VGCS/VBS

GBSS12.0
Feature Parameter Description

Issue 01

Date 2010-06-30

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2011. All rights reserved.
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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS Contents

Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 Intended Audience ........................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.3 Change History.............................................................................................................................. 1-1

2 Overview of VGCS/VBS ...........................................................................................................2-1

3 Technical Description ..............................................................................................................3-1
3.1 VGCS ............................................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.2 Initiation and Establishment of a VGCS Call ........................................................................ 3-2
3.1.3 Reception of a VGCS Call .................................................................................................... 3-8
3.1.4 Release and Seizure of the Uplink of the Group Call Channel ............................................ 3-8
3.1.5 Handover of a VGCS Call..................................................................................................... 3-9
3.1.6 Release of a VGCS Call ......................................................................................................3-11
3.2 VBS ............................................................................................................................................. 3-12
3.2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 3-12
3.2.2 Initiation and Establishment of a VBS Call ......................................................................... 3-12
3.2.3 Reception of a VBS Call ..................................................................................................... 3-13
3.2.4 Handover of a VBS Call...................................................................................................... 3-13
3.2.5 Release of a VBS Call ........................................................................................................ 3-14
3.3 Delayed Assignment of the VGCS/VBS Channel ....................................................................... 3-14
3.4 Downlink Detection...................................................................................................................... 3-14
3.5 Initiation of a VGCS Call Through One Channel ......................................................................... 3-15
3.6 Talker Identification...................................................................................................................... 3-15
3.7 eMLPP in VGCS/VBS ................................................................................................................. 3-15
3.7.1 Service Preemption ............................................................................................................ 3-16
3.7.2 Resource Preemption ......................................................................................................... 3-17
3.8 Fast VGCS Call ........................................................................................................................... 3-17
3.9 Enhancement of VGCS/VBS....................................................................................................... 3-17
3.9.1 Fallback .............................................................................................................................. 3-18
3.9.2 VGCS Resource Check ...................................................................................................... 3-18

4 Engineering Guidelines...........................................................................................................4-1
5 Parameters .................................................................................................................................5-1
6 Counters ......................................................................................................................................6-1
7 Glossary ......................................................................................................................................7-1
8 Reference Documents .............................................................................................................8-1

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 1 Introduction

1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
This document describes the technologies related to VGCS/VBS, eMLPP in VGCS/VBS, and
enhancement of VGCS/VBS in the GSM-R system.

1.2 Intended Audience

This document is intended for:
 Personnel who need to understand VGCS/VBS
 Personnel who work with Huawei products

1.3 Change History

This section provides information on the changes in different document versions.
There are two types of changes, which are defined as follows:
 Feature change: refers to the change in the VGCS/VBS feature of a specific product version.
 Editorial change: refers to the change in wording or the addition of the information that was not
described in the earlier version.

Document Issues
The document issues are as follows:
 01 (2010-06-30)
 Draft (2010-03-30)

01 (2010-06-30)
This is the first release of GBSS12.0.
Compared with issue draft (2010-03-30) of GBSS12.0, issue 01 (2010-06-30) of GBSS12.0 incorporates
the changes described in the following table.

Change Change Description Parameter Change

Type
Feature None. None.
change
Editorial Parameters are presented in None.
change the form of Parameter ID
instead of Parameter Name.

Draft (2010-03-30)
This is the draft release of GBSS12.0. .

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 2 Overview of VGCS/VBS

2 Overview of VGCS/VBS
Compared with the traditional GSM system, the Railways Global System for Mobile communication
(GSM-R) has new features, such as the Voice Group Call Service (VGCS), Voice Broadcast Service
(VBS), and enhanced Multi-Level Precedence and Pre-emption (eMLPP) service. The GSM-R can
provide diversified voice dispatch services required in the private network.
 VGCS
A VGCS call is a half-duplex group call that is established in a predefined area for multiple service
subscribers to participate in. Simply, VGCS is a service where several persons talk and more persons
listen.
 VBS
VBS is a service where one person talks and several persons listen (no limitation on the number of
listeners).
The difference between VGCS and VBS is that only the initiator is allowed to talk during a VBS call
and other members are always in the listening state.
 eMLPP
The eMLPP service provides seven priorities (A, B, 0-4).
The GSM-R system is a digital railway dispatching communications system, which is used for the
communication between the train dispatcher and the train drivers. Other independent and parallel radio
systems, such as the flat shunting communications system, tunnel radio system, and maintenance radio
system can be integrated into the GSM-R system to form a functionally mature integration system. In
addition, the GSM-R transmission can be used to establish a general railway communications system on
the basis of Auto Trail Control (ATC). The GSM-R radio interface supports the maximum speed of 500
km/h, so GSM-R can be used for high-speed trains.
If the core network of the traditional GSM network cannot be replaced, GSM-R services can be
forwarded through the BSC of the traditional GSM network. In this manner, the network investment is
reduced and the network construction is simplified.

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 3 Technical Description

3 Technical Description
3.1 VGCS
3.1.1 Overview
A VGCS call is a half-duplex group call that is established in a predefined area for multiple service
subscribers to participate in. (GBFD-510301 Public Voice Group Call Service)
For better understanding of VGCS/VBS, key concepts related to VGCS/VBS are described as follows:
 Group call channel
The group call channel is similar to the traffic channel (TCH). When a VGCS or VBS call is established,
each cell in the group call area is assigned an A-interface circuit and radio channel.
In the group call area, the listening subscribers of the same VGCS call share the downlink of the
channel. The VGCS subscribers preempt the uplink of the channel at different time points. This
channel is called the group call channel.
 Group call member
Any service subscriber or dispatcher participating in an ongoing VGCS call.
 Notification channel (NCH)
The NCH is included in the BCCH. Similar to the paging channel, the NCH is used to broadcast the
notification messages. During a VGCS or VBS call, the notification messages are periodically sent on
the NCH so that the MS entering the group call area can join the call.
 Call initiator
The service subscriber that initiates a VGCS or VBS call is called the call initiator.
 Talker
At a specific time, only one group call member is allowed to talk over the uplink of the group call
channel. This group call member is called the talker. After the talker releases the channel, other group
call members preempt the uplink of the channel.
 Listener
Except the talker, other group call members share and listen to the downlink of the group call channel.
These group call members are called the listeners.
 Group call area (GCA)
Predefined in the network, the GCA is composed of one cell or a cluster of cells. The minimum unit of a
GCA is a cell.
 Group call reference
If the group call members contain a mobile terminal, the group call reference consists of the 5-bit
(decimal coding) GCA ID and the 3-bit (decimal coding) group ID. The group call reference is used for
the dispatching terminal to initiate a VGCS call.
If the group call members are only fixed-line terminals, the group call reference is the wired group call
number.
 Dispatcher
The dispatcher is the group call member that is entitled to service dispatching. A dispatcher can be a
mobile or fixed-line terminal. Each VGCS or VBS call has a maximum of five dispatchers. The
dispatchers can participate in the call through the dedicated channel established by the network.
 Anchor MSC/Relay MSC
If a GCA covers several MSCs, the MSC responsible for call management is called the anchor MSC
and the other MSCs are called the relay MSCs.

