sd_grx_v1.3

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

1/15

Version 3.28.2013

Established in 1994, EDCH provides a complete solution to mobile operators for roaming facilities

to be provided to their customers. EDCH is the only Data Clearing House based in the Middle East

and is successfully serving many leading operators in Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

EDCH offers comprehensive roaming solutions specifically Data Clearing, Financial Clearing,

Revenue Assurance, Value Added Services, Mobile Money Hub and other customized solutions.

To know more about EDCH, visit our website at www.edch.com.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

2/15

Version 3.28.2013 Page 2 of 15

E D C H H u b S e r v i c e s G R X

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 41.1. Service Description 61.1.1 E-GRX backbone network 61.1.2 E-GRX Peering List 81.1.3 Service Demarcation Point 81.1.4 E-GRX Routing and connectivity 81.1.5 Access Speed for E-GRX Network 91.1.6 Quality of Service (QoS) 101.2. Reports 112. Implementation 123. Client support 123.1. Customer Obligations 123.1.1. Contact points 123.1.2. Quality of service degradation process 133.1.3. Traffic Forecast 133.2. Quality Reviews 133.3. Monitoring 133.3.1.

Monitoring Tools 14

3.3.2. Third Party Maintenance Contract 144. Document Reference 145. Glossary 15

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

3/15



Operators must find new areas to expand their reach and remain

competitive in the mobile world as the international market indicate

that customers clamor for roaming access. As your network grows

and expands internationally it means your customers can stay fully

connected when they are overseas and their revenue streams keep

flowing. It also means new revenue streams for you as the host

network for end-customers of other mobile networks.

The Etisalat GRX (E-GRX) expands your reach and creates new

revenue streams with the simplicity of a single Connection. A single

agreement with EDCH will enable the roamers to enjoy global

GPRS/LTE coverage and provide:

Access to over (600) Networks in more than 200 countries.

Resilient connections.

Access speeds from 64K up to GE (Gigabit Ethernet).

Multiple methods of access: leased lines, VPN & IP sec.

Customized reports and web interface for real-time andhistoric GPRS/LTE traffic data on-line.

24/7 customer technical support.

The E-GRX backbone is delivered over private IP to ensure the

availability and security that your customers demand. As well it can

scale quickly to ensure that you can continue to deliver high

performance as demand continues to grow.

Emirates Data Clearing HouseP.O. Box 17500, Dubai - UAE

[email protected]

Tel: +971 2 499 9444Fax: +971 2 635 4663

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

4/15



1. INTRODUCTION

The Inter-Service Provider IP Backbone network was originally created to carry

GTP-tunnels (GPRS Tunneling Protocol) via the Gp interface between the GPRS

Support Nodes (GSNs) in different GSM Operators i.e. data roaming. The Gp

interface allowed mobile end-users to make use of the GPRS/3G services of

their home network while roaming in a visited network. Later, MMS interworking

and WLAN (authentication) data roaming has been added to the services

supported in Inter-Service Provider IP Backbone. This Inter-Service Provider IP

Backbone is in fact an Inter-PLMN IP Backbone and is termed the GRX.

Seamless Roaming

The E-GRX model is used to interconnect in excess of 600 networks and has

proven highly successful. Connecting to E-GRX will provide your subscribers

with seamless access to their data network while they roam nationally and

internationally, regardless of your roaming partners GRX network provider. E-

GRX also:

Is the predominant GRX provider in the Middle East and Africa

Increases your ARPU and roaming revenue

Offers secure and reliable data transport

Provides you with global reach via a single connection point to our secureIP network

Integrates with our mobile data roaming solution, allowing one network tobe used for all of your mobile data roaming needs

Positions your network for future IP solutions

Offers a smooth transition to 3G technology Is upgradable to the MPLS network (class of service, quality of service),

which enables IPX, the next-generation network including voice, videoand data

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

5/15



A simplified high-level architecture of the GRX covering both roaming and

interworking Interconnection cases is illustrated in the figure 1. GRX model.

