M.
10.4 MAP procedures MSC-B (functional unit 4)

The MAP procedures for handover are defined in 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]. They include:
- procedures for basic handover;
- procedures for subsequent handover;
- procedures for obtaining the handover number from the VLR.
These procedures are outlined in clause 7.
ETSI
10.5 Interworking between Handover control procedures and

MAP procedures in MSC-B
The interworking between the Handover control procedures and the MAP procedures for handover is defined in
3GPP TS 29.010 [8]. It includes:
- interworking at basic handover completion;
- interworking at subsequent handover initiation.

If the MSC-B accepts an Inter-MSC handover procedure according to Phase 2 MAP and BSSMAP protocols while
using a Phase 1 BSSMAP protocol towards BSS-B, MSC-B has to perform the protocol interworking.
The same holds if a Phase 1 MAP protocol is requested on the E-interface and MSC-B uses a Phase 2 BSSMAP
protocol towards BSS-B.
11 Detailed procedures in 3G_MSC-A

For detailed procedures in MSC-A at handover within the GSM network, please see clause 9 "Detailed procedures in
MSC-A".
11.1 RNC/BSC/3G_MSC and UE/MS/3G_MSC procedures in

3G_MSC-A (functional unit 1)
The handover/relocation procedures in this functional unit consist of:
i) signalling between the UE/MS and the 3G_MSC;
ii) signalling between the RNS/BSS and the 3G_MSC for access management.
11.2 Call control procedures 3G_MSC-A (functional unit 2)

The call control procedures related to handover/relocation in 3G_MSC-A can be divided into two functional entities:
- the first entity is the call control procedure as part of the normal interworking between the PSTN/ISDN and the
PLMN/UTRAN; for an UE/MS originating call 3G_MSC-A is the originating exchange, for an UE/MS
terminating call 3G_MSC-A is the destination exchange;
- the second entity is the call control procedure for the connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B in case of
a handover/relocation from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B. For this call control procedure the following applies.
Call set-up:
- the connection to 3G_MSC-B is set up by procedures relevant to the signalling system used in the PSTN/ISDN
to which 3G_MSC-A is connected. The call is set up by using the Handover Number received from 3G_MSC-B
as part of the MAP procedure;
- the call set-up direction will always be from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B, even when the call was originally
established by the UE/MS. Functional unit 2 (see figure 5) should therefore keep information on call set-up
direction in order to be able to interpret correctly any clearing signals (see below);
- the unit should indicate the address complete condition to functional unit 3 and through-connect without
awaiting the answer signal from 3G_MSC-B. This applies also to signalling systems where address complete
signals are not supported. In such cases an artificial address complete is established by functional unit 2.
ETSI
Call clearing:
- call clearing consists of two parts: after handover/relocation, clearing of the RNS-UE/MS or BSS-UE/MS
connection and clearing of the inter-3G_MSC connection. If a request to release the call is generated by the
network while the UE/MS is re-tuning from one RNS/BSS to another RNS/BSS, then 3G_MSC-A shall begin
clearing the call to the network and queue the call release to the UE/MS until the UE/MS has resumed
communication. This includes the case when 3G_MSC-B and/or 3G_MSC-B' are involved;
- the MAP procedures are used to transfer information between 3G_MSC-B and 3G_MSC-A in order to maintain
full call control within 3G_MSC-A. 3G_MSC-A determines, based on information received from 3G_MSC-B,
the appropriate signals (according to 3GPP TS 24.008 [10]) to be sent to the UE/MS, and sends this information
to 3G_MSC-B;
- when 3G_MSC-A clears the call to the UE/MS it also clears the call control functions in 3G_MSC-B and sends
the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response to release the MAP resources in 3G_MSC-B. The clearing of the
connection is by procedures relevant to the signalling system in the PSTN/ISDN to which 3G_MSC-A is
connected;
- when the Signalling System no 7 ISDN User Part is used, the normal symmetric release procedures apply on
both the connection to the fixed network and to 3G_MSC-B;
- when a signalling system is used without a symmetric release possibility, some notice should be given to the
clear-forward and clear-back procedures;
- for UE/MS terminating calls the following conditions apply on clear-forward and clear-back:
- when a clear-forward signal is received on interface B' (see figure 4), 3G_MSC-A clears the circuit to
3G_MSC-B by normal clear-forward procedures;
- when a clear-back signal is received from 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A starts normal clear-back procedures
towards the fixed network (interface B') and sends the clear-forward signal on interface B'' in order to clear
the connection with 3G_MSC-B.
- for UE/MS originated calls the following applies:
- when 3G_MSC-A receives a clear-back signal from 3G_MSC-B, this signal must be interpreted as indicating
a clear-forward condition. 3G_MSC-A then clears both the connection on interface B' (see figure 4) and to
3G_MSC-B by normal clear-forward procedures;
- when 3G_MSC-A receives a clear-back signal on interface B', 3G_MSC-A should distinguish between
national and international connections:
- for international connections where the Q.118 [1] supervision is done in the ISC, 3G_MSC-A sends a
clear-forward signal on both interface B' to the fixed network and interface B'' to 3G_MSC-B;
- for national connections or for international connections where the Q.118 [1] supervision is not done in
the ISC, a timer is started according to national practice for clear-back supervision and MSC-A proceeds
as follows:
i) if a clear-back signal is received from 3G_MSC-B, 3G_MSC-A interprets this as indicating a clear-
forward condition and proceeds by clearing the connections on interface B' and to 3G_MSC-B by
normal clear-forward procedures;
ii) if the timer expires, 3G_MSC-A proceeds by normal clear-forward of the connections on interface B'
and to 3G_MSC-B.
ETSI
11.3 Handover/Relocation control procedures 3G_MSC-A

(functional unit 3)
The procedures of functional unit 3 are given in terms of SDL diagrams in figure 43. To easily distinguish the interface
concerned the messages received or sent from this unit are prefixed with either 'MAP' for a MAP message, 'A' for an A-
Interface message, 'I' for an ISDN/PSTN message or 'Iu' for an Iu-message.
The procedures of functional unit 3 include:
i) initiation. The initiation condition is shown by the signal Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED or A-HANDOVER-

REQUIRED;
The diagram also includes queuing when there is no channel available. Calls for which handover/relocation has
been initiated should be queued with priority higher than normal calls. They should have lower priority than
emergency calls.
ii) handover/relocation of calls within the area controlled by 3G_MSC-A, i.e. handover/relocation case i);
In the handover/relocation from RNS-A/BSS-A to RNS-B/BSS-B 3G_MSC-A controls the procedures on both
the previous and the new radio channel, using signals Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST/A-HANDOVER-
REQUEST and Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND/A-HANDOVER-COMMAND. The handover/relocation
procedure is completed when Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE/A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is received. If this
signal is not received (expiry of timer T102, T302, T502 or T702), the radio path and the connection on interface
B' are released.
For handover/relocation devices with three-party capabilities the device is first set up so that all interfaces Iu'/A',
Iu''/A'' and B' are connected (illustrated by the signal 'set up handover device'). This is done when the Relocation
Command is sent to serving RNS or Handover Command is sent to the serving BSS. The device is connected in
its final position (i.e. Iu''/ A'' to B' for case ii)) (illustrated by the signal 'connect handover device') when Iu-
RELOCATION-COMPLETE/A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is received.
iii) relocation to 3G_MSC-B. This procedure is the one described in subclauses 8.3.1 and 8.3.2. For
handover/relocation devices with three-party capabilities the device is set-up when 3G_MSC-A sends the
Relocation Command to the UE, i.e. the interfaces Iu', B' and B'' are then connected. The device is connected in
its final position (i.e. B' to B'') when the successful procedure indication is received from functional unit 4;
iv) UMTS to GSM handover to MSC-B. This procedure is the one described in subclauses 8.1.1 and 8.1.2. For
handover/relocation devices with three-party capabilities the device is set-up when 3G_MSC-A sends the
Relocation Command to the serving RNS, i.e. the interfaces Iu', B' and B'' are then connected. The device is
connected in its final position (i.e. B' to B'') when the successful procedure indication is received from functional
unit 4;
v) GSM to UMTS handover to 3G_MSC-B. This procedure is the one described in subclauses 8.2.1 and 8.2.2. For
handover/relocation devices with three-party capabilities the device is set-up when MSC-A sends the Handover
Command to the serving BSS , i.e. the interfaces A', B' and B'' are then connected. The device is connected in its
final position (i.e. B' to B'') when the successful procedure indication is received from functional unit 4;
vi) subsequent relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A. The procedure is described in

subclauses 8.3.3.1 and 8.3.4.1. When a relocation to 3G_MSC-A indication is received from functional unit 4,
the handover/relocation device is set up so that interfaces B', B'' and Iu' are connected (for devices with three-
party capabilities). When Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE is received, the device is connected in its final
position (i.e. B' to Iu');
If Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE is not received (expiry of timer T704), the handover/relocation device

releases interface Iu', B' and B''.
vii) subsequent GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A. The procedure is described in
subclauses 8.2.3.1 and 8.2.4.1. When a handover to 3G_MSC-A indication is received from functional unit 4, the
handover device is set up so that interfaces B', B'' and A' are connected (for handover devices with three-party
capabilities). When Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE is received, the device is connected in its final position
(i.e. B' to Iu');
ETSI
If Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE is not received (expiry of timer T504), the device releases interface Iu', B'
and B''.
viii) subsequent UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A. The procedure is described in
clauses 8.1.3.1 and 8.1.4.1. When a handover to MSC-A indication is received from functional unit 4, the
handover device is set up so that interfaces B', B'' and Iu' are connected (for handover devices with three-party
capabilities). When A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is received, the device is connected in its final position
(i.e. B' to A');
If A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE is not received (expiry of timer T304), the device releases interface A', B' and
B''.
ix) subsequent relocation from 3G_MSC-B to a third 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-B'). The procedure is described in
subclauses 8.3.4.2 and 8.3.5.2. The handover/relocation device is set up in its initial position,
(i.e. interconnection of interfaces B', B'' and B''') when the connection to 3G_MSC-B' has been established.
3G_MSC-B is informed via functional unit 4 that the connection has been established and that the procedure on
the radio path can be initiated. The device is connected in its final position (i.e. B' to B''') when a successful
procedure indication is received from functional unit 4. 3G_MSC-B is informed that all procedures in
3G_MSC-B can be terminated (illustrated by the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response). The device returns to
the state where B' and B'' are connected if the subsequent relocation procedure fails;
x) subsequent UMTS to GSM handover from 3G_MSC-B to a third MSC (MSC-B'). The procedure is described in
(i.e. interconnection of interfaces B', B'' and B''') when the connection to MSC-B' has been established.
3G_MSC-B is informed via functional unit 4 that the connection has been established and that the procedure on
the radio path can be initiated. The device is connected in its final position (i.e. B' to B''') when a successful
procedure indication is received from functional unit 4. 3G_MSC-B is informed that all procedures in
3G_MSC-B can be terminated (illustrated by the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response). The device returns to
the state where B' and B'' are connected if the subsequent UMTS to GSM handover procedure fails;
xi) subsequent GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-B to a third MSC (3G_MSC-B'). The procedure is described in
(i.e. interconnection of interfaces B', B'' and B''') when the connection to 3G_MSC-B' has been established.
MSC-B is informed via functional unit 4 that the connection has been established and that the procedure on the
radio path can be initiated. The device is connected in its final position (i.e. B' to B''') when a successful
procedure indication is received from functional unit 4. MSC-B is informed that all procedures in MSC-B can be
terminated (illustrated by the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response). The device returns to the state where B'
and B'' are connected if the subsequent GSM to UMTS handover procedure fails.
NOTE: The procedures ii), vi) and vii) may be applied also in case of a handover/relocation to an RNC which is
controlled by 3G_MSC-A by using the Flexible Iu interface for handover/relocation option.
Timers in 3G_MSC-A.
fail.
The following timers are defined for SRNS Relocation:
T701: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free channel for the relocation inside UMTS. If T701 expires, a
no channel indication is generated and 3G_MSC-A will terminate the relocation as described in
subclause 6.2.3. T701 is set by O&M;
T702: this timer supervises the time for relocation completion for relocation between RNSs in 3G_MSC-A. T702
is set by O&M;
T703: this timer supervises the time between issuing an Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND from 3G_MSC-A and
receiving a successful procedure indication from 3G_MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time between
sending an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to 3G_MSC-B and receiving a successful
procedure indication from 3G_MSC-B'. If T703 expires, the relocation procedure is terminated. T703 is set
by O&M;
ETSI
T704: this timer supervises the time between sending of an IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to

3G_MSC-B and receiving the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE from RNS-B on 3G_MSC-A. If the timer
expires, the new radio channel is released. T704 is set by O&M.
The following timers are defined for UMTS to GSM handover:
T301: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free channel for the UMTS to GSM handover. If T301 expires,
a no channel indication is generated and 3G_MSC-A will terminate the handover as described in
T302: this timer supervises the time for UMTS to GSM handover completion for handover from RNS to BSS in
3G_MSC-A. T302 is set by O&M;
T303: this timer supervises the time between issuing an Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND from 3G_MSC-A and
receiving a successful procedure indication from MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time between
sending an A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to MSC-B and receiving a successful procedure
indication from MSC-B'. If T303 expires, the UMTS to GSM handover procedure is terminated. T303 is set
by O&M;
T304: this timer supervises the time between sending of an A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to MSC-B and
receiving the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE from BSS-B on 3G_MSC-A. If the timer expires, the new
radio channel is released. T304 is set by O&M.
The following timers are defined for GSM to UMTS handover:
T501: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free channel for the GSM to UMTS handover. If T501 expires,
a no channel indication is generated and 3G_MSC-A will terminate the handover as described in
T502: this timer supervises the time for GSM to UMTS handover completion for handover from BSS to RNS in
3G_MSC-A. T502 is set by O&M;
T503: this timer supervises the time between issuing an A-HANDOVER-COMMAND from MSC-A and
receiving a successful procedure indication from 3G_MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time between
sending an A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to 3G_MSC-B and receiving a successful
procedure indication from 3G_MSC-B'. If T503 expires, the GSM to UMTS handover procedure is
terminated. T503 is set by O&M;
T504: this timer supervises the time between sending of an A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to

3G_MSC-B and receiving the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE from RNS-B on 3G_MSC-A. If the timer
expires, the new radio channel is released. T504 is set by O&M.
11.4 MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-A (functional unit 4)

The MAP procedures for handover/relocation are defined in 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]. They include:
- procedures for basic handover/relocation;
- procedures for subsequent handover/relocation.
These procedures are as outlined in clause 8.
11.5 Interworking between Handover/Relocation control

procedures and MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-A
The interworking between the Handover/Relocation control procedures and the MAP procedures for
handover/relocation is defined in 3GPP TS 29.010 [8]. It includes:
- interworking at basic handover/relocation initiation;
- interworking at subsequent handover/relocation completion.
ETSI

Interworking with the GSM Phase 1 is not supported.
11.7 Protocol interworking

If the 3G_MSC-A initiates a basic inter-MSC UMTS to GSM handover procedure according to MAP and BSSMAP
protocols while using a RANAP protocol towards RNS-A, 3G_MSC-A has to perform the protocol interworking
between RANAP on the Iu-Interface and encapsulated BSSMAP on the E-interface.
The same holds if 3G_MSC-A accepts a subsequent inter-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover back to 3G_MSC-A
while using a RANAP protocol towards RNS-B.
12 Detailed procedures in 3G_MSC-B

For detailed procedures in 3G_MSC-B at handover within the GSM network, please see clause 10 'Detailed procedures
in MSC-B'.
12.1 RNC/BSC/3G_MSC (UE/MS/RNC/BSC) procedures in

3G_MSC-B (functional unit 1)
The Intra and Inter-3G_MSC handover/relocation procedures in this functional unit consist of:
i) signalling between the UE/MS and the 3G_MSC;
ii) signalling between the RNS/BSS and the 3G_MSC for access management.
Signals exchanged with functional unit 3 are indicated in subclause 12.3.
12.2 Call control procedures 3G_MSC-B (functional unit 2)

These procedures relate to the call control in 3G_MSC-B of the "3G_MSC handover/relocation" connection with
3G_MSC-A. For these procedures the following apply:
Call set-up:
- the connection is set up by 3G_MSC-A. 3G_MSC-B should provide, if possible, the following backward signals:
- signals indicating unsuccessful call set-up and, if possible, the cause of call failure;
- address complete signal;
- answer signal (see note).
NOTE: The answer signal is not related to answering by the UE/MS and it has no meaning in the 3G_MSC
handover/relocation procedure between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B. But after successful
handover/relocation or successful subsequent channel assignment using a circuit connection between
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B this signal is needed for bringing the connection in the answered state in the
intermediate PSTN/ISDN exchanges.
- there will be no indication that the call applies to a 3G_MSC handover/relocation. This information has to be
derived from the UE/MS Handover Number received during call set-up in relation to the earlier MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER request/MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response procedure between 3G_MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B.
ETSI
Call clearing:
- call clearing consists of two parts after inter-3G_MSC handover/relocation: clearing of the RNS-UE/MS or the
BSS-UE/MS connection and clearing of the inter-3G_MSC connection, these cases are only applicable to calls
successfully handed over or relocated. If a request to release the call is generated by the network while the
UE/MS is re-tuning from one RNS/BSS to another RNS/BSS, then 3G_MSC-B shall begin clearing the call to
the network and queue the call release to the UE/MS until the UE/MS has resumed communication;
- the MAP is used to transfer information between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B in order to make it possible for
3G_MSC-B to send the appropriate signals to the UE/MS, specified in 3GPP TS 24.008 [10], and still leave the
call control to 3G_MSC-A. 3G_MSC-A normally initiates release of the connection between 3G_MSC-A and
3G_MSC-B. Exceptionally 3G_MSC-B is allowed to release the connection if no MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response is received, or if the 3G_MSC Handover/Relocation is to be aborted;
- when the Signalling System no 7 ISDN User Part is used, the normal symmetric release procedures apply. When
a signalling system is used without a symmetric release possibility or a fault condition occurs, the following may
apply:
- when 3G_MSC-B receives a clear-forward signal from 3G_MSC-A, it shall release the radio resources;
- in fault situation e.g. machine malfunction or loss of the connection on interface Iu or interface A,
3G_MSC-B may send a clear-back signal to 3G_MSC-A.
12.3 Handover/Relocation control procedures in 3G_MSC-B

(functional unit 3)
The procedures of functional unit 3 are given in form of SDL diagrams in figure 44. To easily distinguish the interface
concerned the messages received or sent from this unit are prefixed with either 'MAP' for a MAP message, 'A' for an
A-Interface message, 'Iu' for an Iu-Interface message or 'I' for an ISDN/PSTN message. The procedure in functional
unit 3 include:
i) inter 3G_MSC handover/relocation from 3G_MSC-A;
This case is initiated by 3G_MSC-A, and includes allocation and establishment of the new radio resources. The
procedure is outlined in subclauses 8.1.1 and 8.1.2. for UMTS to GSM handover, clauses 8.2.1 and 8.2.2 for
GSM to UMTS handover and subclauses 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 for relocation.
ii) intra-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handovers within the area controlled by 3G_MSC-B;
This procedure is the same as that of ii) in clause 11.3, except that the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED is
received by 3G_MSC-B. After successful completion of the intra-3G_MSC handover, 3G_MSC-B shall notify
3G_MSC-A by sending an A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message.
iii) intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handovers within the area controlled by 3G_MSC-B;
This procedure is the same as that of ii) in subclause 11.3, except that the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED is
received by 3G_MSC-B. After successful completion of the intra-3G_MSC handover, 3G_MSC-B shall notify
3G_MSC-A by sending an A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message.
iv) intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation within the area controlled by 3G_MSC-B;
This procedure is the same as that of ii) in subclause 11.3, except that the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED is
received by 3G_MSC-B. After successful completion of the intra-3G_MSC SRNS relocation, if security
algorithms have been changed, 3G_MSC-B shall notify 3G_MSC-A by sending an A-HANDOVER-
PERFORMED or an Iu-LOCATION-REPORT message, depending on the access network protocol used
encapsulated on the E-interface (see subclauses 4.4.1 and 6.2.3).
v) subsequent handover/relocation to another 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A or 3G_MSC-B');
The initiation procedure is essentially the same as that of i) of subclause 11.3. The Handover Command to the
BSS or the Relocation Command to the RNS is now generated by 3G_MSC-B after the A-HO-REQUEST-
ACKNOWLEDGE or Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE is received from 3G_MSC-A (via
ETSI
functional unit 4). The procedure is terminated in 3G_MSC-B when 3G_MSC-B receives a terminate procedure
indication from functional unit 4.
NOTE: The procedures iii), iv) and, in case of a subsequent handover back to 3G_MSC-A, the procedure v) may
be applied also in case of a handover/relocation to an RNC which is controlled by 3G_MSC-B or
3G_MSC-A respectively by using the "Flexible Iu interface for handover/relocation" option.
Timers in 3G_MSC-B.
The following procedures are supervised by timers in order to avoid a deadlock when responses are not received or the
procedures fail.
The following timers are defined for UMTS to GSM handover:
T401: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free channel. T401 is set by O&M;
T402: this timer supervises the time for handover completion for UMTS to GSM handover from RNS to BSS in
3G_MSC-B. If T402 expires, the radio path and the connection on interface B' are released. T402 is set by
O&M;
T404: this timer supervises the time between sending of address complete message to 3G_MSC-A and receiving
the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE from BSS-B on 3G_MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time
between issuing the handover command to the UE/MS and receiving the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response from 3G_MSC-A, for a subsequent handover from UMTS to GSM. In the case of a UMTS to
GSM handover without circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B this timer supervises the
time between issuing the A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to the 3G_MSC-A and receiving the A-
HANDOVER-COMPLETE from BSS-B on 3G_MSC-B. If the timer expires, then any new radio channel
is released. T404 is set by O&M;
T410: this timer is used to supervise the time for establishing a circuit connection from 3G_MSC-A to
3G_MSC-B. When T410 expires, the allocated channel in 3G_MSC-B is released. T410 is set by O&M.
This timer is not started when 3G_MSC-A explicitly indicates that no handover number is needed;
T411: this timer is used to control the time between requesting a subsequent UMTS to GSM handover
(A-HO-REQUEST to the 3G_MSC-A) and receiving the response from 3G_MSC-A (A-HO-REQUEST-
ACKNOWLEDGE/A-HO-FAILURE). If T411 expires, the existing connection with the UE/MS is
maintained. T411 is set by O&M.
The following timers are defined for GSM to UMTS handover:
T601: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free radio resource. T601 is set by O&M;
T602: this timer supervises the time for handover completion for GSM to UMTS handover from BSS to RNS in
3G_MSC-B. If T602 expires, the radio path and the connection on interface B' are released. T602 is set by
O&M;
the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE from RNS-B on 3G_MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time
between issuing the handover command to the UE/MS and receiving the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL
response from 3G_MSC-A, for a subsequent handover from GSM to UMTS. In the case of a GSM to
UMTS handover without circuit connection between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B this timer supervises the
time between issuing the A-HO-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to the 3G_MSC-A and receiving the Iu-
RELOCATION-COMPLETE from RNS-B on 3G_MSC-B. If the timer expires, then any new radio
resource is released. T604 is set by O&M;
3G_MSC-B. When T610 expires, the allocated radio resource in 3G_MSC-B is released. T610 is set by
O&M. This timer is not started when 3G_MSC-A explicitly indicates that no handover number is needed;
T611: this timer is used to control the time between requesting a subsequent GSM to UMTS handover
(A-HO-REQUEST to the 3G_MSC-A) and receiving the response from 3G_MSC-A (A-HO-REQUEST-
ACKNOWLEDGE/A-HO-FAILURE). If T611 expires, the existing connection with the UE/MS is
maintained. T611 is set by O&M.
The following timers are defined for SRNS Relocation:
ETSI
T801: this timer supervises the queuing time for a free radio resource. T801 is set by O&M;
T802: this timer supervises the time for relocation completion for relocation between RNSs in 3G_MSC-B. If
T802 expires, the radio path and the connection on interface B' are released. T802 is set by O&M;
the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE from RNS-B on 3G_MSC-B. This timer also supervises the time
between issuing the handover command to the UE and receiving the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL response
from 3G_MSC-A, for a subsequent relocation. In the case of a relocation without circuit connection
between 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B this timer supervises the time between issuing the
Iu-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE to the 3G_MSC-A and receiving the
Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE from RNS-B on 3G_MSC-B. If the timer expires, then any new radio
resource is released. T804 is set by O&M;
3G_MSC-B. When T810 expires, the allocated channel in 3G_MSC-B is released. T810 is set by O&M.
This timer is not started when 3G_MSC-A explicitly indicates that no handover number is needed;
T811: this timer is used to control the time between requesting a subsequent relocation (Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST to the 3G_MSC-A) and receiving the response from 3G_MSC-A (Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUEST-ACKNOWLEDGE/ Iu-RELOCATION-FAILURE). If T811 expires, the existing connection
with the UE is maintained. T811 is set by O&M.
12.4 MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-B (functional unit 4)

The MAP procedures for handover/relocation are defined in 3GPP TS 29.002 [12]. They include:
- procedures for basic handover/relocation;
- procedures for subsequent handover/relocation;
- procedures for obtaining the handover number from the VLR.
These procedures are outlined in clause 8.
12.5 Interworking between Handover/Relocation control

procedures and MAP procedures in 3G_MSC-B
The interworking between the Handover/Relocation control procedures and the MAP procedures for
handover/relocation is defined in 3GPP TS 29.010 [8]. It includes:
- interworking at basic handover/relocation completion;
- interworking at subsequent handover/relocation initiation.

