GPRS architecture

This is a presentation explaining GPRS and its architecture

1. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) By Ekansh Agarwal 1

2. Table of contents 01 About GPRS What is GPRS? Key features of GPRS References 04 Characterisitcs of GPRS Characteristics of GPRS Applications of GPRS 02 GPRS Architecture Network elements Support Nodes Databases in GPRS Protocol Stack Mobile station classes Packet data Protocol 03 2

3. About GPRS General Packet Radio System  is also known as  GPRS  is a third-generation step toward internet access. GPRS is also known as GSM-IP that is a Global-System Mobile Communications Internet Protocol as it keeps the users of this system online, allows to make voice calls, and access internet on-the-go . The GPRS specifications are written by the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI), the European counterpart of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI ). In the current versions of GPRS, networks based on the Internet Protocol (IP) like the global internet or private/corporate intranets and X.25 networks are supported In the current versions of GPRS, networks based on the Internet Protocol (IP) like the global internet or private/corporate intranets and X.25 networks are supported 3

4. GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) Key features of GPRS  Removes the dial-up process, making applications only one click away. A lways online feature GPRS is the packet data core network for 3G systems EDGE and WCDMA. An Integral part of future 3G systems Operators do not have to replace their equipment; rather, GPRS is added on top of the existing infrastructure. U pgrade to existing systems 4

5. Characteristics of GPRS GPRS has opened a wide range of unique services to the mobile wireless subscriber. Some of the characteristics that have opened a market full of enhanced value services to the users. Below are some of the characteristics: Mobility -  The ability to maintain constant voice and data communications while on the move. Immediacy -  Allows subscribers to obtain connectivity when needed, regardless of location and without a lengthy login session. Localization -  Allows subscribers to obtain information relevant to their current location . Using the above three characteristics varied possible applications are being developed to offer to the mobile subscribers. These applications, in general, can be divided into two high-level categories: Corporation Consumer 5

6. Application of GPRS All the applications are divided into two high-level categories such as corporation and consumer. Both two categories again have an application which is listed below.  Consumer Application Communication  - Unified messaging, Fax, E-mail, Internet, etc.  E-commerce  - Retail applications like Amazon, ticket purchasing using UPI, banking, and financial and trading like balance checking and money transfer between bill payment, overdraft alert, accounts, etc. Value-added services  - Information services and other games include gaming applications. Location-based applications  - Navigation, airlines, rail schedules, location finder, updated traffic conditions. Vertical applications  - Delivery, fleet management, and salesforce automation, etc Advertising  -  Using location-based application and advertising Advanced business applications :  Tracking of taxes and credit card validation for customer payment.  Localization of stolen cars. Control of the position of trucks for transportation companies.  Support for security and monitoring system.  Distribution of specific message to a selected group of users. 6

7. GPRS Architecture 7

8. GPRS Network E lements Network Elements Mobile Station (MS) New Mobile Station is required to access GPRS services. These new terminals will be backward compatible with GSM for voice calls. Base Transciever Stations A software upgrade is required in the existing Base Transceiver Station(BTS). Base Station Controller The Base Station Controller (BSC) requires a software upgrade and the installation of new hardware called the packet control unit (PCU). The PCU directs the data traffic to the GPRS network and can be a separate hardware element associated with the BSC. GPRS Support Nodes The deployment of GPRS requires the installation of new core network elements called the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). Databases (HLR, VLR, etc) All the databases involved in the network will require software upgrades to handle the new call models and functions introduced by GPRS. 8

9. GPRS Support Nodes Nodes The Gateway GPRS Support Node acts as an interface and a router to external networks. Gateway GPRS Support Nodes 01 The Serving GPRS Support Node is responsible for authentication of GPRS mobiles, registration of mobiles in the network, mobility management, and collecting information on charging for the use of the air interface. Serving GPRS Support Nodes 02 9

10. Databases in GPRS HLR and EIR Home location Register The HLR is a database that contains, among other things, packet domain subscription data and routing information. Equipment Identify Register The EIR is a database that contains terminal identities. MSC and VLR Mobile switching center The MSC coordinates the setting up of calls to and from GSM users and manages GSM mobility.  Base transceiver station The BTS integrates all the radio transmission and radio reception boards. Visitor Location Register VSC contains exact location of mobile subscribers Base Station Controller The BSC is responsible for the management of the radio channels and network traffic. BTS and BSC / BSS 10

11. GPRS Protocol Stack 11

12. Mobile Station Classes Mobile Station Classes talk about the globally-known equipment handset which is also known as Mobile Station (MS) and its three different classes . Class A-: Class A terminals can manage both packet data and voice simultaneously. Which means, one needs two transceivers, as the handset has to send or receive data and voice at the same time . Class B-: Class A terminals can manage both packet data and voice simultaneously. Which means, one needs two transceivers, as the handset has to send or receive data and voice at the same time . Class C-: Class C terminals can manage either only packet data or only voice. Examples of class C terminals are GPRS PCM/CIA cards, embedded modules in vending machines, and so on. 12

13. Packet Data Protocol The PDP addresses are network layer addresses (Open Standards Interconnect [OSI] model Layer 3). GPRS systems support both X.25 and IP network layer protocols. Therefore, PDP addresses can be X.25, IP, or both . All packet data traffic sent from the public packet data network for the PDP address goes through the gateway (GGSN ). The public packet data network is only concerned that the address belongs to a specific GGSN . When a MS is already attached to a SGSN and it is about to transfer data, it must activate a PDP address. Activating a PDP address establishes an association between the current SGSN of mobile device and the GGSN that anchors the PDP address . The record kept by the SGSN and the GGSN regarding this association is called the PDP context. 13

14. References Tutorials point GPRS - Architecture (tutorialspoint.com ) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS): Architecture, interfaces, and deployment Wireless Internet access based on GPRS 14