MOBILE

COMMUNICATION

ECED,SVNIT , Surat.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 The GSM mobile service started in India with second – generation
service .
 It supported voice and low speed circuit switched data.
 To support increasing demand of the customers , many more technologies
are developed on GSM platform like GPRS and EDGE.
 This brought revolution in the services provided by GSM operators.
 High Speed Packet switched data connectivity
 Multimedia application
 Web browsing , e-mail , fax , video telephony etc.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 HSCSD is basically an upgrade of the original GSM data transmission
system, by using HSCSD the speed at which data is transmitted is greatly
improved.
 The higher data transmission rates are achieved by making use of
bundled Traffic Channels (TCH).
 The way that this works is the MS requests one or more TCHs from the
GSM network, in other words the MSC will allocate TDMA slots within
a TDMA frame.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 This allocations need to be asymmetrical i.e. more slots can allocated
downlink than the uplink, this fit the behavior of most users, typically the
user will download more than they will upload.

 HSCSD requires software upgrades in an MS and MSC.

 The second technique used by HSCSD is that the error correction can be
adapted to the quality of the radio channel.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 A standard slot can carry 9.6 kbps. HSCSD makes it possible to increase
this to 14.4 kbps. the quality of the radio channel must be good enough to
do so.

 The maximum data rate of a HSCSD configuration with 14.4-kbps

channel coding is 115.2 kbps, if all eight time slots are allocated to the
same user. In practice, is the number of time slots allocated to a user
limited to three, limiting the data rate to 43.2 kbps.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 The main benefit of HSCSD compared to other data enhancements
introduced later is that it is an inexpensive way to implement higher
data rates in GSM networks.
 Disadvantages :
 It still uses the connection oriented mechanisms of GSM, which
are not at all efficient for bursty data traffic.
 While downloading large file it may require all channels to be
reserved.
 Web browsing will keep channels idle for most of the time.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service )

 GSM system was developed for voice services but it was not
having capabilities of data service.
 To develop a higher data rate capability in the mobile phones ,
GPRS protocol is developed on the GSM platform.
 The GPRS and GSM are able to operate alongside one another on
the same network , using same BS.
 GPRS was developed in 1999.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service )

 GPRS offering data services with data rate up to 115 kbps,
facilities such as web browsing, e –mail and other services.
 The key element of GPRS is that it uses packet switched data
rather than circuit switched data.
 It can handle bursty traffic.
 The transfer occurs in short peaks , followed by breaks when
there is little or no activity, while in circuit switching dedicated
connections are provided till the communication is over.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service )

 GSM frames cannot be called packets as they are synchronous
TDM frames , but GPRS packet format is defined.
 In computer networks, for identification of destination MAC ,
IP and port addresses are required.
 For GPRS, the SIM and IMSI can be used as physical address.
 In GPRS , IP address and DNS are adopted directly from
computer networks.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS Architecture :
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS Architecture :
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service )

 GPRS uses GSM architecture.
 GPRS supports class of network nodes to offer packet data. These nodes
are called GPRS support nodes (GSN).
 GSN are responsible for delivery and routing of data packets between
MS and external packet data network (PDN).
 The existing BSS needs enhancement to recognize the data packets.
 BTS also needs to be upgraded to support packet data transportation.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 HLR needs enhancement to register GPRS user profile and respond to queries
originating from GSN.

Mobile Station (MS) :

 A new MS is required to support GPRS. The GPRS terminals are available in

many forms and backward compatible to support GSM voice & switched data.

 The ETSI (The European Telecommunications Standards Institute) specification

define three different classes of mobiles for the hybrid GPRS/GSM networks.

 Class A mobiles can attach to both GSM and GPRS networks simultaneously.
These mobiles can make and receive voice and data calls at the same time. In
order to achieve this, mobiles monitor both the GSM and the GPRS for incoming
calls and have an additional receiver.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 Class B terminals can attach to both the GSM and the GPRS networks
simultaneously, but can handle only one service at a time. It is possible to
switch between the calls. For example, a Class B mobile can suspend an
outgoing packet transfer, when it gets an incoming voice call, and resume
the packet transfer once the voice call is over.

 Class C terminals can attach to only one network, i.e., GSM or GPRS.
For example, if a Class C mobile is attached to a GPRS network, it will
not be able to make or receive a voice call from a GSM network.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Base Transceiver Station (BTS) :
 BTS needs software upgrades to support new air interface , new coding schemes
and logical channels and their mapping.
 No hardware upgrades are required.
 The BTS connects to the BSC using the Abis interface in GSM.