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− The anchor MSC is responsible for the establishment of all the connections, including the
connections to the specified cells under the MSC, to the related relay MSCs, and to the dispatchers.
The anchor MSC also distributes speech signals.
− Only one link is required between each relay MSC and the anchor MSC. Each relay MSC distributes
the downlink speech signals to all the cells under the MSC.
 Notification response
If the following conditions are met, the MS assigns this cell the group call channel by starting the
notification response procedure: First, the cell is not assigned the group call channel. Second, the cell
has a VGCS subscriber or a VGCS subscriber is reselected to the cell from another cell. Third, the
NCH notification message does not contain the channel description. Fourth, a VGCS subscriber needs
to join the VGCS call.
The members of a VGCS call are classified into dispatchers and service subscribers.
 Dispatcher
A VGCS call has a maximum of five dispatchers, which can be fixed-line or mobile subscribers. In a
VGCS call, dispatchers participate in the speech conversation through a dedicated channel that is
established by the network.
 Service subscriber
Mobile subscriber that subscribes to the VGCS. In a VGCS call, a destination service subscriber
participates in the speech conversation through the voice group call channel in the group call area.
In a VGCS call, only one service subscriber and a maximum of five dispatchers are allowed to talk
simultaneously at any specific time. A listening service subscriber can participate in the speech
conversation by requesting the seizure of the uplink of the group call channel (by pressing the PTT key).
The seizure of the uplink of the group call channel is performed on a first-come, first-served basis. In
other words, the service subscriber that seizes the uplink first has the right to talk. Other service
subscribers can request the seizure of the uplink only when the uplink is idle.
A dispatcher has a dedicated channel. Therefore, a dispatcher can participate in the speech
conversation at any time without seizing the uplink.
A service subscriber is allowed to establish a call to a group of subscribers that belong to a predefined
service area and group ID. During the call, all the dispatchers can talk and all the service subscribers
seize one uplink channel. The service area can be made up of a certain cells belonging to one or more
MSCs. During the call, each cell involved has a group call channel, where the uplink is available for only
the current talker (group transmit mode) and the downlink available for all the listeners to camp on
(group receive mode). The notification messages are broadcast on the notification channel (NCH).

3.1.2 Initiation and Establishment of a VGCS Call

The establishment of a VGCS call can be initiated by a service subscriber or dispatcher.

Initiation of a VGCS Call

A dispatcher initiates a VGCS call by dialing "Prefix + Group call reference" (Prefix identifies a VGCS
call). A service subscriber initiates a VGCS call in the group call area by dialing the group ID. For a
VGCS call initiated by a service subscriber, the group call area is uniquely identified by the dialed group
ID and the cell where the calling service subscriber is located.
The prerequisites for a service subscriber to initiate a VGCS call are as follows:
 The group ID is stored in the SIMs of the MSs of the calling and destination service subscribers and
the group ID is activated.
 The calling service subscriber has subscribed to the VGCS that corresponds to the group ID in the
HLR.

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 The group call register (GCR) is configured with VGCS data (including VGCS type, VGCS reference,
and cell list).
 The calling service subscriber initiates a call in the group call area.
The prerequisites for a dispatcher to initiate a VGCS call are as follows:
 The anchor MSC is configured with the prefix of the VGCS call.
 The anchor MSC is configured with the dispatcher ID and the dispatcher has the right to originate a
call.

Establishment and Notification of a VGCS Call

After receiving a VGCS request, the MSC queries the group information in the GCR based on the group
ID and the ID of the cell where the VGCS call is initiated. Then, the MSC assigns dedicated channels to
the initiator and assigns group call channels to the cells in the group call area.
The BSC establishes a group call channel in each cell of the group call area and sends the notification
message (including group call reference and group call channel description) on the NCH. At the same
time, the BSC assigns the initiator the dedicated channel.
Figure 3-1 shows the VGCS call establishment procedure.

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Figure 3-1 VGCS call establishment procedure

MS BTS BSC MSC

Channel Request(1)
Channel Required(2)
Channel Activation(3)
Channel Activation
ACK(4)
Immediate Assignment(5)
SABM(CM
Service Request)(6) Establish
Indication(CM CR(Complete L3
UA(CM Service Request)(7)
Service Request)(8) INFO)(9)
CC(10)
CM Service Accept(11)

Setup(12)

Assignment Request(13)
Channel Activation(14)
Channel Activation
ACK(15)
Assignment Command(16) VGCS/VBS Setup(17)

VGCS/VBS Setup ACK(18)

VGCS/VBS Assignment
Request(19)
Channel Activation(20)
Channel Activation
ACK(21) VGCS/VBS Assignment
Notification Command(22) Result(22)
SABM(23)
UA(24)
Establish Indication(25)
Assignment Complete(26) Assignment Complete(26)
Connect(27)

The previous procedure is described as follows:

1. The MS sends the BSS a Channel Request message on the RACH.
2. After receiving the Channel Request message, the BSC assigns signaling channels and sends a
Channel Activation message to the BTS.
3. After receiving the Channel Activation message, the BTS turns on the power amplifier on the
specified channel if the channel type is correct. Then, the BTS starts to receive messages on the
uplink and sends a Channel Activation Acknowledge message to the BSC.
4. The BSS sends an Immediate Assignment Command message to the MS. On the Um interface, this
message is transmitted over the AGCH.
5. The MS sends an SABM frame on the SDCCH.
6. The BSS responds with a UA frame on the SDCCH.

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7. The BTS sends the BSC an Establish Indication message, containing the cause for MS access.
8. The BSS establishes an SCCP connection on the A interface and sends the MSC a Complete Layer3
Information message.
9. The MSC responds to the BSC with a Connection Confirm message.
10. The MSC responds to the MS with a CM Service Accept message.
11. The MS of the calling service subscriber sends a Setup message on the SDCCH.
12. After receiving the Setup message, the MSC sends the BSC an Assignment Request message,
requesting the assignment of traffic channels (TCHs).
13. After receiving the Assignment Request message, the BSC sends the BTS a Channel Activation
message.
14. After receiving the Channel Activation message, the BTS sends the BSC a Channel Activation
Acknowledge message.
15. The BSC sends the MS an Assignment Command message to assign the MS a dedicated TCH.
16. The MSC sends the BSC a VGCS Setup message to establish a VGCS call control connection. The
uplink management messages are transmitted on the connection. This connection is not released
until the call is complete.
17. The BSC sends the MSC a VGCS Setup Acknowledge message to acknowledge the establishment
of the VGCS call control connection.
18. The MSC sends each cell in this group call area a VGCS Assignment Request message, requesting
the establishment of the group call channel. The message contains the group call reference.
19. After receiving the VGCS Assignment Request message, the BSC sends the BTS a Channel
Activation message to establish the group call channel.
20. After receiving the Channel Activation message, the BTS sends the BSC a Channel Activation
Acknowledge message.
21. The BSC sends the MS a Notification Command message, indicating that the group call channel is
established successfully. At the same time, the BSC responds to the MSC with a VGCS Assignment
Result message.
22. At the same time, the dedicated TCH between the MS and the network is established.
23. The BSC sends the MSC an Assignment Complete message.
24. After receiving the Assignment Complete message, the MSC sends the MS a Connect message,
indicating that the VGCS call connection is successfully established.
25. At the same time, the BSC sends the MSC a Clear Request message, requesting the release of CC
connection on the A interface.
26. The MSC sends the BSC a Clear Command message to release the CC connection on the A
interface.
27. At the same time, the BSC releases the SDCCH occupied during the establishment of the VGCS call.

