GPRS, which stands for General Packet Radio Service, is a packet-oriented mobile data standard on the 2G and 3G cellular communication network’s global system for mobile communications (GSM). It was an important step in the evolution of mobile networks, enabling various data services for mobile users.
GPRS Architecture:
The GPRS network architecture was designed to work alongside the existing GSM network structures to provide packet-switched data services. Here are the key components of the GPRS architecture:
• Mobile Station (MS): Enhanced mobile stations capable of handling both voice and data packets.
• Base Station Subsystem (BSS): Includes the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and Base Station Controller (BSC), with an added Packet Control Unit (PCU) for routing data to the SGSN.
• Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN): Handles packet routing, mobility management, authentication, and billing.
• Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN): Acts as an interface between the GPRS network and external packet data networks, managing user profiles and billing information.
• Internal Backbone Network: An IP-based network that carries packets between different GSNs using tunneling techniques.
Key Features of GPRS:
• Packet-Switching: Allows data to be transmitted in small packets, making efficient use of network resources.
• Always-On Connectivity: Users can remain connected to the network without needing to establish a connection each time they want to send or receive data.
• Higher Data Rates: Compared to previous GSM data services, GPRS provides faster data transfer rates.
• Support for Multiple Users: Enables multiple users to send and receive multimedia data concurrently.
• Mobility Support: Includes mechanisms like attachment procedures, location and handoff management, and routing areas for mobility within the network.
GPRS was a significant advancement over the circuit-switched data services of GSM, setting the stage for later technologies like EDGE, 3G, and 4G. It allowed for a variety of new applications, including mobile internet browsing and email, which were not possible with the earlier GSM network.