Base Station Controller (BSC) :

 It requires both hardware and software upgrades.
 The software upgrade is needed to support mobility and paging of GPRS
terminals.
 The hardware upgrade is needed to add new functionality to control and handle
the packet data.
 A PCU (Packet control Unit) is needed to BSC.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
 PCU separates the circuit switched and packet switched traffic from the
user and sends them to the GSM & GPRS network respectively.
 It also performs most of the radio resource management function of
GPRS network.
 It is possible that PCU resides within the BTS , BSC or outside the BSC
near the SGSN.
 There will be at least one PCU that serves a cell in which GPRS service
will be available.
 Frame Relay technology is being used to interconnect PCU to the GPRS
core.
 The newer implementation deploys over IP.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Support Node (GSN) :

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) :

 The serving GPRS support Node (SGSN) provides packet routing

to and from the mobile stations , currently in its coverage area.
 For establishing data calls , the GPRS users need to attach to the
SGSN via the Base Station.
 SGSN is responsible for supporting MS mobility.
 It keeps track of all subscribers in its coverage area.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) :

The mobile mobility include following procedure :

(1) GPRS attach

 User is registered in SGSN, after authentication check from
HLR
 SGSN assigns P-TMSI to MS

(2) GPRS detach

 Disconnection of MS from GPRS network is called GPRS
detach
 It can be initiated by MS or by network(SGSN or HLR).
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) :

(3) Paging
 When the MS in STANDBY state ,the network does not know the
precise location of MS , thus paging procedure is required to
retrieve the accurate location of MS.

(4) Routing and update

 The routing area update procedures

occur when the MS moves between

different Routing areas.

GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Session Management :

 Mobile Station applies for PDP address

 For each session PDP context is created & it contains
PDP type
PDP addressed assigned to MS
Address of GGSN that serves as an access point to PDN
 With active PDP context MS able to send or receive data packets
 Allocation of PDP address can be static or dynamic
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) :

Security Management :
 The SGSN authenticates the subscriber at the very first request to attach
to the network.
 This is necessary to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to
the network services.

The security functions include following procedures

(1) Identity Request

(2) Authentication and Ciphering

GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) :

PDU Handling :
 The SGSN and the GGSN use this function to transport packet data units
(PDUs) between the MS and the external packet data network.
 The SGSN and the GGSN use a tunneling concept to transport PDUs
over the Gn interface.
 The PDUs are encapsulated into an IP datagram to facilitate transfer of
PDUs of an format across the Gn link.
Charging :

 The charging functions include the call detailed record (CDR) generation
and charging gateway function (CGF).
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) :
 It is a gateway between the GPRS network and external PDN.
 It converts GPRS packet coming from the SGSN into proper packet data
protocol (PDP) (like X.25 or IP) before sending to outside data network.
 It converts external PDP address to the GSM address of destination user.
 GGSN stores the current SGSN address of the user and its profile in its
location register.
 It also performs the authentication and charging function.
 A GGSN provide interface to several SGSNs to the external PDUs.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

GPRS Interfaces :
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Interfaces :
Um Interface :
 Between an MS and the GPRS fixed network part. The Um is the access
interface the MS uses to access the GPRS network. The radio interface to
the BTS is the same interface used by the existing GSM network with
some GPRS specific changes.

Gb Interface :
 Between a SGSN and a BSS. The Gb interface carries the GPRS traffic
and signalling between the GSM radio network (BSS) and the GPRS
network. Frame Relay based network services is used for this interface.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Interfaces :
Gn Interface :
 between two GSNs within the same PLMN. The Gn provides a data and
signalling interface in the Intra-PLMN backbone. The GPRS Tunnelling
Protocol (GTP) is used in the Gn (and in the Gp) interface over the IP
based backbone network.
Gp Interface :

 Between two GSNs in various PLMNs. The Gp interface provides the

same functionality as the Gn interface, but it also provides, together with
the BG and the Firewall, all the functions needed for inter-PLMN
networking, that is, security, routing, etc.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Interfaces :
Gr Interface :
 Between an SGSN and the HLR. The Gr gives the SGSN access to subscriber
information in the HLR. The HLR can be located in a different PLMN than
the SGSN (MAP).
Gs Interface :
 Between a SGSN and a MSC. The SGSN can send location data to the MSC
or receive paging requests from the MSC via this optional interface. The Gs
interface will greatly improve the effectiveness of the radio and network
resources in the combined GSM/GPRS network. This interface uses BSSAP+
(Base Station Subsystem Application Part) protocol.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Interfaces :
Gd Interface :
 Between the SMS-GMSC and an SGSN, and between SMS-IWMSC and an
SGSN. The Gd interface is available for more efficient use of the SMS
services (MAP) .
Gf Interface :
 Between an SGSN and the EIR. The Gf gives the SGSN access to GPRS
user equipment information. The EIR maintains three different lists of
mobile equipment: black list for stolen mobiles, grey list for mobiles
under observation and white list for other mobiles (MAP).
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Interfaces :
Gc Interface :
 Between the GGSN and the HLR. The GGSN may request the location of an
MS via this optional interface. The interface can be used if the GGSN needs
to forward packets to an MS that is not active.

Gi Interface :
 Between a GGSN and an external network. The GPRS network is
connected to an external data networks via this interface.
GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)
GPRS Protocol Architecture :