Abstract

ABSTRACT GPRS is data communication service system based on packet switching which is carried by
the GSM radio fisic channel in order to increase efficiency and provide flexibility of the service to
external data packet network. GPRS service integration on GSM network changes of GSM network
architecture which are allocation of access radio channel to GPRS and adding of new equipment and
interface. Many services could be pass through this data packet network, one of the service based
on data packet which is hopefully can increase data packet network utility is Push To Talk (PTT). PTT
is a half-duplex-mode voice service which is developed so that it can be implemented in the cellular
network. PTT is an instant service which enables one-to-one and one-to-many user communication
and doesn’t need a dial-up process, users only have to press the button on the UE (User Equipment)
when they want to start to talk. However, if the communication links is dense then the conversation
which use this service will have delays. On this final assignment, the planning is done by PT
Telkomsel region Bandung. The planning process is begun with existing GPRS network performance
analysis which are traffic aspect and channel availability. Then continued by the planning of PTT
system including PTT system infrastructure, the amount of PTT user forecast, equipment
dimensioning, the coverage of PTT service area, and PTT system QoS according to the planning
outcome. The outcome of this final assignment is the total of PTT subscriber on 2010 which is 14566
user. The amount of PTT cequipment needed are 1 unit of GSN, 1 unit of control switch, 1 unit of
Active Directory, and 2 units of web servers.
PREFACE

The difficulties the international industry standard bodies have had in approving all of the necessary
standards has led to a delay in the deployment of 3G wireless systems. To lessen the impact of these
delays, General Packet Radio Service is being introduced as an intermediate step to efficiently
transport high-speed data over the current GSM wireless network infrastructures.

GPRS is a packet-based data bearer service for GSM and TDMA networks. It is being rolled out by
operators around the world as the first vital step towards 3G. GPRS gives mobile users faster data
speeds and is particularly suitable for bursty Internet and intranet traffic. It makes mobile data
faster, cheaper and more user-friendly than ever before. With GPRS-enabled mobile devices, users
can be always on the Mobile Internet, so that, for example, emails arrive instantaneously. It also
permits users to receive calls simultaneously when sending and receiving data calls.

GPRS provides end-to-end IP connectivity that can be used to connect corporate LANs, ISPs and
operators' own service LANs via interfaces to TCP/IP and X.25. GPRS gives almost instantaneous
connection set-up, and allows charging on the basis of data transmitted rather than connection time.
As a packet data technology, GPRS only uses network resources and bandwidth when data is actually
transmitted. This makes extremely efficient use of available radio bandwidth. Supported data rates
range from 14.4 Kbps using just one TDMA slot, up to 115 Kbps and higher using all

eight.

GPRS can be implemented by simply adding new packet data nodes in GSM/TDMA networks, and
upgrading existing nodes to provide a routing path for packet data between the mobile terminal and
a gateway node. The gateway node provides interworking with external packet data networks for
access to the Internet and intranets, for example, and requires few or no hardware upgrades to
existing GSM/TDMA nodes.

Between 2000 and 2002, upgrades to existing GSM, GPRS and TDMA networks are planned that will
allow single-slot rates of 38.4 Kbit/s for HSCSD and 60 Kbit/s for GPRS - allowing rates as high as 384
Kbit/s by joining multiple time slots. Known as Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) these
upgrades represent the final evolution of data communications within the GSM standard and will
enable operators with existing 2G networks to evolve to 3G services on existing network
frequencies, using current network infrastructure. Consequently, EDGE services are sometimes
referred to as 2.5 Generation services. GPRS is ideal for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
services. WAP over GPRS

brings cost savings to both mobile operators and consumers, because GPRS radio

resources are only needed while transferring the message. For the end user, that

means you only pay for the time it takes to download. WAP content is optimised for

thin-client devices, such as mobile phones and is also future proof, enabling it to be

deployed on 2.5G, 3G and other networks. While GPRS features efficient use of

resources, instant access, fast delivery of information and innovative charging

models.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the teachers of Advanced Level Telecom Training Centre for providing me the
golden opportunity to train in such a nice campus of Ghaziabad.