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 If the channel establishment mode in the VGCS Assignment Request message is immediate establishment of group
call channel, the BSC assigns a TCH as the group call channel. Then, the BSC sends on the NCH and FACCH a
notification message that contains group call channel description. After detecting the notification message, the MS is
automatically switched to listen on the group call channel.
 If the channel establishment mode in the VGCS Assignment Request message is delayed establishment of group call
channel, the BSC directly responds to the MSC with a VGCS Assignment Complete message. Then, the BSC sends
on the NCH and FACCH a notification message that does not contain group call channel description. After detecting the
notification message, the MS initiates the notification response procedure.

Assignment of Group Call Channels and Power Control

The listening service subscribers share the downlink of the group call channel. No dedicated channel is
available between a listening service subscriber and the network. The channel request message is not
aimed at specific subscribers, so the information such as the TA, receive level, handover-related data,
MS capability, MS mode in the message is invalid.
To ensure that all the service subscribers can join the VGCS call, such a channel should be preferentially
assigned during the channel assignment: The frequency band of the channel is compatible with the
frequency band where the main BCCH is located. If a cell is configured as the concentric cell, the
group call channel should be preferentially assigned in the underlaid subcell. When the
GCSCHNASSULCHNEN parameter of a cell is enabled, the group call channel can also be assigned in
the overlaid subcell if the underlaid subcell is congested. As a result, however, some MSs whose
working frequency band is incompatible with the frequency band of the overlaid subcell cannot receive
VGCS calls.
The listening service subscribers share the downlink of the group call channel. Therefore, power control
cannot be performed on the downlink and signals are always transmitted at the maximum transmit power.
On the uplink, however, power control can be performed.

Handing Over the Initiator from the Dedicated Channel to the Group Call
Channel as a Talker
When a VGCS call is established, the system assigns a dedicated channel for the initiator to talk. After
the group call channel of the cell is successfully assigned, the MSC assigns the initiator the group call
channel to continue talking through the SCCP connection on the dedicated channel.
If the MSC does not support the assignment of the group call channel to the initiator as a talker, the
initiator occupies the dedicated channel all the time. The MSC instructs the BSC to assign the group call
channel to the initiator as a listener only when the initiator stops talking by releasing the PTT key.
Figure 3-2 shows the procedure for handing over the initiator from the dedicated channel to the group
call channel as a talker.

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Figure 3-2 Handing over the initiator from the dedicated channel to the group call channel as a talker

MS BTS BSC MSC

Assignment
Request(1)
Channel Activation(2)
Channel Activation ACK(3)
Assignment Command(4)

SAMB(5) Establish Indication(6)

UA(7)
Assignment Assignment
Complete(8) Assignment
Complete(9)
Complete(10)
Clear Request(11)
Clear
Release Request(13) Command(12)

Release Confirm(14) Clear

Complete(15)

The previous procedure is described as follows:

1. When a VGCS call is initiated, the initiator talks over the dedicated channel. If the MSC supports the
assignment of the group call channel to the initiator as a talker, the MSC sends the BSC an
assignment request message (containing the Talker Flag parameter), instructing the BSC to assign
the group call channel to the initiator as a talker.
2. After receiving the assignment request message, the BSC preferentially assigns the group call
channel if the cell is not assigned the group call channel. After the channel assignment is successful,
the BSC instructs the BTS to activate the uplink and downlink of the group call channel. If the cell is
assigned the group call channel, the BSC instructs the BTS to activate only the uplink of the group
call channel.
3. After the group call channel is successfully activated, the BTS sends the BSC a Channel Activate
Acknowledge message.
4. After receiving the Channel Activate Acknowledge message, the BSC sends the MS an Assignment
Command message over the dedicated channel.
5. After receiving the Assignment Command message, the MS is switched to the group call channel to
continue talking according to the channel information in the message. Then, the MS sends the BSS
an assignment complete message.
6. After receiving the assignment complete message from the MS over the group call channel, the BSC
sends the MSC an assignment complete message. At the same time, the BSC sends the MSC a
Clear Request message through the dedicated channel that is established during the call initiation.
7. After receiving the Clear Request message from the BSC, the MSC responds with a Clear Command
message, instructing the BSC to release the dedicated channel.
8. After receiving the Clear Command message from the MSC, the BSC starts the local release
procedure and releases the radio resources and A interface resources from the dedicated channel.

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3.1.3 Reception of a VGCS Call

The destination subscriber (receiver of the call) refers to the destination service subscriber identified by
the called group ID or the dispatcher in the group call area.
Generally, a service subscriber participates in the speech conversation through the common group call
channel that is established by the network in the group call area; a dispatcher participates in the speech
conversation through the dedicated channel established by the network.
After entering the group call area, the service subscriber obtains the configuration information about the
NCH by listening to the system information. After receiving the corresponding group call notification
through the NCH, the service subscriber converts into the destination service subscriber. The MS of the
service subscriber can join the group call only when the SIM of the MS stores the corresponding group
ID. The destination service subscriber that leaves the group call area ceases to be a destination
subscriber.
The procedure for establishing a connection to the destination dispatcher is the same as the procedure
for establishing a normal point-to-point connection to the called party. The anchor MSC addresses the
dispatcher based on the number of the destination dispatcher and then establishes a dedicated
connection to the dispatcher.
After a VGCS call is established, all the dispatchers can talk and a group call channel is established in
each cell of the group call area. The group call channel is a common channel, so all the service
subscribers in the cell listen to this channel.
A service subscriber or a dispatcher can leave the group call without affecting the ongoing VGCS call.
The members that leave the VGCS call can return to the call by dialing the group ID.

3.1.4 Release and Seizure of the Uplink of the Group Call Channel
After the talk is complete, the VGCS subscriber can release the uplink of the group call channel by
pressing the PTT key. The MSC can limit the talking duration of a subscriber by requesting the BSC to
release the uplink of the group call channel. After the uplink of the group call channel is released, other
subscribers can request to be the talker by preempting the uplink.

