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12 Dec 2006 18:11:58 Radio Network Controller Radio Network Controller (RNC) is an important network element in third-generation (3G) wireless networks. It is a component in access network and handles mobility management, link management, call processing and handover mechanisms. In carrying out such functions, the RNC has to accomplish a tough set of protocol processing activities at swift pace which should be reliable and result in expected performance. The RNC is the point of convergence for traffic accumulation, conversion, intelligent cell and packet processing and issues of cell coverage with hard and soft handoff. RNC links up with the Circuit Switched Core Network (CSCN) via Media Gateway (MGW) and also with the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) in the Packet Switched Core Network. RNC carries out conventional wireless voice communications functions such as traffic data collection, call connection control with mobile station, managing Node B transceiver stations, connection with Node B and Core Network (CN), packet scheduling, hand-over control, load control and outer loop power control and security functions. UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) comprises RNC and Node B. RNC performs the chief functions including system information broadcasting, cell resource allocation and radio resource management. The logical links between the network elements are referred to as interfaces. RNC and the Circuit Switched Core Network (CSCN) have an interface that is termed 'Iu-CS' and the interface between RNC and the Packet Switched Core Network is referred to as 'Iu-PS'. The interface between RNC and Node-B is 'Iub' and that between the RNCs in the same network is 'Iur'. 'Iu' interfaces conduct user traffic including voice and data and also control information. 'Iur' interface is essential chiefly in soft handovers. In a 3G network, one RNC is capable of controlling between 100 and 250 Node B base transceiver stations. Each such transceiver takes care of hundreds of user equipment devices. The basic function of RNC is carrying voice and data traffic across ATM or IP interfaces among the Node B transceiver stations under it and the backend core network. It carries out high-performance data plane and control plane functionality. The RNC provides flexible operation and maintenance through comprehensive Metadata Manipulation Language (MML) commands and user-friendly interface for fault management and configuration management. It also backs up remote maintenance through dial-up network and digital data network. Links: 3G Radio Network Controller Content Team -- BSNL Portal -- Intelligroup Asia Pvt. Ltd. |
