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GPRS Architecture in Wireless Communication

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137 views3 pages

GPRS Architecture in Wireless Communication

Uploaded by

akramshaik2004
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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GPRS architecture in wireless communication

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is an expansion of GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications) networks that offer packet-switched data services. The GPRS architecture
consists of different network components and interfaces that work together to provide data
services. In this article, we will discuss everything about GPRS architecture.
What is GPRS?
GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. It is the modified version of GSM architecture.
GPRS is a packet-oriented mobile data mechanism, that can carry data packets as well. In GSM
architecture, only voice signals can be transported, so being an enhanced version GPRS can
transmit voice as well as data packets. It uses the same physical radio channel as GSM does, the
only difference is it has a new logic defined for the radio channel.
GPRS Network Architecture
GPRS tries to make maximum use of the existing physical structure of GSM. It has introduced a
new entity named GPRS support nodes(GSN) whose responsibility is to route and deliver a data
packet. GSN is of two types:
• Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)
• Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)

GPRS Architecture
Components of GPRS Architecture
1. Mobile Station(MS)
GPRC requires enhanced mobile stations, as existing mobile stations were designed according to
the GSM network, and they were unable in handling enhanced data packets. A variety of high-
speed mobile stations are available to support enhanced data packets. These mobile stations are
also capable of handling the GSM architecture to make voice calls.
2. Base Station Controller (BSC)
In GSM architecture there is one component called BSC. But in GPRS there is one component is
added to BSC called PCU. PCU stands for Packet Control Unit. If the signal comes to BSC and that
signal contains data, then PCU routes to the SGSN. The interface is used between BSC and PCU
is the FRI interface. After the signal comes to SGSN, it delivers the data packet to the GGSN.
GGSN routes the data packet to the data network (PDN- Predefined Data Network).
3. GPRS Support Nodes
GPRS support nodes are of two types:
(a) Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN): It is responsible for the following tasks:
• Packet Delivery
• Mobility management
o apply/ sign off of terminals
o localization
• LLC (Logical Link Control) management
• Authentication
• Billing
(b) Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN): It is responsible for the following tasks:
• Mediator between GPRS between backbone and external data networks.
• Saves current data for the SGSN address of the participant as well as their profile and data
for authentication and invoice.
4. Internal Backbone Network
It is an IP-based network that is used to support the working of GPRS and this is responsible to
carry new packets between different GSNs. The tunneling is used between SGSNs and GGSNs to
exchange information without informing the internal backbone.
5. Mobility Support
GPRS has the following mechanism to support mobility in the network:
• Attachment Procedure
• Location and Handoff Management
6. Routing Area
This is similar to the location area in GSM the only difference is routing area use fewer cells as
routing areas are smaller than the location area.
7. SMS in GSM
GSM introduced a mechanism of Short Messaging Service(SMS) which is similar to peer-to-peer
Instant messaging.
Benefits Of GPRS
• Mobility: The capacity to keep up consistent voice and information interchanges while
moving.
• Cost Efficient: Communication via GPRS is cheaper than through the regular GSM
network.
• Immediacy: Allows customers to obtain connectivity when needed, regardless of location
and without a lengthy login session.
• Localization: Enables customers to acquire data applicable to their present area.
• Easy Billing: GPRS packet transmission offers an easier to use billing than that offered by
circuit switched administrations.

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