Configuration of Common Control Channel

The common control channel includes PCH, AGCH and RACH, in which AGCH and PCH are downlink while RACH is uplink. Its purpose is to send the access granted (immediate assignment) message, paging message and random access message. Based on the configuration of traffic channels in the cell and the traffic model of the cell, the CCCH channel can be borne by one or more physical channels. Moreover, the CCCH can share the same physical channel with the SDCCH channel. The combination mode for the common channel in the cell depends on the configuration parameter of the common channel.

As a way for load control, the MS may be distributed to several different sub-groups by operators for access or other operation purposes. The CCCH grouping and paging grouping are two examples.