TA 1

MOBILE COMMUNICATION

इ रसेट IRISET
 TA 1

MOBILE COMMUNICATION

The Material Presented in this IRISET Notes is for

guidance only. It does not over rule or alter any of the
Provisions contained in Manuals or Railway Board’s

T
directives

E
IS
IR

INDIAN RAILWAY INSTITUTE OF

SIGNAL ENGINEERING & TELECOMMUNICATION,
SECUNDERABAD - 500017

March 2020
 TA 1
MOBILE COMMUNICATION

INDEX

Chapter Page
Content
No. No.

1. Scenario of mobile train radio communication on Indian railways

1.0 Emergency Communication - Present Status 1
1.1 Why train Radio Communication
1.2 Need for Mobile Communication
1.2.1 Railways Present Day Requirements

2. Very High Frequency (VHF) Mobile Radio Communication

2.0 Introduction 3
2.1 Application of VHF Communication on IR

T
2.2 Mode of Operations
2.3 VHF Radio Specification (General)
2.4 Guidelines for utilization of walkie-talkie/VHF sets on Indian Railways
2.4.1 Frequency allocation for departments
E
2.4.2 Frequency allocation of VHF sets with the SM
2.4.3 Frequency allocation for block communication by using VHF
sets during failure of Block Instrument.
2.4.4 VHF sets provided to operating and maintenance staff
IS
2.4.5 VHF sets provided in ARTs
2.4.6 Communication with level crossing gate
2.5 limitations of vhf communication:
2.6 Installation of VHF communication
2.7 Maintenance of VHF communication set
2.8 Test meters required at centralized repair center
IR

2.9 Failure report

3. Cellular Mobile Radio Communication systems

3.0. Introduction 10
3.1 Objectives in the design of Cellular systems
3.2 Cellular Geometry
3.3 Determination of number of cells per cluster
3.4 Frequency reuse

4. GSM (GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION)

4.0 Evolution of GSM 16
4.1 GSM system architecture
4.2 System entity functions
4.2.1 Mobile station
4.2.2 Functions of MS
4.3 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
4.3.1 Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
4.3.2 Base Station Controller (BSC)
4.4 Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS):
4.5 GSM radio spectrum
4.6 Multiple Access techniques in GSM
4.7 GSM radio interfaces
 4.8 GSM logical channels
4.9 Digital transmission in GSM
4.9.1 Speech coding process in MS
4.9.2 Channel coding
4.9.3 Bit interleaving
4.10 GSM TDMA frame structure
4.11 GSM modulation
4.12 Mapping of data between different interfaces
4.13 GSM protocols on the interfaces
4.14 Mobile subscriber numbering plans
4.15 Call management
4.16 Handover in the GSM
4.16.1Types of handover in GSM

5. GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.0. Introduction 38
5.1 Applications of GSM – R
5.1.1 Operational Voice Communication
5.1.2 Emergency Communication
5.1.3 Shunting Communication
5.1.4 Trackside Maintenance Communication

T
5.1.5 Local and Wide Area Communication
5.1.6 Railway signaling requirements
5.1.7 Passenger Communication Services
E
5.1.8 Train Diagnostics
5.2 The GSM-R Network and its Structure
5.2.1 Architecture of GSM-R network
5.2.2 The typical GSM-R Network structures
IS
5.2.3 Loop multi-drop connection
5.3 Quality requirements of GSM-R
5.4 Features of GSM - R
5.4.1 Functional Addressing
5.4.2 Registration
5.4.3 Call Setup
IR

5.4.4 Deregistration
5.4.5 Expiration Date
5.5 Location Dependent Addressing
5.6 Enhanced multilevel Precedence and Preemption (eMLPP)
5.7 Voice Broadcast Service (VBS) & Voice Group Call Service (VGCS)
5.8 Implementation of GSM - R
5.8.1 Using a Public GSM network
5.8.2 Using a Private GSM network
5.8.3 Using a Hybrid GSM Network
5.9 Numbering Plan principles
5.10 GSM – R System Planning Phases
5.11 GSM – R Type Approvals
5.12 RAM requirements for GSM – R
 6. GSM-R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)
6.1 Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Model BS-240 / 240 56
6.1.1 The main components of the BTS
6.1.2 Antenna Combining Modules (ACOM)
6.1.3 Carrier related Modules
6.2 Base Station Controller (BSC)
6.2.1 BSC control
6.2.2 Line interface
6.2.3 eBSC (enhanced BSC) Rack
6.2.4 eBSC modules
6.3 Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU)
6.3.1 BSC interface
6.3.2 MSC interface
6.3.3 Transcoder boards
6.4 The Radio Commander (RC)
6.4.1 Operation and maintenance processor (OMP)
6.4.2 Operation and maintenance terminals (OMT)
6.5 LMT
6.6 The mobile equipment of GSM-R
6.6.1 GSM-R Cab Radio
6.7 Operational Purpose Handheld (OPH)

T
6.8 General Purpose Handheld (GPH)

7. Annexure 72

8.

9.
Question Bank

References
E 100

103
IS
10. Glossary 104

Prepared by : V. Balasubramanyam, ITX3

Reviewed by : B. B. K. Murthy, Prof. Tele
IR

Approved by : C. Chandrasekhara Sastry, Sr.Prof.-Tele

DTP and Drawings : K. Srinivas, JE (D)
Version No. : 1.0
No. of Pages : 109
No. of Sheets : 56

© IRISET
“This is the intellectual property for exclusive use of Indian Railways. No part of this publication
may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced in any way, including but not
limited to photo copy, photograph, magnetic, optical or other record without the prior agreement
and written permission of IRISET, Secunderabad, India”

http://www.iriset.indianrailways.gov.in
 CHAPTER - 1 Back to Content Page

SCENARIO OF MOBILE TRAIN RADIO COMMUNICATION

ON INDIAN RAILWAYS
1.0 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION - PRESENT STATUS
Emergency Communication is provided by using the following means:

a. Provision of emergency sockets in RE area.

b. 5/25 Watt VHF sets.
c. GSM-R (very less percentile)
d. Mobile phones available with driver, guard and staff

The disadvantages of the above mode of Emergency Communication are:

a. In RE area, Driver and Guard have to walk about 500 meters for establishing emergency
communication.
b. The emergency sockets and posts are prone to vandalism
c. Emergency communication is initiated only from the site of emergency by driver / guard of

T
the affected train.
d. The Section Controller/Emergency Controller is not able to contact the train crew in moving
conditions.
E
e. The emergency communication is initiated only in static condition after the trains come toa
halt and not in mobile conditions.
f. All emergency calls are directed to the Control office and not the nearest Station Master.
IS
g. SOS facility is not available.
h. The weight of the Emergency Control phones is fairly heavy.
i. GSM-R is in use at very less percentile

1.1 WHY TRAIN RADIO COMMUNICATION

IR

Absence of mobile communication, in the present circumstances, due to the above limitations of
the existing system, has the potential of converting the following situations into accidents or
cause avoidable detention to trains:

a. Accidents/unusual situation due to landslides, floods, obstructions on track causing unsafe

conditions;
b. Robbery / thefts in trains;
c. Carriage & wagon problems due to train parting, hanging parts;
d. Locomotives failure;
e. Chain pulling etc.

1.2 NEED FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Providing Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) solves all the problems/shortcomings of
the existing mode of communication. MTRC provides capability to provide/establish the
following modes of communication:

a. Driver to control
b. Guard to Control

IRISET 1 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Back to Content Page
Scenario of MTRC on IR

c. Driver to Station master

d. Driver to Guard
e. Guard to train Crew
f. Train crew to Gateman of gates enroute

In addition to the above, the system also provides communication from:

a. Maintenance staff to station master
b. Maintenance staff to Control
c. Maintenance staff to driver
d. Maintenance staff to guard
e. SOS signal to all in vicinity

1.2.1 Railways Present Day Requirements.

The Train Mobile System's present day requirements are not just voice transmission, but also
along with voice the system shall be capable of handling data also. Typical applications for the
Modern Train Mobile System are as under.
 Text and status message transmission.

T
 Automatic Train operation critical alarms.
 Train status and alarm information
 Passenger information system control



E
Train passenger emergency system
Closed circuit TV system
Wi-Fi
IS
As the world is getting technologically advanced, more complications have set in regarding
safety and security of passengers. Considering all these necessities, the need of the hour is to
develop an effective and technologically advanced communication system in the Indian
Railways.
IR

The Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) system seems to be the right answer to these
concerns. MTRC uses the “Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R)”
technology to facilitate an instant and constant interaction with the train crew with the Control
Centre and Station Master.

It ensures safety of passengers by providing effective communication between Driver and

Control Room. The MTRC system can be used to warn the drivers beforehand of the running
trains as well as the concerned officials. In case of any security problem, concerned staff can
immediately intimate the concerned security establishment.

If any accident takes place, the MTRC system will facilitate better post disaster management. In
the present day, Railways need not just effective voice transmission, but also have the
capability to analyze all the technical data to arrive at the correct decision to be taken on the
spot.

Mobile Train Radio communication is a digital wireless network based on GSM-R (Global
System for Mobile Communication-Railway) designed on EIRENE (European Integrated
Railway Radio Enhanced Network) Functional requirement specification (FRS) and System
Requirement specification ( SRS).
IRISET 2 TA1 - Mobile Communication
VHF Mobile Radio Communication

CHAPTER - 2 Back to Content Page

VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) MOBILE RADIO COMMUNICATION

2.0 INTRODUCTION:

The frequency band of VHF Communication is 30 to 300 MHz. The frequency allotted by WPC
(Wireless Planning and Coordination wing of ministry of communication) for Indian Railways is
in the band 146 -174 MHz.

2.1 Applications of VHF Communication on IR are

1. Communication during Maintenance and Construction Blocks

2. Yard communication
3. Communication in the train between Guard & Driver
4. Mobile Communication between moving train/vehicle with fixed location (Station) or
another moving train/ vehicle.
5. Emergency Communication:
6. ART equipped with hand held and base station VHF sets.

T
2.2 Modes of operation:

 Simplex
 Half-duplex
 Full Duplex
E
IS
Simplex: One way radio communication i.e, either trans or receive

Half-duplex: Both way radio communication, i.e, we can trans and receive but one at a time
(because the same frequency is used for both trans and receive)
IR

Full duplex: Both way radio communication simultaneously. (Trans and receive frequencies are
different)

2.3 VHF RADIO SPECIFICATION (General)

1. Mode of Propagation: Line of sight, Reflection & scattering of waves

2. Type of operation: Half duplex (For present Railway operations)
3. Channel capacity: up to 16 channels.
4. Type of Equipment:
i) Walkie -Talkie (Hand Held/portable) Set-
ii) Base radio
5. Antenna used are Whip Antenna for portable sets, Ground Plane (GP) Antenna for base
radio equipment,
6. Feeder cable: 50 Ohms Unbalanced Coaxial cable
7. Communication Range: Depends upon terrain. The average range of a Walkie -Talkie
(Hand Held set) - 1 to 2 km. and Base Station – up to 50 Kms (depending upon
atmospheric conditions). Antenna used is directional & fixed at the height of 15 to 20
meters.
8. License: Mandatory,

IRISET 3 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Back to Content Page
VHF Mobile Radio Communication

2.4 Guidelines for utilization of Walkie-Talkie/VHF sets on Indian Railways.

VHF sets of 25W and walkie-talkie sets of 5W are being used for different operation and
maintenance functions including Driver & Guard communication and station to station
communication. Since all these sets can be tuned in entire VHF band and operated in multiple
channel mode, there is a need to streamline and standardize the system of working. Therefore,
the following guidelines are issued:-

2.4.1 Frequency allocation for Departments:

Henceforth, frequency programming of 25W VHF sets and walkie-talkie sets for department-
wise applications should be done as per Frequency Allocation given in Annexure-1

2.4.2 Frequency Allocation of VHF sets with the SM:

Normally one 25W VHF set will be provided to ASMs at the Railways stations. This set will be
provided with DTMF signaling for selective calling facility and CTCSS/DCS signaling to ensure
one to one secured and secret communication for block communication channel. There should

T
be display of called and calling party ID on each VHF set. This can be done either by
programming and displaying a code or the name of the station of calling party on called party
set and vice a versa. This set will have priority channel scan (Guard Driver communication
E
channel with station master at frequency 161.15 MHz) to ensure automatic switch over of VHF
sets to Driver Guard communication channel in case of calling station master failed to switch
over the channel manually within 5 secs. after the talk is over.
IS
2.4.3 Frequency allocation for block communication by using VHF sets during failure of
Block Instrument:

For exchanging paper line clear, VHF sets should be used as per the directive issued by
IR

Board’s letter No.2005/Safety (A&R)/19/7 dated 01.07.2005. From the consideration of safety,
three (3) frequencies are allotted for straight route for taking ‘Line Clear’ and programmed as
channel-5, 6 and 7. These channels should be programmed with Continuous Tone-Coded
Squelch System (CTCSS/MF) coding using alternate frequencies for adjacent sections as
detailed below:-

Channel-5 for 1st section (150.100 MHz)

Channel-6 for 2nd adjoining section (150.150 MHz)
Channel-7 for adjoining 3rd section (159.600 MHz).
Channel-5 for next 4th section.
Channel-6 for next 5th section and so on

For the junction stations the more number of frequencies will be required to maintain alternate
frequency plan for adjacent sections. Six additional frequencies are kept reserved for this
purpose as shown in Annex.-I. Railways may prepare their own frequency plan for Junction
Stations using these frequencies.

IRISET 4 TA1 - Mobile Communication

VHF Mobile Radio Communication

2.4.4 VHF sets provided to Operating and Maintenance Staff:

i) 25W Simplex VHF sets provided to SMs at Railway Station will be on Driver Guard
frequency with priority scan and will have single knob control for setting to frequencies for:
a) Taking line clear at the time of block failure;
b) Coordination with maintenance staff;
c) Coordination with other station staff for shunting & yard movements.
ii) The walkie-talkie sets provided to various departments shall be tuned to two (2)
frequencies/channels only i.e. one common channel-10 (160.400 MHz) and second to that
allocated to the respective departments.
iii) The departmental staff should keep their walkie-talkie sets tuned to the
frequency/channels allotted to them as per Annexure-I.
iv) A common frequency (160.400 MHz) for inter-departmental use is provided so that users
of different department with mutual consent can communicate among themselves when
they switch over to this channel. This channel can also be used for direct dialing the
exchange subscribers where this facility is provided.
v) Staff of Operating department such as SMs and shunting staff should use VHF sets in
channel-14 (162.100 MHz) for shunting and yard communication.

T
vi) All activities as detailed above should be carried out through secured communication on
MTRC phones on the sections where Mobile Train Radio Communication is
commissioned.
E
2.4.5 VHF sets provided in ARTs:

ART frequency (147.975 MHz) should be used for communication at disaster sites. This should
IS
normally be restricted to 30 sets in the ART which should be distributed only among the
officers/supervisors directly connected with relief and restoration arrangements at site, as
decided by the senior most officer-in-charge. Other users having separate walkie-talkie sets
should not come on this frequency.
IR

2.4.6 Communication with Level Crossing Gate:

When needed, a separate 25W simplex VHF set shall be provided at level crossing gate and
nearest station. Only channel-9 (159.700 MHz) should be programmed in this 25W VHF set with
CTCSS/MF coding.

These guidelines are issued in consultation with the Safety and Traffic Directorates of Ministry
of Railways.

Fig. 2.1: Frequency Scheme for Straight Section

IRISET 5 TA1 - Mobile Communication

VHF Mobile Radio Communication

T
i
E
Fig. 2.2: Frequency Scheme for 4 direction junction station
IS
IR

Fig. 2.3: Frequency Scheme for 6 direction junction station

IRISET 6 TA1 - Mobile Communication
VHF Mobile Radio Communication

Annexure-1 Standardization of VHF – Frequencies on Indian Railways

S.No. Frequency SM Station to Driver & Shunting/O Engineering Electrical S&T Commercial RPF Mechanical To be used for
in MHz at all LC gate Guard perating deptt. deptt. deptt. deptt. deptt.
stns.
1 146.400 X Security Department
2 147.975 ART Frequency Accident Site Communication
3 148.100 X Mechanical Department
4 149.750 X Engineering Department

ET
st
5 150.100 XC F1 – for PLC; 1 section of Straight Section
nd
6 150.150 XC F2 – for PLC; 2 section of Straight Section
rd
7 159.600 XC F3 – for PLC; 3 section of Straight Section
8 159.650 X S&T Department
9 159.700 XC XC Communication with LC gate
10 160.400 X X X X X X X X Common Frequency

IS
11 160.550 XE XE Train Escorting Purpose
12 161.150 X X Driver & Guard communication
13 161.425 X Electrical Department
14 162.100 X X Shunting & Yard Communication
15 146.200 XC F4 – for PLC; 1st section For Junction
IR
16 148.050 XC F5 – for PLC; 2
nd
section Station
(Direction 1)
17 149.500 XC F6 – for PLC; 3rd section
st
18 149.550 XC F7 – for PLC; 1 section For Junction
19 151.400 XC F8 – for PLC; 2
nd
section Station
rd
(Direction 2)
20 151.450 XC F9 – for PLC; 3 section
Note:
X - Channel programmed
XC - Channel programmed with CTC SS/MF coding.
XE - For Train duties only.

IRISET 7 TA1 - Mobile Communication

VHF Mobile Radio Communication

2.5 LIMITATIONS OF VHF COMMUNICATION:

 Short distance coverage

 Blank Zones occur due to terrain, high-rise buildings & other structures, so area
must be surveyed for blank zones from where communication is not possible.
 Simplex mode of working
 Maintenance of rechargeable batteries
 AC power supply is required for charging of batteries, which may not be available at
the sight of use. Charging also needs about 4 to 6 hours. Thus the set requires
more than one battery set for continuous operation.
 Interference due to other user having adjacent frequencies.
 Effect of prevailing noise in the surrounding.

2.6 INSTALLATION OF VHF COMMUNICATION

1. For point-to-point communication availability of line of sight is essential

2. Antenna height must be decided at both locations by measuring minimum field strength
needed for satisfactory communication. This can be measured by putting one transreceiver

T
at one end and mounting antenna at a suitable height (of 15 to 20 metres) and measuring
the field strength by field strength meter at other location. VHF set of the same power and
frequency can also be installed to check the quality of communication. Antenna height and
E
orientation can be adjusted to get a maximum signal strength or voice.
3. Antenna can be mounted on a tower/Mast of approved design or on a pipe on the roof of a
building. Feeder cable must be of 50 Ohm. impedance unbalanced of approved design.
IS
4. Connectors used must be also of good quality and supplied by approved supplier.
5. Power Supply System
230V AC mains operated power supply of rated voltage & current is supplied by the
supplier along with VHF set. A 12V/80-120 AH battery must be connected on float to the set
to prevent communication failure during mains failure.
IR

6. Spark Suppressors must be installed in the Vehicle in case of mobile set is installed in the
vehicle and powered by its battery.

2.7 MAINTENANCE OF VHF COMMUNICATION SETS

1. VHF set’s transmitting frequency and power are to be measured once in a month.
2. Spurious emission squelch operation current drain frequency stability, frequency deviation,
sensitivity of receiver & adjacent channel selectivity are to be checked once in a year in the
centralized repair centre.
3. Power Supply System, Following measurements shall be taken
Input and output voltage & currents – weekly
Specific gravity of each cell - weekly
Care must be taken while using such sets when low battery indication is appearing on the
set, it must be charged as specified in the manual.
4. Antenna system along with feeder cable & connector
Antenna system Physical and visual inspection once in a week. VSWR, Power-handling
capacity, frequency band of operation, directivity, and radiation pattern must be checked
annually.

IRISET 8 TA1 - Mobile Communication

VHF Mobile Radio Communication

2.8 TEST METERS REQUIRED AT CENTRALISED REPAIR CENTRE

i. Tools
ii. Test jigs & fixture
iii. Antistatic workstation
iv. Temperature Control soldering/de-soldering station
v. Digital Multi Meter
vi. Frequency Counter
vii. Power meter
viii. Oscilloscope
ix. Field strength meter
x. Insulation Tester
xi. Programmable frequency scanner
xii. Communication Radio Test set

2.9. FAILURE REPORT

1. VHF system’s failure must be reported to controlling officer daily in the morning.
2. Monthly statement of a failure must be reported in the PCDO to Headquarter.

T
3. The VHF sets must not be opened at site as far as possible. Faulty sets must be sent to
Repair Center to prevent further damage at site by Electrostatic discharge.
4. Spare sets must be kept at site or at suitable location to replace the faulty sets.
E
IS
IR

IRISET 9 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Cellular Mobile Radio Communication Systems

CHAPTER - 3 Back to Content Page

CELLULAR MOBILE RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

3.0 Introduction

What is a cellular radio, and how is it different from other forms of mobile radio communication
systems?

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has defined a cellular system as:

A high capacity land mobile system in which assigned spectrum is divided into discrete
channels which are assigned in groups to geographic cells covering a cellular geographic
service area. The discrete channels are capable of being reused in different cells within the
service area.

3.1 Objectives in the design of cellular systems:

Large subscriber capability: The system should be capable of serving many thousands of

T
mobile users within the local serving area with a fixed no. of channels.

Spectrum utilization: The multiple use of the same channels in cells within geographical
separation ensure that the radio spectrum is used efficiently.
E
Nationwide compatibility: The mobile users should be able to use their equipment even
though they have drifted from their home base to other areas that are served by different
IS
cellular systems. A mobile user in this situation is called as roamer.

Adaptability to traffic density: Since the traffic density will differ from one point in a cellular
coverage area to another, the capability to cope with different traffic must be designed as
inherent feature of the cellular system.
IR

Quality of service and affordability: The service has to be comparable to regular telephone
service. Since cost and economic considerations play a major role, it must be affordable for
general public.

3.2 Cellular geometry:

Cells are defined as individual service areas, each of which has an assigned group of discrete
channels assigned to it from the available spectrum. A system can grow geographically by
adding new cells. The Cells are to be Space – separated to avoid Co-channel Interference. But,
at the same time, there should be a minimum overlap to provide seamless Handoff for a
Roaming Subscriber. This is achieved by using Geometrically Patterned structures for the Cells.
Irregular Cell Structures would be very difficult to be configured initially and upgraded in future.
Had the Cells been Circular in shape, some areas would have no Coverage at all, unless heavy
overlapping is used.

So, regular Polygon shapes – Equilateral Triangle, Square, Rectangle and Hexagon were the
main choices initially. If the Point of Transmission is at the centre of a Cell, the maximum
Coverage Area is available from a Hexagonal Cell. The main advantage of using Hexagonal
Cells is, this layout needs minimum number of Cells to cover a given area i.e., lesser number of
IRISET 10 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Back to Content Page
Cellular Mobile Radio Communication Systems

Transmitting Sites are needed. This in turn, reduces Installation and Maintenance Costs. In fact,
we can cover 30 % more area than a Square Cell and 100 % more than a Triangular Cell, if we
use a Hexagonal Cell.

E T
IS
Fig.3.1. Cellular geometry
IR

The most convenient coordinate system for hexagonal cellular structure are axes inclined at 60 0
angle, if two points have the coordinates (u2,v2) and (u1,v1) then the distance between them is

D=√ (u2-u1)2 + (v2-v1)2+ (u2-u1)(v2-v1)

Assuming (u1,v1) = (0,0), or the origin to be the center and restricting (u2,v2) to integer values
( i, j ), one obtains

D =√ (i + J)2 – ij

The normalized distance between two adjacent cells is unity (i = 1, j = 0) or (i = 0, j = 1).

3.3 Determination of no. of cells per cluster:

The actual center to center distance of the adjacent hexagon is √ 3R = (2R cos 300 ), where R is
the center to vertex distance. The concept of number of cells per cluster is important for locating
co channel cell with in the cellular structure.

