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4. GPRS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE [11]

The GPRS brings a few new network elements to the GSM network. The most important ones are the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), which is the GPRS equivalent to the MSC, and the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) which provides interworking with external packet-switched networks, and is connected with SGSNs via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. Another important new element is the Point-To-Multipoint Service Center (PTM-SC), which is dedicated to the PTM services in the GPRS network. Also a new network element is the Border Gateway (BG), which is mainly needed for the security reasons and is situated on the connection to the Inter-PLMN backbone network. The Inter-PLMN and Intra-PLMN backbone network are also new elements, both IP-based networks. In addition there will be a few new gateways in the GPRS system like the Charging Gateway and the Legal Interception Gateway. Figure (4.1) illustrates the GPRS network nodes and corresponding interfaces, also SMS-related component and the equipment identity register are shown.

Fig. (4.1) GPRS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

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In this architecture, MS, BSS, Mobile Switching Center/ visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR), And Home Location Register (HLR) in the existing GSM networks are modified. For example, the HLR is enhanced with GPRS subscriber information. Interfaces A, Gs, Gr, Gc and Gd are used for signaling, without involving user data transmission in GPRS. Note that the A interface is used for both signaling and voice transmission in GSM. Interfaces Um, Gb, Gn, Gp, and Gi are used for both signaling and transmission in GPRS.

4.1 Mobile Station (MS) [10]

The Mobile Station (MS) is a combination of the Mobile Terminal (MT) and the Terminal Equipment (TE). It is important to be aware of that the MT and TE could be in the same piece of equipment (like a smart phone or a communicator), or in separate devices like a regular GPRSphone connected to a handheld computer or a laptop. The Terminal Equipment (TE) is the computer terminal that sends and receives end-user packet data. From the TE point of view, the Mobile Terminal functions like a modem, connecting the TE to Internet- and Intranet-services with the GPRS-system. The Mobile Terminal (MT) communicates with the TE through cable or wireless technologies such as IrDA or Bluetooth. Over the air-link the MT communicates with the BTS. The MT is associated with a unique subscriber in the GSM-system through its subscriber identity module (SIM), which stores all the users personal data. In order to be GPRS-capable, the MT must be equipped with specific software and hardware for the GPRS-system. Three mobile classes (MS-classes) are identified:

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Class A: supports simultaneous attach, simultaneous activation, simultaneous monitoring and simultaneous traffic. This means that the mobile user can simultaneously receive and transmit calls on the GPRS system and the GSM system. In order for GPRS- and GSM to take advantage of the transceiver capacity at the same time, a minimum of one timeslot must be available to both services when required. However, class A mobiles are not likely to become commercially available for many years due to their complexity and high power consumption. Class B: supports both GPRS- and GSM-connectivity, but the class B mobile cannot transmit and receive in GSM and GPRS-mode simultaneously. The selection of the appropriate service is performed automatically, i.e. an active GPRS virtual connection is put on hold, if the user accepts an incoming CS call or establishes an outgoing CS call. Class C: supports both GPRS- and GSM-connectivity, but can only transmit and receive in one service at a time. Furthermore, no simultaneous attach and activation is possible. The status of the non-active service is always detached and the user selects the desired type of service manually.

4.2 Base Station System (BSS)

To accommodate GPRS, the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the Base Station Controller (BSC) in the BSS are modified, and a new component, the Packet Control Unit (PCU) is introduced.

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4.2.1 Base Transceiver Station (BTS) The Base Transceiver Station (BTS) is basically the receiving and transmitting facilities, including antennas and all the signaling related to the radio interface. When radio signals are received, the BTS separates GSM circuit switched data/voice from GPRS packet data, and forwards both categories to the Base Station Controller (BSC) using standard GSM protocols.

