Base station system configurations for third generation mobile telecommunication systems

In third generation mobile telecommunication systems, high traffic densities require a large capacity and an efficient network. The base station system (BSS) is the interface between the mobile terminal and the fixed network. The essential requirement for the BSS is to handle the signalling and traffic load to meet this demand. Allocation alternatives of important BSS functions onto possible BSS network elements are discussed for typical traffic and mobility characteristics. Results regarding system performance and the load on interfaces are used to evaluate the alternatives. Special attention is given to the allocation of handover functions. Recommendations are given for BSS network topologies for typical traffic and mobility environments.