General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

Introduction

• GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

– Reuse the existing GSM infrastructure
– Introduce packet-switched routing functionality
• Better data transfer rates
• Low cost and connectivity-oriented
– Migration Path to 3G Networks
 Packet-switched technique
vs. circuit-switched

• In circuit-switching, resources (e.g. a channel) are

allocated to user for duration of connection
– Inefficient use of resources
– User pays for the whole connection
– High QoS: channel maintains real-time connection

• In packet-switching, resources are allocated to user only

for the time it takes to send each packet
– A channel can serve many users
– User pays by the packet
– Ideal for bursty data connections
 Comparison

• Packet-switched • Circuit-switched
– High bit rates (up to – Low bit rates
170kbit/s)
(maximum 14.4kbit/s)
– Short access times
– Friendly bill (based on – Long access times
volume) – Unfriendly bill (based
– Robust application support on duration)
• Frequent transmission of
small volumes
– Limited application
• Infrequent transmission of support
small or medium volumes • Large volumes
GPRS Architecture
 GPRS Architecture - Components

• New components introduced for GPRS services:

– SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node)
– GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node)
– IP-based backbone network
• Old components in GSM upgraded for GPRS
services:
– HLR
– MSC (BSC) /VLR
– Mobile Station
 GPRS Architecture
SGSN – Serving GPRS Support Node
Functionally connected with BSC, physically can be at MSC or
BSC site
• One for few BSCs or one (or few) per every BSC
• One SGSN can support BSCs of several MSC sites
Main functions
• Authenticates GPRS mobiles
• Handles mobile’s registration in GPRS network
• Handles mobile’s mobility management
• Relays MO and MT data traffic
• TCP/IP header compression, V.42bis data compression, error
control MS- SGSN (ARQ)
• Collect charging information of air interface usage
 GPRS Architecture
GGSN – Gateway GPRS Support Node
• Provides inter-working between PLMN and
external packet-switched networks.
• Converts the GPRS packets from SGSN into the
appropriate packet data protocol format (e.g., IP or
X.25) and sends out on the corresponding packet
data network.
• Participates into the mobility management.
• Maintains the location information of the mobile
stations that are using the data protocols provided
by that GGSN.
• Collects charging information for billing purpose.
 GPRS Architecture
Backbone Network

• Tunnels of data and signaling messages between

GPRS support nodes.
• Protocol architecture based on the Internet
Protocol (IP).
• GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol) used to tunnel
user data and signaling between GPRS Support
Nodes. All PDP (Packet Data Protocol) PDUs
(Protocol Data Units) shall be encapsulated by
GTP.
 GPRS Architecture
Backbone Network

• Two kinds of GPRS backbone Network:

– Intra-PLMN backbone network: The IP network
interconnecting GSNs within the same PLMN.
– Inter-PLMN backbone network: The IP network
interconnecting GSNs and intra-PLMN backbone
networks in different PLMNs.
• Two intra-PLMN backbone networks are
connected via the Gp interface using Border
Gateways and an inter-PLMN backbone network.
• Border Gateway handles the packet transfer
between GPRS PLMNs.
 GPRS Architecture
Backbone Network

Packet Data Network

Inter-PLMN Backbone
Gi Gi
Gp
GGSN BG BG GGSN

Intra-PLMN Backbone Intra-PLMN Backbone

SGSN SGSN SGSN

 GPRS Architecture
HLR

• Enhanced with GPRS subscription data and

routing information.
• Accessible from the SGSN via the Gr
interface and from the GGSN via the Gc
interface.
 GPRS Architecture
MSC/VLR

• Not needed for routing of GPRS data.

• Needed for the co-operation between GPRS and
the other GSM services. e.g.,
– Paging for circuit-switched calls that can be performed
more efficiently via the SGSN
– Combining GPRS and non-GPRS location updates
• Receives location information from SGSN or
sends paging requests to SGSN via the Gs
interface.
 GPRS Architecture
Mobile Station

• GPRS MS includes two components:

– MT (Mobile Terminal). Typically a handset
used to access the radio interface.
– TE (Terminal Equipment). Typically a laptop
or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
• Could be one unit combing the
functionalities of a MT and a TE.
 GPRS Architecture
Mobile Station (cont.)

• Three types of MS:

– Class-A: Could be attached to both GPRS and other
GSM services, and the MS supports simultaneous
operation of GPRS and other GSM services.
– Class-B: Could be attached to both GPRS and other
GSM services, but the MS can only operate one set of
services at a time.
– Class-C: Could be exclusively attached to one service
type at a given time.
 GPRS Architecture
Mobile Station (cont.)

