7 Network Functions

The basic network functions are explained using the GSM protocols if not mentioned else. The procedures are similar in other networks. For every exchange with the network a RRC (radio resource control) connection has to be set up. This always starts with a channel request by the MS followed by an immediate assignment by the BS. The channel request is transmitted in a Random Access Burst which is much shorter than a regular burst. This is because the MS sends at a random moment in time, not synchronized with the time slots of the BS. Therefore, the burst is kept short to minimize the impact on any ongoing communication.