To define this, consider the cellular structure shown in fig.3.2 Cells designated by the letter A
are the six nearest co channel cells of the center cell A. It can be seen that these cells are

IRISET 11 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Cellular Mobile Radio Communication Systems

located at vertices of the larger hexagonal cell of radius D. Vectors from the center to different
peripheral cells A subtend an angle of n600 with respect to each other, where n assumes the
values of 1,2,3,….. 6. From the law of cosines, the radius of the large cell D given by

D2 = 3R2 (i2 + j2 + ij ) (i)

Since the area of a hexagon is proportional to the square of its radius, the area of a large
hexagon is

Alarge = k (3R2)(i2+j2+ij) (ii)

Similarly, the area of a small hexagon is

ASmall = k(R2) (iii)

Therefore,

Alarge/ASmal = 3(i2+j2+ij) (iv)

From the symmetry of fig.3.2.shown below, we can see that the large hexagon encloses the

T
center cluster of N cells (N= 7 cells, center cell surrounded by six other cells) plus one third the
number of cells associated with six other peripheral hexagons. Thus the total number of cells
enclosed is equal to 3N.Since the enclosed area is proportional to the number of cells,

N = (i2+j2+ij)
E
Alarge = 3N, and ASmall = 1. Thus,

(v)
IS
Combining (i) and (v) , we can obtain D/R = √ 3N
IR

FIG. 3.2. Cell Clusters

The equation is important for estimating co channel interference. The above D/R ratio is known
as co channel reuse ratio. The channel reuse ratio D/R is 4.6 for N=7.

IRISET 12 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Cellular Mobile Radio Communication Systems

3.4. Frequency reuse:

Frequency reuse allows the discrete channels assigned to a specific cell to be used again in
any cell, which is separated from the assigned cell by enough distance to prevent co-channel
interference. By using smaller Areas of Coverage and lower Power Output devices, Cellular
technology has become much effective. The Channel Frequencies can be reused at least Two
Cells away, thereby allowing a better Frequency Spectrum Management with minimum
Interference. The Cells are generally grouped in 4, 7, 12 or 21 Cells. These groups are better
known as Clusters.

The figure 3.3 shows cell structure using a Cluster of 7 Hexagonal Cells. The Frequency reuse
concept is based on assigning a Group of radio channels to a Cell to cover a limited
geographical area. Same Channels are not repeated in Adjacent Cells. That means a Channel
is used only once in a Cluster. The coverage area of a Cell is called its Footprint. It should be
noted that the Hexagonal Concept is only in Theory. In practice, it is more like a Distorted Circle
In this Cluster of Hexagonal Cells, the Centre-to-Centre Distance between Adjacent Cells is
equal to 1.732 times the Distance between the Centre and Vertex of a Cell. The frequencies
used in a Cell in a Cluster of 7 Cells each having the Distance R between the Centre and

T
Vertex, can be reused at another Cell at a distance D, where, D = 4.6 R. The distance between
the centres of two adjacent Cells is 1.732 R. The Ratio D / R is very important. If it is reduced,
Co-channel Interference will increase and if it is increased, the Traffic Carrying Capacity will be
reduced. E
As long as all the Cells transmit equal amount of Power, Co-channel Interference will be
independent of Transmitted Power of each Cell. In the diagram 3.2, Cells A to G at the centre
IS
form a Cluster. Around them a number of Hexagonal Cells are built to provide continuity of
communication. Out of them, the six Cells marked A, are the Nearest Co-channel Cells (reuse
of same frequency as in Cell A is possible) for the Cell A of central Cluster. There is a bigger
Hexagon formed by the Cells having same Channel Frequencies.
IR

FIG.3.3. Channel distribution in a 7-cell cluster

Actual Frequency Reuse is implemented by dividing the total Frequency Spectrum into two or
more groups of mutually exclusive Channels. A mobile handset with higher S/N Ratio is
assigned a Channel with Lower Reuse factor group, while those with lower S/N Ratio gets a
Channel from a Group having higher Reuse Factor. Typically Handsets nearer to the Cell-centre
are allocated Channels from a Low Frequency Reuse factor.

IRISET 13 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Cellular Mobile Radio Communication Systems

In a Cluster of Cells, the Main Transmitter, Receiver and Antenna System (called Base
Transceiver System or BTS) initially was located at the Centre of the Cell, the Antenna being
Omni-directional.

Fig. 3.4. Location of BTS in a cell

In a Hexagonal Cell cluster, there is always interference from the six adjacent Cells. This Co-
channel interference occurs at the Cell site as well as at the Mobile Handsets in the central Cell.
A Mobile Set, at the edge of a Cell, receives weakest signal from its own Cell site. But it may be
getting maximum Interference Signal from adjacent Cells. Thus, the S/I ratio may drop down

T
from the required value of 18 dB. It would seem that the increase in D/R ratio is the solution. But
this requires that the Cell Cluster size be increased to 9 or 12. Instead of increasing the number
of Cells in the cluster, a Directional Antenna is a better solution for reducing the Co-channel
E
Interference. Each Cell is now divided into 3 or 6 Sectors and uses 3 or 6 Directional Antennas
at the Base Stations. In practice, Sectored Cells with 120° Beam Antennas are used as shown
below.
IS
IR

FIG.3.5.Sectorised Antenna

Sector Antennas reduce Co-channel Interference and improve the mean S/N ratio for a given
Reuse Factor (from 18 dB to 24dB). But it reduces Trunking Efficiency, since each Sector gets
less number of Channels. Practically, it does not create a problem, since less Interference can
reduce the Reuse factor, thereby improving the Trunking Efficiency.

When the Traffic in a Cell increases to a situation where the Quality of Service (QoS) is
affected, Cells can be divided into smaller sizes. The Cell-splitting concept allows a Low
Demand Area to be served by the Larger Cells and a High Demand Area to be Split in to
Smaller Cells. The maximum Cell Radius is limited by the Transmitting Power generated by the
Base Station as well as the Cellular Handsets, Antenna Gains and Topology of the Cell Area.
Transmitting Power cannot be increased beyond a certain limit due to Interference from Noise
and Power Consumption. When the Cells are split, the Cell Radius decreases.

IRISET 14 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Cellular Mobile Radio Communication Systems

A problem encountered in Cellular Communication is to provide continuation in Communication

for a subscriber, who moves from one Cell to another Cell. No two adjacent Cells in a Cluster
have the same Radio Channels. So, Re-allocation of Radio channels must be fast and smooth.
This process is called Handoff.

Subscribers will cross Boundaries more often, causing frequent handoff of Calls between the
Cells. This increases the Processing Load per Subscriber on the system. Practically, reduction
of Cell Radius by 4 times increases Processing load approximately by a factor of 10.

Initially the Mobile Communication was based on Analog Technology and different countries
were using different incompatible Radio Systems.

United States used a 50 MHz bandwidth in 824 to 849 MHz and 869 to 894 MHz, and the
system had the provision of 832 Channels each of 30 KHz. The Channels were divided between
two Service providers, each of which, handled 416 Channels, out of which, 21 Channels were
used for Control and 395 Channels were for Voice Communications. The standard was called
AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System). It used 8 KHz Frequency Modulation for Speech and
binary Frequency Shift Keying at a rate of 10 Kb/s for Signaling. The system had the problems

T
of Low calling capacity, Limited spectrum. Low Security and poor Data Communication facility.

Japan used a 56 MHz bandwidth – 925 to 940 MHz for Outgoing Calls from Mobile Stations and
E
870 to 885 MHz for Incoming Calls.

The various standards followed by different countries created a great problem for International
Roaming Subscribers. This led to implementation of GSM Cellular Radio.
IS
IR

IRISET 15 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

CHAPTER - 4 Back to Content Page

GSM (GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION)

4.0. Evolution of GSM:

The first mobile telephone service started in 1946, at St. Louis, USA. this was a manually
operated service with restricted area for only few subscribers.

Between the years 1950 to 1970 mobile telephones evolved to be automatic. During 70s, Bell
lab introduced a concept of cellular coverage. First cellular mobile system AMPS (Advanced
Mobile Phone service) became a reality in US in 1979. Then a number of analog cellular
systems such as NMT & TACS were introduced in 1980s. These systems were characterized by
analog speech transmission, frequency modulation and nationwide coverage with hundreds of
thousands of subscribers. These are known as 1G (first generation) systems.

During 1990s many digital mobile standards such as GSM, DAMPS, and CDMA were
introduced in different countries. These are known as 2G (2nd generation) systems.

T
ETSI (European Telecommunication Standard Institute) is the body, which is primarily
responsible for development of GSM.

E
4.1. GSM SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE:

The basic layout of GSM system architecture represents in terms of system entities. The GSM
system entities represent groupings of specific wireless functionality. A reference model of GSM
IS
is shown below.
IR

FIG 4.1. GSM System Architecture

IRISET 16 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Back to Content Page
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.2. SYSTEM ENTITY FUNCTIONS:

4.2.1. Mobile station

The mobile station represents the terminal equipment used by cellular subscriber supported by
GSM system. The MS consists of two entities

● Mobile Equipment (ME)

● Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

Mobile Equipment normally called as Cell Phone Handset has a Transceiver, which is capable
of tuning to all allocated Channels within the Traffic area. The major components of the Handset
are – Transmitter, Receiver, Number Alignment Module, Logic Unit, Frequency Synthesizer,
Antenna and the required software.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a smart card that holds information required to identify a
particular subscription to a mobile service. The SIM card can be used with any approved GSM
handset .The SIM card has the following components.

a. Central processing unit (CPU): The Central processing unit is the intelligence of the chip

T
and performs all the mathematical functions and takes all the decisions required by the
SIM.
b. Read Only Memory (ROM): Read Only Memory has sufficient memory to store the
E
operating system, which is the set of commands that SIM understands. The contents of the
ROM can be created as part of the manufacturing process. They are permanent and it will
not possible to change them.
IS
c. Random Access Memory (RAM): The Random Access Memory is an area of volatile
memory and its contents are lost each time the power is turned off. The memory of the
RAM can be at least 256 KB. It is used to store temporary system flags, buffer incoming
data as a scratch pad for calculations.
d. Electrically Erasable programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM):It stores all the
IR

application data such as the operator’s specific parameters and the subscriber’s data.

Functions of SIM card: The functions of SIM card are

● User authentication
● Authentication of the validity of the MS when accessing the network
● Storage of subscriber related information, which can be; data during administrative phase
or temporary network data.

4.2.2. Functions of MS

The mobile station performs the following functions

● Radio transmission/reception
● Radio channel management
● Speech coding/decoding
● Radio link error protection
● Flow control of data
● Rate adaptation of user data to the radio link
● Mobility management
● Performance measurements of radio link.
IRISET 17 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.3. Base Station Subsystem (BSS)

Base Station Subsystem consists of two entities, Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and Base
Station Controller (BSC).

4.3.1. Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

Base Transceiver Station is the equipment which facilitates the wireless communication
between user equipment (UE) and the network.

BTS forms part of the Base Station Subsystem (BSS) developments for system management. It
may also have equipment for encrypting and decrypting communications, spectrum filtering
tools (band pass filters) etc. Antennas may also be considered as components of BTS in
general sense as they facilitate the functioning of BTS. Typically a BTS will have several
transceivers (TRXs) which allow it to serve several different frequencies and different sectors of
the cell (in the case of sectorised base stations). The basic structure and functions of the BTS
remains the same regardless of the wireless technologies.

A. BTS in general has the following units:

T
● TRX : Transceiver ; - Quite widely referred to as DRX (Driver Receiver), Basically does
transmission and reception of signals and Also does sending and reception of signals
to/from higher network entities (like Base Station Controller)
● Power Amplifier : Amplifies the signal from DRX for transmission through antenna, May be
E
integrated with DRX
● Combiner :- Combines feeds from several DRXs so that they could be sent out through a
single antenna, For reduction of number of antenna used
IS
● Duplexer : For separating sending and receiving signals to/from antenna, sending and
receiving signals through the same antenna ports (cables to antenna)
● Antenna : Antenna is considered as part of BTS
● Alarm Extension System : Collects working status alarms of various units in BTS and
extends them to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) monitoring stations
IR

The functions performed by the BTS are:

♦ Radio Transmission in GSM Format, employing Frequency Hopping techniques and
spatially diverse Antennas.
♦ Implementation of Equalization Algorithms, to counter the effects of Multiple Paths.
♦ Coding and Decoding of radio Channels.
♦ Encryption of transmission Data Streams.
♦ Control of the Protocols, governing Message Transmission in the Radio Data-link Layer.
♦ Transmission of Signaling Messages.
♦ Operations and Maintenance of the Base Transceiver station.

4.3.2. Base Station Controller (BSC)

Base Station Controller controls the activities of all the BTS in a Cluster as shown below. Base
Station Controller reserves the Radio Channel Frequencies, controls Call hand-over between
Base Transceiver stations under its jurisdiction and pages the Mobile Stations for an incoming
(Mobile Terminated Call).

IRISET 18 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

A BTS is controlled by a parent Base Station Controller via the Base station Control Function
(BCF). The BCF is implemented as a discrete unit or even incorporated in a TRX in compact
base stations. The BCF provides an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) connection to the
Network management system (NMS), and manages operational states of each TRX, as well as
software handling and alarm collection.

4.4. Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS):

It performs the Switching functions of GSM and consists of Databases needed for Subscriber
and Mobility Management. Its main feature is to manage the communication between the
Mobile Station and other users of the Cellular Network.

♦ Mobile Service Switching Centre (MSC): The switching part is controlled by the Mobile
Service Switching Centre (MSC). It monitors Subscriber Mobility and manages Resources
for handling and updating Location Information of the Subscribers. Seamless Hand-over of
the established Calls is also controlled by MSC. Connections to external Networks like
PSTN, PLMN and Intelligent Networks etc. are also controlled by MSC. An MSC, which
provides connection to Networks outside the area under the MSC, is generally known as
Gateway MSC.

T
♦ Home Location Register (HLR): Subscriber relevant data are kept in a Database called
Home Location Register (HLR). It also contains information regarding real time location of
E
the Roaming Subscriber, which is passed to the MSC for routing incoming Calls to the
Mobile Station. Administrative updating of the Subscriber Data, by the Service Provider is
kept in HLR. IMSI, ISDN Number and VLR Address are also kept in HLR. As soon as the
IS
Mobile Station crosses a Cell boundary (also known as Location Area), this information is
updated in the HLR. Thus, HLR is the most important Database in the GSM structure.

♦ Visitor Location Register (VLR) dynamically stores Subscriber Information, when a Mobile
Station is in the Location Area covered by the VLR Whenever a Roaming Subscriber enters
IR

in an area controlled by an MSC, the information is passed to the VLR, which recognizes
the Subscriber as an outsider for the MSC. If the Subscriber is allowed to Roam, VLR finds
the original HLR of the Subscriber and downloads all relevant information for the Subscriber
from it.

♦ Equipment Identity Register (EIR), which stores Identifications of all Devices, registered in
the particular MSC. Any Cell Phone can be used fraudulently by inserting an authentic SIM
Card. but as soon as a report is registered that a handset is stolen or misplaced, EIR
Database can be updated to render the handset useless. A list of all valid IMEI is kept in
EIR along with the malfunctioning Mobile Stations.

♦ Authentication Centre (AUC), which protects User Identity and allows a Secured
Transmission. Authentication Algorithm and Encryption Keys are contained in AUC and it
generates Random Numbers for User Authentication in the HLR.

♦ Operation and Maintenance Centre (OMC), which monitors and controls all other
components of GSM. Its main functions are – Traffic Monitoring, Subscriber as well as
Security Management and Status report Generation.

IRISET 19 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.5. GSM RADIO SPECTRUM

There are three main frequency bands used in GSM viz,
GSM-900, GSM-1800 & GSM-1900
Depending upon the availability, the band of frequency spectrum will be allocated to different
operators.

One of the frequency spectrum used in GSM is GSM-900 band in which, 890-915MHz for Up
link (MS to BTS) and 935-960 MHz for Down link (BTS to MS) for full duplex communication.
From the given frequency band the number of available RF channels will be 124 with a channel
spacing of 200 KHz. And the Duplex spacing will be 45 MHz (between TX and RX).

4.6. Multiple Access techniques in GSM

The objective of the multiple access techniques is to combine signals from different sources into
a common transmission medium in such a way that, at destinations, the different channels can
be separated without mutual interference. In other words, multiple access systems permit many
users to share a common medium in the most efficient manner. There are three basic types of
multiple access techniques;

T
● Frequency division multiple access (FDMA)
● Time division multiple access (TDMA) and
E
● Code division multiple access (CDMA).

In FDMA, users share the radio spectrum in frequency domain. The user is allocated a part of
the frequency band, which is used throughout conversation. Users are separated in frequency.
IS
In TDMA, the users share the radio spectrum in time domain. An individual user is allocated a
time slot during which he accesses a part of frequency. Users are separated in time.

In CDMA, each user is assigned a unique pseudorandom code and access the frequency time
domain uniquely.
IR

In GSM to achieve a high spectral efficiency in the network the combination of FDMA and
TDMA is used.

In FDMA the bandwidth is divided into number of frequency channels with channel spacing of
200KHz and in TDMA each channel is assigned into eight timeslots.

The following figure shows the concept of FDMA and TDMA method.

FIG.4.2. Concept of FDMA and TDMA

IRISET 20 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.7. GSM RADIO INTERFACES

For the connection of the different nodes in the GSM network, different interfaces are defined in
the GSM specifications

GSM has the following Radio Interfaces:

♦ Um Interface,
♦ Abis Interface,
♦ A Interface

Um Interface

U m –interface is also called as Air interface. The Air Interface is the interface between the BTS
(Base Transceiver Station) and the MS (Mobile Station). The air interface is required for
supporting Universal use of any compatible mobile station in a GSM network.

It is the most vital Radio Interface of the GSM System. The Physical Layer, consisting of a
number of Physical Channels, accessible via FDMA and TDMA, is interfaced to Data Link Layer
in both Mobile Station and base Stations. Each Physical Channel, in turn, supports a number of

T
Logical Channels, used in Traffic and Signaling handling.
The Physical Layer is employed in Bit-Stream Transmission on the Radio Interface. The Data
Link Layer performs Multiplexing, Error Control, Flow Control and Segmentation of Data. The
E
Radio Resource Layer manages Radio Connection Establishment, Control, Release and Hand-
over between Mobile Station and Base Transceiver Station.
IS
Abis Interface
The A bis -interface is the interface between the BSC (Base Station Controller) and the BTS. The
interface comprises traffic and control channels. Functions implemented at the A bis -interface
are Voice-data traffic exchange, Signaling exchange between the BSC and the BTS and
transporting synchronization information from the BSC to the BTS
IR

This Interface controls Traffic Channel Transmission and Radio Channel management. It
supports 64 Kb/s Speech or Data for a full or Half-rate Radio Traffic Channel and 16 Kb/s
Signaling Information between BTS and BSC. Traffic Management handles Transparent
Messages, which need not be analyzed by the BTS and Non-transparent Messages.

A Interface
The A-interface is the interface between the BSC and the MSC. The Physical Layer is a 2 Mb/s
Digital Connection. The Signaling uses MTP (Message transfer Part) and SCCP (Signaling
Connection Control Part) of Signaling System 7. BSS Management Application Part looks after
Radio Resource handling in BSS and BSS Operation and Maintenance Application Part
supports all Operation and Maintenance works of BSS.

4.8. GSM LOGICAL CHANNELS

A Cellular Radio system uses two types of Channels –

♦ Duplex Traffic Channels to carry Two-way Voice Communication.
♦ Duplex Control Channels to transfer Information for Call Setup and Call Breakdown.

IRISET 21 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

One or more logical channels can be transmitted on a physical channel. There are different
types of logical channels. The type of logical channel is determined by the function of the
information transmitted over it.

E
The following are the logical channels:-
● Traffic channels T
FIG.4.3. logical channels
IS
● Control channels (signaling channels)

4.8.1 Traffic channels:

The Traffic Channels carry Speech or User Data in both MS to BTS and BTS to MS directions.
IR

The Traffic Channels can work in Full Rate or Half Rate.

Traffic channel using full-rate transmission

A full-rate channel operates at 22.8 Kbit/s.
13 Kbit/s are used for speech transmission and the rest is basically used for error protection.

For data transmission, 12, 6 or 3.6 kbps is used. These are compatible respectively to the
existing 9.6, 4.8 and 2.4 kbps PSTN and ISDN services.

The following table may be referred:

Useful data Error Protection Total

Traffic channel: 22.8 kbit/s
- Voice (full-rate) 13.0 kbit/s 9.8 kbit/s
- Data 2.4 kbit/s 20.4 kbit/s
4.8 kbit/s 18.0 kbit/s
9.6 kbit/s 13.2 kbit/s
14.4 kbit/s 8.4 kbit/s

IRISET 22 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

Control channel: 0.95 kbit/s

Idle frame: 0.95 kbit/s
Total 24.7 kbit/s

4.8.2 Control Channels

The main function of the control channels is to transfer signaling information. They are
subdivided into three categories

● Broadcast channels
● Common control channels
● Dedicated control channels

Broadcast Channels are point to multipoint channels, the information distributed over the
broadcast channels helps the mobile stations to orient themselves in the mobile radio network.
These are point to multipoint channels defined for down link direction i.e. BTS to MS. These are
further classified into four.

Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH),

T
Frequency Correction Control Channel (FCCH)
Synchronization Channel (SCH).
Cell broadcast channel (CBCH)
E
BCCH: Through this channel, the mobile is informed about the system configuration
parameters.
IS
FCCH: To communicate with the BTS the mobile must tune to the BTS. The FCCH transmits a
constant frequency shift of the radio frequency that can be used by mobile for frequency
correction.

SCH is used to time synchronize the mobile stations. The data on this channel carries the
IR

TDMA frame number and the base station identity code.

CBCH: is used for the transmission of the general accessible information in a cell, which can be
polled by MS.

Common Control Channels are Point to Multipoint Control Channels, which can be operated in
one direction of transmission, either in uplink or in downlink direction. They are used to carry
Management Function Signaling Information. There are two CCCH between BTS to MS. They
are Paging Channel (PCH) and Access Grant Channel (AGCH). The former is used for paging
the Mobile stations during an Incoming Call. AGCH is used for assigning an MS to a Dedicated
Control Channel. There is Random Access Channel (RACH) from MS to BTS for requesting
access to DCCH.

Dedicated Control Channels are full duplex point-to-point channels used for Signaling and
Control between BTS and certain MS. These are of three types

SACCH (slow associated control channel); is used for transmission of signaling data, radio link
supervision measurements, transmit power control and timing advance data.

IRISET 23 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

FACCH (Fast associated control channel) is used as a main signaling link for the transmission
of signaling data (handover commands) It is also required for call setup and release.

SDCCH (Stand alone dedicated control channel) is used for signaling in higher layer. It is used
for service requests, location updates, subscriber authentication etc.

Multiplexing Logical Channels into Physical Channels

Several of the above-mentioned types of logical channels can be transmitted over one single
physical channel (timeslot). The GSM specifications 05.02 specify several combinations of
channel types (the sequence of logical channels is fixed).The order of the logical channels
depends on the channel combination.

The channel combinations are:

1. TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/F

2. TCH/H + FACCH/H + SACCH/H
3. (TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/F) or (TCH/H + FACCH/H + SACCH/H)
4. FCCH + SCH + CCCH + BCCH

T
5. FCCH + SCH + CCCH + BCCH + SDCCH/4 + SACCH/4
6. CCCH + BCCH
7. SDCCH/8 + SACCH/8
E
The CCCH is a channel that carries both the PCH and the AGCH on the downlink, and the
RACH on the uplink.
IS
The extensions “/4” and “/8” in the above-mentioned terms mean, respectively, that four and
eight logical channels are mapped onto one physical channel (timeslot).

4.9. Digital transmission in GSM:

IR

4.9.1. Speech coding process in MS:

GSM mobile phone systems use digital techniques in various forms to transmit the voice
signals of a phone call. This requires that the voice signals have to be converted into digital
format. The conversion into a digital format is accomplished by using analog to digital converter
(ADC). The ADC samples the waveform at fixed time intervals and generates a binary
representation of the waveform. The actual voice quality is dependent upon two basic factors
viz, the sampling rate and the number of bits in each sample. If we use normal PCM concept the
output data rate will be 64Kbps. The amount of this data rate to send on a cellular channel is too
high to accommodate. To overcome this problem, Vocoders will be used. These are able to
analyze and compact the data representing the speech, so as, it requires lower data rates. To
achieve this level of performance they use complex algorithms to analyze the speech. Vocoder
is a digital hardware block, which will do the speech analysis and synthesis. It use a technique
called linear prediction coding with regular pulse excitation (LPC RPE). The 64 kbps PCM is
transcoded from the standard A-Law (quantized 8-bit/sample stream into a linearly quantized 13
bits/sample stream, giving rise to a 104 kbps bit rate)

The 104 kbps stream is fed into the RPE-LTP full-rate speech encoder, which takes the 13-bit
samples in blocks of 260 samples (every 20ms).The RPE-LTP encoder produces 260 bits in
every 20ms.
IRISET 24 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.9.2. Channel coding:

The next step to speech coding is channel coding. In GSM it is recognized that some bits are
more important than others. If some bits are missed or corrupted, as it is more important of
voice quality than others. Accordingly the different bits are classified as

● Class 1a 50 bits Most important and sensitive to bit errors.