Twelve Classes of MS:

Class 1: 1 UL 1 DL Class 8: 1 UL 4 DL

Class 2: 1 UL 2 DL Class 10: 2 UL 4DL

Class 3: 2 UL 2 DL Class 12: 4 UL 4DL

 GPRS Architecture
Interfaces

MSC/VLR HLR
D
Gs Gr
A Gc
Gb Gn Gi
TE MT BSS SGSN GGSN PDN TE
Ga
R Um Ga
Gn Gp
Billing
CGF
System
SGSN GGSN Gf
EIR
Other PLMN
• CGF(Charging Gateway)
 GPRS Channel Coding Schemes

Channel Coding Schemes

CS4

21.4 Kbps
CS3
15.6 Kbps

13.4 Kbps
9.05 Kbps CS2

CS1

Radio Link
CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4

GPRS Addressing Window - 128

Packet transfer

Intra-PLMN backbone

PLMN
 Packet Transfer

• A laptop connects with a GPRS-capable handset.

• The handset communicates with GSM base
station.
• Base station sends the GPRS packets to SGSN.
• SGSN encapsulates packets
• Handset location information is updated in other
GSM components, such as HLR.
• SGSN sends encaps. packets to GGSN.
• GGSN decapsulates and sends to PDNs.
 Communication b/w. GPRS station
Go red and IP host
Return blue
BSC
BTS
BSC
BTS
SGSN

MS SGSN
Inter-PLMN
Gn GPRS Backbone
Intra-PLMN
Intra-PLMN
GPRS Backbone Gp PLMN2
PLMN1 GPRS Backbone
Border
Gn Gateway
Border Gateway

Gn
GGSN
Packet Data Network(PDN)
SGSN
Gi Eg.Internet,Intranet
GGSN

Host

Router
• MS located in PLMN1 sends IP packet to host (e.g. Web
server)
– SGSN where sender MS is registered encapsulates IP packets
– Routes them through intra-PLMN backbone to appropriate GGSN
– GGSN decapsulates packets and sends them to IP network, that
forwards to appropriate host
• host sends return packet to home PLMN2 of MS
– PLMN2’s GGSN queries HLR and finds that MS is in PLMN1
– Packet is encapsulated and sent to SGSN in PLMN1
– SGSN decapsulates packet and delivers to MS
• Note usefulness of inter-PLMN backbone so GPRS routing does not need to
go through PDN
• No encapsulation-decapsulation needed to traverse backbone
 GPRS – Protocol Architecture
GPRS backbone SGSN-GGSN
• packet encapsulations – GPRS tunneling
protocol (GTP)
• caring user’s IP or X.25 packets
• IP is employed to route packets through the
backbone
Transport plane
 Protocol Architecture (cont.)

• Physical layer:
– RFL (Physical RF Layer) – modulation/demodulation
– PLL (Physical Link Layer) – error
control 、 congestion detect
• Data link layer:
– MAC (Medium Access Control) – slotted ALOHA
– RLC (Radio Link Control) – error correction
– LLC (Logical Link Control) – always connected
 Protocol Architecture (cont.)
• GPRS supports interworking of MSs with X.25-, IP-based
networks by encapsulation and decapsulation
• Between SGSN and MS, further encapsulation is performed
by SNDCP (SubNetwork-Dependent Convergence
Protocols)
– including: multiplexing 、 compression 、 segmentation
• The MAC is derived from a slotted reservation ALOHA
protocol, and operate between MS and BTS
Signaling plane: MS­SGSN
 GPRS – Interworking with IP
Network
• GPRS support both IPv4, IPv6
• interface Gi – interworking point with IP network
• from outside GPRS network look like IP
subnetwork and GGSN like IP router
• each registered user obtain IP address (can be used
DHCP server)
• GPRS operator must have some address space
 GPRS – Interworking with IP
Network
• address resolution between IP and GSM
address – GGSN using PDP context
• for mapping between IP and host name can
be used DNS server
• to protect PLMN from outside firewall is
installed
• GPRS – wireless extension of Internet
 GPRS – Physical Layer
• GSM use a combination of FDMA and TDMA
• transmission from MS - 890÷915 MHz
• transmission from the BTS - 935÷960 MHz
• bands of 25 MHz divided into 124 single carrier
channel (200 kHz)
• each of carrier channel has eight TDMA channels
• eight TDMA channels – TDMA frame
GSM carrier frequencies, duplexing, and TDMA frames.
 GPRS – Physical Layer
• each time slot – 156 bits, duration 576.9 s
• TDMA frame – 4.613 ms
• MS use the same time slot for uplink and
downlink
• channel allocation is different from GSM
• Ms can transmit over multiple time slots
(maximum one TDA frame)
• uplink and downlink allocation separately 
asymmetric data traffic is possible
 GPRS – Physical Layer
• channel is allocated when data are transmitted
• much more efficient usage of the link
• multiple user can share one physical channel
• mapping of physical channel can be dynamical
• BTS determine the number of GPRS data channels
(can be changed)
 GPRS – Physical Layer
• series of logical channels are defined
• two categories: traffic and signaling channels
• packet data traffic channel – user data transferring
• packet broadcast control channel – broadcast
signalization to the MS
• packet common control channel - signalization of
location management
• exist also logical sub-channels
Group Channel Function Direction
Packet data traffic
PDTCH Data traffic MS    BSS
 
