Feature Description

HUAWEI UMTS Radio Access Network Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 6 SRNS Relocation ......................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 6-1
6.2 Glossary............................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.2.1 Terms ...................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................. 6-2
6.3 Application ......................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.3.1 Availability ............................................................................................................... 6-2
6.3.2 Benefit ..................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.3.3 Limitation and Restriction........................................................................................ 6-3
6.4 Technical Description ........................................................................................................ 6-3
6.4.1 Algorism of SRNC Relocation ................................................................................. 6-3
6.4.2 Scenarios of SRNC Relocation ............................................................................... 6-5
6.5 Interaction ........................................................................................................................ 6-10
6.6 Implementation ................................................................................................................ 6-10
6.6.1 Engineering Guideline........................................................................................... 6-10
6.6.2 Parameter.............................................................................................................. 6-10
6.6.3 Example ................................................................................................................ 6-12
6.7 Reference Information ..................................................................................................... 6-12

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Chapter 6 SRNS Relocation

6.1 Introduction

Relocation of SRNS is a UMTS functionality used to relocate the serving RNS role
from one RNS to another RNS. The SRNS relocation is realized by several elementary
procedures executed in several interfaces and by several protocols.
It may involve a change in the radio resources used between UTRAN and UE. It is
also possible to relocate the serving RNS role from one RNS within UMTS to another
relocation target external to UMTS.

CN CN

Iu Iu
Iur Iur
SRNC DRNC RNC SRNC

Cells Cells

Before SRNC Relocation After SRNC Relocation

Figure 6-1 Relocation of SRNS

6.2 Glossary

6.2.1 Terms
Serving RNS (SRNS): role an RNS can take with respect to a specific connection
between an UE and UTRAN. There is one serving RNS for each UE that has a
connection to UTRAN. The serving RNS is in charge of the radio connection between
a UE and the UTRAN. The serving RNS terminates the Iu for this UE.
Serving RNC (SRNC): SRNC is the RNC belonging to SRNS.
Drift RNS: The role an RNS can take with respect to a specific connection between a
UE and UTRAN. An RNS that supports the Serving RNS with radio resources when

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the connection between the UTRAN and the User Equipment need to use cell(s)
controlled by this RNS is referred to as Drift RNS.

Controlling RNC: A role an RNC can take with respect to a specific set of UTRAN
access points. There is only one Controlling RNC for any UTRAN access point. The
Controlling RNC has the overall control of the logical resources of its UTRAN access
points.
Source RNS: A role with respect to a specific connection between UTRAN and CN
that RNS takes when it decides to initiate a relocation of SRNS.
Source RNC: source RNC is the RNC belonging to source RNS.
Target RNS: role an RNS gets with respect to a specific connection between UTRAN
and CN when it is being a subject of a relocation of SRNS which is being made
towards that RNS.
Target RNC: target RNC is the RNC belonging to target RNS.
Iur: A logical interface between two RNC. Whilst logically representing a point to point
link between RNC, the physical realization may not be a point to point link.

6.2.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

CN Core Network
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
RNC Radio Network Controller
SRNC Serving RNC
CRNC Controlling RNC
DRNC Drift RNC
TRNC Target RNC
UE User Equipment

6.3 Application

6.3.1 Availability
This is a basic feature for Huawei UMTS RAN. This feature is available on BSC6800
V100R002 and later generic releases of the BSC6800 system.

6.3.2 Benefit
1) Benefit with Iur interface

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If the SRNC and DRNC are different RNCs, relocating the SRNC to the DRNC can
avoid data forwarding over the Iur interface and reduce the traffic over the Iur interface.
The benefits in this case are as follows:
z Allowing more subscribers to perform soft handover between different RNCs so
as to ensure communication qualities.
z Reducing data transit delay.
2) Benefit in case of no Iur interface
When there is no Iur interface and simplex handover process is not available, the
relocation procedure can ensure the continuity of the communication when the UE is
moving to a cell that belongs to a different RNC.

6.3.3 Limitation and Restriction

SRNS relocation VS Soft The static relocation procedure might occur only when all radio links
handover are in the DRNC.

SRNS relocation VS Hard The static relocation procedure might occur only when a radio link is
handover in the DRNC.

