GPRS – Introduction Page1

1. Introduction to GPRS
Mobile Communication is revolutionizing our everyday life. More and more people are
buying mobile phones, the number of subscribers has multiplied in the last years and
will not cease increasing during the coming years. Using present statistics, the
influence of higher data rates has not been completely considered. But it seems
guaranteed, the boom will continue and the figures will rise higher and higher. The
statistics displayed are only estimated forecasts of the subscriber development within
the next few years.

300
Million Subscriber

250

200

150

100

50

0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Year
Source: EMC&GSM MoU Association

Picture: Subscriber development of mobile communication networks

Evolutionary concept of the GSM-Standard

The development of the Mobile Communication Standard GSM, Global System of

Mobile Communication is subdivided into different phases: Phase 1, 2 und 2+. It
started with phase 1 in the year 1991, in the year 1995, Phase 2 was specified and
realized and since the year 1997 the specification of the GSM Phase 2+ has been
available. An introduction of the features of the new Phase 2+ in existing networks is
planned between the end of 2000 and middle of 2001. With Phase 2 no total rework
is done any more. Instead of this, GSM is continually modified and enhanced by so
called Annual Releases. One key decision at this phase was to keep GSM
compatible to the existing developent phases, we call this Downward Compatibility.
There will be no GSM Phase 3, future standards will belong to the standards of the
3rd Generation, one of them is called UMTS, Universal Mobile Telecommunication
Standard.

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GPRS – Introduction Page2

GSM Evolutionary Concept

Complexity

y
atibilit R

omp
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

d C
wnwar Phase 2+
Do •New Services,

UMTS
R
•High Data Rates
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
•Closed User Groups

Phase 2 Phase 2
R
ISDN- ISDN-
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS Features Features
Phase 1 Phase 1 Phase 1
Speech + Speech + Speech +
Data Data Data

1991 1995 1997 Year

Picture: Evolutionary Concept of GSM

The realization of some features can be viewed together with the different
evolutionary phases. The next picture gives a brief overview of the 3 development
phases within GSM and outlines the position of GPRS within the different
development steps.

GSM

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 2+

Data
Speech Services GPRS

Circuit Packet
Switched Switched
Picture: Evolutionary Concept of the GSM-standards, Position of GPRS

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The features of the different evolution steps are:

GSM Phase 1:
Introduced in the year 1991, phase 1 holds all central prerequisites for mobile
transmission of speech and user data. Only a small number of supplementary
services were defined at this state.

GSM Phase 2:
This phase was completed in 1995. It specifies a vast set of so called Supplementary
Services which are integrated into the mobile communication standard GSM. Most of
these features are comparable to ISDN features in the fixed network.
Examples of these Supplementary Services are:
• CLIP ( Calling Line Identification Presentation): Displays the number of the
calling person on the mobile phone.
• Call Waiting: To hold a call for establishing another call to a third party.
• Multiparty Communication: Conference call, switching between 2 established
connections.
• Closed User group: Closed group of users, with restricted access possibilities.
• Advise of Charge: Display the actual amount of the charge

GSM Phase 2+:

In the published Annual Releases, modifications and innovations of the mobile
communication standard are specified. Comparing to the features specified in the
Phase 1, we have to take into account more and more the growth of the demand of
mobile data transfer. More and more data has to be transmitted faster and faster.
Multiple forecasts predict that the comportion between speech and data will be
changed even more. The amount of transmitted data will increase much faster in
comparison to the rise of voice data. The innovations and modifications of the mobile
communication standard are published.

100

90 Speech
Data
80

70

60
Traffic [%]

50

40

30

20

10

0
1996 2001 2005 2007
Source: UMTS Forum
Year
Picture: Development of the comportion between voice and data applications

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GPRS – Introduction Page4

There is a request for the introduction of data transfer methods and also of methods
that allow a much higher transmisson rate. The next picture shall put the 3 methods
into a chronological order. The picture also gives one example of the chronological
introduction of the 3 services.

Today EDGE,
HSCSD GPRS 384 kbit/s ? UMTS
9,6 kbps
115,0 115,0 115,0 115,0 115,0 115,0

0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0

Picture: Prognosis of the chronological realisation of phase 2+ features

Phase 2+ - features for higher data rates:

HSCSD:
High Speed Circuit Switched Data: This innovation of GSM is based on a multislot-
solution, bundling of timeslots within one Frame. Today, each subscriber gets
allocated a Timeslot within a TDMA Frame. The idea is now, in case of the request
of higher data rates, to combine more Timeslots during on Frame and enhancing the
data rate by this way. Per allocated Timeslot, the data rate of 14,4 Kbit/sec is
available. Due to bundling, we get the theoretical data rate of max. 8x14,4 Kbit/sec =
115,2 Kbit/sec. In reality we expect data rates in the range of 4x14,4 Kbit/sec = 57,2
Kbit/sec, because the limited ressources at the air interface are making it very
unlikely, that one customer will ever get all the theoretically existing ressources.