GSM phase 1 is not supported.
12.7 Protocol interworking

If the 3G_MSC-B accepts an Inter-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover procedure according to MAP and BSSMAP
protocols while using a RANAP protocol towards RNS-B, 3G_MSC-B has to perform the protocol interworking
between RANAP on the Iu-Interface and encapsulated BSSMAP on the E-interface.
The same holds if 3G_MSC-B initiates a subsequent inter-MSC UMTS to GSM handover while using a RANAP
protocol towards RNS-A.
ETSI
If during the supervision, i.e. while the UE/MS is not in the area of MSC-A or 3G_MSC-A, the protocol used
encapsulated on the E-interface and the protocol used between 3G_MSC-B and the serving BSS or RNS are different,
then 3G_MSC-B has to perform the protocol interworking between BSSAP and RANAP.
NOTE: The two protocols are different, e.g., after an inter-MSC GSM to UMTS inter-system handover, or after
an inter-MSC SRNS relocation to 3G_MSC-B followed by a subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B UMTS to
GSM inter-system handover.
12.8 Interactions between handover/relocation control procedures

and other RANAP procedures
This clause gives an overview of the procedures that shall be followed when handover/relocation control procedures
interact with other RANAP procedures on 3G_MSC-B.
12.8.1 Interactions between handover/relocation control procedures and

the security mode procedure
12.8.1.1 Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation

A security mode control procedure may be requested by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A after an Inter-MSC GSM to UMTS
handover or Inter-MSC SRNS relocation. If RNS-A replies with an Iu-SECURITY-MODE-REJECT containing the
cause value 'Relocation Triggered' due to an already initiated Intra-3G_MSC-B UMTS to GSM handover or Intra-
3G_MSC-BSRNS relocation, the 3G_MSC-B shall not forward the result of the security mode control procedure to
MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, but wait for the outcome of the handover/relocation procedure. If the relocation procedure is
completed successfully, the 3G_MSC-B shall reattempt the security mode control procedure towards the new serving
radio network. If the handover procedure is completed successfully, the 3G_MSC-B shall reattempt the cipher mode
control procedure towards the new serving radio network, if ciphering is to be activated.
ETSI
BSS-A 3G_MSC-A 3G MSC-B UE/RNS-A BSS-B/UE

Inter-MSC HO Completed
MAP-Forward-Access-Sig req.
-Sig req. Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-
COMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-REJECT
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
MAP-Process-Access-Sig req.
Sig req. Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/CMP
A-CIPHER-MODE-COMMAND
A-CIPHER-MODE-COMPLETE
ig req.
NOTE: The message flow is shown in the perspective of 3G_MSC-B. It is assumed that RNS-A has sent the Iu-
RELOCATION-REQUIRED before it received the Iu-SECURITY-MODE-COMMAND.
Figure 35a: Collision between a subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation and a security

mode control procedure i): successful handover/relocation
If the handover/relocation procedure is unsuccessful and the UE is still served by RNS-A, the 3G_MSC-B shall
reattempt the security mode procedure towards RNS-A.
ETSI

MODE-
COMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-REJECT
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-FAILURE
Iu-RELOCATION-
PREPARATION-
FAILURE
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-
COMMAND
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-
COMPLETE
..Sig req.
Figure 35b: Collision between a subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation and a security

mode control procedure ii): unsuccessful handover/relocation
12.8.1.2 Subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation

A security mode control procedure may be requested by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A after an Inter-MSC GSM to UMTS
handover or Inter-MSC SRNS relocation. If RNS-A replies with an Iu-SECURITY-MODE-REJECT containing the
cause value 'Relocation Triggered' due to an already initiated subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation, the 3G_MSC-
B shall not forward the result of the security mode procedure to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, but wait for the outcome of the
handover/relocation procedure. If the subsequent Inter-MSC relocation procedure is completed successfully, the
3G_MSC-A shall reattempt the security mode control procedure towards the new serving radio network or MSC-
B'/3G_MSC-B'. If the subsequent Inter-MSC handover procedure is completed successfully, the MSC-A/3G_MSC-A
shall reattempt the cipher mode control procedure towards the new serving radio network or MSC-B'/3G_MSC-B, if
ciphering is to be activated.
ETSI
BSS-B/UE
BSS-A 3G_MSC-A 3G MSC-B UE/RNS-A MSC-B
MODECOMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-REJECT
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
MAP-Prep-Handover rsp.
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover rsp.
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
MAP-Send-End-Signal rsp
Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/CMP
-Sig req. A-CIPHER-MODE-
COMMAND
A-CIPHER-MODE-
COMPLETE
Figure 35ba: Collision between a subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation and a security mode
control procedure i): successful handover/relocation
If the subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation procedure is unsuccessful and the UE is still served by 3G_MSC-B,
the 3G_MSC-B shall reattempt the security mode procedure towards RNS-A.
ETSI
BSS-B/UE
MAP-Forward-Access-Sig req
MODECOMMAND
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-REJECT
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-FAILURE
Iu-RELOCATION-
PREPARATION-
FAILURE
Iu-SECURITY-
MODECOMMAND
Iu-SECURITY-
MODE-
COMPLETE
Sig req.
Figure 35bb: Collision between a subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation and a security

mode control procedure ii): unsuccessful handover/relocation
12.8.2 Interactions between handover/relocation control procedures and

the RAB assignment procedure
12.8.2.1 Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation

A subsequent channel assignment procedure may be requested by MSC-A/3G_MSC-A after an Inter-MSC GSM to
UMTS handover or Inter-MSC SRNS relocation without circuit connection (see subclauses 13.2 and 13.4). If RNS-A
replies with an Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE containing the cause value 'Relocation Triggered' due to an
already initiated Intra-3G_MSC-B UMTS to GSM handover or Intra-3G_MSC-B SRNS relocation, the 3G_MSC-B
shall not forward the result of the RAB assignment procedure to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, but wait for the outcome of the
handover/relocation procedure. If the handover/relocation procedure is completed successfully, the 3G_MSC-B shall
construct an A-ASSIGNMENT-COMPLETE or Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE message, dependent on the
encapsulated protocol used on the E-interface, and forward this message to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-
ETSI

Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/CMP
RELOCATION-REQUIRED before it received the Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST.
Figure 35c: Collision between a subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation and a RAB

assignment procedure i): successful handover/relocation
If the handover/relocation procedure is unsuccessful and the UE is still served by RNS-A, the 3G_MSC-B shall
reattempt the RAB assignment procedure towards RNS-A.
ETSI

Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-FAILURE
Iu-RELOCATION-
PREPARATION-
FAILURE
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
Figure 35d: Collision between a subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation and a RAB

assignment procedure ii): unsuccessful handover/relocation
12.8.2.2 Subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation

replies with an Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE containing the cause value 'Relocation Triggered' due to an
already initiated subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation, the 3G_MSC-B shall not forward the result of the RAB
Assignment procedure to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, but wait for the outcome of the handover/relocation procedure.
ETSI
BSS-B/UE
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-RAB-
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover req. ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
IAM.
ACM.
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
ANM.
MAP-Send-End-Signal rsp
Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/CMP
Figure 35da: Collision between a subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation and a RAB assignment
procedure i): successful handover/relocation
If the subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation procedure is unsuccessful and the UE is still served by 3G_MSC-B,
the 3G_MSC-B shall reattempt the subsequent channel assignment procedure towards RNS-A.
ETSI
BSS-B/UE
MAP- Prep-Handover req.

Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
Iu-RAB-
MAP-Prep-Sub-Handover req. ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-FAILURE
Iu-RELOCATION-
PREPARATION-
FAILURE
Iu- RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu- RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
MAP- Prep-Handover rsp
Figure 35db: Collision between a subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation and a RAB assignment
procedure ii): unsuccessful handover/relocation
12.8.3 Interactions between directed retry handover procedures and the

RAB assignment procedure
12.8.3.1 Intra-3G_MSC-B directed retry handover

For a description of the directed retry handover procedure see subclause 14.3.
replies with an Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE containing the cause value 'Directed Retry' and the subsequent Iu-
RELOCATION-REQUIRED indicates that an Intra-3G_MSC-B directed retry handover is required, the 3G_MSC-B
shall not forward the result of the RAB assignment procedure to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, but wait for the outcome of the
directed retry handover procedure. If the directed retry handover procedure is completed successfully, the 3G_MSC-B
shall construct an A-ASSIGNMENT-COMPLETE or Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE message, dependent on the
encapsulated protocol used on the E-interface, and forward this message to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A in the MAP-
ETSI

Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/CMP
Figure 35e: Interaction between a RAB assignment procedure and a subsequent Intra-3G_MSC-B
directed retry handover i): successful directed retry handover
If the directed retry handover procedure is unsuccessful and the UE is still served by RNS-A, the 3G_MSC-B may
optionally take one of a number of actions:
i) send an Iu-RELOCATION-PREPARATION FAILURE to RNS-A, if an Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND has

not already been sent. Additionally 3G_MSC-B may retry the assignment procedure to RNS-A;
ii) retry the assignment procedure to RNS-A, if the failure message was returned from RNS-A. This option is
additional to those for normal handover;
iii) construct an A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE message containing the cause value 'Radio interface failure, reversion
to old channel' or Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE message containing the cause value 'Failure In The
Radio Interface Procedure', dependent on the encapsulated protocol used on the E-interface, and forward this
message to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A.
12.8.3.2 Subsequent Inter-MSC directed retry handover

UMTS handover or SRNS relocation without circuit connection (see subclauses 13.2 and 13.4). If RNS-A replies with
an Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE containing the cause value 'Directed Retry' and the subsequent Iu-
RELOCATION-REQUIRED indicates that a subsequent Inter-MSC directed retry handover is required, the 3G_MSC-B
shall not forward the result of the RAB Assignment procedure to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A, but wait for the outcome of the
directed retry handover procedure. 3G_MSC-B shall continue with the directed retry handover procedure as described
in subclause 14.3.
ETSI
BSS-B/UE
MAP- Prep-Handover req.

Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-
RESPONSE
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED
A-HO-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK
IAM.
ACM.
Iu-RELOCATION-
COMMAND
A-HO-DETECT
A-HO-COMPLETE
ANM.
MAP-Send-End-Signal rsp.
Iu-RELEASE-
CMD/CMP
Figure 35f: Interaction between a RAB assignment procedure and a subsequent Inter-MSC directed
retry handover i): successful directed retry handover
If the directed retry handover procedure is unsuccessful and the UE is still served by 3G_MSC-B, the 3G_MSC-B may
optionally take one of a number of actions:

not already been sen. Additionally 3G_MSC-B may retry the assignment procedure to RNS-A t;
iii) construct an A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE message containing the cause value 'Radio interface failure, reversion
to old channel' or Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE message containing the cause value 'Failure In The
Radio Interface Procedure', dependent on the encapsulated protocol used on the E-interface, and forward this
message to MSC-A/3G_MSC-A.
ETSI
13 Subsequent channel assignment using a circuit

connection between MSC-A and MSC-B
13.1 GSM handover

If a circuit connection has to be set up (for example for a Mobile Originated or Mobile Terminated Call Establishment)
after an Inter-MSC handover without circuit connection, MSC-A shall request a Handover Number using a
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request, containing the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST, on the established MAP
connection. For speech calls, MSC-A shall also include the Iu Supported Codecs List to be used by MSC-B for
subsequent intra-MSC-B intersystem handover to UMTS and intra-MSC-B SRNS relocation. If MSC-B indicates to
MSC-B and to MSC-A that at least one of two procedures assignment or Handover Number allocation can not be
completed, then MSC-A shall terminate the circuit establishment attempt. The existing connection to the MS shall be
maintained, if possible.
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request MSC-B shall perform the requested assignment operation
towards the BSS. In addition it shall retrieve a Handover Number from VLR-B. If a failure occurs in the assignment or
Handover Number allocation then it shall be reflected in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response that at least one
of these two procedures has not been completed (i.e. either by a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER result with the
assignment procedure outcome and the Handover Number allocation outcome or by a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
error).
(Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
If the BSS-B supports A over IP then MSC-B shall include a Codec List (MSC preferred) in the A-ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST message to BSS-B. MSC-B may select the codecs for the Codec List (MSC preferred) from the channel type
information and the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), if this list was provided by 3G_MSC-A in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a detailed description of the handling of these codec lists by MSC-A and MSC-B
see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. If the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor) was not provided or MSC-B does not support
the selection of codecs from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List, then MSC-B shall create the Codec List (MSC preferred)
using the channel type information received from 3G_MSC-A in the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message included
in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
MSC-B may include the AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) in the MAP-
When MSC-A receives a successful MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response it shall establish a circuit connection to
MSC-B by using the appropriate network supported procedures. In figure 36 this is indicated by the IAM (Initial
Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message). MSC-B shall also send the Answer message if appropriate
to the signalling system. Upon receipt of the Answer MSC-A shall consider the circuit connection establishment phase
complete. If a failure occurs during the cirucit establishment phase then the existing connection to the MS shall be
maintained, if possible.
ETSI
BSS-B/MS
MSC-A MSC-B VLR-B
MAP-Prepare-Handover req. MAP-Alloc-Handover-Number req.
A-ASG-REQUEST
A-ASG-COMPLETE
IAM
ACM
Answer
RELEASE
End of call
NOTE: Can be sent at any time after the reception of IAM.
Figure 36: Successful circuit-switched call establishment after a Basic Handover without circuit
connection
13.2 UMTS to GSM handover

after an Inter-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handover without circuit connection, 3G_MSC-A shall request a Handover
Number using a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request, containing the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST, on the
established MAP connection. For speech calls, 3G_MSC-A shall also include the Iu Supported Codecs List to be used
by MSC-B for subsequent intra-MSC-B intersystem handover to UMTS and intra-MSC-B SRNS relocation. If MSC-B
indicates to MSC-B and to 3G_MSC-A that at least one of two procedures assignment or Handover Number allocation
can not be completed, then 3G_MSC-A shall terminate the circuit establishment attempt. The existing connection to the
UE/MS shall be maintained, if possible.
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request MSC-B shall perform the requested assignment operation
towards the BSS. In addition it shall retrieve a Handover Number from VLR-B. If a failure occurs in the assignment or
Handover Number allocation then it shall be reflected in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response that at least one
of these two procedures has not been completed (i.e. either by a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER result with the
assignment procedure outcome and the Handover Number allocation outcome or by a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER
error).
ETSI
List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
If the BSS-B supports A over IP, then MSC-B shall include a Codec List (MSC preferred) in the A-ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST message to BSS-B. MSC-B may select the codecs for the Codec List (MSC preferred) from the channel type
information and the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), if this list was provided by 3G_MSC-A in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER request. For a detailed description of the handling of these codec lists by 3G_MSC-A and
MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25]. If the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor) was not provided or MSC-B does not
support the selection of codecs from the AoIP-Supported Codecs List (Anchor), then MSC-B shall create the Codec List
(MSC preferred) using the channel type information received from 3G_MSC-A in the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST
message included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
MSC-B may include the AoIP-Selected Codec (Target) and AoIP-Available Codecs List (MAP) in the MAP-
When 3G_MSC-A receives a successful MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, it shall establish a circuit connection
to MSC-B by using the appropriate network supported procedures. In figure 37 this is indicated by the IAM (Initial
Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message). MSC-B shall also send the Answer message if appropriate
to the signalling system. Upon receipt of the Answer 3G_MSC-A shall consider the circuit connection establishment
phase complete. If a failure occurs during the circuit establishment phase then the existing connection to the UE/MS
shall be maintained, if possible.
BSS-B/UE/MS
A-ASG-REQUEST
A-ASG-COMPLETE
IAM
ACM
Answer
RELEASE
End of call
Figure 37: Successful circuit-switched call establishment after a Basic UMTS to GSM Handover
without circuit connection
ETSI
13.3 GSM to UMTS handover

after an Inter-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover without circuit connection, MSC-A shall request a Handover Number
using a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request, containing the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST, on the established MAP
connection. If 3G_MSC-B indicates to 3G_MSC-B and to MSC-A that at least one of two procedures assignment or
Handover Number allocation can not be completed, then MSC-A shall terminate the circuit establishment attempt. The
existing connection to the UE/MS shall be maintained, if possible.
(Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to be used by 3G_MSC-B for subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B
MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request 3G_MSC-B shall perform the requested assignment
operation towards the RNS. In addition it shall retrieve a Handover Number from VLR-B. If a failure occurs in the
assignment or Handover Number allocation then it shall be reflected in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response
that at least one of these two procedures has not been completed (i.e. either by a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER result
with the assignment procedure outcome and the Handover Number allocation outcome or by a MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER error).
shall select a codec from the Iu Supported Codecs List, generate associated RAB parameters and connect a transcoder.
If the Iu Supported Codecs List was not received or 3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of codec based on the Iu-
Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-B shall select the appropriate default speech codec.
For an assignment in UTRAN Iu mode, 3G_MSC-B shall also generate a NAS Synch Indicator for the Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message. If the Iu Supported Codecs List was received by 3G_MSC-B and 3G_MSC-B
supports the selection of codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, then the Iu Selected codec shall be indicated in
the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, sent from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-A.
When MSC-A receives a successful MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, it shall establish a circuit connection to
3G_MSC-B by using the appropriate network supported procedures. In figure 38 this is indicated by the IAM (Initial
Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message). 3G_MSC-B shall also send the Answer message if
appropriate to the signalling system. Upon receipt of the Answer MSC-A shall consider the circuit connection
establishment phase complete. If a failure occurs during the circuit establishment phase then the existing connection to
the UE/MS shall be maintained, if possible.
ETSI
RNS-B/UE/MS
IU-RAB-ASG-REQUEST
IU-RAB-ASG-COMPLETE
IAM
ACM
Answer
RELEASE
End of call
Figure 38: Successful circuit-switched call establishment

after a Basic GSM to UMTS Handover without circuit connection
13.4 SRNS Relocation

13.4.1 Without circuit connection
after an Inter-3G_MSC relocation without circuit connection, 3G_MSC-A shall request a Handover Number using a
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request, containing the IU-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST, on the established MAP
connection.
For speech calls, 3G_MSC-A shall include the Iu Supported Codecs List in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request.
3G_MSC-A shall configure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the appropriate default speech codec.
List (Anchor) in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request to be used by 3G_MSC-B for subsequent intra-3G_MSC-B
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B see 3GPP TS 23.153 [25].
Alternatively, if 3G_MSC-B is known to support the use of the Iu Supported Codecs List, 3G_MSC-A may configure
the RANAP RAB parameters according to the preferred codec and indicate this to 3G_MSC-B by including the RAB
configuration indicator in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request. The decision to use this option is based on
internal configuration information in 3G_MSC-A.
ETSI
For an assignment in UTRAN Iu mode, 3G_MSC-A shall also include the NAS Synch Indicator in the Iu-RAB-
ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST.
If 3G_MSC-B indicates to 3G_MSC-B and to 3G_MSC-A that at least one of two procedures (RAB) assignment or
Handover Number allocation can not be completed, then 3G_MSC-A shall terminate the circuit establishment attempt.
The existing connection to the UE shall be maintained, if possible.
Upon receipt of the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request, 3G_MSC-B shall perform the requested RAB assignment
operation towards the RNS. In addition it shall retrieve a Handover Number from VLR-B.
shall select an Iu Selected codec from the Iu Supported Codecs List and connect a transcoder. If the Iu Supported
Codecs List was not received or 3G_MSC-B does not support the selection of codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs
List, 3G_MSC-B shall select the appropriate default speech codec.
3G_MSC-B shall reconfigure the RANAP RAB parameters according to the Iu Selected codec:
- if the RAB configuration indicator is included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request and the codec
selected by 3G_MSC-B is different from the preferred codec; or
- if the RAB configuration indicator is not included in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER request and the codec
selected by 3G_MSC-B is different from the appropriate default speech codec.
Additionally, for an assignment in UTRAN Iu mode, 3G_MSC-B shall include the NAS Synch Indicator for the Iu
Selected codec in the Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST. If the Iu Supported Codecs List was received by 3G_MSC-
B and 3G_MSC-B supports the selection of codec based on the Iu-Supported Codecs List, then the Iu Selected codec
shall be indicated in the MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, sent from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A.
If a failure occurs in the RAB assignment or Handover Number allocation then it shall be reflected in the MAP-
PREPARE-HANDOVER response that at least one of these two procedures has not been completed (i.e. either by a
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER result with the RAB assignment procedure outcome and the Handover Number
allocation outcome or by a MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER error).
When 3G_MSC-A receives a successful MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER response, it shall establish a circuit connection
to 3G_MSC-B by using the appropriate network supported procedures. In figure 39 this is indicated by the IAM (Initial
Address Message) and ACM (Address Complete Message). 3G_MSC-B shall also send the Answer message if
appropriate to the signalling system. Upon receipt of the Answer 3G_MSC-A shall consider the circuit connection
establishment phase complete. If a failure occurs during the circuit establishment phase then the existing connection to
the UE shall be maintained, if possible.
13.4.2 With circuit connection (Optional functionality)

If 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B support the optional supplementary service Multicall (See 3GPP TS 23.135 [17]),
3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B shall have the following functionality additionally to the description in subclause 13.4.1.
A new circuit connection shall be able to set up (for example for a new Mobile Originated or a new Mobile Terminated
Call Establishment) after an Inter-3G_MSC relocation with one or several circuit connections. The procedures for the
establishment of the additional circuit connection in 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B are the same as that described in
subclause 13.4.1.
ETSI
RNS-B/UE
IU-RAB-ASG-REQUEST
IU-RAB-ASG-COMPLETE
IAM
ACM
Answer
RELEASE
End of call
Figure 39: Successful circuit-switched call establishment

after a Basic Relocation without circuit connection
14 Directed retry handover

Editor's Note: [Directed retry in the cases of SRNS relocation is FFS]
14.1 GSM handover

The directed retry procedure allows the network to select the optimum cell for the Mobile Station. The process of
directed retry involves the assignment of a Mobile Station to a radio channel on a cell other than the serving cell. This
process is triggered by the assignment procedures, as described in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5], and employs internal or external
handover procedures as described in clauses 6 and 7. The successful procedure for a directed retry is as shown in
figure 40 and as described below.
If during the assignment phase, as represented by the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message, a handover becomes
necessary, due to either radio conditions or congestion, then the Mobile Station may be handed over to a different cell.
When the decision has been made to handover the MS the BSS-A may send an A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE message,
indicating 'directed retry', before sending the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message to MSC-A, indicating 'directed
retry'. However BSS-A may alternatively send the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, indicating 'directed retry',
without sending the A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE message. Other cause values may be used instead of "Directed
Retry" in the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, this will allow the MSC to take different actions dependent on the
received cause. Upon receipt of the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message from BSS-A, then MSC-A shall initiate the
handover as described in clauses 6 and 7. No resources shall be cleared in the MSC-A or BSS-A for this connection.
After receipt of the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message from BSS-B the assignment procedure shall be considered
to be complete and the resources on BSS-A shall be cleared.
ETSI
MS MS
BSS-A MSC-A BSS-B
A-Assignment-Request
A-Assignment-Failure
A-Handover-Required
A-Handover-Request
A-Handover-Command
RI-HO-Command RI-HO-Access
A-Handover-Detect
RI-HO-Complete
A-Handover-Complete
A-Clear-Command
A-Clear-Complete
Figure 40: Example of a Directed Retry Intra-MSC Handover Procedure
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt, for example A-HANDOVER-FAILURE returned from BSS-A or BSS-
B, then MSC-A will terminate the handover to BSS-B. Under these conditions MSC-A may optionally take one of a
number of actions:
i) retry the handover to the same cell;
ii) select the next cell from the list contained in the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message and attempt a handover
to the new cell;
iii) send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT to BSS-A, if an A-HANDOVER-COMMAND has not already

been sent. Additionally MSC-A may retry the assignment procedure to BSS-A;
iv) retry the assignment procedure to BSS-A, if the failure message was returned from BSS-A. This option is
v) Clear the complete call.
The procedures for Inter-MSC handover are also applicable to the directed retry process. If an Inter-MSC handover is
necessary then the assignment process should be considered to have completed successfully upon receipt of the A-HO-
COMPLETE included in the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request.
14.2 GSM to UMTS handover

The directed retry procedure allows the network to select the optimum cell for the UE/MS. The process of directed retry
involves the assignment of a UE/MS to a radio channel on a cell other than the serving cell. This process is triggered by
the assignment procedures, as described in 3GPP TS 48.008 [5], and employs internal or external GSM to UMTS
handover procedures as described in subclauses 6.2.2 and 8.2. The successful procedure for a directed retry in case of an
intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover is as shown in figure 40a and as described below.
ETSI
If during the assignment phase, as represented by the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message, a GSM to UMTS
handover becomes necessary, due to radio conditions, congestion or inability to provide the requested bearer service in
GSM, then the UE/MS may be handed over to a UMTS cell. If the requested bearer service cannot be provided in GSM,
3G_MSC-A shall indicate in the A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message that handover to UMTS should be performed.
When the decision has been made to handover the UE/MS the BSS-A may send an A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE
message, indicating 'directed retry', before sending the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message to 3G_MSC-A,
indicating 'directed retry'. However BSS-A may alternatively send the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message,
indicating 'directed retry', without sending the A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE message. Other cause values may be used
instead of "Directed Retry" in the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message, this will allow the 3G_MSC to take different
actions dependent on the received cause. Upon receipt of the A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED message from BSS-A, then
3G_MSC-A shall initiate the GSM to UMTS handover as described in subclauses 6.2.2 and 8.2. No resources shall be
cleared in the 3G_MSC-A or BSS-A for this connection.
After receipt of the Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE message from RNS-B the assignment procedure shall be
considered to be complete and the resources on BSS-A shall be cleared.
UE/MS UE/MS
BSS-A 3G_MSC-A RNS-B
A-Assignment-Request
A-Assignment-Failure
A-Handover-Required
A-Handover-Command
RI-HO-Command
RRC-HO-Complete
A-Clear-Command
A-Clear-Complete
Figure 40a: Example of a Directed Retry Intra-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS Handover Procedure
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt, for example A-HANDOVER-FAILURE returned from BSS-A or Iu-
RELOCATION FAILURE from RNS-B then 3G_MSC-A will terminate the GSM to UMTS handover to RNS-B.
Under these conditions 3G_MSC-A may optionally take one of a number of actions:
i) send an A-HANDOVER-REQUIRED-REJECT to BSS-A, if an A-HANDOVER-COMMAND has not already

been sent. Additionally 3G_MSC-A may retry the assignment procedure to BSS-A;
ii) retry the assignment procedure to BSS-A, if the failure message was returned from BSS-A. This option is
iii) Clear the complete call.
The procedures for Inter-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover are also applicable to the directed retry process. If an
Inter-3G_MSC GSM to UMTS handover is necessary then the assignment process should be considered to have
completed successfully upon receipt of the A-HO-COMPLETE included in the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request.
ETSI
14.3 UMTS to GSM handover