4.2.2 Base Station Controller (BSC)

The present BSCs will have to undergo a major software upgrade in order to handle packet switched data, and forward circuit-switched calls to the MSC, and packet-switched data through the PCU to the SGSN. A BSC can connect to only one SGSN. The Gb interface is implemented to accommodate function such as paging and mobility management for GPRS. The BSS should also manage GPRS-related radio resources, such as allocation of packet data traffic channels in cells. 4.2.3 Packet Control Unit (PCU) The BSC must be equipped with new elements of hardware and software when used for GPRS. In terms of hardware, the BSC requires a packet control unit (PCU) to handle GPRS packets. In particular, the PCU is responsible for the Radio Link Control- (RLC) and the Medium Access Control- (MAC) layers over the interface. It also manages the transfer of user data packets from the MS to the SGSN. The PCU is either collocated with the BTS or remotely located in the BSC or the SGSN. Most vendors follow the remote PCU option so that no hardware modifications to the BTS/BSC are required. Functions of the packet control unit (PCU) include converting packet data into a format that can be transferred over the air interface,
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managing radio resources, and implementing quality of service (QoS) measurements.

4.3 GPRS Support Node [13],[10]

The SGSN and the GGSN are the main new core support nodes that must be implemented to enable the GPRS-system. Both the GSNs have the important functionality of charging data. The SGSN collects charging information for each MS according to the internal network usage, and the GGSN gathers information on the external data network usage. 4.3.1 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) The role of an SGSN is equivalent to that of the MSC/VLR in the current GSM network. SGSN connects BSS to GGSN, which provides ciphering, mobility management (e.g. inter-SGSN routing area update and inter-PLMN roaming), charging and statistics collection (i.e., support of billing records). To provide services to GPRS MS, the SGSN establishes an MM context that contains mobility and security information for the MS. At PDP context activation, the SGSN establishes a PDP context that is used to route data between MS and the GGSN. SGSN maintains MM/PDP context information when the MS is in one of the two MM states (STANDBY or READY). For an MS, the SGSN MM context includes: IMSI, P-TMSI, and mobile station ISDN number (MSISDN). MM state. Routing area identity and cell identity. Address of the VLR currently serving the MS. IP address of the new SGSN where the buffered packets should be forwarded.

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Authentication and ciphering parameters. Current ciphering key Kc and the selected ciphering algorithm. MS radio access capabilities and the GPRS network access capabilities. 4.3.2 Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) Most importantly, the GGSN provides the interface towards the external IP packet networks. Actually, from the external IP networks point of view, the GGSN acts as a router for the IP-addresses of all subscribers served by the GPRS-network. To make this possible the GGSN exchanges routing information with the external networks and sets up connections towards external networks. The GGSN maintains an activated PDP context for tunneling the packets of the attached MS to the corresponding SGSN. The information items include: IMSI. PDP type and PDP address. Dynamic address indication. QoS profiles negotiated. IP address of the SGSN currently serving this MS. Access point name of the external data network. Charging ID.

4.4 Existing GSM Architecture [10]

The GPRS-system requires software and hardware updates on existing GSM-architecture. These updates do not specifically affect the capacity of the GPRS-system, but are still vital to the systems operation and interworking.

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4.4.1 Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) The MSC performs the telephony switching functions of the GSM CS system, in a similar manner to how the SGSN switches the GPRS PS traffic. It controls calls to and from other telephony and circuit switched data systems, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), and Public Data Networks such as the Internet. Usually, the node is denoted MSC/VLR since the MSC and the Visitor Location Register (VLR) usually reside in the same physical node. 4.4.2 Visitor Location Register (VLR) The VLR database contains information about all MSs that are currently located in the MSC location area. Similarly, the SGSN will contain a type of VLR functionality for packet-switched communication containing all the subscribers in the SGSNs routing area. Over the Gs-interface the SGSN can receive and execute CS paging requests from the MSC/VLR, when the MS is attached for both CS and PS communication. The VLR contains temporary subscriber information needed by the MSC or SGSN to provide services for visiting subscribers. When an MS roams into a new MSC location area or SGSN routing area, the local VLR requests information about the MS from its respective Home Location register (HLR). If the roaming MS makes a call or connection at another time, the VLR will then already have information stored for that particular set up. 4.4.3 Home Location Register (HLR) The Home Location Register (HLR) is a database that stores information about every subscriber belonging to a GSM/GPRS operator.

