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CCN (Cell Change Notification)

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Cell Change Notification (CCN) is a mechanism in cellular communication networks that informs a mobile device when it moves from one cell to another. When a mobile device moves from one cell to another, the device has to establish a new connection with the new cell. The process of establishing a new connection is called handover or handoff. CCN is an essential component of the handover process in cellular communication networks. This article explains the CCN mechanism, its purpose, and how it works.

Purpose of CCN:

The primary purpose of CCN is to ensure uninterrupted communication between the mobile device and the cellular network as the device moves from one cell to another. When a mobile device moves from one cell to another, the signal quality of the device may degrade, leading to a drop in call quality or data transfer rate. CCN provides a mechanism to ensure that the device establishes a new connection with the new cell before the signal quality of the previous cell degrades below a certain threshold.

CCN Mechanism:

CCN involves the following entities:

  1. Mobile Station (MS): The mobile device that moves from one cell to another.
  2. Serving Base Station (Serving BS): The base station that currently serves the MS.
  3. Target Base Station (Target BS): The base station that will serve the MS after the handover.
  4. Mobile Switching Center (MSC): The entity responsible for managing the handover process.

The CCN mechanism involves the following steps:

  1. Measurement Report: The MS continuously measures the signal quality of the serving BS and neighboring BSs. The MS sends a measurement report to the serving BS indicating the signal quality of the neighboring BSs.
  2. Handover Decision: The serving BS uses the measurement report to decide when to initiate a handover. The decision is based on the signal quality of the neighboring BSs and the threshold value set by the network operator.
  3. Handover Request: If the serving BS decides to initiate a handover, it sends a handover request to the MSC. The handover request includes the identity of the MS, the identity of the serving BS, and the identity of the target BS.
  4. Handover Command: The MSC sends a handover command to the serving BS and the target BS. The handover command includes the identity of the MS, the identity of the serving BS, and the identity of the target BS. The serving BS and the target BS then coordinate the handover process.
  5. Handover Complete: The MS establishes a new connection with the target BS, and the handover process is complete. The MS can now continue communication with the network through the target BS.

CCN in GSM Networks:

In GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks, CCN is implemented using the following protocols:

  1. Radio Resource Control (RRC): RRC is responsible for establishing and maintaining the radio link between the MS and the BS. RRC includes a procedure called Cell Update, which is used to inform the network of the current cell of the MS.
  2. Mobility Management (MM): MM is responsible for managing the mobility of the MS. MM includes a procedure called Location Area Update (LAU), which is used to inform the network of the current location area of the MS.
  3. Call Control (CC): CC is responsible for establishing and maintaining the call between the MS and the network. CC includes a procedure called Handover, which is used to initiate the handover process.

CCN in UMTS Networks:

In UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) networks, CCN is implemented using the following protocols:

  1. Radio Resource Control (RRC): RRC is responsible for establishing and maintaining the radio link between the MS and the BS. RRC includes a procedure called Measurement.
  2. Mobility Management (MM): MM is responsible for managing the mobility of the MS. MM includes a procedure called Location Area Update (LAU), which is used to inform the network of the current location area of the MS.
  3. Call Control (CC): CC is responsible for establishing and maintaining the call between the MS and the network. CC includes a procedure called Handover, which is used to initiate the handover process.

CCN in LTE Networks:

In LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, CCN is implemented using the following protocols:

  1. Radio Resource Control (RRC): RRC is responsible for establishing and maintaining the radio link between the MS and the BS. RRC includes a procedure called Measurement, which is used to measure the signal quality of the serving BS and neighboring BSs.
  2. Mobility Management (MM): MM is responsible for managing the mobility of the MS. MM includes a procedure called Tracking Area Update (TAU), which is used to inform the network of the current tracking area of the MS.
  3. Call Control (CC): CC is responsible for establishing and maintaining the call between the MS and the network. CC includes a procedure called Handover, which is used to initiate the handover process.

CCN Challenges:

CCN faces several challenges in cellular communication networks. Some of the challenges are as follows:

  1. Handover Delay: CCN involves several steps, including measurement reporting, handover decision, handover request, handover command, and handover completion. The handover delay is the time taken to complete these steps. The handover delay should be minimized to ensure uninterrupted communication between the MS and the network.
  2. Signal Quality Estimation: CCN relies on accurate signal quality estimation of the serving BS and neighboring BSs. The accuracy of the signal quality estimation depends on several factors, including the distance between the MS and the BS, the presence of obstacles, and the network load.
  3. Interference: Interference from neighboring cells can affect the signal quality estimation and lead to incorrect handover decisions. Interference can be caused by several factors, including network topology, terrain, and weather conditions.
  4. Security: CCN involves the exchange of sensitive information, including the identity of the MS, the serving BS, and the target BS. The security of the CCN mechanism should be ensured to prevent unauthorized access and eavesdropping.

Conclusion:

CCN is an essential component of the handover process in cellular communication networks. CCN ensures uninterrupted communication between the MS and the network as the MS moves from one cell to another. CCN involves several steps, including measurement reporting, handover decision, handover request, handover command, and handover completion. CCN faces several challenges, including handover delay, signal quality estimation, interference, and security. The challenges should be addressed to ensure the efficient and secure operation of the CCN mechanism in cellular communication networks.