● Class 1b 132 bits Moderately sensitive to bit errors
● Class 11 78 bits Least sensitive to bit errors.

Class 1a bits are given a 3-bit CRC so that errors can be detected. This makes a total length of
53 bits .If there are any errors; the frame will not be used and discarded. In its place a version of
previous correctly received frame is used. These 53 bits together with the 132 bits with a 4-bit
tail sequence are entered into a half rate convulsion encoder. The total length is 189 bits. The
encoder encodes each of the bits that enter as two bits.

E T
IS
IR

FIG.4.4.Channel coding for GSM speech coder

As a result, the output from the encoder is of 378 bits. The remaining 78 bits are considered as
least sensitive to errors, so they are not protected and are simply added to data.
(50+3+132+4=189, 189X2=378, 378+78=456 bits) In this way, every 20ms speech sample
generates a total number of 456 bits. Accordingly the overall bit rate is 22.8Kbps.

4.9.3 Bit interleaving:

The aim of interleaving is to distribute sub blocks of data obtained by channel coding in such a
way that one data block is distributed over several TDMA frames. The sub blocks are
rearranged for this purpose and transmitted in a different order.

● The 456 bit blocks from the channel encoder are fed to the bit interleaver where they are
split into eight sub blocks of 57 bits.
● and these blocks are transmitted as eight consecutive bursts.

IRISET 25 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

FIG.4.5. GSM normal burst

Definition of a burst: The burst is the physical content of as time slot. GSM radio transmission is

T
accomplished by sending data in bursts.

A burst consists of sub parts viz, training sequence, encrypted, tail, guard period and stealing
flag bits. A fixed bit pattern of 26 bits called training sequence is known by both MS and BTS. It
E
is used to train the MS in predicting and correcting the signal distortions. Encrypted bits
(information bits) represent the useful bits serving for speech, data transmission.
IS
Tail bits (flag bits) define, the beginning and end of the burst. Guard period between two
consecutive bursts is necessary for switching the transmitter ON and OFF, and timing advance.

The toggle/stealing flag bits: The network has the option to use the information bits in the
normal burst to send signaling data as needed. By setting a flag, using the stealing flag bits, the
receiver can distinguish between user data or signaling data.
IR

Types of bursts:
● Normal burst
● Dummy burst
● Access burst
● Synchronization burst
● Frequency correction burst.

Normal burst is the most frequently used burst used for transmission of user data/signaling data
(on TCH). The dummy burst has the same structure as that of normal burst. It is transmitted in
idle time slots on the BCCH, Access burst is used for initial connection setup between MS and
BTS. Synchronization bursts are used to synchronize MS with BTS in time. Frequency
correction burst is used by MS to correct frequency.

IRISET 26 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.10. GSM TDMA FRAME STRUCTURE:

FIG.4.6. GSM TDMA FRAME STRUCTURE

T
The GSM specifications define several types of frames, which are:
TDMA frame: A TDMA frame consists of eight timeslots (physical channels). The length of a
E
timeslot is 0.577 ms. The length of a TDMA frame is therefore 4.615 ms. The data on a timeslot
is transmitted in bursts, the length of a timeslot is often expressed in BP (Burst Period); 1 BP
represents the length of 1 timeslot.
IS
26-TDMA multiframe: This multiframe is defined as a succession of 26 TDMA frames, and
corresponds to the 26 x 8 BP or 120 ms cycle used in the definition of the TCH/F and TCH/H.

1-TDMA multiframe : This multiframe is defined as a succession of 51 TDMA frames, and

corresponds to the 51 x 8 BP cycle used in the definition of the TCH/F, TCH/H and of the
IR

common channels.

Super frame: The super frame is a succession of 51 x 26 TDMA frames (6.12 sec), and
corresponds to the smallest cycle for which the organization of all channels is repeated.

Hyper frame: The hyper frame is the numbering period. It is 2048 x 51 x 26 x 8 BP long, or 3
hours, 28 minutes, 53 seconds and 760 milliseconds. It is a multiple of all previously cited
cycles, and determines all the cycles in the transmission of the radio path. It is in particular the
smallest cycle for frequency hopping and for ciphering.

1TDMA Frame = 8 time slots

= 4.615 ms
1 time slot= 0.577 ms
1 traffic multiframe = 26 TDMA frames = 120 ms (26 x 4.615)
1 control multiframe = 51 TDMA frames = 235.365 ms
1 super frame = 51 traffic multiframes = 6.12 s
1 super frame = 26 control multiframes = = 6.12 s
1 hyper frame =2048 super frames
3 hours 28 minutes 53.76 s

IRISET 27 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.11. GSM modulation:

GSM uses a form of phase modulation known as Gaussian filtered minimum shift keying
(GMSK).

FIG.4.7. Block diagram of quadrature modulator for GMSK

T
The input data is differential encoded and is passed to a filter which has gaussian impulse
response. Spectral efficient digital modulation requires pre-filtering the digital data before
E
modulation. By rounding off the sharp edges of the rectangular waves, the bandwidth is
substantially reduced. After filtering the data will be applied to modulator circuit. There are
different types of modulator circuits, in which one of the modulator called Quadrature modulator
IS
is used. The term quadrature means that the phase of the signal is in quadrature, or 900 to
another one. This modulator uses one signal that is said to be in phase and another that is in
quadrature to this. In view of the quadrature and in phase elements, this type of modulator is
often called as I-Q modulator. When using this type of modulator, the modulating index can be
maintained exactly at 0.5 without the need of any settings or adjustments. This makes it much
IR

easier to use and capable of providing the required level of performance without need for the
adjustments. A further advantage of GMSK is that it can be amplified by a nonlinear amplifier
and remain undistorted. This is because there are no elements of signal that are carried as
amplitude variations and it is therefore more resilient to noise than some other forms of
modulation.

GMSK has the following features that make it suitable for radio applications.
● Constant envelope, which allows the utilization of efficient transmitters using power
amplifiers in a saturation mode.
● Compact output power spectrum, which means narrower main lobe and lower side lobe
peaks keep the adjacent channel interference at a low level.
● Good bit error performance.

The data corresponding to a call, flows between MSC and MS via A, M, A bis and Um interfaces.
A interface is used to carry the 64 Kbps speech data and signaling information between MSC
and BSC. It shows the compression of four A links into one M link. Time slot 0 is used for
synchronization purpose, time slots 1 to 15 and 17 to 31 are used to exchange 64 Kbps speech
data and time slot 16 is used to transfer signaling information. In GSM network implementation
of Lucent technologies, the BSC includes the Trans coder Rate Adaptor Unit (TRAU). The
IRISET 28 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

TRAU adapts the transmission bit rate of the A interface (64Kbps) to the Abis interface (16Kbps).
The interface between the physical BSC and TRAU is called as M interface. The M interface is
multiplexed and transcoded A interface. The TRAU encodes the 64Kbps PCM signal to a
16Kbps signal, transcoding four channels of an A interface into one channel of M interface.

4.12. Mapping of data between different interfaces:

Speech/Data Speech/Data
PSTN
0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31

64 KBPS SS7

MSC
0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31
0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31
0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31

T
0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31
A - link

TRAU E 64 KBPS SS7

IS
M - link

BSC 0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31
IR

0 1 2 3 4 15 16 30 31
A - bis link

BTS

Um interface

MS

FIG.4.8. Mapping of data between different interfaces

4.13. GSM protocols on the interfaces:

Each interface between the GSM system entities is an open interface, which is defined in the
GSM specifications. The signaling system SS7 is used in GSM. The following figure shows the
scheme of GSM signaling architecture.
IRISET 29 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

T
FIG.4.9.GSM Signaling protocol

E
MS-BTS interface (Um): It is the radio or air interface consisting of three protocol layers

● Layer 1 Physical layer is the radio sub system layer defines the time slot on the carrier.
● Layer 2 data link layer (LAPDm) modified link access protocol for data channel. It is the
IS
signaling for GSM air interface.
● Layer 3 Network layer consists of 3 protocols

i) Radio resource management: It is used for MS and BSC communication .It comprises
paging, radio channel access, handover and radio signal control procedures.
IR

ii) Mobility Management: It is used for communication between MS and MSC. It handles
roaming and authentication procedures.
iii) Call management: It is used for communication between MS and MSC to call
establishment, call release and access to services.

BTS-BSC Abis interface: consists of three protocol layers

 Layer 1 Physical layer
 Layer 2 Data layer
 Layer 3 BTSM BTS management part is used to exchange control, information between the
BSC and BTS.

BSC and MSC A interface: this protocol specifies the transport and signaling portions.

The application parts are: -

● Transport part – Message transfer part (MTP)

● Application part - BSS application part.
● Signaling part – Connectionless and connection oriented signaling connection control point
(SCCP)

IRISET 30 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

BSSAP includes two parts

● BSS Management Application part supports all procedures between BSS and MSC that are
related to resource management, maintenance and handover control.
● DTAP: Direct transfer application part provides the protocol for the interface between MS
and the MSC .The DTAP is not interpreted by BSS.DTAP includes two classes of
messages; mobility management and call management.

MSC – VLR interface (B): The VLR is an integral part of MSC.B interface is implemented as an
internal interface since the VLR always resides within the serving MSC.

MSC – HLR interface (C): This interface uses the MAP protocol to retrieve routing information
when calls to MSs are being setup through the MSC.

VLR – HLR interface (D): It use the MAP protocol to support the transfer of subscriber
information and instructions relative to the cancellation or modification of the subscriber
information.

MSC – MSC interface (E): The signaling on the E interface consists of two parts-

T
● Trunk signaling ISDN user part (ISUP)
● Inter entity signaling Uses the MAP protocol for inter MSC handovers.

MSC - EIR interface (F): It uses MAP protocol to retrieve MS equipment identity related
E
information from the EIR to determine whether or not to provide service to MS.

VLR - VLR interface (G): It uses MAP protocol to support the transfer of subscriber information
IS
between VLRs when the associated MS moves from one VLR service area to another.

HLR - AUC interface (H): Access to the authentication database is always accomplished
through the HLR. The HLR interface to AUC is implemented as an internal interface in the MSC.

X.25 BSS and OMC interface: Allows communication between remote devices. This is a packet
IR

switched data network protocol that allows both data and control information flow between host
and network.

4.14. Mobile subscriber numbering plans:

There are four basic types of numbering plans for mobile subscribers.
i) MSISDN (Mobile subscriber ISDN number)
ii) IMSI (International mobile subscriber identity)
iii) TMSI (Temporary mobile subscriber identity)
iv) MSRN (Mobile subscriber roaming number)
v) IMEI ( International Mobile subscriber equipment identity)

MSISDN (Mobile subscriber ISDN number): It is the directory number allocated to the
subscriber. The number consists of country code (CC) of the country in which the mobile station
is registered, followed by national mobile number, which consists of Network destination code
(NDC) and subscriber number (SN).

The maximum possible digits for MSISDN are limited to 15. In which CC may be 1 to 3 digits
long allotted internationally. NDC and SN are of variable length and they together constitute
MSN.
IRISET 31 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

Based on CC digits, the maximum length of MSN may be 12,13 or 14 digits. MSISDN in GSM is
used for digit analysis to identify the called party number. MSISDN is registered in the telephone
directory and used for dialing purpose by the callers. It is stored in SIM, HLR and VLR.

IMSI (International mobile subscriber identity): International identity of MS is identified by its

IMSI (International mobile subscriber identity), clearly tells that which MS of the world the
particular customer belongs to.

IMSI code has three components.

● Mobile country code (MCC); It is a 3 digit code that uniquely identifies the country of the
domicile of the subscriber.
● Mobile network code (MNC); It is a two digit code that identifies the home GSM PLMN of

T
the mobile subscriber.
● Mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN); It is a code that identifies the MS within a
GSM PLMN.
E
IS
NMSI is the total combination of MNC & MSIN. MCC is 3 digit long, the digit length of MNC is
also 3 digits but assigned nationally. MSIN can be maximum 9 digits long. NMSI is the total
IR

combination of MNC and MSIN. So, the highest number length for NMSI may be 12 digits.
Maximum length for IMSI is 15 digits. IMSI finds its use in call routing. AUC maintains the
database for IMSI.

TMSI (Temporary mobile subscriber identity): It is a temporary number provided by VLR. This
ensures confidentiality of the MS over air interface for hiding identity. It is issued temporarily
within the location area of the VLR.

MSRN (Mobile subscriber roaming number): It is suitable for the purpose of call processing
when the customer goes out of home network and roams in any other VLR area having
connectivity with his home network. In such cases, the HLR of the roaming subscribers request
the visited VLR for allotment of the temporary number. Accordingly the visited VLR generates
MSRN. GMSC (gateway MSC) uses it for routing of calls to this customer. MSRN is stored in
visited VLR, HLR.

IMEI (International Mobile subscriber equipment identity): It is provided to the customer through
a unique code. Each mobile equipment has IMEI for its authentication and identification. The
code is entered in SIM card of the user MS and also recorded in the data base of the EIR of
mobile switching subsystem. During the course of call processing, the IMEI entered in SIM is
compared with the corresponding IMEI recorded in EIR.

IRISET 32 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

TAC is 6 digits and approved by a national body. FAC is 2 digits and this is provided by the
manufacturer. SNR is 6 digits provided by manufacturer in serial sequence. SP is spare digit of
unit length.

4.15. Call management:

Phases of MS to PSTN call (Mobile to landline)

T
1. Request for service: MS request to setup a call
2. Authentication: MSC/VLR requests the AUC for authentication parameters.
3. Ciphering: Using the above parameters, the uplink and downlink are ciphered.
4.
5.
6.
E
Equipment validation: MSC/VLR requests the EIR to check the IMEI for validity.
Call setup MSC establishes a connection to MS.
Handover
IS
7. Call release

Call process: The user presses the send key after all digits have been entered.

1. MS transmits a channel request message over RACH.

IR

2. Once the BSS receives the channel request, it allocates a SDCCH and forwards this
channel assignment information to the MS over AGCH. It is over the SDCCH that MS will
communicate with the BSS and MSC until a traffic channel is assigned.
3. MS transmits a service request to BSS over SDCCH. In this message it informs TMSI and
location area identification (LAI). The BSS forwards the service request message to MSC.
4. After receiving the call setup request, the MSC will ask the VLR to supply subscriber
parameters necessary for handling the call.
5. VLR returns a message to MSC containing service parameters for the particular
subscriber.
6. MSC informs to MS that the call is proceeding.
7. MSC allocates a trunk to BSS to current MS and requests BSS to allocate TCH for MS.
8. BSS allocates a radio traffic channel and transmits this assignment to MS over SDCCH.
9. The MS tuned to the assigned traffic channel and transmits an acknowledgement to BSS.
10. At this time a voice path is established between MS and MSC.
11. MSC establishes a voice path from MSC to PSTN by sending a request including dialed
digits and details specifying the trunk should be used for.
12. After this process MSC will inform to MS and it will get the ringing tone.

IRISET 33 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

Call release process:

Under normal conditions, the termination of a call is either MS initiated or network initiated. In
this scenario we will assume MS initiated the release of a call.

1. The mobile user initiated the release of the call by pressing end button on the MS. The MS
sends a disconnect message to MSC.
2. The other party is notified of the termination of the call by a release message from the
MSC. The end-to-end connection is terminated.

4.16. Handover in the GSM

In a cellular network, the radio and fixed voice connections are not permanently allocated for the
duration of a call. Handover or handoff (as it is called in North America), means switching an
ongoing call to a different channel or cell.

Handover is the process used to allow a call in progress to continue as the mobile terminal
moves between cells. Handovers may be based on received signal strength or S/I ratio or may
be based network resource management needs. The handover process may also involved
registration and authentication of the terminal.

T
In GSM handover, once a call is established, the set-up channel is not used again during the
call period. Therefore handover is always implementing handover is dependent on the size of
the cell. Handover is needed in two situations where the cell site receives weak signals from the
E
mobile unit at the cell boundary, which is the level for requesting a handover in a noise-limited
environment and when the mobile unit is reaching the signal-strength holes (gapes) within the
cell site.
IS
The handover process consists of the following steps:
 Initiation: either the mobile terminal or network identifies the need
 Resource reservation: The appropriate network elements reserve the resources necessary
to support the handover.
IR

 Execution: the actual handover connection of the network resources takes place.
 Completion: any unneeded network resources are freed, and access signals are exchanged
following a successful handover

FIG.4.10. Different types of handover in the GSM

IRISET 34 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

4.16.1. Types of handover in GSM

1. Intra BTS handover
2. Intra-BSC handover
3. Inter-BSC handover
4. Inter-MSC handover

Intra cell/BTS handover: The easiest type of handover is intra cell Handover where either the
physical channel or the associated timeslot configuration is changed. This may become
necessary if the connection on a physical channel is impaired. To evaluate connection quality,
the mobile phone continuously transmits the measured RX Lev (receive level measured by the
telephone) and RX Quality (bit error ratio determined) values to the base station.

If the base station wants to hand over the mobile from one physical channel f1 to another
physical channel f2, all it needs to do is to inform the mobile about the new channel number and
the new timeslot TS2 configuration. The mobile changes directly to the new channel and is able
to maintain both its previous settings for timing and the base station parameters. Intracell
handover is also possible between different GSM bands.

Inter cell/Intra BSC handover: If the mobile phone moves from one cell to another during a call,

T
it must be handed over to the new cell. If the neighbor cell is time-synchronous with the current
cell, the base station is able to affect a finely synchronized inter cell handover. In this case, the
mobile phone is transmitted on the new physical channel in the neighbor cell. Moreover, the
E
mobile phone must be informed about the vital parameters of the new cell. The mobile phone
then optionally transmits four access bursts on the new channel. Compared to the normal
bursts, these are shortened which is why they cannot cause interference with other calls even if
IS
the timing is slightly incorrect. If necessary, timing is corrected in a next step and the call
continued.

If the two cells with time offset are synchronous, the base station will effect a pseudo-
synchronized or pre synchronized inter-cell handover. This handover is similar to the finely
IR

synchronized inter-cell handover, but differs in that the mobile phone is provided with
information about the time offset. Usually, however, a non-synchronized inter-cell handover
takes place. In this case, the mobile phone transmits up to 64 access bursts on the new channel
by means of which the new base station determines the timing and hands it over to the mobile
phone.

FIG.4.11. Inter cell handover

IRISET 35 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

The mobile phone then re-establishes the call connection with the correct timing. The base
station requires the mobile phone’s help in order to know the new cell to hand it over to. By
means of the neighbor cell list, the base station informs the mobile phone about the RF
channels for the BCCH that are used by the neighbor cells. The mobile phone now cyclically
measures the RF level on these channels and transmits the measurement results to the base
station. Based on this information, the base station determines the point in time at which the
mobile phone is handed over to which cell. Changing the physical channel both for the call and
for the BCCH information is key to inter cell handover.

Inter BSC/Intra-MSC Handover: The MS constantly monitors the signal quality of the BSS-MS
link. The BSC may also optionally forward its own measurement to the MS. when the link quality
is poor; the MS will attempt to maintain the desired signal quality of the radio link by requesting
a handover as shown in fig.4.12.

E T
IS
FIG.4.12. Intra-MSC Handover
IR

Inter-MSC Handover: In this scenario we assume that a call has already been established. The
serving BSS is connected to the serving MSC and the target BSS to the target MSC as shown
in fig.4.13.

FIG.4.13.Inter-MSC Handover

IRISET 36 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

Intersystem handover: If the mobile phone leaves a cell and no new cell can be found in the
same system, the base station can hand over an appropriately equipped mobile phone to a cell
in another system. These intersystem handovers are highly complex because two technically
disparate systems must be combined with each other. Basically, there are two handover options
from WCDMA to GSM: In the case of blind handover the base station simply transmits the
mobile phone with all relevant parameters to the new cell. The mobile phone changes” blindly”
to the GSM cell, i.e. it has not yet received any information about the timing there. It will first
contact the transmitted BCCH channel, where it tries to achieve the frequency and time
synchronization within 800 ms. Next, it will switch to the handed-over physical voice channel,
where it will carry out the same sequence as with the non-synchronized inter-cell handover. For
the second type of handover from WCDMA to GSM, the compressed mode is used within the
WCDMA cell.

E T
IS
IR

IRISET 37 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

CHAPTER - 5 Back to Content Page

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.0. INTRODUCTION
GSM for railways, a communication system for railway networks utilizing GSM technologies and
specific applications for railway operations.

GSM-R is the communication standard chosen by EIREN (European Integrated Railway Radio
Enhanced Network) to meet the railway requirements.

Railways have some specific requirements, which are not featured in GSM Services:
♦ If some Emergency situation in the Locality makes all Channels busy due to sudden flood of
calls, and at that particular period, Driver of a running Train tries to originate a Call and
does not get Channel, a catastrophe might occur. Driver must have a facility to disconnect
some unimportant Subscriber and get the Channel on Priority. Thus, Priority cum Pre-
emption is an essential requirement.
♦ A situation may need that Track-side Maintenance persons over 20 KMs area must get

T
same information without delay. A Commercial GSM system does not allow Group-cast
Mode Communication.
♦ In future, all the Train Controllers will have similar Numbering scheme. If the Mobile
E
Communications of different Zonal Railways are networked, a call from Driver will disturb all
Controllers. So, Location Dependent Addressing is also needed.
♦ Once, Cell phones are provided to all Drivers and the Driver of a particular train e.g.7021 is
IS
needed, it would be difficult for the Controller to remember the Cell phone number of the
Particular driver. It would be better, if there is Functional Addressing, which enables dialing
Code of Driver of 7021, which will be analyzed by the System and the specific Driver at the
Train will get the call.

These communication requirements were studied and identified by representatives of the

IR

European railway operators and the choice of GSM-R by the Railway community was motivated
by its strong potential to:
♦ Support numerous applications due to the ISDN character of the network
♦ Achieve interoperability between railway networks
♦ Use of resources efficiently
♦ Reduce procurement cost
♦ Reduce maintenance cost
♦ Being open for technical evolution due to its state-of-the-art technology.
5.1. Applications of GSM – R:
The general applications of GSM – R are in the following fields –
A) Operational Voice Communication e.g. between Train Controller and Driver / Guard of a
Train, Driver to Guard of the same Train, Driver / Guard of a Train to Driver / Guard of
another Train, Emergency Communication, Track-side Communication, Train Support
Communication or Shunting Communication.
B) Local or Wide Area voice and Data Communication.
C) Signaling requirements as used in European Railway Train management System.
D) Passenger Communication.
IRISET 38 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Back to Content Page
GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.1.1. Operational Voice Communication:

Train Radio covers the wide field of Railways operational communication, which is characterized
by typical functions. The main function of train radio is the communication of a train controller
with the train drivers and vice versa. The requirements are:

1. Bi-directional links for Data and Voice transmission between Train Controller and the
personnel (Driver and Guard) on the trains.
2. Call Setup should be possible as mobile terminated call (MTC) and mobile originated call
(MOC).
3. For MOC and MTC different addressing modes are required for the call setup.
● MTC (call from the train controller to a Train) The call setup should be possible by dialing
a (temporary) train running number and a function code. An address translation function
from actual train running, engine or coach number and functional identity to real PLMN
subscriber number has to be realized. Furthermore, it should be possible to address
different functions on board the train.
● MOC (call from a train to a train controller terminal) the call setup should be possible by
pressing a function key or dialing a short-number on the mobile station and establishing
a connection to the actual responsible train controller dependent on the location of the

T
user.
4. Multidirectional links for voice transmission from one train to multiple mobile and fixed
network subscribers or a train controller station to multiple trains.
E
5.1.2. Emergency Communication:
A railway Emergency Call will be established either by Train Driver or Guard or by the Train
IS
Controller. It is always a voice broadcast into a number of cells forming the predefined area.
Users entering the emergency area shall join the call while users leaving the emergency area
will also leave the call. Typically, either a railway function on train or a controller will establish
the railway emergency call. All other participants will listen to the call. If one of the other
IR

participants wants to talk he will press the push to talk button thus requiring a duplex
connection. Second speaker shall get the talk function on a first come / first serve base. There is
only one Second - speaker at one time.

