Base Station System

BSC Architecture

Base Station System (BSS)

BSC Architecture

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Contents
1 Base Station System 3
1.1 Base Transceiver Station BTS 4
1.2 Transcoding & Rate Adaptation Unit TRAU 5
1.3 Base Station Controller BSC 6

2 BSS Interfaces 7
2.1 Abis Interface 7
2.2 Ater Interface 7
2.3 A Interface 8
2.4 Air Interface 8

3 Nokia BSC Architecture 9

3.1 Bit Group Switch GSWB 10
3.2 Call Control Computer 10
3.2.1 Maker and Cellular Management Unit MCMU 11
3.2.2 BSC Signaling Unit BCSU 12
3.3 Operation and Maintenance Unit OMU 13
3.4 Message Bus MB 14
3.5 Exchange Terminal ET2E 14
3.6 Clock and Synchronisation Unit CLS 14
3.7 Redundancy principles 14
3.8 Software 15
3.8.1 System block of DX200 BSC2i 15
3.8.2 System software 15
3.8.3 Database 15

4. Siemens BSC Architecture 16

4.1 BSC Hardware Architecture 17
4.1.1 MPCC 17
4.1.2 UBEX 17
4.1.3 TDPC 17
4.1.4 PPCC 17
4.1.5 PPLD 17
4.1.6 SN16 18
4.1.7 PLLH 18
4.1.8 IXLT 18
4.1.9 DK40 18
4.1.10 LICD 18
4.1.11 PWRS 18

5. Exercises and Solution 20

6. BSC Commissioning 22

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

1. Base Station System

The BSS consists of the following network elements:
BSC : Base Station Controller
BTS : Base Transceiver Station
TRAU : Transcoding and Rate Adaption Unit
LMT : Local Maintenance Terminal

The BSS architecture shall be selected to achieve maximum flexibility with regards to
the various operator requirements. All BSS components can be installed in the same
geographical location or in different location where the transmission paths can be used via
public networks. The ability of the BSC to manage several BTSs in different cell locations
enables optimal adaptability to the traffic requirements in urban and rural areas.
In terms of function , the main task of the BSC is the handling of the call connections
(switching) , sampling of operational/maintenance information of all BSS (BSC , BTSs and
TRAUs) , as well as their transfer to OMC. The BTS handles the radio specific aspects.

Fig 1. Base Station System

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

1.1. Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

• Encoding & Interleaving of data for MS

• (De-) ciphering to prevent eavesdropping
• Burst building
• HF generation (900/1800 MHz range)
• Modulation
• Filtering & Amplification
• Transmission & Reception
• Monitoring & optimization quality
• Measurement reports to BSC for handover decision
• Power control
• Timing advance

Fig 2. Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

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BSC Architecture

1.2. Transcoding & Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU)

• Compresses / decompresses the speech data from 64 kbit/s to 13 kbit/s

• Rate Adaptation useful data (0.3 – 9.6 kbit/s) from MSC (64 kbit/s) and form a 16
kbit/s toward the BSC
• User data are sub-multiplexed into 16 kbit/s subslots on A-ter interface

Fig 3. Transcoding & Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU)

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

1.3. Base Station Controller (BSC)

• BSS control
• Switched between TRAU & BTS
• Radio resource management
• Collecting error messages in BSS
• Contact to OMC
• Database storage , Software of BSS

Fig 4. Base Station Controller

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BSC Architecture

2. BSS Interfaces
The Air interface is implemented according to the GSM specifications. The BTS
forms the Air interface through air to the Mobile Station (MS).

Fig 5. BSS Interfaces

2.1. Abis interface

Abis interface telecommunication part between BSC and the BTS is implemented
according to the GSM specifications. The physical interface is a PCM line.
The Abis operation and maintenance (O & M) part is specific supporting additional
features, such as alarm consistency, remote transmission equipment management and BTS
database management

2.2. A-ter Interface

Ater interface is a specific interface. The Ater interface is between Transcoder

Submultiplexer (TRAU) and Base Station Controller (BSC). The physical interface consists
of one or more PCM lines.