The directed retry procedure allows the network to select the optimum cell for the UE/MS. The process of directed retry
involves the assignment of a UE/MS to a radio channel on a cell other than the serving cell. This process is triggered by
the assignment procedures, as described in 3GPP TS 25.413 [1], and employs UMTS to GSM handover procedures as
described in subclauses 6.2.1 and 8.1. The successful procedure for a directed retry in case of an intra-3G_MSC UMTS
to GSM handover is as shown in figure 40b and as described below.
If during the assignment phase, as represented by the Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message, a UMTS to GSM
handover becomes necessary, due to either radio conditions. congestion or network preference, then the UE/MS may be
handed over to a GSM cell. If the handover to GSM is required due to network preference, 3G_MSC-A shall indicate in
the Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST message that handover to GSM should be performed. When the decision has
been made to handover the UE/MS the RNS-A shall send an Iu-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE message, indicating
'directed retry', before sending the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message to 3G_MSC-A, indicating 'directed retry'.
Other cause values may be used instead of "Directed Retry" in the Iu-RELOCATION-REQUIRED message, this will
allow the 3G_MSC to take different actions dependent on the received cause. Upon receipt of the Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUIRED message from RNS-A, then 3G_MSC-A shall initiate the UMTS to GSM handover as described in
subclauses 6.2.1 and 8.1. No resources shall be cleared in the 3G_MSC-A or RNS-A for this connection.
After receipt of the A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE message from BSS-B the assignment procedure shall be considered
to be complete and the resources on RNS-A shall be cleared.
UE/MS UE/MS
RNS-A 3G_MSC-A BSS-B
Iu- RAB-Assignment-Request
Iu- RAB-Assignment-Response
A-Handover-Request
RRC-HO-Command RI-HO-Access
A-Handover-Detect
RI-HO-Complete
A-Handover-Complete
Iu-Release-Command
Iu-Release-Complete
Figure 40b: Example of a Directed Retry Intra-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM Handover Procedure
If a failure occurs during the handover attempt, for example Iu-RELOCATION FAILURE returned from RNS-A or A-
HANDOVER-FAILURE from BSS-B then 3G_MSC-A will terminate the UMTS to GSM handover to BSS-B. Under
these conditions 3G_MSC-A may optionally take one of a number of actions:

not already been sent. Additionally 3G_MSC-A may retry the assignment procedure to RNS-A;
iii) Clear the complete call.
The procedures for Inter-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handover are also applicable to the directed retry process. If an
Inter-3G_MSC UMTS to GSM handover is necessary then the assignment process should be considered to have
completed successfully upon receipt of the A-HO-COMPLETE included in the MAP-SEND-END-SIGNAL request.
ETSI
15 SDL diagrams
NOTE 1: The message primitive names used in the SDL diagrams and message flows in the present document do
not represent the actual messages specified in the GSM or 3GPP stage 3 technical specifications. The
primitive names are only intended to be indicative of their use in the present document.
SDL Annotation.
The following conventions and abbreviations have been used in the SDLs. Text included in '[]' is used to indicate either,
the BSSMAP message (as defined in 3GPP TS 49.008 [7]) included in the message, or the transport of a Handover
Number.
When traversing the following SDLs it may be possible that resources appear to be released repeatedly, however these
operations are only executed once on their first occurrence. Furthermore it maybe that certain messages cannot, in
practice, be received in particular states, after specific events have taken place. In general both of the above cases are
obvious. This approach has been adopted (in line with other GSM Technical Specifications) in order to reduce the
complexity of the SDLs and improve clarity, without reducing the quality of the functional description.
The following abbreviations have been used in the SDLs:
A-HO-REQUEST A-HANDOVER-REQUEST
A-HO-REQUEST-ACK A-HANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK.
A-HO-COMPLETE A-HANDOVER-COMPLETE
A-HO-DETECT A-HANDOVER-DETECT
A-HO-PERFORMED A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED
A-ASG-REQUEST A-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST
A-ASG-COMPLETE A-ASSIGNMENT-COMPLETE
A-ASG-FAILURE A-ASSIGNMENT-FAILURE
MAP-PAS req MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING req.
MAP-FAS req MAP-FORWARD-ACCESS-SIGNALLING req.
IU-RLC-REQUEST IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST
IU-RLC-REQUEST-ACK IU-RELOCATION-REQUEST-ACK
IU-RLC-COMPLETE IU-RELOCATION-COMPLETE
IU-RLC-DETECT IU-RELOCATION-DETECT
IU-IREL-REQUEST IU-IU-RELEASE-REQUEST
IU-RREL-REQUEST IU-RAB-RELEASE-REQUEST
IU-RASG-REQUEST IU-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-REQUEST
IU-RASG-RESPONSE IU-RAB-ASSIGNMENT-RESPONSE
NOTE 2: The SDL diagrams have been checked for consistency with the allocation of the A interface circuits by
the BSC. The conclusion was that SDLs are expressed in general terms, and offer a sufficient latitude of
interpretation to be consistent with the allocation of A interface circuits by the BSC.
ETSI
Pro ce d u re M S C _ A_ H O S he e t1 (2 6)
Proc edur e for H a ndo ve r in M S C -A
IDLE
C al l i n P rogre s s
on MS C -A
A-H AN DO VE R- R EQ UIR E D Fr om M S C all

1 from B SS -A or N etwo r k Re lease
Im plicit R el eas e of BS S- A
Yes
Known
M S C?
No
No H and over
al low ed to
C ell ?
Ye s
M S C -B
W hic h
M SC ?
M S C- A
K now n
B SS ?
No
Ye s
Yes
Select R esour ces on
3
N ew Cel l? B SS - B ?
No
No Ye s
No
Send R ejec t?
Yes
A-H AN D OVE R -
R EJ EC T
to BS S - A
C al l i n P rogre s s
2 4 ID LE
on MS C -A
Figure 41 (Sheet 1 of 26): Handover control procedure in MSC-A
ETSI
H ando ver on M SC - A from B S S -A to B S S- B .
A -H AN DO VE R
-R E QU E ST
to B S S- B
S et
T101
W ait for C hannel

A ll ocation
Intra- MSC
A -H AN D OVE R - A - H AN D OV E R - Fr o m M S Cal l
R EQU E S T- ACK F AILU R E or Netwo rk Rel eas e
from BS S -B fr om B S S- B
R eset E xpiry R eset A - CLEA R -R EQU ES T

T101 T 101 T 101 fr om BS S - A
Q ueue M es sa ges
C all R elease to Netw ork
for M S in M S C -A
H an dov er C om mandCanc el Chan nel

to M S via B S S -A in BS S -B
S et U p Retr y No
Interna l m ess age R el ease Res ources
H andov er in M SC -A Hand over in B S S-A
D evice Attem pt?
Yes
N ew C ell
S et Can c el C hannel
Cell ?
T102 in B S S-B
Sa m e C e ll
W ait for
a cc es s by MS 2 1 3 IDLE
o n B SS
ETSI
Procedure MSC_A_H O Sheet3 (26)
Procedure for Hando ve r in MSC-A
Wait for
access by MS
on B SS
A-HANDOVER- A-HANDOVER-
COMPLETE DETECT
from BS S-B from BSS-B
Connect the Connec t the

O nly if not already
Handover c on nec ted Handov er
Device (O ption) Device (Option)
Reset
T102
Relea se Res ources

in BSS-A
Forward queued
mes sages for MS
via BSS-B
W ait for
Call in Progress
on MSC-A acc es s by MS
on BSS
ETSI
Procedure Sheet4(26)
MSC_A_HO
Procedure for Handover in MSC-A
Wait for
access by MS
on BSS
A-HANDOVER- A-CLEAR- (Allowed once Expiry Call From Network

FAILURE REQUEST in this state) T102 Release
from BSS-A from BSS-A
Reset (Allowed once A-CLEAR- Release Resources Release Resources

T102 in this state) REQUEST in BSS-A in BSS-A
from BSS-B
Forward queued Yes Wait for Release

Release Resources
messages for MS in BSS-B MS on Handover
via BSS-A BSS-B? Device
No
Release Resources Reset

in BSS-B T102
Release Release Resources

Handover in BSS-B
Device
Call
Release to Network
Release
Handover
Device
Call in Progress Wait for Wait for

on MSC-A access by MS IDLE access by MS
on BSS on BSS
ETSI
Basic H ando ver to MS C -B
Proc edur e for H a ndo ve r in M S C -A Ci rc uit Conne ction r equire d
M A P-P REP AR E-
HA ND OV ER req.
[A -H O- RE Q UE ST ]
to MS C- B
W ait Fo r
A ck now ledgem ent
fr om M SC -B
M A P-P R EP A R E- M AP - P R EP A RE - M A P-P REP AR E-

H AN D OV ER resp. H A N D OV E R r esp . HA ND OV ER re s p.
[A- H O - RE QU E ST -A C K ] [A- HO- FA ILU R E] [M AP E RR OR ]
from M SC- B fr om MS C -B fr om M S C -B
N ot R equest ed R etry No
Hando ver
Num ber? H and over
A ttem pt?
R equested Y es
I_C ON N E CT (IAM )
to M SC - B us ing C ell ?
Hando ver N um ber Sam e C ell
New C el l
W ait for 7
C onnec tion 1 4 3
fr om M SC -B
ETSI
Wait For
Acknowledgement
from MSC-B
A-CLEAR-REQUEST Call From MS

ERRO R from MSC-B
from BSS-A Re lease or Network
Canc el MAP Call

in MSC-A to Network
Re sources Release
Retry
Release Resource s
Handov er
in BSS-A
Attempt? No
Yes
Same Cell
Canc el MAP
Cell? to MS C-B
Resources
New Cell
1 4 3 IDLE
ETSI
W ait for
Connec tion
from MSC-B
I_COMPLETE (ACM) A-CLEAR-REQUEST (A llowed onc e From MS Call

from MSC-B from BSS-A in this s tate ) or Netwo rk Releas e
MAP-PA S req. (Allowed once Call to MS

[A-CLEAR-REQ UEST] in this state) Release and Network
from MSC-B
Wait for
Queue M essages from MSC-B Release Res ources
Connection ERROR
for MS in MSC-A or Network in BSS-A
from MSC-B
Han dov er Command I_DISCONNECT

to MS via B SS-A (REL) to MS C-B
Retry No
Set to MSC-B Cancel MAP
Handover
T103 in MSC-A Procedures
A ttempt?
Yes
Set Up the Same Cell

Internal mess age I_DISCONNECT
Handov er Cell?
in MSC-A (RE L) to MSC-B
Device
New Cell
W ait for
Completion 4 1 3 IDLE
on MS C-B
ETSI
W ait for
Completion
on MS C-B
MAP-S END- I-ANSW ER MAP-PAS req.

END-SIG NA L req. (ANM) from MSC-B [A-HO-DE TECT]
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from MSC-B
from MSC-B
Reset (Allowed once MA P-PAS re q. (Allowed once A-CLEA R-REQ UEST

T103 in this state) [A-CLEAR-REQUEST] in this state) from BS S-A
from BSS-B
Releas e Resourc es
on BSS-A
Co nnect Yes W ait for

Handov er MS on
Device (option) MSC-B?
No
Wait for
Call to Network
Comple tion
Release and MS
on MSC-B
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - Co nnect

Release MAP to MSC-B
messages FORWA RD-ACCESS- Resourc es in MS C-A Handov er
via MS C-B SIGNAL LING req Device (option)
Release Resources I_DISCO NNECT

on BSS-A (REL) to MS C-B
Call W ait for

on IDLE Co mpletion
MSC-B on MS C-B
ETSI
Wait for
Comple tion
on MSC-B
A -HANDOV ER- I_DISCONNECT Expiry Call

FAILURE (RE L) from MSC-B from Network
T1 03 Re lease
f rom B SS-A
Res et Cancel MAP In MSC-A and Re lease In ternal to

T103 Procedures to MSC-B Handov er MSC-A
Device
Forward q ueued Release W ait for

Internal to
messages for MS Handover MSC-A Co mpletion
via BSS-A Device on MS C-B
Releas e
I_DISCONNE CT
Handove r
(REL) to MSC-B
Dev ice
in MSC-A Cancel MAP Canc el MAP Canc el MAP In MSC-A and

from MSC-B
to MSC-B Procedures Proc edures Proc edures to MS C-B
Release Re lease
I_DISCONNECT In ternal to
Handover Handov er
(REL) to MS C-B MSC-A
Devic e Device
I_DISCONNE CT Release Resources

(REL) to MSC-B BSS-A
Wait for W ait for

Call in P rogres s
Completion Completion IDLE
on MSC-A
on MSC-B on MSC-B
ETSI
Procedure MSC_A_H O Sheet10(26)
Call
on
MS C-B
MAP-PREPARE- MAP-P AS req. From MS Call

8 SUB SEQUENT- [A-CLEAR- or Netwo rk Releas e
HANDOVER req. REQUEST]
[A-HO-REQUEST] from MSC-B
from MSC-B
No Call MAP-SEND-END-
Known
MSC? on SIG NA L resp.
MSC-B to MSC-B
Yes
Hand ov er No
Canc el MAP
allowed to from MSC-B
proc edures
Cell?
Yes
MSC-B'
Whic h Call to Network
MSC? Release and MS
MSC-A
No
Known
5
BSS?
Yes
No
Res ourc es on I_DISCONNECT
6
new BSS? (RE L) to MSC-B
Yes
A -HANDOV ER- MAP-PREPA RE- MAP-PRE PA RE-

REQ UEST SUBSEQUENT- SUBSEQUENT-
to BSS-B HANDOVER res p. HANDOVER res p.
[A-HO-FAILURE] [MAP ERROR]
to MS C-B to MSC-B
No
Set Circuit
T101 Connection?
Yes
Wait for Channel MS Call

on on IDLE
Allocation
MSC-B MSC-B
ETSI
Wait for Channel

Alloc ation
A -HANDOV ER- A-HANDOVER- Expiry Call From MS

REQUEST-ACK. FA ILURE T1 01 Releas e or Network
f rom B SS-B fro m BSS-B
Res et Reset Ca nce l

T101 T101 Ch annel B SS-B
Queue Mess ages (Allowed once MAP-PAS req. MAP-SEND-END-

for MS in MSC-A in this state) [A -CLEAR-REQ UE ST] SIGNAL resp
from MS C-B to MSC-B
M AP -PREPARE- Releas e Reso urces Release Resourc es I_DISCONNE CT

S UBS EQUE NT- in B SS-B in BSS-B (REL) to MSC-B
HANDOVER resp
[ A-HO-REQUEST-ACK]
t o MSC-B
No Call
Circuit
on
Connection?
MSC-B
Yes
Se t Up No Retry
Handover Same
Dev ice Cell?
Yes
Set MAP-P REPARE-

T104 SUBSEQUENT-
HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-FAILURE]
to MS C-B
Call
Wait for
on 6 IDLE
Access by MS
MSC-B
ETSI
Wait for
access by MS
A-HANDOVER- A-HANDOVER- Expiry

COMPLETE DETE CT T104
from BSS-B from BS S-B
No
Res et Circuit Call
to Network
T104 Connection? Release
Yes
Connect Connec t
Release Resource s
Handover Dev ice Handover Devic e on BSS-B
(option) (option)
Forward q ueued
Canc el MAP in MSC-A
messages for MS
Proc edures to MS C-B
via BSS-B
MA P-SEND-END- I_DISCONNECT (REL)

SIGNA L resp. to MSC-B
to MSC-B
No
Circuit
Conn ec tion?
Yes
Releas e
Handover Dev ice
I_DISCONNECT (REL)
to MSC-B
Call in P rogres s W ait for

IDLE
on MSC-A ac cess by MS
ETSI
W ait for
acc es s by MS
MAP-PAS req. MA P-PAS re q. (Allowed once Canc el MAP Call

[A-HO- [A -CLEAR- from Network
in this state) Procedures Releas e
FAILURE] REQUEST]
from MSC-B from MSC-B
A-CLEAR- (Allowed once

REQ UEST in this state)
from BSS-B
Forward queu ed
Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
messages ACCESS-SIGNALLING req.
via MS C-B
Release Resources
on BSS-B
No
Circu it
Connec tion?
Yes
Re lease
Ha ndov er Dev ice
Call MS
Wait fo r
on on access by MS
MSC-B MS C-B
ETSI

Subsequent Handover f rom MSC-B to MSC-B'
Procedure for Hando ve r in MSC-A Circ uit Connection required
MA P-PREPARE-HANDOV ER req
[A-HO-REQUEST]
to MSC-B '
Wait for
Ack from MSC-B '
MAP-PREPARE- MAP-P REPARE-

HANDOVER resp.. HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-REQUEST-ACK] [A-HO-FAILURE]
from MSC-B' from MSC-B'
Not Reques ted Retry Yes

Hand ov er
Same
Number?
Cell?
Requested No
I_CONNECT (IAM) MAP -PREPARE-

to MSC-B' u sing SUB SEQUENT-
Handover Number HANDOVER resp.
[A-HO-FAILURE]
to MSC-B
Wait for Call

Connec tion 9 on 5
from MSC-B' MSC-B
ETSI
Wait for
Ack from MSC-B '
from MS C-B Call From MS

ERROR from MSC-B' ERRO R
o r Network Re lease or Network
Releas e Canc el MAP

MA P Reso urces to MSC-B ' to MSC-B'
Proc edures
MAP-PAS req. MAP-S END-

[A-CLEAR-REQUEST] END-SIGNA L resp.
from MSC-B to MS C-B
Retry
Cancel MAP Release Handover
Same to MSC-B'
Procedures Device
Cell? Yes
No
MAP-PREPARE - I_DISCONNECT
S UBS EQ UE NT- ERROR
(REL) to MSC-B
HANDO VE R resp.
to MSC-B
Call
W ait for
on 5 IDLE
Ack from MSC-B'
MS C-B
ETSI
W ait for
Connec tion
from MSC-B'
I_ COMPLETE from MSC-B' from MS Call

ERROR
(ACM) from MSC-B' or Network or Netwo rk Releas e
Set up MAP-PAS req. (Allowed once MAP-PA S req.

Handov er [A -CLEAR- in this state) [A-CLEAR-
Device REQ UEST] REQ UE ST]
from MSC-B' from MSC-B
Wait for
Connection
from MSC-B'
MAP-P REPARE- Cancel MAP

SUBSEQUENT- to MSC-B'
Proced ures
HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-RE QUES T-A CK]
to MS C-B
Cancel MAP Canc el MAP to MSC-B

to MSC-B'
Procedures Proc edures and MSC-B'
Queue m essages I_ DISCONNECT (RE L) MAP -SEND-

for MS in MSC-A to MSC-B' E ND-SI GNAL res p
t o MSC-B
Retry Call to Network

to MSC-B' Release and MS
Yes
No
Set M AP -PREPARE- I_DISCO NNECT (REL)

ERROR S UBS EQ UE NT-
T103 to MSC-B and MSC-B'
HANDO VER resp.
to MSC-B
W ait for Call

Completion 5 on IDLE
on MSC-B' MSC-B
ETSI
W ait for
Completion
on MSC-B'
MAP-S END- MAP-P AS req. MAP-PA S req. (Allowed once

END-SIG NA L req. [A-HO -DETECT] [A-CLEAR- in this state)
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from MSC-B ' REQ UE ST]
from MSC-B' from MSC-B
Reset I_ANSWER (ANM) MAP-P AS req. (Allowed o nc e

T103 from MSC-B ' [A-CLEAR- in this s tate)
REQUEST]
from MSC-B '
Co nnect Connec t Wait fo r

Handov er Handover access
Device (option) Device (option) by MS?
No
Forward queu ed Releas e

Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
messages f or MS Hand ov er
ACCESS-SIGNALLING req.
via MSC-B' Dev ice
MAP-S END- to MSC-B Cancel MAP

END-SIG NA L resp. and MSC-B' Procedures
to MS C-B
I_DISCONNE CT to Network Call

(REL) to MSC-B and MS Releas e
Redefine MSC-B' I_DISCO NNECT (REL)

as MSC-B to MSC-B and MSC-B'
Call W ait for

on Completion IDLE
MSC-B from MSC-B'
ETSI
Pro ce d u re M S C _ A_ H O S he e t1 8 ( 26 )
W ait for
C omple tion
o n MS C - B '
Expir y MA P- P AS re q. C anc el M AP Fr om Netw ork C al l

[A -H O - FAILU RE] fr om MS C - B'
T103 P r oc edur e s or MS C -B Rel eas e
from M SC- B
Res et C an cel M A P I_DIS C ON N EC T

T103 fro m M S C- B P r ocedure s (R EL) to M S C -B '
Ca nc el M A P I_D IS C ONN EC T R elease

to MSC - B'
P r oc edur es ( R EL ) to M SC- B H ando ver D evic e
R elease R eleas e
Ha ndov er D ev ice H andover D evic e
W ait Yes
I_ DIS C ON NE C T
for acce s s
(R E L) to M SC -B '
by M S?
No
Yes
M S C- B C ancel M AP
to M SC- B '
C onnec tion? P r ocedures
No
U se M AP - Forw ar d queued I_D ISC ON N E CT

FOR W ARD - m es sages for M S
( R EL) to MS C - B '
AC CE SS - via M SC -B
SIGN A LLIN G r eq.
C all
to Netwo rk
Re lease
Cal l W ai t for
ID LE on ID LE Com ple ti on
MSC -B on MS C -B '
ETSI
Basic H ando ver to M S C -B
Proc edur e for H a ndo ve r in M S C -A no C ircuit C onnecti on r equ ir ed
Q ueue M es sa ges
for M S i n M S C -A
H an dov er C om mand
to M S via B S S -A
S et
T103
W ait for
MS
o n MS C- B
M A P-S EN D - ( A llow ed once A - CLE A R- RE Q UE S T M AP -P A S r eq.

E ND - S IG NA L r eq. i n th is state) fr om B S S- A [A-H O- DE TECT ]
[A -H O- CO MP LE TE] fr om M S C -B
fr om M SC -B
R eset M AP -PA S r eq. ( A llo wed once R eleas e R esourc es

T103 [A- CLE AR - RE QU E ST ] i n thi s state) o n B SS - A
fro m BS S- B
Yes W ait fo r
R elease R eso urces
M S on
on BS S -A
M SC - B?
No
For war d queu ed Us e M AP - C all to N etw ork

m essag es f or MS FOR W A RD - AC C E S S- R elease and MS
vi a MS C- B S IGN A LLIN G r eq.
R elease M AP to M SC- B
R esourc es i n MS C- A
MS W ait for W a it fo r
on MS ID LE MS
M S C- B o n M S C -B on MS C- B
ETSI
Wait for
MS
on MSC-B
A -HANDOV ER- Cancel MAP Expiry Call

FAILURE from MS C-B from Network
Procedures T103 Re lease
f rom B SS-A
Res et In MSC-A and Canc el MAP

T103 to MSC-B Proc edures
Forward q ueued
Relea se Res ources Release Resourc es
messages for MS
BSS-A BS S-A
via BSS-A
in MSC-A Cancel MAP

to MSC-B Procedures
Wait for W ait for

Call in P rogres s
MS IDLE MS
on MSC-A
on MSC-B on MS C-B
ETSI

MS Established on MSC-B
P rocedure fo r Handover in MSC-A without a Circ uit Connection
MS
on
MS C-B
Reques t fo r Canc el MAP From MS Call

Circ uit From MSC-B
Proc edures or Network Releas e
Establishment
MAP -PREPARE- Call

S UBS EQ UE NT- to Network
Release
HANDO VE R req.
[A-HO-REQUEST]
from MS C-B
MAP-P REPARE- MAP-SEND-END-

HA NDOVER req. S IG NAL resp.
[NULL] to MSC-B
[A-AS G-REQUEST]
to MS C-B
Wait For
Res ponse 8 IDLE
from MSC-B
ETSI

Circuit Connection Establishme nt to MS C-B
Wait Fo r
Res ponse
from MSC-B
MAP-PREPARE- Call From MS

HANDOVER resp. Release or Netwo rk
[Handover Number]
[A -ASG-CO MP LETE]
from MSC-B
I_CONNECT (IAM) MAP-SEND-

to MSC-B us ing END-SIGNAL resp.
Handover Number to MSC-B
Wait for
Comple te IDLE
from MSC-B
ETSI
Wait For
Respons e
from MSC-B
MAP-P REPARE- M AP -PREPARE- Canc el MAP

HANDOVER resp. HANDOVER resp. from MSC-B
Proc edures
[M AP ERROR] [A-ASG-FAILURE]
from MSC-B from MS C-B
No MA P-PAS req. (Allowed onc e Call

Retry? [A-CLEAR-REQUEST] to Network
in this s tate ) Release
from MSC-B
Yes
MAP-P REPARE- Respons e to Re sponse to

HA NDOVER req. Failure Circuit E stablis hment Failure Circuit Establishment
[NULL] Request Re quest
[A-AS G-REQUEST]
to MS C-B
Wait For MS MS
Respons e on on IDLE
from MSC-B MSC-B MSC-B
ETSI
W ait for
Complete
from MSC-B
I_COM PLE TE MAP-PAS req. (Allowed on ce Call From MS

(ACM) from MSC-B [A-CLE AR- in this state) Releas e or Network
REQUEST]
from MSC-B
I-ANSW ER
(ANM) from MSC-B
Canc el MAP MAP-S END-

from MS C-B END-SIGNAL
Proc edures
res p. to MSC-B
Res po nse to Respons e to I_DISCONNE CT

Success Circ uit Establishment Circuit E stablis hment Fa ilure
(REL) to MSC-B
Request Request
Call Wait for

on Complete IDLE
MSC-B from MSC-B
ETSI
Subsequent Hando ver f rom MS C - B to M SC - B'
Proc edur e for H a ndo ve r in M S C -A no C ir cuit C onnection r equ ired.
M A P-P REP AR E-
S U B SE QU E N T-
HA ND OV ER res p.
[A -H O- RE QU ES T-A CK ]
to MS C- B
Q ueue M es sa ges
for M S i n M S C -A
S et
T103
W ait for
MS
o n MS C - B '
M A P-S EN D - M AP -P AS req. ( Allow ed o nc e M A P-PA S r eq.