I am vey grateful to Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra and Mr. Mukesh Kumar Arya for their valuable support
and guidance.

I am very grateful and thankful to all those who helped me in my entire training program especially
the teachers.

I am indebted to my college training and placement department for providing me the opportunity of
training in ALTTC.
INTRODUCTION

The name, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) doesn't convey much information to the non-
technical user. Describing it as providing a direct link into the Internet from a GSM phone, is much
clearer. GPRS is to mobile networks what ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is to fixed
telephone networks the favoured solution for providing fast and inexpensive Internet links.

GPRS will undoubtedly speed up a handset's Internet connection - but it remains to be seen exactly
how much speed can be wrung out of the system. GPRS works by amalgamating (aggregating) a
number of separate data channels. This is feasible because data is being broken down into small
'packets' which are re-assembled by the receiving handset back into their original format. The catch
is that the number of receiving channels does not necessarily have to match the number of sending
channels. On the Internet, it is assumed that you want to view more information (such as a
complicated Web page) than you want to send (such as a simple Yes or No response). So GPRS is an
asymmetric technology because the number of 'down' channels used to receive data doesn't match
the number of 'up' channels used to send data.

The task of defining GPRS has been the responsibility of the Special Mobile Group (SMG) - part of the
3GPP initiative (3rd Generation Partnership Project). Rather than wait for the final version of the
SMG standard some manufacturers decided to go with GPRS handsets which conformed to an earlier
version of the specifications known as SMG29. This basically offers two 'down' channels and a single
'up' channel. In practice each channel is offering around 12-13 Kbit/s so the top speeds works out to
be around 26 Kbit/s. Most experts agree, however that full interoperability between products will
come with SMG 31. This is capable of offering four 'down' channels which equates to a top speed of
around 52 Kbit/s - the same as a high speed (V.90) landline modem.

GPRS is classified as a 2.5G (or 2G Plus) technology because it builds upon existing network
infrastructure whereas with 3G networks it
normally requires building an entirely new network. In order to compete against 3G networks,
therefore, North American operators have been looking to GPRS to provide high speed data links.
Hence, manufacturers have been working on a related technology known as EDGE (Enhanced Data
for Global Evolution). In order to compete with 3G, EDGE must offer links running at 384 Kbit/s and
originally this equated to running GPRS three times faster. However, because GPRS has proved much
slower than expected, it now needs to be seven times faster.

WHAT IS GPRS?

GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service, and is a relatively low cost technology that offers
packet-based radio service and allows data or information to be sent and received across mobile
telephone networks.Designed to supplement the existing mobile technologies, like GSM, CDMA,
TDMA etc.

WHAT DOES GPRS DO?

GPRS provides a permanent connection where information can be sent or received immediately as
the need arises, subject to radio coverage. No dial-up modem connection is necessary. This is why
GPRS users are sometimes referred to be as being anytime-anywhere "always connected". The GPRS
tariff structure is based on a fixed cost, dependent on the quantity of data required. In other words
customers will be able to fix their operating costs without the concerns of variable billing.

WHY GPRS?

At present circuit switching technique like your telephone line, in order to send or receive emails,
transfer files or browse WAP/Web sites.it is first necessary to make a 'data' call. The call is answered
by a modem or an ISDN adapter owned either by the network operator itself (such as BT Cellnet) or
by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Next the caller is 'authenticated' by giving a user ID and
password and then assigned an Internet address by the ISP or operator. The whole process can take
up to sixty seconds or more and even at the end of this procedure the connection is slow - normally
a mere 9.6 Kbit/s.
With packet switching technique GPRS, there is no call. Once the handset is powered on, by pressing
a button the user is connected directly to the Internet. The link is only broken when the handset is
turned off hence GPRS is known as an 'always on' connection. The fact that the link is continuous has
one major benefit. It enables the ISP/operator to know a handset's Internet address. So messages
can be passed directly over the Internet from a PC, for example, down to your handset. Crucially this
facility enables the Internet Service Provider to 'push' messages down to your handset - rather like
an SMS message. The difference is that with GPRS the link is interactive. That means if you want to
respond directly such as instruct your broker to sell 500 shares - you can. One of the major criticisms
aimed at WAP is that it lacked support for 'push' technologies. This failing has effectively been
rectified via an update to the WAP standards (version 1.2) and the introduction of GPRS enabled
WAP handsets.

