SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005
(Main)Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Mobile Station (MS) - Base Station System (BSS) interface; Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC) protocol (GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998)
General Information
- Abstract
Release 1998 SMG#30bis
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2005
- Technical Committee
- RES - Radio equipment and systems
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Feb-2005
- Due Date
- 01-Feb-2005
- Completion Date
- 01-Feb-2005
- Mandate
- BC-T-330
Overview
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 specifies the protocol for the Radio Link Control and Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC) layers in the interface between the Mobile Station (MS) and Base Station System (BSS) within the GSM General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) architecture. This European standard corresponds to GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 and is aligned with Release 1998 SMG#30bis. It outlines requirements for ensuring efficiency and interoperability in digital cellular telecommunications, particularly focusing on packet-based services within GSM networks.
The RLC/MAC protocol is a core component enabling mobile devices and network infrastructure to manage, control, and optimize packet radio communications, supporting mobile internet connectivity and data services vital for both users and operators.
Key Topics
Protocol Layer Overview
The standard details the layered model of the radio interface, describing interactions between RLC/MAC and other layers, including definitions, services, and primitives required for proper operation.Medium Access Control (MAC) Procedures
Defines how mobile stations gain access to radio resources, how data packets are managed, and the mechanisms for prioritization and scheduling. Topics include:- Uplink and downlink packet transfer modes
- Paging procedures
- Temporary Block Flows (TBF)
- Dynamic and fixed resource allocation
Radio Link Control (RLC) Operations
Describes RLC block structure, segmentation, error detection, and reassembly. It establishes procedures for acknowledged and unacknowledged data transfer, ensuring reliable delivery even with radio link fluctuations.System Information Management
Specifies how system information is broadcast and acquired by mobile stations, crucial for maintaining session continuity during mobility events such as cell reselection.Error Handling and Abnormal Procedures
Details classification of error types, detection mechanisms, and recovery steps for both distribution and non-distribution messages, supporting robust and reliable network behavior.
Applications
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 is essential for:
Mobile Network Operators and Equipment Providers
Ensuring compatibility and reliable data services between mobile devices and network infrastructure within GSM/GPRS networks.Device Manufacturers
Developing mobile stations (MS) and base station systems (BSS) compatible with pan-European networks, guaranteeing interoperability and standardized data performance.Telecommunications Test & Certification Bodies
Testing devices and radio equipment against a harmonized protocol standard that underpins GPRS data services.Software Developers
Creating firmware and network applications that require efficient medium access and robust data transfer on GSM and GPRS networks.Industry Sectors
Powering applications in transportation, remote monitoring, and Internet of Things (IoT) where reliable and standardized packet data transfer is critical.
Related Standards
For comprehensive understanding and implementation, refer to these associated standards:
- GSM 04.08: Mobile station-base station system interface Layer 3 specification
- ETSI TS 101 350: GSM General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Service description; Stage 2
- SIST EN 301 511: Global System for Mobile communications (GSM); Harmonized standard for mobile stations
- 3GPP TS 44.060: Mobile radio interface Layer 2 specification (successor of GSM 04.60 for later releases)
- EN 301 344: GSM; Base Station System - Mobile Station (BSS-MS) interface; Layer 3 - Radio Resource management
Conclusion
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 provides critical specifications for the RLC/MAC protocol on the GPRS MS-BSS interface, ensuring efficient, reliable, and interoperable packet data communication in GSM networks. Adherence to this standard supports seamless deployment of mobile data services, underpins modern mobile services, and fosters robust telecommunications infrastructure across Europe and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Mobile Station (MS) - Base Station System (BSS) interface; Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC) protocol (GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998)". This standard covers: Release 1998 SMG#30bis
Release 1998 SMG#30bis
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.070.01 - Mobile services in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: BC-T-330. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN 301 349 V7.2.1:2005 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2005
'LJLWDOQLFHOLþQLWHOHNRPXQLNDFLMVNLVLVWHPID]D6SORãQDUDGLMVNDVWRULWHYV
SDNHWLUDQLPLSRGDWNL*3560RELOQDSRVWDMD069PHVQLNVLVWHPDED]QLK
SRVWDM%66SURWRNRONRQWUROHUDGLMVNHSRYH]DYHLQGRVWRSDGRSUHQRVQHJD
PHGLMD5/&0$&*60UD]OLþLFDL]GDMD
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS); Mobile Station (MS) - Base Station System (BSS) interface; Radio Link
Control/Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC) protocol (GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release
1998)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 301 349 Version 7.2.1
ICS:
33.070.01 Mobilni servisi na splošno Mobile services in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
European Standard (Telecommunications series)
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS);
Mobile Station (MS) - Base Station System (BSS) interface;
Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC)
protocol
(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998)
R
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998) 2 ETSI EN 301 349 V7.2.1 (2000-06)
Reference
REN/SMG-020460Q7R1
Keywords
Digital cellular telecommunications system,
Global System for Mobile communications
(GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
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© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 2000.