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Thus, it contains information for both the CS GSM and the PS GPRS system. First of all, it includes whether the GPRS packet data is accepted for the respective subscriptions, having the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) as the main reference key. If a GPRS-subscription exists, the HLR also includes GPRS-information on the type of Packet Data Protocol (PDP) (either IP or X.25), the Access Point Name (APN) to an external IP-network, a Quality of Service Profile, and the authentication parameters. Another important HLR-update for GPRS is the address of the SGSN where the MS is currently resided. 4.4.4 SMS-GMSC and SMS-IWMSC The Short Message Service Gateway MSC (SMS-GMSC) and the Short Message Service Interworking MSC (SMS-IWMSC) are not changed for GPRS-use. There is a new interface to the SGSN, however, in order to enable GPRS MSs to send and receive SMS over GPRS radio channels. Since SMS over GPRS still is a store-and-forward service, the SMS-GMSC and the SMS-IWMSC are directly connected to the SMScentre, where messages are stored. In turn, at the SMS-centre the messages are either dropped or eventually routed to the respective destinations. 4.4.5 Authentication Centre (AUC) The Authentication Centre (AuC) is an extension to the HLR (often in the same physical node), which contains all the information required to protect a subscribers identity. Since the radio interface is inherently open for unauthorized access, authentication keys are given to the users from the AuC every time they

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open a GSM- or GPRS-connection. This prevents potential fraud and eavesdropping of a conversation or data transmission. Authentication algorithms and encryption codes are stored in the AuC, and strict rules apply for access to this information. 4.4.6 Equipment Identity Register (EIR) The Equipment Identity Register (EIR) is a central database that contains subscriber and equipment numbers, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). Upon every GSM or GPRS connection the IMEI number of the mobile terminal in question is checked. The database includes three lists, a white list containing valid mobile equipment, a gray list containing malfunctioning equipment (not in service), and finally a black list containing stolen or suspended equipment. There exists an EIR in every PLMN of an operator, but they all regularly exchange IMEIs with a central register in Dublin, Ireland, in order to prevent stolen equipment to be used in other countries. 4.4.7 Internet Host (IH) The network operator can provide or buy Internet services. This means that the operator can open up for new sources of revenue by functioning as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), in addition to the traditional charging of subscriptions and network usage. No Internet Hosts (IH) are default in the GPRS-system, but operators can extend their operations to include for instance a Domain Name Server (DNS), emailservers (e.g. POP3/SMTP) as well as Web-servers.

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4.5 GPRS Networks [10]

The networks in the GPRS-system are either internal (i.e. the GPRS backbone network and the SS7 network), or external (e.g. the Internet and Intranet). 4.5.1 GPRS backbone networks There are two kinds of GPRS backbone networks, namely the intraPLMN backbone network and the inter-PLMN backbone network, as illustrated in Figure 4.2.

SGSN

SGSN
Intra PLMN Backbone

PLMN A BG Gp

GGSN Gi PDN Gi GGSN

Intra PLMN Backbone

Inter PLMN Backbone

Gp BG PLMN B SGSN GPRS system

SGSN

Fig. (4.2) Intra-PLMN & Inter-PLMN Backbone Networks

The

intra-PLMN

backbone

network

is

the

IP

network

interconnecting GSNs within the same PLMN. Every intra-PLMN backbone network is a private IP network intended for GPRS data and GPRS signaling.

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The

inter-PLMN

backbone

network

is

the

IP

network

interconnecting GSNs belonging to the same operator in different countries, or interconnecting intra-PLMN backbone networks belonging to competing operators. Two intra-PLMN backbone networks are connected via the Gp interface using Border Gateways (BGs) and an inter-PLMN backbone network. The interPLMN backbone network is selected by a roaming agreement that includes the BG security functionality. 4.5.2 Border gateway The exact architecture of the border gateway is not defined in the GPRS specifications; instead the PLMN operators agree the border gateway in roaming agreements. The border gateway could consist of a firewall, security features agreed in a roaming agreement and a router for the chosen network type. The maintask of the border gateway is to ensure a secure connection between various PLMNs offer the Inter-PLMN backbone network. 4.5.3 SS7 (Signalling System #7) network The Signalling support network of GSM is based on the Signalling System #7 protocols, and is therefore usually referred to as the SS7network. This network functions basically as Signalling transport within the so-called Network and Switching Sub-system (NSS), which specifically includes the EIR, HLR/AuC, MSC/VLR, SMS-MSCs, SGSN and GGSN. The SS7 also enables co-operative interworking between NSS-entities from different GSM-networks. It should be noted that the SS7 is used for other kinds of signaling, for instance connecting the MSC to entities such as the BSC, PLMN and PSTN. In terms of capacity the

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SS7-networks are slightly over-dimensioned in order to minimize congestion.