TIMESCALES FOR GPRS:

When a new service is introduced, there are a number of stages before it becomes established. GPRS
service developments will include standardization, infrastructure development, network trials,
contracts placed, network roll out, availability of terminals, application development, and so on.
These stages for GPRS are:

Date

Throughout 1999-2000

Milestone

Network operators place trial and commercial contracts for GPRS infrastructure.

Incorporation of GPRS infrastructure into GSM networks

Summer of 2000

First trial GPRS services become available. Typical single user throughput is likely to be 28 kbps. For
example, T-Mobil is planning a GPRS trial at Expo2000 in Hanover in the Summer of 2000
Start of 2001

Throughout 2001

Basic GPRS capable terminals begin. to be available in commercial quantities

Network operators launch GPRS services commercially and roll out GPRS.

Vertical market and executive GPRS early adopters begin using it regularly for nonvoice mobile
communications

2001/2

Typical single user throughput is likely to be 56 kbps. New GPRS specific applications, higher bitrates,
greater network capacity solutions, more capable terminals. become available, fuelling GPRS usage

2002

Typical single user throughput is likely to be 112 kbps. GPRS Phase 2/EDGE begins to emerge in
practice

2002/3

3GSM arrives commercially

Like the GSM standard itself, GPRS will be introduced in phases. Phase 1 is expected to be available
commercially in the year 2000/1. Point to Point GPRS (sending information to a single GPRS user) will
be supported, but not Point to Multipoint (sending the same information to several GPRS users at
the same time). GPRS Phase 2 is not yet fully defined, but is expected to support higher data rates
through the possible incorporation of techniques such as EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM
Evolution), in addition to Point-to-Multipoint support.

2. FEATURES OF GPRS

2.1 KEY USER FEATURES OF GPRS:

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a new nonvoice value added service that allows
information to be sent and received across a mobile telephone network. It supplements today's
Circuit Switched Data and Short Message Service. GPRS is NOT related to GPS (the Global
Positioning System), a similar acronym that is often used in mobile contexts. GPRS has several
unique features which can be summarized as:

SPEED:

Theoretical maximum speeds of up to 171.2 kilobits per second (kbps) are achievable with GPRS
using all eight timeslots at the same. time. This is about three times as fast as the data transmission
speeds possible over today's fixed telecommunications networks and ten times as fast as current
Circuit Switched Data services on GSM networks. By allowing information to be transmitted more
quickly, immediately and efficiently across the mobile network, GPRS may well be a relatively less
costly mobile data service compared to SMS and Circuit Switched Data.

IMMEDIACY:

GPRS facilitates instant connections whereby information can be sent or received immediately as the
need arises, subject to radio coverage. No dial-up modem connection is necessary. This is why GPRS
users are sometimes referred to be as being "always connected".. Immediacy is one of the
advantages of GPRS (and SMS) when compared to Circuit Switched Data. High immediacy is a very
important feature for time critical applications such as remote credit card authorization where it
would be unacceptable to keep the customer waiting for even thirty extra seconds.

NEW APPLICATIONS, BETTER APPLICATIONS:

GPRS facilitates several new applications that have not previously been available over GSM networks
due to the limitations in speed of Circuit Switched Data (9.6 kbps) and message length of the Short
Message Service (160 characters). GPRS will fully enable the Internet applications you are used to on
your desktop from web browsing to chat over the mobile network. Other new applications for GPRS,
profiled later, include file transfer and home automation- the ability to remotely access and control
in-house appliances and machines.