6.4 Technical Description

6.4.1 Algorism of SRNC Relocation

The BSC6800 supports the SRNS relocation triggered by two kinds of algorithms. You
can use the SET CORRMALGOSWITCH MML command in the BSC6800 O&M
System to set two parameters:
z RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTIMIZATION_SWITCH
z IUR_TRANS_OPTIMIZE_TRANSFER_SWITCH
That is, you can set whether to allow SRNS relocation based on delay optimization or
Iur transmission optimization.

I. SRNS Relocation Based on Delay Optimization

Figure 6-2 shows the algorism for SRNS relocation based on delay optimization.

If there are only DRNC radio links (RLs), the BSC6800 will calculate the transmission
delay of traffic data. If the calculated transmission delay is greater than the
corresponding threshold, the BSC6800 will initiate the SRNS relocation procedure.
You can use the SET SRNSR command to set this threshold.

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Other Process
<for example,Soft
Handover>

Are all Rls Yes

in the DRNC?

Yes
Is delay time greater
than Qos Thd?
No
No

Serving SRNS relocation

process based on delay
Other Process Optimization

Figure 6-2 SRNS relocation based on delay optimization

II. SRNS Relocation Based on Transmission Optimization

Figure 6-3 shows the algorism for SRNS relocation based on transmission
optimization.

If there are only DRNC RLs, the BSC6800 will calculate the resource occupation of Iur
interface. If the resource occupation is greater than the corresponding threshold, the
BSC6800 will initiate the SRNS relocation procedure in batches until the resource
occupation is less than the threshold or there is no UE in this RNC for relocation. You
can use the MOD NRNC command to modify the two parameters, UP SRNSR start
threshold and UP SRNSR stop threshold.

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Other Process
<for example, Soft
Handover>

Are all Rls Yes

in the DRNC?

No
Is Iur Interface Yes
over loading?

No

Serving SRNS relocation

Process based on Iur
Other Process Trans Optimization

Figure 6-3 SRNS relocation based on transmission optimization

6.4.2 Scenarios of SRNC Relocation

There are three cases in which an SRNS relocation can be performed:
z SRNS relocation: SRNS relocation serves to move the UTRAN to CN connection
point at the UTRAN side from the source SRNC to the target RNC.
z Combined Hard Handover and SRNS relocation: This is used to move the
UTRAN to CN connection point at the UTRAN side from the source SRNC to the
target RNC, while performing a hard handover decided by the UTRAN as shown
in Figure 6-4.

CN CN

Iu Iu

SRNC DRNC RNC SRNC

Cells Cells

Before SRNC Relocation After SRNC Relocation

Figure 6-4 Combined Hard Handover and SRNS relocation

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z Combined Cell/URA update and SRNS relocation: This is used to move the
UTRAN to CN connection point at the UTRAN side from the source SRNC to the
target RNC, while performing a cell re-selection in the UTRAN.

I. SRNS Relocation <CS>

The SRNC initiates the SRNS relocation process (CS) shown in Figure 6-5.

UE SRNC MSC DRNC

EST RAB CS

RELOC_REQUIRED
RELOC_REQUEST

RELOC_REQUEST_ACK
RELOC_COMMAND
RELOC_COMMIT

RELOC_DETECT

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO(UM)

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO CONF(AM)

RELOC_COMPLETE
IU_REL_CMD

IU_REL_CMP

Figure 6-5 SRNS relocation procedure (CS)

1) The SRNC sends the RELOC_REQUIRED message to the CN when all links are
in the DRNC and the SRNC detects that the transmission delay of traffic loading
is greater than the corresponding threshold.
2) The CN sends RELOC_REQUEST to the DRNC according to the received
request.
3) The DRNC sends RELOC_REQUEST_ACK to the CN after preparing for SRNC
relocation.
4) The CN sends RELOC_COMMAND to the SRNC.
5) The SRNC sends RELOC_COMMIT to the DRNC after preparing for the
relocation.

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6) The DRNC sends RELOC_DETECT to the CN and then carries out the internal
configuration flow related to the relocation. During this period the DRNC sends
UTRAN_MOBILITY _INFO to the UE and the UE sends UTRAN_MOBILITY
_INFO_CONF to the DRNC.
7) The DRNC sends RELOC_COMPLETE to the CN after the relocation.
8) The CN sends IU_REL_CMD to the SRNC.
9) The SRNC sends IU_REL_CMP to the CN.

II. SRNS Relocation <CS + PS>

Similar to the SRNS relocation (CS), the SRNS relocation process (CS+PS) just adds
the interaction between the RNC and SGSN to the SRNS relocation (CS) process, as
shown in Figure 6-6.