E N D- S IGN A L r eq [A- HO -D E TE C T] in this s tate) [A -C LE A R -
[A -H O- CO MP LE TE] fr om MS C -B ' RE Q UES T ]
from M SC -B' fr om M S C -B
M A P-P AS r eq. Yes W ait for

R eset ( A ll owed once
[A -C LE A R - acces s
T103 i n this sta te)
RE Q UE ST ] by M S ?
from M SC -B' No
For war d queu ed Us e M AP - to M S C -B C an c el M A P

m essag es f or MS FOR W A RD - AC C E S S- and M SC -B ' Pr oc edur es
vi a MS C- B S IGN AL LIN G r eq
R edefin e M SC - B ' to N e tw ork C all

a s M S C- B and MS R elease
MS W ait for
on MS ID LE
M S C- B on M SC -B'
ETSI
W ait for
MS
on MSC-B'
Expiry MA P-PAS re q. Canc el MAP Call from Network

[A-HO- from MSC-B'
T103 Procedures Re lease or MSC-B
FAILURE]
from MSC-B
Res et Cancel MAP

from MSC-B
T103 Procedures
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - W ait Yes

messages f or MS FORW ARD- for acces s
via MS C-B ACCESS- by MS?
SIGNALLING req. No
Ca nc el MAP Cancel MAP

to MSC-B' to MSC-B '
Proc edures Procedures
MS W ait for
on IDLE MS
MSC-B on MSC-B'
ETSI
Procedure MSC_B_H O Sheet1 (18)

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
IDLE
MAP-PREPARE-HANDO VER req.

[A-HO-REQUEST]
from MSC-A
No
Known
BSS?
Yes
Not Requ es ted

Hand ov er
Number?
Requested
MA P-ALLOCATE - MAP-PRE PA RE-

HANDOVER-NUMBE R req. HANDOV ER res p
to VLR [A-HO-FAILURE]
to MSC-A
Set
T201
A-HANDOVER-
REQ UE ST
to BSS-B
Wait for
Channel or IDLE
Handov er Number
Figure 42 (Sheet 1 of 18): Handover control procedure in MSC-B
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
Wait for
Channel or
Handover Number
A -HANDOV ER- MAP-A LLOCATE-

REQ UEST-ACK HANDOVER-
from B SS-B NUMBER res p.
from VLR
Reset
T201
Requested
Handover
Number?
Not Requested
MAP-PREPARE- W ait for W ait for

HANDO VE R resp. Handover Number Channel
[A-HO-REQUEST-ACK] A lloca tion Allocation
to MSC-A
MAP-ALLOCATE- A-HANDOVER-
HANDOVER- REQUEST-ACK
NUMBE R resp. from BSS-B
from VLR
Reset
T201
MAP-PREPARE -
HANDO VE R resp.
[A-HO -REQUEST-ACK]
[Handov er Number]
to MSC-A
Set S et
T204 T210
Wait for W ait for

MS Connection
on B SS-B from MS C-A
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
W ait for Wait for W ait for W ait for

Channel or Channel Channel or Handov er Number
Handov er Number Alloc ation Handover Number Allocation
A-HANDOVER- Ex piry A-CLEA R-REQ UEST Indication from

FAILURE ERRO R
T201 from BS S-B VLR
from BSS-B
Release Resources Relea se Res ources

in BSS-B in BSS-B
Retry MAP-P REPARE-

Same HA NDOVER res p.
Cell? No [MAP E RROR]
Yes to MS C-A
MAP-PRE PARE - Canc el

Set
HANDOVER resp. Channel
T201
[A-HO-FAILURE] on BSS-B
to MSC-A
A-HANDOVER-
REQUEST
to BS S-B
W ait for
Channel or IDLE IDLE
Handov er Number
ETSI

Procedures fo r Ba sic handover f rom MS C-A to MSC-B
Handover in MSC-B Circ uit Connection required
W ait for
Connec tion
from MSC-A
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry A-CLE AR-REQUEST

from MSC-A T210 f rom B SS-B
(Us es Handover No.)
Cancel MAP-PAS req.

Reset To MSC-A Cancel MAP e.g. MAP-ABO RT
T210 in MSC-B MAP Procedures from MSC-A [A -CLEAR-
Procedures RE QUES T]
to MS C-A
Canc el
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- To MSC-A
MAP
REPORT resp. to VLR-B in MSC-B
Proc edures
Set
T204
Release
I_COMPLETE (ACM)
Radio Resourc es
to MS C-A
o n BS S-B
W ait for
acc es s by MS I DLE
on BSS-B
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
W ait for
acc es s by MS
on BSS-B
A-HANDOVER- A -CLEAR- Expiry Cancel MAP

COMPLE TE REQ UEST from MSC-A
T2 04 Procedure
from BSS-B from B SS-B
MAP-P AS req Res et

[A -CLEAR- T204
REQ UEST]
to MSC-A
Reset I_DISCONNE CT
T204 (REL) to MSC-A
Yes Releas e
ANM I_DISCO NNECT
Res ourc es on
Sent? (REL) from MSC-A
BSS-B
No
I_ANS WER (ANM) A-HANDOVER-

to MS C-A DETECT
from BSS-B
to MSC-A Cancel MAP I _ANSW ER (ANM )

in MSC-B Procedures t o MSC-A
MAP-S END- Release MAP-P AS req

END-SIG NA L req. Resources on [A-HO-DE TECT]
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] B SS-B to MS C-A
to MS C-A
W ait for
Call in Progres s Wait for
I DLE acc es s by MS
on MS C-B Disc onnect
on BSS-B
ETSI
Procedure MSC_B_HO Sheet6(18)

Procedures for
Handover in MSC-B
Forward Messages Call in Progress

to MS on MSC-B
MAP-SEND- A-CLEAR-REQUEST A-HO-PERFORMED

END-SIGNAL resp . from BSS-A from BSS
fro m MSC-A
MAP-PAS req . MAP-PAS req .

[A-CLEAR-REQ UEST] [A-HO-PERFORMED]
to MSC-A to MSC-A
Can cel MAP Call in Progress

Procedures on MSC-B
I_DISCONNECT
Release Resources Can cel MAP
from MSC-A
in BSS-A (REL) from MSC-A Procedures
Yes A-HANDO VER-

MSC-A Release Resources
disconnected? in BSS-A REQUIRED
from BS S-A
No
Wait for I_DISCONNECT

Disconnect (REL) to MSC-A
I_DISCONNECT
(REL) from MSC-A
Call in Progress
IDLE IDLE 2
on MSC-B
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
2 4
Yes
Known
MSC?
No
Handover
allowed to
No Cell?
Yes
MSC-A/MSC-B'
Which
MSC?
MS C-B
Known MAP-P REPARE-

BSS? SUBSEQUENT-
No HA NDOVER req.
Yes [A-HO-REQ UEST]
to MS C-A
Yes
Select Resources on
1
New Cell? BSS-B?
No
No
Yes
No
Send Rejec t?
Yes
A-HANDOVER- Set
REJECT T211
to BS S-A
No
Circuit
Conn ec tion?
Yes
Call in P rogres s MS Wait

on 3 for
on MSC-B
MSC-B Respons e
ETSI
Pro ce d u re M S C _ B_ H O S he e t8 (1 8)
Pr ocedure s fo r Hando ver from B SS -A to B SS - B on M S C -B
Han dover in M S C- B
A -H AN DOV E R- R EQ U ES T
to B S S- B
S et
T201
W ait
for
C hanne l
A -H AN D OVE R - E x piry A - H A ND OV E R - M A P - SE N D- END -

R EQU E S T- ACK T 201 F AILUR E S IG NA L r esp.
from BS S -B fr om BS S- B f rom MS C- A
R eset R eset A - CLEA R -R EQU ES T

T201 T 201 fr om BS S - A
M A P- P AS req Cancel
Q ueue M es sa ges
[A-C LE AR - C han nel re ques t
i n M SC -B
R EQ UE ST ] on B S S-B
to M S C- A
H an dov er C om mand R eleas e R e sour ces C anc el M A P T o M SC -A

to M S via B S S -A on B S S- B Pr oc edures i n M SC -B
S et U p R etry
R el ease Res ource s
H andov er H and over on B S S-A
D evice A ttem pt? No
Y es
S et
C ell ?
T202
Sam e C el l
New C el l
W ait for W ai t for

3 2 1
a cc es s by MS D isc onnect
ETSI
Pro ce d u re M S C _ B_ H O S he e t9 (1 8)
Pr ocedure s fo r
W ait for
a cc es s by MS
A -H AN D OVE R - A -H A ND OV ER - A- H A ND OV ER
COM PL E TE D E T E CT F A IL UR E
from BS S -B for m B SS -B f rom B S S-A
R eset
T202
M A P-P AS r eq.
[A -H O- PE RF OR M E D]
to MS C- A
No No
C ircu it Cir cuit
C onnec tion? Conn ection?
Y es Ye s
Co nnect Connect
R e set
H andov er Handover T2 02
D evice Devi ce
(O pti onal) (Option al)
For war d queu ed Fo r wa rd queu ed

m essag es m essage s
vi a BS S- B via BS S- A
R elease R eso urces R elease R esource s

in BS S- A in B S S- B
No No
C ircu it C irc uit
C onnec tion? C o nnec tion?
Y es Y es
Re lease R elease
H andov er H andov er
D evice D evice
MS MS
C all i n Progre s s W ait for C a ll i n P rogres s
on on
o n MS C- B access by M S on MS C- B
MS C- B M S C -B
ETSI
Procedure MSC_B_H O Sheet10(18)

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
W ait for
acc es s by MS
Expiry A-CLEAR-REQ UEST A-CLEAR-REQUEST MAP-SEND-END-

T202 from BSS-B from BSS-A SIGNAL resp.
from MSC-A
Release Resources
Release Resources Release Res ourc es
in BSS -B in BSS-B in BS S-A
and B SS-A
Re lease Yes W ait for

Handov er acce ss by
Device MS?
No
MAP-PAS req. MA P-PAS req. Release Resource s

[A-CLEAR-REQUEST] [A-CLEAR-REQUEST] in BSS -B
to MS C-A to MSC-A and B SS-A
Release
Canc el MAP To MSC-A To MS C-A Canc el MAP
Handov er
Proc edures in MSC-B in MSC-B Proc edures
Device
I_DISCONNE CT Release Resourc es

(REL) to MSC-A in BS S-B
Wait for W ait for W ait for

IDLE
access by MS Dis connect Dis connec t
ETSI
Pro ce d u re M S C _ B_ H O S he e t1 1 ( 18 )
Pr ocedure s fo r Su bsequent H ando ver fr om M S C -B to M SC- A
W ait
for
Res ponse
M AP - PR EP ARE - M AP -PR EP AR E- E xp iry A - C LE AR -

S U BS E Q UEN T- S UBS EQ UE NT - T2 11 R E QU E ST
H A N DO VE R r esp. H A N DO V ER r esp. fro m B S S- A
[A - HO- R E QU E ST [A - HO -FA ILU R E
- A CK ] fr om MS C- A or M AP E RR O R ]
fr om MS C- A
Res et R eset M AP -PA S r eq.

T2 11 T 211 [A-C LE AR -
R EQ UE ST ]
to M S C- A
M AP -SE N D -EN D -
R e lea se Res our ces i n M S C -B Cancel MA P
i n B S S-B S IGN AL re sp. to M S C- A Procedur es
fr om M S C -A
R etr y No
H an dover Com m and
H andover
to M S via B S S- A
A ttem pt?
Yes
Sam e C el l
S et R el ease Res ource s
C ell ?
T2 04 in B S S-A
N ew C ell
W ait for
W ai t for
A ck . fr om 2 4 1
D isc onnect
MS C- A
ETSI
Pro ce d u re M S C _ B_ H O S he e t1 2 ( 18 )
Pr ocedure s fo r
W ait fo r
Ack . fr om
MS C- A
M A P- S E ND - E x piry A- C LEA R -R EQU ES T A -H A N D OV E R -

E ND - T 204 from BS S-A FA ILU RE
S IGN AL res p. from B S S-A
fr om M S C -A
Res et Relea se Res our ces MA P- PA S re q. Re set

T204 in BS S -A [A-C LE AR -R E QU E ST] T204
to M S C -A
R elease Res o urces Cance l MAP to M S C -A R e lease R esourc es M AP -P A S r eq.

in BS S-A Pr ocedures i n M S C- B in B SS - A [A-H O- FA ILU RE ]
to MS C -A
C anc el M AP
to M SC -A
P r oc edur e s
No No
Ci rcuit Circu it
C onn ec tion? C onnec tion?
Yes Yes
MS
W ait fo r C all in P rogres s
IDLE on
D isc onnect on MS C- B
MS C- B
ETSI
Proce dure MSC_B_H O Sheet13(18)

Proce dures for Basic han dover from MSC-A to MSC-B
Ha ndov er in MSC-B no Circ uit Connect ion required
W ait for
MS
on BSS-B
A-HANDOVER- A-CLEAR- E xp iry Canc el MAP

COMPLE TE REQUEST from MS C-A
T204 Proc edure
from BSS-B from BSS-B
Reset MAP-P AS req

T2 04 [A-CLEAR-
REQ UEST]
to MS C-A
MAP -SEND- A-HANDOVER- Cancel MAP to MSC-A

END-SIGNAL req. DETECT Procedures in MS C-B
[A -HO-COMPLETE] from BSS-B
to MSC-A
MA P-PAS req. Release

[A-HO-DE TECT] Resourc es on
to MSC-A BSS-B
MS Wait fo r
on MS IDLE
MSC-B on BSS-B
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
Forward Mess ages MS

to MS on
MS C-B
MA P-SEND- A-HANDOVER- MAP-PREPARE-

END-SIG NAL resp. REQ UIRED HANDOVER req.
from MSC-A fro m BSS-A [NULL]
[A-ASG-REQ UE ST]
from MSC-A
Releas e Resources MAP-ALLOCATE-

in BSS-B HANDOV ER-NUMBER req.
to VLR
A-ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
to B SS-A
Wa it f or
IDLE 2 Ass ignmen t or
Han dov er Number
ETSI

Procedures fo r Circ uit Connection Es tablis hment on MS C-B
Handover in MSC-B
Wait for
Assignment or
Handover Number
A-ASSIGNMENT- MAP-ALLOCATE-
COMPLE TE HANDOVER-
from BSS-A NUMBE R resp.
from VLR
Wait for
W ait for
Handover Number Ass ignment
Alloc ation
MAP-ALLOCATE- A-ASSIGNME NT-

HANDOVER- COMPLETE
NUMBE R resp. from BS S-A
from VLR
M AP -PREPARE-
HANDO VER resp.
[Handover Numbe r]
[A-ASG-COMPLETE]
to MSC-A
Set
T210
Wait for
Connect
from MSC-A
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
W ait for Wait for W ait for W ait for Wait fo r

Wait for W ait for
Assignment or Assignment or Handover Number Assignment or Handov er Number
Assignment Assignment
Handov er Number Handover Number A lloca tion Handover Numb er Allocation
A-ASSIGNMENT- Indication fro m MAP-S END-

FAILURE E RROR END-SIG NA L resp.
VLR
from BSS-A from MSC-A
MAP-P REPARE- M AP -PREPARE- A-CLEAR-REQUEST

HA NDOVER res p. HANDO VER resp. from BSS-A
[A-AS G-FA ILURE] [MAP ERROR]
to MS C-A to MSC-A
MAP-PA S req.
[A-CLEAR-REQ UEST]
to MSC-A
Canc el MAP Cancel MAP

to MSC-A
Proc edures to VLR-B Procedures
a nd VLR-B
Release Res ources

in BSS-A
MS
on IDLE
MSC-B
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
Wait for
Connect
from MSC-A
I_CONNECT (IAM) Expiry A-CLEAR-REQUEST

from MSC-A T210 fro m BSS-A
(Uses Handover No.)
Res et to MSC-A Cancel MAP MAP-PA S req.

T210 in MSC-B Procedures [A-CLEAR_REQ UE ST]
to MS C-A
MAP-SEND-HANDOVER- Canc el MAP to MS C-A

REP ORT resp . to VLR-B Proc edures in MSC-B
Release
I_COMPLETE
Radio Resources
(ACM) to MS C-A
on BSS-A
Call
on IDLE
MS C-B
ETSI

Procedures fo r
Handover in MSC-B
Wait for
Connect
from MSC-A
I_DISCONNECT MAP-SEND- Cancel MAP

END-SIGNAL resp. from MSC-A
(REL) from MSC-A Procedure
from MSC-A
Release Releas e
Resources on Res ourc es on
BS S-A BSS-A
MS
on IDLE IDLE
MS C-B
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_A_H O Sheet1 (78)

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A
IDLE
Call in P rogres s
on 3G_MS C-A
A-HANDO VE R-REQ UIRED Iu-REL OCATIO N-REQ UIRED

from BSS-A from RNS-A
(GS M to UMTS Han dov er)
Yes T o GSM From MS

Known Type of Call
MSC? handover or Network Releas e
Imp licit Releas e
of B SS-A
No S RNS
No Reloc ation
Handover allowed
to Cell?
11 10
Yes
3G_MSC-B
W hic h
M SC?
3G_MSC-A
No
Known
RNS?
Yes
3
No
Resources
o n RNS-B?
Yes
No
Send Rejec t?
Yes
A-HANDOVER-
REJECT
to BS S-A
Call in P rogres s
on 3G_MS C-A 2 4 IDLE
(G SM)
Figure 43 (sheet 1 of 78): Handover control procedure in 3G_MSC-A
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Handover on 3G_MSC-A from BSS-A to RNS-B.
Iu RELOCATIO N-REQ UE ST
to RNS-B
Set
T501
Wait for Channel

Allocation
Intra-MSC
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-RELOCATIO N From UE/MS Call

REQUEST-ACK FAIL URE or Network Releas e
from RNS-B from RNS-B
Reset E xpiry Reset A-CLEAR-

T501 T501 T501 REQUEST
from BSS-A
Queue M es sages
for UE/MS Call Release to Network
in 3G_MSC-A
Cancel Releas e
Han dov er Command
Channel Res ources
to UE/MS via B SS-A
in RNS-B in BSS-A
Set Up Cancel
Internal mess age
Handov er in 3G_MSC-A Channel
Device in RNS-B
Set
T502
W ait for acces s by

UE/MS on RNS/BSS 3 IDLE
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Wait for acces s

by UE /MS on RNS/BSS
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION Iu-RELOCAT IO N
COMPLETE DETE CT
Connect the Only if not already Connect the

Handove r connec ted Handover
Dev ice (O ption) Devic e (Option)
Res et
T502
Releas e
Res ources
in BSS-A
Forward queued
me ssages for
UE/MS via RNS-B
Call in P rogres s W ait for ac cess

on 3G_MS C-A by UE/MS on RNS/B SS
(UTRAN) (GSM t o UMTS handover)
ETSI

W ait for Ac cess

by UE/MS
On RNS/BSS
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
A-HANDOVER- A-CLEAR- (Allowed

Expiry Call
FAILURE REQ UEST once in From Network
T5 02 Releas e
from BSS-A from B SS-A this state)
Reset (Allowed Iu-REL EA SE Release Release

T502 onc e in REQ UEST Resourc es Resource s
this state) from RNS-B in BS S-A in BSS-A
Forward queued Releas e Yes Release

W ait for UE/MS
messages for Res ources on BSS-B? Ha ndover
UE/MS v ia BSS-A in RNS-B Device
No
Re lease
Reset
Re sources T502
in RNS -B
Release Release
Ha ndover Resourc es
Device in RNS-B
Call
to Network
Release
Releas e
Handover
Devic e
Call in Progres s Wait for access Wa it for acces s

on 3G_MSC-A by UE/MS IDLE by UE /MS
(G SM ) on RNS /B SS on RNS/BSS
(GSM to UMTS Ho) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

10
Yes
Known
MSC?
No
No Handover
allowed to
Cell?
Yes
MSC-B
Which
MSC?
3G_MS C-A
No
Known
BSS?
12 Yes
No
Resources on
BSS-B?
Yes
Iu-RELOCATION
PREP ARATION F AIL URE
to RNS-A
Call in P rogres s
on 3G_MS C-A 13 14
(UTRAN)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Handover on 3G_MSC-A from RNS-A to BSS-B.
13
A-HANDO VER
-REQUEST
to BS S-B
Set
T301
Wait for Channel

Allocation
Intra-MSC
A-HANDOVER- A-HANDOVER- From UE/MS Call

REQUEST-ACK FA ILURE or Network Releas e
from BSS-B from BSS-B
Reset E xpiry Reset Iu-RELEASE-

from RNS-A
Queue M es sages
for UE/MS Call Release to Network
in 3G_MSC-A
Han dov er Command Cancel Releas e

to UE/MS via Channel Res ources
Iu-RELOCATION in B SS-B in RNS-A
Command to RNS-A
Set Up Cancel
Internal mess age
Device in BSS-B
Set
T302
W ait for acces s

by UE/MS 12 IDLE
on B SS/RNS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Wait for access

by UE/MS
on BSS/RNS
(UMTS to GSM han dov er)
A -HANDOVER-COMPLETE A-HANDO VE R-DET ECT

from BS S-B from BSS-B
Connect the Only if not alread y Connec t t he

Handover connec ted Handov er
Res et
T302
Releas e
Res ources
in RNS-A
Forward queued
mes sages for
UE/MS via B SS-B
Call in Progress W ait for ac cess

on 3G_MSC-A by UE/MS
(GSM) on B SS/RNS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

W ait for Ac cess

by UE/MS
On RNS/BSS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-REL EA SE (Allowed

Expiry Call From Network
CANCEL REQ UEST once in
T3 02 Releas e
from RNS-A from RNS-A this state)
Reset (Allowed A-CLEAR Release Release Release

T302 onc e in REQ UEST Resourc es Resource s Ha ndover
this state) from B SS-B in RNS-A in RNS-A Device
Forward queued Releas e Yes W ait for

messages for Res ources UE/MS on
UE/MS via RNS-A in BSS-B BSS-B?
No
Re lease
Reset
Re sources T302
in BSS -B
Release Release
Device in BS S-B
Call
to Network
Release
Releas e
Handover
Devic e

on 3G_MSC-A by UE/MS IDLE by UE /MS
(UT RAN) on RNS /B SS on RNS/BSS
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

11
Yes
Known
3G_MSC?
No
3G_MSC-B
Which
3G _MSC?
3G_MS C-A
Known
RNS?
No
16 Yes
Resources on
RNS-B?
No
Yes
Iu-RELOCATION
PREP ARATION F AIL URE
to RNS-A
Call in P rogres s
on 3G_MS C-A 15 17
(UTRAN)
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_A_H O Sheet10(78)

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A SRNS Relocation on 3G_MSC-A from RNS -A to RNS-B
15
Iu-RELOCATION
-REQUEST
to RNS-B
Set
T701
Wait for Channel

Allocation
Intra-3G_MS C
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-RELOCATIO N From UE Call

REQUEST-ACK FAIL URE or Network Releas e
Reset E xpiry Reset Iu-RELEASE-

from RNS-A
Queue M es sages
for UE Call Release to Network
in 3G_MSC-A
Cancel Releas e
Iu-RELOCATION
Channel Res ources
Command to RNS-A
in RNS-B in RNS-A
Set Up Cancel
Internal mess age
Device in RNS-B
Set
T702
W ait for acces s

by UE on RNS 16 IDLE
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Wait for acces s

by UE on RNS
(SRNS RELO CATION)
Iu-RELO CATION- Iu-RELOCATION-

COMPLETE DET ECT
Connect the Only if not already Conne ct the

Handove r connec ted Handover
Res et
T702
Releas e
Res ources
in RNS-A
Forward queued
mes sages for UE
via RNS-B
Call in P rogress W ait for ac cess

on 3 G_MS C-A by UE on RNS
(UT RAN) (SRNS Reloca tio n)
ETSI

W ait for Ac cess

by UE O n RNS
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-REL EA SE (Allowed

Expiry Call From Network
CANCEL REQ UEST once in
T7 02 Releas e
from RNS-A from RNS-A this state)
Reset (Allowed Iu-REL EA SE Release Release

T702 onc e in REQ UEST Resourc es Resource s
this state) from RNS-B in RNS-A in RNS-A
Forward queued Releas e Yes W ait for Release

messages f or UE Res ources UE on Ha ndover
via RNS-A in RNS-B RNS-B? Device
No
Re lease
Reset
Re sources T702
in RNS -B
Release Release
Device in RNS-B
Call
to Network
Release
Releas e
Handover
Devic e

on 3G_MSC-A by UE on RNS IDLE by UE on RNS
(UT RAN) (SRNS Relo cation) (SRNS Re location)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Bas ic GS M to UMTS han dov er
to 3G_MSC-B Circuit
Connection required
MAP-P REPARE-
HA NDOVER req.
[A-HO-REQ UEST ]
to 3G_MS C-B
Wait For
Ack nowledgement
from 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-PREPARE- MAP-PREPARE - MAP-P REPARE-

HANDOVER resp. HANDOVER resp. HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-REQUEST-ACK] [A-HO-FA ILURE] [MAP ERROR]
from 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MS C-B from 3G_MSC-B
Not Requested
Handover
Number?
Requested
I_CONNECT (IAM)
to 3G_MSC-B using
Handover Number
W ait for Connection

7
from 3G_MSC-B 3
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Wait For
Ack nowledgement
from 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
A-CLEAR-REQUEST Call From UE/MS

ERRO R from 3G_MSC-B
from BSS-A Re lease or Network
Canc el MAP Call

in 3G_MSC-A to Network
Re sources Release
Release
Resources
in BSS-A
Canc el MAP
to 3G_MS C-B
Resources
3 IDLE
ETSI


from 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
(A llowed
I_COMPLETE (ACM) A-CLEAR-REQUEST F rom UE /MS Call
once in
from 3G_MSC-B from BSS-A or Netwo rk Releas e
this s tate )
MAP-PA S req. (Allowed Call to UE /MS