SERVICE ACCESS:

To use GPRS, users specifically need:

A mobile phone or terminal that supports GPRS (existing GSM phones do NOT support GPRS)

A subscription to a mobile telephone network that supports GPRS Use of GPRS must be enabled for
that user. Automatic access to the GPRS may be allowed by some mobile network operators, others
will require a specific opt-in

Knowledge of how to send and/ or receive GPRS information using their specific model of mobile
phone, including software and hardware configuration (this creates a customer service requirement)

A destination to send or receive information through GPRS. Whereas with SMS this was often
another mobile phone, in the case of GPRS, it is likely to be an Internet address, since GPRS is
designed to make the Internet fully available to mobile users for the first time. From day one, GPRS
users can access any web page or other Internet applications- providing an immediate critical mass
of uses.

2.2 KEY NETWORK FEATURES OF GPRS:

PACKET SWITCHING:

GPRS involves overlaying a packet based air interface on the existing circuit switched GSM network.
This gives the user an option to use a packet-based data service. To supplement a circuit switched
network architecture with packet switching is quite a major upgrade. However, as we shall see later,
the GPRS standard is delivered in a very elegant manner- with network operators needing only to
add a couple of new infrastructure nodes and making a software upgrade to some existing network
elements.

With GPRS, the information is split into separate but related "packets" before being transmitted and
reassembled at the receiving end. Packet switching is similar to a jigsaw puzzle- the image that the
puzzle represents is divided into pieces at the manufacturing factory and put into a plastic bag.
During transportation of the now boxed jigsaw from the factory to the end user, the pieces get
jumbled up. When the recipient empties the bag with all the pieces, they are reassembled to form
the original image. All the pieces are all related and fit together, but the way they are transported
and assembled varies. The Internet
itself is another example of a packet data network, the most famous of many such network types.

SPECTRUM EFFICIENCY:

Packet switching means that GPRS radio resources are used only when users are actually sending or
receiving data. Rather than dedicating a radio channel to a mobile data user for a fixed period of
time, the available radio resource can be concurrently shared between several users. This efficient
use of scarce radio resources means that large numbers of GPRS users can potentially share the
same bandwidth and be served from a single cell. The actual number of users supported depends on
the application being used and how much data is being transferred. Because of the spectrum
efficiency of GPRS, there is less need to build in idle capacity that is only used in peak hours. GPRS
therefore lets network operators maximize the use of their network resources in a dynamic and
flexible way, along with user access to

resources and revenues.

GPRS should improve the peak time capacity of a GSM network since it simultaneously allocates
scarce radio resources more efficiently by supporting virtual connectivity immigrates traffic that was
previously sent using Circuit Switched Data to GPRS instead, and reduces SMS Center and signaling
channel loading by migrating some traffic that previously was sent using SMS to GPRS instead using
the GPRS/ SMS interconnect that is supported by the GPRS standards.

INTERNET AWARE:

For the first time, GPRS fully enables Mobile Internet functionality by allowing interworking between
the existing Internet and the new GPRS network. Any service that is used over the fixed Internet
today- File Transfer Protocol (FTP), web browsing, chat, email, telnet- will be as available over the
mobile network because of GPRS. In fact, many network operators are considering the opportunity
to use GPRS to help become wireless Internet Service Providers in their own right.

The World Wide Web is becoming the primary communications interface- people access the Internet
for entertainment and information collection, the intranet for accessing company information and
connecting with colleagues and the extranet for accessing customers
and suppliers. These are all derivatives of the World Wide Web aimed at connecting different
communities of interest. There is a trend away from storing information locally in specific software
packages on PCs to remotely on the Internet. When you want to check your schedule or contacts,
instead of using something like "Act!", you go onto the Internet site such as a portal. Hence, web
browsing is a very important application for GPRS.

Because it uses the same protocols, the GPRS network can be viewed as a sub-network of the
Internet with GPRS capable mobile phones being viewed as mobile hosts. This means that each GPRS
terminal can potentially have its own IP address and will be addressable as such.

SUPPORTS TDMA AND GSM:

It should be noted right that the General Packet Radio Service is not only a service designed to be
deployed on mobile networks that are based on the GSM digital mobile phone standard. The IS-136
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) standard, popular in North and South America, will also
support GPRS. This follows an agreement to follow the same evolution path towards third
generation mobile phone networks concluded in early 1999 by the industry associations that support
these two network types.

