RRC and RAB in GSM?
Okay, we understand how RRC and RAB works in UMTS-WCDMA and LTE networks. But in
GSM, does we have these concepts as well?
At first, the answer is NO. However, with what we learned today, we can make a
comparison with some GSM 'equivalent' parameters.
We can compare the SDCCH phase and TCH phase of a GSM call with RRC and RAB in
UMTS.
RRC is the Radio Resource Control that works as Control Plane in Layer 3. Is used primarily
for Signaling in UMTS. Then we can compare with the signaling in GSM, as the Immediate
Assignment process for SDCCH resource allocation.
RAB is the radio access 'transporter' that works as the User Plane to provide data for the
services requested by the user. Then we can compare with the user part in GSM, as the TCH
Assignment.
For each service requested by the user we have only 1 RAB. For example, if the requested
service is a Voice Call (CS-AMR), then 1 CS RAB will be generated and provided to the user.
The same is true for PS.
So our equivalence table would be:
UMTS / LTE GSM
Control RRC Connection Immediate Assignment
User RAB Assignment (RNC-CN) Assignment (BSC-MSC)
RRC Connection and RAB example
To complete for today, let's see (always in simplified form) a simple RRC connection and
RAB.
Whenever the UE needs the UTRAN resources, he asks. So that these resources are
allocated, it establishes a RRC connection with some SRBs.
In this case, a RAB connection is created to enable the transfer of user data. We remind you
that the RAB consists of RB + Iu bearer. The RAB is created by CN, with a specific QoS
request.
For a single UE, there may be multiple RAB for NAS service (CS or PS).
But let's just stick to the initial procedure, that is, how is performed the 'RRC Setup'
procedure, from the UE's request.
The following figure shows this more straightforward.
The RRC has always 3 steps:
1. The UE requests a new connection in the Uplink (‘RRC CONNECTION REQUEST’);
2. With sufficient resources available, the 'RRC Downlink CONNECTION SETUP' message is sent,
including the reason, along with the SRB configuration; (Note: otherwise, if the RRC connection
cannot be established, the message sent is 'RRC CONNECTION SETUP REJECT').
3. If all goes well, the UE sends the message in the Uplink: ‘RRC CONNECTION SETUP COMPLETE’.
And after this, the ‘MEASUREMENT CONTROL’ message are being sent in the Downlink, for
the communication continuity.
After the RRC connection is established, the UTRAN makes the checks between the CN and
the UE, for example the authentication and security operations.
And so, the CN informs the RAB to UTRAN in accordance with requirements of the service
requested by the UE. As we have seen, RAB occurs after the RRC, and without a RRC
connection no RAB may be established.
Conclusion
We have seen today a simplified explanation that covers a number of concepts involved in
the communication of the most modern existing mobile networks, primarily related to RRC
and RAB.
With this conceptual base, we will continue to evolve in the next tutorials with examples
that make the assimilation of these complex concepts in a task far less exhaustive than
normal.
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