4.6 GPRS Service Areas [3]

In GSM, the network is divided into several MSC/VLR service areas. Each MSC/VLR spans over a group of Location Areas (LAs), which are sets of cells. Figure (4.3) illustrates a simplified example of the GSM network service areas. The network is shown to be divided into 5 LAs and 2 MSC/VLR service areas. The thick line in the figure is used to show the separation between the two service areas. In GPRS on the other hand, a group of cells is called a RA (Routeing1 Area). The SGSN controls a service area containing several RAs. There may not be a direct mapping between SGSN and MSC/VLR service areas but a RA is a subset of one, and only one, LA. GPRS has chosen a different layout from GSM (i.e., RAs instead of LAs) to allow for signaling and paging over geographically smaller areas and thus, a better optimization of radio resources. One possible implementation of GPRS in the existing GSM network of Figure (4.3) is shown in Figure (4.4).

LA 3

LA 1 MSC\ VLR 1 LA 2

LA 3 MSC\ VLR 2 LA 4

LA 1

RA 1 RA 6

RA 5 RA 9

LA 5

LA 5

SGSN 1

MSC\ VLR 1
RA 2 RA 3 LA 2 RA 4

SGSN 2

RA 7 RA 8

MSC\ VLR 2
LA 4

RA 10 SGSN2 RA 11

MSC/VLR (1) service area = (LA1 + LA2) MSC/VLR (2) service area = (LA3 + LA4 + LA5)

SGSN(1) service area = (RA1+ RA2 + RA3 + RA4 + RA5) SGSN(2) service area = (RA6 + RA7 + RA8) SGSN(3) service area = (RA9 + RA10 + RA11)

Fig. (4.3) GSM Network Service Areas

Fig. (4.4) GPRS Network Service Areas

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The example suggests 3 SGSN service areas to span over 11 RAs. The reader should be aware that the example is simplified to illustrate the difference between GSM and GPRS service areas. In a real network implementation, the layout is decided by the operator of the network.

4.7 GPRS Interfaces and Reference Points [11]

Several interfaces have been introduced in GPRS to define entityto-entity interactions. It is important to understand the function of every interface and reference points, because this gives an insight to the future GSM phase 2+ network including GPRS system. The different interfaces the GPRS system uses are: Gb between a SGSN and a BSS, the Gb interface is the carrier of the GPRS traffic and signaling between the GSM radio network (BSS) and the GPRS part, frame relay based network services provide flow control for this interface. Gc between the GGSN and the HLR. The GGSN may request location information for network requested context activation only via this optional interface. Gd between the SMS-GMSC and a SGSN. The Gd interface allows more efficient use of the SMS services. Gf between a SGSN and the EIR. The Gf gives the SGSN an access to equipment information. In the EIR the mobile stations are divided into three lists: black lists for stolen mobiles, gray list for mobiles under observation and white list for other mobiles. Gn between two GSNs with the same PLMN. The Gn provides a data and signaling interface in the Intra-PLMN backbone. Gp between two GSNs in various PLMNs. The GP interface provides the same functionality as the Gn interface, but it also

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provides, with the border gateway and the firewall, all the functions needed in the Inter-PLMN networking, i.e. security, routing, etc. Gr between a SGSN and the HLR. The Gr gives the SGSN an access to subscriber information in the HLR. Gs between a SGSN and a MSC. The SGSN can send location data to the MSCs or receive paging requests from the MSC via this optional interface. Um between a MS and the GPRS fixed network part. The Um is the access interface for the MS to the GPRS network. The MS has radio interface to the BTS, which is the same interface used by the existing GSM network with some GPRS specific changes. There are two different reference points in the GPRS network. The Gi is GPRS specific, but the R is common with the circuit switched GSM network. The two reference points in the GPRS are: Gi between a GGSN and an external network. The GPRS network is connected to external data networks via this interface. The GPRS system will support a variety of data networks and that is why the Gi is not a standard interface, but merely a reference point. R between terminal equipment and mobile termination. This reference point connects terminal equipment to mobile termination, thus allowing e.g. a laptop-PC to transmit data over the GSMphone. The physical R interface follows e.g. the ITU-T V.24/V.28 or the PCMCIA PC-Card standards.

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