[A-CLEAR-REQ UEST ] onc e in Release and Network
from 3G_MSC-B this state)
Queue M es sages Wait f or Connec tion Releas e

from 3G_MS C-B
for UE/MS from 3G_MSC-B ERROR Res ources
or Network
in 3G_MSC-A (GSM to UMTS Ho) in BSS-A
Han dov er Command I_DISCONNECT

to UE/MS via B SS-A (REL) to 3G_MSC-B
Set to 3G_MSC-B Cancel MAP

T503 in 3G_MSC-A Procedures
Set Up the
Handov er
in 3G_MSC-A (REL) to 3G_MS C-B
Device
W ait for Comp letion

on 3G_MSC-B 3 IDLE
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI


on 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)

END-SIG NA L req. (ANM) from 3G_MSC-B [A-HO-DE TECT ]
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-B
(Allowed MA P-PAS re q. (Allowed

Reset A-CLEAR-REQ UEST
T503 onc e in [A-CLEAR-REQUEST] once in from BSS-A
this state) from BSS-B this s tate)
Release
Resourc es
on BSS-A

Handov er UE/MS on
Device (option) 3G_MSC-B?
No
Wait f or Completion
Call to Ne twork
on 3G_MS C-B
Release and UE/MS
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - Connect

Release MAP to 3G_MSC-B
messages FORWA RD-ACCESS- Handove r
Resourc es in 3G_MSC-A
via 3G_MSC-B SIGNAL LING req Device (op tio n)
Re lease
I_DIS CO NNECT
Re sources (REL) t o 3G_MSC-B
on BSS-A
Call Wait f or Completion

on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G_MS C-B
(UT RAN) (GS M to UM TS Ho)
ETSI

on 3G_MS C-B
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
A -HANDOV ER- I_DISCONNECT Expiry Call

FAILURE (REL) from from Network
T5 03 Releas e
f rom B SS-A 3 G_ MSC-B
Res et Cancel MAP In 3G_MSC-A and Re lease In ternal to

T503 Procedures to 3G_MSC-B Handov er 3G_MSC-A
Device
Forward q ueued Release Wa it for Comp letion

Internal to
me ssages for Handover 3 G_ MSC-A on 3G_MS C-B
UE /MS via B SS-A Device (G SM to UMTS Ho)
Releas e
I_DISCONNECT
Handove r (REL) to 3G_MSC-B
Dev ice
Canc el
in 3G_MSC-A Cancel MAP Canc el MAP In 3G _MSC-A and
from 3G_MSC-B MAP
to 3G_MSC-B Procedures Proc edures to 3G_MS C-B
Proc edures
I_DISCONNECT Release Release

Internal to
(REL) to Handover Handov er
3G_MSC-A
3G_MSC-B Devic e Device
Release
I_DISCONNECT
Resources
(REL) to 3G_MSC-B
BSS-A
Call in P rogres s W ait for Completion

on 3G_MS C-A on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(GSM) (GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Call
on MSC-B
(GSM)
MAP-PREPARE- MAP-P AS req. From UE/MS Call

8 SUB SEQUENT- [A-CLEAR- or Network Releas e
[A-HO-REQUEST] from 3 G_MS C-B
from MSC-B
No MAP-SEND-END-
Known Call
3G _M SC? on MSC-B S IG NAL resp.
to MSC-B
Yes
Hand ov er No
Canc el MAP
allowed to from MSC-B
proc edures
Cell?
Yes
3G_MSC-B'
3G_MSC? Release and UE/MS
3G_MSC-A
No
Known
5
RNS?
Yes
No
new RNS? (REL) to MSC-B
Yes
Iu- MAP-P REPARE- MAP-PRE PA RE-

RELO CATION- SUBSEQUENT- SUBSEQUENT-
REQ UEST HANDOVER res p. HANDOVER res p.
to RNS-B [A-HO-FAILURE] [MAP E RROR]
to MS C-B to MS C-B
No
Set Circuit
T501 Connection?
Yes
Wait for Channel UE/MS Call

Allocation o n MSC-B on MSC-B IDLE
(GS M to UM TS Ho) (GSM) (GSM)
ETSI

Wait for Channel

Allocation
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION Iu- Expiry Call From UE/MS

REQUEST -ACK. RELOCATIO N T5 01 Re lease or Network
from RNS-B FAILURE
from RNS-B
Res et Reset Ca nc el
T501 T501 Channel
RNS-B
Queue Mess ages (Allowed MAP-PAS req. MAP-SEND-END-

for UE/MS once in [A -CLEAR-REQUE ST ] SIGNAL resp
in 3G_MSC-A this state) from MS C-B to MS C-B
MAP-PREPARE - Release Release

I_DISCONNE CT
SUBSEQ UENT- Resources Resourc es (REL) to MSC-B
HANDOV ER resp in RNS-B in RNS-B
[A-HO -REQUEST-
ACK] t o MSC-B
No
Circuit Call
Connect ion? o n MSC-B
Yes
Se t Up
Handove r
Dev ice
Set MAP-PREPARE-
T504 SUBSEQUENT-
HA NDOVER resp.
[A-HO-FAILURE]
to MSC-B
Wait for Acces s Call

by UE /MS on MSC-B IDLE
(GS M to UMT S Ho) (GSM)
ETSI

Wa it f or acces s
by UE /MS
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION Iu-RE LO CATION Expiry

COMPLE TE DET ECT T504
No
Res et Circuit Call
to Network
Yes
Connect Connec t Release

Han dov er Handover Resources
Device (o ption) Device (option) on RNS-B
Forward queued
Canc el MAP in 3G_MSC-A
messages for MS Proc edures to MS C-B
via RNS-B
MA P-SEND-END- I _DISCONNECT (RE L)

SIGNAL resp. to MSC-B
to MSC-B
No
Circuit
Con nec tion?
Yes
Releas e
Han dov er
Dev ice
I_DISCONNECT (REL)
to MSC-B
Call in P rogres s W ait for access

on 3G_MS C-A by UE/MS IDLE
(UTRAN) (GSM to UMT S Ho)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-PAS req. MAP-PAS req. (Allowed Canc el

Call
[A-HO- [A-CLE AR- once in MAP fro m Network
Releas e
FAILURE] REQUEST ] this state) Proc edures
from MSC-B from MSC-B
Iu -RELEASE (Allowed
REQUEST once in
from RNS-B this state)
Forward queu ed
Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
via MS C-B
Re lease
Re sources
on RNS-B
No
Circu it
Connec tion?
Yes
Re lease
Handov er
Device
Call UE /MS Wait for acces s

on MS C-B on MSC-B by UE /MS
(G SM ) (GSM) (GS M to UMT S Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Sub sequent GSM to UMT S Handover from
MSC-B to 3G _MSC-B'
Circ uit Connection required
MAP-PREPARE-HANDOVER req
[A-HO-REQ UEST ]
to 3G _MSC-B'
W ait for Ack

from 3G_MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-P REPARE- MAP-PRE PA RE-

H ANDOVER res p.. HANDOVER res p.
[A-HO-RE QUES T-A CK] [A-HO-FAILURE]
from 3G_MSC-B' from 3G_MSC-B '
Not Requested
Handov er
Number?
Requested
I_CONNECT (IAM) MAP-P REPARE-

to 3G_MS C-B' using SUBSEQUENT-
Han dov er Number HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-FAILURE]
to MSC-B
W ait for Connection Call

from 3G_MSC-B' 9 on MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho) (GSM)
ETSI

W ait for Ack

from 3G_MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
f rom MS C-B Call From UE/MS

ERRO R from 3G_MSC-B' ERRO R
o r Network Release or Network
Re lease Canc el MAP

MAP to 3G _MSC-B' to 3G _MSC-B'
Proc edures
Re sources

from 3G_MSC-B to MS C-B
Release
Cancel MAP
to 3G_MSC-B' Handov er
Procedures
Devic e
MAP-P REPARE- I_DISCONNECT

ERRO R SUBSEQUENT- (REL) to MSC-B
HA NDOVER res p.
to MS C-B
Call W ait for Ac k

on MS C-B from 3G _MSC-B' IDLE
(G SM ) (GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI


from 3G_MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
I_ COMPLETE from 3G_MSC-B' from UE/MS Call

ERRO R
(ACM) from 3G _MSC-B' or Network or Network Releas e
Set up MAP-P AS req. (Allowed MAP-PA S req.

Handov er [A-CLEAR- once in [A-CLEAR-
Device REQUEST] this state) REQ UEST ]
from 3G_ MSC-B ' from MSC-B
W ait f or Connection
f rom 3G _MSC-B'
(GSM to UMTS Ho)

SUBSEQUENT- to 3G _MSC-B'
Procedures
HA NDOVER res p.
to MS C-B
Cancel MAP Canc el MAP to MS C-B

to 3G_MSC-B'
Procedures Proc edures and 3G _MSC-B'
Queue m es sages MAP -SEND-

I_ DISCONNECT (RE L)
for UE/MS E ND-SIGNAL res p
to 3G_MSC-B'
in 3G_MSC-A to MSC-B
Call to Network
Release and UE /MS

T503 E RROR S UBS EQ UE NT- to MSC-B and 3G _MSC-B'
HANDO VER resp.
to MSC-B
W ait for Comp letion Call

on 3G _MSC-B' o n MSC-B IDLE
(G SM to UMTS Ho) (GSM)
ETSI


on 3G _MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-S END- MAP-P AS req. MAP-PA S req. (Allowed

END-SIG NA L req. [A-HO-DET ECT] [A-CLEAR- onc e in
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from 3G _MSC-B' REQ UE ST] this state)
from 3G_MSC-B' from MSC-B
Reset I_ANSWER (ANM) MA P-PAS req. (A llowed

T503 from 3G_MSC-B ' [A -CLEAR- once in
REQUEST ] this s tate)
from 3G_MSC-B'
Co nnect Connec t Yes Wait for

Handov er Handover ac cess by
Device (option) Device (option) UE/ MS?
No

Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
messages for ACCESS-SIGNALLING req. Handove r
U E/MS v ia D ev ice
3G_MSC-B'
MAP-S END- to MS C-B Cancel MAP

END-SIG NA L resp. and 3G _MSC-B' Procedures
to MS C-B

(REL) to MSC-B and UE/MS Releas e
Redefine
I_DISCO NNECT (REL )
3G_MSC-B' as
to MSC-B and 3G _MSC-B'
3G_MSC-B
Call on W ait for Completion

3G_MSC-B from 3G _MSC-B' IDLE
(UT RAN) (GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI


on 3G _MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MA P-PAS re q. Canc el From

Expiry Call
[A-HO-FAILURE] from 3G_MSC-B' MAP Network
T503 Releas e
from MSC-B Proc edures or MSC-B
Res et Cancel I_DISCONNECT

from MSC-B MAP
T503 (REL) to 3G_ MSC-B '
Procedures
Release
Ca nc el MAP I_DISCONNECT
to 3G _MSC-B' Handover
Proc edures (REL) to MSC-B
Devic e
Release Releas e
Handov er Handover
Device Device
W ait for Yes

I_ DISCONNECT
acc ess by
(REL) to 3G_MSC-B '
UE/MS?
No
Yes
MSC-B Cancel MAP
to 3G_MSC-B'
Connec tion? Procedures
No
Use MAP- Forward queued

I_DISCONNECT
FORW ARD- mes sages for
(REL) to 3G _MSC-B'
ACCE SS - UE/MS via MSC-B
SIGNALLING req.
Call
Re lease to Netwo rk
Call Wait f or Co mpletion

IDLE on MSC-B IDLE on 3G _MSC-B '
(GSM) (GS M to UMT S Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Bas ic GS M to UMT S Handov er to 3G_MSC-B
no Circuit Connection requ ired
Queue M es sages
for UE/MS
in 3G_MSC-A
Han dov er Command

to UE/MS via B SS-A
Set
T503
W ait for UE/MS

on 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-S END- (Allowed A-CLE AR- MAP-PAS req.

END-SIG NA L req. once in REQUEST [A-HO-DE TECT ]
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] this state) from BS S-A from 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-B
MAP-PA S req. (Allowed Release

Reset
[A-CLEAR- once in Resourc es
T503
REQ UE ST ] this state) on BSS-A
from 3G_MSC-B
Yes
W ait for UE/MS
Re lease on 3G_MSC-B?
Re sources
on BSS-A No
Call to Network
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - Release and UE/MS
messages FORWA RD-ACCESS-
for UE/MS SIGNALLING req.
via 3G_MSC-B
UE/MS W ait for UE/MS W ait for UE/MS

on 3G_MSC-B o n 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G_MSC-B
(UT RAN) (GSM to UMTS Ho) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Wait for UE/MS

on 3G_MS C-B
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
A -HANDOV ER- Cancel

from Expiry Call
FAILURE MAP from Network
3 G_ MSC-B T 503 Re lease
f rom B SS-A Procedures
Res et In 3G _MSC-A and Canc el MAP

T503 to 3G_MS C-B Proc edures
Forward q ueued Release Release

me ssages for Reso urces Resourc es
UE /MS via B SS-A BSS-A BS S-A
in 3G_MSC-A Cancel MAP

to 3G_MSC-B Procedures
Call in P rogres s Wait for UE /MS W ait for UE/MS

on 3G_MS C-A on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G_MSC-B
(GSM) (GSM to UMTS Ho) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A UE/MS Es tablished on M SC-B
without a Circ uit Connec tion
UE /MS
on MSC-B
(GSM)
Reque st for Canc el

From UE/MS Call
Circ uit F rom MSC-B MAP
or Network Releas e
Es tablishment Proc edures
M AP -PREPARE- Call
Release
HANDO VER req.
[A-HO-REQUEST]
from MS C-B
MAP- MAP-SEND-END-
PREPARE- S IG NAL resp.
HANDOVER to MSC-B
re q. [NUL L]
[A-ASG-
REQ UE ST]
to MSC-B
Wait For Response

from MSC-B 8 IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_A_HO Sheet30(78)

Procedure for Handover in 3G_MSC-A Circuit Connection Establishment to 3G_MSC-B
Wait For Response

from 3G_MSC-B
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-PREPARE- Call From UE/MS MAP-PREPARE-

HANDOVER resp. Release or Network HANDOVER
[Handover Number] -SUBSEQUENT-
[A-ASG-COMPLETE] HANDOVER req
from 3G_MSC-B [A-HO-REQUEST]
from 3G_MSC-B
to 3G_MSC-B using END-SIGNAL resp.
Handover Number to 3G_MSC-B
Wait for Complete

from 3G_MSC-B IDLE 19
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

W ait For Response

from 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-P REPARE- MAP -PREPARE- Cance l MAP

H ANDOVER res p. HANDOVER resp. from 3G_MSC-B
Proce dures
[M AP ERROR] [A-ASG-FAILURE]
from 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MS C-B
MA P-PAS re q. (A llowed Call

[A-CLEAR-REQUEST] once in to Netwo rk
Re lease
from 3G_MSC-B this s tate )
Res po nse to Res po nse to

Failure Circ uit Establishment Failure Circuit
Request Establishment
Request
UE/MS UE/MS
on 3 G_MS C-B on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

W ait for Comp lete

from 3G_MSC-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
I_COM PLE TE MAP-PAS req. (Allowed

Call From UE/MS
(ACM) from [A -CLEAR- once in
Re lease or Network
3G_MSC-B REQ UEST ] this state)
from 3G_MSC-B
I-ANSW ER
(ANM) from
3G_MSC-B
Canc el MAP-S END-

from 3G_MSC-B MAP END-SIGNAL
Proc edures res p. to 3G_MSC-B
Res po nse to Respons e to I_DISCONNECT

Succes s Circ uit Establishment Circu it E stablis hme nt Failure
(REL) to 3G_MSC-B
Request Request
W ait for Comp lete Call on

from 3G_MSC-B 3G_MS C-B IDLE
(G SM to UMTS Ho) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Sub sequent GSM to UMTS Handover
from MSC-B to 3G_ MSC-B'
no Circuit Connection requ ired.
MAP-P REPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-
HA NDOVER res p.
to 3G_MS C-B
Queue M es sages
for UE/MS
in 3G_MSC-A
Set
T503
W ait for UE/MS

on 3G _MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MAP-S END- MAP-P AS req. (Allowed MAP-PAS req.

END-SIGNAL req [A-HO -DETECT] once in [A -CLEAR-
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from 3G _MSC-B' this st ate) REQ UEST ]
from 3G_MSC-B' from MSC-B
MAP-P AS req. (Allowed Yes

Reset W ait for
[A-CLEAR- once in
T503 acc es s by UE/MS?
REQUEST] this state)
from 3G_ MSC-B '
No
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - to 3G_MSC-B Canc el MAP

messages FORWA RD-ACCESS- and 3G_MSC-B' Proc edures
for UE/MS SIGNAL LING req
via 3G _MSC-B'
Redefine
to Network Call
3G_MSC-B' and UE/MS Re lease
as 3G_MSC-B
UE/MS W ait for UE/MS

on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MSC-B' IDLE
ETSI

W ait for UE/MS

on 3G _MSC-B'
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
MA P-PAS re q. Canc el
Expiry Call from Network
[A-HO- from 3G_MSC-B' MAP
T503 Releas e or MSC-B
FAILURE] Proc edures
from MSC-B
Res et Can cel

from MSC-B MAP
T503
Procedures
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - Yes

W ait for
messages for FORW ARD- acc ess by UE/MS?
UE/MS via MS C-B ACCESS-
SIGNALLING req.
No

to 3G _MSC-B' to 3G_MSC-B '
UE/MS Wa it for UE/MS

on MS C-B IDLE on 3G _MSC-B'
(G SM ) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Basic UMTS to GSM Hand over to MS C-B
Crcuit Connec tion required
14
MAP-P REPARE-
HA NDOVER req.
[A-HO-REQ UEST ]
to MS C-B
Wait For
Ack nowledgement
from MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

HANDOVER es p. HANDOVER resp. HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-REQUEST-ACK] [A-HO-FA ILURE] [MAP ERROR]
from MSC-B from MSC-B from MSC-B
Not Requested
Handover
Number?
Requested
I_CONNECT (IAM)
to MSC-B us ing
Handover Number

from MSC-B 18 12
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Wait For
Ack nowledgement
from MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST Call From UE/MS

ERRO R from MSC-B
from RNS-A Re lease or Network
Canc el MAP Call

Re sources Release
Release
Resources
in RNS-A
Canc el MAP
to MS C-B
Resources
12 IDLE
ETSI


from MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
I_COM PLE TE (A llowed

Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST F rom UE /MS Call
(ACM) once in
from RNS-A or Netwo rk Releas e
from MSC-B this s tate )
MAP-PA S req. (Allowed Call to UE /MS

[A-CLEAR-REQ UEST ] onc e in Release and Network
from MSC-B this state)

from MSC-B
for UE/MS from MSC-B ERROR Res ources
or Network
in 3G_MSC-A (UMTS to GSM Ho) in RNS-A
Iu-Relocation Command I_DISCONNECT

to RNS-A (REL) to MS C-B
Set to MSC-B Cancel MAP

Set Up the
Handov er
in 3G_MSC-A (RE L) to MSC-B
Device

on MS C-B 12 IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI


on MS C-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

END-SIG NA L req. (ANM) from MSC-B [A-HO-DE TECT ]
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from MSC-B
from MSC-B

Reset Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST
T303 onc e in [A-CLEAR-REQUEST] once in from RNS-A
this state) from MSC-B this s tate)
Release
Resourc es
on RNS-A

Handov er UE/MS on
Device (option) MSC-B?
No
Call to Ne twork
on MSC-B
Release and UE/MS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

Release MAP to MSC-B
via MS C-B SIGNAL LING req Device (op tio n)
Release Resources I_DIS CO NNECT

on RNS-A (REL) to MS C-B

on MS C-B IDLE on MSC-B
(G SM ) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

on MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
Iu- I_DISCONNECT Expiry Call

RELO CATION- from Network
(RE L) from MSC-B T3 03 Releas e
CANCE L
from RNS-A

T303 Procedures to MSC-B Handov er 3G_MSC-A
Device

Internal to
me ssages for Handover 3 G_ MSC-A on MS C-B
UE/MS via RNS-A Device (UMTS to GSM Ho)
Releas e
I_DISCONNECT
Handove r (REL) to MSC-B
Dev ice
Cancel Canc el Canc el

in 3G_MSC-A In 3G _MSC-A and
MAP f rom MS C-B MAP MAP
to MSC-B to MS C-B
Procedures Proc edures Proc edures

Internal to
3G_MSC-A
MSC-B Devic e Device
Release
I_DISCONNE CT
Resources
(REL) to MSC-B
RNS-A

on 3G_MS C-A on MSC-B IDLE
(UTRAN) (UMTS to GS M Ho)
ETSI

Call
on 3G_MS C-B
(UTRAN)
MAP-PREPARE- MAP-P AS req. From UE/MS Call

19 SUB SEQUENT- [A-CLEAR- or Network Releas e
[A-HO-REQUEST] from 3 G_MS C-B
from 3G_MSC-B
No Call MAP-SEND-END-
Known
MSC? on 3G_MSC-B S IG NAL resp.
(UTRAN) to 3G_MSC-B
Yes
Hand ov er No Canc el
allowed to MAP from 3G_MSC-B
Cell? proc edures
Yes
MSC-B '
MSC? Release and UE/MS
3G_MSC-A
No
Known
20
BSS?
Yes
No
new BSS? (RE L) to 3G_MS C-B
Yes
A -HANDOV ER- MAP-P REPARE- MAP-PRE PA RE-

REQ UEST SUBSEQUENT- SUBSEQUENT-
to BSS-B HANDOVER res p. HANDOVER res p.
[A-HO-FAILURE] [MAP E RROR]
to 3G_MS C-B to 3G_MSC-B
No
Set Circuit
T301 Connection?
Yes
Wait for Channel UE/MS Call

Allocation o n 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Wait for Channel

Allocation
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOV ER- A- Expiry Call From UE/MS

REQUEST -ACK. HANDOVER- T 301 Re lease or Network
from B SS-B FAILURE
from BSS-B
Res et Reset Canc el

T301 T301 Channel
BSS-B
Queue Mess ages (Allowed MAP-PAS req. MAP-SEND-END-

for UE /MS in onc e in [A -CLEAR-REQUE ST] SIGNAL resp
3G_MSC-A this state) from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MS C-B
MAP-PRE PA RE- Release Release I_DISCONNECT

SUBSEQUENT- Reso urces Resourc es (REL) to
HANDOV ER res p in BSS-B in BS S-B 3G_MSC-B
[A-HO -
REQUEST-ACK]
to 3G_MSC-B
No Call
Circuit
on 3G_MSC-B
Conn ec tion?
(UTRAN)
Yes
Set Up
Handove r
Dev ice
Set MAP-P REPARE-

T304 SUBSEQUENT-
HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-FAILURE]
to 3G_MS C-B
Wait for Acces s Call

by UE /MS on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Wa it f or acces s
by UE /MS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOVER- A-HANDOVER Expiry

COMPLE TE DET ECT T304
No
Res et Circuit Call
to Network
Yes
Connect Connec t Release

Han dov er Dev ice Handover Device Resources
(option) (option) on BSS-B
Forward queued
Canc el MAP in 3G_MSC-A
messages for Proc edures to 3G_MS C-B
UE /MS v ia BSS-B
MA P-SEND-END- I_ DISCONNECT (RE L)

SIGNAL resp. to 3G_MSC-B
to 3G_MS C-B
No
Circuit
Con nec tion?
Yes
Releas e
Han dov er Dev ice
I_DISCONNECT (REL)
to 3G_MSC-B
Call in P rogres s W ait for access

on 3G_MS C-A by UE/MS IDLE
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

Call
[A-HO- [A -CLEAR- once in MAP fro m Network
Releas e
FAILURE] RE QUES T] this state) Proc edures
from 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MSC-B
A-CLEAR- (Allowed
REQUEST once in
from BSS-B this state)
Forward queu ed
Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
via 3G_MSC-B
Re lease
Re sources
on BSS-B
No
Circu it
Connec tion?
Yes
Re lease
Handov er
Device
Call UE /MS Wait for acces s

on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B by UE /MS
(UT RAN) (UTRAN) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Sub sequent UMTS to GSM
Handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC-B'
20
[A-HO-REQ UEST ]
to MSC-B'
W ait for Ack

from MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

[A-HO-RE QUES T-A CK] [A-HO-FAILURE]
from MSC-B' from MSC-B'
Not Requested
Handov er
Number?
Requested
I_CONNECT (IAM) MAP-P REPARE-

to MS C-B' using SUBSEQUENT-
Han dov er Number HA NDOVER res p.
[A-HO-FAILURE]
to 3G_MS C-B

from MSC-B' 21 on 3G_MSC-B
ETSI

W ait for Ack

from MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
from 3G_MSC-B Call From UE/MS

ERRO R from MSC-B' ERRO R
or Network Release or Network

MAP to MSC-B' to MSC-B'
Proc edures
Re sources

from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MS C-B
Release
Cancel MAP
to MSC-B' Handov er
Procedures
Devic e

ERRO R SUBSEQUENT- (REL) to 3G_MSC-B
HA NDOVER res p.
to 3G_MS C-B
Call W ait for Ac k

on 3G_MSC-B from MSC-B' IDLE
(UT RAN) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI


from MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
I_ COMPLETE from MS C-B' from UE/MS Call

ERRO R
(ACM) from MSC-B' or Network or Network Releas e
Set up MAP-PAS req. (Allowed MAP-PA S req.