5.1.3. Shunting Communication:

Today, Indian railways do not use Communication specifically for shunting. GSM – R will be
able to provide this facility. Typically, shunting teams are groups of at most 10 members. These
members should be able to communicate to each other by pressing a push-to-talk button at the
mobile Telephone. For each member, it should be possible to belong to different groups at the
same time. Shunting Team members shall be able to communicate with other members of the
team as well as with fixed control centers. Typically, a Duplex Connection is only required for
point-to-point calls, whereas Group Communication can use Simplex mode. Talking time of
each talker is quite short since only few words will be exchanged.

5.1.4. Trackside Maintenance Communication:

Trackside Maintenance personnel today use Portable Emergency Telephones, connected to
either the trackside installed Emergency Sockets in RE areas or Overhead Wires in Non-RE
areas. Trackside maintenance personnel, in future, shall use GSM-R handheld. This may be in
an initial step GSM-R or GSM handheld.
IRISET 39 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.1.5. Local and Wide Area Communication:

Local communication at Stations and Depots generally takes place today via Railway PABX
networks. To improve functionality and reachability, these PABX will be connected to GSM-R.
Wide Area Communication in a modern Railway organization is typically communication
between Railway Organizational Bodies. Today mobility requirements for this type of
communications exist only to a certain extent. Therefore, Wide Area Communication may be
regarded as communication with low or no mobility aspects and will not use GSM - R to save
capacities for operational purposes. Nevertheless, dependent on the concept of the individual
railway, these subscribers may be connected in a Virtual Private Network.

5.1.6. Railway signaling requirements:

Train Control Systems in use today are only on signaling level, using Optical signals,
Electromagnetic or Mechanical signals. These systems have several restrictions -- they are
fixed installed alongside the track, each system needs separate cables. Railways specified a
new multi-level automatic train control system, for which GSM-R can be used. The options are:

● Radio-based Fixed Block System using GSM-R, traditional signals like Axle Counters,

T
Electronic Interlocking, Line side Signals still in operation
● Radio-based Moving Block System using GSM-R, no other Signals being in operation or
Complete Radio-based Signaling System.
E
5.1.7. Passenger Communication Services:
IS
Today, a Passenger does not get any information or help from the Train Personnel if he needs
typical unscheduled Travel Guidance. In future, information for follow-on connections shall be
accessible via Radio. Furthermore it shall be possible to book, change or cancel reservation
from a running Train. Taxi reservation, plans of other integrated traffic partners like buses or
regional traffic systems and hotel reservation service shall be accessible as well. Actual daily
IR

information for Business Travelers e.g. FAX and Newspaper can be transmitted via Radio to the
Train. Internet Access from a running Train is a possibility, in near future.

5.1.8. Train Diagnostics:

Train online diagnostic data will be transferred to the maintenance personnel for evaluation and
repair to reduce time spent for repair. Some diagnostic data will be transmitted in future under
ERTMS as they are needed for automatic train control. All other diagnostic data shall be
collected on the running train and transferred via radio network whenever needed. Both GSM-R
and public GSM have the necessary data services to transmit the relevant data today available.

5.2. The GSM-R Network and its Structure

The typical network structure of a GSM / GSM-R based Railway Network basically does not
differ much from a normal PLMN and its extensions in terms as Network Elements,
Standardized Interfaces and Connectivity. Optimized Frequency Reuse pattern to increase
network capacity, Micro cells in areas with high density (like railway stations) and Overlay
Solutions with Speed Sensitive Handover are under introduction in public GSM and thus may
only be slightly modified for railway specific use. Differences exist in the network layout and
planning deriving from the critical needs of railway networks.

IRISET 40 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.2.1. Architecture of GSM-R network:

A typical GSM-R network is built of several cells alongside the track. Each cell is equipped with
one or more trans-receivers, depending upon the communication density. The block diagram is
shown in fig. 5.1.

The network can be divided into 5 main parts-

1. Mobile station
2. Base station subsystems(BSS)
3. Network switching subsystem (NSS)
4. Operation and maintenance subsystem (OMS)
5. Other networks

The functionality of the above systems are same as described in GSM networks except some
ratings like RF powers of MS and BTS. There are different types of mobile equipment,
distinguished principally by their power and application. The fixed terminals are the ones
installed in driver’s cab. The RF output power is 8W, and handheld sets are of 2W power. And
the RF power of BTS will be 20-25 W.

E T
IS
IR

FIG.5.1.Block diagram of GSM-R network

IRISET 41 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

Special requirements of GSM-R Networks are deriving from the following demands of
applications using GMS-R:

▪ Seamless communication up to a speed of 500 km/h

▪ Efficient usage of a limited number of frequencies (20)
▪ C / I of 12 dB min (EIRENE requirement 15 dB)
▪ 95 % Coverage for 95 % of the time in a designated coverage area with a level of above -
90 dBm
▪ Handover success rate of above 99.5 % even between GSM-R networks
▪ High availability of both transmission path and network equipment dependent on the
applications in use
▪ Coverage inside Tunnels
▪ Improved coverage in Railway Stations and Shunting Areas
▪ Call Setup times as indicated below in 95 % of all cases, remaining 5 % in less than 1.5
times of the described period :

Call type call setup time

Railway Emergency Call < 1s

T
Mobile-to-mobile urgent Group Call < 2s
All Operational Calls not covered by the above < 5s
All Low Prioriy Calls < 10 s
E
5.2.2. The typical GSM-R Network structures:
IS
Large Railway Stations typically will have Sectored Cells. Less populated areas with low speed
tracks and bus connections just need an average voice connection. These cells may radiate as
omnidirectional cells.

Figure below shows structure for low speed tracks and rural areas realized with the existing
IR

technology and common to public networks.

FIG.5.2.GSM-R architecture for low speed tracks and rural areas

IRISET 42 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

Star connection: The BTS are connected to the BSC in star connection. This connection applies
especially for sectorized BTS with several carriers.

Chain connection: The BTS are connected to BSC in chain connection via multi-drop.
Whenever a BTS fails or the link interface for the Abis connection is defective, it switches the
PCM 30 through to the next BTS. The switchover is seamless for the connection.

Star chain connection: The BTS are connected to BSC in a star chain connection via multi-drop.
The first two BTS are connected in chain, after the second BTS we will split-up into star. The
advantage is a better usage of existing railway communication cables.

For above described cases the critical path is always the cable connecting all BTS. Since
reliability of either Copper or Optic Fiber Cable in combination with the necessary line
termination, is not necessarily as high as the one of BTS and BSC, even a very high reliability of
BTS will not improve availability of the system. Therefore, Railway applications with high
requirements for reliability will make use of the Multi-Drop Loop architecture as shown below.
Furthermore the interleaving of BTS of two different loops will decrease the consequences of a
single BTS or BSC failure.

E T
IS
IR

FIG.5.3.Fully duplicated network structure with overlaid radio cells

The suggested above shown case operates with a fully duplicated network structure with
collocated or staggered radio cells. To allow these two network levels several functions like

● Priority of cell A1 or B1
● Other hierarchical cell parameters
● Subscriber administration
● Load distribution.

Therefore, railway applications with high requirements for reliability will make use of the multi-
drop loop architecture. Furthermore the interleaving of BTS of two different loops will decrease
the consequences of a single BTS or BSC failure.

IRISET 43 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.2.3. Loop multi-drop connection:

The BTS are connected in a loop multi-drop. Physically up to 7BTS can be connected that way
in one loop using one PCM 30. For safety reasons, only 4 BTS are connected. If now the
forward connection fails, BTS will switch seamless to the backward connection. That means that
ongoing calls will not be dropped by loss of one transmission link.

T
FIG.5.4.GSM-R architecture for ETCS lines (low and high redundant)
E
5.3. Quality requirements of GSM-R:

Quality requirements of GSM-R are based on the GSM recommendations QoS (Quality of
IS
Services) parameters.

QoS parameter Demanded value Probability

Call setup time 6s 95 %
IR

Connection establishment failure probability 1% 100 %

-4
Transmission failures 10 / h 100 %
Data transfer delay 450 ms 100 %
Duration of transmission failures 1s 100 %
Recovery time (undistorted) 7s 100 %
-3
Error rate 10 / h 100 %

Availability of the Radio Channel is one of the key criteria for GSM-R. A typical Railway topology
includes flat and hilly terrain. Traditional rail tracks have numbers of bends, (new built tracks try
to avoid bends). Especially the following conditions to be taken under consideration:

● Deep and / or Long Cuttings spanned with a Bridge

● Long Tunnels
● A series of Short Tunnels with limited space between them
● Tunnel materials (natural stone, concrete, concrete with steel) and profile
● Bends and Crossings inside the Tunnel
● Dependent on the maximum planned train speed, the length of handover zones needs to be
planned very carefully. Handover zones should not be at a halt area or RBC position. Inside
Railway Stations, they should be reduced to a minimum.

IRISET 44 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.4. Features of GSM - R

5.4.1 Functional Addressing

Railways have employees traveling and with daily changing duties. Not only these subscribers
but also applications are addressed by Telephone Numbers and / or Functional Numbers /
Names. Today these tables of telephone numbers and functional numbers / names have to be
cross-referenced manually to allow identification and reachability of the person or application,
which has subscription to a permanent number.

Functional addressing allows the definition of functional numbers in either HLR or IN, dependent
on the preferred solution. These functional numbers represent Train Numbers + Function Code.
At the beginning of a journey or a job, the Train Driver or Employee registers his mobile number
(MSISDN) to the functional number (FN) of the train. From now on, until de-registration, a call to
the Train Driver’s Functional Number will always be forwarded to reach the Train Driver’s
MSISDN. At the end of the journey or job he may de-register. This applies also for change of
direction of the train. If necessary, the network operator also can de-register a subscriber.

5.4.2. Registration

T
A Train Driver or employees on the Train, registers to the respective functional number by
establishing an USSD dialogue via MSC / VLR to the HLR, where their MSISDN is stored
(HLRmobile). This HLR is establishing a dialogue to the HLRfunctional regarding the calling MSISDN.
E
The HLRfunctional, in turn, establishes a Call Forwarding from the required Functional Number to
the MSISDN. After completion, the registering Subscriber will get an acknowledgement
(registered). Only one MSISDN can register under one functional number. Users trying to
IS
register to a functional number already in use will be rejected. Same way, a Functional Number
is unique inside the HLRfunctional and cannot be duplicated
IR

FIG.5.5.Functional addressing is to be used for ground-to-train communication.

IRISET 45 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.4.3. Call Setup

At Call Setup, the MSC / VLR connected to the Train Controller (GMSC) performs Digit Analysis
and detects a functional number. Via HLR Interrogation, the forwarded-to-number and the
location (VMSC) is detected and the call to the MSISDN is established.

5.4.4. Deregistration

MSISDN registered to a Functional Number will be de-registered by the user establishing an

USSD dialogue via MSC / VLR to the HLR, where their MSISDN is stored (HLRmobile). This HLR
is establishing a dialogue to the HLRfunctional regarding the calling MSISDN. The HLRfunctional in
turn cancels the call forwarding from the required functional number to the MSISDN. After
completion, the registering subscriber gets an acknowledgement (de-registered). De-registration
is also possible for the Network Administrator and may be possible on certain circumstances for
special users.

5.4.5. Expiration Date

All functional numbers contain a programmable validity period (in hours). During the registration
process, the Expiration Date of the single member inside this functional number will be

T
computed and stored. After exceeding the expiration date, the service ignores the function
owner. It is same as in the case of de-registration. In case the value of the validity period is set
to 0, the feature is switched off for this functional number. That means a registration of any
E
member for this functional number has no time limit.

5.5. Location Dependent Addressing

IS
Location Dependent Addressing provides the Automatic Routing of Mobile Originated Calls
(MOC) to pre-defined destinations relative to the geographic area where the subscriber is
roaming. The entire network of Railways is split into different types of service areas (train
monitoring, train control, power supply, and sub-station).
IR

FIG.5.6.Location dependent Addressing

IRISET 46 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

A Train on a journey, e.g. from Delhi to Secunderabad, passes through several of these areas
(e.g. train controller areas). The connection between a Train Driver and the Controller of the
respective area should be easy to establish. The Train Driver should have no need to dial long
numbers after he has decided in which area he is actually driving.

Therefore, the Train Driver will only dial a short number as defined in the Numbering Plan. This
short number will be automatically converted into the corresponding long number(s) of the train
controller(s) responsible for the area the train is actually moving trough. If a train is passing
between two controller areas the connection will be made to both controllers

With MSC based Location Dependent Addressing, the location will be determined with the
accuracy of the Cell, since no other location information will be available. This implies an
inaccuracy within some hundred meters, since cell boundaries are overlapping. The cells are
identified by means of the Location Area Code (LAC) and Cell Identifier (CI). To each short
number, a table containing the relevant cells and the destination number will be stored. If a call
is set up with a short number, the MSC recognizes the abbreviated dialing, evaluates the LAC /
CI and selects the correct destination number. Then the connection will be automatically
established. If a train is passing between two service/controller areas the connection will be

T
established to both controllers.

5.6. Enhanced Multi Level Precedence and Preemption (eMLPP)

E
Railway organizations have high performance requirements on some types of communication.
This is especially the ultimate requirement for a radio channel and a very fast call setup.
ERTMS has the need for a continuous data connection. If a handover to neighboring Cells is
IS
unsuccessful due to congestion on the radio channel, a preemption service is necessary to
allow immediate access to a traffic channel occupied by a low priority application.

Railway Emergency Calls do need an immediate call setup in the emergency call area, no
matter if free radio channels are available or not. A preemption service will release ongoing low
IR

priority calls to free traffic channels for emergency call setup. In addition, these calls shall be set
up in 1 second or less. Therefore Fast Call Setup is required. Shunting Communication and
Train Support Communication need different priorities than other types of communication.
Therefore additional priority levels are required.

Today’s GSM networks do only provide Access Class Barring and Priority as a Call-by-Call
setup function. These functions are very limited, since the Priority can only be given on a per -
Base - station (access class barring) or per Subscriber basis and not be varied depending on
the network situation and priority needed. Furthermore, if all traffic channels are in use or even
when Congestion already exists, there is no alternative than to wait with high priority in a queue
until a traffic channel can be applied. To introduce above mentioned functionalities into GSM the
so-called Advanced Speech Call Item (ASCI) eMLPP is specified.

To introduce a ranking in priority, up to 7 different eMLPP levels (2 network and 5 subscriber

levels) are introduced. One or more priority levels can be assigned to a mobile subscriber.
According to MORANE, Network Level 1 is reserved for Railway Emergency Calls, Network
Level 2 for ETCS. Maximum allowed and default priority will be stored in the HLR with the
related subscriber data. When an eMLPP priority call is build up, the MSC / VLR will insert the
priority into the call setup message to the BSC.

IRISET 47 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

The BSC will evaluate the Priority and give access to the appropriation channel for either call
set-up or hand-over. High priority calls can gain access to resources currently being used by
lower priority calls such that these lower priority users currently engaged in conversation will be
pre-empted. This is particularly important in safety critical applications where users must be
notified immediately and cannot wait in a queue for a free radio channel. Priority and Pre-
emption is applicable for VGCS, VBS and for general public services.

5.7. Voice Broadcast Service (VBS):

Today’s GSM networks are designed for point-to-point connections. Railways and other
professional users need the key functionality of point-to-multipoint calls as known from Private
Mobile Radio (PMR) or Public Access Mobile Radio (PAMR) are available. To introduce above-
mentioned functionality into GSM, the so-called Advanced Speech Call Item (ASCI) Tele-
service, the Voice Broadcast Service (VBS) was specified in GSM - R. A VBS is characterized
by following key points:
● One Broadcast Call Number combines all members of a certain Group.
● For each Broadcast Call, a Service Area composed out of a number of cells is assigned
● Dialing the broadcast call number initializes the parallel set-up of connections into all Cells
of the assigned service area. All members of this group being in the service area will be

T
paged to receive a notification of the ongoing voice broadcast call
● Dependent on the call ID a priority members of the group call can decide to join the call
E
If a Broadcast Call Number is dialed, the MSC recognizes that this number belongs to a
broadcast group. The MSC retrieves all necessary information from the co-located Group Call
Register (GCR), which stores Tables having
IS
▪ The Group ID (1 to 7 digit depending on the length of the group call area ID)
▪ The Group Call Area ID (MCC + MNC + LAC + CI)
▪ The Group Call Reference (27 bit binary encoded field with Group ID and Group Area ID)
▪ The Cell List corresponding to the Group Call Area ID (max. 50 cells)
▪ The Dispatcher List corresponding to the group call references (up to 6 dispatchers)
IR

▪ per group call reference an information whether the call is active or not
▪ Security Information

The MSC connects the so called Dispatcher with a duplex connection – no matter if he is mobile
originated or fixed network originated – and initializes the setup of half-duplex connections into
each cell of the required group call area. Members of the group actually in this area will be
paged and connected via common channel down-link, that means they can only listen to the
call. If a member of the group enters the Cell after beginning of the voice broadcast, he will just
join the ongoing voice broadcast at his time of entry. If a member of the group leaves the voice
broadcast area, he will be disconnected. The setup of a VBS is possible with eMLPP or as a
normal call without priority and preemption.

Voice Group Call Service (VGCS):

In addition to the VBS prescribed functionality, a VGCS is characterized by the key point that
the actual speaker can change during a call. Group members will normally listen to the ongoing
Voice Group Call. As soon as the initiator of the VGCS stops speaking, he indicates that he
releases the up-link. All group members will be notified that they can now request an up-link to
become the next talker by using their Push-To-Talk function. A dedicated duplex channel will be
allocated in the respective cell. The setup for the duplex channel for the next and any
subsequent talker is as follows:
IRISET 48 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

▪ Initial talker releases the up-link (and changes to the common down-link in this cell, if he is
a mobile subscriber)
▪ Possible new talker sends an up-link request

▪
▪
E T
FIG.5.7.Voice Group Call Service (VGCS)

The BSC serving this area selects the first UPLINK_REQUEST and presents it to the MSC
The MSC serves the first UPLINK_REQUEST of all BSC in the Group Call Area
IS
▪ The new talker confirms his up-link request
▪ The other group member get an up-link seized or up-link reject notification
▪ The duplex channel for the new talker is switched through

One typical application of the VGCS, the Railway Emergency Call, is shown in the following
IR

figure.

FIG.5.8.Railway emergency call by using VGCS

IRISET 49 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.8. Implementation of GSM - R

One of the main factors that will influence the national implementation of GSM-R is the nature of
the GSM network to be used. Three main options are available:

♦ Public GSM network;

♦ Private GSM network;
♦ Hybrid GSM network, in which a private and a public GSM network are integrated in order
to potentially provide a more cost-effective implementation.

Similar implementations need to be considered for the fixed part of the communications
network, leading to a large number of possible combinations for the implementation of the full
communications network.

5.8.1. Using a Public GSM network

It means that the mobile side of the network will be out-sourced to a Public Network Operator. In
this case, the Railway will have a limited control over the way the Network is implemented and
operated, as the Railway will probably form only a small part of the Network Operator's overall
customer base. The Network Operator may also have conflicting commercial considerations. In

T
order to implement a GSM-R network using a Public GSM network, the following issues must be
addressed:

● The current Areas of Coverage provided by the network operator and how this compares
E
with the designated coverage area required for the implementation of GSM-R;
● The Level of Coverage required by the Railway and how this compares to the Level of
Coverage provided by the Network Operator;
IS
● The mechanism for the public network operator to provide any additional coverage required
by the railway and organizational aspects e.g. the Access to Sites for Installation;
● The provision of special GSM solutions for Tunnels and Cuttings.
● The level of required GSM Supplementary services that are provided by the Network
Operator e.g. Voice Group Call System, Voice Broadcast System and enhanced Multi Level
IR

Priority cum Preemption. Some public GSM Network Operators may not provide some or all
of the additional services.

5.8.2. Using a Private GSM network

With this option, the Railway Operator is given a more or less complete degree of freedom and
the network could be effectively designed to meet all of the functional and system requirements,
necessarily at a certain cost. There are, however, specific aspects that need to be addressed
when considering the implementation of a private network. One of the main considerations
when deciding on the implementation of a Private GSM Network is to ensure that the Network
conforms to the existing GSM regulations. The Availability of Frequencies will also need to be
considered. The other major consideration is to ensure that the proposed network
implementation will lead to a fully functional GSM-R system within acceptable budget
constraints.

Before implementation, a Detailed Study is to be conducted in order to establish the Cost of

providing Private GSM coverage over the designated area. This will require Survey Data of the
Rail Network and the surrounding area in order to determine where Base Stations need to be
implemented and the number of installations that will be required. In addition, this will highlight
any aspects of planning permissions required for the base station implementations. In this type

IRISET 50 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

of implementation the Railway will have more direct control over the levels of performance and
the ways in which these can be maintained.

5.8.3. Using a Hybrid GSM Network

Enhancements to an existing GSM Network must be considered in terms of how busy the
individual Routes are and the perceived benefits of implementing them. For example, it may be
most sensible to implement a Private GSM-R Network covering the Busiest Railway Routes and
make use of Public GSM coverage in the other areas. Alternatively, one may choose to finance
enhancements to a public network on the busier sections of the rail system and rely on the
existing level of coverage for the remainder of the network.

5.9. Numbering Plan principles

Train controllers, Station Staff, etc will normally want to call a Train by its Train Number, e.g.
7021, rather than by the actual Subscriber Number associated with the Mobile Phone with the
Driver / Guard. This is because the Staff of a certain regular service will change from day to day,
whereas the Train Number is uniquely identified. On the other hand, Maintenance Personnel in
Depots will only know a Locomotive by its Engine Number and will prefer to set up a call to a
Mobile Phone within the Locomotive by this Number. In each of these situations, it is necessary

T
to be able to call a Mobile Phone on the Train without knowing its Subscriber Number.

GSM-R network: generally uses EIRENE Numbering Plan. For example, if the Locomotive is
E
changed during the journey, the Functional Number based on the Train Running Number will
stay the same. GSM-R network users shall therefore be able to originate and receive calls using
Functional Numbers. This need to comply with the requirements specified by EIRENE for the
IS
structure of Functional Numbers, whilst taking into account the Railway Private Numbering Plan
and the National Numbering Plan. The EIRENE Numbering Plan also defines a set of Short
Codes to be used within GSM-R networks. These short codes are not restricted to call set-up to
mobile users only. Instead, their prime function is to ease the use of GSM-R for Drivers by
reducing the Number of Digits to be dialed when calling the local controller or to place an
IR

emergency call.

Public Numbering plan is used by the Public Network Operator to route calls through the
network and which consists of the actual telephone numbers (e.g. MSISDN numbers) of the
called party Terminal Set. There may exist an overlap between the EIRENE and Public
numbering plans, since for certain Call Types, the User Number (EIRENE numbering plan) may
be equal to a Subscriber Number (Public numbering plan).

The establishment of the relation between a Functional Number and the Subscriber Number is
performed by the user through the Registration Procedure and is removed by the user through
the De-registration Procedure. This has to be performed every time the association requires an
update. The association between the Functional Number and Subscriber Number is held in
appropriate Routing Databases. When a call is set up, a translation from the Functional Number
to the Subscriber Number is performed. Functional Numbers should be de-registered as soon
as they are no longer required so that they are made available for subsequent users.
Possible options for Implementing a Functional Numbering service include:

♦ using Intelligent Network (IN) facilities;

♦ within the GSM Network’s HLR using the ‘follow-me’ supplementary service;
♦ implementation of a dedicated Switch with Associated Databases.

IRISET 51 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

For each of these options, the registration and de-registration aspects need to be considered
carefully. In particular, this needs to be done with a view to ensuring that roaming equipment
from other railways is fully interoperable with the GSM-R network implementation.

In IN-based solutions, Call Routing is considered separately from the Service Provision.
Service Switching Points (SSP) are used to detect whether a Calling Party wishes to use IN
functionality. If this is detected, then the information provided by the calling party is transferred
to the Service Control Point (SCP) which will act upon the information provided. If the IN
solution is used within the GSM-R network, then the Calling Party can dial the Functional
Number, which is ‘trapped’ by the SSP and passed on to the SCP. The SCP then performs the
translation of the Functional Number into the appropriate MSISDN number and passes this
information back to the SSP. The SSP will then set up the call as requested.