UE SRNC MSC SGSN DRNC

EST RAB CS + PS

RELOC_REQUIRED
RELOC_REQUEST
RELOC_REQUIRED
RELOC_REQUEST

RELOC_REQUEST_ACK
RELOC_COMMAND
RELOC_REQUEST_ACK
RELOC_COMMAND
RELOC_COMMIT

RELOC_DETECT

RELOC_DETECT

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO(UM)

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO CONF(AM)

IU_REL_CMD RELOC_COMPLETE

RELOC_COMPLETE
IU_REL_CMD

IU_REL_CMP
IU_REL_CMP

Figure 6-6 SRNS relocation procedure (CS + PS)

III. Combined Hard Handover and SRNS Relocation (PS)

Figure 6-7 illustrates the combined hard handover and SRNS relocation process (PS).

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UE SRNC SGSN DRNC NodeB

EST RAB, CELL_DCH

MEAS_REPORT
RELOC_REQUIRED
RELOC_REQUEST
RL_SETUP_REQ

RL_SETUP_RSP
RELOC_REQUEST_ACK
RELOC_COMMAND
(PHY_CHL_RECFG)
(PHY_CHL_RECFG)

FWD_SRNS_CNXT
PHY_CHL_RECFG(AM) FWD_SRNS_CNXT
RL_REST_IND
RELOC_DETECT

PHY_CHL_RECFG_COMP(AM)

RELOC_COMPLETE
IU_REL_CMD

IU_REL_CMP

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO(AM)

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO CONF(AM)

Figure 6-7 Combined hard handover and SRNS relocation procedure (PS)

1) The SRNC sends RELOC_REQUIRED to the CN after receiving the hard

handover measurement report.
2) The CN sends RELOC_REQUEST to the DRNC according to the received
request.
3) The DRNC sends RELOC_REQUEST_ACK with PHY_CHL_RECFG to the CN
after preparing for SRNS relocation. During the preparation, the DRNC instructs
the NodeB to set up a link (RL_ SETUP_REQ, RL_SETUP_RSP).
4) The CN sends RELOC_COMMAND with PHY_CHL_RECFG to the SRNC.
5) The SRNC sends FWD_SRNS_CNXT to the CN and then PHY_CHL_RECFG to
the UE.
6) If the DRNC first receives FWD_SRNS_CNXT from the CN and then
RL_REST_IND from the NodeB, it sends RELOC_DETECT to the CN. If the
DRNC first receives RL_REST_IND from the NodeB and then
FWD_SRNS_CNXT from the CN, it will not send RELOC_DETECT to the CN.
7) The UE sends PHY_CHL_RECFG_ COMP to the DRNC.
8) The DRNC sends RELOC_COMPLETE to the CN.

IV. Combined Cell/URA Update and SRNS Relocation

Figure 6-8 and Figure 6-9 illustrate the combined cell/URA update and SRNS
relocation process.

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CN

y 3. Relocation Required y 4.Relocation Request

y 6.Relocation Command y 5. Relocation ACK

y 9. Iu Release Command y 8.Relocation Detect

7. Relocation Commit
SRNC TRNC
2.Iur UL Signal Transfer Ind

1.URA Update
UE UE

Figure 6-8 Combined Cell/URA update and SRNS relocation

UE SRNC SGSN DRNC

EST RAB PS, CELL_FACH, CELL_PCH, URA_PCH

CELL_UPD ATE / URA_UPDATE(TM)

UL_SIG_TRAN_IND

RELOC_REQUIRED
RELOC_REQUEST

RELOC_REQUEST_ACK
RELOC_COMMAND
RELOC_COMMIT

RELOC_DETECT

CELL_UPD ATE_CONF / URA_UPDATE_CONF(UM)

PHY_CHL_RECFG_COMP / UTRAN_MO BI_INFO _CONF(AM)

RELOC_COMPLETE
IU_REL_CMD

IU_REL_CMP

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO(AM)

UTRAN MOBILITY INFO CONF(AM)

Figure 6-9 Combined cell/URA update and SRNS relocation procedure

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1) After receiving CELL_UPDATE/URA_UPDATE from the UE, the DRNC sends

the SRNC the message UL_SIG_TRAN_IND to instruct the SRNC to initiate the
relocation procedure.
2) The relocation procedure is similar to the basic SRNS relocation procedure.
3) The DRNC sends RELOC_DETECT to the CN and then CELL_UPDATE_CONF
or URA_UPDATE_CONF to the UE.
4) The UE sends the corresponding message PHY_CHL_RECFG_COMP or
UTRAN_MOBI_INFO_CONF to the DRNC.
5) The DRNC sends RELOC_COMPLETE to the CN.