All rights reserved.
ETSI
(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998) 3 ETSI EN 301 349 V7.2.1 (2000-06)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights.10
Foreword .10
1 Scope.11
2 References.12
3 Definitions and abbreviations .13
3.1 Vocabulary .13
4 Layered overview of radio interface .14
4.1 Layer services.15
4.2 Layer functions.15
4.3 Service primitives.15
4.4 Services required from lower layers .15
5 Introduction to the Medium Access Control (MAC) procedures .15
5.1 General .15
5.2 Multiplexing principles .16
5.2.1 Temporary Block Flow.16
5.2.2 Temporary Flow Identity .16
5.2.3 Uplink State Flag .16
5.2.4 Medium Access modes .16
5.3 Packet idle mode .17
5.4 Packet transfer mode .17
5.5 General procedures in packet idle and packet transfer modes.17
5.5.1 Mobile station side.17
5.5.1.1 Cell reselection.17
5.5.1.2 System information on PBCCH .18
5.5.1.2.1 Supervision of PBCCH_CHANGE_MARK and update of PBCCH information .18
5.5.1.2.2 Replacement of PBCCH.19
5.5.1.2.3 PSI1 reception failure.19
5.5.1.3 System information on BCCH.19
5.5.1.3.1 Supervision of BCCH_CHANGE_MARK and update of BCCH information.20
5.5.1.3.2 Establishment of PBCCH .20
5.5.1.3.3 SI13 reception failure .20
5.5.1.4 Acquisition of system information on the broadcast channel .20
5.5.1.4.1 Consistent sets of system information messages.21
5.5.1.4.2 Suspension of operation to receive system information.21
5.5.1.4.3 Request for acquisition of system information .22
5.5.1.5 Discontinuous reception (DRX).22
5.5.1.6 Page mode procedures on PCCCH.22
5.5.1.7 Frequency Parameters .23
5.5.1.8 TLLI management.24
5.5.2 Network side.24
5.5.2.1 System Information broadcasting.24
5.5.2.1.1 System information on PBCCH.24
5.5.2.1.2 System information on BCCH .25
5.5.2.1.3 System information on PACCH (and other logical channels).25
5.5.2.1.4 Consistent sets of system information messages.26
5.5.2.2 Paging .26
5.6 Measurement reports .26
5.6.1 Network Control (NC) measurement reporting.26
5.6.2 Extended measurement (EM) reporting .27
6 Paging procedures .28
6.1 Paging procedure for RR connection establishment.28
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(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998) 4 ETSI EN 301 349 V7.2.1 (2000-06)
6.1.1 Paging initiation using paging subchannel on CCCH .28
6.1.2 Paging initiation using paging subchannel on PCCCH .28
6.1.3 Paging initiation using PACCH .28
6.1.4 Paging response .29
6.2 Paging procedure for downlink packet transfer.29
6.2.1 Paging procedure using paging subchannel on CCCH.29
6.2.2 Paging using paging subchannel on PCCCH .29
6.2.3 Paging response .29
7 Medium Access Control (MAC) procedures on PCCCH .29
7.1 TBF establishment initiated by the mobile station on PCCCH.30
7.1.1 Permission to access the network.30
7.1.2 Initiation of a TBF establishment.30
7.1.2.1 Initiation of the packet access procedure.30
7.1.2.1.1 Access persistence control on PRACH.31
7.1.2.2 Packet assignment procedure .32
7.1.2.2.1 On receipt of a PACKET CHANNEL REQUEST message.32
7.1.2.2.2 Packet access queuing notification procedure .33
7.1.2.2.3 Packet polling procedure .33
7.1.2.2.4 Packet access reject procedure .33
