BSSAP stands for Base Station System Application Part. It is a protocol used in the signaling between the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) and the Base Station Subsystem (BSS) within cellular networks, particularly in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).
Relevance in Measuring Performance:
BSSAP is crucial for the performance of cellular networks because it facilitates the management of key functions such as call setup, SMS transfer, and mobility management operations like handovers. The efficiency and reliability of BSSAP directly impact the overall performance of the network in several ways:
• Call Handling: BSSAP is responsible for setting up and managing voice calls. The success rate and setup time of calls are important KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for network performance.
• Mobility Management: It handles location updates and handovers. The success rates of these processes are vital for ensuring seamless connectivity and service continuity as users move across different cells.
• SMS Delivery: BSSAP also manages the delivery of SMS messages. The delivery success rate and latency are monitored to gauge network performance.
• Resource Allocation: It plays a role in allocating radio resources to mobile devices. Efficient resource allocation ensures optimal use of network capacity and affects user experience.
In summary, BSSAP’s role in signaling and communication between network components makes it a fundamental aspect of network performance measurement. Its efficiency affects the network’s ability to deliver high-quality voice services, manage mobility, and maintain robust connectivity. Monitoring BSSAP-related metrics helps network operators identify and resolve issues that could degrade service quality.