Uplink Release
The uplink release involves the following: assigning group call channel to the initiator as a listener, talker
releasing the uplink, and BSC releasing the uplink.
 Assigning group call channel to the initiator as a listener
When the initiator seizes the dedicated channel, the MSC instructs the BSC to assign the group call
channel to the initiator as a listener if the talk is complete and the uplink is released.
 Talker releasing the uplink
The talker stops talking and the BSC releases the uplink of the group call channel. At the same time,
the BSC informs the MSC that the uplink of the group call channel is released. Then, the MSC informs
other BSCs of the release of the uplink. Thus, other subscribers can request to be the talker by
preempting the uplink.
 BSC releasing the uplink
During an ongoing VGCS call, if the MSC requires that the uplink of the group call channel be released
because of the limitation on the talking duration of a subscriber, the MSC instructs the BSC to release
the uplink. Then, the BSC releases the uplink and instructs the talker to stop talking.

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Uplink Seizure
For the VGCS, any subscriber can request to talk. At a specific time, however, only one subscriber
(except dispatchers) can talk. If a service subscriber wants to talk, the service subscriber must seize the
uplink of the group call channel by pressing the PTT key. The VGCS subscriber can request to seize the
uplink of the group call channel only when the uplink is idle.
If the group call area covers the cells of several BSCs, the MSC should inform other BSCs that the uplink
of the group call channel is seized when the subscriber served by one BSC successfully seizes the
uplink.

3.1.5 Handover of a VGCS Call

The handover of a VGCS call involves the handover upon the seizure of dedicated channel by the
initiator and the handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the talker.

VGCS Call Handover Decision

When the VGCS subscriber performs handover decision as a talker, the neighbor cells should be filtered.
Only the neighbor cells in the same group call area can be the candidate cells. If a VGCS call is handed
over to a cell beyond the group call area, the MSC directly clears the call. Thus, the handover fails.

Handover upon the Seizure of Dedicated Channel by the Initiator

If the initiator seizes the dedicated channel, the following cases are available:
 In the case of an intra-BSC handover, the BSC reassigns a dedicated channel to the initiator in the
target cell. The handover procedure is the same as the normal point-to-point call handover procedure.
 In the case of an inter-BSC handover, the MSC determines whether to assign a dedicated channel in
the target cell or to hand over the VGCS call to the group call channel of the target cell.
− If the MSC requests the BSC to establish a new connection on the A interface and to send a
Handover Request message through the connection, the BSC should reassign the dedicated channel.
The handling procedure is the same as that in the incoming BSC handover of a point-to-point call.
− If the MSC sends a Handover Request message through the resource controlling SCCP connection
that corresponds to the target cell, the VGCS call is handed over to the group call channel of the target
cell. The handling procedure is the same as that in the incoming inter-BSC handover of the talker of the
VGCS call.

Handover upon the Seizure of Group Call Channel by the Talker

The handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the talker is classified into intra-BSC handover
and inter-BSC handover. The intra-BSC handover is classified into intra-cell handover and inter-cell
handover.
 Intra-BSC handover
− Intra-cell handover
If the BSC determines that the handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the talker is an
intra-cell handover, the BSC initiates an outgoing BSC handover. After receiving a handover request
from the BSC, the MSC sends a Handover Request message to hand over the talker to the
dedicated channel. The handling procedure is the same as the procedure for the inter-BSC handover
of the talker.
− Inter-cell handover
When the talker moves from one cell to another cell under the same BSC in the same group call area,
the procedure for the intra-BSC inter-cell handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the

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talker is triggered. Figure 3-3 shows the procedure for the intra-BSC inter-cell handover upon the
seizure of group call channel by the talker.
Figure 3-3 Procedure for the intra-BSC inter-cell handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the
talker

MS BTS2 BSC BTS1 MS MSC

Measurement
Measurement Report(1)
Channel Result(2)
Activation(3) SACCH
Channel
Channel Activation Modify
Acknowledge(4) Prepare(5)
Handover
Handover Command(6)
Access(7)
FACCH
FACCH Start T3103

Start T3124
Handover
Access(7) Handover Detect(8)
FACCH
PHY INFO(9)
FACCH

Stop T3124

SABM(10) Establish
Indication(11)
FACCH
UA(12)
FACCH Handover
Complete(13)
FACCH
Stop T3103
Handover
Performed(14)

The procedure for the intra-BSC inter-cell handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the
talker is similar to the normal call procedure. The difference is that the VGCS call handover is
performed only between the cells in the group call area. If the target cell is beyond the group call area,
the MS is handed over to the dedicated TCH of the target cell. After receiving a Handover Perform
message, the MSC, however, finds that the target cell is beyond the group call area and then clears
the uplink of the group call channel forcibly.
 Inter-BSC handover
If the talker moves to the cell under another BSC in the same group call area, or if an intra-cell
handover is performed, the procedure for the inter-BSC handover upon the seizure of group call
channel by the talker is triggered.
Figure 3-4 shows the procedure for the inter-BSC handover upon the seizure of group call channel by
the talker.

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Figure 3-4 Procedure for the inter-BSC handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the talker

MS BTS1 BSC1 MSC BSC2 BTS2 MS

Measurement
Handover
Report from MS(1) Handover
Required(2) Channel
SACCH Request(3)
Activation(4)
Start T7
Channel Activation
Handover Request Acknowledge(5)
Handover Acknowledge(6)
Command(7)

Stop T7
Handover
Handover
Command(8) Handover
Command(9)
Access(9)
FACCH
Start T8
Start T3124

Handover
Handover Access(10)
Handover Detect(11)
FACCH
Detect(12)
PHY
INFO(13)
FACCH

Stop T3124

Establish SABM(14)
Indication(15) FACCH

UA(16)
FACCH
Handover
Handover Complete(17)
Handover Complete(18)
Handover Complete(19) FACCH
Succeed(20)

Stop T8

Clear
Complete(21)

The procedure for the inter-BSC handover upon the seizure of group call channel by the talker is
similar to the normal call procedure. The differences are as follows:
− After the handover is complete, the MSC sends the original BSC a Handover Succeed message
instead of Clear Command message.
− The VGCS call handover is performed only between the cells in the group call area. If the target cell
is beyond the group call area, the MS is handed over to the dedicated TCH of the target cell. During the
handover, if the MSC finds that the target cell is beyond the group call area, the MSC clears the uplink
of the group call channel forcibly.

3.1.6 Release of a VGCS Call

A VGCS call can be released by the calling service subscriber, calling dispatcher, or network.

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Among the service subscribers, only the calling service subscriber can release the VGCS call. Other
service subscribers cannot release the VGCS call, but they can leave the call, without affecting the
ongoing call. The calling service subscriber can leave or terminate the call.
After the calling dispatcher hangs up the phone, the VGCS call is released.
During a VGCS call, if no dispatcher is connected to the network or no service subscriber seizes the
uplink channel in the predefined period, the MSC automatically releases the call.