Handov er [A -CLEAR- once in [A-CLEAR-
Device REQ UEST ] this state) REQ UEST ]
from MSC-B' from 3G_MSC-B
f rom MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

SUBSEQUENT- to MSC-B'
Procedures
HA NDOVER res p.
to 3G_MS C-B
Cancel MAP Canc el MAP to 3G_MSC-B

to MSC-B'
Procedures Proc edures and MSC-B'

for UE/MS E ND-SIGNAL res p
to MSC-B'
in 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B
Call to Network
Release and UE /MS

T303 E RROR S UBS EQ UE NT- to 3G_MSC-B and MSC-B'
HANDO VER resp.
to 3G_MSC-B

on MSC-B' o n 3G_MSC-B IDLE
ETSI


on MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
MAP-S END- MAP-P AS req. MAP-P AS req. (Allowed

END-SIG NA L req. [A-HO-DET ECT] [A-CLEAR- onc e in
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from MSC-B ' REQUEST] this state)
from MSC-B' from 3G_MS C-B
Reset I_ANSWER (ANM) MAP-P AS req. (A llowed

T303 from MSC-B' [A-CLEAR- once in
REQUEST] this s tate)
from MSC-B'
Co nnect Connec t Yes

Wait for
Handov er Handover access by UE/MS?
Device (option) Device (option)
No

Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
messages for ACCESS-SIGNALLING req. Handove r
U E/MS v ia MSC-B' D ev ice
MAP-S END- to 3G_MSC-B Cancel MAP

END-SIG NA L resp. and MSC-B' Procedures
to 3G_MS C-B

(REL) to 3G_MSC-B and UE/MS Releas e
Redefine I_DISCO NNECT (REL )

MSC-B' as MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B and MSC-B'
Call W ait for Completion

on MS C-B from MSC-B' IDLE
ETSI


on MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
Expiry From Network Call
[A-HO-FAILURE] from MSC-B' MAP
T303 or 3G_MSC-B Releas e
from 3G_MSC-B Proc edures

from 3G_MSC-B MAP
T303 (REL) to MSC-B '
Procedures
I_DISCONNECT Release
Ca nc el MAP
to MSC-B' (REL) to Handover
Proc edures
3 G_ MSC-B Devic e
Release Releas e
Handov er Handover
Device Device
Yes
I_ DISCONNECT W ait for
(REL) to MSC-B' acc ess by UE/MS?
No
Yes
3G_MSC-B Cancel MAP
to MSC-B'
No

I_DISCONNECT
FORW ARD- mes sages for
(REL) to MSC-B'
ACCE SS - UE/MS
SIGNALLING req. via 3G_MSC-B
Call

IDLE on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on MSC-B '
(UTRAN) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Basic UMTS to GSM Hand over to MS C-B
18
Queue M es sages
for UE/MS
in 3G_MSC-A
Iu-Relocation Command
to RNS-A
Set
T303
W ait for UE/MS

on MS C-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
MAP-S END- (Allowed Iu-RE LEA SE - MAP-PAS req.

END-SIG NA L req. once in REQUEST [A-HO-DE TECT ]
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] this state) from RNS-A from MSC-B
from MSC-B
MAP-PAS req. (Allowed Release

Reset
[A -CLEAR- once in Resourc es
T303
REQ UEST ] this state) on RNS-A
from MSC-B
Re lease Yes
W ait for UE/MS
Re sources
on MSC-B?
on RNS-A
No
Call to Network
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - Release and UE/MS
messages for FORWA RD-ACCESS-
UE/MS via MS C-B SIGNALLING req.
Release to MSC-B
MAP
in 3G_MSC-A
Resourc es
UE/MS W ait for UE/MS W ait for UE/MS

on MS C-B o n MSC-B IDLE on MS C-B
(G SM ) (UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Wait for UE /MS

on MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
Iu-RELO CATION- Cancel

Expiry Call
CANCEL MAP from MS C-B from Network
T3 03 Re lease
from RNS-A Procedures

T303 to MSC-B Proc edures
Forward queued Release Release

mes sages for Resources Resourc es
UE/MS via RNS-A RNS-A RNS-A

to MS C-B Procedures
Call in P rogress W ait for UE/MS W ait for UE/MS

on 3 G_MS C-A o n MSC-B IDLE on MS C-B
(UT RAN) (UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A UE/MS Es tablished on 3G_MSC-B
UE /MS on
3G_MSC-B

From UE/MS Call
Circ uit From 3G_MS C-B MAP
or Network Releas e
M AP -PREPARE- Call
Release
HANDO VER req.
[A-HO-REQUEST]
from 3G_MSC-B
MAP- MAP-SEND-END-
HANDOVER to 3G_MSC-B
re q.
[NULL]
[A-ASG-
REQ UE ST]
to 3G_MSC-B
Wait For Response

from 3G_MSC-B 19 IDLE
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Circ uit Connection Es tablis hment to MS C-B
W ait For Response

from MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
MAP-P REPARE- Call F rom UE/MS

H ANDOVER res p. Release or Network
[Handover Number]
[A -ASG-CO MPLE TE]
from MSC-B

to MS C-B us ing END-SIGNAL res p.
Han dov er Number to MSC-B
W ait for Comp lete

from MSC-B IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

W ait For Response

from MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
MAP-P REPARE- MAP -PREPARE- Cance l

H ANDOVER res p. HANDOVER resp. MAP from MSC-B
[M AP ERROR] [A-ASG-FAILURE] Proce dures
from MSC-B from MS C-B
MA P-PAS re q. (A llowed Call

[A-CLEAR-REQUEST] once in to Netwo rk
Re lease
from MSC-B this s tate )
Res po nse to Res po nse to

Failure Circ uit Establishment Failure Circuit
Request Establishment
Request
UE/MS UE/MS
on MSC-B on MSC-B IDLE
(GSM) (GSM)
ETSI

W ait for Comp lete

from MSC-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

Call From UE/MS
(ACM) from [A-CLE AR- once in
Re lease or Network
MSC-B REQUEST] this state)
from MSC-B
I-ANSW ER
(ANM) from
MSC-B
Canc el MAP-S END-

from MS C-B MAP END-SIGNAL
Proc edures res p. to MSC-B

Succes s Circuit Circuit Failure
(REL) to MSC-B
Establishment E stablis hment
Request Request
W ait for Comp lete Call

from MSC-B on MSC-B IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (GSM)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Sub sequent UMTS to GSM Handov er from 3G_MSC-B to MS C-B'
21
MAP-P REPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-
HA NDOVER res p.
to 3G_MS C-B
Queue M es sages
for UE/MS
in 3G_MSC-A
Set
T303
W ait for UE/MS

on MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)

END-SIGNAL req [A-HO -DETECT] once in [A -CLEAR-
[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] from MSC-B ' this st ate) REQ UEST ]
from MSC-B' from 3G_MSC-B
MAP-PAS req. (Allowed Yes

Reset W ait for acces s
[A -CLEAR- once in
T303 by UE/MS?
REQ UEST ] this state)
from MSC-B'
No

messages for FORWA RD-ACCESS- and MSC-B' Proc edures
U E/MS v ia MSC-B' SIGNAL LING req
Redefine
to Network Call
MSC-B' and UE/MS Re lease
as MSC-B

on MS C-B on MSC-B' IDLE
(G SM ) (UMT S to GS M Ho)
ETSI

W ait for UE/MS

on MSC-B'
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
[A-HO- from MSC-B' MAP
T303 Releas e or 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-B
Res et Can cel

from 3G_MSC-B MAP
T303
Procedures

W ait for a ccess
messages FORW ARD- by UE/MS ?
for UE/MS ACCESS-
via 3G_MSC-B SIGNALLING req. No

to MSC-B' to MSC-B'
UE/MS Wa it for UE/MS

on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on MSC-B'
(UT RAN) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Bas ic SRNS Relocation to 3G_MS C-B
Crcuit Connec tion required
17
MAP-P REPARE-
HA NDOVER req.
[Iu-RLC-REQ UE ST]
to 3G_MS C-B
Wait For
Ack nowledgement
from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)

HANDOVER resp. HANDOVER resp. HA NDOVER res p.
[IU-RLC-REQUEST -ACK] [IU-RLC-FA ILURE] [MAP ERROR]
from 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MS C-B from 3G_MSC-B
Not Requested
Handover
Number?
Requested
I_CONNECT (IAM)
to 3G_MSC-B using
Handover Number
W ait for
Connec tion 22 16
from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

W ait For
Ack nowledgement
from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST Call From UE

ERRO R from 3G_MSC-B
from RNS-A Re lease or Network
Canc el MAP Call

Re sources Release
Release
Resources
in RNS-A
Canc el MAP
to 3G_MS C-B
Resources
16 IDLE
ETSI


from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu -RELE ASE- (A llowed

I_COMPLETE (ACM) F rom UE Call
REQ UEST once in
from 3G_MSC-B or Netwo rk Releas e
from RNS-A this s tate )
MAP-PAS req. (Allowed Call to UE

[IU-IREL-REQ UEST ] onc e in Release and Network
from 3G_MS C-B this state)

from 3G_MS C-B
for UE in from 3G_MSC-B ERROR Res ources
or Network
3G_MSC-A (SRNS Relo cation) in RNS-A
Iu-RELOCATION COMMAND I_DISCONNECT

to RNS-A (REL) to 3G_MSC-B
Set to 3G_MSC-B Cancel MAP

Set Up the
Handov er
in 3G_MSC-A (REL) to 3G_MS C-B
Device

on 3G_MSC-B 16 IDLE
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI


on 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)

END-SIG NA L req. (ANM) from 3G_MSC-B [I U-RLC-DET ECT ]
[I U-RLC-COMPLET E] from 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-B

Reset Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST
T703 onc e in [IU-IRE L-REQ UE ST] once in from RNS-A
this state) from 3G_MSC-B this s tate)
Release
Resourc es
on RNS-A
Co nnect Yes
W ait for UE on
Handov er
3G_MSC-B?
Device (option)
No
Call to Ne twork
on 3G_MS C-B
Release and UE
(SRNS Relocation)

via 3G_MSC-B SIGNAL LING req Device (op tio n)
Re lease
I_DIS CO NNECT
Re sources (REL) t o 3G_MSC-B
on RNS-A

on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G_MS C-B
(UT RAN) (SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

on 3G_MS C-B
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu- I_DISCONNECT Expiry Call

RELO CATION- (REL) from from Network
T7 03 Releas e
CANCE L 3 G_ MSC-B
from RNS-A

T703 Procedures to 3G_MSC-B Handov er 3G_MSC-A
Device

Internal to
messages for UE Handover 3 G_ MSC-A on 3G_MS C-B
via RNS-A Device (SRNS Re location)
Releas e
I_DISCONNECT
Handove r (REL) to 3G_MSC-B
Dev ice
Canc el
in 3G_MSC-A Cancel MAP Canc el MAP In 3G _MSC-A and
from 3G_MSC-B MAP
to 3G_MSC-B Procedures Proc edures to 3G_MS C-B
Proc edures

Internal to
3G_MSC-A
3G_MSC-B Devic e Device
I_DISCONNE CT Release
(REL) to Resources
3G_MSC-B RNS-A

on 3G_MS C-A on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UTRAN) (SRNS Reloc ation)
ETSI

Call
on 3G_MS C-B
(UTRAN)
MAP-PREPARE- MAP-P AS req. From UE Call

24 SUB SEQUENT- [IU-IREL- or Network Releas e
[IU-RLC- from 3 G_MS C-B
REQUEST]
from 3G_MSC-B
Known Call MAP-SEND-END-

3G_MSC? No on 3G_MSC-B S IG NAL resp.
(UTRAN) to 3G_MSC-B
Yes
Canc el MAP
from 3G_MSC-B
proc edures
3G_ MSC-B '

3G_MSC? Release and UE
3G_MSC-A
No
Known
25
RNS?
Yes
No
new RNS? (RE L) to 3G_MS C-B
Yes
Iu- MAP-P REPARE- MAP-PRE PA RE-

RELO CATION- SUBSEQUENT- SUBSEQUENT-
REQ UEST HA NDOVER res p. HANDOVER res p.
to RNS-B [IU-RLC-FAILURE] [MAP E RROR]
to 3G_MS C-B to 3G_MSC-B
No
Set Circuit
T701 Connection?
Yes
Wait for Channel UE Call

Allocation o n 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(SRNS Relocation) (UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Wait for Channel

Allocation
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELO CATION- Iu- Expiry Call From UE

REQUEST-ACK. RELOCATION- T7 01 Re lease or Network
from RNS-B FA ILURE
from RNS-B
Res et Reset Ca nc el
T701 T701 Channel
RNS-B
Queue Mess ages (Allowed MAP-PAS req. MAP-S END-

for UE in once in [IU-I REL-REQ UEST] END-
3G_MSC-A this state) from 3G_MSC-B SIGNAL resp
to 3G_MS C-B
M AP -PREPARE- Release Release I_DISCONNE CT

S UBS EQ UE NT - Resources Resourc es (REL) to
HANDOVER resp in RNS-B in RNS-B 3G_MSC-B
[IU-RLC-REQUEST-
A CK]
to 3G_MSC-B
No Call
Circuit
o n 3G_MSC-B
Connect ion?
(UTRAN)
Yes
Se t Up
Handove r
Dev ice
Set MAP-PREPARE-
T704 SUB SEQUENT -
HANDOVER resp.
[IU-RLC-FAILURE]
to 3 G_ MSC-B
Wait for Call

Acc es s by UE on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(SRNS Relocation) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Wait for
access by UE
(SRNS Relocation)
I u-RELO CATION- Iu-RELOCATIO N Expiry

COMPLETE DETE CT T704
f rom RNS-B from RNS-B
No
Res et Circ uit Call
to Network
T704 Connection? Releas e
Yes
Connect Conn ec t Releas e

Handover Handover Res ources
Device (option) Dev ic e (option) on RNS-B
Forward queued
Cancel MAP in 3G_MS C-A
mes sages for UE Procedures to 3G_MSC-B
via RNS-B
MAP-SEND-END- I_DISCO NNECT (REL)

S IG NAL resp. to 3G_MS C-B
t o 3G_MSC-B
No
Circuit
Connection?
Yes
Rele as e
Handover
Dev ice
I _DISCONNECT (RE L)
to 3G_MSC-B
Call in Progress W ait for

on MSC-A ac cess by UE IDLE
(UTRAN) (SRNS Reloca tio n)
ETSI

W ait for
acc es s by UE
(SRNS Relocation)

Call
[I U-RLC- [I U-IREL- once in MAP fro m Network
Releas e
FAILURE] RE QUES T] this state) Proc edures
from 3G_MSC-B from 3G_MSC-B
Iu-RELEASE- (Allowed
REQUEST once in
from RNS-B this state)
Forward queu ed
Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
via 3G_MSC-B
Re lease
Re sources
on RNS-B
No
Circu it
Connec tion?
Yes
Re lease
Handov er
Device
Call UE Wait for

on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B access by UE
(UT RAN) (UTRAN) (SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Sub sequent SRNS Reloc ation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G _MSC-B'
25
[IU-RL C-REQ UEST ]
to 3G _MSC-B'
W ait for Ack

from 3G_MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)

[I U-RLC-REQUEST -ACK] [IU-RLC-FAILURE]
from 3G_MSC-B' from 3G_MSC-B '
Not Requested
Handov er
Number?
Requested
I_CONNECT (IAM) MAP-PREPARE-

to 3G_MS C-B' using SUBSEQUENT -
Han dov er Number HA NDOVER resp.
[IU-RLC-FAILURE]
to 3 G_MS C-B

from 3G_MSC-B' 26 on 3G_MSC-B
ETSI

W ait for Ack

from 3G_MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)
from 3G_MSC-B Call From UE

ERRO R from 3G_MSC-B' ERRO R
or Network Release or Network

MAP to 3G _MSC-B' to 3G _MSC-B'
Proc edures
Re sources
MAP-P AS req. MAP-S END-

[IU-IREL-REQUEST] END-SIGNA L resp.
from 3G_MS C-B to 3G_MS C-B
Release
Cancel MAP
to 3G_MSC-B' Handov er
Procedures
Devic e

ERRO R SUBSEQUENT- (REL) to 3G_MSC-B
HA NDOVER res p.
to 3G_MS C-B
Call W ait for Ac k

on 3G_MSC-B from 3G _MSC-B' IDLE
(UT RAN) (SRNS Reloc ation)
ETSI


from 3G_MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)
I_COM PLE TE from 3G_MSC-B' fro m UE Call

(ACM) from ERRO R
or Network or Network Releas e
3G_MSC-B'
Set up MAP-P AS req. (Allowed MAP-PA S req.

Handov er [IU-IRE L- once in [IU-IREL -
Device REQUEST] this state) REQ UEST ]
from 3G_ MSC-B ' from 3G_MSC-B
f rom 3G _MSC-B'
(SRNS Relo cation)
MAP-PREPARE-SUBSEQ UENT-HA NDOVER res p. Cancel MAP

[I U-RLC-REQUEST -ACK] to 3G _MSC-B'
Procedures
to 3G_MS C-B
Cancel MAP Canc el MAP to 3G_MSC-B

to 3G_MSC-B'
Procedures Proc edures and 3G _MSC-B'

for UE in E ND-SIGNAL res p
to 3G_MSC-B'
3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B
Call to Network
Release and UE

T703 E RROR S UBS EQ UE NT- to 3G_MSC-B and
HANDO VER resp. 3G_MSC-B'
to 3G_MSC-B

on 3G _MSC-B' o n 3G_MSC-B IDLE
ETSI


on 3G _MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-SEND-END- MAP-P AS req. MAP-P AS req. (Allowed

SIGNAL req. [IU-RLC-DETECT] [IU-IREL- onc e in
[I U-RLC-COMPLET E] from 3G _MSC-B' REQUEST] this state)
from 3G_MSC-B' from 3G_MS C-B
Reset I_ANSWER (ANM) MA P-PAS req. (A llowed

T703 from 3G_MSC-B ' [IU-IREL- once in
REQUEST ] this s tate)
from 3G_MSC-B'
Co nnect Connec t Yes

Wait for acces s
Handov er Handover by UE?
Device (option) Device (option)
No

Us e MAP -FORW ARD-
messages f or UE ACCESS-SIGNALLING req. Handove r
via 3G _MSC-B' D ev ice
MAP-S END- to 3G_MS C-B Cancel MAP

END-SIG NA L resp. and 3G _MSC-B' Procedures
to 3G_MS C-B

(REL) to 3G_MSC-B and UE Releas e
Redefine
I_DISCO NNECT (REL)
3G_MSC-B'
to 3G_MSC-B and 3G _MSC-B'
as 3G_MSC-B
Call W ait for Completion

on 3G_MSC-B from 3G _MSC-B' IDLE
ETSI


on 3G _MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)
Expiry From Network Call
[IU-RLC- from 3G_MSC-B' MAP
T703 or 3G_MSC-B Releas e
from 3G_MSC-B

from 3G_MSC-B MAP
T703 (REL) to 3G_ MSC-B '
Procedures
I_ Release
Ca nc el MAP
to 3G _MSC-B' DISCONNECT Handover
Proc edures
(REL) to Devic e
3G_MS C-B
Release Releas e
Handov er Handover
Device Device
Yes
I_ DISCONNECT W ait for a ccess
(REL) to 3G_MSC-B ' by UE?
No
Yes
3G_MSC-B Cancel MAP
to 3G_MSC-B'
No

I_DISCONNECT
FORW ARD- mes sages for UE
(REL) to 3G _MSC-B'
ACCE SS - via 3G_MSC-B
SIGNALLING req.
Call

IDLE on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G _MSC-B '
(UTRAN) (SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Bas ic SRNS Relocation to 3G_MS C-B
22
Queue M es sages
for UE in
3G_MSC-A
Iu-Relocation Command
to RNS-A
Set
T703
Wait for UE
on 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-S END- (Allowed Iu-RE LEA SE - MAP-PAS req.

END-SIG NA L req. once in REQUEST [I U-RLC-DET ECT ]
[I U-RLC-COMPLET E] this state) from RNS-A from 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-B
MAP-PA S req. (Allowed Release

Reset
[IU-IRE L- once in Resourc es
T703
REQ UE ST ] this state) on RNS-A
from 3G_MSC-B
Re lease Yes
W ait for UE on
Re sources
3G_MSC-B?
on RNS-A
No
Call to Network
Forward queu ed Us e M AP - Release and UE
messages f or UE FORWA RD-ACCESS-
via 3G_MSC-B SIGNALLING req.
UE W ait for UE Wait for UE

on 3G_MSC-B o n 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G_MSC-B
(UT RAN) (SRNS Relo cation) (SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Wait for UE
on 3 G_MS C-B
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELO CATION- Cancel

from Expiry Call
CANCEL MAP from Network
3G_ MSC-B T7 03 Re lease
from RNS-A Procedures

T703 to 3 G_MS C-B Proc edures
Forward queued Release Release

mes sages for UE Resources Resourc es
via RNS-A RNS-A RNS-A

to 3G_MSC-B Procedures
Call in P rogress W ait for UE Wait for UE

on 3 G_MS C-A o n 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G_MSC-B
(UT RAN) (SRNS Relo cation) (SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A UE Es tablished on 3G_MSC-B
UE
on 3G_MS C-B
(UTRAN)

From UE Call
Circ uit From 3G_MS C-B MAP
or Network Releas e
M AP -PREPARE- Call
Release
HANDO VER req.
[IU-RLC-
REQUEST]
from 3G_MSC-B
MAP- MAP-SEND-END-
HANDOVER to 3G_MSC-B
re q.
[NULL]
[IU-RASG-
REQ UE ST]
to 3G_MSC-B
Wait For Response

from 3G_MSC-B 24 IDLE
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_A_HO Sheet74(78)

Procedure for Handover in 3G_MSC-A Circuit Connection Establishment to 3G_MSC-B
Wait For Response

from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-PREPARE- Call From UE

HANDOVER resp. Release or Network
[Handover Number]
[IU-RASG-COMPLETE]
from 3G_MSC-B

to 3G_MSC-B using END-SIGNAL resp.
Handover Number to 3G_MSC-B
Wait for Complete

from 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER-SUBSEQUENT
-HANDOVER req
[IU-RLC-REQUEST]
from 3G_MSC-B
24
ETSI

W ait For Response

from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-P REPARE- MAP -PREPARE- Cance l MAP

H ANDOVER res p. HANDOVER resp. from 3G_MSC-B
Proce dures
[M AP ERROR] [IU-RASG-
from 3G_MSC-B FA ILURE]
from 3G_MS C-B
Call
to Netwo rk
Re lease
Res po nse to MAP-PA S req. (A llowed Res po nse to

Failure Circ uit Establishment [IU-IREL-REQUEST] once in Failure Circuit
Request from 3G_MSC-B this s tate ) Establishment
Request
UE UE
on 3 G_MS C-B on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

W ait for Comp lete

from 3G_MSC-B
(SRNS Relocation)

Call From UE
(ACM) from [I U-IREL- once in
Re lease or Network
3G_MSC-B REQ UEST ] this state)
from 3G_MSC-B
I-ANSW ER
(ANM) from
3G_MSC-B
Canc el MAP-S END-

from 3G_MSC-B MAP END-SIGNAL
Proc edures res p. to
3G_MSC-B

Succes s Circuit Circuit Failure (REL) to
Establishment E stablis hment 3G_MSC-B
Request Request
W ait for Comp lete Call

from 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
ETSI

Procedure for Handove r in 3G_MSC-A Subsequent SRNS Relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-B'
26
MAP-P REPARE-
SUBSEQUENT-
HA NDOVER res p.
[I U-RLC-REQUEST -ACK]
to 3G_MS C-B
Queue M es sages
for UE
in 3G_MSC-A
Set
T703
W ait for
UE on 3G _MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)

END-SIGNAL req [IU-RLC-DETECT] once in [I U-IREL-
[I U-RLC-COMPLET E] from 3G _MSC-B' this st ate) REQ UEST ]
from 3G_MSC-B' from 3G_MSC-B
MAP-P AS req. Yes

Reset (Allowed once W ait for acces s
T703 [IU-IRE L- in this state) by UE?
REQUEST]
from 3G_ MSC-B '
No

messages f or UE FORWA RD-ACCESS- and 3G_MSC-B' Proc edures
via 3G _MSC-B' SIGNAL LING req
Redefine
to Network Call
3G_MSC-B' and UE Re lease
as 3G_MSC-B
UE W ait for UE
on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MSC-B' IDLE
ETSI

Wait for UE
on 3G _MSC-B'
(SRNS Relocation)
[IU-RLC- from 3G_MSC-B' MAP
T703 Releas e or 3G_MSC-B
from 3G_MSC-B
Res et Can cel

from 3G_MSC-B MAP
T703
Procedures

W ait for a ccess
messages f or UE FORW ARD- by UE ?
via 3G_MSC-B ACCESS-
SIGNALLING req. No

to 3G _MSC-B' to 3G_MSC-B '
UE Wait for UE
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE on 3G _MSC-B'
(UT RAN) (SRNS Re location)
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_B_H O Sheet1 (54)

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B
IDLE
MAP-P REPARE-HANDO VER req. MAP-PREP ARE -HANDOVER req.

[A-HO-REQ UEST] [IU-RLC-REQUEST]
from 3G_MSC-A from 3G_ MSC-A
6
To GSM
Type of
handover?
To UMTS 5
No
Known
RNS?
Yes
Not
Requested
Han dov er
Number?
Requested
MA P-A LLOCATE - MAP-PREPARE -

HANDOVER-NUMBER req. HANDOV ER resp
to MSC-A
Set
T601
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUE ST
to RNS-B
Wait f or Channel
or Handover Number IDLE
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
Figure 44 (sheet 1 of 54): Handover control procedure in 3G_MSC-B
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_B_HO Sheet2(54)

Procedures for Handover in 3G_ MSC-B
Wait fo r Channel
or Handover Number
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION- MAP-ALLOCATE-
REQUEST-ACK HANDOVER-
from RNS-B NUMBER resp.
from VLR
Re set Wait fo r
T6 01 Ch annel
Allocation
Iu-LOCATION-
REPORTING-
CONTROL Iu-RELO CATION-
to RNS-B REQUEST-ACK
from RNS-B
Re que sted
Ha ndo ver Re set
Nu mber? T601
No t Requested
Wait fo r No t Supp orted
LOCATION-
Ha ndo ver Number RE PORTING
MAP-PREPARE- Allocation
HA NDOVER resp.
[A-HO-REQUE ST-ACK] Supporte d
to MSC-A
MAP-ALLOCATE- Iu-LOCA TION-

HANDOVER- REPORTING-
NUMBER resp. CONTROL
from VLR to RNS-B
MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER resp.
[A-HO-REQUEST- ACK]
[Hand over Number]
to MSC-A
Set Set
T6 04 T6 10
Wait fo r UE/MS Wait fo r Connection

on RNS-B fro m MSC-A
(GSM to UMTS Ho) (GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Wait for Channel Wait for Wa it for Chann el W ait for Hand ov er
or Handover Number Channel Allocation or Handov er Number Number Alloc ation
(G SM to UMTS Ho) (GSM to UMTS Ho) (GSM to UMTS Ho) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION- Ex piry Iu-Relas e- Indication from

FAILURE REQUEST ERRO R
T601 VLR
Re lease Release
Re sources Resources
in RNS-B in RNS-B
MAP-P REPARE-
HA NDOVER res p.
[M AP ERROR]
to MS C-A
MAP-PRE PARE - Ca nc el
HANDOVER resp. Ch annel
[A-HO-FAILURE] on RNS-B
to MSC-A
I DLE IDLE
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Basic GSM to UMTS handover from MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B

from MSC-A
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry Iu-RELEA SE -

from MSC-A T610 REQUEST
(Us es Handover No.) from RNS-B
Reset To MSC-A Cancel Can cel e.g. MAP- MAP-PAS req.