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

2.3. A Interface

The interface between the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and the Base Station
Controller (BSC) is implemented according to the GSM specifications.
Due to implementation of the BSS the actual A interface is between the MSC and the
Transcoder Submultiplexer (TRAU). The physical interface consists of one or more PCM
lines.

2.4. Air Interface (Um)

The Air interface is implemented according to the GSM specifications. The BTS
forms the Air interface through air to the Mobile Station (MS).

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

3. NOKIA BSC Architecture

BSC functions
The BSC manages a variety of tasks explained in
brief below:
• Channel configuration
• Frequency hopping
• Handover
• Power Control
• BSS signaling
• Operation and Maintenance

The DX200 BSC platform

The main features of the DX200 BSC platform are:
• Digital switching
• Distributed processing
• Modular structure
• Redundancy units
• MML interface

Fig 6. Rack layouts of DX 200 BSC2i (basic and extension)

The basic and extension rack can handle together:

• 128 TRXs in 128 BTSs (512 TRXs in 248 BTSs with the large capacity feature)
• 7 ET5C cartridges with a maximum capacity of 192 exchange terminals
• 9 BCSU cartridges (8 active and 1 spare).

Block diagram of the DX 200 BSC2i with Bit Group Switch

The most important functional units of the BSC are:

• Switching Network Unit (GSWB) used for switching speech and data, and
connecting signaling circuits

• Distributed Call Control Computers (MCMU and BCSU) which consist of

common hardware and system software

• Operation and Maintenance Unit (OMU)

• The high-speed Message Bus (MB) interconnecting the Call Control Computers and
the OMU

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

• Exchange Terminals (ET) for connecting transmission systems to the GSWB

Functional units (FU) are composed of individual HW and SW modules.

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Fig 7. Block diagram of the DX 200 BSC2i with Bit Group Switch

3.1. Bit Group Switch (GSWB)

The Bit Group Switch switches on 8, 16, 32, and 64 kbit/s

level. The Bit Group Switch Cartridge, SW1C, consists of power
supply (PSC1) and three SW64B plug-in units, which all have 32 4
Mbit/s interfaces. Total capacity of the GSWB is 192 PCMs.
The operation of the Bit Group Switch is controlled and
supervised by the Marker and Cellular Management Unit
(MCMU).

Fig 8. Bit Group Switch (GSWB)

3.2. Call Control Computers

In the DX 200 BSC, the call control functions are executed by microcomputers, called
Call Control Computers. The Call Control Computers have an identical Central Processing
Unit (CPU). The CPU board contains a microprocessor and a local Random Access Memory
(RAM). Each Call Control Computer also contains the additional units that are required for
performing specific task.

All the different plug-in units of each Call Control Computer are interconnected by a
DMC processor bus. The DMC processor bus operates according to the specifications of the
internal communication of the DX 200 Control Computers. It is used in all the control

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BSC Architecture

computers throughout the entire DX 200 Product Family. The DMC processor bus is
independent of component technology evolution. Consequently, the DMC processor bus
facilitates further development of the plug-in units, resulting in an up-to-date and cost-
effective BSC with high capacity.

3.2.1. Marker and Cellular Management Unit (MCMU)

The Marker and Cellular Management Unit (MCMU) performs the control functions
of a switching matrix and the BSC-specific management functions of the radio resources.
The hardware of the MCMU consists of three modules: a microcomputer, a Switch
Control Interface, and a Message Bus Interface
The marker functions of the MCMU control the Bit Group Switch. These control
functions include the connection
and the release of the circuits of the
switching matrix.
The cellular management functions
of the MCMU are responsible for
cells and radio channels that are
controlled by the BSC. This
responsibility is centralised in the
MCMU. The MCMU reserves and
keeps track of the radio resources
requested by the MSC and the
handover procedures of the BSC.
The MCMU also manages the
configuration of the cellular
network.

Fig 9. Marker and Cellular

Management Unit (MCMU)

One DX 200 BSC2i always includes two MCMUs that are permanently connected to
the duplicated pair of the Bit Group Switches, the active MCMU to the active GSWB and the
passive MCMU to the passive GSWB.

