GPRS
NAME: PHANISHANKAR LOKAM
ENROLL NO: A50105218004
COURSE: B-TECH/CSE
SEC: A
Introduction
The General Packet Radio System (GPRS) is a new service that
provides actual packet radio access for mobile Global System for
Mobile Communications (GSM) and time-division multiple access
(TDMA) users.
The main benefits of GPRS are that it reserves radio resources only
when there is data to send and it reduces reliance on traditional
circuit-switched network elements.
Theoretical up to 171.2 kbps transmission speed are achievable
using all eight timeslots at the same time.
What is GPRS
GPRS is a new set of GSM-bearer services that provide
packet mode transmission within the GSM network &
interconnects with external packet data networks.
GPRS is a packed based communication service that allows
data to be sent and received across a mobile telephone
network.
GPRS uses Packed Switch Data.
GPRS is a step toward 4G and is often referred as 2.5G.
How Does GPRS Work?
When a user turns on a GPRS device, typically it will
automatically scan for a local GPRS channel. If an
appropriate channel is detected, the device will attempt to
attach to the network. The SGSN receives the attach
request, fetches subscriber profile information from the
subscriber’s HLR node, and authenticates the user.
Ciphering may be established at this point.
Architecture of GPRS
• MS Mobile Station
• BSC Base Station Controller
• PCU Packet Control Unit
• SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node
• GGSN Gateway GPRS
Support Node
• HLR Home Location Register
Database
• MSC Mobile switching center
SGSN
• SGSN stands for Serving GPRS Support Node
• SGSN (together with GGSN) was added to introduce the packet-switched
technology within 2G GSM networks.
• packet-switched capability to GSM and UMTS networks
• The packets of data with information content (e.g. results from a Google search) can
be sent and received by the mobile phones.
• The SGSN is responsible for mobility management, billing, and the management of
data sessions.
GGSN
• GGSN stands for Gateway GPRS Support Node
• GGSN was added to the mobile core network as a gateway to connect the GPRS network to the
external data world..
• situated between the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and the external data networks such as the
internet
• GGSN receives data from a mobile user via the SGSN, converts the data into the protocol format that
the destination requires and sends that to the destination data network (e.g. internet).
• GGSN is just a router interfacing the mobile packet-switched network and the external data networks.
INTERNAL NETWORK
BACKBONE
• The internal backbone is an IP based network used to carry packets between
different GSNs. Tunnelling is used between SGSNs and GGSNs, so the internal
backbone does not need any information about domains outside the GPRS
network. Signaling from a GSN to a MSC, HLR or EIR is done using SS7.
• Two Different Type of Backbone:
1. Intra PLMN Backbone
2. Inter PLMN Backbone
GPRS-PACKET SWITCHING
The key element of GPRS is that it uses packet switched
data rather than circuit switched data, and this technique
makes much more efficient use of the available capacity.
Using a traditional approach a circuit is switched
permanently to a particular user. This is known as a circuit
switched mode.
To improve the situation the overall capacity can be shared
between several users.
Sending and Receiving Packets
When the mobile user sends data, the SGSN routes the
packets to the appropriate GGSN. The GGSN then routes the
data according to the current "context" established for the
session.
Conversely, packets destined for the user are routed to the
GGSN associated with the user's IP address. The GGSN
checks the received packets against the current context,
identifies the SGSN that is serving the user, and routes the
traffic accordingly. The SGSN then forwards the packets to
the BSS where the subscriber is located.
GPRS Network
GPRS-NETWORK
• GPRS and GSM are able to operate alongside one another
on the same network, and using the same base stations.
However upgrades are needed
• The network upgrades reflect many of those needed for 3G,
and in this way the investment in converting a network for
GPRS prepares the core infrastructure for later evolution to
a 3G W-CDMA / UMTS
GPRS-MOBILE
Not only does the network need to be upgraded for GPRS, but new GPRS
mobiles are also required
It is not possible to upgrade an existing GSM mobile for use as a GPRS
mobile, although GSM mobiles can be used for GSM speech on a network
that also carries GPRS
Salient Features of GPRS
• Always on Connectivity.
• New and Better Application.
• Reduced GSM operator Cost.
• Billing based on volume of data transferred.
Services
• Multimedia messaging service (MMS).
• Internet applications for smart devices through wireless
application protocol.
• Push to talk.
Applications for GPRS
CHAT
TEXTUAL AND VISUAL INFORMATION
STILL IMAGES
MOVING IMAGES
WEB BROWSING
Applications for GPRS Contd..
DOCUMENT SHARING/ COLLABORATIVE
WORKING
AUDIO
JOB DISPATCH
CORPORATE EMAIL
INTERNET EMAIL
VEHICLE POSITIONING
REMOTE LAN ACCESS
Advantages of GPRS
Faster Data Transfer Rates
Always-On Connection
Robust Connectivity
Broad Application Support
Security Support
Limitation of GPRS
Limited cell capacity for all users
There are only limited radio resources that can be deployed for both
voice and GPRS calls.
Speeds much lower in reality
It is unlikely that a network operator will allow all timeslots to be
used by a single GPRS user.
Support of GPRS mobile terminate by terminals is no ensured
There has been no confirmation from any handset vendors that mobile
terminated GPRS calls.
Transit delays
GPRS packets are sent in all different directions to reach the same
destination. the result is that potential transit delays can occur.
No store and forward
There is no storage mechanism incorporated into the GPRS standard,
apart from the incorporation of interconnection links between SMS and
GPRS.
Conclusion
• GPRS is a new non voice service that allows information
(in packets) to be sent and received across a mobile
network. Its development is a key step in the evolution of
mobile networks to 2G & 3G networks. Altogether, GPRS
provides for a better mobile Internet experience that
promotes the development of mobile information-centric
devices.
THANK YOU
