▀ Features and Functionality - Base Software 
▄ Cisco ASR 5000 Series Product Overview 
Network Operation Management Functions 
This section describes the following features: 
 
  Support Interfaces (Reference Points) 
  Multiple PDN Support 
  Congestion Control 
  IP Access Control Lists  
 
Support Interfaces (Reference Points) 
S1-U (E-UTRAN EPC) 
In an E-UTRAN network S1-U is the per-bearer user plane tunneling reference interface between the S-GW and 
eNodeB. The S-GW provides the local mobility anchor point for inter-eNodeB hand-overs. It provides inter-eNodeB 
path switching during hand-overs when the X2 handover interface between base stations cannot be used. The S1-U 
interface uses GPRS tunneling protocol for user plane (GTP-Uv1). GTP encapsulates all end user IP packets and it relies 
on UDP/IP transport. 
In order to support S1-U hand-overs the source eNodeB initiates the hand-over by sending the hand-over required 
message over the S1-MME interface to the MME. The MME then determines if the S-GW needs to be relocated. The 
eNodeB decides which EPS bearers are subject to forwarding to the target base station. In the S1-U hand-over, the hand-
off occurs indirectly from the source eNodeB to the target via the source and target S-GWs. 
S11 (E-UTRAN EPC) 
S11 is the reference interface that provides the control plane protocol (GTP-Cv2) between the MME and S-GW. As with 
all GTP-based interfaces S11 relies on UDP/IP transport. A GTP tunnel is identified in each node with a Tunnel 
Endpoint ID (TEID), IP address and UDP port number. The TEID values are exchanged between the tunnel endpoints 
using GTP-C. There is one GTP-C tunnel between the MME and S-GW for each mobile terminal. The GTP protocol 
provides the following functions: 
 
  Bearer management function: This functionality is responsible for bearer management; setting up, modifying 
and releasing EPS bearers, which are triggered by the MME. The release of EPS bearers may be triggered by 
the P-GW or HSS as well. The messages include Create Session request, Create Bearer request, Create bearer 
response etc. Additionally GTP tunnel management messages may be sent for any of the following reasons: 
  Initial UE attachment 
  UE requests connection to an additional PDN 
  Tracking Area Update with S-GW change 
  S1/X2 handover with S-GW change 
  GERAN or UTRAN to E-UTRAN Inter-RAT handover with SGW change. 
  Path management function: This functionality is responsible for managing the path between the tunnel 
endpoints. It includes messages like ECHO request, ECHO response and version not supported indication. 
  Mobility management functions: This functionality consists of messages that are exchanged between GTP end 
points to manage UE mobility. Messages such as Forward Relocation request/response are sent between end 
points. These messages are not sent on the S11 interface.