It is not possible to use the same approach if a Calling Party wishes to establish a link using a
Functional Number from a Fixed Terminal. For calls from fixed extensions, the Calling Party
would establish contact via the fixed network by dialing the appropriate GSM-R Network Access
Number (ENAN), which forms the ‘trigger’ for using IN services. Once the connection is
established, the Functional Number is passed via the fixed network and the MSC/SSP to the

T
Service Control Point, where it will be translated into the MSISDN number of the appropriate
mobile equipment. Using this number, the call will then be set up via the GSM Network to the
correct mobile extension. Alternatively, the Subscriber Number could be called using the
E
National Destination Code plus the MSISDN number.

In the HLR implementation, the EN is dialed directly by the calling party and the call is routed
IS
through the Network to the GSM MSC. The GSM Call Forwarding Unconditional Supplementary
Service is then used to translate the dialed EN into the MSISDN Number of the relevant mobile
equipment and the call is set up.

With Dedicated switch implementation, the Railway does not use any number translation
IR

functionality provided by the GSM network. Calls are routed via a dedicated switch, which
performs all necessary number translations. Essentially, this is an “external” Intelligent Node,
although the switch does not form an integral part of the GSM network. The calling party
(whether mobile or fixed terminal) must first gain access to the switch before passing the
Functional Number information, in order to allow calls using Functional Numbers to be made.
Once the Functional Number is passed to the switch, it will search its routing databases and
translates the Functional Number into the proper MSISDN number. The switch will then attempt
to complete call set-up to the mobile.

5.10. GSM – R System Planning Phases

This is the preliminary phase of system procurement and includes the following activities:
♦ System Feasibility Study, to perform an initial assessment of the proposed system. The aim
is to determine whether the system can meet its business requirements and whether there
is a sound financial case for developing it. The study consists of defining the reasons for the
introduction of the new system, establishing implementation options and the assessment of
their implications.
♦ Requirement Capture, leading to a clear definition of user requirements, both functional and
non-functional. This will determine requirements relevant to the size of the network,
coverage levels, interconnections, migration, terminal design, etc.
IRISET 52 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

♦ Business Case Development, which will lead to the formal acceptance of the system
procurement and will secure the funding for the project.

♦ Development of a System Specification, which will look at the system requirements and
address issues e.g. interfacing the network to other networks and systems (location
systems, signaling systems, train control systems and other telecommunications networks).
It will also consider operational requirements, provision of services and facilities, system
design, equipment requirements, management systems, implementation requirements,
safety aspects, RAM requirements and EMC.

♦ Development of a Procurement Strategy, which will detail how the Network is to be

procured and will deal with issues such as implementation options (private versus public
network) and service provision (privately operated or outsourced).

♦ Development of a migration plan, which will include aspects such as the rollout plans and
plans for the transfer from the old system to the new system.

In addition, the EIRENE Specifications do not comprehensively cover certain aspects of

T
implementation and design such as coverage, frequency allocation or performance monitoring.
These additional aspects of system design form an important part of the technical specification,
but their needs are mainly driven by operational and business requirements. Since these will

own system designs.

5.11. GSM – R Type Approvals

E
differ between individual railways, the railways must be responsible for the specification of their
IS
Railway environmental specifications are becoming increasingly harmonized across Europe
through the work of CENELEC. However, many national requirements remain. The GSM-R type
approval regime, which will form part of the conformity assessment process, will need to consist
of several layers, defined as follows:
IR

♦ Enhanced GSM type approval: This covers additional GSM features, which have been
introduced as part of the development of the GSM-R radio system such as ASCI and R-
Band. Tests are carried out against a set of harmonized standards covering the relevant
GSM specifications GSM TS 11.01 and the associated CTRs.

♦ Railway specific Type Approval: This covers features specific to the GSM-R Radio system,
which include Functional and Location Dependent Addressing and specific environmental
requirements. Tests are carried out against harmonized CENELEC standards.

In order to interpret the assertion that no safety requirements are to be placed upon GSM-
R, it is important for each Railway to identify exactly which applications are being referred
to. In particular:

♦ There are many applications external to GSM-R (e.g. ETCS) which will make use of GSM-R
as a bearer service;

♦ There are also several applications internal to GSM-R (e.g. Railway Emergency Calls,
Driver/Guard and Controller calls), which are provided by the GSM-R telecommunications
service and which use a GSM network as a Radio Bearer.
IRISET 53 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

5.12. RAM requirements for GSM – R

The RAM requirements placed on the radio system will depend largely on the application(s)
being run over the radio system. The requirements fall into two categories, operational
requirements and safety requirements, while the applications can be split into two general
classes, Driver / Guard to Controller communications and Train Control applications. For
example, in a Driver / Guard to Controller communication application, the loss of radio
communication may not physically stop the train from running. However, it will have an impact in
terms of safety, as the Driver / Guard and Controller will not be able to communicate in the
event of an Accident or Emergency, which may lead to train running being suspended.

In comparison, for a train control application such as full in-cab signaling, the loss of the radio
bearer will lead to a loss of signaling information, and may in some cases result in the train
being forced to stop. It should be noted, however, that the signaling system is assumed to be
fail-safe and there will be no safety implications of losing communications.

The impact of any system failure will also depend on the location and extent of the failure. For
example, the effect of the loss of radio coverage on a small stretch of a lightly used, isolated
section of line will be small compared to the loss of radio coverage at a major junction or over

T
many kilometers of busy, intersecting lines.

Care should also be taken in setting Availability levels for a given system. Whilst an overall
E
availability can be quoted either for a whole system or for its differing failure modes, the impact
of this on system design will depend on the size of the system. The availability of the Radio
system should also be computed in conjunction with the availability of the rest of the Railway
Infrastructure. There is no point in designing and paying for a radio system, which provides
IS
availability some orders of magnitude higher than the availability of other system elements.

Once the requirements have been set according to the steps outlined above, it is then possible
to carry out a cost-benefit analysis by comparing the available network architectures and to
consider what steps need to be taken to increase network resilience to support the required
IR

performance levels. The cost of any proposed solution should then be compared to the cost
savings arising from the increased resilience. When specifying the RAM requirements, the
Railway should bear in mind that in some instances separate availability requirements will need
to be specified for the various system failure modes and not just for the system as a whole. It
also demonstrates that the requirements will vary on an installation-by-installation basis.

Maintainability is closely related to the system and component design and should as such be
considered in conjunction with these aspects of system specification and procurement. The
ease with which an object, system or service is repaired is usually expressed as its Mean Time
To Repair (MTTR). Note that the definition of MTTR includes not only the ease, with which the
object, system or service can be repaired, but also the speed with which the Fault is detected
and identified and the speed with which the relevant maintainer is notified and can attend to the
problem. Maintainability therefore includes the aspects of Fault Detection, Fault Identification
and the Notification and attendance of the relevant maintenance personnel. Maintainability will
also include preventive and routine maintenance, especially the ability of an object, system or
service to maintain full functionality while undergoing maintenance.
Generally, the following are the minimum required planning data for radio network planning:
● Minimum receive level of – 90 dBm for 95% location/time probability at 100m (ETCS 97%,
Shunting 99 %)

IRISET 54 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R (GSM for Railways)

● Mobile station output power 2 W (33 dBm) or 8 W (39 dBm)

● Mobile station RX sensitivity –102 dBm
● C / I C 20 dB co-channel interference
● C / I A 5 dB adjacent channel interference
● Antenna gain (typically 12 to 17 dB) and height above ground
● Losses in feeder cable and other components Fading margin (slow, fast)

The system should work with following frequency pairs:

Frequency Frequency
Sl.No. Frequency Pair
Uplink (MHz) Down Link (MHz)
1 F1 907.8 952.8
2 F2 908.0 953.0
3 F3 908.2 953.2
4 F4 908.4 953.4
5 F5 908.8 953.8
6 F6 909.0 954.0
7 F7 909.2 954.2
8 F8 909.4 954.4
9 F9 889.6 934.6

T
10 F10 889.8 934.8

The main components of the system are:

♦ Base Station Controllers (BSCs), which controls Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), to be
E
installed at wayside stations, are to be installed at New Koilaghat (HQ of E. Railway)
♦ Network Sub-Systems (NSSs) interfacing to the BSS via the GSM ‘A’ Interface, contains
Mobile Services Switching Centers (MSCs) with primary responsibility for call control is to
IS
be installed at New Koilaghat. The MSC is supported by a Visitor Location Register (VLR),
containing temporary details of Subscribers active within the MSC area; a Group Call
Register (GCR), containing attributes of Voice Group and Broadcast Call configurations for
the related MSC area and Home Location Registers (HLRs), holding subscribers details on
a permanent basis.
IR

♦ The Network shall also support General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) infrastructure
elements supporting the respective packet radio services in future.
♦ Mobile equipment interfacing to the BSS.
♦ Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) containing information specific to single subscribers.
♦ Operation and Maintenance center (OMC) for managing the network.
Mobile Switching Centre shall be fully wired for the capacity of 4000 Subscribers and
expandable up to 20000 subscribers (minimum). MSC Traffic capacity shall not be less than
500 Erlangs. The MSC should have Duplicate Control Panel and should be scalable for future
growth. MSC should be provided with Intelligent Network Platform based on CAMEL
(Customized Application for Mobile Enhanced Logic) Phase-2 or its higher version.

There are three standard main types of terminals to be procured. These terminals have to fulfill
basic services, facilities and features specified in EIRENE specification. The three types of
terminals are:

♦ Cab Radio – for use by the driver of a train and by ERTMS/ETCS (8 Watt).
♦ General Purpose Radio – for general use by railway personnel (2 Watt).
♦ Operational Radio – for use by railway personnel involved in train operations such as
shunting and trackside maintenance (2 Watt).
IRISET 55 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

CHAPTER - 6 Back to Content Page

GSM-R BSS EQUIPMENT (NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS)

6.0. Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The Base Station Subsystem comprises two parts, the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the
Base Station Controller (BSC).

6.1. Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Model BS-240 / 240 II:

The Base Transceiver Station houses the radio transceivers that define a cell and handles the
radio-link protocols with the Mobile Station and also Encodes, encrypts, multiplexes, modulates
and feeds the RF signals to the antenna.

BTS communicates with Mobile station and BSC. The base transceiver station or BTS contains
the equipment for transmitting and receiving radio signals from (transceivers) TRX units.

The Base Station equipment of the BS-240 / 240 II is the new future-proof evolution of Nokia
Siemens networks (NSN s’) BTS hard-ware housed in racks with the dimensions of 1600 mm X

T
600 mm X 450 mm (H x W x D). The first rack of Base Station is called Base rack.

6.1.1. The main components of the BTS are

• Carrier unit boards (CU)

• Core boards (COBA/COSA)
E
• Antenna Combining equipment (ACOM)
IS
IR

FIG.6.1. BTS Base Rack Model BS-240 / 240 II

IRISET 56 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Back to Content Page
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

6.1.2. Antenna Combining Modules (ACOM) : These modules are configured in slot 0, 1, 2
and 3 of the base rack. The types and numbers of modules are subject to modification, it
depends on the cell configuration and the type of antenna combining. The following are the few
combinations of combining units.

TX - and RX – Combiner : DUAMCO

TX – Combiner : FICOM
RX – Multi-coupler : DIAMCO
High Power Duplexer : HPDU

Combining Configurations

For serving cells with different numbers of carriers, certain combinations of combiner modules
are required. The antenna diversity is always assumed for the uplink path. The required splitting
factor only depends on the maximum carrier number per cell without yielding a reasonable
technical penalty.

For downlink transmission, a trade-off between the number of antennas and the insertion loss
for a given number of carriers exists. Increasing the antenna number decreases the down link

T
insertion loss introduced by hybrid combining of carriers to one antenna. For high carrier
numbers per cell, filter combining becomes advantageous with respect to insertion loss.
However, filter combining has the disadvantage of higher cost and incompatibility to synthesizer
frequency hopping.
E
 DUAMCO( Duplexer Amplifier Multi-coupler)
IS
Definition of a duplexer:

A device which allows a transmitter operating on one frequency and a receiver operating on a
different frequency to share one common antenna with a minimum of interaction and
degradation of the different RF signals.
IR

Duplex Operation

Duplexers are often the key component that allows two way radios to operate in a full duplex
manner. Full duplex means the transmitter and receiver can operate simultaneously as opposed
to the ‘push-to-talk’ manner used in non-duplex (or ‘simplex’) operating modes.

Duplexers are the devices that allow a mobile telephone to operate like a wired telephone, with
either or both people speaking at any time without using a microphone switch to enable the
radio transmitters.

Fig.6.2. Simultaneous signal flow through a duplexer

IRISET 57 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

The Receiver Multi-coupler allows for the operation of two or more receivers connected to a
single antenna, conserving tower space and minimizing system installation and maintenance
costs. This receiver’s vertical shelf capability makes it possible for a fully integrated wireless
distribution system to be all on one shelf, vertically aligned with the duplexer and combiners.
Consisting of a multistage amplifier and two power dividers, this compact unit provides the
overall system gain and low noise loss figure, < 3 dB. A primary power divider distributes equal
amplitude signals to each of eight separate receivers. Two additional ports are available for
future expansion. Fault monitoring indicates the proper operation of the amplifier as well as the
integral power supply.

The DUAMCO x: y is named according to the number x of transmit connectors fed by the CUs
and the number y of antenna connectors.

The DUAMCO x: y modules contain duplex filters for routing both the transmit and the receive
path over one antenna connector. The receive and transmit part of the duplex filter,
respectively, provide the substantial part of the receive and transmit band filtering required by
GSM. The internal elements of the DUAMCO 8:2 are shown in fig.6.3.

E T
IS
IR

Fig.6. 3. Internal structure of DUAMCO 8:2

The receive path consists of a LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) and a power splitter. The LNA
provides for a low system noise and consists of two branches. In case of malfunction of one
amplifier the RX gain of the DUAMCO decreases by about 6 dB.

The power splitter distributes the received band to the CUs (Carrier Units). A splitting factor of 4
(or 8 in case of DUAMCO 8:2) is implemented in order to feed 4 (8) CUs.

6.1.3. Carrier related Modules:

 Carrier Unit (CU):

The carrier unit provides all analog and digital signal processing including RF power stage for a
single carrier (e.g. GSM 8 TCHs). The carrier unit interfaces with the combining equipment on
one side and with the core modules on the other side.
IRISET 58 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

The core boards provide functions common to all carriers within the BS240/BS240 II (e.g. clock
generation, O&M processing) as well as LAPD processing for the different carriers.

Carrier Unit generates 1 TRX frequency, making 8 subscribers for that particular TRX
frequency. Data conversion is done in carrier unit from Abis↔ Um:

And for uplink and downlink the conversion will be done as follows
• DL: TRAU frames → RF signals
• UL: 2 RF signals → TRAU frames
• up to 8 TRX / rack as CU0,CU1,CU2,CU3,CU4,CU5,CU6 and CU7

Carrier Unit (CU) consists of three units that are PATRX, SIPRO and PSU as shown in fig.6.4.

E T
FIG.6.4. Functional diagram of Carrier Unit

 Power amplifier and Transceiver Unit (PATRX):

IS
PATRX provides the main analog functions of the CU. In uplink direction two (diversity) pre-
amplified and filtered RF signals are received from the antenna combining equipment. These
signals are converted to IF and channel filtered. The IF signals are then transmitted to Signal
processing unit (SIPRO), where they are sampled and digitally converted to baseband.
IR

In downlink direction the GMSK modulated signal is received from the SIPRO, I/Q modulated
and converted. The resulting RF-signal is then power amplified and transmitted to the antenna
combining equipment.

PATRX is able to support synthesizer frequency hopping. The unit test of the CU is supported
by a special module, which provides a RF loop between downlink and uplink path.

The power control loop implements 6 static power steps (each 2 dB) and additional 15 dynamic
power levels (each 2 dB).

 Signal processing unit (SIPRO):

The SIPRO is another part of the Carrier Unit. It contains all digital functions of the carrier unit
namely
● Signal processing in uplink and downlink (encoding, ciphering, interleaving, burst formation)
● Control of RF on PATRX
● Baseband and synthesizer hopping
● Channel control
● Radio link control
● O&M parts relevant for carrier unit
● Link to core via CC link
IRISET 59 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

Additionally, the following analogue functions are located on SIPRO:

● Analogue to digital conversion (IF)
● Digital to analogue conversion (baseband)
● Local clock of CU

 Core Basis (COBA):

E T
Fig.6.5. Structure of COBA
IS
The controller stores the SW of all BTSE units in Flash-EPROMs, supervises the SW download
and terminates all internal system alarms. Beside the O&M functions the controller handles the
signaling messages between BSC (Abis) and CU. The COBA can be expanded with the COSA
(satellite) board.
IR

For a configuration of max 2 PCM30/PCM24 interfaces and 8 CU, only the COBA is required.
An additional COSA can be mounted for expanding the BS240/241 capacity up to 8 A bis and 24
CU. The cabling between Abis OVPT and CU and the core unit is done via the backplane.

To achieve core redundancy (later version), the COBA board and its satellite can be duplicated.
In this case one of the board pairs (COBA+COSA) is active, working as the master. The other
pair is inactive/standby status (idle if HW problems have occurred). The COBA controls the
switchover between active and inactive boards. Special links are provided for information
exchange between the two board sets.

A COBA board can only be pulled out, if the COSA board is pulled out first. The plugin of central
boards is “hot”, i.e. there is no need to switch off power first.

 Redundant core: For core redundancy, the COBA and its satellite are duplicated. In this
case one of the board pairs (COBA+COSA) is active, working as master. The other pair is
inactive standby status. COBA controls the switchover between inactive and active.

The PSU is the DC/DC converter for the CU. The PSU generates the voltages +26/28V, +6V
(only GSM1800/GSM1900), +12V, +5.3V and -5.3V for the analogue circuitry and +3.35V for
the digital circuitry from a -48V primary input voltage. The PSU is mechanically integrated in the
CU board.
IRISET 60 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

6.2. Base Station Controller (BSC):

It acts like an exchange of BTS sites making them as users of the exchange. In general it
contains all the configuration of each BSS units/systems (e.g. TRAU, BSC, BTS, RC), so that it
controls and manages all the units. It connects with the TRAU (PCM-S/ A-sub interface) at one
end and with BTS sites (PCM-B/ A-bis interface) at another end. The BSC can be located close
to the base stations. It concentrates the traffic towards the MSC, optimizing the utilization of the
associated leased lines. In addition, the BSC supports various BSC-BTS configurations (e.g.,
star, multidrop and loop) and star configurations towards the TRAU.

E T
Fig.6.6.Functional structure of the BSC
IS
The BSC is the central component of the BSS and it is responsible for
❖ Traffic channel switching
❖ Signaling information processing
❖ Operation and maintenance handling and alarm monitoring
IR

The eBSC switches circuit switched traffic (voice) from the MSC via TRAU

The BSC consists of

– BSC control
– Line interface
– Switch unit.

6.2.1. BSC control

The BSC control is a multiprocessor system. It contains two main processors performing call
processing and O&M tests, and a set of slave processors for peripheral tasks and for
communicating between the components of the BSS. To achieve a high degree of reliability, the
main processors are duplicated. A hard disk is provided as a background storage device.

One of the two main processors is the administrative processor represented by the main
processor control card (MPCC). This controls the connections of the switching unit on the basis
of the telephony processor messages. The other of the two main processors is the telephony
processor represented by the telephony and distributor processor card (TDPC), which is
responsible for message exchange with the other network entities via the peripheral pre-
processors.
IRISET 61 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

6.2.2. Line interface

The line interface provides the connections to the BTSs (Abis interface) and TRAUs (Asub
interface) via standard 2 Mbit/s digital lines.

Each line interface handles four 2 Mbit/s PCM lines; each PCM line has four physical interfaces
(terminal); the active physical interface is selected, on a per channel basis, under software
control.

6.2.3. eBSC (enhanced BSC) Rack

The eBSC rack is composed by upper and lower shelf

Main rack’s characteristics are the following:

• No rear access for maintenance activities;

• The front door supports an alarming mechanism to detect eventual door open states;
• The rack’s door is equipped with an alarm lamp panel with different colors related to the
alarm’s severity (for example: red: Critical alarm);

T
• Support of an optimized system cabling architecture

Upper shelf

Made of two sub shelves E

Sub shelf at the top hosts rear transition modules (RTM) supporting I/O modules for Line
module (LM)-E1/T1 and switching module and clock (SMAC)
IS
Sub shelf at the bottom hosts main blades as line cards, SMAC and User plane module (UPM)
IR

Fig.6.7. Upper shelf of eBSC

IRISET 62 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

Description of shelf:

A Air inlet
B Blade (Board in ACTA format) area
C Air exit zone
D RTM boards area (slot 2 to slot 10)

Shelf configuration

ITEM 1- ShMgr: Shelf manager is the command center of the shelf. It assures the proper
operation of the boards and rest of the shelf. It monitors the health of the system, retrieves
inventory information.

ITEM 2- PEM: Power Entry Module provides power supply to the system

ITEM 3- SAP: Shelf alarm panel Provides shelf alarms

ITEM 4-Dust filter

ITEM 5 –FANS: Provided for cooling devices in 3 units

T
ITEM 6- ACFC: Alarm collection and Fan control connected to SAP through connectors left and
right 2Nos.
E
Lamp panel unit (LPU): It is mounted on the cabinet top frame. Its function is to signaling the
different alarms by different colors.
IS
Minor yellow
Major Amber
Critical Red

Lower shelf
IR

Made of two sub shelves

Sub shelf at the bottom is identical to the one of the upper shelf and hosts main blades as line
cards, SMAC, Application processor (AP), Main control processor (MCP) and User plane
module (UPM).

Sub shelf at the top has lower height compared to the one of the upper shelf and hosts the RTM
of the SMAC.

6.2.4. eBSC modules:

MCP Main control processor: is the central O&M controller.

Connects RC (X.25, Ethernet)1 port of 10/100 BASE T for Ethernet IP based O&M, LMT
(Ethernet only) connection Hard disk for storage of software, performance measurements data
etc.

SMAC Switching module and clock: Transport of all types of traffic (user and control data)
between the blades of the shelf and between the shelves inserted in the rack.

Gigabit Ethernet switch (GES) module supports the transport functions of user, control and
management data.

IRISET 63 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

Main clock generator (MCG) module provides the central clock functionality. It generates high
stable synchronization clock distributed within the shelf and used for synchronizing the line
interfaces with in the shelf.

General purpose peripheral processor manages and supervises the status of GES and MCG
components.

RAM memory has a size of 1GB

SMAC manages up to 21 external alarms.

AP Application processor blade is responsible for the call processing application.

AP/M Application processor Master: processing the radio resource management (RRM) and all
SS7 signaling.
AP/D Application processor Dependent is processing the RRM for a number of cells.
UPM User plane module is used as packet control unit (PCU).

The main PCU functions are

Radio channel management

T
Protocol conversion between standard BSS GPRS and proprietary A bis protocol.

LISO Line interface for STM1/OC3

LIET E
Line interface for E1/T1provides connections to

 BTSE (PCMB)
 TRAU(PCMS)
IS
Via standard 2Mbps digital lines

An LIET features 16 ports with two terminals each.

IR

POWER SUPPLY

Two separated lines of -48V DC connections are provided at the top of the rack. The basic
requirement on power distribution for the shelves is providing DC dual feeds.

Power switching is done at DC panel

Each main board receives the dual DC feeds provided by the shelf. The secondary voltages
have to be generated on each board by using DC-DC converters.

6.3. Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU)

Although the Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU) is logically part of the BSC, it is
designed to be physically located at the MSC site. This helps to save transmission capacity
between the BTS and MSC site. If requires it may be located at BSC also according to
application demands. Fig.6.8.Shows the functional structure of the TRAU

IRISET 64 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

FIG.6. 8. Functional structure of the TRAU

The TRAU consists of the following functional blocks as shown in the above fig.
– BSC interface
– MSC interface
– Transcoder boards

T
6.3.1. BSC interface
The BSC interface is represented by the BSC interface card (BSCI) which houses the central
controller of the TRAU and includes an interface to the BSC using normal PCM links with a 16
E
kbit/s traffic channel structure. It multiplexes the serial lines generated by the TRAC boards to
build the complete lines to be sent to BSC and is transparent for the SS7 channel (64 kbit/s
channel) and for the X.25 link between BSC and RC (64 kbit/s channel).
IS
6.3.2. MSC interface
The MSC interface is represented by the MSC interface card (MSCI) which multiplexes the
serial lines generated by the TRAC boards to build the complete 64 kbit/s traffic channel
structure to be sent to the MSC/VLR node and processes the LAPD protocol residing in the
IR

control link of the BSC. By using a dedicated serial communication link, it sends the messages
received from the BSC to the BSCI (directly or via another TRAU) and receives the messages
from BSCI to be inserted in the link to the BSC.