7.1.2.3 Contention resolution at one phase access .34
7.1.2.4 One phase packet access completion.34
7.1.2.5 Timing Advance.35
7.1.3 TBF establishment using two phase access.35
7.1.3.1 Initiation of the Packet resource request procedure.35
7.1.3.2 Packet resource assignment for uplink procedure .35
7.1.3.2.1 On receipt of a PACKET RESOURCE REQUEST message.35
7.1.3.3 Contention resolution at two phase access .36
7.1.3.4 Two phase packet access completion.36
7.1.3.5 Timing Advance.36
7.1.4 Abnormal cases.36
7.2 TBF establishment initiated by the network on PCCCH .37
7.2.1 Entering the packet transfer mode.37
7.2.1.1 Packet downlink assignment procedure.37
7.2.1.2 Packet downlink assignment procedure completion.38
7.2.1.3 Packet polling procedure.38
7.2.2 Abnormal cases.38
7.3 Procedure for measurement report sending in packet idle mode .38
7.3.1 Measurement report sending procedure initiated on PCCCH .39
7.3.1.1 On receipt of a PACKET CHANNEL REQUEST message .39
7.3.1.2 On receipt of a PACKET UPLINK ASSIGNMENT message.39
7.3.1.3 On receipt of a PACKET ACCESS REJECT message .39
7.3.1.4 Abnormal cases .40
7.3.2 Measurement report sending procedure initiated on CCCH .40
7.4 Cell Change Order procedures in Packet Idle mode.40
7.4.1 Cell Change Order procedure initiated on PCCCH .40
7.4.2 Cell Change Order procedure initiated on CCCH.41
7.5 Measurement Order procedures in Packet Idle mode.41
7.5.1 Measurement Order procedures initiated on PCCCH .41
7.5.2 Measurement Order procedures initiated on CCCH .42
8 Medium Access Control (MAC) Procedures in Packet Transfer Mode .42
8.1 Transfer of RLC data blocks .42
8.1.1 Uplink RLC data block transfer.42
8.1.1.1 Dynamic allocation uplink RLC data block transfer .43
8.1.1.1.1 PACCH operation.44
8.1.1.1.2 Resource Reallocation for Uplink.44
8.1.1.1.2.1 Abnormal cases.45
8.1.1.1.3 Establishment of Downlink TBF .46
8.1.1.1.3.1 Abnormal cases.46
8.1.1.2 Extended Dynamic Allocation uplink RLC data block transfer .46
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(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998) 5 ETSI EN 301 349 V7.2.1 (2000-06)
8.1.1.2.1 Uplink PDCH Allocation.47
8.1.1.2.2 PACCH operation.47
8.1.1.2.3 Neighbour cell power measurements.47
8.1.1.3 Fixed Allocation uplink RLC data block transfer.47
8.1.1.3.1 Transfer of RLC/MAC blocks .48
8.1.1.3.2 Reallocation for open-ended TBF .49
8.1.1.3.2.1 At the beginning of each fixed allocation.50
8.1.1.3.2.2 Upon receipt of the reallocation request .50
8.1.1.3.2.3 Upon exhaustion of the current allocation .50
8.1.1.3.2.4 Ending the TBF.51
8.1.1.3.2.5 Abnormal Cases .51
8.1.1.3.3 Neighbour cell power measurements.51
8.1.1.3.4 PACCH operation.51
8.1.1.3.5 Establishment of Downlink TBF .52
8.1.1.3.5.1 Abnormal cases.53
8.1.1.4 Network initiated release of uplink TBF .53
8.1.1.5 Abnormal cases .53
8.1.2 Downlink RLC data block transfer .54
8.1.2.1 Downlink RLC data block transfer.54
8.1.2.1.1 Abnormal cases.55
8.1.2.2 Polling for Packet Downlink Ack/Nack .55
8.1.2.3 Spare .56
8.1.2.4a Establishment of downlink TBF after downlink TBF release .56
8.1.2.4.1 Abnormal cases.56
8.1.2.5 Establishment of uplink TBF .57
8.1.2.5.1 Abnormal cases.58
8.1.2.6 Spare .58