Figure 1. GRX model

In addition to data roaming, E-GRX provides network access and transportmechanism for multiple traffic types, e.g., C7 or SS7 messages, MMS, SMS andCDRs.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

6/15



1.1. SERVICE DESCRIPTION

GRX (GPRS roaming exchange) enables GPRS/EDGE subscribers to accessthe Internet from their handsets internationally. GRX allows operators to support

their subscribers' GPRS/EDGE requirements when traveling outside their home

country.

The purpose of the GRX is to provide a secure data path between those GPRS

operators in agreement to provide GPRS roaming services between their

respective customers. Such roaming will be provided through E-GRX network,

either via direct connection between the two mobile operators to the E-GRX, or

alternatively from the operator to E-GRX and on to the other operator via a

second GRX network with whom Etisalat will have a peering agreement.

E-GRX interconnects at any of the 200 Points of Presence (PoPs) worldwide

and has presence at all GSMA peering points with guaranteed service levels

backed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs). E-GRX supports 3G applications,

including video and IP-voice, as well as traditional GPRS/EDGE and includes:

Scalable, managed Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Upgrades to cover rapidly increasing volumes QoS enabled and carry diagnostic protocols, i.e. ICMP (Ping).

1.1.1 E-GRX backbone network

The E-GRX network is powered by a private IP VPN service based onMPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) architecture. It is entirely separate fromthe public internet and consequently offers the highest grade of availability andsecurity.

e- GRX connectivity models consist of any combination of the access methods tocreate a fully redundant GRX connectivity solution in accordance with the mobileoperators capacity, commercial and quality of service requirements.

Any-to-any connectivity: EDCH offers a fully flexible and scalable E-GRXServices with any-to-any connectivity to MNOs Roaming Partners. The Operator

E-GRX provides

secure and reliabledata transport

Using securenetwork and thelatest IP securitymethods of IPSecand 3 DESencryption.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

7/15



is responsible to negotiate its GPRS roaming agreements with its roamingpartners. If desired by the MNO, EDCH can facilitate the signing of such GPRSroaming agreements on the basis of terms and conditions (fee) agreed upon in aseparate agreement.

GRX Security: E-GRX is a private network and GRX traffic is completely

isolated from the public internet.

(Root) DNS: Etisalat arranges root DNS service for contracted PLMN operatorswithin the GRX. Etisalat then distributes all DNS information between thecontracted PLMN operators and to the management of the TLD (top leveldomain) root DNS. Etisalat root DNS will interact with the GPRS root NameServer and is in compliance with the relevant GSMA PRD document.

IP QoS: E-GRX follows IR34 enhancements in this area and is in compliancewith the QoS standards and requirements from the GSMA.

E-GRX will only be able to: Provide connections to Operators that are GPRS/UMTS/LTE network

operators (MNO-G and MNO-I types of Service Providers)

May offer a transport-only interconnection service between Service

Providers that are GPRS/UMTS/LTE network operators on a bilateral

basis with no guarantees of QoS end-to-end.

The E-GRX network is in compliance with GSMA standards and provides:

Support for connections from MNOs in various ways (Layers 1, 2 and 3)

Comply with IP addressing guidelines for Inter-MNO IP Backbone in

IR.40

Comply with DNS guidelines as specified in GSMA PRD IR.67

Offer DNS root service for contracted MNOs

Have BGP-4 routing capability

Distribute all (valid) known routes to MNOs

Control which routes a MNO can advertise to the network

Offer interconnectivity to other GRXs (GRX peering)

Comply with Service Level Agreements

Conform with security requirements laid out in PRD IR.77

Connection to the E-GRX is restricted to GSM and 3GSM MNOs.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

8/15



1.1.2 E-GRX Peering List

E-GRX has GRX Network Peering Arrangements with the major GRX Service

Providers. This allows Mobile Network Operators to connect to the E-GRX

Service and at the same time gain access to the entire GSM (GPRS/3G/4G)

Data Roaming community.

For more detailed information about E-GRXs peering partners please contact us

for the list of GRX interconnections.

1.1.3 Service Demarcation PointThe connection between the E-GRX network and the MNO GPRSNetwork is done at the MNOs premises. The MNO will install and ownthe CPE connected to the Border Gateway via either Ethernet connectionor equivalent.

Service Demarcation point is typically identified with the card on the CPEto which the MNO Border Gateway connects.