6.3.3. Transcoder boards

Transcoder boards are represented by the transcoding and rate adaption card (TRAC) which
processes 24 TRAU frames for 24 x 16 kbit/s traffic channels (uplink) with reference to the Asub
interface side and for 24 x 64 kbit/s traffic channels (downlink) with reference to the A interface
side. They operate with speech and data on each channel, either at full-rate, half-rate and
enhanced full-rate (coding and rate adaption function) and performs the DTX/VAD function (for
the full-rate channels) and performs the volume control to compensate for possible losses of the
speech level on a per-call basis.

6.4. The Radio Commander (RC) :

The Radio Commander (RC) comprises the operation and maintenance processors for the BSS
(OMP) and the operation and maintenance terminals (OMT) which are connected to the OMP
via a local area network (LAN). In this case, the OMP and OMT represent the client and server
of a client-server LAN architecture.

IRISET 65 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

6.4.1. Operation and maintenance processor (OMP)

The OMP used is a commercially available computer (SUN Sparc/Workgroup or Enterprise).

The OMP can be optionally duplicated with hot standby redundancy. The OMP redundancy can
also be supported by the use of internal hardware redundancy of the SUN server.

6.4.2. Operation and maintenance terminals (OMT)

Typically, the OMT is a graphical workstation, but given the Radio Commander's flexibility, it is
possible to work with a broad range of different types of OMTs, for graphical user interface
(GUI) and command line interface (CLI) access, such as:

– SUN graphical workstations

– X-terminals
– Graphical workstations acting as X-terminal
– PCs with X-terminal emulation
– PCs/workstations with alphanumeric terminal emulation for alphanumeric access (via
TELNET)

T
The standard configuration allows at least 8 active GUI sessions simultaneously (four of which
on X-terminals) or at least 16 alphanumeric sessions in addition to GUI sessions on OMT local
or remote.
E
The protocol stacks for transferring information between the OMC and the network entities
and/or other NMC/OMCs utilize standardized protocols, procedures and services for TMN
applications. The NMC can be connected via LAN/router for management activity and via
IS
LAN/router for remote login. Communication between remote OMTs and the OMP is based on
TCP/IP.

The OMT for “National OMC” application (OMT/N) is connected via X.25 (X.21 port) for
management activities and LAN/router for remote login. From the OMP point of view, the
IR

OMT/N is just another OMT, hence the same protocol is used.

Flexible and mobile remote access to the Radio Commander (RC) is provided via standard
technologies such as

– PC/Windows NT
– LAN/ISDN/modem/mobile
– Web interface

The functionality supported includes CLI, GUI (fault management (FM), performance
management (PM), configuration management (CM)), database access, and remote printing.

For increased access security, it is possible to use SSL for encryption/decryption.

The OMC <--> OMC interface is used for remote operation via TCP/IP and X-11 protocol.

The Radio Commander (RC) also provides a CORBA-based interface to allow the integration of
external offline applications.

IRISET 66 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

The RC also supports standardized interfaces to:

– Microwave equipment
– External alarm devices
– Stand-alone post-processing tools
– And supports standardized interfaces for remote SQL database access, remote UNIX login
and remote CLI access

6.5. LMT

As local maintenance terminals (LMT) commercially-available hardware is used. The same LMT
hardware with its T interfaces is used for the BSS entities (TRAU, BSC, BTS). LMT is available
for operation and maintenance work at the BSS network element (TRAU, BSC, BTS) site. The
proprietary interface T (X.21/V.11) is used.

E T
IS
Fig.6.9. LMT Evolution and BSS system
IR

The Local Maintenance Terminal Evolution is the O&M system interfacing its users from one
side and the connected network element (eBSC, BTSE, TRAU) from the other side for
Operation & Maintenance tasks.

It has been implemented according to the international standards with the main purpose of an
easy portability on different software platforms. The purpose of the LMT Evolution is to support
the Operation and Maintenance activities in a very efficient and user friendly way and to provide
all the possible information about the condition of a specific Network Element running in field
with particular attention to eventual faults or anomalous situations. The LMT Evolution can be
connected to the Network Element BSC, TRAU and to all BTS types.

6.6. The mobile equipment of GSM-R:

These are classified into two categories

● The radios in the cabin of a locomotive - also known as cab radios - are installed on board
and are destined for the train conductors.
● The mobile equipment are equal to the classical GSM's but give also access to all functions
that are developed for the digital radio network.

IRISET 67 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

There are three types of mobiles equipment:

● for general purposes (GPH),
● for operational purposes (OPH),
● for shunting (OPS)

These three kinds of mobiles were developed in order to respond to the demands, which were
imposed by the surroundings where they'll be used. The GPH serves for general purposes and
as a consequence, resembles, in certain ways, to a normal GSM. The OPH is designed to
withstand more severe environmental conditions, eg. works on the rail tracks. Finally, the OPS
will be used during shunting operations.

6.6.1. GSM-R Cab Radio

The GSM-R Cab Radio used on Railways provides voice communications between trains and
ground based organizations and personnel. The equipment is compliant with EIRENE standards

E T
IS
IR

FIG.6.10.cab radio equipment

The key elements of the cab radio are

1 The Cab Radio unit
2 The Drivers Control Panel OR Man machine Interface (MMI)
3 The Handset
4 The Loudspeaker
5 The GSM-R Antenna.
6 Power supply units
The radio is enclosed within a metal housing and the Drivers Control Panel is a standalone
enclosure. The radio assembly is fitted to the train using brackets which are normally custom to
a particular train class, and connects to the train via a ‘gland box’ assembly that is mated with a
multi way connector on the radio enclosure. All connections to the radio are made via the
multiway connector with the exception of the RF connection for which there is an BNC type
connector on the front panel of the radio enclosure.

The Cab Radio Transceiver Unit houses the GSM-R radio transceiver, a set of PCBs and power
supplies. The power supply module converts the train power to levels required by the circuits
within the radio unit.

IRISET 68 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

The radio assembly enclosure main components are:

The GSM-R Transceiver Unit (containing a SIM module to provide vehicle identity). This
provides the radio functions required to communicate with the GSM-R network. Radio
Transceiver supports full duplex voice communication. A Class 2 transmitter will have an RF
power output of 8W.

The following interfaces are used to connect various modules as follows

1 MMI 2Nos.
2 Data IN/OUT 1No
3 Service 1No.
4 BNC 1No.
5 PS 1No.
6 GND 1no.

6.6.1.
A. Control Panel:

E T
IS
FIG.6.11. Man Machine interface (MMI)

The Drivers Control Panel also called as Man Machine interface (MMI) contains display screen,
normal telephone dial keys, direct dial and special function keys. A telephone handset and
IR

separate loudspeaker are connected into the rear of the assembly to complete the Cab
equipment.

Soft key buttons and their functions

1 Controller/ (programmable)
2 Group call Drivers
3 Direct dial
4 Blank
5 Dial menu ---- a. controller
b. Multi driver calls
c. Direct calls
d. Repeat calls
e. Incoming call
f. Phone book
6 Call divert 11 Volume control
7 Switch to control mode 12 Screen contrast
8 System menu 13 Brightness
9 Train data 14 Return back
10 Menu
IRISET 69 TA1 - Mobile Communication
GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

B. HANDSET

FIG.6.12. driver’s handset

The driver’s handset connects to the front of the cab radio. A single, voltage free, normally open
pushbutton PTT switch is incorporated into the handset and a hook switch is fitted into the
cradle.

C. LOUDSPEAKER

The loudspeaker is integrated within the train cab. A 4 wire audio interface port located at the
transceiver unit’s backplane connector

D. TRAIN MOUNTED ANTENNA

E T
FIG.6.13. cab radio’s Antenna
IS
A roof-mounted Antenna is fitted. The GSM-R Antenna is a low-profile robust assembly
designed for fitting to vehicle roofs where a limited operating height is available

E. POWER SUPPLY:
IR

DC-DC Converter Power Supply Units (PSUs) convert the train supply voltage into voltage
levels suitable for powering the cab radio modules.

Two power supply units are available in train cab.

Unit 1 DC-DC converter: The input of 110V DC from train supply is converted into 24VDC

Unit 2 Regulated power supply: INPUT 24V- OUTPUT 24V (16.8V-33.6V)

The output is connected through four pin connecter to cab radio

6.7. Operational Purpose Handheld (OPH)

Operational purpose handheld (OPH) designed to provide voice and data communication over
private GSM-R railway networks, with a user interface that provides operations-specific
functions for quick, efficient communication. The Handheld allows railway operators to equip
personnel with a single device that meets essential railway functions as well as user-friendly
mobile phone features.

IRISET 70 TA1 - Mobile Communication

GSM – R BSS Equipment (Nokia Siemens Networks)

Fig.6.14. Operational purpose handheld (OPH)

User interface supports railway operations-specific functions with OPH are:

● Voice Group Call over GSM-R
● Short operational messages
● Quick volume management
● Push-to-talk (PTT) in point-to-point mode
● Quick group call dialing

T
● Frequency hopping in group call

6.8. General Purpose Handheld (GPH)

E
General purpose handheld terminal (GPH) designed for the needs of railway staff. This provides
reliable, long-lasting performance for voice and data communications over GSM-R railway
networks.
IS
IR

FIG.6.15. General Purpose handheld terminal (GPH)

Specific features for railway operations of GPH are:

● Voice Group Call
● Quick volume management
● Push-to-talk (PTT) in point-to-point mode
● Quick group call dialing
● Frequency hopping in group call
● Two dedicated buttons for emergency call and PTT
● Short operational messages

IRISET 71 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

ANNEXURE-1 Back to Content Page

HISTORY OF MOBILE COMMUNICATION ON IR

Mughalsarai - Howrah Section

A Radio based solution for both Block working and Emergency communication was planned for the first
time on IR, as a solution to thefts/vandalism of cables and emergency sockets. In 1980 a decision was
taken to introduce 18 GHz communications between Mughalsarai - Howrah Section to provide Block
working and Emergency communication.

Train Radio Communication was provided for the first time on Indian Railways on MGS-HWH
section in 1980 as a means to provide emergency communication in the new arrangement. The
system provides simplex communication from the Driver/Guard to the Controller. The system
operates in VHF band (147.975MHz.) with 18 GHz microwave system acting as communication
backbone.

Nagpur — Itarsi Section

With the introduction of Optical Fiber cable, OFC Communication was planned in Nagpur - Durg
- Itarsi Section during the year l985-86. The planning of the project was on the same lines as 18

T
GHz project on HWH-MGS section. OFC communication system was planned to provide control
communication & block working. However as a solution to provide emergency control
communication, in this section, Mobile Train Radio system was installed.
E
The system caters for full Duplex Communication System between the Driver/Guard and
Control. However, due to technical problems of frequency switching, the system could provide
communication only between Driver/Guard to Control and not between Driver and Guard. The
IS
mobile Train Radio system works on 314-322 MHz band with OFC communication system
acting as a backbone. The mobile sets were also provided to maintenance staff for
communication to control.

The above two sections symbolize, beginning of Train Radio Communication era on Indian
IR

Railways. However, it can be seen that Train Radio Communication on IR got a false start, as
the initial systems were provided only as an alternative to emergency communication and not as
Mobile Train Radio Communication in real sense.

Delhi - Mughalsarai Section

The first Mobile Train Radio Communication on Indian Railways in real sense was provided in
Delhi-MGS section. The system catered for full duplex communication between Driver/Guard
and Controller. The mobile system operates in 314-322 MHz band and the communication
backbone works in 2.1-2.5 GHz UHF band. The backbone has since been shifted to digital
microwave in 7 GHz band.

The system is similar to the one provided in Nagpur - Itarsi Section and provides similar
communication facilities. However in this section mobile sets were not provided either to Guards
or to maintenance staff.

UNIVERSAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION (UEC)

Subsequent to the experiences of Train Radio Communication and considering the deficiencies
& costing of the existing systems, it was decided to provide a low cost UEC system on Indian
Railways. The system was indigenously developed and was designed to provide emergency
communication between:
IRISET 72 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Back to Content Page
Annexure

i) Driver and Guard of the Train and vice versa;

ii) Driver and station master of the nearest station and vice versa;
iii) Guard and station master of the nearest station and vice versa;
iv) Driver/Guard of a train to another Driver/Guard in vicinity of 5Km.
v) Driver/Guard of a train to section controller through manual switching at base station.
vi) SOS signal to all trains/stations equipped with mobile sets in vicinity of 5.0 Km/7.5 Km of
distress signal.

The UEC system consists of suitable VHF base stations installed at all Railway stations with
suitable mobile & handheld sets provided to the drivers and guards respectively. The mode of
communication is Simplex and is feasible in both stable as well as running conditions of the
train, except in case of guards, in which case the communication is feasible when the radio is
outside or antenna is projected out from the cabin. The system operates in VHF frequency
range i.e. 146.2-151.45 MHz or 159.6-162.45 MHz band with minimum of two channels in either
of these two bands. The base station consists of 40W VHF equipment along with Omni-
directional antenna (Ground plane) fixed at a suitable height. Feature for manual patching with
the Control circuit is also available

T
Initially, works for Universal Emergency Communication were taken on three sections for trials:

a) Vadodara - Ahmedabad section - Western Rly.

b) Delhi E
- Ambala Section
c) Chennai - Arkkonam Section
- Northern Rly.
- Southern Rly.

The trials on only Ahmedabad - Vadodara section has been taken up.
IS
1. TETRA based systems
Terrestrial Trunk Radio (TETRA) works on an international open standard architecture that
improves performance heightens reliability and increases efficiency. It provides an infrastructure
IR

that is able to support both voice and data traffic. The system consists of only two basic
elements in the Network Architecture i.e.
a. Radio Access; b. Network Transport Layers.
Because there is no hierarchy within the switching network, capacity of the network can be
matched effectively to the traffic demand.

It is seen that the network transport layer consists of private network exchange, which is in turn
connected to the Radio Access network. Depending upon the amount of traffic to be handled by
the various Radio site equipment’s a decision can be taken to include more number of switches
in the system

The main features of the TETRA based systems are:

a) Frequencies for Tetra based systems in 380-400 MHz & 410-430 MHz bands are available.
b) The system does not support railway-signaling applications like AWS, ATS etc.

IRISET 73 TA1 - Mobile Communication

 Annexure

ANNEXURE-2

Wireless planning & coordination (WPC)

The wireless planning & coordination (WPC)Wing of the Ministry of Communications, created in
1952, is the National Radio Regulatory Authority responsible for Frequency Spectrum
Management, including licensing and caters for the needs of all wireless users (Government
and Private) in the country.

It exercises the statutory functions of the Central Government and issues licenses to establish,
maintain and operate wireless stations.

WPC is divided into major sections as

 Licensing and Regulation (LR),

 New Technology Group (NTG)
 And Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA).

Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA).

T
SACFA makes the recommendations on major frequency allocation issues, formulation of the
frequency allocation plan, making recommendations on the various issues related to
International Telecom Union (ITU), to sort out problems referred to the committee by various
E
wireless users, Siting clearance of all wireless installations in the country etc.

Guidelines for dealing with WPC

IS
Obtaining AIP (Agreement-in-Principle)

This is the first step for obtaining the permission to use a particular frequency for the new
application such as MTRC, ACD and INMARSAT etc.
IR

Railways should apply in the format which is available at website of WPC (www.wpc.dot.gov.in).
Normally, AIP is issued for a specified period between 3 months to one year and during that
period, operating license should be obtained.

The AIP is only valid for the quantities of equipment mentioned therein. Normally the
application of AIP should be routed through Railway Board but regular chasing with WPC is
required for obtaining the AIP by concerned Railways.

Application for renewal should be sent well within the validity period if required.

Obtaining the Import license:

The Import license should be obtained by the firm who is executing the work for importing the
radio equipment from abroad, if required. The following documents are required to be enclosed
with the application:-
i.

 Application in the required format;

 Draft of Rs. 500/- in favour of Pay & Accounts Officer (Hqrs) DoT/New Delhi (code No.
0691).
 Equipment literature.
 Copy of AIP.
IRISET 74 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Annexure

While applying for an Import license, the no. of equipment should not exceed than that
mentioned in AIP. This should be applied directly by the supplier and no reference needs to be
made to the Board

Obtaining SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation) clearance:

The procedure for obtaining SACFA clearance for various sites of new application is detailed at
WPC website.

The entire process has now been computerized and made available online.

The application for obtaining SACFA clearance should be filed online and ID number is
generated automatically after filling the application form.

Complete application form should be given as hard copy along with following documents

 Application in the required format along with a demand draft of Rs 1000/- per ID drawn in
favour of Pay & Accounts Officer (Hqrs) DOT/New Delhi (code No.0691)
 ID acknowledgement form
 Map

T
WPC will issue a WPC acceptance number through a letter and that letter along with the above
mentioned documents should be submitted to all the SACFA members (the desired number of
E
copies as detailed in the WPC website) for obtaining the clearance.

As soon as WPC issues an acceptance number, the application also gets transmitted to all
SACFA members online also automatically.
IS
It is advised that the Railways should chase up with the concerned SACFA members for the
early clearance.

Once the main SACFA members clear the application, WPC issues final site clearance. This
IR

document is required for obtaining operating license.

Obtaining the Operating license:

The regular license for operating the frequency should be obtained within the currency of AIP.

The following documents need to be attached along with application:-

i) Application in the required format;

ii) Copy of valid AIP
iii) Type of radio equipment & model along with Invoice copy and delivery challan of the
equipment.
iv) Copy of SACFA site clearance
v) Draft for license fee and royalty, if applicable. (This will differ from case to case and will
have to be obtained from WPC)

The application should be sent directly to WPC by Zonal Railways and need not be routed
through Board.

IRISET 75 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

Granting SACFA clearance to other applicants:

The following procedure should be adopted for granting SACFA clearance to the site clearance
applications of other telecom users: -

i) Application should be examined and comments should be issued within 15 days.

ii) The NOC should be mailed to SACFA Cell of Board at the address
sacfacell@rb.railnet.gov.in and also a hard copy should be sent to Board’s office.
iii) Copy need not be endorsed to SACFA Secretariat/WPC.
iv) In case of deficiency in the application such as Map is not attached, spot frequency not
mentioned, difference in geo-coordinates given in the application and map etc. should be
brought to the notice of the applicant under intimation to this office at the above address

Wireless Local Loop (WLL)

What is a wireless local loop?

In a telephone network, a wireless local loop (WLL) is a generic term for an access system that
uses a wireless link to connect subscribers to their local exchange in place of conventional

T
copper cable. Using a wireless link shortens the construction period and also reduces
installation and operating costs.

How does WLL work? E

WLL, which stands for Wireless Local Loop is of course a technology that connects subscribers
to the PSTN using radio signals as a substitute for copper for all or part of the connection
IS
between the subscriber and the switch. This includes cordless access systems, proprietary fixed
radio access, and fixed cellular systems. WLL phones in homes, offices or even boats connect
with a wireless system in a manner similar to that of CDMA cell phones. www.studymafia.org
The difference is that WLL phones usually stay in a relatively fixed location. WLL phones often
connect to AC current rather than using batteries. They are used to provide voice, fax, and data
IR

connections. The diagram below shows how the subscriber unit conveys digital signal through
RF to the base station (RBS or BTS), which has a landline to the BSC and then back to the
main switch office. This has in turn its own connection to the PSTN and hence to other
subscribers.

IRISET 76 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

WLL VS WIREDLINE SYSTEM

● Concentration of Resources
● Flexibility to planning and deployment of the system
● Fast network deployment and change
● Lower maintenance and capital costs
● Local mobile feature
● Temporary Installation

Advantages

In comparison to the alternative of deploying copper lines, WLL technology offers a number of
key advantages:

● Faster deployment:
WLL systems can be deployed in weeks or months as compared to the months or years
need for the deployment of above ground or underground copper wire. Wireline networks
also take more time to deploy than WLL networks because they require government right of
way authorization to dig trenches through public streets.

T
● Lower deployment costs:
The deployment of WLL technology involves considerably less heavy construction than
E
does the laying of copper lines. The lower construction costs may be more than offset by
the additional equipment costs associated with WLL technology, but, in urban areas
especially, the process of routing cable to individual households is also much more time
IS
consuming than deploying wireless base stations, which are shared by many subscribers.

● Lower network maintenance, management, and operating costs:

Especially in areas where the deployment of copper lines has the potential to be
haphazardly performed, wireless equipment can be less failure prone than copper wire and
IR

can be less vulnerable to sabotage, theft, or damage due to the elements or other parties.

● Lower network extension costs:

Wireless local loop technology intrinsically offers flexibility to meet uncertain levels of
penetration and subscriber growth rates. Once the WLL infrastructure is in place, each
incremental subscriber can be installed at very little cost. WLL systems that are designed to
be modular and scalable can furthermore allow the pace of network deployment to closely
match demand, minimizing the costs associated with underutilized plant.

High bandwidth is available providing:

- Video; - High-speed Internet access; and - Telephony services.

Disadvantages

● The technology is more costly due to the need for research and development
● The technology has not been tested over a long term of time for reliability and repair costs
● Certain technologies are not available in all areas, which leaves people with the
unsupported technology disconnected

IRISET 77 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

General Packet Radio System is also known as GPRS is a third-generation step toward internet
access. GPRS is also known as GSM-IP that is a Global-System Mobile Communications
Internet Protocol as it keeps the users of this system online, allows to make voice calls, and
access internet on-the-go. Even Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA) users get benefit from
this system, as it provides packet radio access. GPRS is an enhancement to the existing GSM
network infrastructure and provides a connectionless packet data service.

GPRS also permits the network operators to execute an Internet Protocol (IP) based core
architecture for integrated voice and data applications, which continues to be used and
expanded for 3G services. The same cellular base-stations that support voice calls are used to
support GPRS and as a consequence GPRS can be used wherever it is possible to make a
voice call. GPRS roaming agreements exist with a large number of countries and this means
users can use GPRS devices whilst abroad. As GPRS is based on internet Protocols (IP)
enables users to utilize a wide range of applications – email and internet and/or intranet
resources for instance. With throughput rates of up to 40 Kbit/s, users have a similar access
speed to a dial-up modem, but with the convenience of being able to connect from anywhere.

T
GPRS is classed as being a packet switched network whereby radio resources are used only
when users are actually sending or receiving data. Rather than dedicating a radio channel to a
E
mobile data user for a fixed period of time, the available radio resource can be concurrently
shared between several users. This efficient use of scarce radio resources means that large
numbers of GPRS users can potentially share the same bandwidth and be served from a single
cell. The actual number of users supported depends on the applications being used and how
IS
much data is being transferred.

The term “always on always connected” is often used when people are describing GPRS and
means once users have logged on they can remain connected to the data network for the
working day. It should be noted that unlike GSM circuit switched data working, where the cost of
IR

the data call is related to the time spent connected to the network, this is not an issue when
using GPRS as the cost of a GPRS data session is dependent on the amount of data sent and
received not the time spent connected to the network.

GPRS supersedes the wired connections, as this system has simplified access to the packet
data networks like the internet. The packet radio principle is employed by GPRS to transport
user data packets in a structural way between GSM mobile stations and external packet data
networks. These packets can be directly routed to the packet switched networks from the GPRS
mobile stations.

Key Features

Following three key features describe wireless packet data:

● Always online feature - Removes the dial-up process, making applications only one click
away.
● Upgrade to existing systems - Operators do not need to replace their equipment; rather,
GPRS is added on top of the existing infrastructure.
● An integral part of future 3G systems - GPRS is the packet data core network for 3G
systems EDGE and WCDMA
IRISET 78 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Annexure

Goals of GPRS
GPRS is the first step toward an end-to-end wireless infrastructure and has the following goals:
● Open Architecture
● Consistent IP services
● Same infrastructure for different air interfaces
● Integrated telephony and Internet infrastructure
● Leverage industry investment in IP
● Service innovation independent of infrastructure

Benefits of GPRS
Higher Data Rate
GPRS benefits the users in many ways, one of which is higher data rates in turn of shorter
access times. In the typical GSM mobile, setup alone is a lengthy process, and equally rates for
data permission are restrained to 9.6 kbps. The session establishment time offered while GPRS
is in practice is lower than one second and ISDN-line data rates are up to many 10 kbps.