3 GPRS TERMINALS:-

A complete understanding of the application availability and GPRS timeline requires understanding
of terminal types and availability. The term "terminal equipment" is generally used to refer to the
variety of mobile phones and mobile stations that can be used in a GPRS environment; the
equipment is defined by terminal classes and types. Cisco Gateway GPRS Serving Node (GGSN) and
data network components interoperate with GPRS terminals that follow the GPRS standards.

GPRS TERMINAL CLASSES:

A GPRS terminal can be one of three classes: A, B, or C. A Class A terminal supports GPRS and other
GSM services (such as SMS and voice) simultaneously. This support includes simultaneous attach,
activation,
monitor, and traffic. As such, a Class A terminal can make or receive calls on two services
simultaneously. In the presence of circuit-switched services, GPRS virtual circuits will be held or
placed on busy rather than being cleared.

A Class B terminal can monitor GSM and GPRS channels. simultaneously, but can support only one of
these services at a time. Therefore, a Class B terminal can support simultaneous attach, activation,
and monitor, but not simultaneous traffic. As with Class A, the GPRS virtual circuits will not be closed
down when circuit-switched traffic is present. Instead, they will be switched to busy or held mode.
Thus, users can make or receive calls on either a packet or a switched call type sequentially, but not
simultaneously.

A Class C terminal supports only nonsimultaneous attach. The user must select which service to
connect to. Therefore, a Class C terminal can make or receive calls from only the manually (or
default) selected service. The service that is not selected is not reachable. Finally, the GPRS
specifications state that support of SMS is optional for Class C terminals.

DEVICE TYPES:

In addition to the three variables, each handset will have a unique form factor. Some of the form
factors will be similar to current mobile wireless devices, while others will evolve to use the
enhanced data capabilities of GPRS.

The earliest available type will be closely related to the current mobile phone. These will be available
in the standard form factor with a numeric keypad and a relatively small display.

PC Cards are credit card-sized hardware devices that connect via a serial cable to the bottom of a
mobile phone. Data cards for GPRS phones will enable laptops and other devices with PC Card slots
to be connected to mobile GPRS-capable phones. Card phones provide functionality similar to that
offered by PC Cards, without needing a separate phone. These devices may need an earpiece and
microphone to support voice services.

Smart phones are mobile phones with built-in voice, nonvoice, and Web-browsing services. Smart
phones integrate mobile computing
and mobile communications into a single terminal. They come in various form factors, which may
include a keyboard or an icon drive screen. The Nokia 9000 series is a popular example of this form
factor.

The increase in machine-to-machine communications has led to the adoption of application-specific

devices. These "black-box" devices lack a display, keypad, and voice accessories of a standard phone.
Communication is accomplished through a serial cable. Applications such as meter reading utilize
such black-box devices.

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as the Palm Pilot series or Handspring Visor are data-centric
devices that are adding mobile wireless access. These devices can either connect with a GPRS-
capable mobile phone via a serial cable or have GPRS capability built in.

4 GPRS ARCHITECTURE :-

From a high level, GPRS can be thought of as an overlay network onto a second-generation GSM
network. This data overlay network provides packet data transport at rates from 9.6 to 171 kbps.
Additionally, multiple users can share the same air-interface resources.

GPRS attempts to reuse the existing GSM network elements as much as possible, but in order to
effectively build a packet-based mobile cellular network, some new network elements, interfaces,
and protocols that handle packet traffic are required. Therefore, GPRS requires modifications to
numerous network elements, as summarized in following Table and illustrated in following Figure.

MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR GPRS:

GSM Network Element

Subscriber Terminal (TE)

A totally new subscriber terminal is required to access GPRS services. These new terminals will be
backward compatible with GSM for voice calls.

BTS

A software upgrade is required in the existing base

transceiver site (BTS).

BSC

The base station controller (BSC) will also require a software upgrade, as well as the installation of a
new piece of hardware called a 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.

Core Network

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 (VLR, HLR, and so on)

All the databases involved in the network will require software upgrades to handle the new call
models and functions introduced by GPRS.