GPRS:
General Packet Radio Service: GPRS is also based on a multislot-solution, also in
this service, Timeslots will be combined. In contrast to circuit switched
communication, the data transfer here is realized in a packet oriented way. The
transmission only takes place when there are some data packets to be transmitted.
The network carries out a dynamic allocation of the transmission ressources. Another
feature of GPRS is the quality of the radio link. GPRS allows a dynamic adaption
between user data and redundant data. By this way, GPRS allows the theoretical
maximum value of up to 171,2Kbit/sec.

EDGE:
Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution: The latest evolution of the GSM-Standard
uses another modulation technique, 8-PSK (8-Phase Shift Keying) which allows you
to transfer more data symbols with each modulation symbol and therefore enhance
the data rate. An inconvenience in real networks is that the better carrier/interference
ratio is needed for 8-PSK. This leads to the fact, that 8-PSK-modulation can only be
used with a good quality radio link. EDGE is not a stand-alone technique, rather it
forms a hybrid system either with HSCSD or GPRS. Both methods are then called
ECSD (Enhanced Circuit Switched Data) oder EGPRS (Enhanced General Packet
Radio Services).

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GPRS – Introduction Page5

EDGE
circuit switched circuit switched

HSCSD ECSD
GSM
GPRS
circuit switched
packet switched

EGPRS
TDMA
circuit switched
EDGE
packet switched
Picture: Evolutionary Standards towards the generation 2.5.

In the picture above you can see that deriving from GSM there are 2 separate paths
of technology development. One way is formed by the circuit switched principle, the
other way is formed by the packet switched principle. Both ways have to be
considered independently of each other. Possible realisations can be done at the
same time, one after the other or either or. In the lower part the american standard of
mobile communication TDMA is indicated. In the future development of this standard
it will appear in the EGPRS compact which will be compatible to the EGPRS classic
standard.

Technology Mode of Data Modulation Bundling of

Transfer Timeslots
GSM Circuit Switched GMSK 1 Timeslot
HSCSD Circuit Switched GMSK Up to 8
GPRS Packet Switched GMSK Up to 8
ECSD Circuit Switched GMSK + 8PSK Up to 8
EGPRS Packet Switched GMSK + 8PSK Up to 8

Picture: Characteristics of the generation 2.5 standards

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Speed EDGE
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM
Evolution
• modified modulation technique: 8PSK
• up to 345.6 kbps (ECSD)
• up to 473.6 kbps (EGPRS)

GPRS
General Packet Radio Service
• packet switched
• bundling of up to 8 physical channels
• channel coding: up to 21.4 kbps
⇒ up to 171.2 kbps
HSCSD
High Speed Circuit Switched Data
• circuit switched
• bundling of up to 8 physical channels
• channel coding: up to 14.4 kbps
⇒ up to 115.2 kbps

GSM
• circuit switched
• one physical channel
• 0.3 to 9.6 kbps
Time

Picture: Strategies for higher data rates

New Services for GSM Phase 2+:

• Enhanced Full Rate, EFR:

The Enhanced Full Rate Speech Codec is based on a new speech coding
algorithm that offers a better speech quality. Please note that the voice data rate
stays on the same level as the full rate speech codec used before. The EFR only
uses new algorithms for the calculation of the reproduction of the analog voice
signal into a digital bit sequence.

• Advanced Speech Call Items, ASCI:

Introduces new features of voice connections: These are for example:
- Voice Group Call Services VGCS, allowing group calls
- Voice Broadcast Services VBS, a group call, on call is distributed point to
multipoint.
- Enhanced Multi-Level Precedence and Preemption eMLPP: For the
allocation of priority and precedence parameters during the establishing of
voice calls, used for a faster connection.

• Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic, CAMEL:

This service allows the integration of intelligent network features into a mobile
communication network. It should not be considered as a closed chapter, more as
an open gate for different kind of services (some of them may not be known
today) because we are just at the beginning of the research and development
stage of this kind of features.

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• Expanded frequency bands GSM 450 and GSM 480: The extension of the
existing freqency band in the area of 450 MHz and 480 MHz.

International development of Mobile Communication Standards

The next picture gives an overview of the international development of mobile
communication in the european, american and japanese arena. At the same time we
can see the introduction of GPRS as an intermediate step of the introduction of the
3rd generation standards.

International Evolution of Standards

GSM IS-136 (D-AMPS) IS-95 (cdmaOne) PDC

TDMA/FDMA TDMA CDMA TDMA/FDMA
9,6 (14,4) kbit/s 19,2 kbit/s 8,0 (13,0) kbit/s 9,6 kbit/s

HSCSD GPRS EDGE IS-136+ IS-136 HS IS-95 B

45- 384 kbit/s
56 kbit/s 160 kbit/s 384 kbit/s 43,2 kbit/s 1 Mbit/s 64 kbit/s

UMTS UWC-136 cdma 2000

W-CDMA/TD-CDMA TDMA CDMA
144; 384 kbit/s 144; 384 kbit/s n * 64 kbit/s
2 Mbit/s 2 Mbit/s 2 Mbit/s

Source: Funkschau IMT-2000

Picture: Evolution of international Mobile Communication Standards

Features of GPRS:

As an introduction to GPRS the main features are listed and summarized. This shall
verify the decision of many network operators and manufacturers to go for GPRS.