3.2 VBS
3.2.1 Overview
The VBS is similar to the VGCS. The difference is that only the initiator is allowed to talk during a VBS
call and other members are always in the listening state. (GBFD-510302 Public Voice Broadcast
Service)
The members of a VBS call are classified into dispatchers and service subscribers.
 Dispatcher
A VBS call has a maximum of five dispatchers, which can be fixed-line or mobile subscribers. In a VBS
call, dispatchers participate in the speech conversation through a dedicated channel that is
established by the network.
 Service subscriber
A mobile subscriber that subscribes to the VBS is called a service subscriber. In a VBS call, a
destination service subscriber participates in the speech conversation through the voice broadcast
channel in the group call area.
The calling dispatcher is allowed to establish a call to a group of subscribers that belong to a predefined
service area and group ID. During the call, only the initiator is allowed to talk and other dispatchers and
service subscribers are only allowed to listen. The service area can be made up of cells belonging to one
or more MSCs. During the call, each cell involved has a voice broadcast channel, where the uplink is
available for only the current talker (group transmit mode) and the downlink available for all the listeners
to camp on (group receive mode). The notification messages are broadcast on the notification channel
(NCH).

3.2.2 Initiation and Establishment of a VBS Call

The establishment of a voice broadcast service (VBS) call can be initiated by a service subscriber or
dispatcher.

Initiation of a VBS Call

A dispatcher initiates a VBS call by dialing "Prefix + Broadcast call reference" (Prefix identifies a VBS
call). A service subscriber initiates a VBS call in the group call area by dialing the group ID. For a service
subscriber initiated VBS call, the group call area is uniquely identified by the dialed group ID and the cell
where the calling service subscriber is located.
The prerequisites for a service subscriber to initiate a VBS call are as follows:
 The group ID is stored in the SIMs of the MSs of the calling and destination service subscribers and
the group ID is activated.
 The calling service subscriber has subscribed to the VBS that corresponds to the group ID in the HLR.
 The GCR is configured with VBS data (including VBS type, VBS reference, and cell list).
 The calling service subscriber initiates a call in the group call area.

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The prerequisites for a dispatcher to initiate a VBS call are as follows:

 The anchor MSC is configured with the prefix of the VBS call.
 The anchor MSC is configured with the dispatcher ID and the dispatcher has the right to originate a
call.

Establishment and Notification of a VBS Call

After receiving a VBS request, the MSC queries the group information in the GCR based on the group ID
and the ID of the cell where the VBS call is initiated. Then, the MSC assigns a dedicated channel to the
initiator and assigns voice broadcast channels to the cells in the group call area.
The BSC establishes a voice broadcast channel in each cell of the group call area and sends the
notification message (including broadcast call reference and voice broadcast channel description) on the
NCH. At the same time, the BSC assigns the initiator the dedicated channel.

Assignment of Voice Broadcast Channels and Power Control

The listening service subscribers share the downlink of the voice broadcast channel. No dedicated
channel is available between a listening service subscriber and the network. The channel request
message is not aimed at specific subscribers, so the information such as the TA, receive level,
handover-related data, MS capability, MS mode in the message is invalid. To ensure that all the service
subscribers can join the VBS call, such a channel should be preferentially assigned during the channel
assignment: The frequency band of the channel is compatible with the frequency band where the main
BCCH is located. If a cell is configured as the attribute of concentric cell, the voice broadcast channel
should be preferentially assigned in the underlaid subcell. When the GCSCHNASSULCHNEN
parameter of a cell is enabled, the voice broadcast channel can also be assigned in the overlaid subcell
if the underlaid subcell is congested. As a result, however, some MSs that are incompatible with the
overlaid subcell frequency band cannot receive VBS calls.
The listening service subscribers share the downlink of the voice broadcast channel. Therefore, power
control cannot be performed on the downlink and signals are always transmitted at the maximum
transmit power. On the uplink, however, power control can be performed.

Assigning the Initiator a Dedicated Channel and Then the Voice Broadcast
Channel as a Talker
When a VBS call is established, the system assigns a dedicated channel for the initiator to talk. After the
voice broadcast channel is successfully assigned, the MSC assigns the voice broadcast channel for the
initiator to continue talking through the SCCP connection on the dedicated channel.
If the MSC does not support the assignment of the voice broadcast channel to the initiator as a talker, the
initiator occupies the dedicated channel all the time. The MSC instructs the BSC to assign the group call
channel to the initiator only when the initiator stops talking by releasing the PTT key. In this case, the
initiator becomes a listener.

3.2.3 Reception of a VBS Call

The handling procedure for the reception of a VBS call is the same as that for the reception of a VGCS
call.
See 3.1.3 Reception of a VGCS Call.

3.2.4 Handover of a VBS Call

The handling procedure for the handover of a VBS call is the same as that for the handover of a VGCS
call.

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See 3.1.5 Handover of a VGCS Call.

3.2.5 Release of a VBS Call

The handling procedure for the release of a VBS call is the same as that for the release of a VGCS call.
See 3.1.6 Release of a VGCS Call.

3.3 Delayed Assignment of the VGCS/VBS Channel

Delayed assignment of the VGCS channel (also referred to as group call channel)/VBS channel (also
referred to as voice broadcast channel) indicates the following: When a VGCS/VBS call is established,
no radio channels are assigned. If the cell has a VGCS/VBS subscriber, the subscriber sends a Channel
Request message to the network after receiving a notification message. Then, the network assigns the
VGCS/VBS channel to this cell through the notification response procedure. If the assignment of the
VGCS/VBS channel is delayed when a VGCS/VBS call is established, the radio channel resources can
be saved effectively and the congestion rate of the radio channel can be decreased. (GBFD-510303
Late Broadcast Channel Assignment, GBFD-510304 Late Broadcast Channel Assignment)
When a VGCS/VBS call is established, the MSC indicates the following methods of assigning the radio
channel in the VGCS/VBS assignment request message:
 The VGCS/VBS channel is assigned in a delayed manner.
 The VGCS/VBS channel is assigned in an immediate manner and the VGCS/VBS channel cannot be
released until the VGCS/VBS call is complete.
 The VGCS/VBS channel is assigned in an immediate manner and the VGCS/VBS channel can be
released before the VGCS/VBS call is complete.
For the immediate assignment of the VGCS/VBS channel, the BSC should assign the A-interface circuits
and establish the group call channel. After the group call channel is successfully established, a
notification message with channel description is sent in the cell. The VGCS subscriber enters this cell
and receives information through the VGCS/VBS channel.
For the delayed assignment of the VGCS/VBS channel, the BSC only assigns the A-interface circuits
without establishing the VGCS/VBS channel. A notification message without channel description is sent
in the cell. If a VGCS/VBS subscriber enters this cell, the VGCS/VBS channel is established through the
notification response procedure without affecting the ongoing services.