GPRS REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE:

Generic GPRS Network Architecture

EMS OMIC

Other PLMN

Signaling interface

SETS
GPRS SUBSCRIBER TERMINALS:

New terminals (TEs) are required because existing GSM phones do not handle the enhanced air
interface, nor do they have the ability to packetize traffic directly. A variety of terminals will exist, as
described in a previous section, including a high-speed version of current phones to support high-
speed data access, a new kind of PDA device with an embedded GSM phone, and PC Cards for laptop
computers. All these TEs will be backward compatible with GSM for making voice calls using GSM.

GPRS BSS:

Each BSC will require the installation of one or more PCUs and a software upgrade. The PCU provides
a physical and logical data interface out of the base station system (BSS) for packet data traffic. The
BTS may also require a software upgrade, but typically will not require hardware enhancements.

When either voice or data traffic is originated at the subscriber terminal, it is transported over the
air interface to the BTS, and from the BTS to the BSC in the same way as a standard GSM call.
However, at the output of the BSC the traffic is separated; voice is sent to the mobile switching
center (MSC) per standard GSM, and data is sent to a new device called the SGSN, via the PCU over a
Frame Relay interface.

GPRS NETWORKS NODE:

In the core network, the existing MSCs are based upon circuit- switched central-office technology,
and they cannot handle packet traffic. Thus two new components, called GPRS Support Nodes, are
added:

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)

Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)

The SGSN can be viewed as a "packet-switched MSC;" it delivers packets to mobile stations (MSs)
within its service area. SGSNs send queries to home location registers (HLRs) to obtain profile data of
GPRS subscribers. SGSNs detect new GPRS MSs in a given service area, process registration of new
mobile subscribers, and keep a record of their location inside a given area. Therefore, the SGSN
performs mobility management functions such as mobile subscriber attach/detach and
location management. The SGSN is connected to the base-station subsystem via a Frame Relay
connection to the PCU in the BSC.

GGSNs are used as interfaces to external IP networks such as the public Internet, other mobile
service providers' GPRS services, or enterprise intranets. GGSNs maintain routing information that is
necessary to tunnel the protocol data units (PDUs) to the SGSNs that service particular MSs. Other
functions include network and subscriber screening and address mapping. One (or more) GGSNs
may be provided to support multiple SGSNs. More detailed technical descriptions of the SGSN and
GGSN are provided in a later section.

Enabling GPRS on a GSM network requires the addition of two core modules, the Gateway GPRS
Service Node (GGSN) and the Serving GPRS Service Node (SGSN). As the word Gateway in its name
suggests, the GGSN acts as a gateway between the GPRS network and Public Data Networks such as
IP and X.25. GGSNs also connect to other GPRS networks to facilitate GPRS roaming. The Serving
GPRS Support Node (SGSN) provides packet routing to and from the SGSN service area for all users in
that service area.

In addition to adding multiple GPRS nodes and a GPRS backbone, some other technical changes that
need to be added to a GSM network to implement a GPRS service. These include the addition of
Packet Control Units; often hosted in the Base Station Subsystems, mobility management to locate
the GPRS Mobile Station, a new air interface for packet traffic, new security features such as
ciphering and new GPRS specific signalling.

GPRS MOBILITY MANAGEMENT:

Mobility management within GPRS builds on the mechanisms used in GSM networks; as a MS moves
from one area to another, mobility management functions are used to track its location within each
mobile network. The SGSNs communicate with each other and update the user location. The MS
profiles are preserved in the visitor location registers (VLRs) that are accessible by the SGSNs via the
local GSM MSC.. A logical link is established and maintained between the MS and the SGSN in each
mobile network. At the end of transmission or when a MS moves out of the area of a specific SGSN,
the logical link is released and the resources associated with it can be reallocated.
Again, these are primarily data-centric devices that are adding mobile wireless access. Access can be
gained via a PC Card or via a serial cable to a GPRS-capable phone.