8.1.2.7 Fixed allocation neighbour cell power measurements.58
8.1.2.8 Network initiated abnormal release of downlink TBF .59
8.1.3 Concurrent TBF procedures for half duplex operation .59
8.1.3.1 Spare .59
8.1.3.2 Spare .59
8.1.3.2.1 Saving downlink TBF state and initiating uplink TBF .59
8.1.3.2.2 Saving downlink TBF state and restoring uplink TBF state .59
8.1.3.2.3 Ending downlink TBF and restoring uplink TBF state.60
8.1.3.2.4 Saving uplink TBF state and initiating downlink TBF .60
8.1.3.2.5 Saving uplink TBF state and restoring downlink TBF state .60
8.1.3.2.6 Ending uplink TBF and restoring downlink TBF state.60
8.2 Packet PDCH Release .60
8.3 Procedure for measurement report sending in Packet Transfer mode .61
8.4 Network controlled cell reselection procedure .61
8.4.1 Network controlled cell reselection completion.61
8.4.2 Abnormal cases.62
8.5 Measurement Order procedures in Packet Transfer mode.62
8.6 PACKET CONTROL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.62
8.7 Abnormal cases .63
8.7.1 Abnormal release with return to CCCH or PCCCH.63
8.7.2 Abnormal release with random access .63
8.7.3 Abnormal release with system information.63
9 Radio Link Control (RLC) procedures in packet transfer mode.63
9.1 Procedures and parameters for peer-to-peer operation.64
9.1.1 Send state variable V(S) .64
9.1.1a Control send state variable V(CS) .64
9.1.2 Acknowledge state variable V(A).64
9.1.3 Acknowledge state array V(B).64
9.1.4 Block sequence number BSN .65
9.1.4a Reduced Block Sequence Number RBSN .65
9.1.5 Receive state variable V(R) .65
9.1.6 Receive window state variable V(Q) .65
9.1.7 Receive state array V(N).66
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(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998) 6 ETSI EN 301 349 V7.2.1 (2000-06)
9.1.8 Starting sequence number (SSN) and received block bitmap (RBB).66
9.1.9 Window Size.66
9.1.10 Segmentation of LLC PDUs into RLC data units .66
9.1.11 Re-assembly of LLC PDUs from RLC data units .67
9.1.11a Segmentation of RLC/MAC control messages into RLC/MAC control blocks .67
9.1.11b Re-assembly of RLC/MAC control messages from RLC/MAC control blocks.67
9.1.12 Priority of LLC PDUs.68
9.2 Operation during RLC/MAC control message transfer .68
9.3 Operation during RLC data block transfer .69
9.3.1 Countdown procedure.69
9.3.2 Acknowledged mode operation .70
9.3.2.1 Establishment of Temporary Block Flow.70
9.3.2.2 Operation of uplink Temporary Block Flow .70
9.3.2.3 Release of uplink Temporary Block Flow.70
9.3.2.4 Operation of downlink Temporary Block Flow .71
9.3.2.5 Release of downlink Temporary Block Flow.71
9.3.3 Unacknowledged mode operation.72
9.3.3.1 Establishment of Temporary Block Flow.72
9.3.3.2 Operation of uplink Temporary Block Flow .72
9.3.3.3 Release of uplink Temporary Block Flow.72
9.3.3.4 Operation of downlink Temporary Block Flow .73
9.3.3.5 Release of downlink Temporary Block Flow.73
9.4 Abnormal release cases .74
9.4.1 Abnormal release with random access .74
9.4.2 Abnormal release with cell reselection .74
10 RLC/MAC block structure.74
10.1 Spare bits.75
10.2 RLC data blocks .75
10.2.1 Downlink RLC data block .75
10.2.2 Uplink RLC data block.75
10.3 RLC/MAC control blocks .76
