3.4.9 Partial channel release procedure

3GPP44.018GSM/EDGE Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocolMobile radio interface Layer 3 specificationRelease 17TS

In dedicated mode, a change of channel configuration to release one channel can be requested by upper layers.

The partial channel release procedure shall not be applied in group transmit mode.

The purpose of this procedure is to deactivate part of the dedicated channels in use. The channel configuration remains dedicated.

NOTE: In the present state of 3GPP TS 44.003, this procedure is only possible for the TCH/H + TCH/H + ACCHs to TCH/H + ACCHs transition. As a consequence it is not needed for simple mobile stations.

The partial release procedure is always initiated by the network.

3.4.9.1 Partial release procedure initiation

The network initiates the partial release by sending a PARTIAL RELEASE message to the mobile station on the main DCCH.

On receipt of the PARTIAL RELEASE message the mobile station:

– Initiates the disconnection of all the link layer connections carried by the channel to be released;

– Simultaneously initiates the connection on remaining channels of the data link layer connections that have been released;

– Deactivates the physical channels to be released;

– Sends a PARTIAL RELEASE COMPLETE to the network on the (possibly new) main signalling link.

3.4.9.2 Abnormal cases

A lower layer failure is treated following the general rules as specified in sub-clause 3.4.13.2.

Moreover, on the network side, the channel configuration nature is set from the sending of the PARTIAL RELEASE message onward. As a consequence, any new assignment after a re‑establishment may concern a different channel configuration nature from the one known by the mobile station before the re‑establishment.