5 HOW GPRS WORKS:-

The General Packet Radio Service is Mobile Data upgrade to a GSM mobile phone network. This
provides users with packet data services (similar to the Internet) using the GSM digital radio
network. Each voice circuit in GSM transmits the speech on a secure 14kbps digital radio link
between the mobile phone and a nearby GSM transceiver station. The GPRS service joins together
multiple speech channels to provide higher bandwidth data connections for GPRS data users. The
radio bandwidth remains the same, it is just shared between the voice users and the data users. The
network operator has the choice of prioritizing one or the other.

GPRS users will also benefit from being able to use GPRS while traveling as the GSM system should
transparently hand over the GPRS connection from one base station to another.

RADIO INTERFACE:

Each GSM radio transceiver uses Time Division Multiplexing to deliver eight voice circuits on one
radio channel. Each radio site may have one or more transceivers to provide sufficient channels to
end users (maximum numbers are limited by many factors including operators radio license,
interference with other nearby GSM cells, cost of equipment, capacity of radio site infrastructure
etc.)

A GPRS user may theoretically use all voice channels on one transceiver (8* 14 kbps) but radios to
support this are not available and the operators will probably reserve at least some channels for
voice circuits.

Each 14kbps channel may be shared by multiple 'connected' GPRS users (many users will be
connected to the network but transmitting very little data). As a user's data requirements grow, they
will use more of the available capacity within that timeslot, and then more available
timeslots up to the maximum available or the maximum supported by their device.

1 voice circuit

In general the higher the data rate, the more power the mobile device will use and the shorter the
battery life and the higher the transmitted RF power. If you are using GPRS with a mobile phone, do
not keep it near your ear for long periods while data transfers are taking place.

GPRS MOBILE DEVICES:

The key use for GPRS is to send and receive data to a computer

application such as Email, web browsing or even telemetry (telemetry refers to devices not being
controlled by humans such as cash point machines or traffic monitoring cameras etc.). To use GPRS
the service is 'dialed' in a similar manner to a standard data call (though there is no phone no.) at
which point the user is 'attached' and an IP address is allocated. From then on data can flow to and
from the Internet until either the network unattaches you (maybe because of a time-out, fault or
congestion) or you manually unattach.

Mobile workers usually have a mobile phone, when this includes GPRS then it can also be used to
transfer data to an connected computer.

Some of the key issues are:

➤ Using GPRS will not stop you making or receiving voice calls.

➤ Current phones will usually suspend the data session while a voice call takes place.

➤ Battery life will be reduced when using GPRS.

➤ The data needs to be connected with your computer.

The three standard methods to connect your computer to GPRS mobile phone are:

➤ Infrared available on most business mobile phones - just align the IR. port on the phone with the
IR. port on the Laptop

➤ Data-cable reliable and doesn't require the careful alignment of IR. which may be difficult when
traveling

➤ Bluetooth - My preferred solution - often difficult to set up but once its configured Bluetooth
provides a very convenient connection. Bluetooth is available for connecting to Laptops via USB, PC-
cards or CF-cards in addition to cards for PDAs such as those offered by PALM. Older Compaq IPAQs
will require an expansion jacket but newer Pocket PC devices usually include a suitable expansion
port (check at the time of purchase). One very important point is that Bluetooth devices are very low
powered so do not drain your computer battery or phone battery too much. Many people will be
tempted by the all- in-one phone/PDA, but consider will you be happy with the relatively short
battery life, large size and weight and unreliability of many PocketPC devices.

GPRS data cards are also available, the issues here are:

➤ Fully integrated solution

➤ Best in Laptops with PC card expansion slots

➤ GPRS will drain your battery so expect reduced life

➤ You can subscribe to a different network than your GSM voice supplier

➤ GPRS data cards will have their own SIM card and hence will need another subscription to your
mobile network
GPRS ROAMING:

In the short term don't expect to be able to roam to many countries with GPRS, many networks are
still negotiating to set up roaming agreements. Technically there are two type of GPRS Roaming

➤ Home Network Roaming - Here all data is transmitted from wherever you connect to a GPRS
network to your home

GPRS network where it is connected to the Internet or your company LAN as if you were indeed in
your home country. ➤ Local Network Roaming Data is just connected to a local Internet connection
point and will be subject to local conditions for security and performance.

