The TSG Core Network and Terminals (TSG CT) is responsible for specifying terminal interfaces (logical and physical), terminal capabilities (such as execution environments) and the Core network part of 3GPP systems.

More specifically: User Equipment - Core network layer 3 radio protocols ( Call Control, Session Management, Mobility Management), signalling between the core network nodes, interconnection with external networks, O&M requirements, GPRS between network entities, Transcoder Free Operation, CAMEL, Generic User Profile, Wireless LAN - UMTS interworking and descriptions of IP Multimedia Subsystem, SIP Call Control, SDP protocols for the IM subsystem, mapping of QoS and the interfaces specific to the UMTS Open Service Access (OSA).

Useful links and information

Terms of reference

The 3GPP OPs have approved an updated version of the Third generation partnership agreement. The new version was distributed for information at CT #37 as CP-070648. TSG CT chairman was requested to make a proposal to initiate email discussion to revise the CT ToR if necessary.

This document is based on the latest TSG CT approved version of the TSG ToR (CP-070500) and it proposes to align the TSG CT ToR with the new version of partnership agreement.

The technical specification development work within 3GPP is accomplished by Technical Specification Groups (TSGs) according to the principles and rules contained in the Project reference documentation (Partnership Project Description, Partnership Project Agreement, Partnership Project Working Procedures).

In particular the TSGs report to the Project coordination Group (PCG), and may organize their work in Working Groups and liaise with other groups as appropriate. Each TSG has the responsibility to develop, approve and maintain the specifications within its terms of reference.

The TSG Core and Terminals (TSG CT) is responsible for specifying the Core Network and Terminal Equipment aspects of systems based on 3GPP specifications.

Specifically it has a responsibility for:

• User Equipment - Core network layer 3 protocols in CS and PS domain excluding the access technology layers.
• Core Network internal interfaces for Call Associated and Non Call Associated signalling
• Interconnection of the Core Network with external networks
• SIM/USIM/ISIM and its interface specifications
• Terminal or Network based applications supported by 3GPP terminals
• Core network protocols for CS and PS domain in legacy and evolved 3GPP system
• IP Multimedia subsystem
• Management of the work items placed under its responsibility
• More specifically, TSG-CT will address the following areas of work in legacy and evolved 3GPP system :
• CS and PS domain Mobility management for 3GPP defined access technologies, call connection control and session management signalling between the user equipment and the core network,
• Core network signalling between the core network nodes. The signalling supports functionality such as user information, subscription information and control of network services.
• Interoperability between 3GPP networks (e.g. handovers).
• Interoperability between 3GPP networks and external networks (e.g., WLAN, non-IMS SIP, PSTN)
• Packet related matters such as mapping of QoS [e.g. transparency for IP domain applications, general for bearer types, special for optimized applications such as Voice over IP].
• IP Multimedia signalling protocols and adaptation of IMS to different access technologies
• Protocol aspects of Core network interfaces.
• Core network O&M requirements.
• Service capability protocols,
• Core network or terminal aspects of applications such as messaging or content sharing
• Services end-to-end interworking,
• SIM/USIM/ISIM to Mobile Terminal interface and functionality,
• Model/framework for terminal interfaces and service (application) execution
• Multi-mode terminals
• Liaising with other TSGs and other fora as appropriate.

Glossary of terms