GPRS in GSM

Hi this is about the GPRS technology that is widely used in GSM Phones.

The general packet radio service (GPRS) enhances GSM data services
signifi cantly by providing end-to-end packet switched data connections. This is
particularly effi cient in Internet/intranet traffi c, where short bursts of intense data
communications are actively interspersed with relatively long periods of inactivity.
Because there is no real end-to-end connection to be established, setting up a
GPRS call is almost instantaneous and users can be continuously on-line. Users have the additional benefi ts of paying for the actual data transmitted, rather than for connection time. Because GPRS does not require any dedicated end-to-end connection, it only uses network resources and bandwidth when data is actually being transmitted. This means that a given amount of radio bandwidth can be shared effi ciently among many users simultaneously.

The next phase in the high-speed road map is the evolution of current short message service (SMS), such as smart messaging and unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), toward the new GPRS, a packet data service using TCP/IP and X.25 to offer speeds up to 115 kbps. GPRS has been standardized to optimally
support a wide range of applications ranging from very frequent transmissions of medium to large data volume. Services of GPRS have been developed to reduce connection set-up time and allow an optimum usage of radio resources. GPRS provides a packet data service for GSM where time slots on the air interface
can be assigned to GPRS over which packet data from several mobile stations is multiplexed.


A similar evolution strategy, also adopting GPRS, has been developed for DAMPS (IS-136). For operators planning to offer wideband multimedia services, the move to GPRS packet-based data bearer service is signifi cant; it is a relatively small step compared to building a totally new 3G IMT-2000 network. Use of the GPRS network architecture for IS-136 packet data service enables data subscription roaming with GSM networks around the globe that support GPRS and its evolution. The IS-136 packet data service standard is known as GPRS-136. GPRS-136 provides the same capabilities as GSM GPRS. The user can access either X.25 or an IP-based data network. GPRS provides a core network platform for current GSM operators not only to expand the wireless data market in preparation for the introduction of 3G services, but also a platform on which to build IMT-2000 frequencies should they acquire them.

The implementation of GPRS has a limited impact on the GSM core network. It simply requires the addition of new packet data switching and gateway nodes, and an upgrade to existing nodes to provide a routing path for packet data between the wireless terminal and a gateway node. The gateway node provides interworking with external packet data networks for access to the Internet, intranet, and databases.

GPRS supports all widely used data communicationsprotocols, including IP, so it is possible to connect with any data source fromanywhere in the world using a GPRS mobile terminal.  GPRS supports applications ranging from low-speed short messages to high-speed corporate LAN communications. However, one of the key benefi ts of GPRS — that it is connected through the existing GSM air interface modulation scheme — is also a limitation, restricting its potential for delivering higher data rates than 115 kbps. To build even higher rate data capabilities into GSM, a new modulation scheme is needed.

GPRS can be implemented in the existing GSM systems. Changes are required in an existing GSM network to introduce GPRS. The base station subsystem (BSS) consists of a base station controller (BSC) and packet control unit (PCU). The PCU supports all GPRS protocols for communication over the air interface. Its function is to set up, supervise, and disconnect packet switched calls. The packet control unit supports cell change, radio resource confi guration, and channel assignment. The base station transceiver (BTS) is a relay station without protocol functions. It performs modulation and demodulation.