T610 in 3G_MSC-B MAP MAP ABO RT [A -CLEAR-
Procedures Procedures from MSC-A RE QUES T]
to MSC-A
Cance l
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- To MSC-A
REPORT res p. to VLR-B MAP in 3G_MSC-B
Proce dures
Set
T604
Release
I_COMPLETE (ACM)
Radio Resourc es
to MS C-A
on RNS-B
W ait for acces s

by UE/MS on RNS-B IDLE
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS on RNS-B
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-RE LE ASE- Cancel

Expiry
COMPLE TE REQ UEST from MSC-A MAP
T6 04
from RNS-B from RNS-B Procedure
MAP-P AS req Res et

[A -CLEAR- T604
REQ UEST]
to MSC-A
Reset I_DISCONNE CT
T604 (REL) to MSC-A
Yes Releas e
ANM I_DISCO NNECT
Sent? (REL) from MSC-A Res ources on
RNS-B
No
I_ANS WER (ANM) Iu-RELO CAT ION-

to MS C-A DETECT
from RNS-B
to MSC-A Cancel MAP I_ANSW ER (ANM )

in 3G_MSC-B Procedures to MSC-A

[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] RNS-B to MS C-A
to MS C-A
Call in Progres s W ait for ac cess

Wait for Disconnect
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE by UE /MS on RNS-B (GS M to UMT S Ho)
(UT RAN) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Ca ll in Progress Forward Messages

on 3G_MSC-B to UE/MS
(GSM)
MAP-SEND- A-CLEAR- A-HO-PERFORMED

END-SIGNAL resp. REQUEST from BSS
from 3G_MSC-A from BSS-A
MAP-PAS req . MAP-PAS req.

[A-CLEAR-RE QUEST] [A-HO-PERFORMED]
to 3G_MSC-A to 3G_ MSC-A
Cance l MAP Ca ll in Pr ogress

Procedures on 3G_ MSC-B
(GSM)
Release I_DISCONNECT Cance l

Resou rces MAP from 3G_MSC-A
(REL) from 3G_MSC- A
in BSS-A Procedures
Yes Release A-HANDOVER-

3G_MSC-A
disconnected? Resou rces REQUIRED
in BSS-A fro m BSS-A
No
Wait for Disconnect I_DISCONNECT

(UMTS to GSM Ho) (REL) to 3G_MSC-A
I_DISCONNECT
Ca ll in Pr ogress
IDLE on 3G_MSC-B IDLE 2
(GSM)
ETSI

Yes
Known
3G_MSC?
No
No Handover
allowed to
Cell?
Yes
3G_MSC-A/3G_ MSC-B '

Wh ich
3G _MSC?
3G_MSC-B
Known MAP-PRE PA RE-

RNS? SUBSEQUENT-
No HANDOVER req.
Yes [A-HO-REQ UE ST]
1 to 3G_MSC-A
Resources on
RNS-B?
No
Yes
No
Send Reje ct?
Yes
A-HANDOVER- Set
REJECT T 611
to B SS-A
No
Circuit
Con nec tion?
Yes
Call in P rogres s UE/MS W ait for Response

on 3G_MS C-B on 3 G_ MSC-B 3
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
(G SM ) (GSM)
ETSI

Procedures for Handover in 3G_ MSC-B Handover fr om BSS-A to RNS-B on 3G_MSC-B
to RNS-B
Set
T6 01
Wait for Channel

(GSM to UMTS Ho)
Iu- Expiry Iu- MAP- SEND-END-

RELOCATION- T601 RELOCATION- SIG NAL resp.
REQUEST- FAILURE from 3G_ MSC-A
ACK from RNS-B
from RNS-B
Re set Re set A-CLEAR- REQUEST

T6 01 T6 01 from BSS-A
Supporte d
LOCATION-
REPORTING
No t Iu-LOCATION-
Supported REPORTING-
CONTROL
to RNS-B
Queue
Messages in
3G_MSC-B MAP-PAS req Cance l
[A-CLEA R- Channel request
REQUEST] on RNS-B
to 3G_ MSC-A
Handover Command
to UE/MS via BSS-A
Release Cance l MA P To 3 G_MSC-A
Resou rces Procedures in 3G_MSC-B
Set Up on RNS-B
Handover
Device
Set Release
T6 02 Resou rces
on BSS-A
Wait for access Wait fo r Disconnect

by UE/MS 1
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-RELO CATION- A-HANDOVER

COMPLE TE DETECT F AILURE
from RNS-B fo rm RNS-B from BS S-A
Reset
T602
MAP-PAS req.
[A-HO-PERF ORMED]
to 3G_MS C-A
No No
Circu it Circuit
Connec tion? Connection?
Yes Yes
Co nnect Connect
Res et
Handov er Handover
T602
De vice (Optional) Device (Op tio nal)
Forward queu ed Forward queued

messages messages
via RNS-B via BS S-A
Releas e
Release Resources
Res ources
in BSS-A
in RNS-B
No No
Circu it Circuit
Connec tion? Con nec tion?
Yes Yes
Re lease Releas e
Handov er Han dov er
Device Dev ice
Call in Progres s UE /MS W ait for access UE/MS Call in P rogres s

on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B b y UE/MS on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B
(UT RAN) (UTRAN) (GSM to UMTS Ho) (G SM) (G SM )
ETSI
Procedure 3G_MSC_B_H O Sheet10(54)

W ait for
acces s by UE/MS
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
Expiry Iu-RELEASE- A -CLEAR- MAP-SEND-END-

T602 REQUEST REQ UEST SIGNAL resp.
from RNS-B from B SS-A from 3G_MSC-A
Release Resources Release Release

in RNS -B Reso urces Resources
and B SS-A in RNS-B in BSS-A
Re lease Yes
W ait for ac cess
Handov er by UE /MS?
Device
No
MAP-PAS req. MA P-PAS re q. Release Resources

[A-CLEAR-REQUEST] [A-CLEAR-REQUEST] in RNS-B
to 3G_MS C-A to 3G_MSC-A and B SS-A
Re lease
Canc el MAP To 3G_MSC-A T o 3G_MS C-A Canc el MAP
Handov er
Proc edures in 3G_MSC-B in 3G_ MSC-B Proc edures
Device
Release
I_DISCONNE CT
Resourc es
(REL) to 3G_MSC-A
in RNS-B
Wait for access

W ait for Disc onnec t
IDLE by UE/MS
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Subsequent GS M to UMTS Handov er from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MS C-A
Wait for Re spons e

(GS M to UMT S Ho)
MAP-PREPARE - M AP -PREPARE- Expiry A-CLEAR-

SUBSEQ UENT- S UBS EQ UE NT- T6 11 REQUEST
HANDOVER resp. HANDO VER resp. fro m BSS-A
[A-HO -REQUEST- [A-HO -FA ILURE
ACK] or MAP E RROR]
from 3 G_ MSC-A from 3G_MSC-A
Res et Reset MAP-PA S req.

T611 T611 [A-CLEAR-
REQ UE ST]
to 3G_MSC-A
Release MAP-SEND-END- in 3G_MSC-B Cancel MAP

Resources SIGNAL resp. to 3G_MSC-A Procedures
in RNS-B from 3G_MSC-A
Handov er
Command
to UE /MS
via B SS-A
Releas e
Set
Res ources
T604
in BSS-A
Wait for Ack.

Wait for Disconnect
from 3G_MSC-A 1
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
ETSI

Wait for Ack.

from 3G_MSC-A
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
MAP-SEND- Ex piry A -CLEAR- A-HANDOVER-

END- T604 REQ UEST FAILURE
SIGNAL res p. from B SS-A from BSS-A
fro m
3G_MSC-A
Res et Release MAP-PAS req. Re set

T604 Reso urces [A-CLE AR- T604
in BSS-A REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A
Releas e Release MAP-PAS req.

Cancel MAP to 3G_MSC-A
Res ources Procedures in 3 G_ MSC-B Resourc es [A-HO-FAILURE]
in BSS-A in BSS-A to 3G_MS C-A
Canc el MAP
to 3G_MSC-A
Proc edures
No No
Circuit Circu it
Conn ec tion? Connec tion?
Yes Yes
Call in Progres s UE /MS

Wait for Disconnect
IDLE on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B
(GS M to UM TS Ho)
(G SM ) (GSM)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Bas ic G SM to UMTS handover from MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B
no Circuit Connectio n requ ired
Wait for UE /MS

on RNS-B
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
Iu-RELO CATION- Iu-RELEASE- Cancel

Expiry
COMPLETE REQ UEST from MSC-A MAP
T6 04
Res et MAP -PAS req

T604 [A-CLE AR-
REQUEST]
to MSC-A
MAP-SEND- Iu - Canc el MAP to MS C-A

END-SIGNAL req. RELO CATI ON- Proc edures in 3G_MSC-B
[A-HO - DETECT
COMPLETE] from RNS-B
to MSC-A
MAP-PAS req. Releas e

[A-HO-DETECT] Res ources on
to MSC-A RNS-B

on 3 G_MS C-B o n RNS-B IDLE
ETSI

UE/MS
Forward Mess ages
on 3 G_MS C-B
to UE/MS
(GSM)
MA P-S END- A-HANDOVER- MAP-PREPARE-

END-SIG NA L resp. REQ UIRED HANDOVER req.
from MSC-A fro m BSS-A [NULL]
[A-ASG-REQ UE ST]
from 3G_MSC-A
Releas e MAP-ALLOCAT E-
Res ources HANDOV ER-NUMBER req.
in BSS-B to VLR
A-ASSIGNMENT-
REQUEST
to B SS-A
Wa it f or Assignment
IDLE 2 or Handover Number
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Circ uit Connection Es tablis hment on 3G_MS C-B
Wait for Assignment

or Handover Numb er
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
Iu-RAB-AS SIGNMENT- MAP -ALLOCATE-

RESPO NSE HANDOVER-
from RNS-B NUMBE R resp.
from VL R
Wait for W ait for

Handover Number As signment
Alloc ation
MAP -ALLOCATE- Iu-RA B-ASSIGNMENT-

HANDOVER- RESPO NSE
NUMBE R resp. from RNS-B
from VL R
MAP -PREPARE-
HANDOVER resp.
[Handover Number]
[A-ASG-CO MPLET E]
to MSC-A
Set
T610
Wait for Connect

from MSC-A
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
ETSI

W ait for Handover

Wait for Assignme nt Wa it for Ass ignment
Number Allocation
(GS M to UM TS Ho) (G SM to UMTS Ho)
(GSM to UMT S Ho)
W ait for Ass ignment W ait for Assign ment W ait for Ass ignment Wait for Handover
or Handover Number o r Handov er Number or Handover Number Number Allocation
(G SM to UMTS Ho) (GSM to UMTS Ho) (G SM to UMTS Ho) (GS M to UMT S Ho)
Iu -RAB- Indic ation from MA P-S END-

ASSIGNME NT - E RROR END-SIG NA L resp.
VLR
RE SP ONSE with from MSC-A
unsucces sful
res ult from RNS-B
MAP-P REPARE- M AP -PREPARE- Iu-RELEASE-

HA NDOVER res p. HANDO VER resp. REQUEST
[A-AS G-FA ILURE] [MAP ERROR] fro m RNS-B
to MS C-A to MSC-A
MAP-PA S req.
[A-CLEAR-REQUEST ]
to MS C-A
to MSC-A Canc el MAP Cancel MAP

to VLR-B
and VLR-B Proc edures Procedures
Releas e
Res ources
in RNS-B
UE/MS
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UT RAN)
ETSI

W ait for Conn ec t

from MSC-A
(G SM to UMTS Ho)
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST

from MSC-A T610 from RNS-A
Reset to MSC-A Cancel MAP MAP-P AS req.

T610 in 3G_MSC-B Procedures [A-CLEA R_REQUEST]
to MSC-A
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- Cancel MAP to MSC-A

REPORT res p. to VLR-B Procedures in 3G_MSC-B
Release
I_ COMPLETE
(ACM) to MSC-A Radio Resourc es
on RNS-B
Call
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UT RAN)
ETSI

Wait for Co nnect

from MSC-A
(GS M to UMT S Ho)
MAP-SEND- Cance l
I_DISCONNECT
END-SIGNAL res p. from MSC-A MAP
(REL) from MSC-A
from MS C-A Procedure
Release Re lease
Resources on Re sourc es on
RNS-B RNS-B
UE/MS
on 3 G_MS C-B IDLE IDLE
(UT RAN)
ETSI

No
Known
BSS?
Yes
Not
Requested
Han dov er
Number?
Requested

to 3G_MSC-A
Set
T401
A-HANDOVER-
REQUE ST
to BS S-B
Wait f or Channel
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Wait for Channel

or Handover Numb er
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOV ER- MAP-A LLOCAT E-

REQ UEST -ACK HANDOVER-
from B SS-B NUMBER res p.
from VLR
Res et
T401
Requested
Handover
Number?
Not Requested
M AP -PREPARE- W ait for W ait for

HANDO VER resp. Handover Number Channel
[ A-HO-REQUEST -ACK] A lloc ation Allocation
t o 3G_MSC-A
MAP-ALLOCATE- A-HANDOVER-
NUMBE R resp. from BSS-B
from VLR
Reset
T401
MAP-PREPARE -
HANDO VE R resp.
[A-HO-REQUEST-ACK]
[Handov er Number]
to 3G_MSC-A
Set S et
T404 T410
Wait for UE /MS W ait for Connection

on B SS-B from 3G_MSC-A
ETSI

Wait for Channel Wait for Channel Wa it for Chann el W ait for Hand ov er
or Handover Number Alloc ation or Handov er Number Number Alloc ation
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMT S to GS M Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOVER- Ex piry A_CLEAR- Indication from

T401 VLR
Re lease Release
in BSS-B in B SS-B
MAP-P REPARE-
HA NDOVER res p.
[M AP ERROR]
to 3G_MS C-A
MAP-PRE PA RE- Ca nc el
HANDOVER re sp. Ch annel
[A-HO-FAILURE] on BSS-B
to 3G_MSC-A
I DLE IDLE
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Bas ic UMTS to GSM han dov er from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B

from 3G_MSC-A
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry A-CLE AR-REQUE ST

from 3G_MSC-A T410 from B SS-B
Reset To 3G_MSC-A Cancel Can cel e.g. MAP-ABO RT MAP-PAS req.

T410 in 3G_MSC-B MAP MAP from 3 G_ MSC-A [A -CLEAR-
Procedures Procedures RE QUES T]
to 3G_MS C-A
Cance l
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- To 3G_MSC-A
Proce dures
Set
T404
Release
I_COMPLETE (ACM)
Radio Resourc es
to 3G_MS C-A
on BS S-B
W ait for acces s

by UE/MS on BSS-B IDLE
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS on BSS-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOVER- A -CLEAR- Cancel

Expiry fro m
COMPLE TE REQ UEST MAP
T4 04 3G_MSC-A
from BSS-B from BS S-B Procedure
MAP-P AS req Res et

[A -CLEAR- T404
REQ UEST]
to MSC-A
Reset I_DISCO NNECT

T404 (REL) to 3G_MSC-A
Yes I_DISCO NNECT Releas e

ANM
Sent? (REL) from Res ources on
3G_MSC-A BSS-B
No
I_ANS WER (ANM) A-HANDOVER-

to 3G_MS C-A DET ECT
from BSS-B
to 3G_MS C-A Cancel MAP I_ANSW ER (ANM )

in 3G_MSC-B Procedures to 3G_MSC-A

[A-HO-CO MP LE TE] B SS-B to 3G_MS C-A
to 3G_MS C-A
Call in Progres s W ait for ac ce ss

Wait for Disconnect
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE by UE/MS on BSS-B (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Ca ll in Progress Forward Messages

on 3G_MSC-B to UE/MS
(UTRAN)
MAP-SEND- Iu-RELE ASE- Iu-LOCA TION-

END-SIGNAL REQUEST REPORT
re sp. fro m from RNS-A from RNS
3G_ MSC-A
MAP-PAS req. MAP-PAS req.

[A-CLEAR- [A-HO-
REQUEST] PERFORMED]
to 3G_MSC-A to 3G_ MSC-A
Cance l MAP Ca ll in Pr ogress

Procedures on 3G_ MSC-B
(UTRAN)
Release I_DISCONNECT Cance l

Resou rces MAP from 3G_MSC-A
in RNS-A Procedures
Yes Release Iu- RELOCATION-

3G_MSC-A
disconnected? Resou rces RE QUIRED
in RNS-A fro m RNS-A
No
Wait for Disconnect I_DISCONNECT

(GSM to UMTS Ho) (REL) to 3G_MSC-A
I_DISCONNECT
Ca ll in Pr ogress
(UTRAN)
ETSI

Yes
Known
MSC?
No
Handover
allowed to
No Cell?
Yes
MS C-A/MSC-B'
Wh ich
3G _MSC?
MS C-B
Known MAP-PRE PA RE-

BSS? SUBSEQUENT-
No HANDOVER req.
Yes [A-HO-REQ UE ST]
7 to MS C-A
Resources on
BSS-B?
No
Yes
No
Send Reje ct?
Yes
Iu-RELOCATION- Set
PREPARATION- T 411
FAILURE to RNS-A
No
Circuit
Con nec tion?
Yes
Call in P rogres s UE/MS W ait for Response

on 3G_MS C-B on 3 G_ MSC-B 9
(UMTS t o GSM Ho)
(UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B UMTS to GS M Handov er from RNS-A to BSS-B on MSC-B
A-HANDOV ER-REQUEST
to BS S-B
Set
T401
Wait for Channel

(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOVER- Ex piry A-HANDOVER- MAP-SEND-END-

RE QUES T- T401 F AILURE S IG NAL resp.
ACK from BS S-B from 3G_MSC-A
from BSS-B
Reset Reset Iu-RELEASE-REQ UEST

T401 T401 from RNS-A
Queue MAP-PAS req Canc el Channel

Messages [A-CLEAR- request
in MSC-B REQ UE ST ] on B SS-B
to 3G_MSC-A
Han dov er Command Release

Canc el MAP T o 3G_MSC-A
to UE/MS via Resourc es
Proc edures in MSC-B
Iu-RELOCATION-COMMAND on BS S-B
to RNS-A
Set Up Releas e
Handov er Res ources
Device on RNS-A
Set
T402
W ait for acces s Wait for Disconnect

by UE/MS 7
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-HANDOVER- A -HANDOV ER- Iu-RELOCATION

COMPLE TE DETECT CANCEL
from BSS-B form B SS-B from RNS-A
Reset
T402
MAP-PAS req.
[A-HO-PERF ORMED]
to 3G_MS C-A
No No
Circu it Circuit
Connec tion? Connection?
Yes Yes
Co nnect Connect
Res et
Handov er Handover
T402
De vice (Optional) Device (Op tio nal)
Forward queu ed Forward queued

messages messages
via BS S-B via RNS-A
Re lease Releas e
Re sources Res ources
in RNS-A in BSS-B
No No
Circu it Circuit
Connec tion? Con nec tion?
Yes Yes
Re lease Releas e
Handov er Han dov er
Device Dev ice
Call in Progres s UE /MS W ait for access UE/MS Call in P rogres s

on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B b y UE/MS on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MS C-B
(G SM ) (GSM) (UMTS to GSM Ho) (UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE/MS
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
Expiry A-CLEAR- Iu -RELE ASE- MAP-SEND-END-

from BSS-B from RNS-A from 3G_MSC-A

in BSS -B Reso urces Resources
and RNS-A in BSS-B in RNS-A
Re lease No
W ait for acc ess by
Handov er UE/MS?
Device
Yes
MAP-PAS req. MAP-PAS req. Release Resources

[A -CLEAR- [A-CLE AR- in BSS -B
REQ UEST ] REQUEST] and RNS-A
to 3G_MS C-A to 3G_MSC-A
Re lease
Handov er
Proc edures in 3G_MSC-B in 3 G_ MSC-B Proc edures
Device
I_DISCONNE CT Release Resourc es

(REL) to 3G_MSC-A in BS S-B
Wait for W ait for W ait for

IDLE ac cess by UE/MS Dis connect Disc onnec t
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Sub sequent UMTS to GSM Handover from 3G_MSC-B to MS C-A
Wait for Re spons e

(UMTS to GSM Ho)
MAP-PREPARE - M AP -PREPARE- Expiry Iu-RELEASE-

SUBSEQ UENT- S UBS EQ UE NT- T4 11 REQUEST
HANDOVER resp. HANDO VER resp. fro m RNS-A
[A-HO -REQUEST- [A-HO -FA ILURE
ACK] or MAP E RROR]
from MSC-A from MS C-A
Res et Reset MAP-PAS

T411 T411 req.
[A-CLEAR-
REQ UE ST]
to MS C-A

Resources SIGNAL resp. to MS C-A Procedures
in B SS-B from MSC-A
Relocation Releas e
Command Res ources
to RNS-A in RNS-A
Set
T404
Wait for Ack.

Wait for Disconnect
from MSC-A 7
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Wait for Ack.

from MSC-A
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
MAP-SEND- Ex piry Iu -RELE ASE- Iu-RELOCATION-

END- T404 REQ UEST CANCEL
SIGNAL res p. from RNS-A from RNS-A
from MSC-A

T404 Reso urces [A-CLE AR- T404
in RNS-A REQUEST]
to MSC-A

Cancel MAP to MSC-A
Res ources Procedures in 3 G_ MSC-B Resourc es [A-HO-FAILURE]
in RNS-A in RNS-A to MS C-A
Canc el MAP
to MSC-A
Proc edures
No No
Circuit Circu it
Yes Yes
Call in Progres s UE /MS

Wait for Disconnect
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
(UTRAN) (UT RAN)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Basic UMTS to G SM handover from 3G _MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B
Wait for UE /MS

on B SS-B
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A -HANDOV ER- A-CLEAR- Cancel

Expiry fro m
COMPLETE REQ UE ST MAP
T4 04 3G_MSC-A
from B SS-B from B SS-B Procedure
Res et MAP-PAS req

T404 [A-CLEAR-
REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A
MA P-SEND- A -HANDOV ER- Canc el MAP to 3G_MSC-A

END-SIG NAL req. DETECT Proc edures in 3G_MSC-B
[A-HO-CO MP LETE] from B SS-B
to 3 G_MS C-A

[A-HO-DETECT] Res ourc es on
to 3G_MSC-A BSS-B

on 3 G_MS C-B o n BS S-B IDLE
(GSM) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

Fo rward Messag es UE /MS

to UE/MS on 3G_MSC-B
(UTRAN)
MAP-SEND- Iu- MAP-PREPARE-

E ND-SIGNAL r esp. RELOCATION- HANDOVER req .
from 3G_MSC-A REQUIRED [NULL]
from RNS-A [A-ASG-REQUEST]
from MSC-A
Release MAP-ALLOCA TE-

Resou rces HANDOVER- NUMBER req.
in RNS-B to VLR
Iu- RAB-ASSIGNEMENT-
REQUEST
to RNS-A
Wait fo r Assignment
(GSM to UMTS Ho)
Iu-LOCA TION-
REPORT
from RNS
MAP-PAS req.
[A-HO-
PERFORMED]
to 3G_ MSC-A
UE /MS
on 3G_ MSC-B
(UTRAN)
ETSI

Wait for Assignme nt

or Handover Numb er
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-AS SIGNMENT- MAP -ALLOCATE-

COMPL ETE HANDOVER-
from BSS-B NUMBER resp.
from VLR
Wait for W ait for

Handover Number As signment
Allocation
MAP -ALLOCATE- A-ASSIGNMENT -

HANDOVER- COMPLETE
NUMBER resp. from B SS-A
from VLR
MAP-PREPARE-
HANDOVER resp.
[Handover Number]
[A-ASG-CO MP LETE]
to 3G_MSC-A
Set
T410
Wait for Co nnect

from 3G_MSC-A
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
ETSI

W ait for Handover

Number Allocation
(UMT S to GS M Ho)
(UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho) (UMTS t o GSM Ho) (UMTS to GSM Ho)
A-ASSIGNMENT- Indic ation from MA P-S END-

FAILURE E RROR END-SIG NA L resp.
VLR
from BSS-A from 3G_MSC-A
MAP-P REPARE- M AP -PREPARE- A-CLEAR-REQUEST

HA NDOVER res p. HANDO VER resp. fro m BSS-B
[A-AS G-FA ILURE] [MAP ERROR]
to 3G_MS C-A to 3G_MSC-A
MAP-PA S req.
[A-CLEAR-REQUEST ]
to 3G_MSC-A

to 3G_MSC-A
and VLR-B
Releas e
Res ources
in BSS-B
UE/MS
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(G SM )
ETSI

W ait for Conn ec t

from 3G_MSC-A
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry A-CLEAR-REQ UEST

from 3G_MSC-A T410 from BSS-A
Reset to 3G_MS C-A Cancel MAP MAP-P AS req.