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BSC Architecture

3.2.2. BSC Signaling Unit (BCSU)

The hardware of the BCSU consists of the

following modules:

• a microcomputer
• an SS7 (Signaling System No. 7)
interface
• a LAPD (Link Access Protocol on
the D-Channel) interface
• a LAPD interface for control of the
ET2E
• the Message Bus interface
Fig 10. BSC Signaling Unit (BCSU)

The BSC Signaling Unit (BCSU) performs those BSC functions that are highly
dependent on the volume of traffic. The BCSU is housed in a cartridge of its own. It consists
of two parts, which correspond to the A and Abis interface.

The A interface part of the BCSU is responsible for the following tasks:

• performing the distributed functions of the Message Transfer Part (MTP) and the
Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) of SS7
• controlling the mobile and base station signaling (Base Station Subsystem
Application Part, BSSAP)
• performing all message handling and processing functions of the signaling channels
connected to it.

The Abis interface part of the BCSU controls the Radio interface channels associated
with transceivers (TRXs) and Abis signaling channels. The interface units, that is, the SS7
and the LAPD protocols, are connected to the switching network via PCM connections. The
BCSU uses the LAPD Interface to supervise the 2 Mbit/s circuits (time slot 0 handling)
connected to the Bit Group Switch
The BCSU is equipped with LAPD interface terminals. The standard equipment of the
BCSU includes two terminals for LAPD interfaces for signaling towards BTSs and towards
ET2Es, and one for the A interface. Each LAPD signaling terminal can handle a maximum of
64 LAPD links. The bit rate of a single link can be either 16 kbit/s, 32 kbit/s, or 64 kbit/s.
One BCSU can handle traffic in a maximum of 64 transceivers (TRXs) in High
Capacity BSC configuration.

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

3.3. Operation and Maintenance Unit (OMU)

The Operation and Maintenance Unit (OMU) consists of the following modules:
• Microcomputer
• alarm interface
• Message Bus Interface
• peripheral device interface
• X.25 interface (modem to PSPDN or LAN)
• time-slot-based O & M interface

The Operation and Maintenance

Unit (OMU) is an interface between the BSC
and a higher-level network management
system and/or the user. The OMU can also be
used for local operations and maintenance.
The OMU receives fault indications from the
BSC. It can produce local alarm printouts to
the user or send the fault indications to the
NMS. In the event of a fault, the OMU
automatically activates appropriate recovery
and diagnostics procedures within the BSC.
Recovery can also be activated by the MCMU
if the OMU is lost.

Fig 11. Operation and Maintenance Unit (OMU)

The OMU communicates with the Call Control Computers of the BSC via the
Message Bus. The CPU controls the peripheral device interface module, which is used to
connect disk units, visual display unit, and printer to the OMU. A mirrored pair of
Winchester disk units, a DAT tape drive, and one 3.5” disk unit can be controlled by the
OMU. The disk units are installed in a separate cartridge, which houses both hard disk and
floppy disk units.

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

3.4. Message Bus (MB)

A duplicated high-speed Message Bus (MB)

is used for data transfer between the OMU and the
Call Control Computers of the DX 200 BSC
The hardware of the Message Bus consists
of several parallel twisted pairs, which carry the
actual data and also control the information required
for the message transfer.
In the event of a failure, the hot standby
Message Bus takes over the functions of the active
bus without interfering with the ongoing calls.

Fig 12. Message Bus (MB)

3.5. Exchange Terminal (ET2E)

All 2,048 Mbit/s interfaces for the MSC and the BTSs are connected to the Exchange
Terminals (ET2E). The Exchange Terminals adapt the external PCM circuits to the GSWB
and synchronise to the system clock.
The ET2Es are located in Exchange Terminal cartridges. Each ET2E is connected to
the switching network and the Clock Unit of the DX 200 BSC2i via permanent, wired
connections. The ET2Es are also connected to the LAPD interface via a LAPD link. Two
types of connectors, symmetrical and coaxial (75/120 SL), are available for the ET2Es.