channel
Packet broadcast
PBCCH Broadcast control MS   BSS
 
control channel
PRACH Random access MS   BSS
 

Packet common PAGCH Access grant MS   BSS

 

control channel
(PCCCH) PPCH Paging MS   BSS
 

PNCH Notification MS   BSS

 

Packet dedicated PACCH Associated control MS    BSS

 

control
Timing advance
channels PTCCH MS    BSS
 
control

Logical channels in GPRS.

 Agenda
• Introduction
• Part I
– GPRS Architecture
• Part II
• Bearer and Supplementary Services
• Mobility Management
• GPRS Limitations
Bearer and Supplementary Services of
GPRS
• The bearer services of GPRS offer end-to-end
packet switched data transfer.
• Two different kinds of bearer services :
– PTP (Point-to-point) services
– PTM (Point-to-multipoint) services

• Supplementary Services : SMS call, call

forwarding unconditional (CFU), call forwarding
on mobile subscriber not reachable (CFNRc), and
closed user group (CUG) .
 GPRS Bearer Services
Two types : PTP services
•Connection-Oriented Network Service (PTP-CONS) :
– A logical relation is established between users.
– supports bursty transactional or interactive apps based on X.25.
– Multiple packets are sent between a single source and destination.
– Examples : Credit card validations, Telnet, and Database access.

•ConnectionLess Network Service (PTP-CLNS) :

– A datagram type service based on the connectionless network protocol (ex: IP).
– Supports bursty non-interactive applications.
– No logical link required between users.
– Each packet is sent is independent of other packets.
– Examples :Electronic mail, Internet ‘s World Wide Web.
 GPRS Bearer Services
PTM Services
enables the transmission of a single message to multiple destinations.
Multicast service (PTM-M):
– Addressed to all subscribers in a geographical area group identifier indicating whether to all
subscribers or to a specific PTM group
– Example : News, Weather and Traffic reports.
• Group call service (PTM-G):
– Only a predefined group of subscribers controlled by a multicast server will receive the
message transmitted.
– Group members must join the PTM-G call.
– Real time delivery.
– Example: Conferencing services.
• IP Multicast (IP-M ):Messages
): are transmitted to a specific group.
– Group members must join the IP-M call.
– Real time delivery.
– Examples : Live multimedia transmissions.
 Mobility Management
• Mobility management is the means by which GPRS keeps track of a
mobile subscriber location while connected to the Network.

• Main concepts :
• GPRS mobility management states
• GPRS network access.
• Attachment.
• Location management
• Packet Data protocol PDP context
• Detachment
• Routing Example
 Mobility Management
Mobility Management States

IDLE
unreachable mobile
GPRS Attach Explicit Detach GPRS Detach

READY
reachable mobile
Timer expiry/ PDU
Force STANDBY/ Transmission
Abnormal RLC condition /Reception