3.4 Downlink Detection

Downlink detection is a process in which the BSC detects whether the current cell has a VGCS
subscriber in the predefined period after the group call channel is successfully assigned. If the group call
area is large, some cells may not have a VGCS subscriber in a certain period. The downlink detection
can save radio resources.
When a call is established, the BSS starts the downlink detection procedure after the group call channel
is successfully assigned if the MSC requests the BSS to assign the group call channel immediately and if
the BSS is allowed to release the group call channel during the VGCS call.
 If the BSC detects that the current cell does not have a VGCS subscriber in the predefined period, the
BSC directly releases the group call channel.
 If the BSC detects that the current cell has a VGCS subscriber, the BSC reserves the group call
channel.
After a VGCS call is established, the downlink detection is started and the cell involved in the VGCS call
is queried. If the cell has a VGCS subscriber, the subscriber returns an acknowledge message to the
BSC. If the cell does not have a VGCS subscriber, the BSC performs repeated detection based on the

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DLTESTRESENDINT. If the BSC does not receive an acknowledge message from a VGCS subscriber
after the number of retransmissions reaches the DLTESTRESENDNUM, the BSC releases the group
call channel in the cell to save the channel resources.
After the group call channel is released, the BSS sends a notification message (without channel
description) in the cell. If a VGCS subscriber enters this cell, the group call channel is reactivated
through the notification response procedure without affecting the ongoing services.

3.5 Initiation of a VGCS Call Through One Channel

During VGCS call initiation, the initiator does not seize a dedicated channel; instead, the network
regards the initiator as a talker and assigns the initiator a group call channel to establish the VGCS call.
Thus, the dedicated channels can be saved. (GBFD-510305 Single Channel Group Call Originating)
Whether to initiate a VGCS call through only one channel is determined by the MSC. The MSC sends
the BSC an assignment request message over the A interface, instructing the BSC to assign a group call
channel to the talker.
Compared with the normal VGCS call initiation, the initiation of a VGCS call through only one channel
saves TCHs and A-interface circuits. The initiation of a VGCS call through only one channel, however,
takes more time because the network has to establish a group call channel before assigning the group
call channel to the initiator.
The procedure for initiating a VGCS call through only one channel is similar to the normal VGCS call
initiation procedure. The differences are as follow:
 When a VGCS call is initiated through only one channel, the MSC delivers an assignment request
message after a VGCS call is established. The message indicates that the initiator should be assigned
the group call channel. Therefore, no dedicated channel is assigned.
 The initiator accesses the group call channel and sends an assignment complete message over the
channel.

3.6 Talker Identification

Talker identification is a process in which the information about the talking subscriber is sent to listening
subscribers when a VGCS subscriber talks on the uplink of the group call channel. (GBFD-510306
Talker Identification)
When a VGCS call is initiated, the network sends the information about the initiator to the listening
subscribers. When a VGCS subscriber talks on the uplink of the group call channel, the network sends
the information about the talking subscriber to the listening subscribers. After a listening subscriber
receives the information, the information can be displayed on the terminal screen in real time. If no
subscriber is talking, the ID of the talking subscriber is not displayed on the terminal screens of listening
subscribers.

3.7 eMLPP in VGCS/VBS

The eMLPP service provides seven priorities (A, B, 0-4). During call establishment or handover, a group
or MS with high priority can be preferentially assigned radio resources or preempt the radio resources
seized by an MS with low priority. (GBFD-510307 Group Call EMLPP)
The priorities (from the highest to the lowest) are as follows:
 A(highest,for network internal use)
 B(for network internal use)
 0(for subscription)
 1(for subscription)

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 2(for subscription)
 3(for subscription)
 4(lowest, for subscription)
Priorities A and B are the highest priorities, and are used for only network maintenance. Priorities A and
B are meaningful for the local MSC. In the areas out of the control of the local MSC, priorities A and B are
regarded as priority 0. Other priorities are applicable globally and can be used in different networks.
Before the VGCS attribute data of a VGCS/VBS call is obtained, the priority of the call is determined
according to the priority of the calling service subscriber. After the VGCS attribute data of a VGCS/VBS
call is obtained, the priority of the call is determined according to the priority of the group specified in the
GCR.
For details of the eMLPP function, see eMLPP Feature Parameter Description. The application of
eMLPP in VGCS/VBS is described here.

3.7.1 Service Preemption

During an ongoing call, if a new call is initiated, the system determines whether to accept the new call
based on the priorities of these two calls.

Preemption of a Point-to-Point Call by a VGCS Call

Assume the following: Subscribers A and B are making a point-to-point call and the priority of the call is
BA; a VGCS call P to which subscriber A has subscribed is initiated and the priority of the call is PA.
Based on the PA, FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND, and SENDFACCHNOTPRI, the BSC determines whether
to send the notification message of the VGCS call P on the FACCH of a certain cell in the group call
area.
 If the FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND is set to Yes and PA is higher than SENDFACCHNOTPRI, the BSC
sends the notification message of the VGCS call P on the FACCH of the cell. When subscriber A
detects the new VGCS call, it determines whether to terminate the ongoing point-to-point call to
participate in the VGCS call.
 If the FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND is set to Yes and PA is lower than SENDFACCHNOTPRI, or if the
FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND is set to No, the BSC sends the notification message of the VGCS call
only on the NCH. In this case, subscriber A is in an ongoing call; therefore, it does not listen to the
NCH and thus cannot detect the new VGCS call.

Preemption of a VGCS Call by Another VGCS Call

Subscriber A is a service subscriber of groups G1 and G2. The priority of G1 is P1 and the priority of G2
is P2. A VGCS call to group G1 is initiated. Then, a VGCS call to group G2 is initiated. The principles of
the preemption between the VGCS calls are as follows:
 If the FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND is set to Yes and P2 is higher than SENDFACCHNOTPRI, the BSC
sends the notification message of the VGCS call to G2 on the FACCH of the cell. When subscriber A
detects the VGCS call to G2, it determines whether to terminate the ongoing VGCS call to G1 so that it
can participate in the new VGCS call to G2.
 If the FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND is set to Yes and P2 is lower than SENDFACCHNOTPRI, or if the
FACCHSENDNOTMSGIND is set to No, the BSC sends the notification message of the VGCS call to
G2 only on the NCH. In this case, subscriber A cannot detect the VGCS call to G2.

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Preemption of a VGCS Call by a Point-to-Point Call

Subscriber A is a service subscriber to group G and the priority of group G is P. A VGCS call to group G
is initiated. Then, subscriber B makes a call to subscriber A and the priority of the call is BA. The MSC
delivers the paging message to subscriber A and the priority is BA.
 If the FACCH Send Paging Msg Indication is set to Yes and BA is higher than SENDFACCHPAGPRI,
the BSC sends the paging message on the FACCH of the cell. When subscriber A detects the paging
message, it determines whether to terminate the ongoing VGCS call so that it can respond to the
paging message.
 If the FACCH Send Paging Msg Indication is set to Yes and BA is lower than SENDFACCHPAGPRI,
or if the FACCH Send Paging Msg Indication is set to No, the BSC sends the paging message only
on the PCH. In this case, subscriber A is in group receive mode; therefore, it does not listen to the PCH
and thus cannot receive the paging message.