The MNOs CPE is placed inside the MNOs Premises, but outside theMNOs Network. Technical details ofthe CPE are exchanged in the GRXImplementation Plan.

In case of IPSec connectivity the MNO s CPE/router is managed byEtisalat following Etisalat specifications and it does not have Internetconnectivity on that router.

1.1.4 E-GRX Routing and connectivity

The E-GRX interfaces with other GPRS networks and GRXs using BGP-4, which allows dynamic routing based on Autonomous SystemNumbers. The GSM Association allocates AS Numbers to MobileNetwork Operators. The E-GRX routing interface is fully compliant withGSMA recommendations as defined in the GSMA document IR.34.

Specific customer requirements can be addressed in reference to loadsharing, traffic splitting over multiple links and asymmetric routing issuesby analysing the requirements and implementing the optimal routingsolution with the use of BGP parameters.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

9/15



The connectivity options provided by E-GRX are:

Single Connection to E-GRX Services

The MNO is connected to the E-GRX Services via:- a single leased circuit to the E-GRX in Dubai

- a single Customer Premises Equipment is managed by Etisalat

Dual Local Tail Connection to E-GRX ServicesThe MNO is connected to the E-GRX Services via:

- two diversely routed leased circuits to the E-GRX in Dubai.- a single Customer Premises Equipment is managed by Etisalat

The QoS is independent of whether the second link is active or instandby.

Dual Connection to E-GRX ServicesThe Client is connected to the E-GRX Services via:

- two diversely routed leased circuits to the E-GRX in Dubai and/orsecond PoP- two Customer Premises Equipment managed by Etisalat

The QoS is independent of whether the second link is active or instandby.

IPSEC Connection to E-GRX ServicesThe Client is connected to the E-GRX Services via:

- An IPSEC tunnel through the internet between a CPE at theCustomers site and a VPN Gateway at Etisalat site.

1.1.5 Access Speed for E-GRX Network

E-GRX Access speeds for MNOs range from 64K up to GE (GigabitEthernet).

The following definitions apply: Port speed = defined by the maximum speed of the access link

(Local Tail or other backhaul service)

Service speed = defined by the speed configured at Etisalat PE bymean of software configuration.

Port Speed is usually larger than Service Speed. Service Speed definesthe correspondent GRX Service Charges in agreement with MNOsrequirements.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

10/15



Service and port speed will be specified in an Order Form, as well for theinitial interconnection as for subsequent upgrades.

Etisalat will endeavour to follow the requested RFS date and will providethe MNO with an adapted Order Form.

1.1.6 Quality of Service (QoS)

The QOS is guaranteed within the E-GRX network, without theinvolvement of another GRX provider, including access leased lineconnectivity but excluding CPE where applicable.

a) QoS Definitions

(Round-trip delay, jitter values are not applicable for customer connectedthrough IPSec tunnel over Internet)

b) Availability

Service unavailability consists of the number of minutes that the E-GRXservice is not available to the MNO during any calendar month, but doesnot include (i) service maintenance (ii) case of force majeure or (iii)unavailability which is due to The Client or telecommunicationsinfrastructure used by the Customer.

Service unavailability definition:

-a Round Trip Delay that exceeds the specified QOS for more than 30minutes

- a Latency/Jitter that exceeds the specified QOS for more than 30minutes.

- a Packet Loss that exceeds the specified QOS for more than 30minutes.

Availability is calculated as follows: A: ((H-P-O+E) / (H-P+E))*1OO%A: availabilityH: the number of hours in the month.P: excluded Outage timeE: excess time, the amount of time by which the planned outage time

was exceededO: total time of all fault outages and of those periods where the abovementioned specified service target is not reached.

c) Latency

Average latency is defined as the average time delay of traffic samples(Sequences of ICMP Pings) measured between specified backbonerouters in any calendar month.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

11/15



d) Packet Loss

Packet Loss is defined as the average percentage of packets discardedin any of the backbone links that are part of the Etisalat network and / orare fully managed by Etisalat in any calendar month.

e) Etisalat Intra GRX QoS Measurement Scope

Measurements communicated to The Client are done between: GRX peering point and The Client Demarcation Point E-GRX Reference point in Dubai and The Client Demarcation

Point Penalties will be calculated based on the average of thesetwo measurement inputs.

f) Delay-Jitter-Packet loss

Round-trip delay intra-GRX

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

12/15



2. IMPLEMENTATION

All technical service configuration details will be described in the E-GRXImplementation Plan. The Parties will distribute both documents to therespective technical teams who will be in charge of the setup of theinterconnection and its daily operation.