GPRS forms a direct link into the Internet:

Due to the integration of GPRS into GSM-Networks we get a direct link to packet
oriented networks like IP or X.25. This link is direct and does not take the deviation
way of an intermediate network. On the other side, GPRS combines the access to
the internet with the features of a mobile communication network.

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GSM Internet Protocol

Mobility Internet

GPRS

Picture: GPRS combines mobility with packet data networks

Co-existence with circuit switched networks:

One of the main features of GPRS is the strict combination with existing circuit
switched networks, there will not be a stand-alone-GPRS-network, this will always be
an extension of GSM. Due to this reason, all the existing features will last for the
foreseeable future and there will only be some new features.

Circuit switched data transfer:

Circuit switched data transfer in the case of GSM signifies that the transfer of user
data, e.g. voice requires the allocation of a fixed and continuous physical ressource.
For example the allocation of 1 Timeslot on 1 frequency channel for the complete
duration of the communication. Another example is the closing of an electrical circuit
between 2 points. Circuit switching means the assignment of a physical
communication way for the whole time of the connection.

Packet switched data transfer:

The main difference with regard to the circuit switched way is the fact, that the data is
transported in form of packets. The real physical ressource is only allocated for the
temporary interval we need to transmit data. The radio link is only assigned for those
times it is needed to transport these packets. A classic example for packet data
transfer is the sending of letters and parcels via the normal post. Each message or
letter has to be packed into a packet or envelope and will be conveyed individually.
This transportation on the physical way only takes place, if there are some packets to
be transmitted. Another problem of packet data transfer is also shown very clearly in
this example: Addressing. Every packet can only be transported if it contains the
destination address. This aspect requires the introduction of new switching elements
to the existing GSM networks.

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Packet switched network

Circuit switched network

Picture: Circuit switched and packet switched data transfer

Higher data rates due to channel combining

GPRS uses the principle of bundled timeslots to enhance the data rates. There are
up to 8 Timeslots which can be combined within 1 TDMA Frame.

GSM Circuit Switched Channel

power

Allocation of 1 Timeslot within 1 Frame

time

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

TDMA-frame

GPRS Packet Switched Channel

power

Bundling of Timeslots within 1 Frame

time

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

TDMA-frame

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Higher data rates due to channel coding:

Another strategy of GPRS to enhance the data rate is a flexible adapted comportion
between user data and error correction. Due to the introduction of the so-called
Coding Schemes CS-1 up to CS-4 the netto data rate can be extended. In
comparison, the comportion between user data and error correction in GSM is
constant.

Information: Error protection : Total:

Traffic channel : 22.8 kbit/s
- Voice (full -rate): 13.0 kbit/s 9.8 kbit/s
- Data : 2.4 kbit /s 20,4 kbit/s
4.8 kbit /s 18.0 kbit/s
GSM -data rate 9.6 kbit /s 13.2 kbit/s
Control channels : Flexible 0.95 kbit/s
Idle frame : comportion 0.95 kbit/s
between
Total: 24.7 kbit /s
error protection
&
data
GPRS-data rate
21,4 kbit/s Coding scheme 1

9,05 kbit/s Coding scheme 4

Picture: Flexible comportion in GPRS between error correction and information

Dynamic allocation of transmitting ressources:

In contrast to HSCSD where we could find a higher data rate also based on the
principle of multislot-solution, GPRS carries out the allocation of the physical
ressource in a dynamic way. Multiple subscribers can share the existing physical
channel. This allows the use of surplus capacities.

Blocked calls, congestion

Free capacities Traffic, Urban Cell

10000 Capacity of cell

8000
Minutes

6000
4000
2000
0
0:00
2:00
4:00
6:00
8:00

0:00
10:00
12:00
14:00
16:00
18:00
20:00
22:00

Time

Picture: Traffic distribution of a radio cell. Example: Urban Cell, weekdays

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Chronological course of the introduction of GPRS:

The introduction of GPRS in one GSM-Network has to be considered as an

intermediate step towards the transition to the 3rd generation, UMTS. GPRS
comprises the introduction of a packet-oriented core network that will also be
necessary in the 3rd generation standard. Because of this, the introduction of UMTS
can be realised in the future by exchanging the Radio Subsystem RSS and this can
be done relatively easy.

The introduction of GPRS itself is divided into 2 phases:

GPRS-Phase 1:

♦ Point-to-point data transfer

♦ GPRS Identities, e.g. MS with IP-Adress
♦ GPRS-Security functions, authentication and ciphering
♦ Data transfer with different Coding Schemes for higher data rates
♦ Transmitting of SMS via GPRS-channels
♦ VoB, Volume oriented Billing, charging by the amount of transfered data
♦ TCP/IP or X.25 based bearer services

GPRS Phase 2:

♦ Point-to-multipoint data transfer

♦ Special PtP or PtM Service, e.g. group call or conference calls
♦ Support of further data transfer services and QoS-profiles

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