3.7.2 Resource Preemption

If network resources (such as processing capability, signaling channels, and traffic channels) are
insufficient, calls with high priorities do not release network resources. In this case, new calls with high
priorities can queue or even preempt the resources seized by calls with low priorities.
The preemption of network resources by VGCS calls is the same as that by point-to-point calls. If the
GCSIMPREEMPTIONEN parameter is set to Yes, the channel of the subscriber that is preempted is
directly released. If this parameter is set to No, the subscriber that is preempted is handed over to
another cell.

3.8 Fast VGCS Call

To initiate a fast VGCS call, an MS sends an Immediate Setup message to request the establishment of
the VGCS call. (GBFD-510308 Fast Group Call Setup)
To initiate a normal VGCS call, the MS first sends a CM Service Request message to request the
establishment of an MM connection. After the MM connection is established, the MS sends a Setup
message to request the establishment of the VGCS call.
In a fast VGCS call establishment procedure, the MS sends an Immediate Setup message (containing
Classmark, Group ID, and MS identity) to request the establishment of an MM connection and a VGCS
call. This saves the duration for initiating a VGCS call.
The fast VGCS call establishment procedure is similar to the normal VGCS call establishment procedure.
The differences between the two procedures are as follow:
 The MS sends an Immediate Setup message to request the establishment of an MM connection and a
VGCS call.
 After receiving the Immediate Setup message, the MSC establishes the MM connection and then
initiates a VGCS call establishment procedure.

3.9 Enhancement of VGCS/VBS

Enhancement of VGCS/VBS consists of fallback and VGCS resource check. (GBFD-510309 Group Call
Reliability Enhancing)
 Fallback
If the requirement for service continuity is high, the fallback function is provided in the BTS coverage
area when the BTS is out of service because of transmission failure.
 VGCS resource check

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Periodical VGCS resource checks are performed on the BSC and BTS to eliminate inconsistent VGCS
calls. At present, the VGCS resource check function can be used to solve the problem that a VGCS
call exists on the BTS side but does not exist on the BSC side.
The fallback function takes effect quickly and effectively during emergencies, such as emergency service,
disaster relief, first aid, and emergency evacuation. The fallback function is mandatory for Public Access
Mobile Radio (PAMR) networks.
When the BSS system malfunctions, the following condition may occur: A VGCS call is terminated but
the BTS periodically sends the notification message. Thus, an MS responds repeatedly, but it cannot join
the VGCS call. If the periodical VGCS resource check is performed on the BSC and BTS, the following
case can be avoided: A VGCS call exists on the BTS side but does not exist on the BSC side.

3.9.1 Fallback
In fallback mode, if a VGCS call is configured in the BTS, the BTS initiates the VGCS call once
transmission is disrupted. Subscribers can seize the uplink but cannot abort the VGCS call. If a VGCS
call is not configured in the BTS, subscribers can initiate VGCS calls.
The features of the fallback function are as follows:
 The disruption and recovery of transmission links are automatically detected.
 After the BTS enters the fallback mode, the MS keeps communicating with the network.
 After a transmission link is disrupted, the network initiates the previously configured VGCS call.
 Subscribers automatically participate in the group.
 A subscriber can become the talking subscriber in the group.
 The talking duration of a subscriber can be limited so that resources are optimally allocated.
 In the case of multiple cells under a BTS, the BTS can initiate cross-cell VGCS calls.
The parameters related to the fallback function can be configured on the Local Maintenance Terminal.
These parameters are as follows:
 ENABLE
 STARTTIME
 STOPTIME
 NOVGCSTIME
 UPLNKMAXLENGTH
 CHNTYPE
 GROUPCALLNUM1
 GROUPCALLNUM2
 SPEECHVERSION

3.9.2 VGCS Resource Check

The BSC adopts the periodical check mechanism. This avoids CPU overload in the case that the BSC
suddenly receives a large number of VGCS check messages.
The setting of the Group Call Check parameter determines whether to enable the VGCS resource
check function. The procedure for VGCS resource check is as follows:
1. After the timer for VGCS check expires, the BSC sends the BTS a VGCS resource check message
through the RSL link of the BCCH TRX.

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2. After receiving the VGCS resource check message, the BTS sends the BSC a list of ongoing VGCS
calls in the cells under the BTS.
3. Based on the list of ongoing VGCS calls reported by the BTS and the group call reference table in the
BSC, the BSC performs consistency check. If a VGCS call does not exist in the group call reference
table, the BSC sends the BTS a notification message, instructing the BTS to abort the VGCS call.
4. If none of the cells under the BTS has VGCS calls, the BTS does not send any message to the BSC.

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VGCS/VBS 4 Engineering Guidelines

4 Engineering Guidelines
If the core network of the traditional GSM system cannot be replaced with the GSM-R core network,
GSM-R services and traditional GSM services can be processed in the same network. That is, the BSC
implements the function of forwarding GSM-R services. Figure 4-1 shows the co-networking of GSM-R
services and traditional GSM services. (GBFD-510310 GSM-T Relay)
Figure 4-1 Co-networking of GSM-R services and traditional GSM services

SGSN/GGSN
GSM services MSC

GSM-R services Management

server

Cluster MSC

BSC

BTS BTS
BTS

The BSC is connected to both the public MSC and the cluster MSC, and the two MSCs are independent
of each other. Whether the public MSC supports MSC Pool has no impact on the cluster MSC. One BSC
can be shared by multiple operators. Each operator has only one cluster MSC. The co-networking
solution does not affect the total number of signaling points supported by the BSC.
SptPaging must be set to YES to enable the BSC to forward GSM-R services.

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VGCS/VBS 5 Parameters

5 Parameters
Table 5-1 Parameters Description
Parameter ID NE MML Description
GCSCHNASSULCHN BSC6900 SET Meaning: Whether the
EN GCELLGSMR(Optional) assignment of channels in
overlaid subcells is enabled for
the VGCS service in the case
of underlaid subcell
congestion. Generally, only the
channels in underlaid subcells
can be assigned to the VGCS
service.

GUI Value Range: NO(No),

YES(Yes)
Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: YES
DLTESTRESENDINT BSC6900 SET Meaning: Interval for resending
GCELLGSMR(Optional) downlink test messages

GUI Value Range: 0~255

Actual Value Range: 0~255
Unit: s
Default Value: 0
DLTESTRESENDNU BSC6900 SET Meaning: Number of times of
M GCELLGSMR(Optional) the BSC resending downlink
test messages after the
downlink test function is
enabled. If the BSC does not
receive any response
message from the MS at the
preset interval, the BSC
releases the relevant voice
group call service (VGCS)
channel.

GUI Value Range: 1~255

Actual Value Range: 1~255
Unit: None
Default Value: 5

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GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 5 Parameters

FACCHSENDNOTMS BSC6900 SET Meaning: Whether to allow

GIND GCELLGSMR(Optional) sending notification messages
on the FACCH. If the value of
this parameter is YES, an MS
engaged in a point-to-point call
can receive a notification
message for a group call. You
can interrupt the existing call
and join the group call.