STANDBY
 Mobility Management
Mobility Management States (cont.)
IDLE State
 GPRS MS is unreachable - MS may receive PTM-M message
READY state
 MS can send and receive PDP PDU, and receive PTM-P and PTM-G
data.
 A timer monitors the ready state and upon its expiry, the MS is put on
standby.
STANDBY State
 MS is attached to GPRS MM. - MS and SGSN have established MM
contexts. MS can receive PTM-M and PTM-G data (i.e. can receive
paging message)
 PTP data reception and transmission, and PTM-G data transmission
are not possible
 Location management
• Updates:
• • Cell update is the means by which a MS informs
the network of its current cell location.
• • Intra-SGSN routeing update is the procedure
used when a MS changes RA and remains
serviced by the same SGSN.
• • Inter-SGSN routeing update is the procedure
used when the entry of a MS to a new RA triggers
a change of SGSN service area.
GPRS Location Management
Procedures
 Mobility Management
GPRS network access
• An MS can connect to the GPRS network by requesting a
GPRS attach procedure.
• The outcome is the establishment of a logical link between
the MS and a single SGSN and the creation of a mobility
management context.
context
• The logical link is uniquely defined by the identifier TLLI
and is used subsequently in messages exchanged between
the MS and SGSN.
• This identifier is changed when the MS is served by a new
SGSN.
 Mobility Management
Attachment
Before a mobile station can use GPRS services, it must register
with an SGSN of the GPRS network. The network checks if the
user is authorized, copies the user profile from the HLR to the
SGSN, and assigns a packet temporary mobile subscriber
identity (P-TMSI) to the user.
Steps :
• Inform the network for the MS’s request to be active
• Network checks the Ms’s identity
• Download MS’s subscription information from HLR to SGSN.
• Update MSC/HLR
 Mobility Management
GPRS Attach function :
Attachment
•Authenticate the mobile
•Generate the ciphering key
•Enable the ciphering
•Allocate temporary identity (TLLI)
•Copy subscriber profile from HLR to SGSN
After GPRS attach
•The location of the mobile is tracked
•Communication between MS and SGSN is secured
•Charging information is collected
•SGSN knows what the subscriber is allowed to do
•HLR knows the location of the MS in accuracy of SGSN
 Mobility Management - Attachment
New HLR old
MS BSS New SGSN Old SGSN GGSN EIR MSC/VLR MSC/VLR
1.Attach Request 2. Identification Request
3. Identification Response
3. Identity Request
3. Identity Response
4. Authentication
5. IMEI check
6a. Update Location
6b. Cancel Location
6c. Cancel Location ACK
6d. Insert Subscriber Data
6d. Insert Subscriber Data ACK
6e. Update Location ACK
7c.
7a. Location Update Request Cancel
7b. Update Location
Location
7e. Insert Subscriber data 7d.ACK
7f. Insert Subscriber data ACK
8. Attach Accept 7b. Update Location ACK
7h. Location Update Accept
9. Attach Complete 10. TMSI Reallocation complete
 Mobility Management
Packet Data Protocol(PDP)
Session
• An MS can request to activate one or more PDP (Packet Data
Protocol) contexts which specify the PDNs (Packet Data Networks) it
want to access.
• A PDP context activation procedure is initiated for each required
PDP session.
• Triggered by the MS or a request from a PDN.
• Contains the parameters required to transfer packets between the
MS and the PDN via a GGSN.
• An MS can have more than one PDP context.
 Mobility Management
Packet Data Protocol(PDP)
Session
• An MS specifies its network service access point and the Access
Point Name (APN) of the PDN it wants to connect to.
• The SGSN identifies the corresponding GGSN and make its aware of
the MS.
• A two way point-to-point path (tunnel) is uniquely identified by a
tunnel ID (TID ) and is established between the SGSN and the GGSN.
• At the MS a PDP context is identified by a Network Service Access
Point Identifier(NSPAI), used by the MS for data transfers.
• Ms can be assigned static or dynamic addresses
 Mobility Management
Packet Data Protocol(PDP)
Content
• A PDP (PACKET Data Protocol) contains:
• The type of network PDP used (X25, IP...).
• PDP Addresses of the terminal (x.121, IP).
• IP Addresses of the SGSN where the subscriber is localized.
• The access point to the service network used (NSAPI).
• The quality of service.
 Mobility Management
Packet Data Protocol(PDP)
Session[8]

An MS with two PDP contexts Active

 Mobility Management
PDP
MS
context Activation
SGSN
[5]
GGSN
Activate PDP Context Request
PDP type,PDP Address
QoS Requested,Access Point,…

Create PDP Context Request

PDP type,PDP Address, IMSI,
QoS Negotiated,Access Point,…

MS Activate PDP Context Accept Create PDP Context Response

PDP type,QoS Negotiated,…
PDP type,PDP Address
QoS Negotiated,…
 Mobility Management
MS
PDP context Deactivation
SGSN
[5]
GGSN
MS DEACTIVATE PDP
CONTEXT REQUEST(NSAPI)

GTP DELETE PDP CONTEXT

REQUEST (NSAPI,IMSI)

GTP DELETE PDP CONTEXT

SM DEACTIVATE PDP RESPONSE
CONTEXT ACCEPT(NSAPI)
 Mobility Management
Detachment
Two types of Detachments :
 MS initiated Detachment:

 Network Initiated Detachment:

(Ex : service Termination, Network congestion)
 Mobility Management
MS Initiated Detachment [5]
 Mobility Management
Network Initiated Detachment [5]
 GPRS Limitations
• Speeds Much Lower in Reality
• Support of GPRS Mobile Terminate by Terminals is Not Ensured
• Packet switching means that data packets can traverse different
routes and then be reassembled in their final destination leading
to potential transit delays affecting the Quality of Service.
• Operators may decide to charge based on time rather than volume,
which may destroy the cost advantage that GPRS provides today.
• Requires major network modifications: Many network elements to be
upgraded and totally new to be introduced
• Expensive: Not much time for invest to be returned due to upcoming
3rd generation technology
The Future of GPRS