6.5 Interaction

Feature Interaction

Combined Hard Handover Along with the relocation, the hard handover also proceeds. Where, the
and SRNS relocation PHY_CHL_RECFG message is sent by the originally SRNC to the UE
but PHY_CHL_RECFG_COMP is returned to the originally DRNC. The
VS Hard handover
original DRNC becomes SRNC. Finally, the new SRNC sends
RELOC_COMPLETE to the CN.

Combined Cell/URA After receiving CELL_UPDATE/URA_UPDATE from the UE, the DRNC
update and SRNS instructs the SRNC to initiate the relocation procedure. After the
relocation relocation, the new SRNC (originally the DRNC) continues the
cell/URA update procedure. Finally, it sends RELOC_COMPLETE to
VS
the CN.
Cell/URA update

6.6 Implementation

6.6.1 Engineering Guideline

None

6.6.2 Parameter

I. RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTIMIZATION_SWITCH
You can use the SET CORRMALGOSWITCH command to set this parameter to
determine whether the BSC6800 allows the SRSN relocation based on delay
optimization. This parameter values are as follows:
z RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTIMIZATION_SWITCH-1 (Y)
z RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTIMIZATION_SWITCH-0 (N)

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II. IUR_TRANS_OPTIMIZE_TRANSFER_SWITCH

You can use the SET CORRMALGOSWITCH parameter to set this parameter to
determine whether the BSC6800 allows the SRNS relocation based on Iur
transmission optimization. The parameter values are as follows:
z IUR_TRANS_OPTIMIZE_TRANSFER_SWITCH-1 (Y)
z IUR_TRANS_OPTIMIZE_TRANSFER_SWITCH-0 (N)

III. Estimated Non-Measurement Delay Offset

You can use the SET SRNSR command to set this parameter. In the case of
RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTIMIZATION_SWITCH-1, the value of this
parameter represents the allowed transmission delay of traffic data.
z Value range: 0–400 ms.
z Default value: 400 ms.

IV. UP SRNSR Start Threshold

You can use the ADD NRNC command to set this parameter and then use MOD
NRNC to modify it. In the case of IUR_TRANS_OPTIMIZE_TRANSFER_SWITCH-1, if
the resource occupation of Iur interface is greater than this parameter value, the
BSC6800 will relocate the UEs in this RNC to the DRNC in batches.
z Value range: 50% – 100%.
z Default value: 60%.

V. UP SRNSR Stop Threshold

You can use the ADD NRNC command to set this parameter and then use MOD
NRNC to modify it. In the case of IUR_TRANS_OPTIMIZE_TRANSFER_SWITCH-1, if
the resource occupation of Iur interface is less than this parameter value, the
BSC6800 will stop the relocation.
z Value range: 50%–100%.
z Default value: 50%.

VI. SRNSR Iur Reselection Timer

You can use the SET SRNSR command to set this parameter. The value of this
parameter specifies the time interval between two SRNS relocation procedures in the
case of SRNS relocation in batches.
z Value range: 1–100 s.
z Default value: 100 s.

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VII. Max Number of Users in One SRNS

You can use the SET SRNSR command to set this parameter. The value of this
parameter represents the number of UEs relocated in one SRNS relocation procedure
in the case of SRNS relocation in batches.
z Value range: 1–200.
z Default value: 100.

6.6.3 Example

Parameter Value MML command example

RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTIMI 1 SET CORRMALGOSWITCH:

ZATION_SWITCH HOSWITCH=RELOCATION_FOR_DELAY_OPTI
MIZATION_SWITCH-1;

Estimated non-measurement delay 400ms SET SRNSR: SRNSRDELAYOFFSET=400;

offset

6.7 Reference Information

1) 3GPP TS 25.331 "Radio Resource Control (RRC); protocol specification"
2) 3GPP TS 25.413 “UTRAN Iu interface RANAP signaling”
3) 3GPP TR 21.905 “Vocabulary for 3GPP Specifications”

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