GPRS users would be advised to ensure they also are able to use either GSM or High Speed GSM
data (HSCSD) to retrieve their data when traveling because of the changing state of GPRS roaming
agreements. They can either phone their ISP or RAS server on their home network or subscribe to an
ISP which provides local access points in each country visited.

GPRS SECURITY:

The radio interface is considered to be relatively secure being controlled by the GSM network's
security (SIM card + HLR). Security issues arise when data needs to leave the GPRS network to be
delivered to either the Internet or a company LAN.

Internet connectivity is the cheapest and most common - and here you can take charge of security
by encrypting sensitive data. If your GPRS network supplier allows it you can set up encrypted VPN
connections to your company systems though there could be a performance hit. Treat the
connection as a standard dial-up Internet connection to an ISP and take similar security precautions.

NETWORK CONNECTIVITY:

As a business GPRS user you will have a choice of methods to connect to the GPRS network - by far
the most common method will be via the Internet. For larger users you may connect your company
LAN to the GPRS networks using leased lines or Frame Relay virtual circuits.
INTERNET:

Your company probable already has an Internet connection (though you may need more capacity if
you add many GPRS users) and this provides a quick and easy way of connection to GPRS.

The key problem is to deliver your data SECURELY to your users, using strong encryption such as with
SSL (128 bit) or VPN (162 bit).

For secure company Email access you have a number of choices. These include:

➤ VPN firewalls - this will provide secure access to everything on the company LAN from GPRS and
other Internet users.

➤ Microsoft Mobile Information Server

➤ WAP interfaces to your Email system e.g. Peramon

➤ POP server set up a company POP server to provide Internet based Email, make sure to enable
additional security if required.

Employees (often senior managers) often bypass a companies security systems by redirecting to
personal Internet Email accounts which provides them with a quick fix to mobile connectivity.

LEASED LINES:
Leased lines provide the most secure method of connecting to GPRS but are traditionally expensive
and have long contract periods. (Min 1 year)

The protocol over the leased line would normally be frame relay but it is possible you could use ATM
with some networks. You do not really need any CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) supplied by
your GPRS network supplier, just a spare Frame relay port on an existing router. There may be
economies to be made if you also use the leased line to carry standard voice and data and bulk SMS
in addition to the GPRS traffic in which case your network supplier will provide a device to route
these onto your network. They may also try to sell you consultancy to design this interface shop
around to get the best solution.

Keep costs down by connecting to a geographically close connection point to the chosen GPRS
network. Not all networks have the same number and location of connection points (GGSNs in GPRS
terms).

FRAME RELAY:

If you already have a frame relay connection with one of the key UK network suppliers then adding
an addition PVC (Private Virtual Circuit) to one of the GPRS networks will make a cost effective
solution, even if you have to increase the size of the link.

Ask your network supplier about availability figures as it is important they have redundant
connections to the chosen Frame supplier.

6 GPRS DATA COMMUNICATION:-

Some cooperation still exists between elements of the current GSM services and GPRS. On the
physical layer, resources can be reused and some common signaling issues exist. In the same radio
carrier, there can be time slots (TSs) reserved simultaneously for circuit-switched and GPRS use. The
most optimum resource utilization is obtained through dynamic sharing between circuit-switched
and GPRS channels.
Conclusion
GPRS is a new nonvoice 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 3G networks. Altogether, GPRS provides for a better mobile Internet
experience that promotes the development of mobile information-centric devices, and
fuels the fusion of information and access technologies.

Aside from shaping developments in technology, GPRS, with its characteristics

potentially pushes mobile Internet into mainstream usage. This development has
corresponding effects on the Internet and the quality of information contained in the
Internet, as the characteristics and limitations of mobile devices dictate the type of
content on the Internet. The widespread use of GPRS also opens doors for more
development not only on existing mobile devices, but in applications and complementary
technology as well.
Reference

https://www.oocities.org/iluvjae/gprs/conclusion.html

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/0-306-47319-4_10

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios/12_4t/mw_ggsn/configuration/guide/
ggsnover.html#:~:text=GPRS%20is%20a%202.5G,instant%20messaging%2C%20and%20mutlimedia
%20messaging.