3.6. Clock and Synchronisation Unit (CLS)

The Clock and Synchronisation Unit (CLS) distributes timing reference signals to the
functional units of the DX 200 BSC. It can operate plesiochronously or synchronously with
the timing references it receives from the digital PCM trunks. Three PCM reference inputs
with priority order are provided for the timing reference signals.
When the system consists of two racks, the timing reference signals are buffered for
the extension rack by a duplicated Clock and Alarm Buffer (CLAB) plug-in unit.

3.7. Redundancy principles.

When the DX 200 BSC was designed, great attention was paid to the reliability of
operation. The following redundancy methods are used for various units :

• 2N principle for duplicated units, including an active unit and a spare unit
• N+1 or N+m redundancy principle for provision of one or more units, active or
reserve, in addition to what is required by the correct dimensioning.

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

All the critical parts of the switching system have an appropriate type of redundancy.
The Exchange Terminals of the PCM trunk circuits and the terrestrial channels are not
critical, however, because the failure of a single terminal does not prevent service. There are
usually several PCM circuits available in each direction. Thus, the Exchange Terminals are
without redundancy.

3.8. Software

The software of the DX 200 BSC2i is divided into three types of blocks resulting in a
three-level hierarchy.
The system block is the highest level of the hierarchy. It includes several service
blocks, each of which includes one or more program blocks.

3.8.1. System blocks of DX 200 BSC2i

The DX 200 BSC consists of the following five

blocks on the system level :
• Signaling Services (SGLSYB)
• Basic Switching Services (BSRSYB)
• Basic Computer Services (BCSSYB)
• Network Maintenance (NEMSYB)
• System Maintenance (SYMSYB)
Fig 13. Software blocks

3.8.2. System software.

In the DX 200 BSC, the OMU and each Call Control Computer have common system
software. The uniform system software provides a standard, easy-to-use operating
environment for the application software. The uniform operating environment facilitates the
development and maintenance of the application software, and helps the user understand the
operation of the software

3.8.3. Databases

The DX 200 Switching Systems contain different types of data. In the case of the
DX 200 BSC, the database includes, for example, reduced routing and cellular data. The
database also includes data that is needed for control and operation of the DX 200 BSC.
In this context, the files are RAM memory arrays. Some files are loaded from a disk
unit after restarting the control computer. Other files are updated on the disk when the
contents are changed.

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Siemens BSC Architecture

BSC functions
The BSC manages a variety of tasks explained in brief below:
• BSS control
• Switched between TRAU & BTS
• Radio resource management
• Collecting error messages in BSS
• Contact to OMC
• Database storage , Software of BSS

BSC Rack configuration / HW Architecture (basic and extension)

Fig 14. BSC Rack configuration / HW Architecture (basic and extension)

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

4.1. BSC Hardware Architecture

The BSC is equipped with the following element.

• Main Processor Control Card (MPCC)

• Universal Bus Extender Board (UBEX)
• Telephony Distribution Processor Circuit (TDPC)
• Peripheral Processor for CCS7 (PPCC)
• Peripheral Processor for LAPD (PPLD)
• Switching Network (SN16 or SN64)
• Phase Locked Loop High Performance (PLLH)
• Interface to LMT/OMC (IXLT)
• Mass Storage (DK40)
• Quadruple Trunk Line Peripheral board (QTLP)
• Power Supply (PWRS)

4.1.1. MPCC (Administrative Processor) : The MPCC controls the SN on basis of TDPC
messages. It handles traffic & performance measurement. It is responsible for : status &
database administration , HW configuration , diagnostics & maintenance management , mass
storage control , SW download , O&M interface control and TRAU control. 1+1
redundancy , hot stand-by.

4.1.2. UBEX : The UBEX interfaces the MPCC to the network , PLLH , PPCCs & PPLDs ,
line interface.

4.1.3. TDPC : The TDPC is responsible for message exchange with the other network
entities via PPCC & PPLD. It handles all signaling function above MTP L2 and all
application processes related to Call Control CC , Radio Resource management RR ,
Mobility Management MM and IMSI Tracing. The MEMT is the TDPC memory extension
& acts as mailbox for MPCC - TDPC message exchange. 1+1 redundancy , hot stand-by.