GUI Value Range: NO(No),

YES(Yes)
Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: NO
SENDFACCHNOTPR BSC6900 SET Meaning: Priority of the
I GCELLGSMR(Optional) notification message
transmission on the FACCH.
From high to low, the priorities
are A, B, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and No
Priority. No Priority is the
lowest. When the priority of the
group call is higher than or
equal to the value specified by
this parameter, the notification
message is sent on the
FACCH.

GUI Value Range:

NoPriority(No Priority),
Priority4(Priority 4),
Priority3(Priority3),
Priority2(Priority 2),
Priority1(Priority 1),
Priority0(Priority 0),
PriorityB(Priority B),
PriorityA(Priority A)
Actual Value Range:
NoPriority, Priority4, Priority3,
Priority2, Priority1, Priority0,
PriorityB, PriorityA
Unit: None
Default Value: NoPriority

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GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 5 Parameters

SENDFACCHPAGPR BSC6900 SET Meaning: Priority of the paging

I GCELLGSMR(Optional) message transmission on the
FACCH. From high to low, the
priorities are A, B, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
and No Priority. No Priority is
the lowest. When the priority of
the call is higher than the value
specified by this parameter,
the paging message is sent on
the FACCH.

GUI Value Range:

NoPriority(No Priority),
Priority4(Priority 4),
Priority3(Priority3),
Priority2(Priority 2),
Priority1(Priority 1),
Priority0(Priority 0),
PriorityB(Priority B),
PriorityA(Priority A)
Actual Value Range:
NoPriority, Priority4, Priority3,
Priority2, Priority1, Priority0,
PriorityB, PriorityA
Unit: None
Default Value: NoPriority
GCSIMPREEMPTION BSC6900 SET Meaning: Whether direct
EN GCELLGSMR(Optional) preemption of the channels of
other services is enabled for
the VGCS service. If the value
of this parameter is NO, a
handover is performed for the
call whose channel is
preempted. If the value is YES,
calls on the preempted
channel are directly released.

GUI Value Range: NO(No),

YES(Yes)
Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: YES
ENABLE BSC6900 SET Meaning: Whether to enable
BTSFALLBACK(Option the fallback function for the
al) BTS

GUI Value Range: NO(No),

YES(Yes)
Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: NO

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GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 5 Parameters

STARTTIME BSC6900 SET Meaning: Time for which the

BTSFALLBACK(Option BTS waits to start the fallback
al) function after the OML is
interrupted. With this
parameter, the BTS does not
start the fallback function when
the OML is interrupted
transiently.

GUI Value Range: 60~600

Actual Value Range: 60~600
Unit: s
Default Value: 240
STOPTIME BSC6900 SET Meaning: Time for which the
BTSFALLBACK(Option BTS waits to stop the fallback
al) function after the OML is set
up. With this parameter, the
BTS does not stop the fallback
function when the OML is set
up transiently.

GUI Value Range: 60~300

Actual Value Range: 60~300
Unit: s
Default Value: 120
NOVGCSTIME BSC6900 SET Meaning: If the BTS works in
BTSFALLBACK(Option fallback mode and uplink
al) VGCS connection is idle for a
period specified by this
parameter, the BTS disables
the VGCS connection
automatically. This parameter
is valid only for user-originated
VGCS calls and is invalid for
fixed VGCS calls.

GUI Value Range: 10~255

Actual Value Range: 10~255
Unit: s
Default Value: 30
UPLNKMAXLENGTH BSC6900 SET Meaning: Maximum time in
BTSFALLBACK(Option which a user uses the uplink of
al) its VGCS call continuously
when the BTS works in fallback
mode

GUI Value Range: 10~255

Actual Value Range: 10~255
Unit: s
Default Value: 30

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GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 5 Parameters

CHNTYPE BSC6900 SET Meaning: Channel type of the

BTSCHNFALLBACK(M timeslot on the TRX. The
andatory) channel type of timeslot 0 must
not be set, because the
combined BCCH is configured
by default. The channel type of
other timeslots can be set to
full-rate TCH or half-rate TCH.

GUI Value Range:

FULLTCH(FULLTCH),
HALFTCH(HALFTCH)
Actual Value Range:
FULLTCH, HALFTCH
Unit: None
Default Value: None
GROUPCALLNUM1 BSC6900 SET Meaning: Number of the VGCS
BTSCHNFALLBACK(M call that the BTS originates in
andatory) the timeslot in the TRX in
fallback mode. This parameter
is represented in decimal, such
as 10000569. If this parameter
is set to 100000000, the
channel is not configured with
any fixed group call.

GUI Value Range:

0~100000000
Actual Value Range:
0~100000000
Unit: None
Default Value: None
GROUPCALLNUM2 BSC6900 SET Meaning: Number of the VGCS
BTSCHNFALLBACK(M call that the BTS originates in
andatory) the timeslot in the TRX in
fallback mode. This parameter
is represented in decimal, such
as 10000569. If this parameter
is set to 100000000, the
channel is not configured with
any fixed group call.

GUI Value Range:

0~100000000
Actual Value Range:
0~100000000
Unit: None
Default Value: None

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 5 Parameters

SPEECHVERSION BSC6900 SET Meaning: Speech version

BTSCHNFALLBACK(M configured on the TRX timeslot
andatory) when the BTS works in fallback
mode. When "CHNTYPE" of
the TRX timeslot is set to
"FULLTCH", value 0 of this
parameter indicates FR and
value 1 indicates EFR; when
"CHNTYPE" of the TRX
timeslot is set to "HALFRCH",
this parameter is invalid.

GUI Value Range: FR(FR),

EFR(EFR)
Actual Value Range: FR, EFR
Unit: None
Default Value: FR
SptPaging BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Whether the BSC
GCNNODE(Optional) forwards the paging message
MOD from the trunking MSC to the
GCNNODE(Optional) MS. When this parameter is
set to YES, the BSC forwards
the paging message from the
trunking MSC to the MS and
forwards the corresponding
paging response from the MS
to the trunking MSC.

GUI Value Range: NO(No),

YES(Yes)
Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: NO

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 6 Counters

6 Counters
For the counters, see the BSC6900 GSM Performance Counter Reference.

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 7 Glossary

7 Glossary
For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see the Glossary.

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 GSM BSS
VGCS/VBS 8 Reference Documents

8 Reference Documents
[1] 3GPP TS 42.068 V4.2.0 (Stage 1)
[2] 3GPP TS 43.068 V4.6.0 (Stage 2)
[3] 3GPP TS 42.069 V4.2.0 (Stage 1)
[4] 3GPP TS 43.069 V4.5.0 (Stage 2)
[5] 3GPP TS 03.67 V7.2.0
[6] 3GPP TS 48.008 V4.10.0
[7] 3GPP TS 48.058 V4.1.0
[8] 3GPP TS 44.018 V4.23.0
[9] BSC6900 Feature List
[10] BSC6900 Optional Feature Description
[11] BSC6900 GSM Parameter Reference
[12] BSC6900 GSM MML Command Reference
[13] BSC6900 GSM Performance Counter Reference

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