UMTS and eHSPA Signalling

Overview:

The UMTS/eHSPA Signalling course provides a thorough understanding of the architecture and functions of the protocols used in a UMTS/HSPA network, with focus on the UTRAN interfaces. All UMTS specific protocols (Access- and Non-Access Stratum) are described in detail, with the exception of the CN protocols. A number of HSPA-specific issues are covered. Extractions from the 3GPP specifications are in some cases used in addition to the course documentation, in order to highlight certain protocol functions. The course covers the UTRAN protocol functionality up to and including 3GPP Release 8.

Pre-requisites:

General knowledge about the architecture, terminology and modes of operation of UMTS is recommended. For required background knowledge, we recommend Apis GSM/UMTS/EPS System Overview.

Course Outline

UMTS Overview

• Network architecture, context storage, bearer concepts, areas and identity numbers

UMTS Protocol Architecture

• Description of the layered protocol/channel architecture used in UMTS

• Access Stratum/ Non-Access Stratum

• Control Plane/ User Plane

• Radio Network Layer/ Transport Network Layer

• Logical/ Transport/ Physical Channels

• HSPA specific channels

• Introduction to the protocols defined on the different interfaces in a UMTS network

Uu-Interface (Radio Interface) Protocols

• The protocol architecture in the UE. Detailed description of each protocol: functions, procedures, message format and coding.

• CM/MM/SMS (NAS protocols)

• RRC- Radio Resource Control

• RLC- Radio Link Control

• MAC- Medium Access Control

• Layer 1 processing

• HARQ for HSPA

Iub-Interface Protocols

• Protocols for communication between NodeB and RNC: functions and procedures of NBAP (NodeB Application Part), Iub Frame Protocols and an overview of the Iub transport network layer

Iur-Interface Protocols

• Protocols for communication between RNCs: functions and procedures of RNSAP (Radio Network Subsystem Application Part), Iur Frame Protocols and an overview of the Iur transport network layer

Iu-Interface Protocols

• Protocols for communication between RNC and CN: functions and procedures of RANAP (Radio Access Network Application Part), Iu Frame Protocols and an overview of the Iu transport network layer

Measurements and Mobility

• The use of common reporting events (1, 2, 3 and 4-series)

• Configuration of UE measurements using System Information and the Measurement Control message

• Typical mobility scenarios, including Cell Update, Soft Handover, Hard Handover, SRNS Relocation, Serving HSPA cell change

User Plane Protocols

• PS services: functions and PDU formats of PDCP and GTP-U

• CS services: AMR and RLP

Signalling Procedures

A detailed step-by-step description of the signalling at different interfaces for various procedures (including PS and CS cases):

• RRC Connection Establishment

• Initial Direct Transfer and Signalling Connection Establishment

• Authentication and Key Agreement

• Security Mode Control

• Service Request and PDP Context Activation

• RAB Assignment, including Radio Bearer Setup and Radio Link Setup

• Measurement Control and Reporting

• Soft Handover, SRNS Relocation, Enhanced Relocation

• Serving HSDPA cell change

• Serving E-DCH cell change

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