Easy Billing

T
GPRS packet transmission offers a more user-friendly billing than that of circuit switched
services. In circuit switched services, billing is based on the duration of the connection. This is
unsuitable for applications with bursty traffic. The user must pay for the entire airtime, even for
E
the idle periods when no packet has been sent (e.g., when the user reads a Web page).

In contrast to this, with packet switched services, billing can be based on the amount of
IS
transmitted data. The advantage for the user is that he or she can be "online" over a long period
of time but will be billed based on the transmitted data volume only.

Characteristics of GPRS
Following are some of the characteristics that have opened a market full of enhanced value
IR

services to the users:

● Mobility - The ability to maintain constant voice and data communications while on the
move.
● Immediacy - Allows subscribers to obtain connectivity when needed, regardless of location
and without a lengthy login session.
● Localization - Allows subscribers to obtain information relevant to their current location.

IRISET 79 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

Using the above three characteristics, varied possible applications are being developed for the
mobile subscribers. These applications, in general, can be divided into two high-level
categories:

● Corporation
● Consumer

These two levels further include:

● Communications - E-mail, fax, unified messaging, and intranet/internet access, etc.

● Value-added services - Information services, games, etc.
● E-commerce - Retail, ticket purchasing, banking and financial trading, etc.
● Location-based applications - Navigation, traffic conditions, airline/rail schedules, location
finder, etc.
● Vertical applications - Freight delivery, fleet management, and sales-force automation.
● Advertising - Advertising may be location sensitive. For example, a user entering a mall
can receive advertisements specific to the stores in that mall.

Along with the above applications, non-voice services such as SMS, MMS, and voice calls are

T
also possible with GPRS. Closed User Group (CUG) is a common term used after GPRS is in
the market. In addition, it is planned to implement supplementary services, such as Call
Forwarding Unconditional (CFU), and Call Forwarding on Mobile subscriber Not Reachable
E
(CFNRc), and Closed User Group (CUG).

GPRS network infrastructure

IS
GPRS introduces a number of new functional elements that support the end to end transport of
IP based packet data. GPRS was developed by the GSM standards bodies, resulting in a
system with defined functionality, interfaces and inter-network operation for roaming support.
The GPRS network architecture is shown in Figure. Two major new core network elements are
IR

introduced: the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and the Gateway GPRS Support node
(GGSN). The SGSN monitors the state of the mobile station and tracks its movements within a
given geographical area. It is also responsible for establishing and managing the data
connections between the mobile user and the destination network. The GGSN provides the
point of attachment between the GPRS domain and external data networks such as the internet
and Corporate Intranets. Each external network is given a unique Access Point Name (APN)
which is used by the mobile user to establish the connection to the required destination network.
The GSM Base Station Subsystem (BSS) is adapted to support the GPRS connectionless
packet mode of operation. A new functional node called the Packet Control Unit (PCU) is
introduced (as part of the BSC) to control and manage the allocation of GPRS radio resources
to mobile users. In the context of this paper the term mobile station or MS refers to GPRS
devices – could be handsets, PC data cards, handheld devices (such as O2’s XDA devices) or
any other device that incorporates a GPRS radio capability.

IRISET 80 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

The architecture diagram shown in Figure shows a number of standardized network interfaces:

Gb – frame relay connection between the SGSN and the PCU within the BSS. This transports
both user data and signaling messages to/from the SGSN.

T
● Gn – the GPRS backbone network, implemented using IP LAN/WAN technology. Used to
provide virtual connections between the SGSN and GGSN.
E
● Gi – the point of connection between GPRS and the external networks, each referenced by
the Access Point Name. This will normally be implemented using IP WAN technology.
● Gr – interface between the HLR and SGSN that allows access to customer subscription
information.
IS
● Gs – optional interface that allows closer coordination between the GSM and GPRS
networks.
● Gc – optional interface that allows the GGSN access to customer location information.

Comparison of Technologies (1G vs 2G vs 3G vs 4G vs 5G comparison)

IR

Simply, the "G" stands for "GENERATION" . While you connected to internet, the speed of your
internet is depends upon the signal strength that has been shown in alphabets like 2G, 3G, 4G
etc. right next to the signal bar on your home screen. Each Generation is defined as a set of
telephone network standards , which detail the technological implementation of a particular
mobile phone system. The speed increases and the technology used to achieve that speed also
changes. For eg, 1G offers 2.4 kbps, 2G offers 64 Kbps and is based on GSM, 3G offers 144
kbps-2 mbps whereas 4G offers 100 Mbps - 1 Gbps and is based on LTE technology .

The aim of wireless communication is to provide high quality, reliable communication just like
wired communication(optical fibre) and each new generation of services represents a big step(a
leap rather) in that direction. This evolution journey was started in 1979 from 1G and it is still
continuing to 5G. Each of the Generations has standards that must be met to officially use the G
terminology. There are institutions in charge of standardizing each generation of mobile
technology. Each generation has requirements that specify things like throughput, delay, etc.
that need to be met to be considered part of that generation. Each generation built upon the
research and development which happened since the last generation. 1G was not used to
identify wireless technology until 2G, or the second generation, was released. That was a major
jump in the technology when the wireless networks went from analog to digital.

IRISET 81 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

1G (First Generation):- The Cellular network system was first came out in 1980’s where the
local area is divided in to cells around limited distance each served as base station. This are
small Analog system in which information is sent in Analog signals .The frequency reuse
concept can be used in nearby cell but not in adjacent through which number of users
supported in an area increased a lot. The name given for 1G in those days is cellular phone
technology working in frequency band of 150KHZ. The first cellular network was launched in
Japan by NTT( Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) in 1979 in the Metropolitan area of Tokyo in a
short time network has expanded and cover the total population of Japan and became the first
nation on planet to implement the 1G network. Later in 1981 NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone)
extended this technology in countries of Europe (Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden). In USA
it was first implemented in 1983 later it spread across UK, Mexico & Canada. The Technology
used in 1st Generation is AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) cellular technology which
uses separate frequencies to be held. There is a need for proper bandwidth in this technique for
a large number of users.

Drawbacks of 1G:- The major disadvantage of 1G is the quality of voice, there was no clarity of
noise and a constant disturbance from background noise.

T
2G (Second Generation):- 2G cellular technology was launched officially in Finland by
Radiolinja in 1991 on the GSM(Global System for Mobile) standard. The technology used in it is
completely different from that of 1G. In 2G we use digital signal for voice transmission with a
E
speed up to 64 kbps. 2G Technology came up with many data services for mobile. VMS (Voice
Mail Service) was also and value added service in 2G. A new feature Short Message service
(SMS) was an added on in 2G it use bandwidth range of 30-200 KHZ. Many different
IS
technologies were used under 2G they are GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) CDMA (Code
division multiple access ) GSM(Global System for Mobile) EDGE(Enhanced Data for Global
Evolution). GSM which is the first digital mobile cellular system which is still spread all over and
used widely as technique of 2G. GSM was implemented in Europe by ETSI (European
Telecommunications Standards Institute) to support the concept of international roaming. This
IR

worked as an overcome of 1G disadvantage in lacking of roaming services.

Issues with 2G : A place where population is lower producing a weaker digital signal on higher
frequencies may not be able to reach the cell tower. Simple has a smooth rot bend, advanced a
spiked steppy one. This can be both preference and a detriment. Under great conditions,
computerized will sound better. Under somewhat more terrible conditions, simple will encounter
static, while advanced has incidental dropouts.

2.5G (Generation):- This is a technology which was introduced in 1990’s. It uses a technology
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) stand. In this technique delivering packet switched data
capabilities to already existing GSM (Global System for Mobile) networks. A add on feature of
sending Graphics data as packets is available in this technology packet switching made its
impact with increasing Internet and Internet protocol. EDGE(Enhanced Data for Global
Evolution) network is an example of 2.5G.

3G (Third Generation) :- Edge technique faced an drawback in packet transferring which leads
to lower the efficiency in the system. So to overcome it and to standardize a single global
network protocol instead of different other techniques 3G was made. International mobile
Telecommunications-2000(IMT) known as 3G uses wide band wireless network which made to
increase the clarity of signal. A technique called Packet Switching is used to send the Data.
IRISET 82 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Annexure

Along with Voice Communication services 3G provides data services to Television, video &
services like Global roaming works up to range of 2100MHZ with a bandwidth of 15020MHZ. It
provides a high speed internet services, video chatting, GPS & Car navigation Digital catalog
shopping, Video streaming much faster. Mainly 3G used as a wide band voice channel in which
the whole world is taken as village and it creates connections from one person to another no
matter where the location of each other is.

Issues of 3G:- Equivalent to 3G the expense of information to utilize 3G is progressively this is

because of high bandwidth transmission of 3G advancements; power utilization expanded a
considerable measure which prompts decrease the battery life really quick.

4G (Fourth Generation) :- This is the most recent redesign of innovation in versatile

correspondence field it is 10times quicker than 3G. 4G depends on an innovation called
LTE(Long-Term Evolution ) a complete IP based innovation for data transmission. LTE which
was created later to upgrade 3G network.

LTE uses the OFDM modulation technique which provides the spectral efficiency to achieve
high data rates but with an addition of multiple share a common channel. The concept of OFDM

T
is to divide the channel in to many narrow sub-carriers spacing is an orthogonal which helps to
reduce interfere with each other despite the lack of guard bands between them. OFDM uses
frequency and time to spread the data all across providing high speed & good signal reliability.
E
Issue with 4G : 3G and 4G segments made for one landmass is not generally perfect with
another mainland sue to conveying recurrence groups. Another conspicuous issue in 4G
frameworks is to make higher piece rates accessible in bigger bit of the cell, particularly to
IS
clients in an uncovered position in the middle of a few base stations. In flow explore, this issue
is tended to by macro diversity strategies, otherwise called bunch agreeable transfer,
furthermore by Beam-Division.
IR

1G 2G 3G 4G
Introduced year 1980 1993 2001 2009
Technology AMPS IS-95,GSM IMT2000,WCDMA LTE, WiMAX
Speed of Data Rates 2.4Kbps- 14.4 Kbps 3.1 Mbps 100 Mbps
14.4Kbps
Internet services No Internet Narrowband Broadband Ultra
Broadband
Band-width Analog 25 MHz 25 MHz 100 MHz
Band type Narrowband Narrowband Wideband Ultra wide band
Carrier Frequency 30 KHz 200 KHz 5 MHz 15 MHz
Multiplexing FDMA TDMA/CDM CDMA CDMA
A
Core Network PSTN PSTN Packet Networking Internet
Switching Circuit Circuit Packet All Packet

IRISET 83 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

5G - FUTURE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

At present the world is busy in deployment of 4G LTE Technology in 2-3 year 4G will concluded.
As the increasing population had lead to increase in number of mobile devices on planet the
present technology 4G is not able to give the speed and features everyone are expecting. So a
new technology providing really good speed on communication is needed. At present 5G is only
in research development area but in future it will take over the world with its speed and data
carrying capabilities. 5G technologies will start deployment in 2-3 years around 2023. This
technology will give us many new unseen features of earlier generations of mobile technology.
One of the main features 5G gone a have is accessing multiple wireless technologies and
switch in between. 5G may solve the frequency licensing and spectrum management issues. 5G
have different modulation schemes and error control schemes.

Features 5G
Bandwidth 1 Gbps and Higher
Standards Single Unified standard
Multiple access CDMA & BDMA
Core Network Internet
Technology Unified IP and seamless

T
combination of broadband
(WWWW)
Switching All Packet
E
Key Features of 5G networks

 5G will be fast among all the earlier technologies and more reliable.
IS
 High speed, High uploading speed, and low cost per bit comparable to other technologies,
It supports video streaming, voice, internet and other broadband services bidirectional and
accurate traffic statistics.
 Every device will have an IP address according to the location and usage of network.
 5G will broadcast data in Gigabit that support lot of connections.
IR

 5G have a high capability towards supporting Software and Consultancy.

 5G costs will be cheap and available to every person.
 In this technology whole world will be divided as a small village. So someone calling a
person in Norway from India the phone connection will be held normally like a local
connection.
 Present technology 4G LTE have its download speed between 5-12 mbps and transfer
speed between 2-5mbps. 5G when contrasted with this 4G will 100 times speedier in pace.
 5G will expend less power than different advancements and reduced latency.
 The new billing interfaces of 5G technology makes in more attractive and effective.
 5G technologies gone support a virtual private networks.

IRISET 84 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

CODE DIVISION MULTIPLE ACCESS (CDMA):

CDMA is based around a form of transmission known as Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum.
The CDMA history can be directly linked back to the 1940s when this form of transmission was
first envisaged. As electronics technology improved, it started to be used for covert military
transmissions in view of the facts that the transmissions look like noise, it is difficult to decipher
without the knowledge of the right codes, and furthermore it is difficult to jam.

With the revolution in cellular telecommunications that occurred in the 1980s a then little know
company named Qualcomm working on DSSS transmissions started to look at this as the basis
for a cellular telecommunications multiple access scheme - CDMA - code division multiple
access.

The concept of CDMA had to prove in the field and accordingly Qualcomm was joined by US
network operators Nynex and Ameritech to develop the first experimental CDMA system. Later
the team was expanded as Motorola and AT&T (now Lucent) joined to bring their resources to
speed development.

As a result this it was possible to start writing a specification for CDMA in 1990. With the support

T
of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) and the Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA) a standards group was set up. This group then published the
standard for the first CDMA system in the form of IS-95, resulting in the formal publication of IS-
95-A in 1995. E
The first CDMA system was launched in September 1995 by Hutchison Telephone Co. Ltd. in
Hong Kong and SK Telecom in Korea soon followed along with networks in the USA.
IS
This was only one cellular telecommunications system, although it was the first. Its development
lead on to the CDMA 2000 series of standards.

Key elements of CDMA

IR

CDMA is a form of spread spectrum transmission technology. It has a number of distinguishing

features that are key to spread spectrum transmission technologies:
● Use of wide bandwidth: CDMA, like other spread spectrum technologies uses a wider
bandwidth than would otherwise be needed for the transmission of the data. This results in
a number of advantages including an increased immunity to interference or jamming, and
multiple user access.
● Spreading codes used: In order to achieve the increased bandwidth, the data is spread by
use of a code which is independent of the data.
● Level of security: In order to receive the data, the receiver must have knowledge of the
spreading code, without this it is not possible to decipher the transmitted data, and this
gives a measure of security.
● Multiple access: The use of the spreading codes which are independent for each user
along with synchronous reception allow multiple users to access the same channel
simultaneously.

CDMA technology advantages

The use of CDMA offers several advantages and it is for this reason that CDMA technology has
been adopted for many 3G cellular telecommunications systems.

IRISET 85 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

● Improvement in capacity: One of the chief claims for CDMA is that it gives significant
improvements in network capacity.
● Improvement in handover/handoff: Using CDMA it is possible for a terminal to communicate
with two base stations at once. As a result, the old link only needs to be broken when the
new one is firmly established. This provides significant improvements in terms of the
reliability of handover / handoff from one base station to another.

CDMA has been a particularly successful technology. CDMA technology has been used in all
the 3G cellular telecommunications systems in one form or another and has enabled significant
improvements to be gained over previously technologies used in 2G systems.

CDMA spread spectrum basics

The key element of code division multiple access (CDMA) is its use of a form of transmission
known as direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).

Direct sequence spread spectrum is a form of transmission that looks very similar to white noise
over the bandwidth of the transmission. However once received and processed with the correct
descrambling codes, it is possible to extract the required data.

T
When transmitting a CDMA spread spectrum signal, the required data signal is multiplied with
what is known as a spreading or chip code data stream. The resulting data stream has a higher
data rate than the data itself. Often the data is multiplied using the XOR (exclusive OR) function.
E
IS
IR

FIG.1. CDMA spreading

Each bit in the spreading sequence is called a chip, and this is much shorter than each
information bit. The spreading sequence or chip sequence has the same data rate as the final
output from the spreading multiplier. The rate is called the chip rate, and this is often measured
in terms of a number of M chips / sec.

The baseband data stream is then modulated onto a carrier and in this way the overall signal is
spread over a much wider bandwidth than if the data had been simply modulated onto the
carrier. This is because; signals with high data rates occupy wider signal bandwidths than those
with low data rates.

FIG.2. CDMA spread spectrum generation

IRISET 86 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Annexure

To decode the signal and receive the original data, the CDMA signal is first demodulated from
the carrier to reconstitute the high speed data stream. This is multiplied with the spreading code
to regenerate the original data. When this is done, then only the data with that was generated
with the same spreading code is regenerated, all the other data that is generated from different
spreading code streams is ignored.

FIG.3. CDMA spread spectrum decoding

The use of CDMA spread spectrum is a powerful principle and using this CDMA technique, it is
possible to transmit several sets of data independently on the same carrier and then
reconstitute them at the receiver without mutual interference. In this way a base station can

T
communicate with several mobiles on a single channel. Similarly several mobiles can
communicate with a single base station, provided that in each case an independent spreading
code is used. E
CDMA spread spectrum encode / decode process
In order to visualize how the CDMA spread spectrum process operates; the easiest method is to
IS
show an example of how the system actually operates in terms of data bits, and how the data is
recovered from the CDMA spread spectrum signal.

The first part of the process is to generate the CDMA spread spectrum signal. Take as an
example that the data to be transmitted is 1001, and the chip or spreading code is 0010. For
IR

each data bit, the complete spreading code is used to multiple the data, and in this way, for
each data bits, the spread or expanded signal consists of four bits.

1 0 0 1 Data to be transmitted
0010 0010 0010 0010 Chip or spreading code
1101 0010 0010 1101 Resultant spread data output
With the signal obtained and transmitted, it needs to be decoded within the remote receiver:
1101 0010 0010 1101 Incoming CDMA signal
0010 0010 0010 0010 Chip or spreading code
1111 0000 0000 1111 Result of de-spreading
1 0 0 1 Integrated output

NB: 1 x 1 = 0 1x0=1

In this way it can be seen that the original data is recovered exactly by using the same
spreading or chip code. Had another code been used to regenerate the CDMA spread spectrum
signal, then it would have resulted in a random sequence after de-spreading. This would have
appeared as noise in the system.

IRISET 87 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

The spreading code used in this example was only four bits long. This enabled the process to
be visualized more easily. Commonly spreading codes may be 64 bits, or even 128 bits long to
provide the required performance.

CDMA spreading gain

The bandwidth of the CDMA spread spectrum signal will be much wider than the original data
stream. To quantify the increase in bandwidth, a term known as the spreading gain is used. If
the bandwidth of the CDMS spread spectrum signal is W and the input data bit length or period
1/R then the CDMA spreading gain can be defined:

Spreading gain = W/R

It is found that the larger the spreading gain of the CDMA spread spectrum signal, the more
effective the performance of the system is. This is because the wanted signal becomes larger.
In the example shown above, the spreading gain is four, as seen by the fact that four "1"s are
generated for each required data bit. Data produced by other dispreading codes would appear
as noise and can be discarded as it would be lower in value.

T
The principle behind CDMA spread spectrum communications is relatively straightforward. The
same code must be sued within generation and decoding of the CDMA spread spectrum signal
to enable the data to pass unchanged through the system. The use of a different code in

this can be discarded.

E
transmission and reception results in a signal similar in character to noise being generated and

CDMA Orthogonal Spreading Codes

IS
The CDMA orthogonal spreading codes are one of the major elements within the whole CDMA
system. The CDMA orthogonal spreading codes are combined with the data stream to be
transmitted in such a way that the bandwidth required is increased and the benefits of the
spread spectrum system can be gained.
IR

The CDMA codes are specific to each channel / user so that the different users can gain access
to the system and communicate as required.

CDMA codes and correlation

The concept of CDMA is based around the fact that a data sequence is multiplied by a
spreading code or sequence which increases the bandwidth of the signal. Then within the
receiver the same spreading code or sequence is used to extract the required data. Only when
the required code is used, does the required data appear from the signal.

The process of extracting the data is called correlation. When a code exactly the same as that
used in the transmitter is used, then it is said to have a correlation of one and data is extracted.
When a spreading code that does not correlate is used, then the data will not be extracted and
a different set of data will appear. This means that it is necessary for the same spreading code
to be used within the transmitter and receiver for the data to be extracted.

IRISET 88 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

FIG.4. CDMA system showing use of spreading codes

CDMA code types

T
There are several types of codes that can be used within a CDMA system for providing the
spreading function:

● PN codes: Pseudo-random number codes (pseudo-noise or PN code) can be generated

E
very easily. These codes will sum to zero over a period of time. Although the sequence is
deterministic because of the limited length of the linear shift register used to generate the
sequence, they provide a PN code that can be used within a CDMA system to provide the
IS
spreading code required.

They are used within many systems as there is a very large number that can be used.

A feature of PN codes is that if the same versions of the PN code are time shifted, then they
IR

become almost orthogonal, and can be used as virtually orthogonal codes within a CDMA
system.

● Truly orthogonal codes: Two codes are said to be orthogonal if when they are multiplied
together the result is added over a period of time they sum to zero. For example a codes 1 -
1 -1 1 and 1 -1 1 -1 when multiplied together give 1 1 -1 -1 which gives the sum zero. An
example of an orthogonal code set is the Walsh codes used within the IS95 / CDMA2000
system.

IRISET 89 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

Annexure-3

FUTURE RAILWAY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

{frmcs user requirements specification version 4.0.0.pdf}

Introduction

 Globally, many railway infrastructure managers and railway undertakings currently use an
interoperable radio communications network, GSM-R (Global System for Mobile
Communications – Rail), for operational voice communications and to provide the data
bearer for ETCS (European Train Control System). In the European Union this is legally
mandated in the Technical Specifications for Interoperability that are applicable in the
European Member States. Voice and data communications are also used for various other
applications.

 GSM-R is a MOTS (modified off the shelf technology) system based around manufacturers’
commercial GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) offerings, enhanced to
deliver specific “R” (railway) functionality. Due to the product modifications required to
provide “R” functionality, and the need to utilize noncommercial radio spectrum, much of the

T
equipment utilized for GSM-R comprises manufacturers’ special-build equipment and/or
software variants. The use of MOTS technology for GSM-R has proven expensive for the
railways, both in-terms of capital and operational expenditure.
E
 The predicted obsolescence of GSM-R by 2030, combined with the long term life
expectancy of ETCS (2050) and the Railway business needs, have led to the European
IS
Railway community initiating work to identify a successor for GSM-R. The successor has to
be future proof, learn from past experiences / lessons and comply with Railway
requirements. This document is one of the first steps in this process, where the railways’
needs are identified and defined in a consistent and technology independent way, the
foundation for next steps on defining the Future Railway Mobile Communications System
IR

(FRMCS).

Scope

The following users are those identified to be users within this document and may not be
necessarily conclusive within FRMCS:

 Driver(s)
 Controller(s)
 Train staff:
o Train conductor(s)
o Catering staff
o Security staff
 Trackside staff:
o Trackside maintenance personnel
o Shunting team member(s)
 Railway staff (excl. all of above):
o Engine scheduler(s)
o RU operator(s)

IRISET 90 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

o Catering scheduler(s)
o IM operator(s)
o Engineering personnel
o Station manager(s)
o Station personnel
o Depot personnel
 Member of the public:
o Passengers (on trains, on platforms, at stations, etc.)
o Other persons (on platforms, at level crossings, etc.)
 Systems:
o ATC on-board system
o ATO on-board system
o On-board system
o Ground system
o Trackside warning system
o Trackside system
o Sensors along trackside
o Trackside elements controlling entities (such as, for example, for levelcrossings)

T
o Applications (such as, for example, those for monitoring lone workers, for remote
controlling of elements)
 Network operator E
 Public emergency operator

Pr1. The FRMCS shall satisfy the communication needs of the railway operation.
IS
Pr2. FRMCS shall support the applications independently of the used FRMCS networks and
radio access technologies by any of the users. Transition of a user to or from other FRMCS
networks or radio access technologies shall not lead to interruption of the usage of the
applications.
IR

Pr3. The FRMCS shall place the human being at the centre of the design.

Pr4. The FRMCS shall support the application of the harmonized operational rules and
principles where available.

Pr5. The FRMCS shall support the exchange of information and performance of actions without
the manual assistance of humans (machine to machine communication) both for operational
and maintenance purposes.

Pr6. The FRMCS shall mitigate the risk of miscommunication.

Pr7. The FRMCS shall be cost effective.

Pr8. The FRMCS shall provide precautionary measures to prevent un-authorizedaccess.