T410 in 3G_MSC-B Procedures [A-CLEA R_REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- Cancel MAP to 3G_MSC-A

Release
I_ COMPLETE
(ACM) to 3G_MSC-A Radio Resourc es
on BS S-B
Call
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(G SM )
ETSI

Wait for Connect

from 3G_MSC-A
(UMTS to GSM Ho)
I_DISCONNECT MAP-SEND- Cancel MAP

END-SIGNAL res p. from 3G_MS C-A
(REL) from 3 G_MS C-A Procedure
from 3G_MS C-A
Release Releas e
BS S-B BSS-B
UE/MS
on 3 G_ MSC-B IDLE IDLE
(GSM)
ETSI

No
Known
RNS?
Yes
Not
Requested
Han dov er
Number?
Requested

to VLR [IU-RLC-FA ILURE]
To 3G_MSC-A
Set
T801
Iu-RELOCATION-
REQUE ST
to RNS-B
Wait f or Channel
(SRNS Re location)
ETSI

Wait for Channel

or Handover Numbe r
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-REL OCAT ION- MAP-A LLOCAT E-

REQ UEST-ACK HANDOVER-
from RNS-B NUMBER res p.
from VLR
Res et
T801
Requested
Handover
Number?
Not Requested
MAP-PREPARE- W ait for Wait for Channel

HA NDOVER resp. Handover Number Allocation
[IU-RLC-REQUEST -ACK] A lloc ation (SRNS Relocation)
to 3 G_MSC-A
MAP-ALLOCATE- Iu-RELOCATION-
NUMBE R resp. from RNS-B
from VLR
Reset
T801
MAP-PREPARE -
HANDO VE R resp.
[IU-RLC-REQUEST-ACK]
[Handov er Number]
to 3G_MSC-A
Set S et
T804 T810
Wait for UE W ait for Connection

on RNS-B from 3G_MS C-A
(SRNS Relocation) (SRNS Reloc ation)
ETSI

Wait for Channel Wait for Channel Wa it for Chann el W ait for Hand ov er
or Handover Number Alloc ation or Handov er Number Number Alloc ation
(SRNS Re location) (SRNS Relo cation) (SRNS Reloc ation) (SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELOCATION- Ex piry Iu-RE LEA SE - Indication from

T801 VLR
Re lease Release
in RNS-B in RNS-B
MAP-P REPARE-
HA NDOVER res p.
[M AP ERROR]
to 3G_MS C-A
MAP-PRE PA RE- Ca nc el
HANDOVER re sp. Ch annel
[IU-RLC-FAI LURE] on RNS-B
to 3G_MSC-A
I DLE IDLE
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Bas ic S RNS Relocation from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B

from 3G_MSC-A
(SRNS Relocation)
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry Iu-RELEA SE -

from 3G_MSC-A T810 REQUEST
(Us es Handover No.) from RNS-B
Reset To 3G_MSC-A Cancel Can cel e.g. MAP-PAS req.

T810 in 3G_MSC-B MAP MAP MAP-ABORT [IU-IREL-
Procedures Procedures from RE QUES T]
3G_MSC-A to 3G_MS C-A
Cance l
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- To 3G_MSC-A
Proce dures
Set
T804
Release Radio
I_COMPLETE (ACM)
Resources
to 3G_MS C-A
on RNS-B
W ait for acces s

by UE on RNS-B IDLE
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE on RNS-B
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELOCATION- Iu-RE LE ASE- Cancel

Expiry fro m
COMPLE TE REQ UEST MAP
T8 04 3G_MSC-A
MAP-P AS req Res et

[IU_IREL- T804
REQ UEST]
to 3G_MS C-A
Reset I_DISCO NNECT

T804 (REL) to 3G_MSC-A
Yes I_DISCO NNECT Releas e

ANM
Sent? (REL) from Res ources on
3G_MSC-A RNS-B
No
I_ANS WER (ANM) Iu-RELO CAT ION-

to 3G_MS C-A DET ECT
from RNS-B
to 3G_MS C-A Cancel MAP I _ANSW ER (ANM )

in 3G_MSC-B Procedures t o 3G_MSC-A
MAP-S END- Release MAP-PAS req

END-SIG NA L req. Resources on [IU-RLC-DE TECT]
[IU_ RLC-COMPLETE] RNS-B to 3G_MSC-A
to 3G_MS C-A
Call in Progres s W ait for acces s

Wait for Disconnect
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE by UE on RNS-B (SRNS Relocation)
(UT RAN) (SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Call in Progres s
Forward Mess ages
on 3G_MSC-B
to UE
(UT RAN)
MAP-S END- Iu-RELEASE-REQUEST

END-SIG NA L resp. from RNS-A
from 3G_MSC-A
MAP-PAS req.
[IU-IREL-REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A
Cancel MAP
Procedures
Releas Canc el
I_DISCONNECT
Resources MAP from 3G_MSC-A
(REL) from 3G_MSC-A
in RNS-A Proc edures
Yes Release Iu-RELO CATION-

3G_MSC-A
Resourc es REQUIRED
dis connected?
in RNS-A from RNS-A
No
W ait for I_DIS CONNECT

Disc onnec t (REL) to 3G_MSC-A
I_ DISCONNECT
(REL) from 3 G_ MSC-A
Call in Progress
(UTRAN)
ETSI

12
Yes
Known
3G_MSC?
No
3G_MS C-A/3G_MSC-B'
Wh ich
3G _MSC?
MS C-B
Known MAP-P REPA RE-

RNS? SUBSEQUENT-
No HANDOVER req.
Yes [IU-RLC-REQ UE ST ]
11 to 3G_MSC-A
Resources on
RNS-B?
No
Yes
No
Send Rejec t?
Yes
Iu-RELOCATION- Set
PREPARA TION-F AIL URE T8 11
to RNS-A
No
Circuit
Con nec tion?
Yes
Call in P rogres s UE W ait for Response

on 3G_MS C-B on 3G_MSC-B 13
(SRNS Relocation)
(UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

Procedures for Handover in 3G_ MSC-B SRNS Rel ocation from RNS-A to RNS-B o n 3G_MSC-B
13
to RNS-B
Set
T8 01
Wait for Channel

(SRNS Relocation)
Iu- Expiry Iu-RELO CATION- MAP-SEND-

RELOCATION- T801 FAILURE END-SIGNAL
REQUEST-ACK from RNS-B resp. fro m
from RNS-B 3G_ MSC-A
Re set
T8 01
Re set Iu-RELE ASE-REQUEST
T8 01 from RNS-A
Queue Messages
in 3G_MSC-B
MAP-PAS req Cance l Ch annel

No t supported [IU-IREL- request
REQUEST] on RNS-B
Loca tion Reporting
to 3G_ MSC-A
Supported
Iu-LOCATION REPORTING Release Cance l MA P To 3 G_MSC-A

CONTROL to RNS-B Resou rces Procedures in 3G_MSC-B
on RNS-B
Relocation Command Release

to RNS-A Resou rces
on RNS-A
Set Up
Handover
Device
Set
T8 02
Wait fo r Disconnect
11
(SRNS Relocation)
Wait for access
by UE
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Wait fo r access
by UE
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu- Iu- Iu-

RELOCATION- RELOCATION- RELOCATION
COMPLETE DETECT CANCEL
from RNS-B form RNS-B from RNS-A
Re set
T8 02
No
Ha ve security alg or ithms
been chan ged?
Yes
Protocol
on E-in terface
RA NAP
BSSMAP
MAP-PAS req. MAP-PAS req.
[A-HO- [Iu -L OC-REPORT]
PERFORMED] to 3G_ MSC-A
to 3G_MSC-A
Re set
No T802
Ci rcuit
Co nne cti on? No
Ci rcuit
Yes Co nne cti on?
Connect Yes Forward queued
Handover me ssage s
Device via RNS-A
(O ptional) Connect
Handover
Device
Fo rward queued (Optional) Release
message s Resou rces
via RNS-B in RNS-B
Release
Resou rces No
in RNS-A Ci rcuit
Co nnecti on ?
No Yes
Ci rcuit
Co nne cti on?
Yes Release
Handover
Release Device
Handover
Device
Ca ll in Pr ogress UE Wait fo r access UE Ca ll in Pr ogress

on 3G_MSC-B on 3G_MSC-B by UE on 3G_ MSC-B on 3G_ MSC-B
(UTRAN) (UTRAN) (SRNS Relocation) (UTRAN) (UTRAN)
ETSI

W ait for acces s

by UE
(SRNS Relocation)
Expiry Iu-RELEASE- Iu -RELE ASE- MAP-SEND-END-

from RNS-B from RNS-A from 3G_MSC-A

in RNS -B Reso urces Resources
and RNS-A in RNS-B in RNS-A
Re lease Yes
W ait for acc ess by
Handov er UE?
Device
No
MAP-PAS req. MAP-PA S req. Release Resources

[IU-IREL-REQUEST] [IU-IREL-REQUEST] in RNS -B
to 3G_MS C-A to 3G_MSC-A and RNS-A
Re lease
Handov er
Proc edures in 3G_MSC-B in 3G_ MSC-B Proc edures
Device
Release
I_DISCONNE CT
Resourc es
(REL) to 3G_MSC-A
in RNS-B
Wait for
W ait for Disc onnec t
IDLE access by UE
(SRNS Reloca tio n)
(SRNS Relo cation)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Subsequent SRNS Relocation from 3G_MSC-B to 3G_MSC-A
Wait for Re spons e

(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-PREPARE - M AP -PREPARE- Expiry Iu-RELEASE-

S UBS EQ UENT- S UBS EQ UE NT- T8 11 REQUEST
HANDO VE R resp. HANDO VER resp. fro m RNS-A
[IU-RLC- [IU-RLC-FAILURE
REQUEST- or MAP E RROR]
A CK] from 3G_MSC-A
from 3G_MS C-A
Res et Reset MAP-PAS
T811 T811 req.
[IU-IREL -
REQ UE ST]
to 3G_MSC-A

Resources SIGNAL resp. to 3G_MSC-A Procedures
in RNS-B from 3G_MSC-A
Relocation Releas e
Command Res ources
to RNS-A in RNS-A
Set
T804
Wait for Ack.

Wait for Disconnect
from 3G_MSC-A 11
(SRNS Relocation)
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Wait for Ack.

from 3G_MSC-A
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-SEND- Ex piry Iu -RELE ASE- Iu-

END- T804 REQ UEST RELOCAT ION-
SIGNAL res p. from RNS-A CANCEL
fro m from RNS-A
3G_MSC-A

T804 Reso urces [IU-IREL- T804
in RNS-A REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A

Cancel MAP to 3G_MSC-A
Res ources Procedures in 3 G_ MSC-B Resourc es [I U-RLC-
in RNS-A in RNS-A FAILURE]
to 3G_MS C-A
Canc el MAP
to 3G_MSC-A
Proc edures
No No
Circuit Circu it
Yes Yes
Call in Progres s UE
Wait for Disconnect
(SRNS Relocation)
(UTRAN) (UT RAN)
ETSI

Procedures for Handov er in 3G_MSC-B Bas ic S RNS Relocation from 3G_MSC-A to 3G_MSC-B
Wait for UE
on RNS-B
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RELO CATION- Iu-RELEASE- Cancel

Expiry fro m
COMPLETE REQ UEST MAP
T8 04 3G_MSC-A
Res et MAP -PAS req

T804 [IU-IREL-
REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A
MAP-SEND- Iu- Canc el MAP to 3G_MSC-A

END-SIGNAL req. RELO CATION- Proc edures in 3G_MSC-B
[IU-RLC- DET ECT
COMPLETE] from RNS-B
to 3G_MSC-A

[IU-RLC-DETECT] Res ources
to 3G_MSC-A on RNS-B
UE W ait for UE
on 3 G_MS C-B o n RNS-B IDLE
ETSI

UE
Forward Mess ages
on 3 G_MS C-B
to UE
(UT RAN)
MA P-S END- Iu-RELOCATION- MAP-PREPARE -

END-SIG NA L resp. REQ UIRED HANDO VE R req.
from 3G_MSC-A from RNS-A [NULL]
[IU-RASG-REQUEST]
from 3 G_MS C-A
Releas e Resources MAP-ALL OCATE-

in RNS-B HANDOV ER-NUMBER req.
to VLR
Iu-RAB-A SSIG NE MENT-

REQUEST
to RNS-A
Wait fo r Assignment
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

Wait for Assignment

or Handover Numb er
(SRNS Relocation)
Iu-RAB-AS SIGNMENT- MAP-ALLOCATE-

RESPO NSE HANDOVER-
from RNS-A NUMBE R resp.
from VLR
Wait for Handover W ait for As signment

Number Allocation (SRNS Reloc ation)
MAP -ALLOCATE- Iu-RA B-ASSIGNMENT-

HANDOVER- RESPONSE
NUMBE R resp. from RNS-A
from VL R
MAP -PREPARE-
HANDOVER resp.
[Handover Number]
[IU-RASG -COMPLETE]
to 3G_MSC-A
Set
T810
Wait for Connect

from 3G_MSC-A
(SRNS Relocation)
ETSI

W ait for Handover

Number Allocation
(SRNS Relocation) (SRNS Re location)
(SRNS Reloc ation)
(SRNS Relocation) (SRNS Relo cation) (SRNS Relocation ) (SRNS Relocation)
Iu -RAB- Indic ation from MA P-S END-

ASSIGNME NT - E RROR END-SIG NA L resp.
VLR
RE SP ONSE with from 3G_MSC-A
Uns uccess ful res ult
from RNS-B
MAP-P REPARE- M AP -PREPARE- Iu-RELEASE-

HA NDOVER res p. HANDO VER resp. REQUEST
[IU-RA SG- [MAP ERROR] fro m RNS-A
RESPONSE] to 3G_MSC-A
to 3G_MS C-A
MAP-PA S req.
[IU-IREL-REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A

to 3G_MSC-A
and VLR-B
Releas e
Res ources
in RNS-A
UE
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UT RAN)
ETSI

W ait for Conn ec t

from 3G_MSC-A
(SRNS Relocation)
I_CONNECT (IAM) Ex piry Iu-RELEASE-REQ UE ST

from 3G_MSC-A T810 from RNS-A
Reset to 3G_MS C-A Cancel MAP MAP-P AS req.

T810 in 3G_MSC-B Procedures [IU-IREL-REQUEST]
to 3G_MSC-A
MAP -SEND-HANDOV ER- Cancel MAP to 3G_MSC-A

Release
I_ COMPLETE
(ACM) to 3G_MSC-A Radio Resourc es
on RNS-A
Call
on 3G_MSC-B IDLE
(UT RAN)
ETSI

Wait for Connect

from 3G_MSC-A
(SRNS Relocation)
MAP-SEND- Cancel
I_DISCONNECT
END-SIGNAL res p. from 3G_MS C-A MAP
(REL) from 3 G_MS C-A
from 3G_MS C-A Procedure
Release Releas e
RNS-A RNS-A
UE
on 3 G_ MSC-B IDLE IDLE
(UTRAN)
ETSI
Annex A (informative):
Change history
ETSI
Change history
Date Meeting TDoc CR Rev Cat Subject/Comment New
version
Apr 1999 CR0
01r2
CN#03 CR0 3.0.0
03
CN#06 CR0 Introduction of UMTS functionalities in 23.009 3.1.0
04
CN#7 CR0 Functional requirements for the use of RANAP over the E i/f 3.2.0
05
CN#7 CR0 3.2.0
06
CN#7 CR0 3.2.0
07
CN#7 CR0 Introduction of RANAP for intra-UMTS inter-MSC relocation 3.2.0
08r2
CN#7 - Clarifications of 3G_MSC-A and 3G_MSC-B roles 3.2.0
CN#7 Transcoder handling in the CN at inter-system handover and 3.2.0
relocation
15/05/00 Missing SDLs re-inserted by MCC for Figures 41 - 42 (GSM 3.2.1
Handover control procedure in MSC-A and MSC-B)
NP-08 NP-000278 002 4 CR to 23.009 on Handover scenario for Multicall 3.3.0
NP-08 NP-000270 009 Clean-up of 3G_MSC-A_HO SDLs 3.3.0
NP-08 NP-000270 010 Clean-up of 3G_MSC-B_HO SDLs 3.3.0
NP-09 NP-000444 012 1 Correction to transcoder handling for R99 3.4.0
NP-10 NP-000671 013 GSM to UMTS Handover: Directed Retry 3.5.0
NP-10 NP-000671 014 GSM to UMTS Handover: MAP parameter Target Cell ID 3.5.0
NP-10 NP-000724 015 2 GSM to UMTS Handover: Location Reporting in 3G MSC B 3.5.0
NP-10 NP-000671 016 1 Subsequent Handover procedure corrections 3.5.0
NP-10 NP-000671 017 3 Missing Subsequent Handover scenarios 3.5.0
NP-10 NP-000673 019 Reference clean-up 3.5.0
NP-10 NP-000671 020 1 ndication of Intra-MSC Intersystem handover from 3G_MSC-B to 3.5.0
MSC-A/3G_MSC-A
NP-10 NP-000671 021 1 UMTS to GSM handover: Directed Retry 3.5.0
NP-11 NP-010123 018 2 GSM to UMTS Handover: Location Reporting in 3G_MSC-B 3.6.0
NP-11 NP-010207 024 GSM to UMTS handover: addition of MAP parameter Target RNC ID 3.6.0
NP-11 NP-010207 026 Directed Retry procedure allignment 3.6.0
NP-11 NP-010161 022 2 Applicability of intra-3G_MSC SRNS Relocation 4.0.0
NP-12 NP-010270 035 3 Indication of Intra MSC handover from 3G_MSC-B to MSC- 4.1.0
A/3G_MSC-A
NP-13 23.0 041 4.2.0 4.1.0
09
NP-13 NP-010495 047 Correction of SDL figures in CRs 034 and 035 (N1-010913, N1- 4.2.0
010914)
NP-13 NP-010494 049 1 Usage of Location Reporting for Relocation and Inter-system 4.2.0
Handover
NP-14 NP-010651 055 Multicall bearer selection 4.3.0
NP-14 NP-010682 057 2 Usage of Location Reporting for Relocation and Inter-system 4.3.0
Handover
NP-14 NP-010682 060 E-interface protocol during the supervision phase 4.3.0
NP-14 NP-010691 063 3 GSM to UMTS Handover: Iu-LOCATION-REPORTING message 4.3.0
reception
NP-14 NP-010659 052 3 Introduction of Intra Domain Connection of RAN 5.0.0
NP-14 NP-010661 061 4 Reflection of RRC changes in 44.018 to 23.009 5.0.0
NP-16 NP-020243 066 2 Sending of RANAP Location Reporting Control on the E Interface 5.1.0
NP-16 NP-020218 071 Clarification of the end of supervision after inter-MSC handover 5.1.0
NP-16 NP-020243 074 1 Clarification that Multicall is not supported in GERAN Iu-mode 5.1.0
NP-16 NP-020218 077 1 Handling of Service Handover parameter in non-anchor 5.1.0
NP-17 NP-020383 080 1 Support for Shared Network Area 5.2.0
ETSI/MCC updated with correct release to references [2], [3], [4], [6], 5.3.0
and [7].
NP-18 NP-020549 083 2 MSC_A_HO SDL correction 5.3.0
NP-18 NP-020548 084 3 Inter-MSC relocation and intersystem handover for multiple codecs 5.3.0
NP-18 NP-020630 090 Clarification of the protocol to be used on the E-interface 5.3.0
NP-19 NP-030041 093 1 Further clarification of the protocol to the be used on the E-interface 5.4.0
NP-20 NP-030268 096 2 Correct text related to timer expiry for receipt of A-HANDOVER- 5.5.0
COMPLETE / Iu-RELOCATION-COMPLETE
NP-20 NP-030283 097 2 Addition of UESBI-Iu to handover and relocation procedures 5.5.0
NP-21 NP-030417 099 Correction to UESBI-Iu definition 5.6.0
NP-22 NP-030473 101 Correcting a mistake in previously approved category A of its Rel99 5.7.0
category F CR 091 Rev 1 in NP-030041
NP-23 NP-040031 102 2 Renaming of the Available Codecs List to Iu Supported Codecs List 5.8.0
ETSI
NP-26 Rel-6 published after CN#26 6.0.0

CP-28 CP-050071 104 2 Full RANAP support of network initiated SCUDIF 6.1.0
CP-28 CP-050072 105 1 Directed Retry Handover for Bearer Service 6.1.0
CP-29 CP-050443 Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation interactions with other RANAP 6.2.0

procedures
109 5
CP-30 CP-050536 Subsequent Inter-MSC handover/relocation interactions with other 6.3.0
RANAP procedures
113
CP-30 CP-050536 Correction to Intra-3G_MSC-B handover/relocation interactions with 6.3.0
other RANAP procedures for the security mode control procedure
115
CP-31 011 Clarification of directed retry handover failure cases 6.4.0
CP-060108 9 1
CP-31 012 Aligning release 6 with release 5 6.4.0
CP-060113 0 -
CP-35 Misalignment With The Usage Of Iu-Selected Codec During 7.0.0
012 Handover
CP-070155 1 4
CP-42 012 Correction of white-on-white text in 23.009 7.1.0
CP-080871 2
CP-42 012 Enhanced SRNS relocation 8.0.0
CP-080863 5 1
CP-42 012 Updates to TS 23.009 for AoIP 8.0.0
CP-080833 6 1
CP-42 012 Adding SRVCC description 8.0.0
CP-080868 7 3
CP-42 Editorial cleanup by MCC 8.0.0
Added missing SDL source files 8.0.1
CP-43 012 Data Forwarding for Enhanced SRNS Relocation 8.1.0

CP-090161 8
CP-45 AoIP - Clarification for the "BSS Internal Handover with MSC 8.2.0
012 Support" procedure
CP-090666 9 5
CP-46 Automatic upgrade from Rel-8 9.0.0
CP-47 013 AoIP-MAP level codec negotiation changes 9.1.0

CP-100135 1 5
CP-51 013 Correction of handling of AoIP Supported codec list 9.2.0
CP-110174 2 1
CP-51 013 Introduction of LCLS functionality in TS 23.009 10.0.0
CP-110203 4 1
CP-53 013 Add description for MSC server enhanced for vSRVCC 11.0.0
CP-110697 5 2
CP-57 013 Support of handover to a CSG cell 11.1.0
CP-120584 9 4
CP-58 014 BSS-internal handover in AoIP mode with MSC support 11.2.0
CP-120900 8 2
2014-09 Update to Rel-12 version (MCC) 12.0.0
- - -
2015012 Update to Rel-13 version (MCC) 13.0.0
2017-03 CT#75 - - - Update to Rel-14 version (MCC) 14.0.0
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V14.0.0 March 2017 Publication
ETSI

Handover Procedure

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Handover Procedure

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ETSI TS 123 009 V14.0.

Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM);

GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR

650 Route des Lucioles

Tel.: +33 4 92 94 42 00 Fax: +33 4 93 65 47 16

Siret N 348 623 562 00017 - NAF 742 C

The present document can be downloaded from:

European Telecommunications Standards Institute 2017.

Intellectual Property Rights

Modal verbs terminology

10.2 Call control procedures MSC-B (functional unit 2) ......................................................................................... 89

x the first digit:

1 presented to TSG for information;

2 presented to TSG for approval;

3 or greater indicates TSG approved document under change control.

The present document considers the following five handover cases:

- call re-establishment is not supported.

- For a specific reference, subsequent revisions do not apply.

[1] ITU-T Recommendation Q.118: "Abnormal conditions - Special release arrangements".

[2a] 3GPP TR 21.905: "3G Vocabulary".

[4] 3GPP TS 45.008: "Radio Subsystem Link Control".

[11] 3GPP TS 25.413: "UTRAN Iu interface RANAP signalling".

[12] 3GPP TS 29.002: "Mobile Application Part (MAP) specification".

[14] 3GPP TS 25.331: "Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification".

[17] 3GPP TS 23.135: "Multicall supplementary service; Stage 2".

[19] 3GPP TS 23.221: "Architectural Requirements".

[20] 3GPP TS 25.401: "UTRAN Overall Description".

[21] 3GPP TS 23.195: "Provision of UE Specific Behaviour Information to Network Entities".

[23] 3GPP TS 23.205: "Bearer-independent circuit-switched core network; Stage 2"

[25] 3GPP TS 23.153: "Out of band transcoder control; Stage 2".

[26] 3GPP TS 23.216: "Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC)".

[29] 3GPP TS 23.284: "Local Call Local Switch; Stage 2".

3 Abbreviations and definitions

SRNS Serving RNS

Iur interface: the logical interface between two UTRAN RNSs.

In GERAN Iu mode the default speech codec is the AMR FR codec.

4 Role, functional composition of MSCs and interfaces

4.1.2 Functional composition of MSC-A and its interfaces for handover

Table 1: States of the handover device

NOTE: In a) and b) A is released after handover;

Figure 2: Connections in the handover device (Unit 5)

4.2.2 Functional composition of MSC-B and its interfaces for handover

Figure 3: Functional composition of MSC-B for supporting handover

4.3.1 Role of 3G_MSC-A

In the case of Inter-3G_MSC relocation, 3G_MSC-A links out the transcoder.

For subsequent inter-MSC handover/relocation back to 3G_MSC-A or to a third 3G_MSC-B', if MSC-B/3G_MSC-B

4.3.2 Functional composition of 3G_MSC-A and its interfaces for

Figure 4: Functional composition of the controlling 3G_MSC (3G_MSC-A)

Table 2: States of the handover/relocation device

NOTE: In a) and b) Iu is released after handover/relocation;

Figure 5: Connections in the handover/relocation device (Unit 5)

4.4.1 Role of 3G_MSC-B

Encapsulated in the MAP-PROCESS-ACCESS-SIGNALLING request 3G_MSC-B shall send:

- an A-HANDOVER-PERFORMED message, when encapsulated BSSAP is used on the E interface; or

- an Iu-LOCATION-REPORT message, when encapsulated RANAP is used on the E interface.

4.4.2 Functional composition of 3G_MSC-B and its interfaces for

Figure 6: Functional composition of 3G_MSC-B for supporting handover/relocation

4.5 MSC server enhanced for SRVCC features

4.5.2 Functional composition of SRVCC MSC and its interfaces for

- Interface Iu/A is not used. This is replaced by Sv interface;

4.5.3 Role of vSRVCC MSC

4.5.4 Functional composition of vSRVCC MSC and its interfaces for

5 Handover initiation conditions

6 General description of the procedures for intra - MSC