4.1.4. PPCC : SS7 pre-processing (MTP L2) for signaling towards the MSC. 2 PPCC
boards , load-sharing redundancy

4.1.5. PPLD : responsible for handling of LAPD protocol used for signaling to BTS and
TRAU. 14+1 PPLD boards , N+1 redundancy

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Fig 15. Block Diagram of Siemens BSC

4.1.6. SN16 : The SN16 switches under control of the MPCC connections between TRAU &
BTS and signaling between TDPC (via PPLDs & PPCCs) and external entities. It is able to
set up bi-directional dynamic connections at 8/16 kbit/s (e.g. for HR / FR / EFR) and at
n x 16 kbit/s. 1+1 redundancy , hot stand-by

4.1.7. PLLH : clock unit. 2 PLLH , master/slave configuration

4.1.8. IXLT : allows MPCC to be connected to the OMC via X.25 and to the LMT via
proprietary T interface.

4.1.9. DK40 : Hard disk , containing copies of all BSS SW and all configuration data to allow
fast restart without downloading from the OMC. 1+1 redundancy.

4.1.10. LICD : Line Interface board. The standard QTLP Line Interface board houses 4 dual
PCM 30/24 line interfaces , connecting Abis / Ater to the SN16. 9+2 QTLP redundancy.

4.1.11. PWRS : Power supply

For GPRS introduction , the Packet Control Unit (PCU) is co-located with the BSC.
To incorporate the PCU (1 or 2 PCUs) into the BSC , 2 / 4 Peripheral Packet Control Units
PPCU are placed instead of 4 / 8 PPLDs

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Fig 16. Standard Siemens BSC

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Exercises

1. Which are the component of BSS network?

2. Which are the tasks the BSC is responsible for?

3. How is the data rate on Ater interface?

4. Which protocol is on Abis interface?

5. How many PCM available in 1GSWB cartridge?

6. Which unit is responsible for signaling in BSC2i?

7. Which unit is responsible for data transfer between OMU and Call Control
Computer?

8. How many type of connectors can use with ET2E?

9. Which unit have not redundancy in BSC2i?

10. Which unit control all unit and application in Siemens BSC?

11. Which is the switching unit in Siemens BSC?

12. Which is interface unit in Siemens BSC?

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BSC Architecture

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Base Station System
BSC Architecture

Solution

1. BSC , BTS , Transcoder

2. BSS control , Switched between TRAU & BTS , Radio resource management ,
Collecting error messages in BSS , Contact to OMC , Database and BSS Software
storage

3. 64 kbit/s

4. LAPD

5. 32 PCM

6. BCSU

7. Message Bus MB

8. 2 type , 75 ohms and 120 ohms

9. ET2E

10. MPCC

11. SN16

12. LICD

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BSC Architecture

BSC Commissioning

New BSC Expansion

Available time : 5 days Available time : 3 days

Hardware Installation Hardware Installation

- Rack & plug in unit - Rack & plug in unit
- Tie cable - Tie cable
- Power cable - Power cable
- Hard ware checked - Hard ware checked
- Delivery Note checked - Delivery Note checked

Software Installation Software Installation

- Load System software - Load System software
- Configuration - SW version checked
- Load database - Links checked with MSC and BTS
- Activated BSC SW - Alarms checked
- SW version checked
- Links checked with MSC and BTS Integration
- Alarms checked - Cut over to existing network
- Wait for measurement
Integration
- Cut over to existing network PAT
- Wait for measurement
Maintenance
PAT

Maintenance

Hardware Upgrade Software Upgrade & Patch (CD

Installation)
Available time : 1-2 days
Available time : 1-2 days
Plug in new HW unit
Power & status checked Load new software or patch files
Load & activated unit software Activated software or patch files
Alarms checked Alarms checked
Wait for measurement

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