Critical Communication Applications

 On-train incoming voice communication from the controller towards a driver

 Multi-train voice communication for drivers including ground user(s) :
 Banking voice communication :
 Trackside maintenance voice communication

IRISET 91 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

 Shunting voice communication

 Ground to ground voice communication
 Automatic train control communication
 Automatic train operation communication
 Data communication for Possession management
 Trackside maintenance warning system communication
 Remote control of engines communication
 Monitoring and control of critical infrastructure
 Railway emergency communication
 On-train safety device to ground data communication
 Public train emergency communication
 Working alone
 Voice Recording and access to the recorded data
 Data recording and access
 Shunting data communication
 Train integrity monitoring data communication
 Public emergency warning

T
 On-train outgoing voice communication from train staff towards a ground user
 On-train incoming voice communication from a ground user towards train staff
 Railway staff emergency communication


E
Critical Real time video
Critical Advisory Messaging services- safety related
IS
Performance Communication Applications

 Multi-train voice communication for drivers excluding ground user(s)

 On-train voice communication
 Line side telephony
IR

 On-train voice communication towards passengers (public address)

 Station public address
 Communication at stations and depots
 On-train telemetry communications
 Infrastructure telemetry communications
 On-train remote equipment control
 Monitoring and control of non-critical infrastructure
 Non-critical Real time video
 Wireless on-train data communication for train staff
 Wireless data communication for railway staff on platforms
 Driver advisory - train performance
 Train departure related communications
 Messaging services
 Transfer of data
 Record and broadcast
 Transfer of CCTV archives
 Real time video call

IRISET 92 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

GSM based control and data applications

GSM is used as a backbone network for various applications. Indian Railways are also using for
its applications.

1. Real-time Train Information System (RTIS)

2. End-of–Train Telemetry system (EOTT)

Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) for Indian Railways

Automatic acquisition of train movement data on Indian Railways is a key requirement for
improving operational efficiency and quality of passenger information. This requirement gained
greater significance after implementation of ICT based Control Office Application (COA) on all
divisions of Indian Railways. Accordingly, Railway Board sanctioned a work “Real-time Train
Information System (RTIS)”. The project is being executed by Centre for Railway Information
Systems (CRIS) in collaboration with ISRO. The trials for this system using GSAT series
satellite have been done on New Delhi-Guwahati (NDLS-GHY) and New Delhi-Mumbai (NDLS-
BCT) Rajdhani routes jointly by CRIS and SAC/ISRO. The trials have been done to ascertain

T
the overall workability of the system, assessment of S/C bandwidth required on GSAT
transponders and for finalization of system design & specifications for the rollout. Several
successful trial runs were done and now the system is to be rolled out on Indian Railways. The
E
roll-out of RTIS system shall be phased out appropriately. Indian Railways has about 5500
electric locomotives, 6500 diesel locomotives and 3000 EMU/ MEMU /DMUs. About 600
locomotives are added every year. Passenger carrying electric locomotive sheds serving the
IS
golden quadrilateral and diagonals except Mumbai – Chennai corridor and freight electric
locomotive sheds serving the Delhi –Mumbai and Howrah – Chennai corridors shall be covered
in Phase-1.
IR

IRISET 93 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Annexure

The application software in loco device shall determine train movement events i.e. Arrival,
Departure, Run-through at stations based on pre-defined logic applied on spatial coordinates
and speed received continuously from GAGAN receiver. These events along with
position/locations updates shall be communicated to a Central Location Server (CLS) using S-
MSS as well as 4G/3G mobile data service. The CLS processes the received data and relay it to
Control Office Application (COA) for automatic plotting of control charts. As COA is already
integrated with National Train Enquiry System (NTES), accurate real-time information for
passengers will get enabled automatically as a by-product. LMCS Software shall be utilized to
monitor the health of loco device, managing its configuration & updating the software/firmware
in the loco device. Emergency messaging between Loco driver and control office shall also be
implemented through RTIS.

Benefits of RTIS:

• Automatic capture of train running Information & automatic plotting of Control Charts in
COA
• Stress free work conditions for train controllers
• Optimum utilization of resources

T
• Accurate train running information to passengers
• Improved Customer Services
• Richer MIS for management
E
NOTE: Refer RDSO SPECIFICATION NO. RDSO/SPN/TC/77/2011 for detailed information
IS
IR

IRISET 94 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Abbreviations/Acronyms

ABBREVIATIONS / ACRONYMS

Base station: A base station is a wireless transceiver at a fixed location which is part of a
wireless communications network, e.g. the cell phone network. Typically, the base station
connects to any cell phones in its area and relays the calls to the wired network.

BER: Bit Error Rate: A measure of the number of erroneous bits which can be expected in a
specified number of bits in a serial stream.

Blue tooth: A technology that allows voice and data connections between a wide range of
mobile and stationary devices through short-range digital two-way radio. For instance, it
specifies how mobile phones, Wireless Information Devices (WIDs), computers and PDAs
interconnect with each other, with computers, and with office or home phones.

Broadcast call: A call made to all members of a pre-defined group within a local geographical
area. Only the initiator of the call may talk with all other group members listening only

BTS: The base transceiver station, or BTS, contains the equipment for transmitting and
receiving radio signals (transceivers), antennas, and equipment for encrypting and decrypting

T
communications with the base station controller (BSC). Typically a BTS for anything other than
a picocell will have several transceivers (TRXs) which allow it to serve several
different frequencies and different sectors of the cell (in the case of sectorized base stations).
E
BSC: A base station (BSC) is a critical mobile network component that controls one or
more base transceiver stations (BTS), also known as base stations or cell sites. Key BSC
IS
functions include radio network management (such as radio frequency control), BTS handover
management and call setup.

CCITT: Consultative Committee on International Telephony and Telegraphy; An international

standards group.
IR

Cab radio: Radio equipment installed in the cabinet of the train driver.

Cell: A Cell is an antenna connected to a base station which transmits and receives radio
signals to your SIM, allowing you to use the functions of your mobile phone.

Confirmation of a high priority call: The confirmation of a high priority call is used in the
analysis of an incident. After a high priority call, a confirmation message is sent by the mobile
equipment to the acknowledgement centre which is connected to the MSC.

Controller: An individual responsible for the conduct of some aspect of train operations (also
known as dispatcher). For the purposes of this specification the following functional roles of
controllers are defined:
 primary controller;
 secondary controller;
 traffic controller;
 power supply controller.

Dependent upon local circumstances, a number of functional roles can be carried out by a
single controller or a single functional role can be carried out by a number of controllers
IRISET 95 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Abbreviations/Acronyms

Digital Transmission: The transmission of information in the form of "1s" and "0s." Information
customarily sent in this form is related to computer data traffic which is already in digital form.
Other communications include audio and video.

Direct mode: Expression that is used to describe the back-to-back or point-to-point radio
communications, without the use of additional ground equipment between the two points.

Dispatcher: Person who is responsible for the programming and traffic of the trains on the
railway network.

EIRENE: European Integrated Railway radio Enhanced NEtwork: UIC Project to develop the
specifications for and to facilitate the standardization of the GSM-R railway radio communication
system.

Emlpp: When putting down for eMLPP service, the user can either explicitly or by default select
a priority, if he is the caller. This priority is used in the network to establish a call with a higher
priority, one that has precedence over a less urgent one.

The eMLPP is supported by the following types of call :

T
 Point to point;
 Mobile to mobile;
 Mobile to fixed network;
 Fixed network to mobile;
 VBS and VGCS.
E
ERTMS: The ERTMS for European Rail Traffic Management System project is aimed at solving
IS
the interoperability problem between the various railways in Europe. Another advantage of this
system is that it increases train traffic. ERTMS comprises of two subsystems, i.e. ETCS and
GSM-R

ERTMS comprises of the following three levels:

IR

The functionalities equivalent to those of ERTMS level 1 are already active in the existing
control systems. However, with the ERTMS, there will be only one type of beacon for the whole
of Europe, in order to make systems interoperable. Those beacons are called EUROBEACONS.

Compared with level 1, level 2 uses the GSM-R instead of beacons allowing for signaling
information to be exchanged between the train and the Radio Block Centre (RBC). When level 2
has been implemented, the sole purpose of beacons will be to recalibrate the on-board-
odometry based on the GPS (Global Positioning System).

From level 3 onwards, track circuits will no longer be used to check train integrity; the latter
being verified on the train itself. As was the case with level 2, the RBC transmits signaling data
to the trains and makes use of the location information provided in order to assess the
occupation rate of tracks. The main difference between this system and the former one is that,
being no longer based on track circuits, line sections (track section ready to take a train) can
move. This makes it possible to increase traffic, the main advantage of ERTMS level 3.

ETCS: ETCS is part and parcels of the ERTMS project and was developed with a view to
making European railways interoperable. As is the case with the ERTMS, the ETCS comprises
of three functional levels.

IRISET 96 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Abbreviations/Acronyms

In ETCS level 1, data transmission is catered for by means of EUROBEACONS or

EUROLOOP/RADIO IN-FILL. Ground track circuits detect trains. The information is transmitted
to the driver either by lateral signaling equipment or through the cab-signaling system.

In level 2, data relating to signaling are transmitted in permanence by the GSM-R network.
EUROBEACONS are used for a few minor functionalities. From the second level onwards, all
the information for the driver is displayed by the cab-signaling system. The detection of trains is
still performed by ground track circuits.

In level 3, the train integrity control is done by the on board equipment.

EUROBEACON: EUROBEACON emits at a very high frequency (27 MHz), which makes it
possible to get a high-rate information transmission. Since it takes place only where there are
beacons, the transmission by EUROBEACON is not continuous.

The functioning principle of a EUROBEACON is fairly simple. As the train is running over the
beacon, the vehicle antenna activates the beacon in transmitting a weak signal, whereupon
EUROBEACON makes use of the energy received from the latter to send information in their
turn to the train.

T
EUROLOOP: EUROLOOP, a complement of EUROBEACON, makes the transmission of
information more continuous. Set along the rail, EUROLOOP is a coaxial cable whose length
can go up to 500 m. E
EURORADIO: EURORADIO is a system providing all the functionalities necessary to a radio
network located between the on board equipment and that of the ground, with maximum
IS
reliability and safety.

EDGE: Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (also known as Enhanced GPRS) can provide a
data connection up to three times quicker than GPRS, though is considerably slower than
HSPA (3G).
IR

EIR: Equipment Identity Register is a database that keeps track of handsets by their IMEI. If a
handset is blacklisted, this is where the data is held.

Functional addressing: A term used to describe the process of addressing a call using an
address representing the function a user is performing, rather than a number identifying the
user’s terminal equipment.

Functional Identity: The full alphanumeric description of an end user/system used within the
functional addressing scheme, identifying them by function or role rather than by a specific item
of radio equipment or user subscription.

Functional number: The full number used within the functional addressing scheme to identify
an end user/system by function or role rather than by a specific item of radio equipment or user
subscription.

GSM: Global System for Mobile communications is a standard set of protocols for use on 2G
networks globally.

GSM-R: A railway-enhanced version of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

developed according to the EIRENE specifications.
IRISET 97 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Abbreviations/Acronyms

GPS: Global Positional System is a series of satellites operated by the US Air Force whose
signals are triangulated to provide an accurate location. This technology is used with mapping
software, such as Apple Maps or Google Maps, as well as traditional GPS hardware such as
Tom Tom.

GPRS: General Packet Radio Service is a packet oriented mobile data service on 2G and 3G
networks. GPRS is sometimes described as 2.5G and provides moderate-speed data transfer.

General Purpose Handheld(GPH): A standard GSM radio based closely on commercially

available units for general use.

HLR: Home Location Register is a central database of subscriber-specific information (similar to

cards in a telephone exchange). This will store the current location, provisioned services for a
subscriber and barring information.

HSPA: High Speed Packet Access is a mixture of two protocols; High Speed Download Packet
Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), and improves the speed and
performance of existing 3G mobile networks, and provides the fastest 3G speeds, and currently
is the fastest data speeds that we offer.

T
Handover: The process by which connection between the GSM mobile and the GSM network is
maintained as the mobile moves from area to area, by passing communication channel control
from one base station to another or between different channels in one cell.
E
IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identifier is a mobile phones unique 15 digit serial
number. To view an IMEI you press *#06# on your mobile phones keypad.
IS
IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity is a globally unique identification number. For
example: 234 15 0000000000 is an IMSI, where 234 is the country code (MCC), 15 is the
network code (MNC) and the last 10 digits are unique to the service.

Location dependent addressing: A term used to describe the process of addressing a

IR

particular function (typically a controller) based on the current location of the user (typically a
train).

LEU of Lineside Electronic Unit: Piece of equipment that reports data regarding the
signalization to the beacons on the railway tracks.

Link assurance signal: A form of unidirectional signaling transmitted periodically or constantly

from one radio to another to allow the receiving user to detect a break in radio transmission
during critical maneuvers (e.g. during shunting).

Operational communications
These are railway communications directly concerned with train movements or train operation.
For example controller-driver communications.

Operational Purpose Handheld (OPH): A handheld radio suitable for use by people involved
in railway operations.

Railway emergency call: A high priority call for informing drivers, controllers and other
concerned personnel of a level of danger requiring all Railway movements in a pre-defined area
to stop. Two types of Railway emergency calls are defined:

IRISET 98 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Abbreviations/Acronyms

 Train emergency calls (for Railway emergencies whilst not involved in Shunting operations).
 Shunting emergency calls (for Railway emergencies whilst involved in Shunting operations).

Radio Block Centre: An ERTMS/ETCS term referring to a centralized safety unit to establish
and control train separation using radio as the train to ground communication medium.

SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol The Internet's standard for remote monitoring
and management of hosts, routers and other nodes and devices on a network (RFC 1157).

Voice Group Call Service (VGCS): A voice communication method whereby a number of
parties defined by the call initiator may participate in the call. All parties may talk simultaneously.

Groepsoproep (VBS): A call made to all members of a pre-defined group within a local
geographical area. Only one member of the group may talk at any instant with all other group
members listening only.

Roaming: The use of a mobile on any communications network other than the user’s home
network.

User number: The entry in a routing database. It consists of two parts: the User Identifier

T
Number and the Functional Number.

E
IS
IR

IRISET 99 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Question Bank

QUESTION BANK Back to Content Page

Objective
Chapter – 2
1. Simplex mode of operation means both way radio communication (T/F)
2. Full duplex mode of operation is both way radio communications simultaneously. (T/F)
3. Frequency Band allotted for Railways for walkie-talkie system 146 MHz to 174 MHz (T/F)
4. The maximum no. of channels can be derived from the spectrum is 128 (T/F)
5. The channel spacing will be 12.5KHz in VHF spectrum (T/F)
6. For VHF radio systems the mode of Propagation will be line of sight waves, Reflection &
scattering of waves (T/F)
7. Antenna used for walkie-talkie system is Whip Antenna (T/F)

Chapter - 3
1. The D/R ratio is known as co channel reuse ratio (T/F)
2. Frequency reuse allows the discrete channels assigned to a specific cell to be used again
in any cell, (T/F)

T
3. The Channel Frequencies can be reused at least Two Cells away (T/F)
4. The groups of cells are known as Clusters (T/F)
5. If the Ratio of D / R is increased, the Traffic Carrying Capacity will be reduced. (T/F)
6.
7.
8.
E
Co-channel Interference will be independent of Transmitted Power of each Cell
Directional Antenna is used to increase the Co-channel Interference
Sector Antennas reduce Co-channel Interference and improve the mean S/N ratio for a
(T/F)
(T/F)
IS
given Reuse Factor (T/F)

Chapter – 4
1. The function of SIM card is Storage of subscriber related information. (T/F)
2. The mobile station performs the Radio transmission/reception (T/F)
IR

3. BTS is a part of the Base Station Subsystem (BSS) for system management (T/F)
4. Duplexer is used for separating sending and receiving signals to/from antenna(T/F)
5. Encryption of transmission Data Streams are being done at BTS (T/F)
6. Base Station Controller reserves the Radio Channel Frequencies (T/F)
7. The Switching part, is controlled by the Mobile Service Switching Centre (MSC)
in GSM.
(T/F)
8. Subscriber relevant data are kept in a Database called Home Location Register (HLR).
(T/F)
9. Authentication Centre (AUC), which protects User Identity and allows a Secured
Transmission. (T/F)
10. GSM-900 band, 935-960MHz for Up-link (MS to BTS) and 890-915 MHz for Down link
(T/F)
11. The channel spacing in GSM is of 200 KHz. (T/F)
12. The Duplex spacing in GSM will be 45MHz (between TX and RX). (T/F)
13. The Air Interface is the interface between the BTS and the MS (T/F)
14. The Physical Layer, consisting of a number of Physical Channels, (T/F)
15. The Physical Layer is a 2 Mb/s Digital Connection. (T/F)
16. One or more logical channels can be transmitted on a physical channel (T/F)
17. SCH is used to time synchronize the mobile station (T/F)
IRISET 100 TA1 - Mobile Communication
Back to Content Page
Question Bank

18. BCH is used for transmission of general accessible information in a cell (T/F)
19. AGCH is used for assigning an MS to a Dedicated Control Channel (T/F)
20. Vocoder is a digital hardware block (T/F)
21. GSM radio transmission is accomplished by sending data in bursts. (T/F)

Chapter – 5
1. GSM-R is the communication standard chosen by EIREN (T/F)
2. Call Setup should be possible as mobile terminated call (MTC) (T/F)
3. For MOC and MTC different addressing modes are required for the call setup. (T/F)
4. MTC is call from the Train driver to controller (T/F)
5. MOC is call from a train to a train controller terminal (T/F)
6. GMS-R provides communication up to a speed of 500 km/h (T/F)
7. Interleaving of BTS of two different loops will decrease the consequences of a single BTS
or BSC failure. (T/F)
8. Up to 7 BTSs can be connected in one loop using one PCM 30. (T/F)
9. Location Dependent Addressing provides the Automatic Routing (T/F)

Subjective

T
Chapter – 2
1. What are the applications of VHF radio communication on IR?
E
2. What are the Specifications and performance parameters to be followed for VHF systems?
3. What are the limitations of VHF communication?
IS
Chapter - 3
1. What is a cellular radio, and how is it different from other forms of mobile radio
communication systems?
2. What is the objective of designing the cellular radio system?
IR

3. Explain the frequency re use by 7-cell structure?

Chapter – 4
1. Draw the block diagram of GSM architecture and name all functional entities
2. Explain mobile station and what are the functions performed by an MS?
3. Explain the units in SIM and what are the functions performed by SIM?
4. Explain the units in BTS and what are the functions performed by BTS?
5. Explain the units in NSS?
6. What are the multiple access techniques used in GSM and explain?
7. Explain the following
a. Um interface
b. A interface
c. A bis interface
8. What are various types of logical channels used in GSM and explain them briefly?
9. Explain the speech coding process in MS?
10. What are various bursts in GSM and explain a normal burst?
11. Explain GMSK?
12. What are the signaling protocols used in GSM and explain them briefly?

IRISET 101 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Question Bank

Chapter – 5

1. Explain MOC and MTC?

2. Explain location dependent addressing in GSM-R?
3. Explain voice broadcast service (VBS) in GSM-R?

KEYS

Chapter – 2

1. FALSE 2. TRUE 3. TRUE 4. FALSE 5. TRUE 6.TRUE

7. TRUE

Chapter –3

1. TRUE 2. TRUE 3. FALSE 4. TRUE 5. FALSE 6. TRUE

7. FALSE 8. TRUE

Chapter –4

1. TRUE 2. TRUE 3. TRUE 4. TRUE 5. TRUE 6. TRUE

T
7. TRUE 8. TRUE 9.TRUE 10.FALSE 11.TRUE 12.TRUE
13. TRUE 14. TRUE 15.TRUE 16.TRUE 17.TRUE 18.TRUE
19. TRUE 20. TRUE 21.TRUE

Chapter –5

1. TRUE 2. TRUE
E 3. TRUE 4. TRUE 5. TRUE 6. TRUE
IS
7. TRUE 8. TRUE
IR

IRISET 102 TA1 - Mobile Communication

References

REFERENCES Back to Content Page

 RDSO Specifications
 Internet Google search engine

E T
IS
IR

IRISET 103 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Glossary

GLOSSARY Back to Content Page

communicate, 5,23,33,39,54,69,86,87,88
A connectionless, 30,78,80
administrative, 17,19,61 connectivity, 32,40,79
airtime, 79 controller, 1,18,19,21,38,39,46,47,51,53,54,
alarm, 2,18,19,61,62,63,67 55,56,60,63,65,69,72,73,91
alarming, 62 core, 56,58,59,60,78,80.83,84
amplifier, 18,28,57,58,59
D
amplitude, 28,58
analog, 15,16,24,58,59,81,82,83 decipher, 85
anomalous, 67 decoding, 17,18,87,88
antenna, 3,8,14,17,18,55,56,57,58,59,68, deficiency, 76
70,73 deployment, 77,84
architecture, 16,29,41,42,43,44,62,65,68, disaster, 2,5
73,78,79,80,81 downlink, 23,24,33,57,59,65
assembly, 68,69,70 download, 60,84

T
assertion, 53 duplexer,18,57,58
authentication, 17,19,24,29,31,32,33,34
authorization, 77 E
automatic, 2,4,16,40,46,92,93,94
E encryption, 18,19,66

B F
backbone, 72,81,93
IS
Fig 5,6,11,12,13,14,16,20,22,25,26,27,28,
background, 61,82 29,30,34,35,36,41,42,43,44,45,46,49,56,
backplane, 61,70 57,58,59,60,61,62,64,65,67,68,69,70,71,
band, 3,4,8,18,20,53,58,59,72,73,82,83,85 86,87,89
bandwidth, 15,20,28,77,78,82,83,84,85,86, frequency, 3,4,5,7,8,9,13,15,16,17,18,20,
88,93
IR

23,26,27,37,40,53,55,57,59,69,72,73,74,
baseband, 59,60,86 75,76,82,83,84
bearer, 53,54,90 frmcs, 90,91
bits, 24,25,26,87,88
board, 39,60,63,64,65,67,74,75,76,91,93 G
buffer, 17
gateway, 19,32,80
burst, 26,27,59
gaussian, 28
C
H
catastrophe, 38
handset, 13,14,17,19,68,69,70
categories, 23,54,67,80
channel, 3,4,5,7,8,10,11,12,13,14,17,18,20, I
21,22,23,24,25,28,30,33,34,35,36,37,38,
44,47,48,4,55,59,61,62,64,65,78,83,87, impedance, 8
88 interface, 21,28,29,30,31,43,55,61,62,64,
chip, 17,86,87 65,66,68,69,70,71,81
ciphering, 27,33,59 interleaving, 25,43,59
clearance, 74,75,76 interoperability, 38,90
coding, 4,5,7,17,18,24,25
commands, 17,24

IRISET 104 TA1 - Mobile Communication

Back to Content Page
 L W
latency, 84 waveform, 24
licensing, 74,84 website, 74,75
wireless, 2,3,16,18,58,74,76,77,78,79,81,
M 82,84,92
malfunctioning, 19
multidrop, 61
multiframe, 27
multiframes, 37
multipoint, 23, 48
multiprocessor, 61
multistage, 58
multiway, 68

N
nonlinear, 28

T
quadrature, 28,
quantized, 24

recommendations, 44,74
registers, 45,55
R
E
IS
S
software, 17,19,62,63,67,84,90,94
specifications, 21,24,27,29,53,90,93
IR

spectrum, 10,13,15,18,20,28,74,84,85,86,
87,88,90
synchronization, 21,23,26,28,37,64
synchronize, 2,26

T
technology, 2,13,15,38,42,74,76,77,81,82,
83,84,85,86
telemetry, 92,93
telephony, 61,77,79,92
topology, 14,44
transcoding, 29,64,65

U
uplink, 23,24,33,49,55,57,59,65

V
vehicle, 3,8,69,70
versatile, 83

IRISET 105 TA1 - Mobile Communication

इ रसेट IRISET
श ण ारा गुणव ा QUALITY THROUGH TRAINING

VISION: TO MAKE IRISET AN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE,

SETTING ITS OWN STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS.

MISSION: TO ENHANCE QUALITY AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF

SIGNALLING & TELECOMMUNICATION PERSONNEL
THROUGH TRAINING

For any suggestions mail to

pt@iriset.railnet.gov.in/apt@iriset.railnet.gov.in

www.iriset.indianrailways.gov.in

भारतीय रे ल सगनल इंिज नयर व दरू संचार सं थान

तारनाका रोड, सकंदराबाद – 500 017
FAX: 070-89888(Rly), 040-27823922(BSNL), Ph: 040-27820315
© IRISET