10.3.1 Downlink RLC/MAC control block.76
10.3.2 Uplink RLC/MAC control block .77
10.4 Header fields .77
10.4.1 Uplink state flag (USF) field.77
10.4.2 Retry (R) bit.77
10.4.3 Stall indicator (SI) bit .77
10.4.4 Supplementary/Polling (S/P) Bit.78
10.4.5 Relative Reserved Block Period (RRBP) field .78
10.4.6 Countdown Value (CV) field.79
10.4.7 Payload Type field.79
10.4.8 Final block indicator (FBI) bit.79
10.4.9 TLLI Indicator (TI) bit .79
10.4.9a Address Control (AC) bit.80
10.4.9b Final Segment (FS) bit.80
10.4.9c Radio Transaction Identifier (RTI) field.80
10.4.9d Direction (D) bit .80
10.4.10 Temporary Flow Identifier (TFI) field.81
10.4.10a Power Reduction (PR) field.81
10.4.11 Extension (E) Bit .81
10.4.12 Block Sequence Number (BSN) field.81
10.4.12a Reduced Block Sequence Number (RBSN) bit .82
10.4.13 More (M) bit .82
10.4.14 Length Indicator (LI) field.82
10.4.15 TLLI field .82
10.4.16 RLC data field.83
10.4.17 Control message contents field .83
11.1 Handling of erroneous protocol data .84
11.1.1 Message classification .84
11.1.1.1 Distribution messages.84
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(GSM 04.60 version 7.2.1 Release 1998) 7 ETSI EN 301 349 V7.2.1 (2000-06)
11.1.1.2 Non-distribution messages .84
11.1.1.2.1 Format of the address information.85
11.1.2 Error detection mechanism .85
11.1.3 Error labels .85
11.1.3.1 Generic error labels.85
11.1.3.2 'Ignore' error label .86
11.1.3.3 'Message escape' error label .86
11.1.4 Error detection and order of precedence.86
11.1.4.1 Unknown message type.87
11.1.4.2 Message not compatible with current protocol state .87
11.1.4.3 Syntactically incorrect message.87
11.1.4.3.1 Messages with error label: 'Distribution part error'.87
11.1.4.3.2 Messages with error label: 'Address information part error' .87
11.1.4.3.3 Messages with error label: 'Non-distribution part error' .87
11.1.4.3.4 Messages with error label: 'Message escape' .88
11.1.4.3.5 Messages with error label: 'Ignore' .88
11.1.4.4 Syntactic error in truncated concatenation .88
11.1.4.5 Exceptions.88
11.2 RLC/MAC control messages.88
11.2.0 Message format.89
11.2.0.1 Downlink RLC/MAC messages .90
11.2.0.2 Uplink RLC/MAC messages.90
11.2.1 Packet Access Reject .91
11.2.2 Packet Control Acknowledgement.92
11.2.3 Packet Cell Change Failure.94
11.2.4 Packet Cell Change Order.95
11.2.5 Packet Channel Request.97
11.2.6 Packet Downlink Ack/Nack.99
11.2.7 Packet Downlink Assignment .101
11.2.8 Packet Downlink Dummy Control Block.104
11.2.8b Packet Uplink Dummy Control Block .105
11.2.9 Packet Measurement Report .106
11.2.9b Packet Measurement Order.109
11.2.9c Packet Mobile TBF Status .114
11.2.10 Packet Paging Request.115
11.2.11 Packet PDCH Release.117
11.2.12 Packet Polling Request .118
11.2.13 Packet Power Control/Timing Advance.119
11.2.14 Packet PRACH Parameters.120
11.2.15 Packet Queueing Notification .121
11.2.16 Packet Resource Request .122
11.2.17 Packet PSI Status .124
11.2.18 Packet System Information Type 1 .126
11.2.19 Packet System Information Type 2 .129
11.2.19.1 Reference Frequency Lists in PSI2 .131
11.2.19.2 Cell Allocation in PSI2 .131
11.2.19.3 G
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