BSSGP (Base Station Sub-system GPRS Protocol)

Last updated on Mar 6, 2023

Introduction:

The Base Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol (BSSGP) is a protocol that operates in the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) network architecture. It provides the interface between the SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) and the BSC (Base Station Controller), allowing the BSC to control and manage the radio resources in a GPRS network. The BSSGP protocol is designed to be efficient, reliable and scalable, allowing for the effective use of radio resources and the support of a large number of users.

BSSGP Protocol Architecture:

The BSSGP protocol consists of several functional entities, including the BSSGP user plane, the BSSGP control plane, and the BSSGP management plane. The BSSGP user plane is responsible for the transport of user data packets between the SGSN and the BSC, while the BSSGP control plane is responsible for the transport of control messages between the two entities. The BSSGP management plane is responsible for the management of the BSSGP protocol itself, including the configuration of parameters and the handling of errors.

The BSSGP protocol is designed to operate in a hierarchical manner, with each BSC being connected to one or more SGSNs. Each BSC is responsible for managing a set of radio resources, including one or more cells. The BSC communicates with the SGSN via the BSSGP protocol, allowing the SGSN to control and manage the radio resources in the GPRS network.

BSSGP Protocol Functions:

The BSSGP protocol provides a range of functions, including the establishment and release of GPRS sessions, the allocation and management of radio resources, and the management of quality of service (QoS) parameters. Some of the key functions provided by the BSSGP protocol are described below.

GPRS Session Establishment and Release:

The BSSGP protocol is responsible for the establishment and release of GPRS sessions between the SGSN and the BSC. When a user wishes to initiate a GPRS session, the SGSN sends a request to the BSC via the BSSGP protocol. The BSC then allocates the necessary radio resources and sends a response to the SGSN, allowing the GPRS session to be established. Similarly, when a user wishes to release a GPRS session, the SGSN sends a request to the BSC via the BSSGP protocol, allowing the necessary radio resources to be released.

Radio Resource Management:

The BSSGP protocol is responsible for the allocation and management of radio resources in the GPRS network. It allows the BSC to control and manage the allocation of radio channels, ensuring that they are used efficiently and effectively. The BSSGP protocol also provides mechanisms for the management of congestion, allowing the BSC to allocate additional radio resources as necessary.

Quality of Service (QoS) Management:

The BSSGP protocol provides mechanisms for the management of QoS parameters, ensuring that the necessary level of service is provided to each user. It allows the SGSN to configure QoS parameters for each user, including the maximum data rate, the guaranteed data rate, and the delay and jitter requirements. The BSC then manages the radio resources to ensure that the required QoS is provided.

Error Handling and Recovery:

The BSSGP protocol provides mechanisms for the handling of errors and the recovery from failures. It includes a range of error codes and messages, allowing errors to be identified and resolved quickly and efficiently. The BSSGP protocol also provides mechanisms for the recovery from failures, allowing the network to continue to operate effectively even in the event of a failure.

Conclusion:

The Base Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol (BSSGP) is a critical component of the GPRS network architecture, providing the interface between the SGSN and the BSC. It allows the BSC to control and manage the radio resources in the GPRS network, ensuring that they are used efficiently and effectively. The BSSGP protocol is designed to be efficient, reliable, and scalable, allowing for the effective use of radio resources and the support of a large number of users.

Some of the key functions provided by the BSSGP protocol include the establishment and release of GPRS sessions, the allocation and management of radio resources, the management of quality of service (QoS) parameters, and the handling of errors and recovery from failures. By providing these functions, the BSSGP protocol ensures that the GPRS network operates effectively and efficiently, providing a high level of service to users.

In conclusion, the Base Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol (BSSGP) is a critical component of the GPRS network architecture, providing the interface between the SGSN and the BSC. It allows the BSC to control and manage the radio resources in the GPRS network, ensuring that they are used efficiently and effectively. By providing a range of functions, including the establishment and release of GPRS sessions, the allocation and management of radio resources, and the management of QoS parameters, the BSSGP protocol ensures that the GPRS network operates effectively and efficiently, providing a high level of service to users.