3. CLIENT SUPPORT

EDCH and Etisalat provides 24/7 customer technical support ensuring

promptness of service requests and a description of the processes is described

next.

3.1. CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS

3.1.1. Contact points

If possible, The Client should guarantee the availability of a Helpdesk. Ifno contact point is available from the Client regarding the evolution of therepair process, the guaranteed Repair Time and Feedback delays cannotbe ensured.

Emirates Data

Clearing HouseP.O. Box 17500,Dubai - UAE

[email protected]

Tel: +971 2 499 9444Fax: +971 2 635 4663

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

13/15



3.1.2. Quality of service degradation process

In case of the degradation of the quality of service and after failing todiagnose the problem on line, The Client agrees to authorize E-GRXteam to put the connection out of service for measurements if required

and following consultation with authorized the Customers personnel. IfThe Client doesnt agree, the Trouble Ticket shall be considered as beingin Ticket-Halt mode since no repair operation is possible.

3.1.3. Traffic Forecast

The Client shall provide a quarterly GRX traffic forecast. Etisalat shalladvise The Client on any upgrade needed to deliver a GRX Service thatfulfill Customers requirements based on this forecast.

3.2. QUALITY REVIEWS

The Client is invited to regularly review all quality indicators within anoperational committee. Frequency of such reviews can be discussed but

is typical quarterly.

3.3. MONITORING

Etisalat has a redundant NOC responsible for the International Network.

NOC is available 24/7 and is located in Dubai. The NOC is responsiblefor all alarm monitoring. Appropriate escalation procedures are set up toguarantee the best possible customer service, including the support of anumber of Cisco Certified Internetworking Experts for advanced in-housesupport.

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

14/15



3.3.1. Monitoring ToolsAll network equipments are monitored, including IP Routers, DNSServers, Monitoring Servers and the DCN (Data CommunicationNetwork) itself. Etisalat has deployed a full range of support tools to

monitor the GRX Network, including:

MRTG Concord

Furthermore a well-equipped network lab is available, in which newsoftware features and new equipment are tested before implementationin the network.

3.3.2. Third Party Maintenance Contract

E-GRX leverages premium maintenance and support contracts withequipment vendors as well as third party service providers for localhardware maintenance. All contracts with third parties are backed bysound SLA.

4. DOCUMENT REFERENCE

Document Description

GSMA IR.80 PRD Open Connectivity Roaming Hub Model

GSMA IR.34 PRD Inter-Service Provider IP Backbone Guidelines

GSMA IR.40 PRD Guidelines for IP Addressing and AS Numbering for GRX/IPXNetwork Infrastructure and User Terminals

7/30/2019 SD_GRX_v1.3

15/15



5. GLOSSARY

Acronym DescriptionATMBGBGPCB-WFQCIXCoSDiffServDNSDPDSCPDoSGPRSGRXGTPICNMNOMPLSMPRMTTRPEPHBPLMN

PXQoSREDRPRSVPSLASMTPTOSUMTSVLANVPN

Asynchronous Transfer ModeBorder GatewayBorder Gateway ProtocolClass Based Weighted Fair QueuingCommercial Internet exchangeClass of ServiceDifferentiated ServicesDomain Name NetworkDemarcation PointDifferentiated Services Code PointDenial of ServiceGeneral Packet Radio Service (often referred as mobile 2.5G)GPRS Roaming eXchangeGPRS Tunneling ProtocolIntra-Connect NetworkMobile Network OperatorMulti Protocol Label SwitchingMonthly Performance ReportMean Time To RestoreProvider EdgePer Hop BehaviorPublic Land Mobile Network

Provider eXchangeQuality of ServiceRandom Early DetectReference PointResource 15eservation ProtocolService Level AgreementSimple Mail Transfer ProtocolType of ServiceUniversal Mobile Telecommunications NetworkVirtual LAN (Local Access Network)Virtual Private Network

sd_grx_v1.3

Documents